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Warmer, wetter climate brings changes, concerns in NW China

Xinhua) 08:34, December 26, 2025

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 20, 2025 shows the scenery of populus euphratica forests dotted on a lake in Hotan County of the Hotan Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.(Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

URUMQI, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- In northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, factory workers were busy sorting, packaging, and loading apples that were picked earlier onto trucks bound for markets from Shanghai to Paris.

Apples in Xinjiang are a geographical treasure. They are widely consumed in China and exported to countries such as France and Russia. But few consumers are aware that the main growing area of the crisp, juicy fruit was a dry and barren land 40 years ago.

A changing climate, together with the oasis development, has led to frequent rainfall, rising temperatures and expanded river flows, making apple cultivation possible.

Scientists attribute the agricultural success to a "warm-wet" climate transition.

DEBATED SHIFT

Located in the high-latitude interior of Asia, China's northwestern region is far from the oceans. Abundant sunshine and intense solar radiation have also caused high evaporation rates, making it one of the world's most arid areas.

As with apples, the suitable growing zones for many fruits, grains and cotton are expanding toward higher latitudes and altitudes in response to the ongoing trend toward warmer, wetter conditions.

For many people, the changing climate has become increasingly noticeable. On Chinese social media, travelers have posted photos of local lush, greener landscapes, expressing surprise that the once-arid region is beginning to resemble the humid south.

On the popular lifestyle-sharing platform Rednote, locals shared more tangible changes from daily life, like patches of moss and mushrooms sprouting in terrain where they were once unthinkable.

This photo taken on July 29, 2025 shows the scenery at the Helan Mountain Nature Reserve in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

The concept of a warming and wetting trend was first raised by the Chinese glaciologist Shi Yafeng, who observed a long-term increase in temperatures and precipitation across the region. It began in the mid-to-late 1980s, intensified after 2000, and was thought to be closely linked to the accelerated water cycle driven by global warming.

Official data show that since 1961, the region has warmed at 0.34 degrees Celsius per decade, faster than the national and global averages, while annual rainfall has increased by 5.7 mm per decade.

"Global warming intensifies the atmosphere's water-holding capacity, and changes in wind patterns lead to more rainfall," Wang Pengling, a senior official at the National Climate Center, explained. "Besides, melting glaciers and snow from human-induced warming also contribute to the trend."

However, the academic community did not reach a consensus on this climatic shift. Some experts argue that the observed changes may reflect a temporary natural fluctuation, rather than a long-term trend.

"Increased precipitation is still just a quantitative change. It is not yet a qualitative shift that can alter the essential climate of northwest China," said Zhang Qiang, a chief meteorological engineer in Gansu Province neighboring Xinjiang.

The "warm" impact may be undermining its "wet" benefits, according to Yu Haipeng, a researcher at Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). He said rising temperatures can drive evaporation, potentially offsetting gains from extra rainfall.

"The basic climatic pattern will not fundamentally change, and pressure on water resources and ecology will persist in the region," Yu warned.

Despite the disputes, there is a shared understanding that, as in much of the world, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense in northwest China.

A recent event occurred in early November, when a heavy snowfall hit Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, bringing a record-breaking 21 centimeters of snow within just 17 hours.

Sanitation workers clear snow on a street in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

In October 2022, photos of ponds forming in the heart of the Taklamakan Desert made headlines. Scientists said the rare phenomenon was likely due to increased regional rainfall, heavy precipitation in the desert, and snowmelt floods from surrounding mountains.

Hail seasons also become longer and more frequent.

Similar changes are also being observed in other parts of northern China. This year, during the autumn harvest season, Shandong, one of the country's major grain-producing provinces, faced prolonged rainfall, disrupting crop harvesting and sowing. Persistent rains left fields waterlogged and soils too soft for conventional harvesting machinery, forcing farmers in some areas to resort to manual harvesting.

RENEWED CONCERNS

The ongoing warming and wetting climate trend can be a microcosm of the global climate dilemma: it offers both opportunities and urgent warnings.

In the short term, it has positive environmental impacts, such as promoting forest growth, increasing vegetation cover, and expanding crop planting areas.

However, in the long run, a warmer, wetter climate can spread agricultural pests and accelerate glacier melting. The number of glaciers in northwest China accounts for over 42 percent of the national total.

"Continuous rain during the critical ripening phase may dilute sugar content of melons, reducing sweetness and flavor," said Sun Junchao, a local agriculturist in Xinjiang's melon city, Hami. His team has used modern technologies, such as an artificial climate chamber, to grow melons under controlled environmental conditions that help them withstand extreme weather.

And the negative impacts are not limited to agriculture. The northwestern region is rich in cultural heritage, including ancient walls, rock sculptures and murals. Conservators are concerned that increased humidity could trigger destructive salt cycles behind these fragile artworks.

A male Tibetan antelope chases a female one at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

The Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve is also experiencing accelerated warming, leading to rapid lake expansion. Scientists are monitoring the impacts on wildlife, such as the once-endangered Tibetan antelope.

For local officials, the task is adaptation. Enhanced efforts are needed to strengthen monitoring, forecasting and early warning systems.

Noting that rising temperatures will accelerate glacier melt, Wang Feiteng, a CAS researcher and renowned Chinese glaciologist, said that local governments' top priority is to evaluate strategies to efficiently utilize the temporary period of increased water availability.

Wang Hui, a senior engineer at the Xinjiang Climate Center, called for enhanced climate feasibility studies and risk assessments for major infrastructure projects, urban planning and ecological development to enhance resilience to deal with the climate change.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Israel has rejected criticism from 14 countries over its decision to approve 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, dismissing calls to reverse the move and defending it on security and legal grounds.

Israel on Thursday strongly rejected a joint appeal by 14 countries calling on it to reverse its decision to approve 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, accusing foreign governments of interference and discrimination.

Israels Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the statement issued by countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada and Japan, after Israels security cabinet cleared the settlement proposals. In a sharply worded post on X, Saar said, Foreign governments will not restrict the right of Jews to live in the Land of Israel.

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Saar said the cabinet had approved the establishment of 11 new settlements in Judea and Samaria and planned to formally recognise eight additional ones. He added that the decision was driven partly by security considerations.

Israel strongly rejects the statement issued by foreign countries regarding the Cabinet decision on settlements in Judea and Samaria, Saar said, calling demands to reverse the move morally wrong and discriminatory against Jews. He stressed that all the approved settlements are located in Area C and on land that Israel considers state land.

The Cabinet decision to establish 11 new settlements and to formalise eight additional settlements is intended, among other things, to help address the security threats Israel is facing, he said.

The joint statement by the 14 countries described the decision as an intensification of settlement policy, arguing that it violates international law and risks further destabilising the region at a sensitive time, particularly amid efforts towards Gaza-related plans and regional de-escalation.

We, the States of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom condemn the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, the statement said, as shared by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

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Saar rejected these claims, citing historical and legal arguments. He said Israel acts in accordance with international law and referred to the 1917 Balfour Declaration, its incorporation into the Mandate following the San Remo Conference in 1920, and Article 80 of the UN Charter, which he said preserved Jewish rights over the territory of Mandatory Palestine.

He also criticised what he described as the blatant silence of foreign states over what he called illegal construction by the Palestinian Authority in Area C.
A Sikh lawyer of Indian-origin has brought about a major legal change in Canada after successfully challenging a long-standing rule that required professionals to swear allegiance to the British monarch. His case has ended a century-old practice and reinforced the right to freedom of religion under Canadian law.

A Sikh lawyer with roots in a small village in Punjab has triggered a major legal change in Canada, bringing an end to a century-old practice that required professionals to swear allegiance to the British monarch.

Prabhjot Singh Wirring, from Waring village in Punjabs Sri Muktsar Sahib district, challenged the mandatory oath to the Crown, arguing that it violated his Sikh faith. His case led Canadian courts to rule that no individual can be compelled to swear allegiance to the monarch as a condition for practising a profession.

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Born in Canada in 1987, Wirring completed his law degree and applied for admission to the bar in Alberta. He refused to take the oath of allegiance to King Charles, stating that as a Sikh of Guru Gobind Singh, he could not place anyone above his Guru.

I am a Sikh of Guru Gobind Singh. I cannot consider anyone greater than my Guru, Wirring said, making it clear that while he was willing to practise law, he would not take the oath.

At the time, Alberta required all newly admitted lawyers to swear allegiance to the monarch. While similar oaths exist in other provinces, most either make them optional or allow alternative affirmations. Wirring argued that the rule forced him to choose between his faith and his profession, violating his constitutional right to freedom of religion.

A lower court initially dismissed his challenge. Wirring pursued the matter further, and after filing his case in 2022, it moved through higher courts. On December 16, 2025, the Alberta Court of Appeal ruled in his favour, holding that the mandatory oath breached the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and directing the province to amend the requirement.

In its judgment, the court examined a practice dating back to 1912 and concluded that allegiance to the monarch could no longer be imposed as a compulsory condition for entering a profession or holding a position. The ruling marked a significant shift in Canadas constitutional practice.

The decision brought relief not only to Wirring and his family but also to others who had objected to the oath on religious or personal grounds.

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In Waring village, residents expressed pride that a Sikh youth from their community had brought recognition to the village, Punjab, and India. Villagers said that although Wirring has lived in Canada for many years, he has remained deeply rooted in Sikh values since childhood. His family, they added, is a devout Gursikh family.
Israel has become the first country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, more than three decades after it broke away from Somalia

Israel has become the first country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, more than three decades after it broke away from Somalia.

According to a Times of Israel report, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar signed the recognition declaration for Israel, while Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signed on behalf of his country.

Somaliland, a Sunni Muslim region, briefly enjoyed five days of independence in 1960, during which it was recognized by Israel and 34 other countries before uniting with Somalia.

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The region formally declared independence in 1991, but no country recognized it until now, though several nations  including the UK, Ethiopia, Turkey, UAE, Denmark, Kenya, and Taiwan  maintained liaison offices.

In a phone call with Abdullahi, Netanyahu described the bilateral ties as seminal and historic.

We intend to work together with you on economic fields, on agriculture, in the fields of social development, Times of Israel quoted Netanyahu as saying.

Netanyahu invited Abdullahi for an official visit to Israel and added that he would communicate Somalilands desire to join the Abraham Accords to US President Donald Trump.

Abdullahi responded that he would come as soon as possible.

Netanyahus office said he thanks Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Mossad Director David Barnea and the Mossad for their contribution in advancing recognition between the two countries, and wishes the people of Somaliland success, prosperity and freedom.

Saar confirmed on X that embassies will be opened in both countries and ambassadors appointed.

The recognition comes after reports in August that Somaliland was among several countries in talks with Israel regarding the potential resettlement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

With inputs from agencies
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been found guilty in his second major trial linked to the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal. The verdict, handed down by the Kuala Lumpur High Court, carries major legal and political implications for Malaysia, highlighting the countrys ongoing battle against corruption and the misuse of public funds.

(FILES) Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak (C) waves to his supporters as he arrives for his appeal against his corruption conviction over the 1MDB financial scandal, at the federal court in Putrajaya, on August 23, 2022. Jailed former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak faces a make-or-break week from December 22, 2025 as a second court battle over his role in the country's 1MDB mega-corruption scandal draws to an end. (Photo by Arif Kartono / AFP)

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been found guilty in his second major trial linked to the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal, a verdict that carries significant political and legal implications for the country.

Najib, 72, was convicted on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering over illegal transfers totalling around 2.2 billion Malaysian ringgit ($539 million) from the state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Prosecutors said he exploited his positions as prime minister, finance minister, and 1MDB advisory board chairman to divert funds into personal accounts.

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Background of the 1MDB scandal

Investigations in Malaysia and the United States have revealed that at least $4.5 billion was misappropriated from 1MDB, a fund co-founded by Najib in 2009.

Over $1 billion is alleged to have ended up in accounts linked to him. Najib has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming he was misled by 1MDB officials and the fugitive financier Jho Low.

Judge rejects Najibs defence

During the verdict reading, Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah dismissed Najibs claims that the charges were politically motivated. The court found evidence of an unmistakable bond and connection between Najib and Low, who acted as his intermediary in 1MDB dealings.

Letters presented by Najib claiming that funds were donations from the Saudi royal family were dismissed as unverified and likely forgeries. The irresistible conclusion is that the Arab donation narrative is not meritorious  the evidence pointed unmistakably to the fact that the monies were, in fact, derived from 1MDB funds, the judge said.

Potential penalties

Najib faces maximum jail terms of 15 to 20 years per charge and fines of up to five times the misappropriated amounts. He has been in prison since August 2022, following a previous 1MDB conviction that was later reduced from 12 to six years by a pardons board.

The verdict has heightened tensions within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims government. Najibs party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), opposed Anwar during the 2022 elections but later joined his coalition. Some UMNO leaders expressed anger over the courts refusal to grant Najib house arrest, while Anwar urged calm and called for acceptance of the verdict with full patience and wisdom.

Lengthy and complex legal proceedings

This second trial, the most significant to date due to the scale of the sums involved, has lasted seven years and called 76 witnesses, including Najib himself. Legal experts have highlighted the complexity and multi-layered nature of the financial crimes, noting that the proceedings have been lengthy and highly intricate.

While Najib apologised last year for mishandling the 1MDB scandal, he maintained in court that he was misled by Low. Judge Sequerah emphasised that Najibs connection with Low was central to the illegal transfers, further undermining his defence that the funds were legitimate donations.

The ruling marks a critical chapter in Malaysias fight against corruption and could have lasting effects on the countrys political landscape.

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India condemned the lynching of two Hindu men in Bangladesh, expressing serious concern over continued attacks on minority communities amid growing political unrest in the neighbouring country.

Amid continued violence against minorities and mounting political unrest, India on Friday strongly condemned the lynching of two Hindu men in Bangladesh, voicing deep concern over what it described as persistent hostility towards minority communities in the neighbouring country.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi was disturbed by the killings and stressed that such incidents could not be brushed aside.

The unremitting hostility against minorities in Bangladesh is a matter of great concern. We condemn the recent killing of a Hindu youth and expect the perpetrators to be brought to justice, he said.

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India rejects false narrative on minority attacks

The MEA said India has consistently raised concerns over attacks on minorities and rejected what it termed a false narrative being projected by Bangladesh on such incidents. According to the ministry, around 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities have been reported during the tenure of Bangladeshs interim government. We have issued statements earlier as well, rejecting the false narrative put out by Bangladesh, the MEA said.

Rajbari lynching: extortion-linked violence alleged

The statement comes after two separate lynching incidents involving Hindu men this month. In the first case, a Hindu man was beaten to death by a mob in Rajbari district late on Wednesday night. Police identified the victim as 30-year-old Amrit Mondal, also known as Samrat.

Authorities said the violence was linked to alleged extortion activities. Police claimed Samrat, described as a local criminal, had arrived in the area to demand extortion money when villagers confronted him, triggering a violent clash. He was later taken to hospital in a critical condition and declared dead. Officials said several cases, including murder, had been registered against him, and that he led a local group allegedly involved in extortion.

Villagers, however, alleged that Samrat and his associates went to the house of a local resident, Shahidul Islam, to collect money. When the family raised an alarm by shouting robbers, locals gathered and assaulted him.

Mymensingh killing over blasphemy allegations

The Rajbari incident came days after another lynching in Mymensingh district, where 27-year-old garment factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death by a mob over unverified allegations of blasphemy. Police said his body was tied to a tree and set on fire before being sent for post-mortem examination.

That killing was condemned by Bangladeshs interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, which said there was no place for communal hatred or mob violence in a New Bangladesh and promised strict action against those responsible.

Violence amid wider unrest

Both incidents have taken place against the backdrop of widespread unrest in Bangladesh following the death of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, which sparked protests, vandalism and attacks on political and diplomatic sites across several parts of the country.

The unremitting atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists, are a matter of grave concern, Jaiswal said.
The warning comes hours after US forces hit militant camps in northwest Nigeria, with Washington framing the action as part of a broader push to curb Islamic State violence and protect civilians

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of further strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria, hours after the US military carried out attacks on militant camps, moves that Donald Trump said were aimed at stopping the killing of Christians.

The president was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The [Pentagon] is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight  on Christmas. More to come ," Hegseth wrote on X.

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Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas! he added.

Nigerias Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar said on Friday that the US strikes were part of joint ongoing operations, following a period of diplomatic tension sparked by President Donald Trumps accusations that Nigeria had failed to protect Christians.

Nigeria, which is officially secular and has a population that is nearly evenly divided between Muslims (53%) and Christians (45%), has rejected claims of religious persecution. While violence against Christians has drawn attention from the US religious right, Nigerian authorities have said armed groups target both Christians and Muslims.

Tuggar told Channels Television that Nigeria provided the intelligence for the airstrikes carried out in Sokoto state. He said he spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for 19 minutes before the strikes, then sought approval from President Bola Tinubu, before holding a further five-minute call with Rubio.

We have been working closely with the Americans, The Guardian quoted Tuggar as saying.

This is what weve always been hoping for, to work with the Americans, to work with other countries, to combat terrorism, to stop the death of innocent Nigerians  Its a collaborative effort, Tuggar added.

The US militarys Africa Command (Africom) said the strikes in Sokoto state had been carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities. An earlier Africom statement posted on X and then removed said they had been conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Thursday: Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.

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Neither the US nor Nigerian authorities have said whether the airstrikes caused any deaths.

Asked if further strikes were planned, Tuggar said, You can call it a new phase of an old conflict. For us it is something that is ongoing.

Panic and confusion among residents

Residents of Jabo village in Sokoto, where the strike hit, described panic and confusion as missiles landed.

As it approached our area, the heat became intense, Abubakar Sani told the Associated Press. The Nigerian government should take appropriate measures to protect us as citizens. We have never experienced anything like this before.

Farmer Sanusi Madabo said the sky glowed bright red for hours. It was almost like daytime, he said, adding that he only later learned it was a US airstrike.

US aircraft had conducted surveillance flights over the region earlier this month, reportedly operating from an airport in neighbouring Ghana.

Sokotos forests, which border Niger, have long served as hideouts for armed bandits and Islamic StateSahel Province (ISSP) fighters, locally known as Lakurawa. Analysts say the group emerged after herders banded together to combat banditry amid weak state presence.

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Violence in Nigerias north has often been framed along religious lines, but experts say clashes between Muslim herders and predominantly Christian farming communities are rooted largely in competition over land and water. Kidnappings of priests and pastors have increased, though analysts attribute this mainly to criminal motives rather than religious targeting.

Tuggar said the operation was aimed at protecting Nigerians and innocent lives, stressing that it was not religiously motivated.

The president emphasised yesterday, before he gave it the go-ahead, that it must be made clear that  it is a joint operation, he said. It is not targeting any religion, nor is it simply in the name of one religion or another.

The strikes came a day after a Christmas Eve suicide bombing at a mosque in northeast Nigeria killed at least five people and wounded more than 30 others. The military blamed the attack on Boko Haram, which has waged a nearly two-decade insurgency largely separate from violence in the northwest.

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Nigeria recorded nearly 6,000 violent incidents in 2025, about half of them targeting civilians, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED). Katsina state reported the highest number of incidents at 706, while Sokoto ranked fourth with 353.

Trump, who campaigned in 2024 as the candidate of peace and pledged to end endless wars, has overseen multiple overseas military interventions in the first year of his second term, including strikes in Yemen, Iran and Syria, alongside a major military buildup in the Caribbean targeting Venezuela.

With inputs from agencies
Hours after US military carried out Christmas Day strikes on Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that Nigeria shared intelligence and approved the operations

Hours after US President Donald Trump announced that the US military had carried out strikes against Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria, Nigerias Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it had provided the US with intelligence on jihadists ahead of the Christmas Day attacks.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump said, Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

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I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.

US Africa Command said it conducted the strikes in Sokoto state, which borders Niger to the north, in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

AFRICOMs initial assessment is that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the ISIS camps, according to a CNN report, citing a news release.

Now, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar has confirmed to broadcaster ChannelsTV that he was on the phone with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that Nigeria provided the intelligence.

We spoke twice. We spoke for 19 minutes before the strike and then we spoke again for another five minutes before it went on, Tuggar said.

He added that they spoke extensively and that President Bola Tinubu gave the go-ahead to launch the strikes.

Tuggar said the strikes would be an ongoing process involving other countries as well, but he did not provide further details.

Trump has previously said he would launch a guns-a-blazing US military intervention in Nigeria, claiming that the countrys government has been inadequate in preventing attacks on Christians by Islamist groups.

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With inputs from agencies
Amid the brewing tensions, Poland said that its air force intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft flying near the border of its airspace.

Amid the brewing tensions, Poland said that its air force intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft flying near the border of its airspace. The incident took place just hours after the authorities tracked suspected smuggling balloons coming from the direction of neighbouring Belarus.

This morning, over the international waters of the Baltic Sea, Polish fighter jets intercepted, visually identified, and escorted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft flying near the border of Polish airspace from their area of responsibility, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said in a post on X on Thursday.

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Kolejna pracowita noc dla suzb operacyjnych Wojska Polskiego. Wszystkie prowokacje, zarowno nad Batykiem jak i nad granica z Biaorusia byy pod pena kontrola. Dziekuje prawie 20-stu tysiacom naszych zonierzy, ktorzy w czasie Swiat czuwaja nad naszym bezpieczenstwem  i jak pic.twitter.com/gv0hhBgIaD  Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) December 25, 2025

Police forces also tracked unknown objects flying in the direction of Poland from Belarus during the previous night, prompting Warsaw to temporarily close civilian airspace in the northeast of the country. After detailed analysis, it was determined that these were most likely smuggling balloons, moving in the direction and at the speed of the wind. Their flight was continuously monitored by our radar systems, Operational Command said. The post did not disclose any further details about the number or size of the balloons.

No immediate threat

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on X that the incidents did not pose an immediate threat to Polands security, and he thanked the nearly 20,000 of our soldiers who, during the Holidays, watch over our safety

All provocations over the Baltic Sea and near the border with Belarus were under the full control of the Polish Army, he said. The Belarusian and Russian embassies in Warsaw did not immediately respond to the Reuters requests for comments.

It is pertinent to note that the smuggler balloons from Belarus have repeatedly disrupted air traffic in neighbouring Lithuania, forcing airport closures. Lithuania said that the balloons were sent by smugglers transporting cigarettes and constitute a hybrid attack by Belarus, a close ally of Russia. However, Belarus has denied responsibility for the balloons.

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The latest air defence alert in Poland came just three months after Poland and NATO forces shot down more than a dozen Russian drones as they flew over Polish airspace between September 9 and 10.
Russia on Friday accused Ukraine of attempting to sabotage negotiations over a US proposal to halt its military offensive, claiming that the text Kyiv submitted this week was radically different from the version Moscow had agreed on with Washington

Russia on Friday accused Ukraine of attempting to sabotage negotiations over a US proposal to halt its military offensive, claiming that the text Kyiv submitted this week was radically different from the version Moscow had agreed on with Washington.

Our ability to make the final push and reach an agreement will depend on our own work and the political will of the other party, AFP quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on television.

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Especially in a context where Kyiv and its sponsors - notably within the European Union, who are not in favour of an agreement - have stepped up efforts to torpedo it, added Ryabkov.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss his revised version of a US-backed plan.

Without an adequate resolution of the problems at the origin of this crisis, it will be quite simply impossible to reach a definitive accord, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

He added that any agreement must remain within the limits set by Trump and Russias President Vladimir Putin during their Alaska meeting in August, warning that otherwise no accord can be reached.

Ryabkov also claimed, This plan, if we can call it that, differs radically from the 27 points that we drew up in recent weeks since early December in collaboration with the American side.

Zelenskyys new 20-point proposal suggests freezing the current front line while allowing Ukraine to pull back troops from the east, potentially creating demilitarised buffer zones.

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With inputs from agencies
Amid growing unrest in Bangladesh, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina slammed the Yunus government, accusing it of neglecting the religious minorities.

Bangladesh's former premier Sheikh Hasina speaks during a meeting with foreign observers and journalists at the Prime Minister's residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on January 8, 2024. (Photo: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters)

As the tension in Bangladesh continues to escalate, the countrys former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina slammed its current Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of neglecting the minorities. On Thursday, Hasina launched a sharp attack on the Yunus government and alleged that Bangladeshs current regime is carrying out unspeakable atrocities" against minorities.

The remarks from Hasina came in her address to her supporters on the occasion of Christmas. In the audio message, the 78-year-old Awami League supremo claimed that the current administration, which has seized power illegally, is setting horrific precedents such as burning religious minorities to death." Hasina was referring to the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh last week.

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In her Christmas message, the deposed Bangladeshi premier said that in the past, the country had always been a shining example of communal harmony". The father of the nation dreamed of a non-communal Bangladesh. Bangladesh Awami League has ensured the smooth living of people of all religions to realise that dream," she said.

Hasina calls out the Yunus government

She went on to accuse the current Yunus government of interfering with the freedom of people of all religions to practise their faiths. In particular, it is perpetrating unspeakable atrocities against non-Muslims. It has even set horrific precedents, such as burning religious minorities to death. I firmly believe that the people of Bangladesh will not allow this dark time to continue any longer," she said.

In her Christmas message to her supporters, Hasina expressed hope that the festival would further strengthen the existing bonds of harmony and goodwill between Christians and followers of other religions in Bangladesh. On this festive occasion of Christmas, I wish all Christian brothers and sisters happiness, peace, and prosperity," she said.

She concluded her audio message by insisting that she believes the people of Bangladesh will not allow this difficult time to continue" and that the Christmas spirit will strengthen the harmony between Christians and other religions in Bangladesh. May darkness give way to dawn. May Bangladesh live forever," she averred. It is pertinent to note that Hasinas latest address came just days after a riot-like situation broke out in Bangladesh following the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent student leader.
On Christmas Day, US President Donald Trump shared a bizarre social media post about late British financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In the post, Trump said that he dropped ties with the late sex offender long before it became fashionable."

He also insisted that thecontroversy surrounding the release of the so-called Epstein files is a Radical Left Witch Hunt. The Trump administration has been facing ongoing scrutiny, mainly from the Democrats, over the handling of government files related to Epstein. While many have been pushing for more transparency, the Trump administration insisted that the redactions had been made to ensure the safety of the victims.

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Epstein died by suicide in his jail cell in 2019 as he stood accused of sexually abusing and sex trafficking underage girls. Merry Christmas to all, including the many Sleazebags who loved Jeffrey Epsteinonly to drop him like a dog when things got too HOT, falsely claimed they had nothing to do with him, didnt know him, said he was a disgusting person, and then blame, of course, President Donald J. Trump, who was actually the only one who did drop Epstein, and long before it became fashionable to do so, Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday evening.

Trump and Epsteins ties

It is pertient to note that the president was friends with Epstein decades ago. In 2002, he even called the British financier a terrific guy in the New York magazine profile. The American leader started to face more scrutiny over his past ties with Epstein after The Wall Street Journal reported on a lewd birthday card Trump supposedly gave Epstein in 2003.

However, Trump denied that he authored the letter and went on to sue the outlet and its owners. Trump has often maintained that their relationship ended before Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution.

The White House said that Trump did nothing wrong and that the president kicked Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach for being a creep. On Wednesday, Trump suggested in his TruthSocial post that the people who thought Epstein was the greatest guy on earth were Democrats.

When their names get brought out in the ongoing Radical Left Witch Huntand it is revealed that they are Democrats all, there will be a lot of explaining to doEnjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas! Trump wrote. Overall, Trumps ties with Epstein are expected to get scrutinised further as the DoJ releases more and more documents related to Epstein.
China, on Thursday, rebuked the Pentagon report, accusing the United States of distorting its defence policy and attempting to thwart an improvement in China-India ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands during the welcome ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin. File image/AFP

China, on Thursday, rebuked the Pentagon report, accusing the United States of distorting its defence policy. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian claimed that the report is attempting to thwart an improvement in China-India ties.

Lins remarks on the matter came while he was responding to a question at a press briefing on whether China might exploit a recent easing of tensions with India over disputed border areas to keep ties between the United States and India from deepening.

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China views its ties with India from a strategic and long-term perspective, Lin said on Thursday, adding that the border issue was a matter between China and India and we object to any country passing judgment about this issue. In a report released on Tuesday, the US Pentagon said that China probably seeks to capitalise on decreased tension  to stabilise bilateral relations and prevent the deepening of US-India ties.

What does the Pentagon tell us about Chinas ambition?

The report submitted to the US Congress flagged Chinas claim over Arunachal Pradesh as part of Beijings stated core interests, placing the Indian state alongside Taiwan and major maritime disputes in Chinas long-term national strategy.

It also raised concerns about the growing collaboration and partnership between Beijing and Islamabad. The report stated that Chinas leadership has expanded the scope of its core interests to include Taiwan, sovereignty and maritime claims in the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands, and Arunachal Pradesh.

It maintained that these objectives are central to achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by 2049. The report noted that the Chinese officials have described the unification of China and contested territories - particularly Taiwan - as a natural requirement for national rejuvenation.

When it comes to India-China ties, the report pointed out that in October 2024, the Indian leadership announced an agreement with China to disengage from remaining standoff points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), two days before a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit.

Pentagon maintained that China is seeking to leverage reduced LAC tensions to stabilise ties and prevent a deepening of US-India relations. However, it maintained that India is expected to remain cautious, with mutual distrust likely to constrain the relationship.

Report flags China-Pakistan ties

The Pentagon report also flagged the growing ties between China and Pakistan. It stated how Beijing continues to co-produce the JF-17 fighter aircraft with Pakistan and remains the only buyer of Chinese J-10 multirole combat aircraft. Apart from this, China has also supplied armed drones to Pakistan and several other nations and is a key naval supplier to Islamabad, reflected in Pakistans $3 billion purchase of eight Yuan-class submarines.

The Pentagon assessment also noted that China is likely considering Pakistan as a potential location for future PLA military logistics facilities, as part of its broader overseas basing strategy beyond Djibouti. The report also pointed to the China-Pakistan intelligence agreement signed in 2020, expanding cooperation on counterterrorism operations in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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However, the Pentagon claimed that the agreement particularly targets Uyghur groups in the region. According to the assessment, Beijing identifies three non-negotiable core interests: The continued control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), economic development, and the defence and expansion of territorial and sovereignty claims.

According to the assessment, Beijing identifies three non-negotiable core interests: The continued control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), economic development, and the defence and expansion of territorial and sovereignty claims.

With inputs from agencies.
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that his country launched a powerful and deadly strike against the Islamic State (IS) group operating in north-western Nigeria.

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 said on Thursday that his country launched a powerful and deadly strike against the Islamic State (IS) group operating in north-western Nigeria. In a post on TruthSocial, the American leader described the radical group as terrorist scum.

He went on to accuse IS of targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians. In the post, Trump made it clear that the American military executed numerous perfect strikes without giving any further details. It is unclear what exact targets were struck and when.

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The strikes on these targets came a month after Trump ordered the US military to prepare for action in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militant groups operating in the country. In the Thursday post, Trump said that under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.

Back in November, Trump made claims of genocide being conducted against Nigeria's Christians, a proclamation that has been circulating in recent months in some right-wing US circles. However, groups that have been monitoring violence in the region argue that there is no evidence to suggest that Christians are being killed more than Muslims in Nigeria, which is roughly evenly divided between followers of the two religions.

How the Nigerian government is looking at the US stance

Meanwhile, an adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu told the BBC that military action against the jihadist groups should be carried out together. Daniel Bwala told the British news outlet that Nigeria would welcome US help in tackling the Islamist insurgents but noted that it was a sovereign country.

He also maintained that the jihadists were not targeting members of a particular religion and that they had killed people from all faiths, or none. Earlier, Nigerian President Tinubu insisted that there is religious tolerance in the country and said the security challenges were affecting people across faiths and regions.

The remarks came after Trump announced that he had declared Nigeria a  Country of Particular Concern because of the existential threat posed to its Christian population. He claimed that thousands had been killed, without providing any evidence of religion-based discrimination.

It is pertinent to note that the aforementioned designation is used by the US State Department, which provides sanctions against countries engaged in severe violations of religious freedom. Soon after the announcement, Tinubu said his government was committed to working with the US and the international community to protect communities of all faiths.

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A ceasefire in Gaza brings temporary relief, but unresolved political issues leave West Asia teetering between calm and crisis as 2025 ends

A truck transports a tank on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza, Israel, on November 18, 2025. Reuters File

As 2025 draws to a close, West Asia is ending the year with a fragile calm. A hard-won ceasefire has silenced the guns in Gaza, but the deeper architecture of peace remains elusive.

The IsraelHamas truce, reached after months of relentless fighting, humanitarian catastrophe and intense diplomatic pressure, emerged as the regions most consequential political development of the year. However, the ceasefire is widely viewed not as a conclusion, but as a reminder of how fragile stability in West Asia remains, even after violence ebbs.

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The IsraelHamas war was triggered on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a major assault on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a massive military offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths.

While the conflict continued the cycle of periodic IsraelHamas confrontations seen over the past decade, its scale, intensity and duration made it one of the deadliest escalations in recent memory.

Israeli military operations in Gaza expanded steadily over several months, while Hamas maintained rocket attacks and asymmetric warfare despite mounting losses. Civilian casualties mounted rapidly, infrastructure was devastated and humanitarian agencies repeatedly warned of a collapsing aid system. Diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to pause the fighting faltered multiple times before finally gaining traction late in the year.

When the ceasefire was announced, it was framed less as a breakthrough than as a necessity.

According to Al Jazeera, the agreement focused narrowly on halting active hostilities, allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and facilitating limited prisoner and hostage exchanges. For civilians, the pause offered desperately needed relief  access to food, medical care and temporary shelter  after a year defined by displacement and fear. For regional and global powers, the truce reduced the immediate risk of the conflict spilling across borders.

However, the ceasefire left the conflicts core political questions unanswered.

Gazas future governance remains unresolved, Israels long-term security demands are unmet and the broader Palestinian political question remains stalled.

According to The New York Times, neither side emerged with a clear pathway toward reconciliation or a durable political settlement. Instead, the truce deferred the most contentious issues, effectively freezing them in place rather than resolving them.

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The fragility of the IsraelHamas ceasefire is evident in its enforcement. Reports of sporadic violations, mutual accusations and heightened military readiness on both sides have kept tensions simmering.

Israeli forces have not fully disengaged from sensitive areas, while Hamas retains organisational and military structures that Israel considers an ongoing threat.

Analysts warn that without a monitoring mechanism and sustained mediation, the truce risks collapse under the weight of mistrust.

Israels war on other fronts

Beyond Gaza, the ceasefire has had mixed effects on regional stability. Along Israels northern border, clashes with Hezbollah repeatedly threatened to escalate into a wider war.

According to BBC News, exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah intensified at several points during the year, forcing mass evacuations on both sides of the border before parallel diplomatic efforts produced a tenuous de-escalation. While the Gaza ceasefire helped lower the temperature, it did not resolve the underlying IsraelHezbollah standoff, which remains one of the regions most volatile flashpoints.

IsraelIran tensions also continued to shape the regional backdrop. Even as direct confrontation was avoided, covert operations, cyberattacks and sharp rhetoric persisted throughout the year.

Reuters reported that both sides calibrated their actions carefully, seeking to avoid triggering a broader war while still signalling deterrence. The Gaza conflict repeatedly threatened to draw Iran more directly into the fray, reinforcing fears that any breakdown of the ceasefire could rapidly expand into a regional crisis.

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As a year-ender, the IsraelHamas ceasefire reflects both the limits and possibilities of diplomacy in West Asia. The truce demonstrated that sustained mediation and international pressure can still halt violence, even after prolonged war. Yet it also highlighted the regions chronic inability to translate ceasefires into lasting political solutions. Without addressing governance in Gaza, Israeli security concerns and the wider Palestinian question, peace remains provisional.

West Asia ends 2025 suspended between calm and crisis. The ceasefire has bought time  for humanitarian relief, diplomatic recalibration and regional de-escalation. Whether that time will be used to build a more durable peace, or squandered until the next eruption of violence, will define the regions trajectory in the year ahead.

With inputs from agencies
China has launched a national venture capital fund and three regional funds to channel state-backed investment into domestic technology firms, as Beijing steps up efforts to boost innovation and support emerging industries.

China has officially launched a national venture capital fund along with three large regional funds, together worth billions of dollars, as part of a broader push to support domestic technology firms and improve the efficiency of state-backed investment.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the National Startup Investment Guidance Fund and three regional funds covering the BeijingTianjinHebei region, the Yangtze River Delta and the Greater Bay Area began operations on Friday.

National fund backed by sovereign bonds

The national fund is supported by 100 billion yuan from the Ministry of Finance, raised through the issuance of ultra-long special sovereign bonds, Finance Ministry official Guo Fangming said at a briefing on Friday.

Regional funds to exceed 50 billion yuan each

The three regional funds have been set up through equity stakes held by the national fund in limited partnerships and are each expected to eventually grow beyond 50 billion yuan, Huo Fupeng, chairman of the state fund, said at the same event.

Push for tech self-reliance amid tighter finances

China is stepping up efforts to achieve technological breakthroughs as competition with the US intensifies in areas such as semiconductors. At the same time, tighter fiscal conditions  including rising debt risks and weaker revenue growth  have forced the government to adopt a more disciplined approach to investment.

The rise of AI startup DeepSeek earlier this year has also underscored the role that private capital can play in driving innovation.

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Emerging and future industries are still struggling with limited investment and insufficient inputs of other innovation factors, said Bai Jingyu, an official at the National Development and Reform Commission, at the briefing.

Addressing these gaps through the development of patient capital is the very purpose and mission of the guidance fund, he said, adding that the fund will operate on market-based principles, with investment decisions made by professional managers.

Focus on little giants and startups

The NDRC first announced plans for the national fund in March, estimating that it could help mobilise up to 1 trillion yuan in investment from local governments and private capital.

The fund will run for 20 years, with the first 10 years devoted to investments and the remaining 10 to exits. The structure is designed to support long-term company growth and help cultivate so-called little giants  smaller firms aligned with Chinas technology priorities  as well as unicorns across sectors, Bai said.

Seed-stage and startup firms will account for at least 70 percent of the national funds investments. The fund will focus on companies valued at no more than 500 million yuan, with individual investments capped at 50 million yuan.

Priority sectors

Strategic emerging and future industries will be prioritised. Bai said the three regional funds plan to invest in sectors including integrated circuits, quantum technology, biomedicine, braincomputer interfaces and aerospace.
Ukraines Zelenskyy has said he plans to meet US President Donald Trump in the near future, as Kyiv steps up diplomatic efforts with Washington to push for an end to the war with Russia, raising hopes that progress could be made before the New Year.

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stand for a family photo with European leaders in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC. European leaders join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in talks with US President Donald Trump, as they try to find a way to end Russia's offensive. AFP

US President Donald Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday at Mar-a-Lago, Axios reported, citing a Ukrainian official, signalling fresh momentum in efforts to end the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine.

According to Axios, the meeting follows Zelenskys statement on X that a meeting at the highest level would take place in the near future.

A lot can be decided before the New Year, the Ukrainian president added, hinting at the timing of the talks.

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The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment or confirmation of the meeting.

Earlier, Zelensky reiterated that talks with Trump were imminent, underlining progress in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level  with President Trump in the near future, he wrote on X.

A lot can be decided before the New Year, he added.

Zelensky has also said Ukraine would be willing to withdraw troops from its eastern industrial regions if Russia agreed to pull back as well, with the area becoming a demilitarised zone monitored by international forces.

Moscow, however, has shown no clear willingness to withdraw. While Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that there had been slow but steady progress in peace talks, the Kremlin continues to insist that Ukraine surrender all remaining territory it controls in the Donbas  a demand Kyiv has firmly rejected.

The announcement comes amid intensified engagement between Kyiv and Washington, including recent discussions that led to a draft 20-point peace proposal, which has reportedly been shared with Moscow for its response.

Zelensky said recent talks with US envoys had been constructive and that several documents linked to the proposal were close to completion, though he acknowledged that sensitive issues remain unresolved.

Despite the renewed diplomatic push, Russia has maintained a hard line. President Vladimir Putin has reiterated demands that Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk and abandon its NATO ambitions, underscoring the challenges that lie ahead in negotiations.

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motorola has posted teasers for a new device that claims premium deserves its signature. This is expected to be the companys next top-end phone in the new Signature series replacing the edge Ultra models.

The image features a woman in a gold dress standing out amidst a crowd of monochrome suits, reinforced by the tagline: now, in an age where everything looks and feels the same, premium deserves its signature.

Another plays heavily on motorolas legacy, reminding us that back in 1973, Motorola gave the world its first portable phone. The copy pivots from this historical flex to a modern promise: from that moment, innovation became our signature.

What is the Signature Phone?

Industry insiders and recent leaks suggest this Signature device is likely the Motorola Edge 70 Ultra (codenamed Urus), potentially rebranded or launched as the first in a standalone Signature Series.

The device is rumored to be one of the first in India to sport the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. We can expect a 6.7-inch 1.5K OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, likely continuing Motorolas trend of endless edge curves or a sophisticated micro-quad curve. A recently Geekbench listing revealed 16GB of RAM and Android 16 for the phone.

A square camera island (a shift from previous designs) housing a triple 50MP setup, including a Sony Lytia main sensor and a high-performance periscope telephoto lens.

Leaked renders have shown finishes in Carbon and Martini Olive, aligning with the teasers promise of unique aesthetics. We can expect premium materials like vegan leather, which has become a staple of Motorolas ultra-premium tier.

The Signature Angle

By separating this device from the standard numerical Edge series, Motorola seems to be positioning it as a luxury lifestyle object rather than just a spec sheet. The heavy emphasis on Signature suggests a focus on personalizationperhaps offering unique Pantone colorways or bespoke material finishes that allow the user to stand out, mirroring the woman in the gold dress from the teaser.

Launch date?

The Flipkart microsite just says stay tuned, but we can expect the phone to launch sometime in January 2026.
Google is rolling out a new feature allowing users to update their Google Account email even if it ends in @gmail.com . Previously, Gmail users could not change their account email, while users with non- @gmail.com addresses could. The feature is gradually rolling out, so it may not be available for all users immediately.

How the Feature Works

The new update enables users to replace their current Gmail address with a new one while retaining all existing account data. Key points include:

Old address becomes an alias: Your previous Gmail address will remain linked as a secondary email to continue receiving emails.

Data preservation: All emails, messages, photos, and other account data remain intact.

Dual sign-in: Users can sign in using either the old or new Gmail address.

Reuse of old email: The old Gmail address can be reused at any time, though creating a new account with it is blocked for 12 months.

Limits on changes: Each Google Account can change its Gmail address up to three times and link up to three new Gmail addresses.

How to Change Your Gmail Address

On Computer

Go to your Google Account settings at myaccount.google.com/google-account-email and sign in.

Navigate to Personal Info  Google Account Email.

Click Change your Google Account email address if available.

Enter the new Gmail address and follow the on-screen instructions.

On Android

Open your Google Account settings on your device.

Tap Personal Info  Email  Google Account Email.

Tap Change Google Account email address, enter the new Gmail address, and confirm.

On iPhone/iPad

Open your Google Account settings in a browser or the Google app and sign in.

Tap Personal Info  Email  Google Account Email.

Tap Change Google Account email address, enter the new Gmail address, and follow the prompts.

Limitations and FAQs

Before changing a Gmail address, users should consider that some Google services may be affected. Chromebook users might need to adjust settings, and websites using Sign in with Google may require updates. Remote connections via Chrome Remote Desktop could need reconfiguration, and some app settings might reset, similar to signing in on a new device.

Important points include:

The old Gmail address will remain as a secondary alias and cannot be deleted.

Both old and new Gmail addresses can send and receive emails.

Punctuation in usernames, such as dots, cannot be changed.

Each Google Account can change its Gmail address up to three times.

A Google Account can link up to three new Gmail addresses.

Your old Gmail address stays tied to your account; no one else can use it, even if the account is deleted.

These precautions help prevent potential login or data issues and ensure continuity after changing your Gmail address.

Outlook

This feature provides Gmail users with flexibility to update their email address without losing access to account data or history. While minor adjustments may be required in some services after the change, users can continue to receive emails at both the old and new addresses. Google is gradually rolling out this feature, so users should check their account settings for availability.
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Dennis received bachelor's degrees in communication and political science with a TAG degree in Spanish from The University of Akron in Ohio. He grew up in Ohio with two sisters and two brothers, one being his fraternal twin. He and his wife have two dogs: Bacio, and Cal. Dennis currently covers natural resource and environmental issues for The Daily Sentinel
Israel says another man arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 25 December 2025 4:01 PM

An Israeli man has been arrested on charges of conducting surveillance near former prime minister Naftali Bennett's home and passing information to Iranian intelligence.

Israeli police and the Shin Bet spy agency said on Thursday that they had arrested the man, in his early 40s, from the central city of Rishon LeZion on suspicion of committing security offenses allegedly linked to Iranian intelligence.

The suspect, identified as Vadim Kupriyanov, was detained this month after investigators claimed he had conducted surveillance near the home of former prime minister Naftali Bennett.

According to Israeli officials, the man was instructed by alleged Iranian handlers to purchase a dash camera and film specific locations.

"The suspect was identified as having conducted photography in the vicinity of the home of former prime minister Naftali Bennett. As part of his contact with Iranian handlers, he was instructed to purchase a dash camera in order to carry out the task," said a joint police and Shin Bet statement.

The investigation further alleged that over the past two months, the suspect carried out several security-related tasks, including photographing sites in his city of residence and other locations, and transferring the images in exchange for varying sums of money.

An indictment is expected to be filed at a local court.

According to Israeli media, this case follows a similar arrest in May of an 18-year-old Israeli accused of spying on Bennett.

The arrest comes shortly after the hacking of Bennett's Telegram account, an incident initially downplayed by his office before later being acknowledged.

Pro-Palestinian group Handala released thousands of phone numbers and documents, including partial correspondence dating back to 2022, in what it described as "Operation Octopus."

Among those exposed were contact details linked to foreign leaders, senior officials, journalists, and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, underscoring serious lapses in Israel's much-vaunted cyber defenses.

The Tel Aviv regime has, over the past two years, arrested dozens of Israelis and charged them with espionage for Iran, with Israeli police describing the phenomenon of Israelis spying for the Islamic Republic as having reached an "unprecedented" level.

In response, the Israeli regime launched a midJuly PR campaign titled "Easy Money, Heavy Price", featuring ads across radio, websites, and social media. According to a cabinet press release, the initiative seeks to "raise awareness of the phenomenon of Israeli citizens cooperating with Iran, carrying out security missions for Iran inside Israel."

Authorities told The Times of Israel that alleged espionage activities "included photographing military and sensitive sites, moving purported weapons within the country and laying the groundwork for assassination plots."

While financial incentives are cited as a driver, some observers argue that deep political divisions within the Israeli entity may also be fueling espionage.

The case unfolds months after the Israeli regime launched an unprovoked war of aggression against Iranian military, nuclear, and residential sites in a blatant violation of international law.

Iran responded with drone and missile strikes, after which the United States joined Israel in targeting Iranian nuclear facilities which were under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

On June 24, Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, managed to impose a halt to the illegal assault.

During the war, heavy Israeli military censorship prevented the release of information on many of the sensitive army and intelligence sites struck by Iran.

Israel suspended the broadcasts of several international media organizations, threatening to detain anyone filming the sites of missile impacts.

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2025 marks historic year for Guard members

By Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy December 23, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. -- For many Guard members, 2025 was a busy year.

Soldiers and Airmen deployed overseas. They took part in missions along the southern border. Teams responded to natural disasters and other emergencies at home, and continued tough, challenging training to remain ready for missions yet to come, all working toward achieving peace through strength.

For U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matt Schwegel, a pilot with the 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard, the year began with wildfires.

One of more than 2,700 Guard members called out when wildfires spread throughout the Los Angeles area, Schwegel and other Air National Guard aircrews flew C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS. Nestled in the cargo area of the aircraft, MAFFS can drop 3,200 gallons of fire retardant or water in seconds and provides an aerial firefighting capability in support of civil authorities, Schwegel said.

Four units across the Department of War  three Air Guard and one Air Force Reserve  fly the MAFFS mission with eight aircraft. All eight aircraft and corresponding aircrews were activated to respond.

For Schwegel, the mission was rewarding.

"It's our opportunity to actually make a difference and help out," he said. "It's gratifying to be a part of that, to be able to do something and not stay in Nevada and just watch it transpire when you know you have a capability and a skill set to help."

It was also a challenging and exciting mission to fly.

"It's a rush," Schwegel said. "Our performance envelope is extremely tight. On this, we're within 10 to 20 knots of our stall speed, we're max gross weight, and on the drop, we're 150 feet-ish off the terrain, which is about half of the altitude of a normal tactical airdrop that we do as part of our combat airlift mission set."

Other Guard members assisted firefighting efforts on the ground and took part in mop-up duties after the flames were out. California Army National Guard Soldiers also found themselves back on duty in Los Angeles later in the year. Rather than a wildfire response, they provided security at key federal buildings in the area in support of U.S. Northern Command.

"We're here to make sure everybody stays safe," said Spc. Carlos Vasquez, a combat medic with 1st Battalion, 143rd Field Artillery Regiment, California Army Guard. "As a National Guardsman, I'm just here to protect the community and protect the people that I'm with."

In January, as wildfire response efforts wound down in California, about 7,800 Guard members were on duty in Washington for the 60th Presidential Inauguration. They served both behind the scenes, providing security and traffic management assistance to district and federal agencies, and as part of formal inauguration events.

"It's incredible being able to come together in a nationwide effort to support the peaceful transition of power," said U.S. Army Pfc. Perry Solinski, a signal operations support specialist with the District of Columbia Army National Guard's 74th Troop Command. "It shows the true operational capabilities of the National Guard and allows us to serve our country as we've been trained to do."

As inauguration duties wrapped up, more than 1,500 additional Guard members began heading to the southern border in support of U.S. NORTHCOM, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, and U.S. Border Patrol.

"Our primary role was to serve as an eye in the sky for CBP agents," said U.S. Army Capt. Corbin Cali, commander of Detachment 1, Company A, 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, D.C. Army Guard, whose unit flew missions along the border. "We flew patrols both day and night, assisting in detecting and monitoring border crossings, tracking illicit activity, and relaying real-time intelligence to ground agents."

Simultaneously, almost 5,000 Texas National Guard members served in the Lone Star State on state active duty orders under their governor's authority as part of Operation Lone Star, a joint task force that works with state and federal law enforcement officials, including Border Patrol, to deter, detect and stop illegal border crossings and interdict transnational criminals.

Since its formation in 2021, Operation Lone Star has detected and reported more than 194,000 potential illegal border crossings, disrupted and turned back more than 138,000 potential smuggling events, and detained and referred almost 264,000 individuals for illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico, Texas Guard officials said.

In August, more than 2,000 Guard members from six states were on duty in Washington, D.C., in support of the U.S. Marshal Service, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and other federal agencies as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Guard members provided an additional security presence at key locations in the district and assisted with cleanup and debris removal at parks and other areas.

The mission was marked by a tragic moment when two Guard members were shot while on duty, Nov. 26.

Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, a military police officer with the 863rd Military Police Company, West Virginia Army National Guard, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, assigned to the 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard, were both shot as they performed their duties near the Farragut West Metro station.

Beckstrom died from her injuries Nov. 27. As of mid-December, Wolfe has shown signs of improvement and is beginning a long and tough rehab journey, according to West Virginia Guard officials.

"Our Guardsmen are part of the very fabric of this nation," said U.S. Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau. "We are devastated by this senseless act of violence, and we will remain on station to defend and protect our fellow citizens at home at home and abroad."

In February, Soldiers and Airmen with the Kentucky and Indiana National Guard responded to flooding across Kentucky that claimed at least 11 lives and closed more than 300 roads.

"Our hearts go out to the people of eastern Kentucky who were hit by record-breaking floods and then followed by winter storms," said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett Milton, a pilot with the Kentucky Army National Guard who served on the flood response mission. "It felt good to be able to help them. It was a very rewarding experience for me and my team."

Kentucky wasn't the only area where Guard members took part in flood response efforts.

In July, Texas Army National Guard troops, later joined by Guard members from Arkansas, Arizona and North Dakota, responded within hours to extreme flooding in central Texas. Working with state and local agencies, Texas Army Guard aviators and search and rescue crews evacuated more than 525 people to safety, including children from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas.

Alaska National Guard members were called up in October when Typhoon Halong struck the state, causing flooding and destruction in many remote villages.

That wasn't the Alaska Guard's only response effort this year. Throughout the year, aircrews rescued multiple lost or injured individuals in remote areas of the state in support of state and local officials.

Alaska Army National Guard aircrews were busy in other ways, too.

During exercise Special Operation Forces Arctic Medic 2025, members of an aircrew with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, honed their flight skills in challenging environments by landing an HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on a flatbed railcar to transfer equipment and pick up simulated patients.

"The flight crew that landed on the train was not just good, they were amazing," said U.S. Army Col. Manuel Menendez, command surgeon with Special Operations Command North and one of the lead planners for the exercise. "I am absolutely inspired by the Alaska National Guard team, their knowledge, professionalism, willingness to solve problems with minimal guidance to plan any given mission."

The exercise also tested the capabilities of the Casualty Protection Unit, a sled system developed by U.S. Army Maj. Titus Rund, a flight surgeon with the 207th Aviation Troop Command, Alaska Army Guard, that helps improve patient care and transportation in cold weather.

The system helps the patient retain body heat - critical in an Arctic area - and reduces the patient's overall heat signature, making it more difficult for enemy forces to detect. Prototypes continue to undergo testing.

This year also saw several units expand and modernize capabilities with upgraded equipment.

Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment, Louisiana Army National Guard, completed critical modernization efforts to their AN/TPQ-53 radar systems. Mounted on 5-ton tactical trucks, the systems underwent hardware modifications and software upgrades to enhance operational capabilities.

Pilots with the 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard, began flying the F-35A Lighting II fifth-generation fighter aircraft, bringing additional significance to the unit's nickname - The Thunder.

"The F-35 is a cornerstone to our national defense," said U.S. Air Force Col. Mansour Elhihi, the wing commander. "This advanced aircraft directly supports our national security objectives, keeping us poised to respond, dominate and win in any battle space."

Meanwhile, Airmen with the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing added microvanes to their C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft. The 3D-printed microvanes attach to the rear body of the aircraft, reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency. Aircraft can fly farther while carrying more cargo, ultimately strengthening operational readiness and capability, said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Durkins, commander of the 105th Maintenance Squadron, New York Air Guard.

Aircrews with the Tennessee Army National Guard traded in their UH-60L Black Hawk "Lima" model helicopters for the upgraded "Victor" model Black Hawk.

"The Lima model has effectively zero digitization," said U.S. Army Capt. Jayson Cooper, commander of the Tennessee Army Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility #1. "It's all traditional gauges with needles and painted numbers. In contrast, the Victor model provides a moving map display, real-time positional awareness, and more intuitive monitoring of engine readings, temperatures and pressures."

Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, also received new aircraft, replacing the HH-60G Pave Hawk with six newer HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters.

The Jolly Greens offer better integration tools, advanced avionics and improved survivability, with upgraded radar, laser, missile and fire warnings, said pilots with the wing.

Air Force leadership selected the Tennessee Air National Guard's McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base as the preferred location to host the KC-46A Pegasus Main Operating Base 7 as part of aircraft recapitalization efforts.

The year also saw other changes, including new faces in senior leader roles.

In February, Command Sgt. Maj. James Kendrick officially assumed the role of 14th command sergeant major of the Army National Guard. Kendrick, whose Army career spans more than 35 years, succeeded Command Sgt. Maj. John T. Raines, who took on new duties as the seventh senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau in November 2024.

February also saw Command Chief Master Sgt. Joshua D. Moore assume the duties of the 14th command master chief of the Air National Guard. He succeeded Command Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, who retired.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Bernard Aguon was named the ninth command chief warrant officer of the Army Guard and assumed those duties in October. He succeeded Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy, who retired. The warrant officer rank structure returned to the Air Force when the service reintroduced those ranks after a 65-year absence. Airmen with the Washington Air National Guard were among the first to see the "new" rank insignia.

"It's surreal," said Warrant Officer Andre Roberge, assigned to the Washington Air Guard's 262nd Cyber Operations Squadron and among the first to graduate from the Air Force's Warrant Officer Training School. "Everywhere I go, someone is like, 'Hey, you're a warrant officer in the Air Force? I've never seen that before.'"

Meanwhile, the Maryland Air National Guard's 104th Fighter Squadron began turning in its venerable A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft - affectionately called the Warthog - as its parent unit, the 175th Wing, transitions to a cyber mission.

The Virginia Army National Guard's 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team, or MBCT, began transitioning to its current configuration from its previous infantry brigade combat team structure. The Washington Army National Guard's 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team also began transitioning to a mobile brigade combat team.

Part of a larger Army initiative to make units more agile and lethal, the mobile brigade combat team structure includes three infantry battalions with an additional multi-purpose company in each battalion and a multi-functional reconnaissance company in the brigade.

"The battlefield is changing," said U.S. Army Col. Arthur S. Moore, commander of the 116th MBCT. "The future belongs to Soldiers with superior field discipline who can move, strike, communicate and sustain for extended periods. The MBCT force design gives us that edge."

Soldiers and Airmen further honed that edge throughout the year by taking part in realistic large-scale training exercises both at home and abroad.

Soldiers with the Florida Army National Guard's 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team spent nearly a month in "the box" at the National Training Center, or NTC, at Fort Irwin, California. The dusty, desert training location allowed the unit to focus on brigade-wide, force-on-force operations as it prepares to deploy next year.

The unit kicked off the training rotation with a battalion-sized air assault operation, which "overwhelmed the enemy and allowed us to get a foothold," said U.S. Army Col. Sam Sargeant, brigade commander, adding that the overall training was beneficial and highly challenging.

Simultaneously, Soldiers with the New York Army National Guard's 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team played the opposing forces, or OPFOR, role alongside the NTC resident OPFOR element, the active component's 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

In September, Soldiers with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard, took part in Exercise Thunderstruck at Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma. During the exercise, Soldiers refined their tactics, techniques and procedures for conducting small-drone offensive operations and countering drone attacks at the company level, working towards achieving American drone dominance.

Washington and Hawaii Army Guard members honed their skills in urban operations during Exercise Tiger Balm in Singapore. The exercise also included higher headquarters command functions.

Also in the Indo-Pacific region, the California Air National Guard's 163rd Attack Wing took part in Resolute Force Pacific, flying MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles in support of the joint exercise.

In April, elements of the Guam Army National Guard took on cyber threats during the annual Balikatan exercise in the Philippines. Later in the year, Guam Army Guard Soldiers trained with Philippine marines on tactical combat casualty care.

Meanwhile, Soldiers with the Maryland Army National Guard participated in exercise Hedgehog 25 in Estonia, where they joined more than 16,000 Estonian and allied troops to strengthen interoperability in ground combat operations.

Soldiers with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard, took part in training exercises in Poland, while other Guard members trained throughout Europe as part of the Defender Europe series of exercises.

"It's important working with our NATO allied partners because if you really want to be an effective warfighter, then you need to start developing relationships with your partners," said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Russell Meadows, a fire support officer with Detachment 1, 1st Battalion, 107th Field Artillery Regiment, Maryland Army Guard.

Many of those exercises saw Guard members train alongside their partners in the Department of War National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program, which pairs Guard elements with partner nations worldwide for mutual training and subject-matter expert exchanges.

The program, which began in 1993, added 10 new partnerships in 2025, bringing the total number of partnered nations to 116.

"The growth of the State Partnership Program is robust," Nordhaus said. "As we look to the future, funding the State Partnership Program to match the slow and steady growth is critical. We're seeing nations continue to want to partner, and states continue to apply for these partnerships."

This year, Guard members took part in more than 1,000 training and exchange activities as part of the program, at a cost of 1% of the Department of War's security cooperation budget, SPP officials said, adding that the Guard conducts 30% of all U.S. security cooperation activities with the SPP partner countries.

Throughout the year, Guard members and units continued to serve and deploy overseas.

Elements of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana Army National Guard, took on peacekeeping duties in Kosovo as the main body of Regional Command East, Kosovo Force. Units of the Delaware Army National Guard, the Michigan Army National Guard, and units from several other states are deployed to Kosovo also.

Soldiers with the 1120th Engineer Detachment, Oklahoma Army Guard, and the 152nd Engineer Support Company, New York Army National Guard, both deployed to Djibouti as part of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. They joined Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment, Pennsylvania Army National Guard who deployed there in October 2024.

January saw Soldiers of the 617th Military Police Company, Kentucky Army National Guard, deploy to the Middle East, while Soldiers with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army Guard, deployed there in May.

Other Guard units serving in the region include the 3622nd Maintenance Company, Pennsylvania Army Guard; 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard; 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, Iowa Army National Guard; and the 17th Sustainment Brigade, Nevada Army National Guard, among other Air and Army Guard units.

In June, pilots with the Missouri Air National Guard's 131st Bomb Wing took part in Operation Midnight Hammer, striking three nuclearrelated facilities inside Iran. The operation - the largest B-2 Spirit stealth bomber strike in U.S. history - also included Air Guard maintainers, weapons technicians, tankers and fighters.

As the year closes, Guard members continue to prepare for the challenges and missions that will come in 2026.

"The National Guard is combat-ready, cost-effective, experienced and serves a dual-roleboth state and federallike no other force," Nordhaus said, adding the Soldiers and Airmen who make up the Guard are what make that possible.

"You are the heart of the National Guard," he said. "Our 433,000 Soldiers and Airmen make us a lethal warfighting and response force. Thanks to you, your families and your employers for ensuring our Guard remains Always Ready, Always There."

The following contributed to this report: U.S. Army Master Sgt. Zach Sheely, Dale Greer, Ayan Sheikh, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Seth LaCount, U.S. Air Force Maj. Cammy Alberts, U.S. Army Sgt. Olivia Gum, Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith, Senior Airman Serena Smith, U.S. Air Force Maj. Benjamin Hughes, Airman 1st Class Jordaan Kvale, Cotton Puryear, Joseph Siemandel, U.S. Air Force Maj. Eve Derfelt, Mark Scott, U.S. Army Sgt. Rachel Hall, U.S. Army Sgt. Spencer Rhodes, Eric Durr, Thomas Wheeler, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Carla Raisler, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Amber Monio, Sgt. 1st Class Christy Sherman, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Amber Peck, Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Dickson, U.S. Air Force Capt. Jason Carr



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Illinois Guard's 725th Transportation Company kept European Command fueled

By Lt. Col. Bradford Leighton, Illinois National Guard December 23, 2025

MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. -- About 160 Soldiers of the Illinois Army National Guard's Machesney Park-based 725th Transportation Company celebrated a deployment to U.S. European Command in which the unit completed more than 93 real-world missions, supported two major multinational exercises and delivered more than 2.1 million gallons of fuel, all while making personal and professional improvements in themselves.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the adjutant general and commander of the Illinois National Guard, lauded the unit's Soldiers for their superior performance during the deployment, which lasted from October 2024 to September 2025.

"You all are the new leadership of the Illinois National Guard," Boyd told the Soldiers during the Dec. 13 Welcome Home ceremony at Harlem High School in Machesney Park.

"You now have experience deployed in a foreign land," Boyd added. "Take that experience and parlay that experience the rest of your career."

Boyd had told the Soldiers to take care of each other, keep in touch with their families and to "come back a better person" when they deployed in October 2024.

Col. Beth Roxworthy, the commander of the unit's brigade, the 34th Division Sustainment Brigade, said the Soldiers accomplished those orders. She called the unit "an outstanding team of professionals" who "significantly exceeded all expectations."

While the 725th Transportation Company carried its guidon forward, the unit was augmented by seven other units in the brigade.

"You quickly molded as a unified team and accomplished amazing things," Roxworthy said.

Thirty Soldiers were promoted to sergeant, three were promoted to staff sergeant and two were promoted to sergeant first class during the deployment. These Soldiers represented more than 20% of the unit. In addition, Sean Kiefer was promoted to sergeant first class immediately after the Dec. 13 welcome home ceremony, with his spouse, Richelle, pinning his new rank upon his chest.

In addition to supporting multinational exercises Defender Europe 2025 and Saber Guardian 2025 and delivering 2.1 million gallons of fuel - enough gas for a family car to drive round-trip across the United States 4,300 times - the unit also transported more than 125 pallets of ammunition.

During a battalion-wide convoy exercise, the 725th earned the title of the "Best Transportation Company in the Battalion," Roxworthy said.

The Soldiers also "invested in themselves and the future of the Army," Roxworthy said.

During the deployment, two Soldiers graduated from the Army's Advanced Leader Course, one graduated from the Basic Leader Course, one completed the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Course and five graduated from the Drone Buster Course. Thirteen Soldiers completed the 40-hour Basic Skills Education Program, with each improving their General Technical scores on the Armed Forces Classification Test, opening doors to new Army jobs and career progression. Thirty-two Soldiers earned licenses on the Army's tractor-truck M915, which significantly increased the unit's capability and interoperability, Roxworthy said.

Boyd, Roxworthy and Capt. Charles Smith, the 725th Transportation Company commander, thanked the Soldiers' families.

"Your strength, patience and unwavering support made every success possible. You are an essential part of this team, and we are deeply grateful," Roxworthy said.

Smith relinquished command of the 725th Transportation Company to Capt. Josh Tanneberger, in a Change of Command, held after the Welcome Home ceremony. Smith has accepted a position on the brigade staff and will be promoted to major.

Smith thanked the unit's junior enlisted Soldiers, truck platoons, convoy commanders, maintenance section and operations section. He also recognized the unit's senior enlisted leader, 1st Sgt. Eric Daggett.

"Your leadership, mentorship and steady presence were foundational to this company's success," Smith told Daggett. "You set the tone for discipline, accountability and care for Soldiers. We balanced each other well and you always kept me informed and provided sound advice when needed. Your influence on this formation continues to be felt."

Smith said the unit upheld the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. Dozens of Soldiers were awarded military medals during the ceremony, ranging from Meritorious Service Medals to Army Achievement Medals.

Among those receiving a Meritorious Service Medal was Spc. Emilia Wawryniuk, the unit's only human resources specialist who completed 1,350 personnel and administrative actions over a nine-month period, performed Polish translator duties, resolved 18 individual pay and entitlement issues worth approximately $8,400 per month and served as the unit's training noncommissioned officer, among other accomplishments.

"You represented yourselves, this unit, our state and our nation with pride," Smith said. "As we stand here today - months after returning home - this moment is about recognition, gratitude and pride. Be proud of what you accomplished. Be proud of how you carried yourselves. And most importantly, never forget what we have achieved together."





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Honduras: Statement by the Spokesperson on the general elections

European External Action Service (EEAS)

25.12.2025

On 30 November, Honduran citizens went to the polls in large numbers reaffirming their commitment to democracy.

These elections were observed by a large number of national and international observers including a full-fledged EU Election Observation Mission.

Following a long and protracted process, and the proclamation of results by the National Electoral Council, the EU congratulates Nasry Asfura on his election as President of Honduras.

We look forward to work with President Asfura and his administration, and remain committed to work on common priorities and to deepen our relationship in all areas of mutual interest.

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Health system nears 'complete paralysis' as Israel uses medicine as weapon: Gaza officials

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 25 December 2025 1:57 PM

Gaza officials have warned of an impending humanitarian and medical catastrophe in the territory, saying Israel is deliberately restricting the entry of vital medicines, medical equipment, and fuel, using healthcare as a weapon against civilians.

Ismail Al-Thawabteh, head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, said on Thursday the healthcare sector remains in a state of severe collapse even after a ceasefire  which began on October 10  with acute shortages of medicines, anesthetics, and medical supplies.

He stated that due to the lack of anesthesia drugs and essential equipment, surgical operations in several hospitals have been partially or completely halted.

He warned that suspending surgeries places patients at serious risk of death or permanent disability.

Al-Thawabteh added that nearly 500,000 surgical procedures are currently on hold as Gaza's healthcare system approaches total breakdown.

"According to Ministry of Health warnings, the situation is extremely critical and nearing complete paralysis," he said, noting that remaining hospitals are operating beyond capacity with limited fuel, staff shortages, and reduced operational capability.

Al-Thawabteh underlined that medical supplies entering Gaza meet less than 10 percent of actual needs and are consumed immediately upon arrival, without leading to any sustainable improvement in health conditions.

The Israelis, he noted, "ban the entry of vital medical equipment under false security pretexts. This policy amounts to using medicine and medical treatment as a weapon against civilians."

He called for immediate international intervention and the unconditional opening of all border crossings to save lives in Gaza.

In a related development, Zaher Al-Wahidi, head of the Drug Information Unit at Gaza's Ministry of Health, said the overall shortage of medicines has reached 52 percent, while shortages of medical supplies stand at 71 percent.

"Many cancer patients are deprived of chemotherapy sessions and even strong pain relief," he said, adding that more than 300 cancer patients have died this year due to lack of medication, medical care, and delays in traveling abroad for treatment.

Al-Wahidi also reported that approximately 1,200 patients have died as a result of the continued closure of the Rafah crossing, emphasizing that limited supplies reaching the private sector and NGOs are insufficient to address the crisis, calling for unrestricted delivery of medicines directly to the Ministry of Health.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed Mahna, director of Al-Awda Hospital in Gaza told Al Jazeera that the hospital requires 2,600 liters of fuel per day to maintain minimal operations, but current supplies fall far short of that level.

"If this situation continues, we will be forced to halt most services within hours," Mahna said, warning that failure to secure fuel immediately could lead to a "complex and catastrophic reality," directly threatening the lives of emergency and intensive care patients.

He added that while medical staff are making limited efforts to manage and relocate patients, these measures are temporary and inadequate. "The lack of fuel will push the hospital into a severe crisis," he warned, "with direct and deadly consequences for patients."

Under the ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, Israel was required to open border crossings and allow unrestricted entry of food, fuel, and humanitarian aid.

However, Israel has largely ignored these obligations. Most crossings remain closed, and only a trickle of supplies is permitted into a territory devastated by nearly two years of relentless war and genocide.

The Gaza Health Ministry says that since Israel's genocidal assault began on October 7, 2023, at least 440 people, including more than 150 children, have died from hunger.

Since Israel launched its genocidal assault on Gaza on October 7, 2023, it has killed nearly 71,000 Palestinians and wounded over 171,000 others, most of them women and children.

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Israeli military launches new strikes across Gaza amid systematic ceasefire violations

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 25 December 2025 9:30 AM

Israel has unleashed new airstrikes and artillery fire across Gaza, continuing to violate the ceasefire while choking off desperately needed humanitarian aid to the war-torn coastal region.

Palestinian media outlets, citing local sources, reported that Israeli artillery units shelled the eastern flank of Gaza City on Thursday morning.

No reports about possible civilian casualties and the extent of damage caused were quickly available.

Israeli warplanes also heavily bombed areas east of Rafah, which sits on Gaza's southern border with Egypt.

Residents also reported an Israeli air strike east of Deir al-Balah city in the central Gaza Strip.

The attack did not result in injuries, according to emergency services.

Additionally, Israeli forces opened fire on neighborhoods in Khan Younis and Gaza City, and demolished buildings in Khan Younis.

Hamas denies role in Rafah explosion

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas on Wednesday rejected involvement in an explosion in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that wounded an Israeli officer.

The group said in a statement that the blast occurred in an area "fully controlled" by Israeli forces where no Palestinians were present, and that it had warned of unexploded ordnance in the area and elsewhere.

Hamas emphasized that it bears no responsibility for such remnants since the ceasefire agreement took effect, particularly those it said were left by Israeli forces during their assaults.

The movement called on Israel to abide by the ceasefire agreement and avoid actions that could escalate tensions or undermine the truce.

Hamas also reiterated its commitment to the deal and related obligations.

Gaza's Government Media Office said Wednesday that the Israeli forces had breached the ceasefire 875 times since it came into force on October 10.

The Israeli military has killed at least 70,937 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children, while injuring an additional 171,192 people in Gaza since October 2023.

Israel has not fully complied with the ceasefire agreement, limiting the entry of the agreed-upon number of medical aid trucks. This has worsened what the Health Ministry describes as a severe and ongoing health crisis.

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Anti-Taliban Figure Ikramuddin Saree Killed In Iran

By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi December 25, 2025

Ikramuddin Saree, a former police commander in Afghanistan's Takhar and Baghlan provinces under the pre-Taliban republic, was shot dead on the evening of December 24 outside his office in Tehran.

Sources close to him and the anti-Taliban National Resistance Front of Afghanistan confirmed the killing, saying Saree and a companion died while another was wounded.

Ali Maisam Nazary, a spokesman for the opposition group, accused the Taliban of orchestrating the assassination. The Taliban has not commented. Former republic officials and anti-Taliban groups have condemned the attack, urging Iran to investigate the incident and identify the perpetrators.

Tehran has not commented on the killing.

Saree is the second anti-Taliban figure killed in Iran in recent months.

In September, Maruf Gholami, a commander close to Ismail Khan and living in Mashhad, was gunned down by armed men. Khan, a former warlord and governor of Herat Province who fled to Iran after the Taliban takeover, demanded justice from Tehran.

Saree served as Baghlan police chief from 2017 to 2019 and then Takhar chief under then-Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. He fled to Iran after the 2021 Taliban takeover, advocating that former Afghan military personnel seeking residency should avoid deportation.

Thousands of ex-Afghan soldiers and police have sought refuge in Iran since 2021, amid fears of Taliban reprisals despite the group's amnesty claims. The Taliban denies any cross-border operations.

Iran has not formally recognized the Taliban government since it returned to power. However, Tehran maintains diplomatic, security, and economic relations.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-ikramuddin- sartee-killed-iran-taliban/33632740.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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Secretary Rubio's Call with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 25, 2025

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to express concern about the ongoing violence between Cambodia and Thailand. Secretary Rubio reiterated President Trump's desire for peace and the need to fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords. Secretary Rubio further reaffirmed that the United States is prepared to facilitate discussions to ensure peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand.

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Statement by the Nigeria Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, on loss of lives in a suspected suicide attack in Gamboru, Maiduguri, Borno State

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

ABUJA, 25 December 2025 - I am deeply saddened by yesterday evening's reported loss of life in a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, in Borno State in north-east Nigeria, following a suspected suicide bombing attack.

The attack, which took place during evening prayers, led to the loss of lives and left scores injured.

I join the Governor of Borno, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in strongly condemning this heinous attack in a place of worship.

On behalf of the United Nations in Nigeria, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were killed, and to the Government and the people of Borno State. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.

I also echo the Borno Governor's call for increased vigilance and enhanced security measures during this festive period and beyond.

This alleged suicide attack is yet another horrific reminder of the deadly toll of violent attacks in Borno State this year. On 5 September, more than 50 civilians were killed when suspected members of a non-state armed group attacked Darajamal, in Bama Local Government Area. Other incidents have ranged from targeted attacks on communities to attacks on internally displaced persons camps, using improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings and other tactics targeting farmers, fishermen, travelers and traders.

I reiterate my call to parties to the conflict to protect civilians, including those gathered in places of worship, as well as their property, and to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law.

To complement Government efforts, the United Nations reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting people affected by the conflict in north-east Nigeria.

END

25 December 2025



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Trump Confirms Upcoming Start of Ground Strikes Against Drug Cartels in Latin America

Sputnik News

20251225

US President Donald Trump confirmed the upcoming start of ground strikes against drug cartel targets in Latin America.

"Now we're going after the land," Trump said during his Christmas greetings to the military, referring to the fight against drug cartel targets.

The US president also extended special congratulations to the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, currently deployed in the Caribbean.

"That's an interesting place to be right now," he added.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump threatened Venezuela with an unprecedented shock, demanding that Caracas return what he described as "stolen" US oil, land, and other assets. These statements were made alongside promises to soon commence strikes against drug traffickers on land as part of Washington's broader anti-narcotics campaign in the region.

 Sputnik

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MND: Japan's Offensive Space Policy is Extremely Dangerous

Global Times

By mod.gov.cn Published: Dec 25, 2025 03:53 PM

Question: According to media reports, Japan claims to have made substantive progress in technologies that could disrupt satellites of other nations. It plans to reorganize its Air Self-Defense Force into the Air and Space Self-Defense Force and to construct a spacecraft carrier in fiscal year 2026. Some media analysis suggests that vigilance is needed, as Japan may be planning a Pearl Harbor incident in space. What is your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: Maintaining lasting peace and security in space is vital to the security, development, and prosperity of all nations. Japan's unrestrained development of satellite-jamming technology is accelerating the weaponization and militarization of space, and fueling a space arms race. It is extremely dangerous and unpopular. Given that Japan's vicious militarists once launched sneak attacks and that the country is now taking an offensive space policy, it is hardly surprising that there are growing concerns of another Pearl Harbor scenario.

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Pentagon's hype of China loading 100 ICBMs nothing but an attempt to find excuse to expand its own nuclear forces: MND spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 25, 2025 11:51 PM

Responding to a draft Pentagon report which claimed that China has likely loaded more than 100 ICBMs in three silo fields, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Thursday said that the US, instead of reflecting on its own actions, hypes up the so-called "China nuclear threat," which is nothing but an attempt to divert international attention and find excuses for accelerating the expansion of its own nuclear forces.

Citing the draft Pentagon report, Reuters claimed that China has loaded more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles into three newly constructed silo fields near its border with Mongolia and showed little interest in arms control talks.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the MND, responded to the report at a press conference on Thursday. He noted that the US possesses the world's largest nuclear arsenal, pursues a nuclear deterrence policy that allows for the first use of nuclear weapons, and has long invested huge sums of money in upgrading its "triad" nuclear capabilities - it has even claimed that it will resume nuclear tests.

China, however, has always strictly adhered to the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons, Zhang said, firmly pursued a self-defensive nuclear strategy, and consistently maintained its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security.

"We will never engage in a nuclear arms race with any country," the spokesperson said, while urging the US side to earnestly fulfill its special and primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament, further make drastic and substantive cut to its nuclear arsenal, and stop acts that undermine global strategic stability.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also responded to the Pentagon report on Tuesday, with spokesperson Lin Jian stating that "I'm not familiar with what you cited as a US draft report, but we've been hearing the same story told and retold by the US to create pretext for speeding up the upgrade of US nuclear power and disrupting global strategic stability. The international community needs to be soberly aware of that."

Just last month, the Chinese government released a white paper entitled China's Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in the New Era with a full overview of China's nuclear policy and position on nuclear disarmament. China remains firmly committed to the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and a nuclear strategy that focuses on self-defense, Lin said.

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PLA's J-10, KJ-500, YU-20A aircraft conduct joint air force training in UAE for 1st time: defense ministry spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 25, 2025 05:11 PM

The J-10C fighter jet, KJ-500 early warning aircraft and YU-20A tanker aircraft of the PLA Air Force for the first time participated in a joint training in the UAE, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said on Thursday. Zhang said that the China-UAE joint air force training Falcon Shield 2025 was conducted from December 9 to Monday.

The participating units from China and the UAE conducted joint training through mixed grouping, organizing and carrying out exercises in subjects such as command and control simulations and air defense operations. They also engaged in in-depth exchanges on topics including night vision and nighttime combat, unmanned systems operations, and battlefield search and rescue, Zhang said.

The Falcon Shield joint training is a flagship cooperative project between the Chinese and the UAE air forces. To date, it has been held three times, playing a significant role in promoting practical cooperation between the two sides and maintaining regional peace, the spokesperson said.

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Defense ministry denounces U.S. report hyping "China military threat"

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source Xinhuanet

EditorLi Jiayao

Time2025-12-25 21:07:59

BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to a recent U.S. report that misrepresents China's national defense policy and military development.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference in response to a media query about the U.S. Department of Defense report on military and security developments involving China in 2025.

Zhang said that by releasing such reports every year, the United States grossly interferes in China's internal affairs, maliciously distorts China's defense policy, and deliberately hypes the so-called "China military threat" to mislead the international community.

"China remains committed to a defensive national defense policy and pursues a military strategy of active defense," Zhang said.

Urging the U.S. side and its allies to stop dangerous provocations, Zhang called on the U.S. side to adopt an objective and rational perception of China and the Chinese military, and refrain from fabricating false narratives and stoking confrontation.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on December 25, 2025

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

Updated: December 25, 2025 17:45

AFP: Nasry Asfura has been declared the winner of Honduras presidential election. Asfura has pledged to reestablish diplomatic ties with Taiwan. What is China's comment on Asfura's election and this campaign promise?

Lin Jian: The presidential election is the domestic affair of Honduras. China respects the choice of the Honduran people and stands ready to work with Honduras to advance the bilateral relationship on the basis of the one-China principle.

Associated Press of Pakistan: Recently, the ninth CPEC Media Forum was held in a hybrid online and offline format, with officials from the governments of the two countries and media representatives in attendance. What is your comment on this?

Lin Jian: On December 24, the ninth China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Media Forum was successfully held in Pakistan. The forum was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan and organized by China Economic Net and Pakistan-China Institute. Representatives from the Chinese and Pakistani governments, media and think tanks attended the forum. They spoke highly of the development achievement of CPEC and noted that media of the two countries need to enhance exchanges and cooperation and make active effort to carry forward the friendship between the two countries.

China and Pakistan are iron-clad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners. China stands ready to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Pakistan in media and various fields, enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, promote sound public opinion for robust China-Pakistan ties and the development of CPEC 2.0, and accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.

Antara: Indonesia has been nominated by the Asia-Pacific Group as president of the UN Human Rights Council for the next term. As a council member, what is China's comment on this nomination?

Lin Jian: China congratulates Indonesia on receiving the nomination of the Asia-Pacific Group of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and on assuming the 2026 presidency of the UNHRC. China supports Indonesia in performing its duty as the new president of the UNHRC and stands ready to step up dialogue and cooperation with all sides, practice true multilateralism and jointly promote the sound development of the international human rights cause.

Beijing Youth Daily: The U.S. Science Magazine recently released its list of ten major scientific breakthroughs in 2025. "The seemingly unstoppable growth of renewable energy" ranked at the top, a breakthrough mainly led by China. China takes the lead in solar cells, wind turbines and lithium batteries. What's your comment on this?

Lin Jian: We have noted relevant reports. This is another proof that China's contribution to global green energy transition is widely recognized.

Green development is a distinct feature of Chinese modernization. China established the most complete policy framework for carbon emissions reduction and the largest renewable energy system in the world. Our installed capacity of new energy storage exceeded 100 million kilowatts, accounting for over 40 percent of global capacity. This makes China one of the countries with the fastest energy intensity reduction. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, wind and photovoltaic products exported by China helped relevant countries cut 4.1 billion tonnes of CO2. China actively shares the outcomes of its green development and does its best to support Global South countries. As of October this year, China has signed 55 MOUs on climate change with 43 developing countries, carried out over 300 capacity building programs, and provided over 10 thousand training opportunities for over 120 developing countries.

Against the backdrop of action deficits in global climate governance, China will continue to take on its responsibilities and work with other countries, so as to jointly cope with challenges, overcome difficulties, and advance global sustainable development together.

RT TV: The latest developments in China-India relations earlier evoked nervous reaction within U.S. Congress. Now the latest pentagon report says China probably seeks to "capitalize" on decreased tensions along the border with India to "prevent the deepening of US-India ties." What is the U.S. trying to achieve by such claims?

Lin Jian: The Pentagon's report distorts China's defense policy, sows discord between China and other countries, and aims at finding a pretext for the U.S. to maintain its military supremacy. China firmly opposes the report.

China views and handles its relations with India from a strategic height and a long-term perspective. We stand ready to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, and properly handle differences with India, and advance a sound and stable bilateral relationship. The boundary question is a matter between China and India and the current border situation between the two countries is generally stable with smooth communication channels. China opposes relevant country's groundless and irresponsible comments.

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North Korea Advances Nuclear Deterrent with New Strategic Submarine  Report

Sputnik News

20251225

Kim Jong Un guided the construction of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated the submarine is a core component of the country's "nuclear war deterrent," designed to deliver a "merciless retaliatory attack."

The report frames the submarine as the embodiment of Pyongyang's defensive policy, which it claims is "based on the strongest offensive power." Kim Jong Un stated that the vessel represents a crucial change that "assures ourselves and even the enemy of the war deterrent level" achieved. Its purpose is to guarantee a devastating response to any attack, with Kim warning that enemies "will face a merciless retaliatory attack if they try to select a military option."

The announcement was directly linked by KCNA to North Korea's condemnation of South Korea's own nuclear submarine development plans, which it labeled an "offensive act." This suggests the new submarine is both a tactical weapon and a strategic signal aimed at neutralizing perceived advances by Seoul and its allies

 Sputnik

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Foreign Ministry's first mission is to work for lifting sanctions: Araghchi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 25, 2025

Isfahan, IRNA -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi says his ministry currently has two important missions, the first and most significant of which is the effort to lift sanctions.

In this regard, numerous efforts have been made, including the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and various negotiations, Araghchi said on Thursday at a meeting discussing the country's foreign policies and regional conditions.

Saying that these efforts will continue while preserving the principles and dignity of the country, he added that the second mission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under current conditions is to help improve Iranian economy.

He described the heroic resistance of the Iranian people in the 12-day war as a historic experience, emphasizing that the enemies who thought they could force Iran to surrender in just a few days were themselves compelled to surrender.

"Iran's resistance in the 12-day war thwarted the enemy's plot to impose submission."

Araghchi noted that with the martyrdom of each commander, another commander raised the flag of resistance, and on the twelfth day, they sent a message demanding the cessation of attacks without any preconditions.

Araghchi warned of a new enemy plot, saying that new conspiracy is underway to create harsh economic conditions, increase dissatisfaction, and cause internal problems for the system, but they will take this wish to the grave as well.

He added that just as the Iranian nation overcame the 12-day war through the resistance of the armed forces, the use of domestically produced missiles, and collective effort, now too they must join hands to defeat the economic crisis and the enemy's attempt to impose heavy conditions on the Islamic Republic.

The meeting to explain the country's foreign policies and regional conditions was held with the participation of businesses and entrepreneurs at the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce.

9417

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West seeks to halt Iran's scientific progress: Nuclear chief

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 25, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's nuclear chief says the West's core dispute with the Islamic Republic is not nuclear weapons but the country's scientific and technological advancement.

Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), said on Tuesday that nuclear science is a driver of progress and power.

He was speaking at a joint meeting of Iran's nuclear medicine, radio-oncology, hematology and oncology associations.

Iran is "duty-bound to move at the frontiers of knowledge," Eslami said, describing nuclear sciences and technologies as "progress-driving, superiority-creating and power-enhancing" fields that have long been monopolized by major powers.

"The real problem they have with us is our presence at this level and in this arena," he said.

Eslami expressed hope that greater synergy among specialists would help reduce public suffering and accelerate progress in healthcare.

He said Iran had reached its current level "regardless of their dictates and monopolies," crediting the efforts of young scientists and the guidance of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

"Administrations come and go with different policies, but this goal-setting remains constant," he added.

Eslami said recent war-related developments had exposed the pretextual nature of accusations against Iran's nuclear industry.

"If one pays attention to the recent UN Security Council meeting and the remarks by officials of the three European countries, it becomes clear that the main objective is to stop Iran's progress," he said, referring to Britain, France, and Germany.

He noted that during Israel's missile attacks on Isfahan, the first target was a facility producing radiopharmaceutical fuel, arguing this demonstrated hostility toward technologies that directly benefit people.

Without nuclear medicine and access to domestic nuclear resources, he said, Iran's medical and healthcare sectors would face deprivation because "they would not provide these materials."

Referring to the recently-released US national security document, Eslami said artificial intelligence, quantum technology and nuclear science are cited as pillars of progress. "If these are necessary for the US, they must be for other countries as well," he added.

4354**

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Iran's enemies seeking to make up for military losses with economic warfare: FM

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 25 December 2025 9:35 PM

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran's enemies have shifted their pressure tactics towards economic warfare after failing to achieve their objectives through military means, targeting the livelihoods of ordinary Iranians.

Speaking at a ceremony in the central Iranian city of Isfahan on Thursday, the top diplomat said the adversaries turned to sanctions and economic pressure once they realized the Iranian people were standing firm.

"In my view, once the enemies realized that the Iranian people are standing firm, they have now targeted the people's livelihoods," Araghchi said. "They want to obtain through economic warfare and sanctions what they failed to achieve through military war."

He cited the early days of the unprovoked and illegal Israeli-American war on the Islamic Republic in June, noting that, as the Iranian people stood steadfast, messages were sent at the very outset urging negotiations in order to bring the war to an end.

"In the early days of the 12-day war, they were sending messages saying, 'Let's negotiate so we can end the war,'" the official stated.

From threats to calls for a ceasefire

Araghchi said the course of the aggression led to a change in tone by the United States, including on social media.

"During the 12-day war, the US president's posts on X (former Twitter) shifted from demanding unconditional surrender to calling for a ceasefire," he said.

The foreign minister added that Iran, guided by the country's leadership, chose the path of resistance throughout the aggression.

"With the wisdom of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, we chose resistance," Araghchi said. "Matters reached a point where, on the twelfth day, the Americans sent a message saying that the Zionist regime would stop operations from four o'clock in the morning, and asked that we stop [retaliating] too."

Resistance as the core principle of the Islamic Revolution

Elsewhere in his remarks, Araghchi described resistance as the central pillar of Iran's Islamic Revolution.

"The most important line of thought featured in the Islamic Revolution is the discourse of resistance," he said, adding that this approach was learned from the teachings of the late founder of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Khomeini and continued under the guidance of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Araghchi identified resistance as the key to Iran's successes in the face of pressures and crises.

"The secret of the Revolution's victory and the secret of the Iranian people's victories has always been, and remains, resistance," he noted. "In the harshest conditions and crises, the nation that prevails is the one that resists and does not abandon its principles and dignity."

The spirit of resistance has long defined the Iranian people and continues to do so today, Araghchi remarked.

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Israel targeted radiopharmaceutical facility in first missile strike on Isfahan: Iran's nuclear chief

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 25 December 2025 10:19 AM

Israel's first missile strike on the city of Isfahan during the 12-day war targeted the city's fuel plate production facility for manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals, says Iran's nuclear chief.

"The first site in Isfahan that the Zionist regime targeted with missile strikes was the plant [producing] fuel for the manufacture of radiopharmaceuticals, which means the very things that were essential for the people and the country's progress were attacked at the very first stage," Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said on Thursday.

He added that the 12 days of the Israeli-US war in mid-June and the ensuing events showed that Iran's nuclear industry is merely a pretext as they oppose the Islamic Republic's advancement.

He emphasized that the statements of officials from the three European countries - Britain, France and Germany -during the Tuesday session of the UN Security Council clearly showed that the true aim is to halt Iran's progress.

At a UNSC meeting on Tuesday, the European parties to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal -- the UK, France, and Germany -- insisted that Resolution 2231, which endorsed the deal, remains in force although its legal lifespan has already expired.

All of the resolution provisions expired on October 18, 2025, in accordance with its own termination clause.

The European trio sought to legitimize their illegal actions in reinstating the revoked resolutions, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, who called the meeting of the Security Council "merely a political move" by the three European countries.

"The real issue and problem is Iran's progress, not nuclear weapons," which they falsely accuse Iran of producing, Eslami further said.

The AEOI chief stressed the importance of advancing on the path of knowledge and promoting nuclear science and technology as the driving force of science and innovation.

According to the US national security strategy document, artificial intelligence, nuclear technology, and quantum are the fundamental goals for advancement, he said, adding, "If these three [items] are essential for the US progress, then they must be essential for other countries as well."

He further stressed the need to enhance synergy both in the area of radiopharmaceuticals and deuterium as well as heavy water to advance treatment methods, noting that great progress has been made in medicine and healthcare.

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'Normalization not in Iraq's lexicon': PM Sudani vehemently rejects ties with Israel

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 25 December 2025 10:52 AM

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani firmly rejected any prospect of diplomatic ties with Israel, stressing that normalization has no place in Iraq's political, legal, or moral framework.

Speaking on Wednesday during Christmas Mass at Our Lady of Salvation Syriac Catholic Church in Baghdad, Sudani said the concept itself is alien to Iraq.

"The term 'normalization' does not exist in the Iraqi lexicon," he said, "because it is linked to an occupying entity that stands against land and humanity, and which all heavenly religions reject."

Sudani's remarks came in response to comments made earlier in the ceremony by Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, who had used the word "normalization" while addressing the prime minister.

"Mr. Prime Minister, there is talk about normalization, and I hope that the new government will ensure that normalization is in Iraq and with Iraq," Sako said.

The term immediately sparked backlash, as "normalization" in Iraq is widely understood as referring to relations with Israelsomething explicitly criminalized under Iraqi law.

Sudani moved quickly to draw a clear line.

"In Iraq, we do not need normalization; rather, we need brotherhood, love, and coexistence," he said. "This is a moral, religious, constitutional, and legal commitment that governs our relationships."

The prime minister stressed that Iraq's priority lies in internal cohesion, not foreign agendas.

In 2022, the Iraqi parliament passed a law criminalizing any form of relations with the Israeli regime.

The legislation bans "the establishment of diplomatic, political, military, economic, and cultural relations and any other sort of relations with the invading Zionist entity."

Penalties range from life imprisonment to, in some cases, the death penalty.

Normalization is a crime: Top Iraqi cleric

Prominent Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr reinforced that position following the cathedral event.

"Normalization is a crime, and Iraqi law prescribes punishment for it," al-Sadr said. "Anyone who promotes it or calls for itwhoever they may bewill not escape punishment."

"The competent official authorities must swiftly carry out their duties; there will be no place for normalization or its legitimization in Iraq," he said.

Following the backlash, Cardinal Sako's office issued a clarification, insisting that he did not mean political normalization with Israel.

"The normalization he referred to is not political normalization with Israel," the statement said, noting that the cleric has "repeatedly condemned the brutal aggression against Palestine (Gaza)."

The office said Sako was instead referring to cultural and civilizational engagement within Iraq, including tourism and heritage promotion.

Sudani's remarks come as the United States continues to push regional allies to join the US-brokered Abraham Accords, which formalized ties between Israel and several Arab states.

Under pressure from then-President Donald Trump, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain normalized relations with Israel in 2020, in a move condemned by Palestinians as a "stab in the back." Sudan and Morocco later followed.

Washington has since sought to expand the accords to other countries in West Asia, with Saudi Arabia a top target.

Regional leaders have repeatedly cited overwhelming public opposition to Israelparticularly after the regime's genocidal war on Gazaas a major obstacle to normalization.

Critics say the accords have failed to bring stability and instead have entrenched Israeli settler colonialism and regional insecurity.

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MND spokesperson slams Japan's offensive space policy as 'extremely dangerous,' urging peace-loving countries to contain right-wing militarism

Global Times

Two-faced maneuvering will undermine Takaichi admin's credibility, deepen its diplomatic isolation: expert

By Shen Sheng Published: Dec 25, 2025 10:18 PM

China's Ministry of National Defense spokesperson slammed Japan's offensive space policy as extremely dangerous, and called on peace-loving countries and peoples to take action to resolutely contain the revival of militarism by Japan's right-wing forces and prevent the world from sliding into turmoil or repeating the tragedies of the past.

The spokesperson made the remarks at Thursday's press conference, responding to multiple inquiries regarding Japan's recent militaristic moves.

When asked to comment on reports that Japan claims to have made substantive progress in technologies capable of disrupting satellites of other nations, that it plans to reorganize its Air Self-Defense Force into an Air and Space Self-Defense Force and construct a spacecraft carrier in fiscal year 2026, and that some media analysts have warned that vigilance is needed amid concerns Japan may be planning a "Pearl Harbor incident in space", MND spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said Maintaining lasting peace and security in space is vital to the security, development, and prosperity of all nations. Japan's unrestrained development of satellite-jamming technology is accelerating the weaponization and militarization of space and fueling a space arms race. It is extremely dangerous and unpopular.

Given that Japan's vicious militarists once launched sneak attacks and that the country is now adopting an offensive space policy, it is hardly surprising that there are growing concerns of another Pearl Harbor scenario, the spokesperson said.

"We urge Japan to cease its false narratives and halt targeted deployments against China. We will take resolute countermeasures against any harassment or provocations," Zhang said when asked to comment on reports that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said: "We will not rule out all options" regarding the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines and an official from the Prime Minister's Office stated that Japan should possess nuclear weapons. Additionally, the Japanese Ministry of Defense recently released a report claiming that China's defense spending is growing rapidly and China is increasing activities near Japan. The report also states plans to deploy mobile radar equipment in Okinawa by 2026 to monitor Chinese military activities, including those of Chinese aircraft carriers.

China's defense expenditure is reasonable, moderate, and remains below the global average as a share of GDP. The operations of the Chinese military in relevant waters are fully in compliance with international law and international practice, and brook no interference or provocation, Zhang stressed.

The spokesperson further noted that in recent years, Japan has relentlessly pursued remilitarization and accelerated its military buildup, with an increasingly visible and dangerous tendency towards a militarist revival. Japan has repeatedly used China as a pretext to cover up its underlying ambitions. Not long ago, Takaichi made erroneous remarks concerning the Taiwan question.

Now, right-wing forces in Japan have thrown away their hypocritical mask and are openly advocating for nuclear armament. These actions constitute a direct defiance of international norms, a blatant challenge to the bottom line of international justice, the post-WWII international order, and the global non-proliferation regime, according to Zhang.

"They pose a severe threat to peace and stability in the region and beyond. What Japan is doing runs directly counter to its own professed commitment to peaceful development. We call upon all peace-loving nations and peoples to take actions to resolutely contain the revival of militarism by Japan's right-wing forces, and prevent the world from sliding into turmoil or reliving tragedies of the past," Zhang added.

One week has passed since a senior official at the Japanese Prime Minister's Office in charge of security policy under the Takaichi administration claimed, "Japan should have nuclear weapons," yet Takaichi has not taken any disciplinary action, Kyodo News reported Thursday, describing this as having "shown a cautious stance toward handling the matter."

The report said that while opposition parties such as the Constitutional Democratic Party have pushed back strongly, the government is seeking to contain the situation by emphasizing its commitment to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

Meanwhile, within the ruling coalition, some voices have emerged calling for discussions on the principles themselves, citing Japan's continued reliance on the US nuclear umbrella as a deterrent, according to the report.

However, in another report by Kyodo News on the same day, Takaichi claimed during a speech in Tokyo on Thursday that she was open to engaging in dialogue on relations with China, claiming that Japan must safeguard its national interests, honor, and the lives of its people, and she will respond appropriately from this standpoint.

Regarding the Takaichi administration's "two-faced" behavior, Xiang Haoyu, a distinguished research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday that it represents an extremely dangerous and ill-intentioned form of political opportunism. On the surface, Takaichi claims to be open to dialogue with China, seeking to mislead international opinion and protect economic interests, while her cabinet and aides promote nuclear rhetoric and aggressive military policies - actions that challenge the post-war international order and signal a revival of right-wing militarism in Japan.

Xiang said such fence-sitting behavior not only runs seriously counter to the principles and spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, but also constitutes an open provocation to regional peace and stability.

He added that Takaichi's so-called effort to "safeguard national interests" serves merely as a pretext for expanding armaments and loosening military constraints, arguing that its real purpose lies in stoking confrontation and manufacturing crises in a bid to push Japan back onto a dangerous path of militarism and conflict.

Xiang further warned that regional peace and stability cannot tolerate political opportunism, and that any improvement in China-Japan relations requires genuine and pragmatic efforts.

"If the Takaichi administration continues its two-faced maneuvering, it will only further undermine its credibility, heighten tensions, and leave Japan facing deeper diplomatic isolation and greater security challenges," Xiang added.

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MND: Make United Efforts to Contain the Revival of Militarism by Japan's Right-wing Forces

Global Times

By mod.gov.cn Published: Dec 25, 2025 03:39 PM

Question: According to media reports, regarding the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said: "We will not rule out all options". An official from the Prime Minister's Office stated that Japan should possess nuclear weapons. Additionally, the Japanese Ministry of Defense recently released a report, claiming that China's defense spending is growing rapidly and China is increasing activities near Japan. The report also states plans to deploy mobile radar equipment in Okinawa by 2026 to monitor Chinese military activities, including those of Chinese aircraft carriers. What's your comment on that?

Zhang Xiaogang: China's defense expenditure is reasonable, moderate, and remains below the global average as a share of GDP. The operations of the Chinese military in relevant waters are fully in compliance with international law and international practice, and brook no interference or provocation. We urge Japan to cease its false narratives and halt targeted deployments against China. We will take resolute countermeasures against any harassment or provocations.

In recent years, Japan has relentlessly pursued remilitarization and accelerated its military buildup, with an increasingly visible and dangerous tendency towards a militarist revival. To cover up its underlying ambitions, Japan has repeatedly used China as a pretext. Not long ago, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made erroneous remarks concerning the Taiwan question. Now, right-wing forces in Japan have thrown away their hypocritical mask and are openly advocating for nuclear armament. These actions constitute a direct defiance of international norms, a blatant challenge to the bottom line of international justice, the post-WWII international order, and the global non-proliferation regime. They pose a severe threat to peace and stability in the region and beyond. What Japan is doing runs directly counter to its own professed commitment to peaceful development. We call upon all peace-loving nations and peoples to take actions to resolutely contain the revival of militarism by Japan's right-wing forces, and prevent the world from sliding into turmoil or reliving tragedies of the past.

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Japan's pursuit for militarization poses threat to peace, stability in region and beyond: Defense Spokesperson

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source China Military Online

EditorLin Congyi

Time2025-12-25 17:54:45

BEIJING, Dec. 25 -- "We call upon all peace-loving nations and peoples to take actions to resolutely contain the revival of militarism by Japan's right-wing forces, and prevent the world from sliding into turmoil or reliving tragedies of the past," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.

According to media reports, regarding the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said: "We will not rule out all options." An official from the Prime Minister's Office stated that Japan should possess nuclear weapons. Additionally, the Japanese Ministry of Defense recently released a report, claiming that China's defense spending is growing rapidly and China is increasing activities near Japan. The report also states plans to deploy mobile radar equipment in Okinawa by 2026 to monitor Chinese military activities, including those of Chinese aircraft carriers.

Against such background, the spokesperson pointed out, when answering media question, that China's defense expenditure is reasonable, moderate, and remains below the global average as a share of GDP. The operations of the Chinese military in relevant waters are fully in compliance with international law and international practice, and brook no interference or provocation.

"We urge Japan to cease its false narratives and halt targeted deployments against China. We will take resolute countermeasures against any harassment or provocations," said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson further revealed that in recent years, Japan has relentlessly pursued remilitarization and accelerated its military buildup, with an increasingly visible and dangerous tendency towards a militarist revival. To cover up its underlying ambitions, Japan has repeatedly used China as a pretext.

Not long ago, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made erroneous remarks concerning the Taiwan question. Now, the right-wing forces in Japan have thrown away their hypocritical mask and are openly advocating for nuclear armament.

"These actions constitute a direct defiance of international norms, a blatant challenge to the bottom line of international justice, the post-WWII international order, and the global non-proliferation regime. They pose a severe threat to peace and stability in the region and beyond," warned the spokesperson.

Moreover, according to the spokesperson, what Japan is doing runs directly counter to its own professed commitment to peaceful development.

"We call upon all peace-loving nations and peoples to take actions to resolutely contain the revival of militarism by Japan's right-wing forces, and prevent the world from sliding into turmoil or reliving tragedies of the past," the spokesperson urged in the end.

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Appeasement to Japan's right-wing forces will inevitably lead to a backlash: Defense Spokesperson

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source China Military Online

EditorChen Zhuo

Time2025-12-25 17:52:27

BEIJING, Dec. 25 -- "Japan openly abandoned its obligations under international law and violated the provisions of its own Constitution and political commitments by substantially increasing its defense budget, and engaging in military expansion and war preparations. Where is Japan's credibility? And what does Japan intend to do?" asked Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference on Thursday.

The spokesperson raised doubts about Japan's purpose of military expansion when commenting on the media reports that the Japanese government is planning to request a record-high defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen for the next fiscal year. The budget will include plans to deploy long-range missiles, reorganize the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), and boost its operational capabilities in space.

The spokesperson pointed out that the Potsdam Proclamation has made it clear that the Japanese militarism and its soil must be mercilessly and permanently eradicated. A new order of peace, security, and justice can only be established by restricting Japan's right to wage war politically and legally, and by eliminating the ideological roots of war in Japan. Japan should be completely disarmed and must not maintain industries that would enable it to re-arm for war. The Japanese Instrument of Surrender pledged to "carry out the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration in good faith." These promises were made in black and white and they still ring loud and clear.

"In fact, after World War II, the Japanese government failed to completely shut out militarism. The right-wing forces have never sincerely reflected on the history of aggression, nor have they ever squarely faced up to the heinous crimes committed against the peoples of Asia and beyond. They are now attempting to revive militarism to sow chaos in the world. How can this not raise grave vigilance and concern among the international community?" the spokesperson continued.

"Failure to eradicate the evil will lead to endless future troubles, and appeasement will inevitably result in a backlash. The international community should join hands to resolutely block the dangerous schemes of Japan's right-wing forces to reverse the course of history, defend the victorious outcomes of World War II and the post-war international order, and safeguard peace and stability in the world and the region," he stressed in the end.

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China's defense ministry calls for united efforts to contain Japan's militarism revival

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source Xinhuanet

EditorLi Jiayao

Time2025-12-25 21:27:37

BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's defense ministry on Thursday called on all peace-loving nations and peoples to take united actions to contain the revival of militarism by Japan's right-wing forces.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media query about recent comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and another Japanese official on Japan's nuclear armament.

Also, a recent report by the Japanese Ministry of Defense criticized China's "rapidly growing defense spending" and "increasing activities near Japan," mentioning plans to deploy mobile radar equipment in Okinawa by 2026 to monitor Chinese military activities.

Noting that China's defense expenditure is reasonable, moderate, and remains below the global average as a share of GDP, Zhang said the operations of the Chinese military in relevant waters are fully in compliance with international law and international practice, and brook no interference or provocation.

"We urge Japan to cease its false narratives and halt targeted deployments against China. We will take resolute countermeasures against any harassment or provocations," the spokesperson said.

Also, Zhang warned of an increasingly visible and dangerous tendency towards a militarist revival in Japan, as the country has relentlessly pursued remilitarization and accelerated its military buildup.

These actions constitute a blatant challenge to the bottom line of international justice, the post-WWII international order, and the global non-proliferation regime, posing a severe threat to peace and stability in the region and beyond, Zhang said.

"We call upon all peace-loving nations and peoples to take actions to resolutely contain the revival of militarism by Japan's right-wing forces, and prevent the world from sliding into turmoil or reliving tragedies of the past," the spokesperson said.

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His Excellency Major General Yousef Ahmed A. Al Huneiti, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) of the Jordan Armed Forces, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan

Rawalpindi - December 25, 2025

No PR-431/2025-ISPR

His Excellency Major General Yousef Ahmed A. Al Huneiti, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) of the Jordan Armed Forces, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence and military cooperation. The visiting dignitary appreciated the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and lauded their contributions towards regional peace and stability.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening defence ties with Jordan and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address evolving security challenges.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to further deepen military-to-military cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

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State Council meeting

Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the State Council on training professionals for the Russian economy.

December 25, 2025

16:05

The Kremlin, Moscow

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,

As per tradition, we are meeting on the eve of the new year. Let me begin with season's greetings - I wish you a happy New Year. The year 2026 has been declared the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia. I have just signed the corresponding Executive Order.

Of course, I would also like to congratulate you on the 25th anniversary of the State Council of the Russian Federation. This milestone marks a quarter of a century of intense, patient, and productive work, including during periods of serious and complex challenges. The issues considered by the State Council are always substantive, significant, and relevant to the country and its people. I wish you strength, energy, and good health as you continue to address the tasks before us.

The topic of today's meeting is training personnel for the economy. This issue concerns literally every region and every sector. Personnel policy is not only comprehensive in nature; today it is one of the most important and fundamental factors for the country's development.

This year, 19 national projects with clearly defined targets were launched. Eight of them are aimed at ensuring Russia's technological leadership. All national projects are united by a common strategic goal: ensuring sustainable development and strengthening the country's sovereignty.

The overwhelming majority of our citizens - young people and representatives of different generations alike - are involved in this large-scale effort. The achievement of our goals directly depends on their professionalism, knowledge, talent, and competence.

For reference, the employment to population ratio has reached 97.8 percent, while the unemployment rate has fallen to 2.2 percent. This is a very high employment indicator and a historically low unemployment rate.

We know that, especially in some regions - in fact, in the country in general, the unemployment rate among young people is always slightly higher, although there have been some positive changes. The unemployment rate among citizens aged below 34 is also steadily decreasing, standing at 3.8 percent in 2024.

Since 2022, approximately 2.6 million people have entered the economy additionally. This is a positive result.

What we now have is a deficit of workforce. Demand in some sectors of the economy is several times higher than supply, especially in professional groups that are essential for manufacturing. Skilled manual workers and engineers are highly sought after. There are currently almost 28 job openings for each registered unemployed person with a vocational profession. Designers, technologists and engineers are also in high demand.

Serious steps have been taken in recent years to turn this situation around. These measures are included in the Personnel and Youth and Children national projects. The system of training engineers is changing, and secondary vocational education is developing.

There is no doubt that we must be even more active and respond effectively to the most complex modern challenges. Therefore, I will outline some further steps that appear to be most vital to us.

I will begin with a long-term horizon of the next 10-15 years. It is becoming obvious that this will be a time of colossal technological transformation and rapid development of artificial intelligence. It is the biggest technological breakthrough that world history has ever seen.

I would like to highlight the following for regional teams, senior members of the Government, and representatives of all industries: this period has arrived, it has literally rushed into our lives. Recently, at a conference on artificial intelligence, I heard someone compare the current changes and their impact on various industries to the space programme. Indeed, the space programme seriously changed the world.

Colleagues, I want to point out that artificial intelligence is a much more comprehensive breakthrough, a multipurpose technology which is quickly expanding into all areas of life. It is rapidly conquering all areas of life, automating numerous tasks. The speed of AI system adoption is increasing every year, drawing almost every person into its orbit, changing lives, the value of professions and the labour market itself.

Listen, everything will change. We must be ready for this, by all means.

As we address current and medium-term challenges in personnel policy, we must consider and be fully prepared for the systemic changes brought about by artificial intelligence. Technological transformations have always resulted in some professions disappearing and others emerging, but today these changes are far more profound and extensive.

The very principles of training specialists and building their careers are being fundamentally redefined. The traditional, linear trajectory, from education to junior positions and then to management, will inevitably change.

Demand for a number of specialities and highly qualified experts will grow significantly. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence will gradually replace entry-level positions, including in creative and intellectual fields.

The growing integration of artificial intelligence into production processes will not only automate individual operations and, consequently, displace certain jobs, but will also - and this is important - create new ones. These will require the ability to set objectives, work with data, think like an engineer, and assume responsibility for results.

In this context, it is essential to ensure clear and understandable professional transitions for people, unlocking new opportunities for education, retraining, and lifelong professional development.

We refer to this issue from time to time, but I want to stress once again: this is extremely important - absolutely critical. We must change the entire paradigm of personnel training, in its entirety.

This is not a slogan or a declaration of intent; it is a key task for the government, businesses, and the education system alike. To address it, we need to create an accessible and flexible infrastructure, which must continuously evolve in step with changes in the economy, technology, and science.

I would also add that today the ability to work as part of a team is becoming a genuine competitive advantage. This, too, has been discussed more than once. It is no coincidence that in the new season of the Leaders of Russia competition, applications are submitted not individually, but by teams of like-minded people. First of all, we will assess the participants' readiness to work as a team.

Colleagues, please note: the time window for responding to these rapid changes is extremely narrow. At both the federal and regional levels, we must develop approaches to addressing these challenges within the education system and the labour market well in advance.

Above all, we must remember that human resources are not functions but, above all, people. At the heart of our national development goals is the individual, the family, their wellbeing and quality of life.

New technologies call for reassessment of existing approaches and development of new training programmes and methodologies, as well as large-scale retraining of teaching staff at all levels.

We cannot continue to live by outdated models. At the same time, it is crucial not to lose the fundamental principles of our education system: fostering independent and creative thinking among schoolchildren and students, developing analytical skills, including the ability to critically assess proposals generated by artificial intelligence.

In different settings and on various occasions, we have repeatedly emphasised that we must not allow a situation in which society is divided into intellectual elites on the one hand and "human automatons" on the other - people capable of doing nothing more than pressing buttons. This is a critically important task for the education system and for personnel training and retraining systems. A great deal must be rethought here, with a shift towards direct engagement with pupils and students in classrooms, working with them hands-on to develop and support independent thinking. This is a top priority.

The Government is completing work on the Education Development Strategy until 2036. Significant progress has been made, but the Strategy must clearly address the transition to fundamentally new principles that enable every person to remain in demand throughout their entire working life, as well as the formation of new core skills amid the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence. The mechanisms for implementing the Strategy are of critical importance as well.

Colleagues, I would now like to say a few words about our medium-term and immediate priorities.

We must continue efforts to improve the quality of training within the vocational education system and ensure stronger demand in the labour market for graduates of colleges, vocational schools and universities.

The Ministry of Labour has prepared a substantive national ranking of graduate employment outcomes. It shows, for each educational institution, graduate employment rates and salary levels. Naturally, the top performers will be highlighted. However, I propose that, based on this ranking, we also identify each year 100 educational institutions that have demonstrated the weakest results. This is precisely the case where intervention is needed to improve the situation in the interests of students, regions and the country as a whole.

Specifically, for each such institution, we must jointly develop and implement recovery or reorganisation programmes together with regional authorities and all of you, colleagues. This work must be carried out consistently. There must be no stagnation.

Turning to current tasks, it is essential to address the imbalances that have emerged in the labour market. One of the key issues is the regional disparities in unemployment rates. I would like to note that special roadmaps have already been developed and are being implemented for "labour-surplus" regions with historically high unemployment. Of course, this work must be continued.

Naturally, each region of Russia has its unique characteristics. However, conditions for increasing economic activity must be created almost everywhere. I would like to stress that particular focus should be placed on veterans of the special military operation and their families. For reference, over the next seven years, we need to bring 12.2 million people into the economy.

It is also necessary to optimise the sectoral structure of employment by reallocating labour resources from sectors where employment will objectively and inevitably decline. These sectors are already well known: those where artificial intelligence will increasingly perform functions previously carried out by people. This includes wholesale and retail trade, financial and insurance activities, public administration, and a number of others. We must anticipate this shift and train people for sectors where labour demand will grow. These, too, are generally clear: manufacturing, including high-tech industries, information and communications, education, as well as professional, scientific, and technical activities.

The development of career guidance infrastructure for young people is critically important. A number of regions have already established specialised career centres for young people. They help them choose a profession and, in many cases, guide them towards specific jobs. This experience must certainly be scaled up, and regions that genuinely invest in young people and their future should receive comprehensive support.

We can also see strong interest from employers in ensuring that their employees rapidly acquire new knowledge and skills demanded by high-tech enterprises and organisations. This can and should be achieved through the development of continuing professional education. However, I would like to emphasise that this requires a thorough and effective overhaul of the entire system.

We must focus on the development of universities that train personnel for key sectors: energy, transport, agriculture, construction, culture, and healthcare. It is necessary to discuss and develop new development programmes for these universities through close cooperation between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, sectoral ministries, relevant enterprises, and the business community.

Colleagues, I have not touched upon all the issues, as there are many, and we have a large number of speakers. The most important thing is to propose solutions: not just to list problems, but to offer concrete ways to solve them.

I now give the floor to Chairman of the State Council Commission Vladislav Shapsha.

<...>

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Russia Has Plan to Respond to Possible Seizure of Assets Frozen in West - Deputy PM Novak

Sputnik News

20251225

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia has a plan to respond to the possible seizure of assets frozen in the West, and it will be implemented if necessary, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday.

"An appropriate plan has been drawn up, and it will be implemented if such cases arise," Novak said in an interview with the Rossiya 24 TV channel.

The Russian response would be in kind and "quite tough," the official added.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends an EU-Gulf Cooperation Council roundtable meeting at the European Council building in Brussels, Belgium, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. - Sputnik International, 1920, 23.12.2025

On Oil and Gas in Russia

Oil production in Russia in 2025 will be approximately the same as in 2024, at 516 million tonnes, Novak said.

"We will reach production levels roughly similar to those in 2024 - 516 million tonnes," Novak said in the interview with the Rossiya 24 broadcaster.

Oil production in Russia will increase by 2% in 2026, to 525 million tonnes, Novak added.

"We are currently seeing that [fuel] stocks that were used during the period of increased demand have now been restored, and even higher stocks than last year," Novak also said, adding that Russian fuel market is absolutely balanced.

Russia will continue to develop the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG), but the output of 100 million tonnes per year has been postponed for several years, Novak also said.

"We will also develop the production of liquefied natural gas. Our goal was to reach 100 million tonnes [per year by 2030]. It is clear that due to the sanctions restrictions, this will now be postponed for several years," Novak said in the interview with the Rossiya 24 TV channel.

On Cooperation with China

The Far Eastern gas supply route to China should be put into operation in 2028, Novak also said.

"The Far Eastern route, which will be put into operation in 2028, is being built," Novak said in the interview with the Rossiya 24 TV channel.

Preparations for signing commercial agreements between Russian and Chinese companies for gas supplies via the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline are already at the final stages, Novak said.

"The Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline through Mongolia has already been designed. Our companies and partners are at the final stages of reaching commercial agreements for gas supplies. Therefore, we are looking forward to this event," Novak said in the interview with the Rossiya 24 broadcaster.

On Situation on Global Market

The global oil market is currently balanced, Novak said.

"Today, the [oil] market is balanced. We see that during periods of low demand, decisions to increase production are not taken. When demand increases, as the market grows, production increases," Novak said in the interview with the Rossiya 24 broadcaster.

Hydrocarbons will remain the main source of energy balance in the coming decades, even the International Energy Agency (IEA) has changed its views on the role of renewable energy sources, Alexander Novak said.

"The hydrocarbons are not going anywhere. And they are the basis of, let's say, the energy balance, at least in the coming decades. And even the International Energy Agency, which actively preached that there is no need to invest in the oil and gas industries, has changed its views today and says that it is necessary to invest in the hydrocarbon industry," Novak told the Rossiya 24 TV channel, commenting on changes in the approach of different countries to renewable energy sources.

 Sputnik

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Taiwan patrol vessels monitor Chinese coast guard in Kinmen waters

ROC Central News Agency

12/25/2025 07:57 PM

Taipei, Dec. 25 (CNA) Taiwan dispatched three patrol frigates to shadow and monitor Chinese coast guard vessels after the latter entered restricted waters off the Kinmen Islands, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said on Thursday.

Three Chinese coast guard vessels were detected sailing in formation outside restricted waters west of Dadan Island, part of the outlying Kinmen Island chain, at around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Taiwan's CGA said in a press release.

The Chinese ships, designated 14605, 14606, and 14609, sailed one after another from the south of Dadan Island and entered Kinmen restricted waters at 3 p.m., prompting the CGA to deploy three patrol vessels to sail alongside each of them and prevent them from further advancing, according to the release.

Via radio broadcasts in both Chinese and English, CGA personnel informed the Chinese vessels that their actions severely undermined regional peace and stability, posed a risk to navigation safety, and demanded that they leave immediately, the CGA said.

The Chinese coast guard vessels left the area at 4:12 p.m., the CGA said.

Taiwan's CGA condemned the incursion in such poor weather as unprofessional and irrational, noting that it neglected navigational safety and greatly endangered passing vessels.

(By Wu Wen-jung and Shih Hsiu-chuan)

Enditem/AW



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Taiwan 'open' to possibilities with Honduras after presidential poll

ROC Central News Agency

12/25/2025 04:20 PM

Taipei, Dec. 25 (CNA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Thursday it will maintain an "open and pragmatic" attitude toward future developments with Honduras in the wake of its presidential election in which the winner pledged to restore ties with Taiwan.

In a statement, MOFA called on the president-elect, Nasry Asfura of the conservative opposition National Party of Honduras, to implement policies based on the welfare of the people.

But MOFA also said it remained committed to its consistent stance of maintaining an "open and pragmatic" approach to future relations, without offering any further comment on the possibility of restoring ties.

MOFA's statement came after Honduras' National Electoral Council declared Asfura the winner on Christmas Eve (local time) in his second bid for the presidency.

According to the council's final data, Asfura secured 40.3 percent of the vote in a tight race against Salvador Nasralla of the center-right Liberal Party, who garnered 39.5 percent.

Rixi Moncada of the ruling Libre party finished a distant third.

During the campaign, both Asfura and Nasralla pledged to restore diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Ties were severed in 2023 by sitting President Xiomara Castro in favor of the People's Republic of China, ending an 82-year alliance.

In July, Asfura told Bloomberg that Honduras was "100 times better off" with Taiwan, and he identified a triangle of cooperation involving Taiwan, the United States, and Israel as his primary strategy for boosting the national economy.

The push to restore ties has followed a period of severe economic hardship for the Honduran aquaculture sector.

In July, local media El Heraldo cited data from the National Association of Aquaculturists of Honduras (ANDAH) showing that shrimp exports to Taiwan plummeted by 74 percent in the first six months of 2025 relative to 2023 levels, with China not picking up the slack.

Similarly, data compiled by Taiwan's Customs showed that the value of Honduran shrimp imports dropped from US$106 million in 2023 to just US$22.36 million in the first 11 months of 2025.

Despite Asfura's declared win, Nasralla and Congress President Luis Redondo of the ruling party have respectively rejected the outcome, alleging the exclusion of certain ballots that should have been counted.

(By Chao Yen-hsiang)

Enditem/ls





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Those who seek to split the country will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history, says MND spokesperson on DPP's US-related remarks

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 25, 2025 06:04 PM

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) warned the DPP authorities on Thursday that those who betray the nation and attempt to split the country will inevitably be nailed to the pillar of shame in history.

The remarks were made after Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te said in an interview that Taiwan should "seek peace through strength," reiterated that US-Taiwan relations are "rock solid," and that $40 billion in arms purchases will be pushed forward. The head of Taiwan's defense authority also claimed that the US emphasizes allies sharing defense responsibilities, and that Taiwan needs to continue advancing the "special defense budget" to demonstrate its "determination to defend itself."

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the MND, said that the current tensions and instability in the Taiwan Straits stem from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' collusion with external forces to engage in "independence-seeking" provocations.

Lai's act of unprincipled submission to the US, his reckless militarization, and his escalation of cross-Straits confrontation make him a true "destroyer of peace" and "instigator of conflict," said Zhang, noting that yet now he shamelessly talks about "peace" and arrogantly boasts about "strength"  this is nothing but overestimating himself and deceiving both himself and others.

Zhang said we sternly warn the DPP authorities: the national reunification is an unstoppable trend. A "pawn" will ultimately meet the fate of being abandoned. Those who betray the nation and split the country will inevitably be nailed to the pillar of shame in history.

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Chinese PLA will not cease efforts to combat separatist activities, promote national reunification: spokesperson

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source Xinhuanet

EditorLi Jiayao

Time2025-12-25 21:18:15

BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's defense ministry on Thursday said that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) will not cease its efforts to combat separatist activities and promote national reunification.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference in response to a media inquiry regarding the Taiwan authorities' concerns over the mainland's military activities.

Noting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, Zhang said it is entirely legitimate, necessary, reasonable and lawful for the PLA to conduct regular training and maintain combat readiness around the island, and to carry out counter-secession and counter-interference operations to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"The PLA will not cease its efforts to combat separatist activities and promote national reunification," Zhang said. "For every 'Taiwan independence' provocation, we will intensify our pressure further until the complete reunification of the motherland."

The spokesperson also urged the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan to face reality, conform to the prevailing trend, completely abandon the separatist schemes, and cease all provocative and war-inciting actions.

In response to another media inquiry, Zhang said it is a sheer waste of effort for certain media outlets to make groundless speculations about the PLA's actions and deliberately peddle "war anxiety," which will only undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

"We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort, but we will never promise to renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary," he said.

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2025 sees highest British defence exports since records began in huge boost to workers and companies

Press release

The UK has seen the highest value of defence exports in 2025 since records began

From: Ministry of Defence and Luke Pollard MP

Published 26 December 2025

UK secures over 20 billion in defence exports to allies in 2025, expected to be the highest since records began over 40 years ago

Deals include UK's largest ever warship export agreement and largest fighter jet sale for a generation

Over 25,000 British jobs directly supported by these deals for decades to come

2025 is set to be the best year for UK defence exports since records began more than 40 years ago after the Government secured over 20 billion worth of defence deals in a single year, backing thousands of skilled British jobs and companies across the UK.

From the UK's biggest ever warship deal to the largest fighter jet exports agreement in a generation, the Government has ensured the UK is a leading defence partner for our allies across the world.

It demonstrates strong and rapid delivery of the Strategic Defence Review's ambition to make defence an engine for growth through increasing exports, while strengthening the UK's commitment to working closely with NATO allies.

The UK's 2025 growth-boosting exports include a 10 billion deal with Norway to export at least five Type 26 frigates, supporting 4,000 jobs across the UK across over 430 businesses of all sizes.

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said:

We are showing again how this government is delivering on our pledge to make defence an engine for economic growth across the country while boosting our security and that of our allies. By winning the historic deal to build Type 26 frigates for Norway, we are driving growth in Scotland and across the UK while better equipping our combined navies to counter the threat from Russia in the North Atlantic. And by exporting Typhoon fighter jets to Turkiye, we are securing high-skilled jobs in Lancashire, Scotland and across the UK whilst helping strengthen NATO's southern flank. We are committed to working with our allies and defence industries to make sure the UK is a leader in global defence exports, and there's more to come in 2026.

This month the UK and Norway signed the Lunna House agreement, which will see the Royal Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy operate together to counter the threat from Putin's fleet in the North Atlantic. The UK recently announced the Atlantic Bastion transformation of the Royal Navy's submarine-hunting capabilities, using uncrewed systems to develop a hybrid navy.

A further 20,000 jobs across the UK were secured through the largest fighter jet deal in a generation, selling 20 world-leading Typhoons to Turkiye in an 8 billion boost to the economy and strengthening NATO's collective security.

These deals are also complemented by the export and sale of 12 C-130 aircraft to Turkiye at a combined value to UK defence and Marshall Aerospace Group of over 550M - safeguarding 1,400 skilled jobs in Cambridge - as well as the sale by Devon-based company Supacat of 18 transporter vehicles for Czechia's armed forces.

Earlier this year the UK signed a new AUKUS treaty with Australia to better protect our seas, which has potential to drive up to 20 billion in potential exports and support over 21,000 UK jobs.

The UK is looking to build on this year's success in 2026 by delivering further deals with allies, actively seeking to export systems such as advanced aircraft, the latest maritime technology and systems, and armoured transport vehicles such as Boxer.

To strengthen the UK's position as a leading defence exporter, the UK recently joined the Agreement on Defence Export Controls, alongside France, Germany and Spain, which will make it easier for British business to export to partner nations.

These successes come as the Ministry of Defence implements the largest programme of reform in over 50 years, including the establishment of the National Armaments Director Group and its new International Collaboration & Exports team.

UK Defence and Security Exports defence exports statistics go back to 1983, more than 40 years ago.

Rupert Pearce, National Armaments Director, said:

These export successes reflect the NAD Group's mission to strengthen international partnerships while driving economic growth at home. By working as one integrated organisation, we're facilitating access to UK defence capability for our allies to access world-leading UK defence capability, creating jobs and prosperity across the country whilst building the collective deterrence we all need.

Avril Jolliffe, Director General of International Collaboration and Exports (IC&E), said:

Global security demands an always-on approach to international collaboration and exports. As announced in the Strategic Defence Review, we're creating a single point of focus that connects UK industry directly with international opportunities. This isn't just about selling equipment - it's about building defence partnerships that support collective security and UK economic objectives.

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Zelensky's claims of Chinese satellite images linked to Russia strikes on Ukraine facilities an old tactic to drag China into conflict: expert

Global Times

By Xu Yelu Published: Dec 25, 2025 06:26 PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Wednesday that a link has been observed between "Chinese satellites imaging Ukrainian territory" and Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities. A Chinese expert pointed out on Thursday that it is Ukraine's old tactic to serve its own interests in the Russia-Ukraine conflict by exerting pressure on China in a bid to drag the country into this vortex, warning that such approaches do not contribute to resolving the crisis but would only further complicate the situation.

The expert reiterates that China did not create the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to the crisis. China has neither stood idle nor taken advantage of it in the crisis. Instead, China has been sparing efforts to settling disputes and conflicts through dialogue, consultation and political means.

While Zelensky discussed Russia's attempts to remove its energy companies from the scope of global sanctions during a briefing by Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, he mentioned China.

"In particular, we are recording increased ties between Russia and entities in China that may be providing space-based intelligence data. Unfortunately, there have been correlations between Chinese satellite imaging of Ukrainian territory and Russian strikes on the corresponding energy infrastructure facilities," Zelensky claimed on Telegram.

Regarding the remarks, Zhang Hong, a Chinese research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday that these statements attempt to incite other countries to pressure China so as to drag the country into the conflict, while seeking more military assistance from Europe and the US.

Such approaches do not contribute to resolving the crisis; on the contrary, they risk further complicating the situation, Zhang noted.

China's position has been consistent, clear, and firm. "We have always adhered to the principle of neutrality, actively promoting peace talks and dialogue in the Ukraine crisis, and are committed to facilitating the peaceful resolution of disputes," Zhang stressed.

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukraine and some Western countries have been trying to drag China into the conflict. Earlier in April, the Ukrainian leader claimed at a press conference that his government had intelligence that China was producing weapons on Russian, according to Reuters. In response to this, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that China has always been committed to promoting a ceasefire and peace talks and has never provided lethal weapons to any party to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

On Wednesday, when asked about Zelensky's remarks that a new round of sanctions would soon be imposed on Russian entities and individuals assisting Russia, including nationals of other countries such as China, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry Lin Jian said that China will firmly protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies and nationals.

Lin emphasized that China opposes unilateral sanctions that violate international law and lack the authorization of the UN Security Council. "We urge Ukraine to stop pursuing the wrong course at once," he stressed.

In the meantime, Zelensky has also thanked China for supporting his country's territorial integrity and emphasized the two nations' improving bilateral relations amid China's intensified efforts to mediate peace. Zelensky delivered the remarks when accepting a letter of credence from China's ambassador Ma Shengkun on December 2024.

On December 18, Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin held political consultations between the foreign ministries of China and Ukraine with Ukrainian First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergiy Kyslytsya in Beijing.

Liu stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ukraine, friendship and cooperation have always been the defining features of bilateral relations. Upholding the principles of mutual respect and trust, mutual understanding and accommodation, and mutual benefit, both sides have achieved fruitful results in cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, agriculture, science and technology, and culture.

China is ready to work with Ukraine to continue implementing the important common understandings reached by the heads of state and promote the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations, Liu said.

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Ukraine Strikes Russian Port As Moscow Unleashes Overnight Drone Barrage

By RFE/RL's Russian Service and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 25, 2025

Multiple drones struck the Russian port city of Temryuk in the Krasnodar region overnight, igniting large fuel storage tanks and damaging industrial facilities, regional authorities and Russian media reported early on December 25.

The strike came as Russian forces launched a massive wave of nighttime drone attacks across Ukraine, hitting energy infrastructure and residential areas in several regions, Ukrainian officials said.

According to the Krasnodar regional operational headquarters, two oil product reservoirs caught fire following the attack on the port on the Sea of Azov in southern Russia.

The blaze spread over an estimated 2,000 square meters, and preliminary reports indicated no casualties. Footage published by local outlets showed flames rising from what appeared to be a refinery area near the shoreline.

Speaking to Reuters, an official with Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) attributed the fire to a Ukrainian long-range drone strike, though Kyiv has not publicly claimed the attack.

Officials also reported damage to production buildings and agricultural equipment at a nearby enterprise in Nikolayevka Village in the Shcherbinovsky district.

Elsewhere, the Ukrainian Air Force claimed to have "successfully struck the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia's southern Rostov region with Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles." The air force said multiple explosions were reported and the extent of the damage was being assessed.

Rostov Governor Yury Slyusar confirmed the attack, saying that an emergency worker was injured while fighting a fire at an industrial facility in Novoshakhtinsk.

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed on December 25 to have shot down between 141 and 170 Ukrainian drones overnight, including seven over Krasnodar Krai, as well as several others over the Moscow and Bryansk regions. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said eight drones heading toward the capital were intercepted.

However, Ukrainian forces have in recent months conducted repeated long-range drone operations targeting Russian energy and transportation infrastructure.

Earlier this month, Kyiv-linked drone units hit the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal in Krasnodar Krai, and on December 9, a liquefied gas terminal in Temryuk suffered damage in an attack attributed to the SBU.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the front line, Russian forces launched a massive wave of drones against Ukraine overnight.

"Russia did not stop its brutal bombing of civilians in Ukraine even on the holy Christmas night," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha wrote on X on December 25.

"Russia deliberately destroys energy and civilian infrastructure, leaving people without power, water, and heating amid freezing temperatures," he added.

In Chernihiv, a Russian drone struck a residential high-rise building, according to Ukraine's Emergency Service.

Fires also broke out as a result of strikes on several energy infrastructure facilities in the city, the emergency service said.

In the Odesa region, a Russian drone strike killed one and injured two, sparking fires at port and industrial facilities and damaging administrative buildings, the emergency service reported on December 25.

In Kharkiv, a Russian attack killed a 51-year-old man and injured several others, regional authorities said in post on Telegram.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 131 attack drones -- including Iranian-made Shahed and Russian-produced Geran variants -- were launched from Russia's Kursk, Orel, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk regions, as well as from occupied Crimea and parts of Donetsk.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down or disabled 106 drones, the military said, though 22 drones hit targets at 15 locations in northern, southern, and eastern Ukraine.

The overnight attack on Ukraine came amid intense diplomatic and military activity, as Russia's full-scale invasion approaches the end of its fourth year.

In a statement posted online on December 25, almost a week after US talks with Ukrainian and Russian representatives in Florida, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke by phone with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

"There are good ideas that could work toward a joint result and lasting peace," he said, adding that Rustem Umerov, who has led Ukrainian diplomats in the United States, would speak with Witkoff and Kushner again later in the day.

"I hope that today's Christmas agreements and ideas that were discussed will be useful," Zelenskyy added.

Commenting on the Kremlin's view of talks with the United States to end its invasion of Ukraine, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow saw "slow but steady progress."

Earlier, speaking at the annual press event in Moscow on December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave no signal that the Kremlin was ready to make substantial concessions, voicing confidence in the positions of Russian military forces on the battlefield.

*NOTE: This article has been amended to clarify that Temyruk lies on the Sea of Azov coast.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-oil- tanks-fire-temryuk-drones/33632522.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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Andrii Sybiha commented on Russia's night attack on Ukraine on Christmas night

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

25 December 2025 12:06

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "Russia did not stop its brutal bombing of civilians in Ukraine even on the holy Christmas night.

Strikes on Odesa killed one person and injured two others. One civilian was killed in the Kharkiv region and another in the Chernihiv region. People were injured in the Zaporizhzhia and Sumy regions.

Odesa suffers the most these days. Russia deliberately destroys energy and civilian infrastructure, leaving people without power, water, and heating amid freezing temperatures.

No military purposejust Russia's intent to kill people because they are Ukrainians. Such actions fall under Article II (c) of the 1948 Genocide Convention: "Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part."

We urge the world to act, increase pressure on the aggressor, and strengthen Ukraine's means to defend itself and its people, including air defense."

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Ukrainian businesses thank service members: the 'Pluses' Program delivers over UAH 500 million in savings in its first year

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

25 December, 2025, 10:37 AM EET

Exactly one year ago, the Ministry of Defence launched the 'Pluses' National Support Program for Service Members in the Army+ application. Since then, the Program has become part of service members' everyday life, with its offers used nearly 8 million times.

To date, 16 partners have joined the Program, while total savings for service members have surpassed UAH 504 million. The 'Pluses' program is used not only by service members; they also actively share offers with family members, with such sharing recorded more than 110,000 times.

Detailed results of the 'Pluses' Program are presented in the annual report available on the Program's page.

The Program brings together the government and businesses around special offers in areas most in demand among service members, including transportation, fuel, logistics, gear, food, healthcare, recreation, and more.

The 'Pluses' National Support Program for Service Members was officially launched on December 24, 2024. The available opportunities can be accessed through the Army+ mobile application, developed by service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine's Center for Scaling Technological Solutions. The service is designed so that engagement with partners is automated and transparent, without the transfer of personal data.

In 2026, the Ministry of Defence plans to expand the Program by engaging new categories of businesses, ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises to large national and international companies. The focus is on scalable services that meet the real needs of service members and their families, as well as on developing analytics to support data-driven decision-making.

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We Have Some New Ideas in Terms of Formats, Meetings, and Timing on How to Bring a Real Peace Closer - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

25 December 2025 - 19:30

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today was also an active day for us, for our diplomacy - there were important conversations. Patriarch Bartholomew - I am grateful for the greetings extended to Ukraine and to all Ukrainians on the occasion of Christmas, as well as for the clear support of genuine values - the values of peace and respect for human life, and for the protection of life.

Today, we also spoke for nearly an hour with envoys of the U.S. President - Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. It was a truly good conversation: we went into many details; there are good ideas, which we discussed. We have some new ideas in terms of formats, meetings, and, of course, timing on how to bring a real peace closer. Later today, Rustem Umerov will continue discussions with the American team, and it is important if we succeed in organizing what we discussed today. Some documents are already prepared, as I see it, they are nearly ready, and some documents are fully prepared. Of course, there is still work to be done on sensitive issues. But together with the American team, we understand how to put all of this in place. The weeks ahead may also be intensive. Thank you, America! And I thank everyone who continues to put pressure on Russia so that they fully understand that prolonging the war will have severe consequences for them - for Russia. I also spoke today with the Prime Minister of Norway - I am grateful to Jonas for his unwavering support. I informed him about the current state of our discussions with the United States, and together with Jonas we also discussed possible next joint steps. I will also be speaking with other European leaders to ensure that we are all moving at the same pace and toward one shared goal. Real security, real recovery, and real peace - this is what must be achieved.

I received a report today from Pavlo Palisa on issues that expand our capabilities at the front. I also signed decrees today awarding our warriors with state honors. And everyone who is now defending our positions - all those currently on combat missions, at combat posts, all those providing Ukraine with protection against Russian assaults and Russian strikes - all of you, our warriors, are strengthening our diplomatic positions. Thank you! Thank you to everyone who is fighting for Ukraine as for themselves! Christ is born! Glorify Him!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Held a Call with Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner

President of Ukraine

25 December 2025 - 18:40

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with envoys of the President of the United States of America - Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

From the Ukrainian side, the call was also attended by NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andrii Hnatov, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergiy Kyslytsya, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Brusyl, and Advisor to the Cabinet of the President of Ukraine at the Office of the President Oleksandr Bevz.

The Head of State thanked the American partners for their constructive and intensive work, as well as for their kind words and Christmas greetings to the Ukrainian people. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also asked the American team to pass along Christmas greetings to Donald Trump and his entire family.

The President emphasized that the Ukrainian team is working around the clock to bring the end of this war closer and to ensure that all documents and steps are realistic, effective, and reliable.

The parties discussed certain substantive details of the ongoing work. There are good ideas that can work toward a shared outcome and lasting peace. There has been tangible progress in work on the documents, in particular on security guarantees and economic prosperity.

"Real security, real recovery, and real peace are what all of us need - Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and every partner who helps us. I hope that today's Christmas understandings and the ideas we discussed will prove useful," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

It was also agreed that later today the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, will hold another conversation with Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

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President Held a Phone Call with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

President of Ukraine

25 December 2025 - 17:03

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The Head of State congratulated His All-Holiness on Christmas and thanked him for his sincere greetings to the Ukrainian people, as well as for his support for the defense of life and for diplomatic efforts.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that even on Christmas Eve and Christmas night, the Russian army did not stop its brutal strikes against Ukraine, its energy infrastructure, and Ukrainian people. Power outage schedules are currently in effect in many cities and villages.

The President emphasized that today, during the daytime, Russian forces once again struck cities in the east of Ukraine. In Chernihiv, at virtually the same time as the conversation with His All-Holiness, emergency services were providing assistance to people wounded as a result of a Russian drone striking a residential building.

"Sadly, we are dealing with barbarians who, in the end, do not even believe in God. This is what Russia has become - and it is not ashamed of it at all. On the contrary, they are trying to make their thirst for killing the foundation of national pride there in Russia. We will continue countering the Russian war and aggression in every possible way, defending our lives, the lives of Ukrainians, and the lives of all people who suffer because this war is still ongoing," the Head of State said.

The President thanked His All-Holiness for his readiness to continue supporting all peace efforts.

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(All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated)

Vancouver, December 26, 2025 - American Pacific Mining Corp. (CSE: USGD) (OTCQX: USGDF) (FSE: 1QC1) ("American Pacific" or the "Company") announces that, pursuant to the terms of employment with three of its former employees (collectively, the "Employment Agreements"), the Company will be issuing an aggregate of 1,281,722 common shares in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") at a deemed price of $0.175 per Common Share to such former employees on or about January 5, 2026, subject to receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, in full satisfaction of employment-related liabilities totaling $224,301.35 (the "Employee Issuance"). The Employee Issuance is expected to close on or about January 5, 2026.

The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), 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 news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. "United States" and "U.S. person" are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.

About American Pacific Mining Corp.

American Pacific Mining Corp. is a precious and base metals explorer and developer focused on opportunities in the Western United States. The Company's flagship asset is the 100%-owned past-producing Madison Copper-Gold Project in Montana. For the Madison transaction, American Pacific was selected as a finalist in both 2021 and 2022 for 'Deal of the Year' at the S&P Global Platts Metals Awards, an annual program that recognizes exemplary accomplishments in 16 performance categories. Through a 2025 transaction with Vizsla Copper, American Pacific has established a major equity position and secured $15M in aggregate milestone upside exposure to the advanced exploration stage Palmer Copper-Zinc VMS Project in Alaska. Also, in American Pacific's portfolio are several high-grade, precious metals projects located in key mining districts in Nevada, on which the Company intends to transact. The Company's mission is to provide shareholders discovery and exploration upside exposure across its portfolio through partnerships, spin-outs and direct exploration.

American Pacific is incorporated pursuant to the laws of British Columbia and its head office is located at Suite 910 - 510 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8.

On behalf of the American Pacific Mining Corp Board of Directors:

Warwick Smith, CEO & Director

Corporate Office: Suite 910 - 510 Burrard Street

Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8 Canada

Full disclosure can be found in our NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Madison Project at www.americanpacificmining.com.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the completion of the Acquisition and the concurrent financing, and timely receipt of all necessary approvals.

Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be considered forward-looking information. The Company's forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release and include but are not limited to information with respect to, the Employee Share Issuance, and receipt of all necessary approvals therefor. Other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279068
When he retires in January, Kansas Senate President Dick Bond will leave his state capitol in much better shape than he found it  literally as well as figuratively. With the fiscal skill and precision characteristic of his long political career, Bond jiggered the interest between the states unclaimed funds and pension accounts to come up with $40 million for the first renovation of Topekas capitol building since World War I.Bond has called the project the only thing Ive done that will have lasting value and importance, a legacy that will be remembered after most of the bills that have dominated his time in Topeka are rewritten. The renovation is symbolic of Bonds 14-year service as a senator, which has been marked both by his love of the legislature as an institution and his desire to look beyond short-term budget disputes to invest in his states future.During his final term, Bond has been especially aggressive in pursuit of policy changes, pushing for higher legislative salaries and releasing an ambitious plan to reshape K-12 education. Government is reactionary, Bond says. It just sort of reacts to crisis, and we never really lay out any kind of plans or direction.Kansas has, in effect, a three-party system: conservative Republicans, moderate Republicans and Democrats. The three were roughly equal in the Senate during Bonds four years as president, and early in his reign, conservatives made common cause with Democrats to thwart him.The Republican Right was especially infuriated with Bond for watering down a death penalty bill and a ban on partial birth abortions. He added fuel to the opposition by not only squelching English-only legislation but also proposing that all students in the state be required to have proficiency in Spanish. Although these stances and his iron control of the Senate agenda earned him plenty of enemies, the enemies never managed to coalesce behind a single leader. So Bond won the loyalty of enough fellow Republicans to maintain effective control of the chamber for most votes.He did that in large part by using his favorite tactic: wearing opponents down by listening to them. He has always believed that the essence of the process is letting each player act out his role. In 1999, his patience helped him persuade even senators who had signed no-tax pledges to support a boost in gas taxes to pay for a $12.6 billion highway bill.Bond does not shy away from political hardball. Although he is not the sort of leader who punishes malcontents by assigning them dingy office space, he has kept his intraparty rivals from holding committee chairs, and he has never been above doling out favors for votes. One Democratic senator remembers telling Bond that the price of seven crucial votes on the highway bill was $50 million in local road improvements. Bond simply walked into the office of Governor Bill Graves  a close ally  and got the money. Bond always knew how many votes he controlled but, to increase his leverage, generally kept his own desires close to his vest. One longtime colleague, former House Speaker Tim Shallenburger, says that for the past decade, the first major item of business for House leaders each year has been to puzzle out what Bond might want.Earlier in his career, Bond served 25 years as top aide to three members of Congress from eastern Kansas. Turning down opportunities to run for Congress himself, he came home and became a banker instead. But when his state Senate seat was vacated, he finally opted to seek office, and, given his political connections and fundraising skills, quickly emerged as a power in Topeka.There are those in Topeka who wonder how the legislature will function next year without Bond, but he himself remains sanguine about the newcomers who will be running the soon-to-be spiffy capitol. No ones indispensable, he says. They just think they are.
Softcare FM Manufacturing Co. Ltd. crowned Overall Best Industrial Company of the Year at 14th AGI awards

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Sentuo Group Executive Chairman celebrates daughters wedding in China with Ghanaian delegation

Mohammed Raii Adverts Dec - 26 - 2025 , 16:37 2 minutes read

A Ghanaian delegation made up of family members, friends, business associates and staff of the Executive Chairman and President of Sentuo Group in Ghana, Mr Xu Ningquan, has accompanied him to China to attend the wedding ceremony of his daughter.

The delegation showcased Ghanas rich cultural heritage throughout the ceremony, highlighting the strong personal and professional ties Mr Ningquan has built with Ghana over the years.

Also in attendance was a delegation from the Fujian Association, an organisation of Chinese businesspeople based in Ghana. The wedding ceremony, which took place in Changle, Fuzhou, in Chinas Fujian Province, was described as one of the high-profile society events in the area.

The visit, which doubles as a two-week vacation for members of the Ghanaian delegation, will also include tours of several popular tourist destinations across China.

Speaking on the significance of the gesture, a close friend and business associate, Dr Mohamed Raii, described Mr Ningquans decision to sponsor his Ghanaian family and friends to China for his daughters wedding as thoughtful and symbolic of his deep connection to Ghana.

Mr Ningquan has made Ghana his home and acknowledges that much of his business success is owed to the support he has received from staff, friends and business associates in Ghana, whom he now considers family, Dr Raii said.

He added that Mr Ningquans decision to share such a significant family milestone with members of his Ghanaian community reflected how deeply rooted his affection for the country had become.

For many of us who travelled from our countries of birth to Ghana, our achievements there have been a source of pride and loyalty. Whenever we can, we want to share that story and what Ghana has enabled us to achieve, he noted.

Dr Raii further said the gesture demonstrated a love for Ghana that went beyond sentiment, describing it as a sense of belonging that had translated into tangible actions aimed at the countrys advancement and progress.

He congratulated Mr Ningquan on the successful wedding ceremony of his daughter, saying he deserved all the joy and pride that accompanied such an important family milestone.
Featured

Why has Trump ordered strikes in Nigeria and what has it got to do with the persecution of Christians?

GraphicOnline International News Dec - 26 - 2025 , 09:57 6 minutes read

The Nigerian government has confirmed the attacks but dismisses US President Donald Trumps assertions, saying armed groups target both Muslim and Christian communities in the country, and US claims that Christians face persecution do not represent a complex security situation and ignore efforts by Nigerian authorities to safeguard religious freedom, reports AlJazeera.

Related article: US launches deadly strikes against Islamic State in Nigeria, says Trump

The United States has carried out an air strike against ISIL (ISIS) fighters in northwest Nigeria, US President Donald Trump has said, claiming that the armed group had targeted and viciously killed primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries.

The armed groups in Africas most populous country include at least two affiliated with ISIL  an offshoot of the Boko Haram armed group in the West Africa Province in the northeast (ISWAP), and the lesser-known ISIL affiliate in Sahel Province (ISSP) known locally as Lakurawa, the new armed group wreaking havoc on the Nigeria-Niger border and prominent in the northwest [in the Sokoto area].

Although officials did not say exactly which group was targeted, security analysts said the target, if indeed ISIL, was likely members of Lakurawa, which became more lethal in border states like Sokoto and Kebbi in the last year, often targeting remote communities and security forces.

The new armed group Lakurawa, is attacking villages in remote corners of northwestern Nigeria and across the border in Niger, posing new threats to two countries that already suffer from protracted conflict involving several other groups, including Boko Haram.

In November, the Nigerian army acknowledged for the first time the existence of Lakurawa and said its members were operating from headquarters in the countrys Sokoto and Kebbi states.

Attacks by the group have killed dozens of people, and at least nine suspected members are known and have been declared wanted by the Nigerian army.

The northern region is one of the hottest beds of violence in Nigeria, with its states experiencing a toxic mix of armed attacks, kidnappings and banditry in recent years. The Nigerian army has also been grappling with a long-running battle with the Boko Haram armed group in the northeast for more than a decade.

Strained relations between Nigeria and Niger, stemming from Nigers coup detat in July 2023, have also affected joint military operations and given the Lakurawa group more room to expand, officials have said.

Why has Trump ordered strikes in Nigeria and what has it got to do with the persecution of Christians?

The Guardian reports that after spending weeks accusing Nigerias government of failing to tackle the persecution of Christians, Donald Trump announced a series of strikes on the west African country on Christmas Day.

The strikes, targeting Islamic State militants in the countrys north, mark the latest overseas military intervention from Trump, who campaigned on a promise to extricate the US from decades of endless wars during his 2024 run for president.

The strikes

In his announcement, President Trump said the strikes were aimed at Islamic State militants who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

A Defense Department official told the Associated Press that the US worked with Nigeria to carry out the strikes, and that theyd been approved by that countrys government. Nigerias ministry of foreign affairs said the cooperation included exchanges of intelligence and strategic coordination.

Why has Trump targeted Nigeria?

Parts of the US right have for years been amplifying claims that Christians are facing persecution in Nigeria. In September, Republican senator Ted Cruz pushed to sanction Nigerian officials who facilitate violence against Christians and other religious minorities, including by Islamist terrorist groups.

Claims that Christians face religious persecution overseas have become a major motivating force Trumps base  and the US president counts evangelical Christians as among his most enthusiastic supporters.

Earlier this year he appeared to act on some of these concerns by designating Nigeria a country of particular concern under the US International Religious Freedom Act, which followed weeks of lobbying by American lawmakers and conservative Christian groups. Soon after, he ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in the country. At the time, the president said he might go in guns-a-blazing if the Nigerian government continued to allow the killing of Christians.



Is there religious persecution in Nigeria?

In the past, Nigerias government has responded to Trumps criticisms by saying that people of many faiths, not just Christians, suffer at the hands of extremists groups who operate throughout the country.

Nigeria is officially secular but almost evenly divided between Muslims (53%) and Christians (45%), with the remaining population practising African traditional religions. Violence against Christians has drawn significant international attention, and is often framed as religious persecution, but most analysts argue the situation is more complex and attacks can have varying motivations.

For example, deadly clashes between itinerant Muslim herders and predominantly Christian farming communities are rooted in competition over land and water but exacerbated by religious and ethnic differences. Meanwhile, the kidnappings of priests is seen by many analysts as a trend driven more by money than religious hatred, as they are viewed as influential figures whose worshippers or organisations can mobilise funds quickly.



What does the Nigerian government say?

After Thursdays strikes, Nigerias foreign ministry praised the cooperation with the US, but pointedly refused to acknowledge Americas actions had anything to do with the persecution of Christians.

Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigerias values and to international peace and security, the ministry said in a statement.

Successive Nigerian governments have struggled to get a hold on the nations deteriorating security crisis, with thousands of people killed and hundreds more abducted in the past few years.

In the north-east, Boko Haram and its splinter groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap) have waged an insurgency since 2009, killing tens of thousands and displacing millions. In the north-west, heavily armed criminal gangs  often labelled bandits  carry out mass kidnappings and raids that affect both Muslim and Christian communities.

Nigerias government has previously said in response to Trumps criticisms that people of many faiths, not just Christians, have suffered at the hands of these groups.

Last month, Nigerias president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the characterisation of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant country did not reflect reality.

Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so  Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths.
Why has Trump ordered strikes in Nigeria and what has it got to do with the persecution of Christians?

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Nigeria provided US with intelligence for strikes on Islamist militants, says foreign minister

Graphic Online International News Dec - 26 - 2025 , 12:27 2 minutes read

Nigeria provided the US with intelligence on jihadists before the strikes that took place in the country on Christmas Day, its foreign ministry, Nigerias foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar said on Friday.

On Thursday, the US president, Donald Trump, said the US military had carried out strikes against Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria, after spending weeks decrying the group for targeting Christians.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the president said: Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.

Now, Nigerian foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has told broadcaster ChannelsTV that he was on the phone with the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, and that Nigeria provided the intelligence.

We spoke twice. We spoke for 19 minutes before the strike and then we spoke again for another five minutes before it went on, Tuggar said.

He added that they spoke extensively and that President Bola Tinubu gave the go-ahead to launch the strikes.

Tuggar said the strikes would be an ongoing process that would also involve other countries. He gave no further details.

Trump has previously said he would launch a guns-a-blazing US military intervention in Nigeria, claiming that the countrys government has been inadequate in its efforts to prevent attacks on Christians by Islamist groups.
Ghana-Nigeria cyber-fraud network dupes over 200 victims of $400,000

Kweku Zurek Dec - 26 - 2025 , 16:36 2 minutes read

Ghanaian authorities have dismantled a major cyber-fraud network operating across Ghana and Nigeria that defrauded more than 200 victims of over $400,000, as part of a continent-wide cybercrime operation coordinated by INTERPOL.

The network was uncovered during Operation Sentinel, which focused on business email compromise, digital extortion and ransomware activities identified as growing threats in INTERPOLs 2025 Africa Cyber Threat Assessment Report.

Investigators said the syndicate used professionally designed websites and mobile applications to impersonate well-known fast-food brands, collecting online payments from unsuspecting customers but failing to deliver any orders.

INTERPOL confirmed that ten suspects were arrested in Ghana in connection with the fraud, while more than 100 digital devices were seized during coordinated raids. Authorities also took down 30 fraudulent servers used to facilitate the scam.

The Ghana-Nigeria network was among several high-impact cases uncovered during the operation, which resulted in 574 arrests across Africa, the takedown of over 6,000 malicious links and the decryption of six ransomware variants.

The crackdown revealed how cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting consumer trust in familiar brands to carry out large-scale fraud across borders, making detection and enforcement more complex.

Neal Jetton, INTERPOLs Director of Cybercrime, said the operation demonstrated the value of international cooperation in tackling cyber-enabled crime.

The scale and sophistication of cyberattacks across Africa are accelerating, especially against critical sectors like finance and energy. The outcomes from Operation Sentinel reflect the commitment of African law enforcement agencies, working in close coordination with international partners. Their actions have successfully protected livelihoods, secured sensitive personal data and preserved critical infrastructure, he said.

INTERPOL said partnerships with private sector organisations played a critical role in tracing IP addresses, disrupting criminal infrastructure and assisting authorities to freeze illicit financial assets linked to the fraud.

Operation Sentinel was conducted under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime and supported by funding from the United Kingdoms Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as well as the European Union and the Council of Europe through the GLACY-e project.

The arrests come amid growing concern about cyber-related offences in Africa, with INTERPOL reporting that two-thirds of surveyed African countries now classify cybercrime as a medium to high proportion of all criminal activity.
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Govt, Afreximbank end three year dispute over $750m loan

Mohammed Ali Dec - 26 - 2025 , 07:13 2 minutes read

The Government and the African Export Import Bank, Afreximbank, have announced the resolution of a three year dispute over a US$750 million loan facility.

In a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on December, 25, 2025, the two sides said the matter had been settled to the satisfaction of both parties, paving the way for continued engagement on Ghanas development agenda.

The dispute

Parliament approved the loan on July, 20, 2022, at a time when Ghana had lost access to international capital markets following a series of credit rating downgrades. The facility was disbursed in August 2022 in three tranches of 187 million dollars, 193 million and $332 million. The funds were intended to support the balance of payments and trade finance needs.

When Ghana launched its debt restructuring programme, covering 13 billion dollars in eurobonds and bilateral loans from China, the Government maintained that Afreximbank should be treated as a commercial creditor and take losses.

Afreximbank rejected that position, arguing that its preferred creditor status under its 1993 founding treaty shields it from debt restructuring, in the same way as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

We do not believe that their debt is senior to any other restructurable debt. The Afrexim debt is part of our restructurable envelope, the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, said during the negotiations.

Impact

The disagreement had wider consequences. In June this year, Fitch Ratings lowered Afreximbanks rating from BBB to BBB minus, citing uncertainty surrounding the banks exposure to Ghana and Zambia, where related disputes had emerged.

The Ministry of Finance described the resolution as an important step as Ghana works to rebuild external confidence, and said the relationship with Afreximbank remains strategic.

The statement did not disclose the terms of the agreement or state whether Afreximbank accepted losses on the facility, which the Government had earlier demanded as part of the restructuring process.
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MTN Ghana hands over hampers to 25 newly born 'bronya' babies at Cape Coast Hospital

Joana Kumi Dec - 26 - 2025 , 12:07 1 minute read

Christmas cheer filled the maternity ward of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) as MTN Ghana extended love and support to 25 babies born on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, with the donation of hampers.

The gesture, which formed part of MTN Ghanas corporate social responsibility, brought smiles to the new mothers.

Each hamper contained essential baby care items, including diapers, baby powder, pomade, bathing soap, towels and other necessities for newborns.

The Central and Western regional manager in charge human resources at MTN, Regina Arkaifie, said the initiative was inspired by the companys desire to share joy while making a meaningful social impact, particularly in the health sector.

Christmas is a season of love, hope and giving, and as a company that is deeply rooted in the communities we serve, MTN believed it was important to extend that love to mothers and babies who share this special day with the nation, she said.

She said the donation formed part of MTN Ghanas annual Christmas outreach, reinforcing the companys commitment to community support, compassionate service and national development.

The Deputy Nursing Officer at CCTH, Veronica Koomson expressed appreciation to MTN Ghana, noting that some mothers reported to the hospital for delivery without basic items.

Vida Obosu, who gave birth to a baby girl, described the gesture as a Christmas blessing, while Salamatu Nuhu, also a mother to a baby girl, said the items would greatly ease the early days of childcare.
Featured

Police net 120 suspects in major East Legon drug and crime swoop

Emmanuel Bonney Dec - 26 - 2025 , 20:12 1 minute read

A police operation to clamp down on illicit drug dealers and criminal gangs in the East Legon enclave has led to the arrest of 120 suspects, including six women.

Following the arrests, the suspects were taken to the East Legon Police Station for screening to identify those connected to specific crimes and others suspected of dealing in illicit drugs.

The operation was led by ACP Saviour Ahiamadi and supported by other senior officers, including DSP Malaika-Jibril Alhassan, DSP Richard Beriko, ASP Afram and ASP Sarpong, all from Police Headquarters, as well as ASP Imoro from the Accra Region, a police report said.

The exercise was carried out through a joint operation involving personnel from the Police Intelligence Directorate, the Criminal Investigations Department, the National Operations Directorate, and the Accra and East Legon regional commands, among others.
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Volta Regional House of Chiefs renew call on Immigration to remove inland barriers at Sogakope, Asikuma

Alberto Mario Noretti Dec - 26 - 2025 , 12:01 2 minutes read

The Volta Regional House of Chiefs (VRHC) has renewed its call on the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to remove the inland barriers at Sogakope and Asikuma.

Those barriers are not serving the national interest; they are only there, demeaning and harassing travelers for no reason, the President of the house, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV said at the last meeting of the house for the year 2025, at Ho, on Tuesday (Dec 23, 2025).

He said Sogakope and Asikuma were not entry or exit points for travelers, and there were no secessionist threats from the Western Togoland Group.

For that matter, Togbe Tepre, Hodo who is Paramount Chief of Anfoega, said it was high time the two immigration posts were removed to help restore the dignity of travelers.

He asked that the Volta Regional Minister should arrange a meeting between the house and the Minister of the Interior for a thorough discussion on the issue.

We do not see inland immigration barriers in other parts of the country, so we need to know why we have them in our area, he added.

The Paramount Chief of Amugo-Vego, Togbui Tenge Dzokoto Gligui VII shared his personal experience at the meeting and narrated how he was handled by personnel of the GIS at the Sogakope barrier some time ago, while returning home from Accra, in the presence of his wife and children.

He said he was asked to produce his passport at the inland barrier, in a very intimidating tone, without any recognition of his status as a chief.

It is most unfortunate that the Ghana Immigration Service personnel whose uniforms were bought with our taxes could disrespect and humiliate us to such an extent, he said.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu who was at the meeting assured that he would arrange the meeting between the house and the Minister of the Interior as soon as possible.
Featured

More than $130 trillion in historical losses: Why Reparations are an economic necessity

Princess Yanney Politics Dec - 26 - 2025 , 08:32 4 minutes read

How much was stolen? That is the question Pan-Africanism now confronts directly. Studies estimate that when unpaid labor, looted resources, and lost development opportunities are combined, Africas losses stretch across centuries and continents, accumulating into an enormous $130 trillion, marking one of the greatest economic crimes in human history.

"We are no longer guessing what we are owed. We now, have the critical task of consolidating all evidences and verifiable sources to demand exactly what we know to be true." says Sumaila Mohammed, the PPFs Head of Economics. During a recent sit-down at the Fronts headquarters, Sumaila affirmed the need to pursue the fight for reparatory justice.

Following the successful Accra conference, the Pan-African Progressive Fronts mission has sharpened into a laser focus on the "Damages of Reparations" that have historically been ignored by Western economists. Study findings published on the PPF highlight that the "African Premium" is, in fact, the extra cost Africans pay to borrow money. That is, in itself, a form of ongoing colonial damage.

The Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF) has, since its Conference, emerged with a renewed understanding: Reparations cannot remain abstract. The struggle now demands precision. The work did not pause; it deepened.

Central to this phase is the economic research being led by PPF blogger Sumaila Mohammed, whose work interrogates reparations through the lens of historical economic damage. His model treats reparations not as charity, but as owed restitution grounded in measurable harm.

In conversation with Sumaila, he emphasized that the research being undertaken by the Front is intended to establish an undisputed and authoritative reference point for the Continent. One that clearly confirms the truly massive economic, human, and structural costs owed to the African people. According to him, this body of work is designed not only to inform public discourse but to equip Africa with credible evidence to strengthen its collective claim for Reparations on the global stage.

The idea that we as African people can even make a case of being owed is even enough, a first step. Which is why PPF is working actively to consolidate the actual cost for futuristic gains, he added.

The framework being advanced by the PPF breaks economic harm into explicit categories. Direct losses include centuries of uncompensated labor and capital flight.

Human capital losses reflect generations denied education, healthcare, and life itself. Intergenerational damage explains why wealth gaps persist today. Post-enslavement institutional exclusion exposes how colonial and post-colonial systems blocked African advancement long after chains were removed.

According to the study on the PPF website, attempting to quantify the economic scale of harm inflicted on African people through slavery, colonialism, and their enduring aftermaths estimates, through derived different methodologies and collective efforts reveal the staggering magnitude of historical injustice.

Speaking with the Ambassador of Venezuela to Benin, Togo and Ghana, His Excellency Mr. Jesus Alberto Garcia, he reiterated why reparations are obvious in global justice discourse. Knowledge, or intellectual extractivism, which I consider surplus value, has not been taken into account in the value-added calculations of European capitalist exploiters, emphasizing on the more reasons colonial crimes cannot be ignored.

Prevailing estimates among experts suggests that the economic harms resulting from slavery and post-enslavement discrimination range between $100 - $131 trillion. , calculated through the valuation of unpaid labor, lost wages, and suppressed economic productivity over generations.

Focusing on human life losses, an assigned estimated value of USD 75 trillion based on premature deaths, reduced life expectancy, and the destruction of African human capital caused by slavery and colonial exploitation.

One of the most comprehensive assessments calculating the total claimed harms is estimated at $100 trillion, incorporating economic extraction, cultural destruction, intergenerational poverty, and structural underdevelopment.

Together, these figures highlight a critical truth of the scale of damage inflicted upon Africa as not symbolic or abstract. It can be measured, as it is vast and historically verifiable, reinforcing the legitimacy and urgency of the global Reparations demand.

Today, structural African poverty, implemented by the Arab world and later by Eurocentrism, was calculated and subsequently projected into colonialism, neocolonialism, and imperialism. The Ambassador added when speaking on the fairness in saying Africas poverty today is not accidental but structurally designed.

With growing intellectual rigor and political coordination, PPF is making its intention unmistakable. It seeks to become the intellectual and strategic hub of the global reparations movement, arming Africa with data, arguments, and unity in its pursuit of justice. The continents fight for justice is now backed by an irrefutable economic truth.
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Chinese PLA will not cease efforts to combat separatist activities, promote national reunification: spokesperson

Xinhua) 08:40, December 26, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's defense ministry on Thursday said that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) will not cease its efforts to combat separatist activities and promote national reunification.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference in response to a media inquiry regarding the Taiwan authorities' concerns over the mainland's military activities.

Noting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, Zhang said it is entirely legitimate, necessary, reasonable and lawful for the PLA to conduct regular training and maintain combat readiness around the island, and to carry out counter-secession and counter-interference operations to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"The PLA will not cease its efforts to combat separatist activities and promote national reunification," Zhang said. "For every 'Taiwan independence' provocation, we will intensify our pressure further until the complete reunification of the motherland."

The spokesperson also urged the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan to face reality, conform to the prevailing trend, completely abandon the separatist schemes, and cease all provocative and war-inciting actions.

In response to another media inquiry, Zhang said it is a sheer waste of effort for certain media outlets to make groundless speculations about the PLA's actions and deliberately peddle "war anxiety," which will only undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

"We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort, but we will never promise to renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary," he said.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
The Guam Department of Education faces widespread leadership, procurement, staffing, and infrastructure failures despite earning national accreditation, according to a sweeping management and curriculum audit completed in September.

The audit, conducted by Pacific Policy Research Center, found that while GDOE achieved full accreditation across all schools and reduced board policies from 159 in 2009 to 26 in 2025, it continues to struggle with procurement delays, divided management, inconsistent accountability, staffing shortages and persistent underperformance in student outcomes.

The Guam Education Board at its last meeting moved to halt action on the $400,000 management and curriculum audit after board members raised concerns over factual inaccuracies, disputed references and misstatements about board actions which prompted calls to correct the report before any vote or release.

Board members agreed to suspend voting on the audit during last weeks board meeting while requesting corrections from the consultants, citing what several described as errors of fact that undermine the documents credibility.

Back in August, GDOE reported its highest literacy proficiency levels in two decades based on 2025 Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium results, reflecting incremental academic gains even as overall performance remains well below departmental targets.

Average high school English Language Arts proficiency reached 31%, the highest in 20 years, up from the low 20% range in prior years. Eleventh-grade proficiency rose from 45% in 2024 to 61% in 2025, while third grade increased from 27% to 35% and fifth grade from 29% to 33%.

The gains were uneven. Seventh-grade proficiency declined from 37% to 35%, and eighth grade fell from 39% to 36%, while fourth and sixth grades remained unchanged at 26% and 31%, respectively.

Math performance showed no comparable improvement, which auditors later identified as a persistent area of concern.

Despite the literacy gains, student achievement in both English Language Arts and math has remained below GDOEs 80% performance target for five consecutive years, reinforcing audit findings that student outcomes continue to underperform despite accreditation gains.

SBAC data also reflected demographic challenges cited in the audit. When broken down, proficiency rates dropped to 34% for Pacific Islander students, declined by roughly 10 percentage points for low-income students, and remained near 30% for English learners. About 60% of GDOE students come from low-income households, with some schools serving populations as high as 80%.

While some schools outperformed mainland averages with Okkodo High School having a 51% proficiency rate, exceeding statewide averages in California, Oregon, and Washington, the audit concluded that instructional quality and academic support remain inconsistent across campuses.

Those findings are detailed in the first comprehensive management and curriculum audit conducted since 2009, when Evergreen Solutions completed the prior review. The 2025 audit examined governance, finance, human resources, instruction, technology, safety, facilities, and compliance across the public school system.

The Legislature restored the audit requirement through Public Law 37-44 after discovering that statutory language requiring audits had been changed to assessments without public justification.

In statutes, words matter, and I appreciate the Legislatures actions in correcting statutory language that does not reflect legislative intent, and was not consistent with the language presented during the public hearing on the bill, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero wrote in a Nov. 10, 2023 transmittal letter signing Bill 113-37 into law.

The law required a management and curriculum audit for fiscal year 2024, funded in the fiscal year 2025 budget, with an anticipated completion date of June 30, 2025. Contract delays pushed the final submission to Sept. 30, 2025.

The audit reviewed whether GDOE was following required education standards, looked at how administrators were performing, reviewed curriculum, and tracked progress on recommendations from the 2009 Evergreen audit.

Only two of 14 Evergreen recommendations related to human resources were completed.

Auditors reported that procurement and contract execution delays directly contributed to late vendor payments, increasing the risk of penalties, interest fees, and legal action.

Federal grant funds also experienced significant delays between award and obligation because of coordination failures between the Federal Programs Division and the Procurement Office.

The audit states that GDOEs procurement-to-payment lifecycle is marked by systemic inefficiencies that negatively affect operations, financial health, and compliance.

Board

The Guam Education Board holds statutory authority over policy, budget adoption, superintendent oversight and federal programs.

The board consists of nine voting members and three non-voting ex officio members, with six elected every two years and three appointed by the governor for three-year terms.

The audit found strong evidence of policy streamlining but weak evidence of accountability.

When asked whether current mechanisms effectively hold the GEB and GDOE accountable for student outcomes, 100% of legislative respondents disagreed. No respondents reported confidence.

Board members themselves showed internal concern with 17% disagreeing with the statement that board policies are regularly reviewed and updated, while 67% agreed.

The audit also found no limits on consecutive board terms and no statutory requirement for staggered elections.

Accreditation

In 2021, GDOE became the first school district in the nation to have all schools accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The department earned a six-year accreditation in 2024.

However, despite that achievement, instructional delivery varied widely across the public schools. While most teachers agreed curriculum standards were clear, fewer agreed that programs were coherent across grade levels, content areas and campuses.

Central Office respondents reported only 26% agreement that disciplinary and academic interventions are equitable and data informed. School administrators reported 89% agreement.

The audit also found that many schools lack Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, compliant access, fire alarm systems, and fire suppression infrastructure. GDOE relies on fire watch staff as a temporary measure.

Security gaps include limited use of surveillance cameras, alarms, fencing, and lighting. Emergency protocol training varied by school, and auditors found no centralized accountability structure.

Back in September, attorney Daniel Somerfleck, executive director of Guam Legal Services CorporationDisability Law Center, raised concerns that GDOE has not yet implemented the Guam Public Schools Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Act of 2023, enacted two years ago.

Somerfleck said the department has not conducted staff training, coordinated with disability advocacy organizations, or created a timeline to address noncompliance, steps required by law within 180 days of passage.

GDOE officials confirmed the delays.

Deputy Superintendent Leah Beth Naholowaa said a contractors ADA compliance study is only partially complete, with no full report or completion date released. Deputy Superintendent Wade Paul said funding issues had paused the study, but payment has now been made to continue it.

Somerfleck clarified that ADA compliance is separate from special education and applies to accessibility for all students.

The audit included two on island site visits in July and September 2025.

Auditors conducted:

 63 central office interview sessions across 31 divisions

 Visits to 15 schools across four regions

 15 principal interviews

 16 teacher focus groups

 79 classroom walkthroughs

Five surveys generated 658 responses:

 Guam Education Board survey: 6 responses

 Legislature Education Committee survey: 5 responses

 Central Office survey: 165 responses

 School administrator survey: 66 responses

 Teacher and school personnel survey: 416 responses

Four phases

The audit marks completion of phases one and two of a four phase process. Beginning October 2025, PPRC will assist GDOE with implementation monitoring over an eight-month period.

The audit states that long-term improvement will require formal policy review schedules, measurable performance metrics, procurement reform, staffing stabilization, facilities investment, and consistent instructional oversight.

Despite progress in accreditation and policy consolidation, auditors concluded that unresolved systemic issues continue to limit operational efficiency, public trust, and student outcomes.

Board members questioned whether the Legislature received value for the audits cost, noting that it was sponsored by Sen. Chris Barnett. They suggested seeking direct feedback from the senator.

We havent distributed it, board vice chairwoman Mary Okada said. So thats why I want, at a minimum, I think we should have errors of fact corrected.

She noted that reviewing and correcting reports is a routine part of the process.

Normally, that happens when we do accreditation reports, Okada said. When a report comes out, youre given the opportunity to correct errors, and then its redone.

The board agreed to hold the audit until revisions are completed or to reject it outright.

So its a pleasure of the board to hold this management audit in advance until either we submit the corrections and they accept it, or we just reject it altogether, Chairman Angel Sablan said.
Attorney General Douglas Moylan wants the attorney general of the United States to step in, as Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero asks courts to remove him from a review of contracts for power, water, and sewer for the Mangilao hospital project.

Moylan wrote U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Dec. 23, asking for her intervention into the hospital dispute.

Its the latest development as Moylan sues to block $104 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding for what hes called the illegal Mangilao project, and Leon Guerrero pushes to eject him from reviewing bids for hospital utilities.

The clock is ticking on the ARP funds.

Funding will expire if unspent by Dec. 31, 2026, and officials have said they need a utility contract for the hospital secured by January or February to even meet that deadline.

Guams AG has promised not to sign off on any utility contracts for the Mangilao hospital site.

Leon Guerrero in October asked the Supreme Court of Guam to find that Moylans review is not required on bids to install utilities.

Moylans office that month removed the case to the federal District Court of Guam, where hes already suing to block federal American Rescue Plan money for the new hospital. On Dec. 15, the AGs office motioned to combine the legal disputes.

Attorneys for the governor have argued that the case should be sent back to the local Supreme Court, and on Dec. 23 opposed combining the lawsuits.

That same day, Moylan wrote U.S. AG Bondi on the issue.

In his letter, Moylan argues that the governor is challenging the Organic Act of Guam by trying to remove him from the case.

Congress through the Organic Act made the attorney general Guams chief legal officer, Moylan stated, and Leon Guerrero was seeking to erase the Attorney General of Guams power to review and approve contracts.

If the United Stated does not urgently intervene now in the above-named District Court case it will embolden the Office of the Governor of Guam to further erode Congress oversight and structure of the territory of Guam, Moylan wrote.

Removing the AGs ability to act as a check on territorial government corruption would be detrimental to U.S. interests, Moylan wrote, referencing some 35,000 U.S. military personnel and their dependents living on Guam in 2025.

The same day that Moylan sent the letter to Bondi, on Dec. 23, Assistant Attorney General William Stamps filed a notice of a constitutional challenge in the governors suit now before the District Court of Guam.

The governors two requests for relief constitute an unconstitutional attempt by the Office of the Governor to amend an Act of Congress, Stamps stated in the notice. The United States must intervene.

Besides petitioning the courts, the governor has also asked local lawmakers to intervene in her ongoing dispute with AG Moylan.

But lawmakers, in a vote of 10-2 last month, rejected a bill from the governor that would allow $104 million worth of water, power, and sewer contracts for the Mangilao hospital to side-step review by Moylan.

Had the Supreme Court of Guam granted an expedited schedule for the governors October petition on the hospital project, the case could have been decided in a matter of weeks.

But parties have yet to appear before a judge, since the case was removed to the federal court on Oct. 30.
A pair of bills passed by the 35th Guam Youth Congress would require the Department of Public Works to fast-track construction of speed bumps and crosswalks in school zones, and sidewalks near bus stops and other high-risk traffic areas.

Youth representatives passed the traffic safety bills during a recent session.

Bills passed by youth representatives go on to be introduced as like any other bill in the regular Guam Legislature. If senators back and pass the bill, Youth Congress measures can and do become Guam law.

This term, its Sen. Shelly Calvos youth affairs committee responsible for legislation from the Youth Congress.

DPW would be required to assess every public and private school zone on island for areas requiring either flashing crosswalk warning lights or speed bumps, should Youth Congress Bill 6-35 become law.

Introduced by youth Rep. Yaxin Liu, of Dededo, the bill passed in a vote of 20-2.

Every day, hundreds of children walk across Guam using bikes or are dropped off in areas that lack proper traffic control or visibility, Liu said.

She said that cars often speed through school zones or fail to notice pedestrians.

If signed into law, her Bill 6-35 would require DPW to complete a comprehensive safety of school zones and finish installation of safety features in an aggressive 18 months.

The bill points to existing DPW traffic safety funds, federal highway safety grants, or other available appropriations to fund the improvements.

Meanwhile, Youth Congress Bill 26-35 takes aim at school zones and bus stops, but also Guam Regional Transit stops, tourist zones, and other high-risk roads with a history of auto-pedestrian accidents.

Introduced by youth Rep. Kirsten Joy Cruz, of Simon Sanchez High School, the bill would give DPW six months to create a sidewalk priority plan.

Every day, students walking to school, families traveling to villages and tourists navigating unfamiliar areas, face unnecessary dangers simply because basic pedestrian infrastructure is missing, Cruz said.

If signed into law, it would give DPW one year from completing its sidewalk priority plan to begin construction of sidewalks.

The bill would also require DPW to put a sidewalk on at least one side of the road for any new road it builds.

No funding source is identified in the bill. It passed in a vote of 22-0.

A notable school traffic incident happened back in February 2023, when a truck driver ran a red light at the Luis P. Untalan Middle School crosswalk and struck a student.

The student was alert and aware when medics arrived, but was transported to the Guam Memorial Hospital, the Pacific Daily News reported.

It is rare for Youth Congress measures to become law, but there are examples where measures from the young legislators made it all the way to the governors desk.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero last year signed pair of Youth Congress bills requiring public and charter school students to get drivers handbooks, and to waiving the full service learning hour requirements for juniors and seniors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Back in 2021, the Youth Congress-sponsored Period Poverty Act became law, making it mandatory that menstrual hygiene products be available free of charge in public and charter schools, as well as the Guam Community College and University of Guam.




Haiti - Justice : The Government releases 23 prisoners for the holiday season





On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, as part of the process of releasing individuals held in prolonged pretrial detention, Pedrica Saint Jean, Minister for the Status of Women and Women's Rights, accompanied a delegation composed of Patrick Pelissier, Minister of Justice; Fritz Paterson Dorval, Government Commissioner to the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince; and Bernard Saint-Vil, Dean of the same court, visited the juvenile detainees and women incarcerated at the Center for the Re-education of Minors in Conflict with the Law (CERMICOL).



During this visit, which lasted several hours, after a thorough review of the files, and in the presence of the Minister of Justice, the Government Commissioner released 23 detainees, including sick women and minors, who had been incarcerated for several years for minor offenses (5 women and 1 minor girl, 13 minor boys, and 4 men).



These releases were carried out in accordance with applicable legal provisions, following a careful review of the cases, taking into account the legal, social, and human realities of the individuals concerned.



Minister Pelissier emphasized that no detainee prosecuted for rape, violent crimes, kidnapping, or other serious offenses is included in this act of clemency by the Government for Christmas and New Year's.



IH/ S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Nippes : Construction of the departmental incinerator for biomedical waste





The Nippes Health Directorate has taken a decisive step in strengthening the department's health infrastructure with the construction of the departmental biomedical waste incinerator, a strategic project championed with determination by the Departmental Director, Dr. Esther Ceus Dumont.



During a site visit, Dr. Dumont reaffirmed her commitment to providing the Nippes department with a modern incinerator capable of ensuring the safe disposal of medical waste and residues produced by public and private healthcare facilities. According to the Departmental Director, this infrastructure is an essential tool for preventing health risks, protecting the population, and preserving the environment, filling a major structural gap in biomedical waste management.



This project, financed by the World Bank and carried out under the delegated project management of the Project Management Unit and the Ministry of Public Health, headed by Minister Dr. Sinal Bertrand, is being executed by the Haitian construction firm SOPEC PLUS.



The realization of this project is the result of strong institutional mobilization. The land designated for the incinerator, located on the same property as the offices of the Departmental Health Directorate, had been illegally seized. Under the leadership of Esther Ceus Dumont, a process involving the police and judicial authorities, the General Directorate of Taxes, the Ministry of Planning, and other relevant bodies led to the site's return to the Ministry and the commencement of construction.



Today, the project is progressing rapidly, reflecting the Departmental Director's determination to bring this important project for the Nippes department to fruition.



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Haiti - News : Zapping...





Pope's Message for Haiti

On Thursday, December 24, 2025, without delivering his Christmas message from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV, as is tradition, demonstrated his closeness to the suffering peoples in the many countries marked by conflict, including Haiti : "Let us pray to God-made-man for the dear people of Haiti, that all forms of violence may cease in the country and that it may progress on the path of peace and reconciliation."



USA : 2025 Haiti Book Prize Awarded to Marlene L. Daut

Marlene L. Daut, Professor of French and African-American Studies at Yale University (Connecticut), has won the 2025 Haiti Book Prize, awarded by the Haitian Studies Association (HSA), for her book "The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe".



Discussion between the OAS and the GSF

Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), met with the Special Representative-designate of the French Gang Repression Force (FRG), Jack Christofides, who will assume his duties in February 2026. "We discussed the encouraging progress in force generation, with commitments from contributing countries having already reached and exceeded the target of 5,500 troops. We also exchanged views on the short- and medium-term strategies developed by the GSF, as well as concrete channels of collaboration between the GSF and the OAS, in accordance with our commitment to contribute to ensuring security, democracy, and prosperity for Haiti."



Entry into force of the Penal Code postponed

The Prime Minister's Office of Communication announces that during the Council of Ministers meeting held by videoconference on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, in a special session, it was decided, by decree, to postpone the entry into force of the new revised Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure and to determine the phases of their gradual implementation. This measure will prevent any legal uncertainty that could be detrimental to those seeking justice and to the proper functioning of the rule of law. It will allow the Ministry of Justice to establish the necessary technical and operational framework for managing, coordinating, and overseeing the orderly implementation of these Codes.



DCPA : 2025 Partial Review

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Inspector General Jacques Joel Orival, Director of the Central Directorate of Administrative Police (DCPA), held an end-of-year meeting with the heads of the various units under the directorate's authority. This meeting allowed unit heads to present a partial review of the achievements made during 2025 in their respective jurisdictions, as well as the challenges to be addressed. Furthermore, strategic considerations aimed at improving the effectiveness of interventions and harmonizing administrative and operational actions, with a view to defining new directions for the coming year, in accordance with the directives of the PNH High Command, were also discussed.



Southeast: Survey on the Integration of Displaced Families

The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation in Haiti (AECID Haiti) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are partnering to produce new data on sustainable solutions in Haiti. Conducted with national institutions, this survey gathers information on the integration of displaced families in the Southeast department, in order to guide long-term, evidence-based responses.



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The snowfall is expected on Friday 2 January. The most intense accumulation is forecast in Espoo, with 34 centimetres of snow in 24 hours. Kirkkonummi is expected to receive 31 centimetres, Helsinki and Klaukkala 30 centimetres, and Vantaa 29 centimetres. Forecasts show Porvoo could receive 25 centimetres, while Kotka and Hamina may see 14 and 12 centimetres respectively.

Finlands southern metropolitan area is expected to face a major snowstorm early in the new year, with weather models forecasting daily accumulations of up to 34 centimetres.

The weather service Foreca issued the updated forecast on 26 December, based on regional modelling for the coming week. It marks a sudden shift in conditions, as Helsinki and surrounding cities remain largely snow-free through the New Year period. On New Years Day, only five centimetres of snow is expected in the capital, before the heavier front moves in the following night.

The snowfall is part of a broader cold pattern that began following a powerful winter storm over the weekend. That storm introduced Arctic air into the region, causing temperatures to plunge and bringing intermittent snow showers to many parts of the country.

Forecas long-range forecast for the week beginning 29 December indicates significantly colder than average conditions across Finland, especially in eastern and northern areas where temperatures will fall 1 to 6 degrees below seasonal norms.

Daytime temperatures in southern Finland are expected to range between 2 and 15 degrees Celsius, depending on cloud cover. In Central Finland, temperatures are expected to fall below 20 degrees. In Lapland, where skies may clear, forecasters expect temperatures could drop as low as 35 degrees.

The cold air mass moving from the north will increase the probability of snow events across the country, especially where it interacts with warmer air over the sea. On the western coast and in the archipelago, this interaction may lead to prolonged and intense snow showers.

Foreca has warned that these conditions will likely cause significant disruption in urban areas of southern Finland. Reduced visibility and poor road conditions are expected, especially in the Helsinki metropolitan area, where the snow accumulation could exceed monthly averages in less than 24 hours.

The Finnish Meteorological Institute has urged caution for drivers and commuters ahead of the storm.

Forecas forecast blog states that although snow events will be widespread in southern Finland, other regions may receive less. Turku is expected to get around 10 centimetres of snow during the same period. Inland cities like Tampere and Jyvaskyla may receive only a few centimetres. Northern cities such as Oulu and Rovaniemi will see little or no new snow after Saturdays expected snowfall.

HT
US President Donald Trump announced the operation on Truth Social late on 25 December, saying it was launched in response to the killing of primarily, innocent Christians. Trump accused ISIL of committing atrocities at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries.

The United States has carried out air strikes in northwest Nigeria targeting what it described as Islamic State-linked fighters, in a move approved by the Nigerian government.

The Nigerian government confirmed that it participated in the planning and authorised the strikes, but dismissed Trumps characterisation of the conflict as a campaign against Christians.

The strike followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the capability of the targeted elements, said Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba, Nigerias director of Defence Information. He added that the operation was conducted in coordination with US forces and intended to minimise civilian casualties.

The US Department of Defense released video footage of a missile launch from a naval vessel. The Pentagon confirmed that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in Sokoto State.

By mid-morning on 26 December, the Nigerian Foreign Ministry issued a statement reaffirming the countrys commitment to joint security operations with the US. These precision strikes targeted terrorist elements. Nigeria continues structured cooperation with international partners to address the persistent threat of violent extremism, the ministry said.

The statement avoided direct mention of ISIL or any religious motive. Nigerian officials said the armed groups targeted in Sokoto are not known to be affiliated with ISILs core leadership and have historically attacked both Muslims and Christians.

Although the US said the strikes targeted ISIL elements, Nigerian analysts stressed that ISILs presence is mostly confirmed in the northeast, particularly around Lake Chad and the Sambisa Forest. The northwest region, including Sokoto, has been primarily affected by criminal gangs and splinter groups with unclear affiliations.

Trump declared Nigeria a country of particular concern last month, citing what he described as an existential threat to Christians. He provided no evidence for the claim. The designation allows the US State Department to impose sanctions on countries found to be violating religious freedoms.

Nigeria is a sovereign country and does not accept a narrative that misrepresents the nature of its security challenges, said Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigerias foreign minister, in an interview with the BBC. This operation was not about religion. It was about fighting terrorism.

He said the operation had been planned for quite some time and followed intelligence provided by Nigerian authorities. Tuggar also stated that further joint actions with the US remained possible, depending on future decisions taken by the two governments.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria on social media for its cooperation and hinted at further action, saying More to come.

Trumps claim that thousands of Christians have been slaughtered in Nigeria was also rejected by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who said his government was committed to religious tolerance and cooperation with international partners.

HT
From January to October, China's passenger vehicle exports showed a clear regional divergence. In Europe, SAIC Passenger Vehicle remained the market leader, while BYD Auto and Chery Auto posted rapid growth, and emerging players such as Leapmotor achieved multiple-fold increases from a low base. In Southeast Asia, BYD Auto dominated the market, nearly doubling exports on the strength of its new energy vehicle (NEV) lineup, while most peers expanded more moderately and a few saw declines.

In North America, Latin America, and the Middle East, opportunities and challenges also coexist. Automakers such as BYD Auto and Changan Auto have achieved rapid breakthroughs, while some traditional players are encountering growth bottlenecks. Behind the steady rise of Chinese brands' overseas penetration lies a broader competition in product strength and localization capabilities, with regional markets entering a more refined and differentiated phase of competition.

Top 10 Chinese automakers by passenger vehicle exports to Europe

SAIC PV: 243,975 units, up 16.7% year-on-year

BYD Auto: 227,034 units, up 219.1% year-on-year

Chery Auto: 124,138 units, up 145.2% year-on-year

Tesla: 95,747 units, down 31.3% year-on-year

Geely Auto: 58,277 units, down 43.0% year-on-year

Spotlight Automotive: 40,605 units, up 8.6% year-on-year

Volkswagen Anhui: 26,933 units, up 38.8% year-on-year

Leapmotor: 20,679 units, up 528.5% year-on-year

GeelyVolvo: 19,528 units, down 13.1% year-on-year

eGT: 18,130 units, down 26.7% year-on-year

From January to October, the European market was characterized by high concentration at the top and sharp differentiation among players. SAIC PV ranked first with 243,975 units exported, up 16.7% YoY. BYD Auto followed closely at 227,034 units, posting a 219.1% YoY increase and rapidly closing the gap, while Chery Auto ranked third with 124,138 units and 145.2% YoY growth, highlighting its strengthening competitiveness in Europe.

The surge of emerging players was increasingly striking. Leapmotor exported 20,679 units, with a remarkable 528.5% YoY increase, emerging as a fast-rising new force for Chinese brands in Europe. Meanwhile, Volkswagen Anhui exported 26,933 units, posting 38.8% YoY growth, highlighting how established global automakers are adapting locally and becoming new variables in China's passenger vehicle exports to Europe.

Meanwhile, market divergence continued to widen. Tesla exported 95,747 units, down 31.3% YoY, while Geely Auto saw exports fall 43.0% YoY to 58,277 units. Geely-Volvo and eGT also recorded declines of 13.1% and 26.7% YoY, respectively. These setbacks likely reflect intensifying competition from a surge of Chinese brands, faster electrification pushback from European incumbents, and the combined impact of product cycles and strategic adjustments.

Top 10 Chinese automakers by passenger vehicle exports to Southeast Asia

BYD Auto: 122,784 units, up 196.3% year-on-year

Geely Auto: 70,126 units, up 46.5% year-on-year

Chery Auto: 69,817 units, up 132.7% year-on-year

Changan Auto: 30,397 units, up 70.0% year-on-year

Great Wall Motor: 18,355 units, up 55.3% year-on-year

Tesla: 14,875 units, up 18.5% year-on-year

Jiangsu Yueda Kia: 14,598 units, up 6.3% year-on-year

SAIC PV: 13,134 units, down 39.6% year-on-year

Jiangling Motor: 12,979 units, up 9.1% year-on-year

SAIC-GM-Wuling: 10,409 units, down 49.0% year-on-year

From January to October, Southeast Asia maintained strong growth momentum, with the market showing a pattern of clear leadership at the top, broad-based expansion among most automakers, and selective declines for a few players.

Among leading players, BYD Auto topped the Southeast Asian market with 122,784 units, nearly doubling year on year (+196.3%), highlighting the strength of its NEV technology and localized channel strategy. Geely Auto ranked second with 70,126 units (+46.5% YoY), maintaining steady growth, while Chery Auto followed closely at 69,817 units, posting a sharp +132.7% YoY increase that underscores strong product-market fit. Meanwhile, Changan Auto, Great Wall Motor, Jiangsu Yueda Kia, and Jiangling Motor also delivered positive growth.

Overall, Chinese brands continue to gain penetration in Southeast Asia, with NEVs remaining the core driver of export growth. Leading players are further consolidating their positions through technological advantages and strong distribution networks. At the same time, declines among some automakers signal a shift in the market from pure volume expansion to more refined competition, where product localization and operational execution will become decisive factors.

Top 10 Chinese automakers by passenger vehicle exports to North America

SAIC-GM-Wuling: 94,786 units, up 18.8% year-on-year

BYD Auto: 81,580 units, up 86.9% year-on-year

Chery Auto: 33,372 units, up 33.4% year-on-year

SAIC PV: 32,095 units, down 37.9% year-on-year

Changan-Ford: 29,844 units, down 22.2% year-on-year

Geely Auto: 29,522 units, up 35.0% year-on-year

Jiangsu Yueda Kia: 25,507 units, up 3.2% year-on-year

SAIC-GM: 22,152 units, down 59.8% year-on-year

Changan Auto: 18,623 units, up 140.7% year-on-year

GAC Trumpchi: 13,280 units, up 28.5% year-on-year

From January to October, market divergence in North America continued to deepen. Automakers leading the NEV transition posted particularly strong momentum: SAIC-GM-Wuling ranked first with exports of 94,786 units, up 18.8% YoY; BYD Auto followed closely with 81,580 units and an 86.9% YoY surge, highlighting its rapidly growing market penetration. Changan Auto stood out with a sharp 140.7% increase, while Chery and Geely also expanded steadily, recording growth of 33.4% and 35.0%, respectively.

By contrast, some automakers faced clear growth headwinds. SAIC-GM saw exports plunge 59.8% YoY, while SAIC PV recorded a 37.9% decline, and Changan Ford also retreated with a 22.2% drop. These performances suggest that product portfolios still dominated by internal combustion vehicles are gradually losing competitiveness in the North American market. Mid-tier players remained largely stable but lacked momentum, with Jiangsu Yueda Kia posting only a modest 3.2% increase.

Overall, Chinese automakers' exports to North America are at a pivotal stage marked by the rapid expansion of new-energy frontrunners and a deep adjustment among traditional players. Going forward, the pace of electrification and the sophistication of global operations will be the key variables shaping the competitive landscape in the North American market.

Top 10 Chinese automakers by passenger vehicle exports to Central and South America

BYD Auto: 131,360 units, up 7.1% year-on-year

Chery Auto: 110,758 units, up 22.2% year-on-year

Great Wall Motor: 59,752 units, up 72.5% year-on-year

Jiangsu Yueda Kia: 41,056 units, down 0.1% year-on-year

Jiangling Motor: 31,664 units, up 86.5% year-on-year

Geely Auto: 24,500 units, up 20.1% year-on-year

SAIC-GM-Wuling: 21,736 units, down 14.7% year-on-year

DFSK: 20,119 units, up 77.3% year-on-year

SAIC PV: 19,302 units, up 38.4% year-on-year

Changan Auto: 18,491 units, up 10.8% year-on-year

From January to October, the ChinaLatin America market showed a pattern of "clear leaders with diverging growth, broad-based expansion with a few declines." BYD Auto remained the leader with exports of 131,360 units, though its cumulative volume edged down 7.1% YoY amid a high base and intensifying regional competition. Chery Auto followed closely with 110,758 units, posting a solid 22.2% YoY increase, reflecting the effectiveness of its cost-competitive product lineup and localized channel strategy in steadily narrowing the gap with the market leader.

Multiple automakers emerged as key growth engines in the region. Great Wall Motor, Jiangling Motor, and DFSK all recorded YoY growth exceeding 70%, with Jiangling Motor's standout performance underscoring the strong market fit of its passengercommercial dual-use models in Latin America. SAIC PV also expanded steadily, posting 38.4% growth, highlighting the solid competitiveness of its product portfolio and its continued progress in market penetration.

Meanwhile, some automakers came under growth pressure. Jiangsu Yueda Kia posted a marginal 0.1% YoY decline, while SAIC-GM-Wuling fell by 14.7% YoY, suggesting the need for further optimization in regional strategy or product mix. In contrast, Changan Auto reversed its earlier downturn and returned to positive growth with a 10.8% YoY increase.

Overall, competition in the Latin American market has entered a phase of more refined and nuanced rivalry. Automakers are now required to compete on product differentiation, the depth of localization, and the pace of technological iteration. Only by closely aligning with regional energy structures and consumer preferences can sustainable and high-quality growth be achieved.

Top 10 Chinese automakers by passenger vehicle exports to Middle East

Chery Auto: 195,781 units, down 35.8% year-on-year

BYD Auto: 99,508 units, up 95.9% year-on-year

SAIC PV: 81,869 units, down 2.2% year-on-year

Changan Auto: 71,722 units, up 51.8% year-on-year

Jiangsu Yueda Kia: 70,207 units, up 18.8% year-on-year

Geely Auto: 68,376 units, down 8.1% year-on-year

FAW-Toyota: 64,373 units, up 87.1% year-on-year

Great Wall Motor: 43,463 units, up 115.3% year-on-year

Southeast Auto: 42,094 units, up 177.1% year-on-year

Beijing Hyundai: 35,215 units, up 42.7% year-on-year

From January to October, the Middle East market showed a pattern of stable leadership but sharply diverging growth trajectories. Chery Auto remained the largest exporter with 195,781 units, although its year-to-date volume declined by 35.8% YoY amid a high base and intensifying regional competition, narrowing its historical lead. In contrast, BYD Auto recorded strong momentum, exporting 99,508 units with a 95.9% YoY increase, significantly closing the gap with Chery Auto. This growth was largely driven by the rising policy alignment and consumer acceptance of NEVs in the Middle East, positioning NEVs as the key engine of export expansion.

Meanwhile, some automakers faced growth pressure. SAIC Passenger Vehicle edged down 2.2% YoY, while Geely Auto declined 8.1% YoY, suggesting that parts of the traditional lineup need faster strategic adjustment. In contrast, Changan Auto, Jiangsu Yueda Kia, FAW-Toyota, Great Wall Motor, Beijing Hyundai, and Southeast Auto all posted solid growth, with Southeast Auto standing out as the fastest-growing player, reflecting strong productmarket fit in the region.

Overall, the Middle East has emerged as a key strategic destination for Chinese automakers' exports. The pace of new energy transition and the ability to differentiate products have become critical levers for market expansion. Traditional leaders need to accelerate region-specific adjustments, while fast-growing players must further strengthen product competitiveness and local channel development to secure long-term, sustainable growth.
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area accelerates growth in low-altitude economy

Xinhua) 08:42, December 26, 2025

An electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, developed by Chinese drone maker EHang, carries out a demo flight at the urban air traffic operation demonstration center in Bao'an District in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

GUANGZHOU, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Conference on High-Quality Development of Low-Altitude Economy in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) convened in south China's Guangzhou city Thursday, gathering government officials, industry leaders and academics to chart a course for innovation-driven growth.

Low-altitude economy, a strategic emerging cluster, represents a pivotal frontier for technological advancement and economic diversification. The GBA, with its robust industrial ecosystem and cross-border synergies, is poised to lead this charge.

Guangdong Province, the core engine of the GBA, is a hub in China's low-altitude landscape. Data from the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission reveals that the province hosts over 15,000 low-altitude industry chain enterprises, 30 percent of China's total, including global leaders like EHang and DJI. In 2024, Guangdong produced 6.94 million civilian drones, accounting for 95 percent of China's consumer-grade and 54 percent of the industrial-grade market shares.

The conference yielded substantial collaboration outcomes, with cities including Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou and Zhuhai inking agreements spanning government-enterprise partnerships, research alliances and operational innovations. These steps aim to forge a networked industrial ecology, accelerating the integration of low-altitude applications.

Zhang Hu, executive vice governor of Guangdong, emphasized the GBA's readiness for robust growth of the low-altitude economy, noting that the region boasts an exceptional innovation environment, world-class business conditions, and a mature industrial system.

Hong Kong is leveraging its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework. In March, the city launched a "regulatory sandbox" for low-altitude projects, enabling controlled testing of technologies and infrastructure.

Michael Wong, deputy financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and head of its low-altitude economy task force, said, "As an international financial, shipping and trade hub, Hong Kong will fully utilize its role as a super-connector to collaborate with Guangzhou and other GBA cities in advancing high-quality development of the low-altitude economy."

Macao has also established a dedicated task force for the development of the low-altitude economy.

"Low-altitude economy is a national strategic industry and a new engine for GBA integration," Tai Kin Ip, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region government, said, adding that Macao will strengthen cooperation with fellow cities to contribute to high-quality development of the sector.

A 2025 blue book on GBA low-altitude industry released by China Economic Information Service highlights the need for synergy among Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai as core hubs, coupled with deeper integration with Hong Kong and Macao.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 25, DEEPAL announced the completion of its Series C financing round, raising 6.122 billion yuan to fuel the next phase of its expansion. The capital injection was jointly backed by parent company Changan Automobile, Chongqing Yufu Holding Group, and CMB Financial Asset Investment, reinforcing DEEPAL's financial base as it scales up technology development and market reach.

Earlier disclosures from Changan Automobile outlined plans for its controlling subsidiary, DEEPAL Automobile Technology, to introduce new capital through a share expansion. Under the arrangement, Changan itself would participate via a non-public agreement, contributing both intangible assets and cash, with its total commitment capped at 3.122 billion yuan. The intangible assets involved were valued at 1.043 billion yuan, while the remaining portion would be funded entirely through Changan's own cash resources.

Photo source: Changan Automobile

Changan Automobile also made clear that its investment would be flexibly adjusted based on the final pricing and the actual contributions of other qualified investors. This mechanism is designed to keep Changan's post-transaction stake unchanged at 50.9959%, ensuring that DEEPAL remains firmly under its control.

The outcome of the financing highlights more than just support from existing shareholders. It also signals a convergence of confidence from both state-backed capital and market-oriented financial investors, a combination that strengthens DEEPAL's strategic positioning within China's competitive NEV landscape.

DEEPAL is Changan Automobile's dedicated new energy vehicle brand, with a technology roadmap spanning battery electric, range-extended electric and hydrogen powertrains. According to publicly available data, cumulative global deliveries have surpassed 700,000 units, making it the top-selling NEV brand among centrally administered state-owned automakers. Its products are now present in nearly 100 countries and regions worldwide.

More recently, DEEPAL became the recipient of the first official license plate dedicated to Level 3 autonomous driving. The approval is widely seen as a landmark moment for China's intelligent driving sector, signaling the transition from pilot programs to compliant, real-world deploymentand placing DEEPAL among the early movers in commercializing L3 technology.

With Series C funding now secured, DEEPAL is set to enter a new stage of higher-quality growth. The company aims to accelerate innovation and international expansion while delivering smart, performance-oriented mobility solutions tailored to younger, globally minded consumers.
Mercedes-Benz is positioning 2026 as one of the most significant years in its history, combining a dense calendar of anniversaries with what the company describes as its biggest model rollout to date. The year will mark 140 years since Carl Benz patented the motor vehicle in 1886, a moment widely regarded as the birth of the automobile, while also aligning with several other milestones that span the brands passenger car, commercial vehicle, and safety innovations.

Among the key anniversaries is the centenary of the Mercedes-Benz name itself, created in 1926 through the merger of Daimler and Benz. The company will also recognize 130 years since its first commercial vehicles entered service, 75 years since the patenting of the safety body that led to crumple zones, 50 years since the debut of the W123 sedan that became the foundation of todays E-Class, and 20 years since the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

The automaker plans to anchor its celebrations around the theme of 140 years of innovation, using museum programs, heritage exhibitions, and enthusiast gatherings to connect its earliest machines to its latest technology. Events will include special Classics & Coffee meets in Stuttgart and partner exhibitions such as Mercedes, The Story of the Star at Autoworld Brussels, where vehicles from early three-wheelers to modern hypercars will be displayed. Commercial vehicles will also be highlighted, tracing a lineage from 1890s transporters to modern vans and trucks.

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Alongside the historical programming, Mercedes-Benz is preparing a major product push timed to the centennial of the brand. Internal plans call for dozens of new or refreshed models across entry-level, core, and top-end segments through 2026 and 2027. Among them will be a new CLA family built on an electric-first platform, along with updated SUVs and continued expansion of electric trucks and vans. The company intends to frame these changes as an evolution rooted in long-standing engineering traditions rather than a departure from its past.

The anniversary year is also expected to amplify interest in both classic and modern performance models. The W123s 50th anniversary is likely to draw renewed attention to surviving examples, while newer AMG coupes are increasingly viewed as future collectibles. With heritage-focused auctions, museum events, and an unprecedented wave of new vehicles converging, 2026 is shaping up as a defining moment for Mercedes-Benz as it balances its legacy with a rapidly changing lineup.

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The automotive industry has given us incredible innovations over the past century, from the Model T to electric vehicles. But alongside these achievements, a fascinating collection of theories and mysterious stories has emerged from factory floors, boardrooms, and garages around the world.

Some of these tales involve suppressed technology, others point to corporate intrigue, and a few remain genuinely puzzling even today.

Whether you're an enthusiast who's heard whispers at car shows or just curious about the stranger side of automotive history, these stories offer a compelling look at the myths and mysteries that have captured imaginations for decades.

The 100 MPG Carburetor Cover-Up

Image Credit: Barry Blackburn / Shutterstock.

Perhaps the most persistent automotive legend involves a miraculous carburetor that could achieve 100 miles per gallon or more, allegedly invented in the 1930s and subsequently bought up and buried by oil companies or automakers.

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Various versions credit different inventors, with Tom Ogle's vapor-fuel system from the 1970s being one of the better documented cases. The theory suggests that Big Oil couldn't allow such technology to reach consumers, as it would devastate their profits. While improved fuel efficiency has always been technically possible, the laws of thermodynamics and engine design place real limits on what carburetors can achieve.

Engineers have pointed out that modern fuel injection systems already extract near-maximum efficiency from gasoline, and if such technology existed, competitive pressures would have brought it to market.

Tucker's Suppression by the Big Three

Image Credit: Rex Gray - Flickr: 1948 Tucker Torpedo, CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons.

Preston Tuckers 1948 Tucker 48 was undeniably ambitious. The car featured a rear-mounted engine, a central directional headlight, and a strong emphasis on safety at a time when most automakers werent prioritizing it. Roughly 51 cars were built, including the prototype, before the company collapsed amid fraud allegations and an SEC investigation.

Much of the modern conspiracy narrative surrounding Tucker was amplified by the 1988 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream. While the movie helped preserve Tuckers legacy, it also took significant dramatic liberties, portraying him as a visionary deliberately crushed by the Big Three through coordinated sabotage. That framing cemented the idea of an industry-wide conspiracy in popular culture.

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The historical record suggests a more complicated reality. Tucker was ultimately acquitted of all fraud charges. Still, his company had already been crippled by bureaucracy, restrictive postwar regulations, steel allocation issues, and a hostile media environment that treated the venture with skepticism from the start. Regulatory scrutiny and negative press made it nearly impossible for the underfunded startup to survive long enough to reach full production.

Whether Tucker was intentionally suppressed by entrenched automakers or defeated by bureaucracy, regulatory friction, and bad timing remains debated. Whats clear is that the myth owes as much to Hollywood storytelling as it does to Detroit power dynamics.

The Deliberate Planned Obsolescence Conspiracy

Image Credit: Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wiki Commons.

In the 1920s, General Motors executive Alfred P. Sloan pioneered the idea of annual model refreshes, deliberately making older designs feel outdated even when they remained mechanically sound. This strategy stood in sharp contrast to Henry Fords approach, which emphasized long production runs and resisted intentional stylistic obsolescence.

Over time, that marketing strategy became known as planned obsolescence, a term that can sound more sinister than its original intent. Some theorists argue it eventually evolved into the deliberate engineering of failure points, designed to push owners to replace cars shortly after warranties expired. There is no direct evidence that GM or other automakers intentionally shortened vehicle lifespans in this way, and automotive engineers note that most design decisions involve trade-offs among durability, cost, weight, safety, and performance.

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The suspicion persists in part because it emerged during the same era as the light bulb cartel of the 1920s  a well-documented case in which manufacturers deliberately agreed to shorten bulb lifespans to increase sales. That example proves coordinated lifespan reduction has occurred in industrial history, making it easier for skeptics to imagine similar behavior elsewhere, even without direct proof in the auto industry.

What complicates the theory further is that modern cars routinely last far longer than those built in the 1960s and 1970s, which runs counter to the idea of increasingly intentional obsolescence. Still, the reality that major repairs often exceed a cars value not long after warranty expiration keeps the debate alive  even if the cause is economics rather than conspiracy.

GM's Electric Car Sabotage: The EV1 Mystery

Image Credit: Ranged Ranger  Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

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General Motors produced the EV1, one of Americas first modern, purpose-built electric vehicles from a major automaker, from 1996 to 1999, leasing about 1,117 units to customers in California and Arizona. When GM abruptly discontinued the program and recalled almost every vehicle, crushing most of them despite customer protests. Conspiracy theories erupted.

The documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car?" argued that GM deliberately sabotaged its own EV program under pressure from oil companies and to protect profitable SUV sales. GM claimed the cars were unprofitable and that customers didn't want electric vehicles, though many EV1 lessees pleaded to keep their cars. Critics argued that GM devoted more effort to opposing Californias zero-emission rules than to expanding EV1 marketing, though exact spending comparisons are disputed.

The truth likely involves multiple factors, though the optics of destroying functional vehicles that customers wanted to buy remain troubling to this day.

The Mysterious Death of the Steam Car

Image Credit: Basher Eyre, CC BY-SA 2.0/ Wiki Commons.

In the United States in the very early 1900s, before the electric starter became common, steam (and electric) cars often outsold gasoline cars, with Stanley frequently cited as outselling gasoline cars in the 18991905 period.

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The Stanley Steamer set speed records. Steam cars were often smooth, quiet, and torquey, but they had major practical drawbacks (long startup time, water requirements, and complexity). Yet by the 1930s, steam cars had virtually disappeared. Conspiracy theorists point to this as evidence of oil industry interference, suggesting that petroleum companies couldn't allow a technology that could run on various fuels to succeed.

In reality, steam cars had significant practical drawbacks: they required several minutes to build up pressure before driving, needed frequent water refills, and were mechanically complex. The electric starter motor, invented in 1912, eliminated the main advantage steam had over gasoline engines: ease of starting.

Market forces rather than conspiracy appear to have decided this technological battle.

The Carburetor Vaporizer Patent Buyouts

Image Credit: Bruce Alan Bennett / Shutterstock.

Throughout the mid-20th century, the U.S. Patent Office granted numerous patents for devices that claimed to improve fuel economy by dramatically vaporizing gasoline. Inventors regularly claimed their patents were subsequently purchased by oil companies or automakers who then shelved the technology.

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These stories became so common that they formed their own genre of automotive folklore. What's documented is that major companies sometimes purchased patents as a defensive measure, and the oil industry has historically opposed efficiency standards. However, patent databases show that most of these "revolutionary" designs violate basic thermodynamic principles or were simply variations of existing technology.

The challenge with conspiracy theories involving patents is that they're public records; if the technology actually worked as claimed, competitors would have developed similar systems despite the patents.

The DeLorean Sting

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

John DeLoreans 1984 arrest on drug trafficking charges stunned the automotive world. Footage of the former GM executive caught in an FBI sting created the impression of an open-and-shut case  until the trial revealed a far more complicated reality.

DeLoreans defense successfully argued that the government had entrapped him. Evidence showed an FBI informant repeatedly initiated, encouraged, and escalated the cocaine deal, targeting DeLorean during a period of extreme financial distress following the collapse of the DeLorean Motor Company. The jury ultimately agreed, acquitting DeLorean after concluding the crime had been manufactured rather than uncovered.

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That financial distress, however, was not solely the result of bad luck or external pressure. In the years leading up to the arrest, DeLorean had become entangled in a series of questionable and, in some cases, scandalous business dealings. Most notably, investigations revealed that roughly $17.6 million in British government funds intended for DMC were allegedly diverted through a Panamanian company tied to engineering payments to Lotus. DeLorean and Lotus founder Colin Chapman were implicated in the scheme, which effectively drained the company of the capital it needed to survive. Chapman died before facing charges, though his estate later repaid a portion of the funds.

While DeLorean was acquitted in the drug case, the missing money, ongoing investigations, and reputational damage had already sealed DMCs fate. Even without government involvement, DeLorean was headed toward serious legal and financial trouble.

There is no credible evidence that rival automakers or a coordinated industry conspiracy orchestrated his downfall. The more accurate explanation is a convergence of aggressive law enforcement, personal misjudgment, and ethically dubious business decisions  a tragic unraveling that didnt require a conspiracy to explain it.

JFK Limo

Photo Credit: Walt Cisco, Dallas Morning News, Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

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Abraham Zapruder's famous footage of President Kennedy's assassination in Dallas captured the presidential Lincoln Continental limousine in those tragic moments.

Over the decades, conspiracy theorists have claimed the car itself was part of the plot, pointing to driver William Greer's actions and the vehicle's controversial modifications afterward. The limousine was immediately sent back to Hess & Eisenhardt for extensive rebuilding, including a permanent roof and armor plating, which destroyed potential evidence.

Some researchers found it suspicious that the car remained in presidential service until 1977 rather than being preserved for investigation. However, the Secret Service's decision to retrofit the expensive custom vehicle rather than building a new one made practical sense, and extensive investigations found no evidence of driver involvement.

The car now sits in the Henry Ford Museum, still generating theories about that November day.

The Pinto Memo: Did Ford Calculate Death Costs?

Image Credit: Ken Morris / Shutterstock.

In the 1970s, internal Ford documents revealed that the company had conducted a cost-benefit analysis comparing the cost of fixing the Pinto's dangerous rear-mounted fuel tank with the projected costs of resulting deaths and injuries.

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The "Pinto Memo" showed Ford estimated 180 deaths and 180 severe burns, assigning a value of $200,000 per death (in 1970s dollars), and concluded that an $11-per-car fix wasn't cost-effective. While critics call this a conspiracy to prioritize profits over lives, Ford defenders note that all automakers conduct similar risk analyses as required by federal regulators.

The real controversy isn't whether the analysis occurred; it's a documented fact. The question is whether Ford's specific calculations were unusually callous or simply standard industry practice that happened to become public. The case fundamentally changed product liability law and corporate accountability, though similar calculations still occur throughout the industry today.

The Myth of the Water-Powered Car

Image Credit: BMW.

Stanley Meyer claimed in the 1990s that he'd invented a car that ran purely on water, using his "water fuel cell" to split H2O into hydrogen and oxygen.

He demonstrated a dune buggy that supposedly proved the concept and attracted investors before his sudden death in 1998. Supporters claim he was poisoned by oil interests, while his brother reported his last words were that he'd been poisoned.

However, some experts note that splitting water requires more energy than you get back from burning the resulting hydrogen, violating conservation of energy. Meyer's patents were found to be fraudulent by an Ohio court, which ordered him to repay investors. His death was ruled a brain aneurysm after extensive investigation.

While hydrogen fuel cells are a recognized technology in modern transport, Meyers work is viewed by some as a glimpse into a frontier beyond traditional thermodynamics. Supporters suggest his "water fuel cell" didn't rely on simple electrolysis but instead used a specific electronic frequency to "fracture" water molecules with minimal effort. While this challenges current scientific consensus, it leaves open the intriguing possibility that Meyer discovered a proprietary method of energy extraction that remains an unsolved mystery to this day.

The Beetle's True Origins

Image Credit: Sue Thatcher / Shutterstock.

The Volkswagen Beetle's development involved Ferdinand Porsche and Adolf Hitler, who wanted a "people's car" for German families. What's disputed is whether Porsche stole the design from Jewish engineer Josef Ganz, who created the "Maikafer" (May Beetle) in 1931 with remarkably similar features.

Ganz was forced to flee occupied Germany in 1933, and his contributions were systematically erased from automotive history. Recent research by Paul Schilperoord documented extensive evidence that Porsche's design borrowed heavily from Ganz's earlier work, though direct theft is difficult to prove conclusively.

Volkswagen has historically downplayed the connection, while later historical research has argued Josef Ganz may have influenced early peoples car ideas; the extent of that influence remains debated. The truth appears to lie somewhere between independent invention and appropriation of ideas, complicated by the regime's systematic persecution and erasure of Jewish contributors.

This remains one of automotive history's most ethically complex origin stories.

The Myth of Asbestos Suppression

Image Credit: Jpatokal - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

For decades, asbestos was used extensively in brake pads, clutches, and gaskets throughout the automotive industry despite mounting evidence of health risks.

By the 1970s, internal documents from manufacturers showed they knew about asbestos dangers but continued using it while fighting regulation. Unlike some conspiracy theories, this one has been largely confirmed through litigation and released documents showing companies suppressed research and misled workers.

The conspiracy wasn't about revolutionary technology being hidden  it was about hiding the deadly effects of existing materials to avoid expensive reformulation and liability. Automotive asbestos use was widely phased down in the late 1980s and 1990s, but asbestos was not completely banned nationwide in the U.S.; in 2024 the EPA finalized a rule to ban chrysotile asbestos (the last form still used), including phase-outs affecting some automotive products, decades after the risks were well-established. Today, mechanics who worked with asbestos brakes in the 1960s and 70s are still developing related diseases.

This case demonstrates that automotive industry conspiracies, when they occur, are typically about protecting existing profits rather than suppressing innovation.

Conclusion

Image Credit: Kenneth C. Zirkel - Own work, CC0/ Wiki Commons.

The line between conspiracy theory and suppressed truth can be surprisingly thin in automotive history. While most tales of miracle carburetors and water-powered engines collapse under scientific scrutiny, the industry's documented cases of calculating death costs and hiding asbestos dangers remind us that corporate malfeasance is hardly impossible.

What makes automotive conspiracies particularly fascinating is how they reflect our complex relationship with cars  machines that represent both freedom and corporate control, innovation and environmental destruction. For enthusiasts and skeptics alike, these stories serve as reminders that the industry that gave us such incredible technology has also had its share of secrets, some more justified than others.

The next time you hear a seemingly wild automotive theory, it's worth remembering that the truth, while usually less dramatic than the conspiracy, can sometimes be just as troubling.
For decades, the global auto industrys balance of power looked like a familiar story: western companies  Detroit, Stuttgart, Tokyo  led in engineering, pace, and prestige, while China played catchup. Today that narrative has flipped.

A recent Financial Times reporting tells how legacy carmakers in the United States, Europe, and Japan are openly studying, adopting and even copying Chinese practices to cut the time it takes to develop and launch a new car. Its a striking tableau shift: the East setting the pace, the West racing to keep up. How the table has turned.

At the heart of this transformation lies speed. In China, EV makers routinely take roughly 18 to 22 months to conceive, engineer and release a new model, sometimes in marketready form faster than Western rivals can get their blueprints approved. Thats about half the typical development cycle seen in Detroit or Wolfsburg, where traditional processes stretch 3248 months or longer.

Image Credit: BYD.

Where the casual eye sees only marginal efficiency gain, industry executives see a strategic lifeline. During an InsideEV podcast not very long ago, General Motorss president publicly stated that Western automakers must learn from Chinese rivals to quicken their model pipelines and stay competitive, while admitting that copying each other and trying to price each other out of the market [isnt] necessarily a great thing.

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I would say we can learn a lot from the [Chinese] speed, he said.

Why China Has the Jump

Several structural forces power Chinas advantage. Chinese firms often control more of their supply chain and components inhouse or through tightly coordinated local suppliers. This trims sourcing delays and reduces crossborder engineering lags.

Advanced simulation tools and softwarebased testing cut the need for long road-testing cycles. Virtual validation and overtheair updates further compress the path from prototype to production.

Sixday workweeks and nimble decision structures (flatter hierarchies and empowered teams) let Chinese automakers make rapid, marketdriven choices that would take months of committee meetings back in the West.

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Taken together, these factors have helped Chinese carmakers double their global footprint in electric vehicles while many foreign brands shed market share at home.

Western Automakers Take Note  And Act

Image Credit: The White House - flickr, Public Domain, Wikimedia.

What was once a oneway flow of technology and expertise  Western cars exported to China, Chinese firms farming design tricks from Europe and Japan  is now reversed. Executives from Ford, Volkswagen, Nissan, Renault and other legacy groups have all described explicit efforts to adopt Chinese methods to accelerate product cycles.

Ford has partnered with Renault to codevelop small electric vehicles in Europe using a methodology honed in Shanghai that trims development time to under two years.

Volkswagen reports slashing EV development timelines by roughly 30% for Chinamarket models by leveraging local suppliers and digital workflows that echo Chinese practices.

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Nissan launched its affordable N7 electric sedan after roughly two years of development in China with Dongfeng in a pace that would have been unimaginable a decade ago.

These tactical tweaks underscore a deeper cultural shift toward iteration, modular design, closer supplier integration and regionalized R&D.

Table Turns  And Tensions Rise

The implications stretch beyond product cycles. Western policymakers worry not just about losing market share but about strategic dependence. In the United States, for example, concerns are growing that Chinas lead in EVs and batteries carries national security risks.

In Europe, regulators are debating how to force legacy automakers to stay relevant without retreating from emissions targets, an argument that exposes how Chinese momentum is reshaping Western policy debates.

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Some analysts question whether the rush to match Chinas tempo might compromise quality or safety. After all, shorter testing cycles can mean more reliance on software patches postlaunch.

But for legacy automakers, the calculus is stark: adopt the Chinese playbook or risk obsolescence. Ultimately, it stands to reason that the global auto industry is now not only wrangling with the elusive electrification but also sprinting to adopt the Chinese way of making cars: faster, leaner, and more digitally native than ever before.
A Minnesota jury awarded $65.5 million on Friday to Anna Jean Houghton Carley, a 37-year-old mother of three, who claimed that long-term use of Johnson & Johnson's talcum products exposed her to asbestos and contributed to her developing mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lungs.

The verdict came after a 13-day trial at Ramsey County District Court, where Carley's legal team argued that the company sold and promoted talc-based products despite knowing they could be contaminated with asbestos.

Her attorneys emphasized that her family had not been warned about the potential risks associated with using the products during her childhood.

Johnson & Johnson removed its talc-based powders from US shelves in 2020 and ceased global sales in 2023 amid mounting lawsuits, NYPost reported.

Carley's attorney framed the case as a pursuit of truth and accountability, highlighting concerns beyond just financial compensation.

Johnson & Johnson, however, maintains that its baby powder is safe, free from asbestos, and does not cause cancer.

Minnesota jury says Johnson & Johnson owes $65.5 million to woman with cancer who used talcum powder https://t.co/aEF3EkeF06 pic.twitter.com/vbE8fjy8F5  New York Post (@nypost) December 20, 2025

Fresh Verdicts Deepen Scrutiny of Johnson & Johnson

The company has confirmed it will appeal the ruling, with legal representatives expressing confidence that an appellate court may overturn the decision.

This Minnesota case is part of a larger, ongoing legal battle over the safety of Johnson & Johnson's talc products, including Baby Powder and Shower to Shower body powder.

Earlier this month, a Los Angeles jury awarded $40 million to two women who claimed ovarian cancer from the products.

According to AP, in October, a California jury ordered the company to pay $966 million to a family whose loved one died of mesothelioma, allegedly linked to asbestos-contaminated talc.

The series of verdicts has intensified scrutiny on Johnson & Johnson's practices, as plaintiffs argue the company failed to inform consumers of known risks.

Despite decades of studies cited by the company to defend the safety of its products, courts have increasingly sided with individuals reporting serious health consequences.

Originally published on vcpost.com
Ban can ang nhap e thuc hien chuc nang nay!
Russia has set out one of its boldest space ambitions yet: building a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2036, alongside China, to support long-term lunar exploration.

The proposal, confirmed by the Russian State Space Agency, Roscosmos, would underpin a joint International Lunar Research Station and mark a significant escalation in the modern space race.

As nations move beyond short missions towards permanent off-Earth infrastructure, reliable energy has become the critical challenge. Nuclear power, Russian officials argue, could provide the stability needed to operate scientific bases, robotic missions and future human activity on the lunar surface.

An Ambitious Plan In Space

Roscosmos announced plans to build a lunar power station within 10 years, aiming to reclaim its status as one of the world's major space powers.

The purpose of the project is to facilitate Russia's lunar exploration efforts and the creation of a Russian-Chinese scientific base, and to collaborate with major aerospace and nuclear research institutions.

Although the facility has not been identified as a nuclear facility, the presence of the Russian nuclear agency Rosatom and the Kurchatov Institute suggests that the project may use atomic energy.

It highlights Russia's strategic efforts to restore competitiveness after previous setbacks, such as the August 2023 crash of its Luna-25 lander, which dashed recent hopes.

Roscosmos representatives underlined that the lunar power plant would be long-term and will accommodate scientific missions, robotic rovers, and infrastructure of the suggested International Lunar Research Station with China.

The Lunar Dreams Of Russia

Russia has harboured the desire to be the first to explore space ever since Yuri Gagarin became the first to orbit in 1961. Nevertheless, over the past few decades, the country has struggled to maintain its status quo as the U.S. and China have grown stronger.

The failure of the Luna-25 mission was a major blow to the goals of the lunar missions, after which the ambitions were re-evaluated. However, Russia's new interest in lunar infrastructure marks a strategic shift toward long-term exploration.

Dmitry Bakanov, the director of Roscosmos, outlined the agency's long-term vision, which extends beyond lunar presence to include the exploration of Venus, often called Earth's sister planet. The lunar project is considered an essential step toward a permanent scientific outpost, following sporadic missions, to leverage the resources and crew from those missions in the future.

Nuclear Energy and the Moon

The interest in lunar resources has been on the rise amid plans for exploration. High concentrations of helium-3, a rare isotope, are estimated by NASA to be present on the moon in the amount of a million tonnes and have potential use on Earth and in future fusion reactors as a clean energy source. Also, the moon contains rare-earth elements, including scandium, yttrium, and lanthanides, which are essential in contemporary electronics and high-technology production.

Having these resources has sparked debate about a lunar gold rush, with companies and governments looking at the moon as the new frontier for resource extraction. Analysts are concerned that this resource potential could intensify competition in the economy and geopolitical tensions as countries struggle to gain control over lunar resources.

The extreme conditions in space, such as temperatures, radiation, and extended darkness, pose a significant challenge to long-term human-robotic operations on the moon. Nuclear energy is a stable, uncontrollable source that is unaffected by external conditions. Atomic reactors are becoming crucial to space agencies worldwide to enable long-term missions beyond Earth.

The partnership between Roscosmos and Rosatom, as well as the Kurchatov Institute, suggests that nuclear technology may be the core of the lunar power station. Although the project is confidential, its scope aligns with international trends supporting the use of atomic energy for exploring the galaxy.

According to experts, implementing a nuclear reactor on the moon would require strict safety measures and compliance with international regulatory standards.

US Enters Global Competition

The Russian lunar aspirations are not isolated, as an escalation of spacefaring by larger countries is underway. In August, the US announced its plan to install a nuclear reactor on the moon by the early 2030s, which will justify future astronaut missions and missions to Mars.

Current US officials admit that developing a stable energy source on the moon is key to longer-term human space habitation and scientific research.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has highlighted the need to develop energy infrastructure to support future space exploration, with the exploration of moon bases at the core of the larger objective of colonising deep space. This competition signals a new geopolitical contest, and space is regarded as a region of strategic significance.

Legal and Regulatory Environment

International treaties do not allow the deployment of nuclear weapons in space, yet, they do not reject nuclear energy sources, as long as safety standards are achieved.

Russia and the US have both shown dedication to comply with these guidelines, saying that their nuclear missions on the moon will be driven by protection and environmental consciousness.

Experts forecast that lunar infrastructure rivalry will continue gaining pace, and geopolitical competition and possible collaboration will rise.

What Comes Next

If completed by 2036, Russia's lunar power plant would represent a profound shift in how humanity operates beyond Earth. Rather than brief visits, nations would be committing to permanence.

Whether this new era leads to cooperation or confrontation remains uncertain. What is clear is that the Moon is no longer just a destination. It is becoming strategic ground.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
Sid Ramani, Area General Manager of Hyatt Regency Irvine, brings over 20 years of hospitality experience-all of which have been with Hyatt Hotels Corporation-to this reimagined urban oasis-inspired property. Mr. Ramani began his career in 1999 at Hyatt Regency Bellevue in Seattle, Washington. From that point forward, he has been a loyal member of the Hyatt family with experience working across the Hyatt Regency, Andaz, and Grand Hyatt brands. From Seattle, he relocated to Southern California, joining the team at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach where he was for 9 years, working his way up to Director of Rooms. He moved back to Seattle in 2010 to rejoin the team at Hyatt Regency Bellevue before moving to Grand Hyatt San Francisco in 2012. After three years in the Bay Area, Mr. Ramani became the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Westlake before being named the General Manager at Andaz in Savannah, Georgia and later, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. He received a diploma in Hospitality Administration & Food Technology from Sophia Polytechnic in India and attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he received a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant & Travel Administration and a minor in Hospitality Marketing.
Randi Zimmerman works at Symphonic Distribution as a Content Specialist, writing everything from artist bios and company announcements to in-depth features and educational resources for the Symphonic Blog. The music business is complex by design, and Randi specializes in breaking down opaque industry systems into clear, practical insights, helping artists and labels of all sizes better understand how to build sustainable careers. Her work bridges the gap between industry infrastructure and artist understanding, translating high-level business concepts into accessible knowledge that empowers creators at every stage of their careers.

We asked Randi if she had any predictions for the music industry in 2026. Heres what she had to say:

As a creative person, writer, and lover of human artistry myself, I think the explosive rise of AI in music will serve as a reminder of the beauty of human creation. AI itself isnt inherently bad, but the blur between whats human and whats machine can feel unsettling, even discouraging, to say the least. But in 2026, I see that very uncertainty pushing artists back toward personal creativity, real instruments, and re-embracing the imperfect moments that make music feel alive.

At Symphonic, I feel that were at the forefront of managing this balance, helping artists explore the new possibilities available without losing the values that make them stand out. Their passion, the pain, the raw and uncut edges everything that makes music real. Through the right resources and strategies that support genuine creativity, we make sure the human touch that makes music resonate so deeply stays at the center of it all.

And in a world of increasingly automated, artificial sounds, thoughtful guidance and artist-first AI solutions are more important than ever
This Dewey Avenue modular home is nearly ready for a family to move in. It is one of several projects housing projects undertaken by Westside Legends to boost home ownership in Pittsfield's West Side.

Westside Legends Detail Underway Housing Projects

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Westside Legends has several housing projects underway through a home ownership program that aims to buy back the neighborhood.



The nonprofit's President Tony Jackson and Treasurer Marvin Purry detailed its attainable housing efforts that were partially funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. The nonprofit has a mortgage program and buy-back program for refurbished West Side homes, as well as other initiatives in the pipeline.



"We intend to sell, with all our houses, under market so somebody can get in there and enjoy the perks of home ownership," Perry told the Affordable Housing Trust recently.



"Our little motto is: Why pay somebody else when you can pay yourself?"



The city's Affordable Housing Trust, through a request for proposals, awarded more than $860,000 in ARPA funds to foster affordable housing development in the city. Berkshire Habitat for Humanity received its full request of $240,000 for six new housing units, Hearthway about $363,000 for a rehabilitation project on existing housing, and the Westside Legends more than $258,000 for a modular home project.



The Westside Legends is working on homes at 72 Dewey Ave., 17 South Church St., and 34 Daniels Ave.



The land for the modular on Dewey Avenue was purchased for $10,000 from an abutter. The home is about 85 percent complete, installed in November, and should be move-in ready by January.



The WSL requested an additional $60,000 for the project, which it was not granted, and is looking at other sources for gap funding. Purry pointed out that there are many open lots in this part of the city, and members feel this is "more or less our thing going forward."



The discrepancy in time and money between modular home builds and refurbishments was noted. Modular homes are 80 percent complete when delivered.



Purry explained that the South Church Street home, about 90 percent finished, was the first project under the ARPA funds, and that Westside has spent about $110,000 rehabilitating it over the last few years.
Winter Storm Warning Issued for Berkshires

Another snowstorm is expected to move through the region overnight on Friday, bringing 5 to 8 inches of snow. This is updated from Thursday's winter weather advisory.

The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has posted a winter storm warning for all of Berkshire County and parts of eastern New York State beginning Friday at 4 p.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m.

The region could see heavy to moderate snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, tapering off Saturday morning to flurries.

Drivers should exercise caution on Friday night and Saturday morning, as travel conditions may be hazardous.

Saturday night should be clear and calm, but warming temperatures means freezing rain Sunday night and rain through Monday with highs in the 40s. The forecast isn't much better through the week as temperatures dip back into the teens with New Year's Eve looking cloudy and frigid.
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Scores of people gathered outside the Delhi High Court on Friday to protest its grant of conditional bail to a former ruling party lawmaker imprisoned for rape, renewing a debate about accountability for sexual crimes in India.

Kuldeep Singh Sengar, former state lawmaker from prime minister Narendra Modis BJP party, was sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2019 for raping a minor girl. This week, the high court suspended his sentence while his appeal against conviction remained pending. The order triggered criticism, protests and legal challenges amid renewed fears for the survivors safety.

This is an injustice towards our family, the survivors mother told reporters at the protest, according to the news agency PTI.

I am not blaming the entire high court, but only the two judges whose decision has shattered our trust.

She said her daughter had endured years of suffering and the family would now move the Supreme Court. I have faith in it, she said.

The survivor, now 24, said that she was feeling extremely unsafe following the order. Narrating the history of intimidation surrounding the case, she warned that the threat posed by Sengar extended beyond formal bail conditions. He is a powerful man, she said. He would get his men to do his dirty work for him.

Recalling a 2019 car crash that killed two of her relatives and her lawyer, she added: Sengar didnt do it himself. His henchmen did. Now that he is out, we are all unsafe.

File. People hold banners and posters during a protest against rape in India ( AFP via Getty )

Sengar was convicted of abducting and raping the girl in Unnao district of northern Uttar Pradesh state in 2017.

The case gained national attention after the survivor attempted to immolate herself outside the residence of chief minister Adityanath in 2018. Her father died in police custody shortly after.

In July 2019, a road collision killed two members of the survivors family and left her and her lawyer critically injured.

The truck that hit their car reportedly had number plates. At the time, police assigned to protect the survivor werent travelling with her, later claiming there was no room in the car.

In the wake of these incidents, the Supreme Court ordered the case to be shifted from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi. It also directed that security be extended to the survivor, her family and her lawyer and ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to pay the survivor interim compensation of Rs 2.5m (20,626).

In early 2020, Sengar and his fellow accused were each sentenced to 10 years in prison in a case involving the fathers death in custody.

The Delhi High Court suspended Sengars life sentence saying he has already spent more than seven years in jail, exceeding the minimum punishment prescribed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, or Pocso, for rape by a non-public servant.

The court, however, imposed conditions on Sengars bail, including that he not come within a 5km radius of the survivors residence or threaten her or her mother.

Any violation of the conditions, it said, would result in automatic cancellation of bail.

In spite of the order, Sengar remains in prison because hes still serving his sentence in the custodial death case.

Outside the high court on Friday, protesters held placards and shouted slogans calling for an end to what they described as protection for rapists. One demonstrator asked why a man convicted of rape and linked to murder could get bail at all.

On what grounds was Kuldeep Sengar granted bail when it was declared that he had committed rapes and murders? the protester told ANI news agency. If a life sentence was given to him, then why is he out? We demand that the rapist should go behind bars so women feel safe.

Yogita Bhayana, a womens rights activist closely involved in supporting the survivor, said the decision had shaken public confidence in the justice system. Women across India are deeply hurt that the sentence of a rapist has been overturned, Ms Bhayana was quoted as saying by ANI.

This happened in this very court. So, we will seek justice from the same place where the injustice occurred.

Tensions escalated earlier this week when the survivor and her mother attempted to do a sit-in protest at India Gate, one of the capitals most prominent squares. Footage of security personnel dragging them away spread rapidly on social media, prompting widespread condemnation. The survivors mother later alleged rough handling by police and said her daughters were taken away in a vehicle and dropped elsewhere.

His bail should be rejected, the mother said at the time. We will knock on the doors of the Supreme Court. We have lost faith in the high court.

In a statement underscoring the familys despair, she added: If we don't get justice in the Supreme Court, we will go to another country.

The survivors sister said if Sengar was being let out, then put us in prison. At least we will be safe there.

He had killed my uncle, my father. He has been released but the threat hovers over us and our family. Who knows he will erase our entire family once he is out, she alleged.

My sister is grieving. If something happens to us, will the court take responsibility? If so, then it is okay. We have small children, our brother. His men continue to threaten us.

The bail order has also reopened a complex legal debate about how the law defines a public servant.

The high court relied on a long-standing interpretation that elected representatives such as MPs and MLAs were not deemed public servants under the relevant criminal laws, a technical distinction carrying major sentencing consequences.

Under Pocso, rape of a child by a person in authority or a public servant attracts harsher minimum punishment than rape by an ordinary person.

Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation, a federal agency, announced that it would challenge the bail order in the Supreme Court by filing a special leave petition.

A spokesperson said the agency had studied the ruling and would move the top court at the earliest.
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A man has been arrested after stabbing eight people and injuring seven others with bleach at a tire factory in central Japan, authorities have said.

Eight people were hospitalised after they were stabbed by the knifeman at a factory of global major tiremaker Yokohama Rubber Co in the city of Mishima, in the Shizuoka prefecture, west of Tokyo, the Fujisan Nanto Fire Department said.

Five of the people who were stabbed were left in a serious condition, the fire department said, without providing any further details on their health.

open image in gallery Police officers stand guard at the scene of a stabbing at the Yokohama Rubber Company in Mishima, west of Tokyo ( AP )

A 38-year-old man has been arrested at the factory, Shizuoka prefectural police said. He has been charged with attempted murder.

During the attack, the suspect was carrying a survival knife and what appeared to be a gas mask, investigators said according to Japanese newspaper Asahi.

The outlet reported that the alleged attacker was someone who was connected to the factory.

Seven others were also injured by the bleach thrown at them during the attack, and taken to hospitals for treatment, the fire department said.

open image in gallery Fifteen people have been hospitalised in the attack ( AFP via Getty Images )

The Japan Times, citing national broadcaster NHK, initially said the victims remained conscious, but that officials had not issued a full breakdown of the severity of the wounds.

Tomoharu Sugiyama, an official from the fire department, said a call had first been received at around 4:30 from a rubber factory saying people were stabbed by someone and that a spray-like liquid had been used by the assailant, The Japan Times reported.

A fleet of ambulances was dispatched to the factory, which is around 2.3 kilometres southeast of Mishima Station, and produces passenger car tires. As of December 2024, the factory had 987 workers, according to the companys website.

open image in gallery Five are said to be in a serious condition ( AFP via Getty Images )

Aerial footage from Japanese broadcaster NHK showed vehicles including fire trucks parked outside the factory, while emergency workers rushed to work following the mass attack.

Japan has strict gun control laws and is known for rare violent crimes, but there have been a number of high-profile knife attacks in recent years.
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Indonesia has reacted with fury after British adult content creator Bonnie Blue posted a video widely seen as insulting the Southeast Asian nations flag, sparking diplomatic complaints and a social media backlash.

Blue, 26, who was recently deported from the Indonesian resort island of Bali and barred from entering the country for a decade, posted a video filmed outside the Indonesian embassy in London that spread quickly on social media.

It shows her holding the Indonesian flag while standing alongside several masked men.

Yes, I got arrested in Bali, and so for my last time, I came to the embassy so they could watch in person, Blue says in the video.

As the men around her cheer, Blue attaches the flag to the back of her outfit and walks away, allowing it to trail along the ground. She continues her commentary by saying: People said Ive disrespected Bali culture. Instead, I am going to use this to wipe the floor.

Blue also referred to a small fine she received during her deportation process in Indonesia earlier this month, saying she had come to the embassy to pay my 8.50 fine.

The incident triggered a sharp reaction from Jakarta. According to The Jakarta Post, Indonesias government formally raised the matter with the British foreign ministry and police.

The red and white flag is a symbol of sovereignty, honour, and national identity that must be respected by everyone, wherever they are, the Indonesian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Many Indonesians took to social media to criticise what they described as a deliberate provocation.

Boonie Blue drew backlash for disrespecting the Indonesian flag ( @mothershipsg/Instagram )

Some urged fellow users to report Blues social media accounts while others said any grievance she held should have been addressed through official channels rather than by targeting the countrys flag.

One commenter wrote that Blue should confront authorities directly instead of insulting a symbol that represents a symbol of our struggle and pride.

Blue, along with at least 17 Australian and British men, was detained in Bali earlier this month on suspicion of filming pornographic content in violation of the majority Muslim nations morality laws. Indonesia enforces strict laws against pornography, with penalties reaching up to 12 years in prison and fines of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Investigators later dropped these charges, concluding the content was intended for private use rather than public release.

But a court ordered Blue to leave the country for violating visa rules and imposed a small fine for traffic violations.

After returning to Britain about two weeks ago, Blue downplayed the seriousness of the case. Im rich and have good lawyers, she said, according to Us Weekly. Did you really think Id face jail time?
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Late last year, Bethany Clarke was chasing the trip of a lifetime through southeast Asia with her best friend. Today, saddled with grief, shes left wondering how an evening out drinking could have turned her life upside down.

Clarke and her friend Simone White, both 28 at the time, were on a night out in Laos when they drank what turned out to be methanol-tainted vodka at a Vang Vieng hostel.

While Clarke survived the poisoning, her friend and five other foreign travellers died, in an incident that sparked global concern about the dangers of tainted liquor as well as calls for accountability.

The two Britons started their journey with a meet-up in Cambodia  Clarke was working in Australia at the time. They travelled through Vietnam before making their way to the party town of Vang Vieng, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, blue lagoons and river tubing. The town is one of the main stops on the popular Banana Pancake Trail, a backpacker circuit that winds through Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia.

After arriving in the town in November 2024, Clarke and White went for free happy hour shots at the Nana Backpackers Hostel. They downed five or six drinks poured from two different bottles, joining a crowd of fellow travellers.

Nothing about the taste of the vodka seemed out of the ordinary, Clarke says. And it wasnt until later the next day, when they were on a bus to Vientiane city, that they realised they were sick.

open image in gallery A motorcyclist rides past the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng on 24 November 2024 ( AFP/Getty )

They had woken up with grinding hangovers, which grew worse during kayaking at the Blue Lagoon. On the bus ride, though, their symptoms worsened, with White vomiting and Clarke fainting and hitting her head.

The group of travellers they were with argued over whether it was a result of food poisoning, a hangover, or some virus, until someone finally said in the evening they needed a hospital.

It was probably at the Blue Lagoon that I realised that something wasnt quite right because Simone wasnt very chatty and she wanted to sort of sit down a lot and lie down, Clarke recalls, telling The Independent that she herself felt tired, dizzy and disoriented.

Both of us were just having to lie on our backs on the kayaks staring up at the sky waiting for the tour to end.

White got sicker. Doctors later found her brain was swollen, crushing into her skull. Shortly after, on 21 November, Whites parents made the soul-crushing decision to turn off her life support.

White was a lawyer from Orpington in southeast London. She was one of six people who died at the Nana Backpackers Hostel last year after consuming alcohol suspected to be tainted with methanol. The other victims were Australians Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19; American James Louis Hutson, 57; and Danish backpackers Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21.

We never got her blood methanol result because they just whisked her straight into dialysis, Clarke says of her friend.

Clarke was one of six survivors. Another was Calum Macdonald, who was left blind as the toxin ravaged his optic nerve.

Macdonald had taken the happy hour vodka shots the night before Clarke and White. The next day, he said he saw kaleidoscopic light before losing his sight.

open image in gallery Simone White died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos ( PA Media )

A year on, friends and families of the victims are channelling their grief into a campaign for greater awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning, while accusing the Laotian government of failing to deliver justice amid reports that the hostel is looking to reopen.

Clarke started a petition early this year calling for methanol poisoning lessons to be included in school curricula in the UK and Australia.

She is also advocating for airport signage and in-flight magazine warnings about the dangers of methanol-laced spirits.

We set up the Simone White Methanol Awareness campaign in April, and we were really trying to push our parliamentary petition in the UK, which we ended up getting 12,000 signatures to get education into schools, and we managed to do that now with support from some of the local MPs in the Kent area," she says. We have managed to get it on the curriculum from September 2026, but only in England and Wales. So we have got somebody trying to lead to get it up in Scotland as well as Northern Ireland.

Its kind of getting somewhere, she says, and I'm actually surprised that we managed to do it so quickly.

open image in gallery Flags fly by the Mekong river in Vientiane, Laos ( Alisha Rahaman Sarkar/The Independent )

In November, the Foreign Office issued travel warnings for 11 additional countries where visitors faced the risk of methanol poisoning, citing a rise in cases of death and serious illness. There are 27 countries on the list now, including Laos.

If youre drinking spirits overseas, stick to trusted places and avoid homemade alcohol or free shots, Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer urged travellers. If something feels off, like a hangover thats way worse than normal or vision problems  get medical help fast.

Methanol, an industrial alcohol found in products like antifreeze and screen wash, is highly toxic and causes severe and often fatal damage when ingested.

The Health Security Agency says it causes coma, convulsions, blindness, nervous system damage and death. Just 10ml  about two teaspoons  can cause blindness or neurological damage and 25ml can prove fatal.

The Methanol Institute, a global trade association for producers, says the industrial alcohol is often deliberately and illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol in countries where taxes on legitimate alcohol, or the cost of legitimate alcohol, might be perceived as too high.

Poisoning can also occur when improperly brewed homemade liquor yields methanol instead of ethanol.

open image in gallery Bethany Clarke and Simone White in Laos ( Bethany Clarke )

The first signs of poisoning include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, tiredness, confusion, and dizziness. Further symptoms appear 12-48 hours later and can include headaches, blurry vision, trouble looking at bright lights, tunnel vision or seeing static  like that on an old TV screen, or complete blindness, seizures and coma.

The charity Medecins Sans Frontieres compiled data that showed 1,000 incidents of suspected methanol poisoning across 80 countries  each typically affecting multiple victims  over the past 25 years. At least 41,000 people suffered methanol poisoning and 14,600 died, according to the data.

In late 2025, a major incident of poisoning from methanol-tainted alcoholic drinks in Sao Paulo, Brazil, killed at least 11 people. Several people were admitted to intensive care with severe symptoms like blindness.

Clarke, as a part of her campaign, produces online videos with tips about how to avoid methanol poisoning and recognise the symptoms.

She suggests that testing strips can help save lives if people can check whether their alcohol is safe enough to drink. The best thing spirit companies could do is come together and fund testing strips so that people can just check that their alcohol is safe enough to drink, she says.

Clarke says there are people willing to create prototypes for testing strips, but they lack funding.

I think that our ultimate goal, in the long run, is to get testing strips. Even if it takes five years, 10 years or 15, we will just have to keep plugging away at it because it is something that would save a lot of lives, she says.

It is more about prevention than cure and the ultimate cure is fomepizole, but it is not always available, she says, citing the example of Brazil having to source the antidote for methanol poisoning from abroad after the recent incident.

open image in gallery People drink beer at a bar in Sao Paulo ( AP )

Clarke says Britain can do better in its efforts to raise awareness and press Laos to secure justice for the victims.

Whites family say they have had to chase the UK government for new information on the investigation. Id love for there to be a push from the prime minister to try and get some more information from the Laotian government, her brother, Zack White, told BBC News, adding that they received the last substantial update in May.

I think we've perhaps accepted were not going to get answers, but that shouldnt be the case. Theres been no justice at all, really. We just want to know whats going on.

Authorities in Laos have reportedly proposed bringing charges against 13 people on offences linked to food safety breaches, which wont find anyone legally responsible for last years deaths.

The owner and staff of Nana Backpackers Hostel were reportedly released because there is not sufficient evidence to extend their detention according to the law.

Seema Malhotra, Foreign Office minister for the Indo-Pacific, says the government is tackling this issue head on.

The effects of methanol poisoning are devastating. Im grateful to the family of Simone White for their ongoing engagement  their determination to prevent others from facing the same tragedy has been instrumental in raising awareness, she tells The Independent.

The British embassy in Vientiane, the minister adds, is urging local authorities to take stronger action against illicit alcohol and we are working with bars and hostels to raise awareness with British travellers.

In Australia, families of the Melbourne teenagers killed in the incident are demanding action amid claims of a police cover-up. No family should ever have to go through this. To date, no individual or organisation has been held accountable, Mark and Michelle Jones told The Daily Telegraph.

Their daughters killers remain free, facing no consequences, they complained. With little to no information coming from the Laotian authorities to the families or their governments, it appears these deaths of innocent young women may be forgotten, brushed aside, and left unresolved.

We must have justice, the parents told the paper. At the very least, they deserve that.

After the tragedy, the Australian government started issuing text alerts and airport warnings to travellers about alcohol-related risks in certain countries. In September, the government rolled out an online Partying Safely Hub to warn Australians about alcohol risks abroad, adding to the guidance available on the Smartraveller website.

Laotian authorities have reportedly rejected offers of help in their investigation from the Australian Federal Police, who have officers based in the region.

Your life is worth nothing over there, and we have seen this firsthand, as well as other families that have been involved in this tragedy, Shaun Bowles and Samantha Morton, parents of the other Australian victim, told ABC.

open image in gallery Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones ( Facebook )

Australian foreign minister Penny Wong complained that the investigation so far has not been good enough.

What I would say is weve made clear to Laos, this matters to Australia, Wong told reporters in Melbourne. It matters to the families, it matters to the community. And we want full accountability, we want transparency, and well continue to make that clear.

The Nana Backpackers Hostel was reportedly scheduled to reopen with a new name  Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel  this winter. But when The Independent tried to book rooms, they were unavailable. Calls to the hostels previously listed numbers went unanswered.

Ms Wong said that she had pressed the Lao ambassador about reports that the hostel might reopen. I made it clear to him that Australias view is that the hostel should not reopen, she said.

Whites brother expressed shock and disappointment about the alleged reopening. I cant believe it's trying to reopen," he said. Its taken six people's lives.

The Independent has written to the Laotian government for comment.
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A manumea, the closest living relative of the extinct dodo bird, has been sighted for the first time since 2013, raising hope that the critically endangered species can be saved from extinction.

The Samoa Conservation Societys latest field survey, conducted from 17 October to 13 November, recorded at least five sightings of Didunculus strigirostris in the South Pacific nations rainforest.

It remains unclear whether these sightings involve the same individual or different birds. All individuals observed appeared to be adults, so we cannot confirm whether the species is nesting in the area or simply foraging, Moeumu Uili, project coordinator at the Samoa Conservation Society, told local media.

Wildlife experts say the rainforest valleys near Uafato village, where the sightings occurred, may be playing a role in protecting the bird and its habitat from cyclonic damage.

Manumea ( Wikimedia Commons/Naturalis Biodiversity Center )

Manumeas reliance on the large native seeds that other birds cannot consume has made it a national symbol in Samoa, though many people in the country dont know what it looks like, experts say.

The bird is known to play a key role in dispersing these large seeds, thereby helping maintain Samoas forest ecosystems.

The dodo-like bird was known to exist in the Samoan rainforest but had proved difficult to photograph due to its quick movement and rainy conditions.

The chicken-sized bird with an unusually thick, curved beak that bears tooth-like serrations is the only living species of the genus Didunculus, meaning little dodo.

Surveys in the early 1990s indicated there were some 7,000 manumeas in Samoa. But rampant habitat destruction decimated the species, with only 50-150 thought to exist as of 2024.

Efforts to spot and track the bird highlight the challenges in protecting wildlife species from extinction, particularly in fragile island ecosystems, where they are vulnerable to invasive predators like feral cats and rats.

It seems very likely that feral cats are a major cause of decline. There has to be some kind of control programme, Joe Wood, who works on manumea conservation efforts at the International Union for Conservation of Nature, told Live Science.

Researchers are working to deploy advanced AI sound monitoring tools to locate the bird in the future and understand its behaviour.
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Ministers are facing urgent calls to establish a dedicated police unit to tackle car theft across the nation, as new figures reveal that more than three-quarters of cases went unsolved last year.

Analysis by the House of Commons library indicates a staggering 121,825 motor vehicles were reported stolen across England and Wales in the 2024-25 financial year.

Of these, a concerning 92,958 investigations were closed without a single suspect being identified, contributing to an average national unsolved rate of 76.3 per cent.

The Metropolitan Police recorded the highest proportion of unsolved cases, with 88.5 per cent of car thefts in the capital going unaddressed.

Other forces struggling significantly include British Transport Police (84.4 per cent), South Yorkshire (82.6 per cent), City of London (81.5 per cent), Sussex (81.1 per cent), and Warwickshire (80.7 per cent).

The analysis, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, found that 35 out of 44 forces in England and Wales saw more than 60 per cent of their car theft investigations conclude without an identified suspect.

open image in gallery The Liberal Democrats want a specialist unit set up to tackle car theft ( House of Commons )

In response to these alarming figures, the Liberal Democrats are advocating for the creation of a specialist team within the National Crime Agency.

This unit would leverage data from automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, insurance records, police intelligence, and border control to specifically target organised car crime networks.

Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson stated: "Time and time again victims of crime are left without the support they need, its a disgrace and communities deserve so much better.

The previous Conservative government betrayed our communities with years of self-defeating cuts to our police forces  and now the current Labour Government must not turn a blind eye to this epidemic. Enough is enough.

That is why the Liberal Democrats are calling for a car theft crackdown, to finally catch the organised gangs and criminals who for far too long have been getting away with it."

The Home Office, however, highlighted a 12 per cent reduction in vehicle crime and a 7 per cent drop in vehicle theft in the year leading up to June 2025.

They also pointed to new legislation designed to outlaw electronic devices used to bypass vehicle security, with criminals facing up to five years in prison for their use.

A Home Office spokesman commented: "Vehicle theft has a devastating impact on individuals, families, businesses, and the wider industry. For too long, not enough has been done to prevent these crimes or to bring those responsible to justice.

This Government and the police are taking decisive action to change that  from introducing new laws to ban electronic devices used to steal vehicles, to training police officers on the methods used to steal vehicles and working with industry to address vulnerabilities in vehicles."
President Donald Trumps Defense Secretary has warned of further U.S. strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria after the group was accused of targeting Christians.

The U.S. military said that camps by the group in Sokoto state, near the border with Niger, were hit during the strikes with an initial assessment suggesting multiple fatalities.

Hegseth said in a post on X: The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight  on Christmas.

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The secretary added, Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!

He then wrote: "More to come"

The U.S. launched a deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria Thursday night, according to the Department of Defense (Department of Defense)

Trump announced the strikes in a post on his Truth Social platform on Christmas Day, writing: Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was, Trump continued.

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The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.

A Defense Department official told The Independent the U.S. worked with Nigeria to carry out the strikes and theyd been approved by that countrys government.

The Associated Press reports Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the cooperation included exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination in ways consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security.

Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigerias values and to international peace and security, the ministry said in a statement.

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Nigerias government has previously said in response to Trumps criticisms that people of many faiths, not just Christians, have suffered attacks at the hands of extremists groups.

President Donald Trump declared: MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues (AP)

The Defense Department, which Trump has pushed to rename the Department of War, posted video on X alongside a copy of the presidents comments.

U.S Africa Command said in a post on X, At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.

The Independent has reached out to the White House for more information about the strikes.

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Last month, Trump said he was instructing the Defense Department to prepare for possible action in Nigeria, claiming the nations government continues to allow the killing of Christians.

He also declared Nigeria is a country of particular concern. The U.S. government uses this designation for nations determined to have committed particularly severe violations of religious freedom, according to the State Departments website.

Trump said in November, If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has previously pushed back on Trump's designation of Nigeria as a 'country of particular concern' (AP)

Nigerias population of 220 million people is mostly split between Christians and Muslims. There are also armed insurgent groups operating in the nation, including the Islamic extremist organization Boko Haram, which has also targeted Muslims, The AP reported.

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Much of northern Nigeria has been struck by conflict in an ongoing security crisis and Trump has singled the country out for what he calls the killing of Christians by radical Islamists.

Victims and church leaders have reiterated Trumps claims that Christians are persecuted, saying theyve long been attacked, kidnapped or killed over their faith.

But many insist the reality isnt that simple, with experts and residents saying most attacks emphasize the widespread violence that has long plagued the West African nation, where everyone is a potential victim, regardless of background or belief.

With reporting from the Associated Press.
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The fifth Rupert Cornwell Prize for Journalism has been won by Trisha Mukherjee, a freelance journalist based in New York.

The annual award is aimed at younger journalists at the start of their careers. Ms Mukherjee beat an exceptionally talented group of applicants with her proposed series of stories about the US-Mexican border.

The prize was established in memory of Rupert Cornwell, the distinguished foreign correspondent and writer who died in 2017. The goal is to help fund a suitable journalistic project in any of the broad regions Cornwell spent much of his career covering  North America, Europe and the Soviet Union.

The 5,000 prize is supported by The Independent and is awarded by the Rupert Cornwell Trust.

Its a true honour to be awarded this years Rupert Cornwell prize. I am deeply inspired by Mr Cornwells tenacious and incisive journalism. Reporting from anywhere, he knew how to make each sentence sing. I hope to carry forth his inimitable spirit in my own reporting at the US-Mexico border and beyond. Ms Mukherjee said.

On behalf of the judges and the trust, Cornwells widow, Susan, a former US congressional correspondent for Reuters, praised Ms Mukherjees topical, detailed and well-researched proposal.

Trishas pitch showed her to be a talented and sensitive writer. The judges were also impressed with her focus on global human rights and her desire to create a more compassionate world through stories, Cornwell said.

open image in gallery Rupert Cornwell Prize 2025 ( Rupert Cornwell Prize 2025 )

Ms Mukherjee has contributed to The New York Times and Business Insider.

The judges also commended Antonia Langfords innovative proposal about climate change, ecological disruption and historical legacies in Central Asia.

Rupert Cornwell was one of the most elegant of writers in recent times, and embodied the pioneering spirit of The Independent when he joined as one of its first recruits in 1986. He remained one of its most eloquent voices, writing for the title until his death in 2017.

From his reports for the Financial Times in Rome to years at The Independent chronicling the decline of the USSR, and on to the Trump phenomenon in the United States, he was a source of inspiration for his colleagues and now for a new generation of journalists.
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Surrey Police say they are seeking information on an allegation of child abuse in the latest batch of released Epstein files which names Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The US Department of Justice made over 11,000 files available for download on its website last week, consisting of over 30,000 pages relating to investigations into convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Among the tranches of paperwork is a file with statement from a 35-year-old who claim they were drugged and driven by their father to pedophile abuse ring parties in Surrey when they were aged between six and eight-years-old.

The statement from the alleged victim to the FBI claims the incident took place during the mid-1990s. They claim they were taken to Frogmore Cottage where they said they were restrained on a table and tortured with electrical shocks by Maxwell, while surrounded by watching men.

I remember seeing Prince Andrews face, the person claimed in their statement, which has the complainants name redacted.

In a statement, Surrey Police said it could find no evidence of the allegations in the file. The force said: Following a review of our systems using the limited information available to us, we can find no evidence of these allegations being reported to Surrey Police. We are therefore engaging with relevant agencies to obtain access to the redacted information.

We take all reports of child abuse seriously and encourage anyone with information in relation to these allegations to report this to us online, or via 101.

Andrew, who has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein or Maxwell, has been contacted for comment.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his titles after numerous controversies ( PA Wire )

Earlier this week, it also emerged in the latest release of Epstein files that the FBI sought to interview Andrew as part of its investigation into wealthy sex offender Peter Nygard, who was jailed for 11 years last year for sexually assaulting four women between the late 1980s and 2005.

A letter written to the UK authorities in April 2020 requests that Andrew attend a voluntary interview on both the Epstein and the Nygard investigations.

Andrew has faced intense scrutiny over his links to Epstein over the past few months, heightened by the publication of Virginia Giuffre, who repeated allegations he had sex with her, as a teenager. Andrew has always denied the claims.

In October, it was announced that Andrew would be stripped of his prince title and asked to leave his Royal Lodge residence in Windsor.
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Benjamin Netanyahu has piled pressure on Keir Starmer and Donald Trump to recognise a former British protectorate in a bid to take on terrorism in the Middle East.

The Israeli prime minister has unilaterally recognised the disputed state of Somaliland, which is seen as crucial in tackling the Houthi threat in the Red Sea and Strait of Aden, where Iranian-sponsored Houthi terrorists have been attacking shipping.

It means Israel is the first country to officially recognise Somaliland after it declared independence 34 years ago in 1991. Only Ethiopia has previously held an agreement with the previously unrecognised state in the Horn of Africa.

It comes as US President Trump is under pressure to recognise the breakaway African state, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, after a bitter civil war, with the UK under pressure to follow suit.

Within hours of Israels historic decision South Sudan also followed also recognised Somaliland.

open image in gallery Israel, under Benjamin Netanyahu, has become the first country to officially recognise Somaliland ( AFP/Getty )

Mr Netanyahu, who has launched attacks on the Houthis in the region, said that the decision to recognise Somaliland was in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.

Mr Netanyahu congratulated Somaliland president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Abdirahman Cirro, in a video call, praising his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace and inviting him to visit Israel.

He added: The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.

An Israeli government source confirmed to The Independent that the move was to build on efforts to tackle Iran and its allies in the region, including the Houthis.

Significantly it also follows the decision by a number of western countries in the UK and France to controversially recognise Palestine.

Somaliland gained its independence from the UK on June 26 1960, but days later, on July 1 1960 united with the neighbouring former Italian colony to create Somalia.

After three decades of civil war and brutality, where English was banned in schools and thousands of people from Somaliland were forced to flee, the former British protectorate declared independence again in 1991 and has been running its own affairs since.

open image in gallery Trump is under pressure to recognise Somaliland ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The UK, under former prime minister David Cameron, came close to formal recognition in 2012 but agreed to wait for recognition from African states first.

Opposition to recognising Somaliland has come from Democrat administrations led by Barack Obama and, more recently, Joe Biden, who both sided strongly with Somalias claim over the territory.

This is despite concerns that Somalia has remained unstable and has been a centre for piracy and terrorist activity, while Somaliland has wanted to be allied with Western interests and has successfully held democratic elections.

Trump, though, has taken a different view with Somalilands port Berbera seen as a crucial base for tackling piracy and terrorist attacks in the Red Sea and Strait of Aden.

Netanyahus move is expected to change the balance of diplomatic power in the Horn of Africa and threatens to isolate Somalia further.

The Israeli prime ministers decision was endorsed by Nigel Farage in the UK who posted on X: Somaliland deserves this status.

One of the strongest advocates for Somaliland recognition is former UK defence secretary Gavin Williamson, who has honorary citizenship of the country.

He is one of a number of senior parliamentarians who have been pushing for a change of the 34-year impasse maintained by the Foreign Office.

He said: It is important that the UK and the US move quickly to recognise Somaliland so that we can work with them as key strategic allies to bring peace and stability to the Red Sea and beyond.
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Donald Trump has announced that the US military has launched strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria after accusing the group of targeting Christians.

The US president said his Department of War had carried out numerous perfect strikes and that the US would not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.

May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues, he added.

It is the latest round of military action by the US, following weeks of military buildup and strikes on boats around Venezuelas Caribbean coast, casting increasing doubt over the Presidents claim to be the President of Peace.

The Independent takes a look at why Trump has decided to strike Nigeria and what the reaction has been.

open image in gallery The U.S. launched a deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria Thursday night, according to the Department of Defense ( Department of Defense )

How did the US strike Nigeria?

The US military targeted Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria in a major escalation.

Nigeria's overstretched military has struggled to contain Islamic terrorism for years.

The strikes were carried out in the strikes in Sokoto state, one of the areas where Nigeria is battling multiple armed groups. Lagos said the US strikes were part of an exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination between the two countries.

Officials did not say exactly which group was targeted, but security analysts said the target was likely members of a militant group called Lakurawa, which became more lethal in border states like Sokoto and Kebbi in the last year, often targeting remote communities and security forces.

open image in gallery Trump wished the dead terrorists a MERRY CHRISTMAS ( Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images )

Why has Trump decided to strike Nigeria?

Trump said the strikes were against Islamic State militants he claimed were "targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians."

The security crisis in Nigeria is affecting both Christians, predominant in the south, and Muslims, who are the majority in the north, residents and security analysts told The Associated Press.

The armed groups in Nigeria include two affiliated with the Islamic State. They include an offshoot of the Boko Haram group known as the Islamic State West Africa Province in the northeast, and in the northwest, the lesser-known Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) known locally as Lakurawa.

Lakurawa militants, who have been active in northwest Nigeria since around 2017 after being invited by authorities in Sokoto to protect against bandit groups, have now "overstayed their welcome, clashing with some of the community leaders ... and enforcing a harsh interpretation of sharia law that alienated much of the rural population," says James Barnett, an Africa researcher with the Washington-based Hudson Institute.

open image in gallery Trumps war secretary Pete Hegseth has warned more strikes will follow ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

MAGA claims a Christian genocide is taking place

The strikes come after months of accusations from Maga figures in the US that a genocide against Christians was taking place in Nigeria.

Trump threatened earlier this year that he would stop US aid to Nigeria and send in US troops guns-a-blazing if it continues to allow the killing of Christians.

Even rapper Nicki Minaj came out in support of defending Christians in Nigeria, when she said: "In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted. Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart... simply because of how they pray."

But the Nigerian government pushed back against claims, describing them as "a gross misrepresentation of reality".

Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu said: The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality.
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Scores of longstanding and beloved restaurants across the U.S have closed this year, and more may follow, as the skyrocketing cost of necessities takes a toll on the industry.

Over the past five years, food and labor costs for the average restaurant have each risen 35 percent, according to the National Restaurant Association. Meanwhile, the price tag on other essentials like rent, supplies, and credit card processing fees also continues to grow  meaning smaller profit margins for already-struggling restaurants.

For Mario Magalhaes, whose family owned the popular Miami lunch spot, Las Palmas, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 30 percent loss of clientele, many of whom never returned.

The loyal customers who would come in during the work week for lunch or a cup of coffee disappeared due to remote and hybrid schedules, Magalhaes said. However, the high cost of food was the final nail in the coffin, prompting the historic joint to close last month after 45 years.

Las Palmas wasnt pretentious. It was just kind of that taste of old Miami, and it differentiated itself from whats popping up all over the country, which I would say is a little copy and paste, rinse and repeat, Magalhaes, whose father bought the business from a family friend in 2016, told The Independent.

open image in gallery As many restaurants struggle post the COVID-19 pandemic, Las Palmas in Miami was forced to close for good in November due to rising costs of food, like eggs and meat ( Las Palmas / Facebook )

open image in gallery A growing number of longstanding and beloved restaurants across the U.S. are closing amidst high costs, restaurant owners are saying ( AFP/Getty )

The restaurant ran like a machine until the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw prices rise exponentially  without ever returning to normal, according to Magalhaes.

Maybe three months ago, I saw eggs spike. The box of 15 dozen eggs used to be $20. It spiked about three months ago to $132, Magalhaes said.

Corporations are not going to lower their prices if people are used to paying what theyre already paying, Magalhaes said.

Even my wholesalers were more expensive at times than Whole Foods, which seems crazy, but I was comparing prices at many places, he added.

The growing costs of ingredients  and Magalhaes' conviction to remain an unpretentious and affordable neighborhood watering hole  meant things quickly became too expensive to sustain.

Las Palmas, being a small, 33-seat diner  casual, good food  I cant have a 1,000 percent increase in prices, especially as a breakfast and lunch spot, Magalhaes said.

While Magalhaes raised prices only a little over time to try and keep up, he also tried other avenues to sustain business, including by throwing community comedy nights with some of the top local comedians.

Despite Magalhaes best efforts, Las Palmas shut down for good on Friday, November 14.

We know that food costs are up 38 percent since the pandemic. Thats the national average. Labor costs are up 35 percent, and we have also seen pretty significant increases in insurance, and taxes and everything else, Dr. Chad Moutray, the chief economist at the National Restaurant Association, told The Independent.

open image in gallery Las Palmas, a beloved and longstanding lunch spot in Miami, closed in November due to rising costs of food ( Las Palmas /Facebook )

The all-around high costs have eaten into the overall profits of a lot of full-service restaurants, leaving the median profit margin at 2.8 percent in 2024, according to Moutray.

If you go back five years to 2019, that would have been four percent, so youve seen some profit squeeze there, Moutray added.

Challenges have long plagued restaurateurs, Moutray said, noting that data suggests there are still more openings than closures overall.

Restaurants and, in fact, all businesses have just had to deal with one challenge after another, Moutray said. In a market where it's a tough business anyway, I think restaurant operators have found it to be quite challenging.

Las Palmas, the popular Miami lunch destination, is far from the only beloved restaurant struggling amidst the current economic climate. Owners of shuttered restaurants from all across the country are speaking out online about the many factors, including cost, that have led to their businesses closing for good.

Osteria 545, an Italian restaurant in Paulsboro, New Jersey, thanked customers for five years of business while announcing they closed their doors on November 17.

Over the past year, weve witnessed a significant shiftfewer people dining out, while the costs of food, liquor, electricity, and other essentials have risen sharply. These increases have far outpaced what small, independent restaurants like ours can reasonably absorb, making this decision both heartbreaking and necessary. Weve held on as long as we could, adjusting menus, tightening budgets, and doing everything possible to stay afloat. However, the margins continued to shrink, and the weight became unsustainable, the restaurants owners wrote online.

open image in gallery The Meddlesome Moth, a popular spot in Dallas for 15 years, also had to close earlier this year due to a 40 percent increase in their rent ( Meddlesome Moth )

The owners of City Cafe, a beloved 124-year-old restaurant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, also revealed their plans to call it quits online.

It breaks our hearts to have to make this post but, this economy has literally broke us, Teresa and Rollin Kellog wrote online, according to the Tennessean. We have tried so hard to stay ahead but when you have more going out than coming in it catches up to you.

Rent hikes and greedy landlords have also been an issue for many restaurants trying to stay afloat.

For the Dallas, Texas, mainstay of 15 years, the Meddlesome Moth, a new landlord seeking a 40 percent rent hike is what led to their closing in May, owner and restaurateur Shannon Wynne told The Independent.

They realized the market could stand about a 40 percent hike in our rent, and really disregarded the contributions we made to the neighborhood, Wynne said. According to Wynee, numerous developers in Dallas Design District are currently pushing out more affordable and approachable spots, like the Meddlesome Moth, in favor of more high-end spots.

open image in gallery The Meddlesome Moth, a hot spot in Dallas Design District, closed in May ( Meddlesome Moth )

We focused on value and flavor and creativity, but you know, the margins arent great, Wynne said. When the rent goes up as much as it did, were at that point losing money, and were not willing to change our concept because of the portfolio aggression of these landlords.

Moutray, the chief economist with the National Restaurant Association, noted that while many restaurants are now starting to cater to a more high-spending crowd, most are still just looking to deliver a quality service.

You certainly are seeing restaurants that are catering to more high-end consumers, and are continuing to do relatively well, Moutray said. People with money are still spending it.

Even still, Moutray remained cautiously optimistic for what lies ahead for the restaurant industry.

I do think that 2026 provides some cautious optimism, right? That we will see some tailwinds of growth; hopefully, we can turn around some of those traffic trends. You can see some of those cost pressures start to ease a bit, Moutray said. I think if those happen, hopefully well have a better 2026.
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The death toll from the UPS jet crash in Louisville, Kentucky, climbed to 15 after a man passed away from his injuries on Christmas Day.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the news in a social media post on Thursday evening.

It is with great sadness that I just learned Alain Rodriguez Colina has passed, Greenberg wrote. Alain is the 15th victim of the UPS Flight 2976 accident. He suffered severe injuries at the time of the crash and passed earlier this Christmas Day.

May Alains memory be a blessing, Greenberg added.

Colina worked at Grade A Auto Parts, a business that lay in the path of destruction, according to USA Today.

Alain is always greeting customers with a smile, while going above and beyond for each customer," the companys website said in a tribute to him.

open image in gallery The death count of the UPS jet crash in Louisville, Kentucky, has reached 15 after an injured man died on Christmas day. ( Getty Images )

The crash took place at Kentucky's Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4.

UPS Flight 2976  a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft  was departing Louisville and heading to Honolulu, Hawaii, when it crashed near the perimeter of the airport.

The jets left engine separated from the wing during takeoff before a burst of flames engulfed the plane, according to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board.

The plane only made it about 30 feet into the air before it crashed, colliding with a storage yard and a pair of buildings, according to the NTSB.

open image in gallery Shortly after takeoff, a UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4 ( National Transportation Safety Board )

open image in gallery The aftermath of the devastating crash could be seen across the Louisville skyline. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Fourteen people, including the three crew members, died in the immediate aftermath of the collision, while several others were injured, authorities announced in November.

As a result, a class action lawsuit was filed against UPS and the businesses that manufactured the engine and plane, according to The Lexington Herald Leader.

Alain fought hard, his attorney, Masten Childers III said on Thursday. (His) passing must be honored by holding those responsible for his death accountable. For now, please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
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A Republican lawmaker raised eyebrows after posting AI-generated images on Christmas Day that depicted him beating up Santa Claus.

Indiana state Sen. Chris Gartens post on the morning of December 25, where he was pictured body-slamming Santa in front of the state capitol building, did not go down well with his followers on social media.

When you find out the North Pole is trying to bring more bureaucratic overreach & unfunded mandates down the chimney disguised as Christmas cheer. Not on my watch, the Republican posted on his X account Thursday morning.

We The People run Indiana, not the bureaucrats, he added. Take it back to the North Pole big guy.

In one of the AI-generated pictures, Garten kicked Santa down the steps of the state capitol building, while in another, he hoisted his fist above St. Nicks head as he was pinned to the ground.

open image in gallery Republican Indiana state Sen. Chris Garten faced heavy backlash for posting AI-generated images on Christmas Day of himself beating up Santa Claus ( @Sen_ChrisGarten/X )

The comments underneath the post were overwhelmingly disapproving.

This may be the most pitiful thing Ive seen this Xmas. Congratulations, one person reacted on X.

Ah, yes, the left is the party of violence. *body slams Santa Claus*, said another.

What on earth would compel a person to post images of them beating up a universally beloved figure? someone else chimed in.

So warming to see the symbol of Christmas generosity and cheer get beaten to a bloody pulp! another person wrote.

open image in gallery In another picture, Garten kicks Santa down the stairs of the state apitol building, as a crowd holding campaign-style signs cheer him on. ( @Sen_ChrisGarten/X )

open image in gallery Garten was seen body-slamming Santa in the AI-generated images in front of the state capitol building, which did not go down well with his followers on social media ( @Sen_ChrisGarten/X )

With everything going on in the world, I struggle to understand why my evidently humorous post is considered news, Garten told The Independent. The fake outrage online is a stark reminder of how overly sensitive society has become, and maybe some self-reflection is in order, he added.

A few hours after posting, Garten acknowledged the backlash in a follow-up message where he labeled his critics snowflakes.

Lots of intolerance, swearing, and outrage on display over a few AI pics I had a blast designing with my kids, Garten said. Some of you clowns are just insufferable. Hopefully your negativity stays in the comments and not directed at your families.

Merry Christmas, snowflakes! he added.

Other notable festive messages from Republicans featured one from President Donald Trump, who shared a bizarre Truth Social post on Christmas Day about the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, whose case continues to haunt the administration.

The president said in a Christmas message that he dropped ties with the late sex offender long before it became fashionable, and that the controversy surrounding the release of the Epstein files is a Radical Left Witch Hunt.
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President Donald Trump has shared a bizarre Christmas Day social media post about Jeffrey Epstein, saying that he dropped ties with the late sex offender long before it became fashionable, and that the controversy surrounding the release of the so-called Epstein files is a Radical Left Witch Hunt.

The Trump administration has been facing ongoing scrutiny, mainly from Democrats but also some Republicans, for its handling of government files related to Epstein as the public pushes for more transparency about the disgraced financiers life and crimes. Epstein died by suicide in his jell cell in 2019 as he stood accused of sexually abusing and sex trafficking underage girls.

Merry Christmas to all, including the many Sleazebags who loved Jeffrey Epstein...only to drop him like a dog when things got too HOT, falsely claimed they had nothing to do with him, didnt know him, said he was a disgusting person, and then blame, of course, President Donald J. Trump, who was actually the only one who did drop Epstein, and long before it became fashionable to do so, Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday evening.

The president was friendly with Epstein decades ago, calling him a terrific guy in a 2002 New York magazine profile. In the midst of the Epstein controversy, The Wall Street Journal reported on a lewd birthday card Trump supposedly gave Epstein in 2003, but the president has denied that he authored such a letter and is suing the outlet and its owners.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump has shared a bizarre Christmas day social media post about Jeffrey Epstein, saying that he dropped ties with the sex offender 'long before it became fashionable' ( Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images )

But Trump has said their relationship ended before Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution. The White House has said Trump did nothing wrong and that the president kicked Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach for being a creep.

Trump suggested in Wednesdays Truth Social post that the people who thought Epstein was the greatest guy on earth were Democrats.

When their names get brought out in the ongoing Radical Left Witch Hunt...and it is revealed that they are Democrats all, there will be a lot of explaining to do...Enjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas! Trump wrote.

When the Justice Department started to release its trove of Epstein documents last Friday  after Congress pushed through legislation to force the Trump administration to reveal all the information it had on the convicted sex offender  photos of former Democratic President Bill Clinton emerged.

open image in gallery The president was friends with Epstein decades ago, calling him a 'terrific guy' in a 2002 New York magazine profile ( Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images )

In one photo, Clinton and Epstein were smiling as they stood next to each other wearing silky shirts. In another, Clinton was swimming in a pool with Epsteins longtime associate and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

Trump and Clinton have not been formally accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein.

Clintons spokesperson, Angel Urena, said shortly after Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019, President Clinton knows nothing about the terrible crimes Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to in Florida some years ago, or those with which he has been recently charged in New York.

Different from his tone in Wednesdays Truth Social post, when asked about the photos of Clinton in the Epstein files on Monday, Trump seemed to sympathize with him, telling reporters, I think its terrible.

I like Bill Clinton...I hate to see photos come out of him, but this is what the Democrats, mostly Democrats and a couple of bad Republicans, are asking for, Trump said. There are photos of me too. Everybody was friendly with this guy.

open image in gallery When the Justice Department started to release its trove of Epstein documents last Friday photos of former Democratic President Bill Clinton emerged ( DOJ )

Trump showed concern for how the Epstein files could ruin peoples reputations.

You probably have pictures being exposed of other people that innocently met Jeffrey Epstein years ago.

The president warned again on Wednesday of the consequences the Epstein files, which have not all been released yet, could have on peoples reputations.

So many of their friends, mostly innocent, will be badly hurt and reputationally tarnished. But sadly, thats the way it is in the World of Corrupt Democrat Politics!!! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Reacting to Trumps Epstein rant, Representative Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, a Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, wrote on X, The walls are closing in on Donald Trump and his corrupt, criminal regime, and hes absolutely losing his mind. Merry Christmas!!

The Justice Department wrote on X Wednesday that it may take a few more weeks to release over a million more documents potentially related to Epstein that the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI had uncovered.
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Tucker Carlson wondered this week if former Repulican Rep. Matt Gaetz had attempted a romantic relationship with Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, prompting the disgraced MAGA lawmaker to reply that he never asked the progressive congresswoman on a date because shes not my cup of tea.

Gaetz, who now hosts his own primetime show on far-right cable channel One America News, also claimed that Ocasio-Cortez had previously been incredibly chummy with her GOP House colleagues, but that everything changed after the January 6 Capitol attack.

On top of that, Gaetz also asserted that the New York representative personally praised his successful 2023 campaign to boot then-Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy from leadership, purportedly telling the former Florida congressman that Democrats dont have the guts to do this on our side.

During the lengthy sitdown between Gaetz and the ex-Fox News star, the two eventually discussed who they thought was the true leader of the Democratic Party, with Carlson calling Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) a f***ing coward before pivoting to Ocasio-Cortez.

If he was real, at least I could respect it. AOC is the same thing, Carlson sneered.

open image in gallery Matt Gaetz told Tucker Carlson this week that he never tried dating Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as she is not my cup of tea. ( YouTube )

AOC is a very different person today than when she got to Congress, Gaetz replied, leading Carlson to accuse her of being totally corrupted and saying that the Israel-Gaza War is fine. Gaetz, meanwhile, insisted that Ocasio-Cortez had once patted him on the back over his GOP-led McCarthy coup.

When we were ousting McCarthy, like, she came up to me and was like, You know, I really respect this because Ill be honest. We dont have the guts to do this on our side,' the former Republican congressman said.

At that point, Carlson wanted to know what Ocasio-Cortez was like privately  and whether Gaetz had ever tried to make the moves on her when they both served in Congress.

Before January 6th, she was incredibly chummy with Republicans in Congress, would regularly come over to our side, sit down, hang out, talk about her day, Gaetz responded, only for Carlson to wonder if he ever tried to date her.

I did not, no, Gaetz proclaimed.

Did you try? Carlson wondered.

No, Gaetz answered. Not my cup of tea. But she, after January 6th, treated us all like we had horns or something.

That response sparked Carlson  who helped lead the charge on Republicans January 6 revisionism  to mock Ocasio-Cortez for claiming that she feared for her life during the Capitol insurrection. You cant be in charge of anything if youre a terrified little girl, the fired Fox News host exclaimed.

Yeah, but we are a society that is increasingly built on grievance identity, Gaetz added. You are the grievance that you can access.

Still, while Gaetz called her reaction to the January 6 riots bad performance art, he predicted that she would make a compelling run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, perhaps even defeating California Gov. Gavin Newsom  the early favorite.

Besides the pairs observations about Ocasio-Cortez, the extensive podcast conversion featured Gaetz claiming that an Israel government agent had been involved in a plot to extort him and his family.

open image in gallery Gaetz insisted that Ocasio-Cortez had once patted him on the back over his GOP-led McCarthy coup. ( AFP/Getty )

open image in gallery Gaetz sat down for a lengthy conversation with Carlson, a few years after an infamous interview that Carlson called one of the weirdest of his career. ( YouTube )

It was an op to silence me, and Israel was involved, and I hate to say that, Gaetz  who has largely sided with Carlson and other America First conservatives when it comes to criticizing Israel and its war in Gaza  declared. He also told Carlson that antisemitism used to mean somebody who didnt like Jews  now it just means somebody Jews dont like.

Those remarks prompted self-appointed Trump loyalty enforcer and proud Islamophobe Laura Loomer  who is Jewish and a self-avowed Zionist  to continue her endless feud against Carlson, which included her referencing the MAGA civil war he sparked with his friendly Nick Fuentes interview.

Hes trying to have a hostile takeover of the GOP to destroy MAGA & redefine the GOP into modern-day Hitler youth with a drizzle of Sharia Law on top, she fumed.

Gaetz, who joined OAN after his nomination as Trumps attorney general fell apart amid renewed scrutiny over sexual misconduct allegations, may now be securely on Team Tucker. However, it was just a few years ago that Gaetz found himself blacklisted from Fox News following one of the weirdest interviews Carlson ever conducted.

After it was revealed that Gaetz was under federal investigation for an alleged sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl, an accusation that the former congressman has vehemently denied, he appeared on Carlsons show in March 2021 to rail against the Justice Departments sex trafficking probe. At one point, however, Carlson was taken aback by some claims Gaetz made.

You and I went to dinner about two years ago, your wife was there, and I brought a friend of mine, youll remember her, Gaetz declared. And she was actually threatened by the FBI, told that if she wouldnt cop to the fact that somehow I was involved in some pay-for-play scheme that she could face trouble.

I dont remember the woman you are speaking of or the context at all, honestly, a befuddled Carlson shot back.

Following that interview, Gaetz would not appear on Fox News for another year, only to finally return to Carlsons show exactly 365 days later to maintain his innocence amid the DOJs investigation. In the end, while Gaetzs associate Joel Greenberg pleaded guilty to a host of federal charges  including sex trafficking of a minor  and received an 11-year prison sentence, the Justice Department declined to seek charges against Gaetz.
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A small archipelago six times smaller than Rhode Island has agreed to take third country nationals from the United States.

Palau, located in the western Pacific Ocean, inked the deal with the Trump administration in exchange for $75 million in foreign aid after five months of negotiations.

Migrants who have never been charged with a crime will be allowed to live and work in the 180-square-mile country, which is home to fewer than 18,000 people.

The U.S. Embassy in Koror, the former capital of Palau, confirmed the details on social media after a ceremony to sign the agreement was held on Christmas Eve.

The United States deeply appreciates Palaus cooperation in enforcing U.S. immigration laws, which remains a top priority for the Trump Administration, a spokesperson for the embassy wrote. In this regard, the United States granted $7.5 million to address the needs of relevant Palau public services.

open image in gallery Migrants to the US will be deported to Palau as part of a new deal ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

According to the statement, the funds will be allocated to disaster preparedness, law enforcement, and financial stability.

The United States has been pushing for the agreement for months, as the Trump administration continues its goal to resettle migrants in countries they are not from.

Lawmakers issued the demand as early as July, but did not specify how many migrants Palau, a country that the United States provides with significant aid, would have to accept. That number has now been confirmed to be 75.

Both Palau and the United States have a long history together, with the island nation being given full independence from the U.S. in 1994 after five decades of American administration. Just a decade later, Palau became one of the few nations to actively support the U.S. during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Although the archipelago has no army of its own, Palauans are eligible to serve in the U.S. military. They were deployed twice to Iraq during the war, along with residents of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Samoa, Hawaii, and Guam.

open image in gallery Palau is located near the Philippines and Guam in the Pacific Ocean ( Google Maps )

Palau became fully independent in 1994 but remains heavily dependent on the United States for financial aid and defense support, in exchange for special U.S. entry rights. The U.S. is given strategic use of Palaus lands and waters as part of its diplomatic agreements.

The push to deport migrants heading to the U.S. to an archipelago that is thousands of miles away comes as the Trump administration hardens its crackdown on immigration.

Over the festive season, ICE released an AI-generated video of Santa Claus rounding up undocumented immigrants while wearing a bulletproof vest and brandishing weapons.

Later in the video, Santa can be seen escorting immigrants onto a plane for deportation after processing them at a detention facility.

open image in gallery The move comes as the Trump administration hardens its immigration crackdown ( Getty Images )

A report has indicated that the Trump administration is planning to acquire at least seven industrial-scale warehouses to use as detention facilities for up to 80,000 migrants.

The Trump administration is facing a growing problem with the sheer volume of undocumented migrants being held at detention facilities, with a Trace report suggesting that 67,000 people were held at ICE centers in November.

The warehouse proposal, reported by the Washington Post, stated that each site would hold 5,000 to 10,000 immigrants and would operate as part of a feeder system. That means detainees will go to processing centers before arriving at warehouses, to give ICE agents time to deport migrants at detention centers.
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A GOP lawmaker is mourning the death of his Senate campaign manager, whom he described as the heart and soul of his team.

Tatum Dale, who had previously served as Rep. Andy Barrs deputy chief of staff, died on Christmas Eve, with the Congressman sharing a lengthy statement about his former colleague shortly after.

Tatum loved her family, her faith, and her Commonwealth," Barr wrote in the statement. "She made me a better Congressman, our staff better public servants, and we will all miss her forever.

From Murray to Lexington and everywhere in the Commonwealth that she touched, we hope you will all join us in praying for Tatums family and friends  and be forever inspired by her memory to serve others.

open image in gallery Tatum Dale was working as Congressman Andy Barr's campaign manager before her death ( Andy Barr )

Dale began working for Barr, who is the representative for the Lexington area in Kentucky, in 2012 when he launched a bid for Congress.

According to Barr, Dale became instrumental in running his political operation, writing that she had held almost every job in my office.

When Barr announced he would run for the seat to replace retiring former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in 2026, Dale took over as manager of his congressional campaign.

Dales cause of death has not yet been made public.

Meanwhile, tributes from her Republican colleagues have flooded in on social media.

open image in gallery Andy Barr is the US representative for the Lexington area in Kentucky. He hopes to succeed Mitch McConnell as Kentucky Senator ( Andy Barr )

Former Senator Ralph Alvarado, who is running to replace Barr, wrote on X that he was devastated to hear about her death.

Tatum was an amazing person, a highly respected political operative, and a truly loved and dear friend to all who were fortunate enough to know her, he continued.

Daniel Cameron, who is running against Barr to replace McConnell, described Tatum as a friend.

She will be truly missed, he wrote on X. Makenze and I will be praying for her family and all of Team Barr.

Sean Southard, a communications director for Montana GOP Governor Greg Gianforte, said that he was truly shocked by Dales death.

Tatum was one of those hardworking people who seemed to be at every GOP event, he wrote. Praying for her family and her work colleagues.

open image in gallery Senator Mitch McConnell has warned, 'This is the most dangerous period since before World War Two' ( Getty )

Dales death comes as the race to replace McConnell continues to heat up.

McConnell is the longest-serving senator in Kentucky history.

The 83-year-old has come under widespread criticism for remaining in power due to his advancing years. He has been recorded falling and freezing during interviews on the Hill.
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A billboard campaign telling troops to obey only lawful orders in defiance of the Trump administration has launched in Florida near a military base.

Nonprofits Defiance.org and WhistleblowerAid.org launched the campaign at the MacDill Air Force base in Tampa, urging serving troops to Obey Only Lawful Orders amid the Trump administrations lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, which have so far killed more than 100 people.

Were making sure troops know their rights and that theyre not alone if theyre told to cross the line, Miles Taylor, a former Department of Homeland Security official in President Donald Trumps first administration, said in a statement to 10 Tampa Bay.

The president may be the commander-in-chief, but even he is bound by the law, Taylor added. This campaign is a constitutional alarm bell to remind our servicemembers of that.

The organizations are offering troops legal advice and providing whistleblower hotlines.

open image in gallery A billboard campaign telling troops to obey only lawful orders in defiance of the Trump administration has launched in Florida near a military base ( Defiance.org )

It follows weeks of fury from Trump over a social media video by Democratic members of Congress reminding U.S. troops they can refuse orders if they believe those orders violate their oaths to the Constitution.

The six lawmakers, all of whom have military and intelligence backgrounds, warned military personnel against threats to our Constitution coming from right here at home, an apparent reference to the Trump administrations deployment of federalized National Guard troops into Democratic-led cities to support the presidents mass deportation agenda  actions that veterans groups have also publicly condemned.

It prompted Trump to call them traitors in a furious tirade posted on his Truth Social account.

Their words cannot be allowed to stand, the president said. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???

open image in gallery The campaign launched the campaign amid the Trump administrations lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, which have so far killed more than 100 people ( X/US Southern Command )

He then reposted another user who encouraged him to HANG THEM.

The billboards come amid rising tension with Venezuela following a months-long campaign of military strikes around the South American country targeting small vessels that U.S. officials allege are carrying drugs.

The strikes have been condemned by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and other leaders in the region as illegal but, so far, the U.S. has refrained from coming directly into conflict with Maduros government or any others in the region.

Maduro remains adamant, however, that the U.S. is aiming to overthrow him and claimed that the country will fight a guerrilla war against U.S. forces if invaded.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced heavy renewed scrutiny after the U.S. military carried out a double-tap strike on an alleged drug boat on Sept. 2, after it emerged the first attack did not kill everyone aboard.

Administration officials insisted that the two dozen strikes were fully within legal bounds, supported by the administrations notice to Congress that the U.S. is formally engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels that the president has labeled unlawful combatants.

Hegseth later rejected bipartisan congressional demands to release footage of the strike.

More U.S. assets, including special ops aircraft and troops, arrived in the Caribbean this week as Trump reiterated Monday that ground-based operations targeting drug traffickers in Venezuela would soon begin, according to a report.

The president confirmed that the U.S. would continue targeting small vessels that his administration claims are carrying drugs with military strikes, while also escalating interdictions of oil tankers off Venezuelas coast for sanctions violations.

John Bowden contributed reporting
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President Donald Trump showed off a model America First 250 plane in a flurry of social media posts he fired off the day after Christmas.

At one point, Trump was posting on Truth Social on average every two minutes early Friday morning.

One of the posts was a picture of the president beaming in the Oval Office with the model aircraft on the Resolute Desk.

The new photo was posted without comment, as the president fired off other messages ranging from ending the Senate zombie apocalypse filibuster, touting federal unemployment levels, and a news article about the Jeffrey Epstein files blowing back on Democrats.

It followed a bizarre Christmas Day Truth Social post from the president about Epstein, saying that he dropped ties with the late sex offender long before it became fashionable, and that the controversy surrounding the release of the files is a Radical Left Witch Hunt.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump showed off a model America First 250 plane in a flurry of Truth Social posts he fired off the day after Christmas ( The White House )

The jet  which bares the slogan America First on the fuselage with 250 towards the empennage  appeared to be a reference to the nations semiquincentennial anniversary, which takes place next year.

Trump has already announced plans for the anniversary, including a UFC event on the White House South Lawn, as well a competition for young athletes called the Patriot Games, which has drawn unfavourable comparisons to The Hunger Games franchise.

The picture of Trump with the model plane was also posted by the official White House account. The lack of context led a handful of followers to question whether the miniature aircraft was the $400 million jet the president accepted from Qatar.

In the spring, Trump accepted the luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar as a stand-in for Air Force One after complaining about the length of time it was taking the U.S. aircraft giant to build replacements.

Is that the Qatar plane? one person replied to the White House account.

Is that the new Air Force one? asked another.

open image in gallery Trump accepted the luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar as a stand-in for Air Force One after complaining about the length of time it was taking the U.S. aircraft giant to build replacements ( AFP via Getty Images )

Trumps acceptance of the plane caused an ethics uproar at the time, despite his assurances it would go to his presidential library once he leaves office.

Amid a furore in Congress over the jet potentially violating the U.S. Constitutions emoluments clause, Justice Department lawyers moved quickly to rule that taking delivery of it would break no laws.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House lawyer David Warrington said they had concluded the donation of the aircraft was legally permissible.

It was reported in late July that the U.S. had already begun refitting the plane at great expense, with Trump himself saying it could be ready for service by February 2026.

Joe Sommerlad contributed reporting.
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President Donald Trumps Defense Secretary has warned of further U.S. strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria after the group was accused of targeting Christians.

The U.S. military said that camps by the group in Sokoto state, near the border with Niger, were hit during the strikes with an initial assessment suggesting multiple fatalities.

Hegseth said in a post on X: The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight  on Christmas.

The secretary added, Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!

He then wrote: "More to come"

open image in gallery The U.S. launched a deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria Thursday night, according to the Department of Defense ( Department of Defense )

Trump announced the strikes in a post on his Truth Social platform on Christmas Day, writing: Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was, Trump continued.

The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.

A Defense Department official told The Independent the U.S. worked with Nigeria to carry out the strikes and theyd been approved by that countrys government.

The Associated Press reports Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the cooperation included exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination in ways consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security.

Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigerias values and to international peace and security, the ministry said in a statement.

Nigerias government has previously said in response to Trumps criticisms that people of many faiths, not just Christians, have suffered attacks at the hands of extremists groups.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump declared: MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues ( AP )

The Defense Department, which Trump has pushed to rename the Department of War, posted video on X alongside a copy of the presidents comments.

U.S Africa Command said in a post on X, At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.

The Independent has reached out to the White House for more information about the strikes.

Last month, Trump said he was instructing the Defense Department to prepare for possible action in Nigeria, claiming the nations government continues to allow the killing of Christians.

He also declared Nigeria is a country of particular concern. The U.S. government uses this designation for nations determined to have committed particularly severe violations of religious freedom, according to the State Departments website.

Trump said in November, If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

open image in gallery The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has previously pushed back on Trump's designation of Nigeria as a 'country of particular concern' ( AP )

Nigerias population of 220 million people is mostly split between Christians and Muslims. There are also armed insurgent groups operating in the nation, including the Islamic extremist organization Boko Haram, which has also targeted Muslims, The AP reported.

Much of northern Nigeria has been struck by conflict in an ongoing security crisis and Trump has singled the country out for what he calls the killing of Christians by radical Islamists.

Victims and church leaders have reiterated Trumps claims that Christians are persecuted, saying theyve long been attacked, kidnapped or killed over their faith.

But many insist the reality isnt that simple, with experts and residents saying most attacks emphasize the widespread violence that has long plagued the West African nation, where everyone is a potential victim, regardless of background or belief.

With reporting from the Associated Press.
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Volodymyr Zelensky has appeared to wish for the death of Vladimir Putin in a Christmas message after Russia continued to bombard Ukraine with missiles and drones.

In a video posted to X on Christmas Eve, Mr Zelensky said that despite all the suffering that Russia has brought, it is not capable of occupying or bombing what matters most. That is our Ukrainian heart, our faith in one another, and our unity.

Appearing to refer to Russian president Vladimir Putin, Mr Zelensky added: Today, we all share one dream.

And we make one wish  for all of us. May he perish, each of us may think to ourselves. But when we turn to God, of course, we ask for something greater, we ask for peace for Ukraine. We fight for it, we pray for it, we deserve it.

His comments come after Russia hit regions across Ukraine with missiles and drones on Tuesday, killing at least three people, and triggering emergency power outages.

Further attacks on Christmas night saw at least two people killed in drone strikes on Odesa and Kharkiv.

open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky delivers his Christmas message ( ZelenskyyUa )

Ukraines leader said in his address: On the eve of Christmas, the Russians once again showed who they truly are.

Massive shelling, hundreds of shaheds, ballistic missiles, Kinzhal strikes  everything was used. This is how the godless strike.

For all our fallen heroes who defended Ukraine at the cost of their lives. For everyone whom Russia has driven into occupation and forced to flee.

For those for whom it is hard, but who have not lost Ukraine within themselves  and therefore Ukraine will never lose them. Today we stand shoulder to shoulder. We will not lose our way in the darkness.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that Mr Putin had wished US president Donald Trump a merry Christmas and sent him a congratulatory message.

American negotiators have engaged in a series of talks with Ukraine and Russia separately since Mr Trump presented a plan to end the war last month  a proposal widely seen as favouring Moscow, which invaded its neighbour nearly four years ago.

Since then, Ukraine and its allies in Europe have worked to pull the plan closer to Kyiv's position.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that there has been slow but steady progress in the peace talks.

open image in gallery Workers clear debris from the roof of a heavily damaged residential building following a drone strike in Kyiv on Tuesday ( AFP via Getty Images )

Mr Zelensky has said that he would be willing to withdraw troops from the countrys eastern industrial heartland as part of a plan to end the war. Ukraines president explained that he would be open to this if Moscow also pulls back and the area becomes a demilitarised zone monitored by international forces.

The US has proposed the creation of a free economic zone, which Mr Zelensky said should be demilitarised.

A similar arrangement could be possible for the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Russian control. But any peace plan would need to be put to a referendum, the president has insisted.

Meanwhile, Russian air defence units downed 25 Moscow-bound Ukrainian drones throughout the day on Wednesday, according to Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin.

open image in gallery Children wearing traditional clothes and carrying Ukrainian traditional 'Didukh' decorations take part in a Christmas Eve procession in Lviv ( AFP via Getty Images )

Ukraines military said its drones overnight had struck the Yefremov synthetic rubber plant in Russia's Tula region south of Moscow and a storage facility for marine drones in Russian-occupied Crimea.

Tula regional governor Dmitry Milyaev said debris from a downed Ukrainian drone sparked a fire at an industrial site.

The Ukrainian military also said that an oil refinery in Russias Rostov region had been hit with Storm Shadow missiles, causing multiple explosions.

Polish jets also intercepted a Russian reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea, which was flying close to its airspace, the Polish military said on Thursday.

The Polish army said that objects, believed to be smuggling balloons, were observed last night entering Polish airspace from the direction of Belarus.
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Volodymyr Zelensky will meet US president Donald Trump at his residence in Florida on Sunday for crucial talks amid growing optimism in Kyiv that a peace deal may be nearing completion.

The Ukrainian president announced on Friday that he would meet Mr Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort to discuss critical stumbling blocks, including territorial disputes and security guarantees.

This meeting is specifically for the purpose of finalising everything as much as we can, Mr Zelensky said on Friday, adding that a lot can be decided before the new year.

As for the sensitive issues: we will discuss both Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. We will certainly discuss other issues as well, he told reporters in a WhatsApp chat.

Mr Zelensky said that his 20-point peace plan was 90 per cent ready, expressing hopes that it could be signed off by Mr Trump ahead of the new year. European leaders may join the talks online, he added.

open image in gallery Zelensky said the two leaders are 90 per cent towards completing a deal ( AFP/Getty )

Moscow has spoken with Washington about the Ukrainian proposals for a peace deal, the Kremlin said, after Vladimir Putins envoy Kirill Dmitriev brought back copies of the proposals from Miami last week.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the details of the proposals have been analysed, and that contact took place between Putins foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, and US officials.

Russia has made clear its intention to control the entire Donbas, comprised of Ukraines eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. However, throughout the latest US-led attempts to bring Moscow and Kyiv closer to an agreement, Mr Zelensky has made clear that Ukraine will not cede land it currently controls.

According to Russian newspaper Kommersant, Putin told some of Russia's top businessmen that he might be open to swapping some territory occupied by Russian forces in Ukraine, but that he wants the whole of Donbas.

Mr Peskov did not give much away on Friday when asked about the report, saying that he did not want to comment on the latest proposals as Russia believed making public remarks might undermine negotiations.

open image in gallery Russian and US officials met earlier this month (from left): Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev, and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff ( AP )

The US has been desperately seeking a compromise and has veered between backing Kyiv and repeating Moscows talking points. Washington has recently proposed a free economic zone if Ukraine were to leave the Donbas area, but it is unclear how that zone would function in reality.

Mr Zelensky said his meeting with Mr Trump aimed to refine things and discuss a possible deal on Ukraines economy, but that compromises on territory should be decided by the Ukrainian people in a referendum.

Although he was not ready to say if a deal would be signed during the visit, Mr Zelensky said he was open to the possibility, given it is almost ready. He said he was planning to raise the issue of intensifying pressure on Russia during the meeting with Mr Trump.

open image in gallery Zelensky issued a Christmas message by video on 25 December ( ZelenskyyUa )

Mr Trump had previously suggested that he would meet with Mr Zelensky if he felt there was a possibility of a major diplomatic advance, after becoming increasingly frustrated by the slow pace of progress in the negotiations.

But officials in Kyiv will be wary of previous failures to strike a deal in a limited timeframe. A White House meeting in which the pair were due to sign the minerals deal in February resulted in a showdown between Mr Zelensky and Mr Trump, who accused the Ukrainian leader of being ungrateful in an extraordinary televised press conference in the Oval Office. The deal was never signed.

Kyiv is seeking strong security guarantees that would deter Russia from invading again, but it remains unclear what exact form these will take.

As talks continued, Russia continued its attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure in overnight drone and missile attacks, including a ramped-up assault on Ukraines southern region of Odesa, the main site of its sea ports.

An attack on the northeastern city of Kharkiv killed two people on Friday.
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A Palestinian assailant has killed two people in a terror attack in northern Israel, according to Israeli police.

The assailant ran over a man and stabbed a woman on Friday, emergency services said.

The assailant, from the occupied West Bank, was shot and wounded by a civilian at the scene and taken to hospital, Israeli police said in a statement.

This was a rolling terror attack, the police added.

The statement said that the attacker ran over a man in the city of Beit Shean.

He then drove about eight miles (12.5km) to Ein Harod, where he stabbed a woman, the statement said.

Israels Magen David Adom emergency service told the BBC that the Beit Shean victim was 68 and the Ein Harod victim was 18.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said he had instructed the military to respond forcefully in the West Bank town of Qabaitya, where he said the assailant came from, to thwart any further attacks.

The Israeli military said it was "preparing for an operation" in the area.

The Israeli ambulance service said that a teenager was also hurt in the attack, and that the man and woman were pronounced dead at the scene after medics were unable to resuscitate them.
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Donald Trump heralded his 20-point peace plan as the dawn of a new era for peace in the Middle East.

Yet since a ceasefire came into effect on 10 October, more than 400 people in Gaza have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israel accuses Hamas of violating the ceasefire as well, including being behind IED explosions used against its soldiers.

The United Nations last week confirmed the death of a two-week-old Palestinian baby from Khan Younis, in what it says is the first hypothermia-related death. The Palestinian health ministry says over a dozen people have now died as a result of extreme cold, as winter has set in.

More than 90 per cent of Gazas 2.3 million residents remain displaced, most living in tents and exposed to flooding and freezing temperatures.

open image in gallery US President Donald Trump, with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced the deal in October, calling it the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace ( Win McNamee/Getty )

And despite the global hunger monitor stating that Gaza is no longer technically in famine because of the entry of additional aid, humanitarian organisations say it is not nearly enough.

In reality, the initial stage of the deal Trump has so heralded is teetering on a knife edge before talks between the warring parties about phase two have even started.

The dawn of peace in the region is very far away. How can the critical points of phase two be hammered out when phase one is floundering and with both sides accusing each other of serious violations?

There has been little to no movement. Last week, Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly hosted senior officials from across the region, including Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, in Miami, Florida. These negotiations were supposed to review the implementation of the second stage but, so far, no concrete steps have been taken.

In the Trump plan, phase two was supposed to include the deployment of an international security force, the establishment of an internationally supervised technocratic governing body for Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas militants, and further Israeli troop withdrawals.

But all this process is to be overseen by a so-called Board of Peace chaired by President Trump. Its unclear who will be on that board or the executive council immediately under it. Tony Blair was slated as a key participant, but earlier this month was reportedly ruled out of running it.

open image in gallery Palestinians are still living in badly damaged homes, as here in Jabaliya, Gaza City ( AP )

Other names Ive heard floated include Egyptian real estate billionaire Naguib Sawiris, which is perhaps an indication of the priorities of these institutions.

Phase two only addresses the basic day after temporary structures for Gaza. It doesnt even tackle the difficult generation-long battles of Palestinian self-determination, of accountability and justice.

The peace plan doesnt mention the West Bank, which, since Hamass deadly 7 October attacks two years ago, has witnessed its bloodiest period since Israel first occupied the territory in 1967, according to rights groups.

There are also concerns about some of the mechanisms that have been partly established.

Right now, there is a proposed joint international command centre, reportedly based in a warehouse in Israel. From what I understand, it was supposed to be a place to monitor the ceasefire and aid flows and to generate ideas for the deal.

It was initially welcomed by multiple stakeholders. In practice, Ive been told it has become something of an embarrassment. Nothing is happening, and nothing is moving forward.

open image in gallery A family tent stands among the ruins of homes in the Al-Zaytoun neighbourhood of Gaza City ( AP )

Concerns are also growing about the underlying motives of all sides. Diplomatic and humanitarian sources fear that Israel is constructing a permanent boots-on-the-ground buffer zone kilometres into Gaza, where it continues to raze neighbourhoods and maintain a ground presence.

This week, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz, speaking at a settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said the Israeli military would never leave all of Gaza. He said they planned to station a type of unit  Nahal  that has historically played a role in establishing Israeli communities, including settlements which are illegal under international law.

He later distanced himself from the alarming comments, saying Israel has no interest in developing settlements in Gaza, but Hamas has said it is a clear violation of the ceasefire.

There are also concerns that instead of there being a genuinely international, Palestinian-led administration to help with the transition of Gaza, a reconstituted version of Cogat is being developed to operate within the territory.

Cogat is the Israeli military unit responsible for coordinating civilian affairs with Palestinians, like, for example, the entry of aid, which has been intermittently fully and partially strangled over the last two years.

open image in gallery Israeli soldiers take position during a raid in Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank ( Reuters )

Israel has repeatedly denied any nebulous intentions, as it has also denied violating ceasefires, or committing any crimes intentionally or being responsible for genocide in Gaza (an accusation levelled at the country by the UN commission of inquiry).

There are also concerns from Israel's side that Hamas has no interest in disarming or disbanding. Meanwhile, the violence is soaring in the occupied West Bank, settlement expansion is booming, and the displacement of Palestinians by Israelis continues.

Obviously, a 20-point PDF is not going to be enough to solve the Gordian knot of this conflict. Especially when slaughter continues, the tough issues like Palestinian self-determination arent on the table, and key elements of its early phases are being trampled on.

There needs to be an immediate and serious joint effort to put in place  and hold  a genuine and meaningful ceasefire, and start the long journey to true peace and justice.
'The findings challenge long-held assumptions, concluding that the severity of an outbreak is determined less by the outside world, badgers or neighbouring farms, and almost entirely by internal herd management pressures'. Photo: Getty
The Indo Daily: Melania: The Movie  We saw it, so you dont have to...
Miriam Donohoe: Why I uprooted myself from a comfortable life in Ireland at age 61 to volunteer in Uganda

As I spend this Christmas at home, I carry the transformative lessons of the year with me

Miriam Donohue with Jimmy, who is one of Hospice Africa Ugandas longest patients

Miriam Donohoe Fri 26 Dec 2025 at 06:30

When I walked through the departure gates at Dublin Airport last January to fly to Kampala to volunteer with Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU), I was overcome by excitement and fear.
Cork City Council is calling on the public to help choose the names of two new pedestrian/cycle bridges in the city.

A 27-metre-long bridge connecting Wandesford Quay via Lambleys Lane to South Main Street was opened in November while a 25metre-long steel arch bridge connecting Probys Quay to South Main Street through the former Beamish and Crawford Brewery site is under construction and is expected to open to the public next spring.

Similar to the process that saw the naming of the Mary Elmes Bridge in 2019 and the Vernon Mount Bridge in 2023, Cork City Council is now asking the public to put forward naming suggestions. Suggested names which honour, celebrate, or remember a person, group or events of significance that have helped to shape the City of Cork will be considered, the local authority said.

Submissions will be accepted until 4pm on January 26 next year. After this, the suggestions will be shortlisted by a committee and brought to a meeting of Cork City Council, where the elected members will discuss the shortlist and vote to chose the final names. Members of the public can make their suggestions online using Cork City Councils consultation portal or by post. For details, visit https://consult.corkcity.ie.

The two new bridges are aimed at providing improved pedestrian and cycle connectivity and are funded by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and the National Transport Authority.

The Lambleys Lane bridge provides a direct connection between the city centre and Crosses Green/Wandesford Quay while the bridge at Proby's Quay "will provide a safe and convenient route for both residents and visitors, making this historic quarter of Cork City more accessible and inviting for all," the council said.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Six Nations

Its tragic, it puts things into perspective  Dan Sheehan on Uini Atonio

Uini Atonio was one of the most prominent common denominators for so many deeply disappointing days in Dan Sheehans career. Thats why it was all the sweeter any time Sheehan got one over on Atonio, whether it was against France or La Rochelle.
Kerry councillor John ODonoghue says the government has used a sledgehammer to drive a nail

Rent pressure zone regulations have been denounced as absolutely ludicrous in Kerry, as the reality of the short-term letting market and the law drift further apart.

Only seven short-term letting planning applications have been granted in the county since 2000, even after changes to the law which made it illegal to run short-term accommodation without permission.

A short-term let is a property, or room within a property, that is rented out for less than 14 days at a time, an arrangement which must have planning permission inside any designated Rent Pressure Zones (RPZ).

While the whole country was classified as a RPZ in June this year, Killarney Municipal District (MD) has been an RPZ since 2020 and viewed as a pilot, raises serious questions.

In the Killarney MD there are over 150 properties on AirBnB alone, despite only seven short-term letting providers in the whole county gaining permission to operate since 2000.

Killarney-based Councillor John ODonoghue said so few short-term let planning applications had been granted because few had actually been submitted.

He said there was strong feeling among short-term let owners that the council wouldnt grant them planning permission, given the current housing shortage in the county.

There is a perception for right or for wrong that because of this national legislation and theres such a crisis when it comes to housing, people just feel they are going to be shut down immediately, he said.

And theres a feeling if you apply and are refused, thatll be it and youre handing them a loaded gun. Theyll have a cast iron case against you.

Straight off, what the council needs to do is come and view the properties, and if it does seem very logical that it will never be a long-term rental property, then the operator should be allowed to continueit should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

At moment there is just no give whatsoever, its just everybody is that same. Its tough.

He added that was absolutely ludicrous that the entire Killarney MD, and now the whole country, was an RPZ.

While he recognised the intention behind the legislation, he felt the government had used a sledgehammer to drive a nail.

On the other side of it you have very large groups probably owning a colossal amount of houses in the town that are short-term letting them because were a victim of how popular Killarney is, he said.

If youve got deep enough pockets and you can buy houses to short-term let, you can make a lot of money from it. And that does make it extraordinarily difficult for people to rent.

However, its absolutely ludicrous to think our entire municipal district is a rent pressure zone.

That means if you take somewhere up near the county bounds like Clonkeen, which is very rural, for the purposes of renting thats viewed the same as main street in Killaney which is ludicrous. It makes no sense whatsoever.

Noelle Casey, vice-chair of the Irish Self-Catering Federation (ISCF) and owner of a short-term let near Killarney, agreed that the government had used a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Many short-term lets included in the Killarney RPZ are out in the countryside and dont face severe renting shortages, if any, she said. These owners typically have no interest in long-term letting and would choose exiting the market altogether over putting up long-term tenants.

We got into self-catering because we had to diversify for farm income because it was back in 2009, said Ms Casey.

We were dairy farmers, and the milk price was on the floorit was a way of supplementing income, especially for farming families.

We never want to be long-term landlords at allI'd rather take people on a tour of the farm and bring them in for a cup of coffee into the house than rent it out long term. It just wouldn't suit where it is location-wise. I know other people are the same.

Indeed, the ISCF conducted a survey on short-term lets which found that 90pc of respondents would not move to long-term rental even if they were threatened with closure.

Ms Casey highlighted that the self-catering has been an important contributor to Irelands tourism industry all the way back to the mid-20th century.

Kerry is especially reliant on the sector, with more than 1,850 holiday homes in the county, which if removed could impose an annual loss of 72.4m, according ISCF figures.

If there's no investment in Cork and Kerry, and they decide to shut down people who provide catering, that's going to have an awful knock-on effect on cafes and restaurants in the towns, said Ms Casey.

There might be parts of Kerry that people just won't visit, or they might not use the greenway, because there's nowhere to stay. And families will just be encouraged to stay away because there won't be anywhere to house them all together.

You have to balance the housing needs, but you also have to be careful that you don't punish the tourism industry, which is our largest indigenous industry.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme
Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu laced up alongside politicians from across the political spectrum earlier this month for the inaugural Leinster House GOAL Mile in Dublins Merrion Square.

The event, held on Tuesday December 9 within walking distance of Leinster House, brought together TDs from multiple parties to walk or run a mile in support of GOALs humanitarian work.

GOAL Mile, supported by AIB, has grown into one of Irelands best-known festive fundraising traditions over the past four decades, raising vital funds for communities affected by conflict, climate change and displacement.

Mr O Murchu took part alongside party colleagues Darren ORourke, Pa Daly and John Brady, with other participants including Labour leader Ivana Bacik and Labour TDs Ciaran Ahern, Conor Sheehan and Nessa Cosgrove, Fine Gael TDs Neale Richmond, Brian Brennan and James Geoghegan, Fianna Fails Alison Comyn, and Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne.

Speaking at the event, GOAL senior fundraising manager Nafisa Brennan said the organisation was delighted to see such strong participation from across Leinster House.

We are delighted to put together the inaugural Leinster House GOAL Mile and even more ecstatic to see the number of politicians who took time out from their busy schedules to run or walk a mile around these beautiful surroundings here in the centre of Dublin, she said.

With representation from all the parties and each corner of Ireland, we hope that this event will encourage everyone to come out and find their local GOAL Mile this Christmas and join in on what is always such a fun, family-friendly event.

Mr O Murchu encouraged people locally to get involved over the Christmas season.

There are over 200 GOAL Mile locations across the country this Christmas season, including nine in Co Louth, he said. I encourage everyone to find their local GOAL Mile at GOALMile.org.

GOAL said the Leinster House event is intended to highlight the charitys annual fundraising drive, with thousands expected to take part nationwide again this year.
Network Louth Women in Business AGM and Christmas Event at Bettystown House. Joan McCann, Codelab and Joanne Lynch, Bo by Jo at the event. Photo: Kelan Molloy

Network Ireland Louth marked the end of a highly successful year with its AGM and Christmas dinner at Bettystown House on Thursday, December 11.

The event was attended by a large gathering of members who came together to reflect on the achievements of the branch over the past year and to formally mark the handover of the presidency.

Outgoing President Nicola Connolly Byrne was warmly acknowledged on the night for her leadership and contribution to the branch during her term. Members also welcomed Pauline Clarke of KooKee and Eat Loaded Cookies, who will take up the role of President in 2026.

Thanking the committee for their support throughout 2025, Ms Connolly Byrne described it as a memorable and rewarding year for the organisation.

This has been a fantastic year for all of us, she said. I was very proud to support and represent such an amazing group of women, and I will continue to do whatever I can to ensure this continues in my role as ex-officio.

The theme of our events this year was about showing up in your business, and I was always struck by the way members cheered each other on and supported one another, which is a true reflection of what Network Ireland Louth is about.

She also highlighted the strong number of entrants from the branch at this years Network Ireland Awards in Killarney in September and congratulated Pauline Clarke on being named Networker of the Year at the ceremony. Ms Connolly Byrne extended her thanks to branch sponsors LEO Louth, AIB, Face Credit and Relish for their continued support.

Following the formal handover of the chain of office, incoming President Pauline Clarke addressed members and outlined her vision for the year ahead, revealing her theme for 2026 as Growth in Motion.

I stand here with immense pride and a full heart, she said. As we look towards 2026, I am excited to build on the extraordinary leadership that carried us here. Nicolas presidency was rooted in visibility, confidence and self-growth, and the ripple effect of her leadership will be felt long beyond this year.

Ms Clarke also introduced her Vice President for 2026, Cathy Chiduza of Holistic Healthcare Ireland, and announced SAFE Castlebellingham as her chosen charity for the year ahead.

SAFE Castlebellingham is a vital service that supports those who battle in silence and find it hardest to ask for help, she said. Their work saves lives and I am proud that our branch will stand beside them in 2026.

Looking ahead, Ms Clarke said the branch would continue its collaborations with Louth LEO and AIB, while also exploring new opportunities to work with local Chambers of Commerce in the coming year.

2026 will be a year of empowerment, ambition, learning and momentum, she said. My hope is that every member will feel supported, encouraged and challenged in the best possible way, to take their next step forward.

Network Ireland Louth is part of Network Ireland, a nationwide organisation supporting the professional and personal development of women in business through networking, learning and mentoring opportunities.
The 3rd and 4th class pupils at Ardkeeran Primary School, Riverstown, are celebrating after being awarded the Best Class category in the recent AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador awards.

The Farm Safety Ambassador Programme, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, saw schools from all over Ireland take part in a series of farm safety-themed lessons and activities over the course of a school day.

Ardkeerans mixture of class-based activities, the children honing their presentation skills as well as inviting a local farmer and parent to be a class speaker, really brought home the AgriKids engage, educate and empower ethos and championing of community led learning.

Speaking about the programme, Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae, highlighted the importance of the programme in educating children on farm safety

Unfortunately, in the ten-year period from 2015 to 2024, twelve children and young people under 18 years of age have died in incidents on Irish farms, with eleven of these incidents involving farm vehicles or machinery.

This programme engaged directly with primary school pupils across the country to increase their awareness of farm safety and of dangers ever-present around the farm.

Speaking about the programme, AgriKids Founder, Alma Jordan, said: Its been a busy but amazing 12 weeks. We have seen some incredible submissions, and to be able to include an awards initiative which recognises and champions our children and educators really makes this programme unique and relevant to how our children learn.

Congratulating the winning schools and pupils, Minister Healy-Rae said:I congratulate the teachers and pupils of Ardkeeran National School, winners of the Best Class category. I also want to congratulate the schools and pupils who were awarded prizes in the Best School and individual categories and the Farm Safety Ambassadors who were nominated by their fellow pupils and acknowledge their efforts for increasing their awareness of farm safety through a variety of activities.

I would also like to thank all the schools and teachers who collaborated with Agrikids to deliver this programme. When we increase our awareness of farm safety, we are all winners.

Minister Healy-Rae urged families to be safety-conscious over the Christmas period and throughout the year. He appealed to parents to ensure that children are always supervised when on the farm, as too many families are without their loved ones at Christmas time because of tragic incidents on farms.
A 48-year-old Sligo man has been jailed for a total of five years and nine months after he was found guilty of sexualised online chats with a police operative whom he thought was a 13-year-old girl in London.

At a previous sitting Paul Nugent, of Westway, Castletown Drumcliffe had pleaded not guilty to a total of twelve charges. During the court of the trial, Judge Ronan Munro directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts on three charges, while nolle prosequi were entered in a further three.
Defense ministry denounces U.S. report hyping "China military threat"

Xinhua) 09:06, December 26, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to a recent U.S. report that misrepresents China's national defense policy and military development.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference in response to a media query about the U.S. Department of Defense report on military and security developments involving China in 2025.

Zhang said that by releasing such reports every year, the United States grossly interferes in China's internal affairs, maliciously distorts China's defense policy, and deliberately hypes the so-called "China military threat" to mislead the international community.

"China remains committed to a defensive national defense policy and pursues a military strategy of active defense," Zhang said.

Urging the U.S. side and its allies to stop dangerous provocations, Zhang called on the U.S. side to adopt an objective and rational perception of China and the Chinese military, and refrain from fabricating false narratives and stoking confrontation.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
When being rich feels wrong: Inside the world of millionaires battling wealth shame

Moral misgivings have caused some to say they want to be taxed more

A mobile billboard calling for higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy featuring billionaire businessman Elon Musk. Photo: Getty

Helen Coffey UK Independent Fri 26 Dec 2025 at 06:30

Feeling shame is a normal human emotion. And its the right emotion. Julia Davies is talking about one potential response to being incredibly rich.
A childhood friend of a Vatican schoolgirl who disappeared more than 40 years ago has been placed under investigation for allegedly lying to prosecutors.

Laura Casagrande, now 57, may have been the last person to see Emanuela Orlandi before she vanished in 1983, aged 15, on her way to a music class.
Its about finding answers: The Irish-American prosecutor looking into the cold case murder of six-year-old JonBenet

Boulder district attorney Michael Thomas Dougherty on dealing with the 1996 case that shocked America, support from Ireland for some of his toughest prosecutions and his pride at his Irish roots

Boulder district attorney Michael Dougherty, who family hail from Mayo

Sheila Flynn Fri 26 Dec 2025 at 06:30

Theres a nearly fairytale quality  or Hallmark movie feel, at least  to the city of Boulder, Colorado at Christmastime, its festive lights nestled at the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Tidy rows of fairy-light-decorated multimillion-dollar homes stretch away from the citys famed pedestrianised Pearl Street Mall. Boulder is almost as well known for the picturesque shopping strip as it is for the University of Colorados main campus and its 38,000-strong student body.
Russia is not winning the war  the US must match Ukraines resolve

Early predictions said Kyiv would fall in weeks, four years later it is Moscow bearing the brunt of heavy losses

Ukrainian soldiers use a drone detector while observing the sky for Russian unmanned aerial vehicles near the frontline town of Kostiantynivka. Photo: Reuters

Mitch McConnell and Jeanne Shaheen Washington Post Fri 26 Dec 2025 at 06:30

In the early days of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration gave Congress its assessment of Ukraines ability to hold back Russian forces. The projection was bleak. Kyiv, they said, would fall in weeks, if not sooner.
US military action and where the strikes took place

The New York Times

Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | President Donald Trump

Trumps statements and US concerns over religious violence

Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | The US carried out airstrikes on Islamic State camps

Nigerias response and the broader security situation

Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | Trump said he had ordered what he described as a 'powerful and deadly'

The United States carried out airstrikes against Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria, a move announced by President Donald Trump on Thursday, December 25. The strikes followed Trumps repeated claims that the extremist group was responsible for attacks on Christians in the region.Posting on Truth Social, Trump said he had ordered what he described as a powerful and deadly military operation against Islamic State fighters operating in northwest Nigeria. He accused the group of targeting and killing Christians at levels he said had not been seen for many years. US Africa Command and the Nigerian government later confirmed that the strikes had taken place.The military action came after weeks of heightened rhetoric from Trump, warnings to Nigerias government, and increased US intelligence activity over the country.US Africa Command said the strikes were conducted in Sokoto State, which lies in northwestern Nigeria and borders Niger. According to Africom, the operation resulted in the deaths of several Islamic State fighters.A US military official toldthat two Islamic State camps were targeted during the operation. Officials cited by the Associated Press said the fighters were likely members of the Islamic State Sahel Province, also known locally as Lakurawa. The group has become more visible over the past year in border regions such as Sokoto and Kebbi, where it has carried out attacks on remote communities and security personnel.Africom stated that the operation was carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities and that its initial assessment showed multiple militants were killed. A statement posted earlier on X, later deleted, said the strikes were conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities, according to CNN. The Pentagon also released video footage showing at least one projectile being launched from a warship.US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he appreciated the cooperation and support of the Nigerian government.Nigerias foreign ministry confirmed early on December 26 that precision airstrikes had hit terrorist targets in the northwest. It said Nigeria remained engaged with the United States through structured security cooperation.In his Truth Social post, Trump said he had previously warned terrorists to stop attacks on Christians and stated that the strikes were a response to those warnings. He said the United States would not allow what he called radical Islamic terrorism to succeed and praised the US military for carrying out the operation.Trump has repeatedly raised concerns about violence against Christians in Nigeria. In late October, he accused the country of violating religious freedom and said Christianity faced an existential threat there. He later designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, according to CNN.Last month, Trump said he had directed the Pentagon to prepare options for possible action in Nigeria, accusing the government of failing to stop violence against Christians. He warned of halting US aid and threatened military intervention if the situation continued.Following those remarks, US Africa Command developed plans to target militant compounds in northern Nigeria and shared them with the Pentagon and the White House. Reuters later reported that US intelligence-gathering flights had been operating over large areas of Nigeria since late November.Nigerian officials have pushed back against claims that violence in the country is driven by religious targeting. Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu, said the US and Nigeria were aligned in the fight against terrorism. However, he also told The Washington Post that emphasising Christian killings was unnecessary, arguing that militant groups do not target a single religion and that such rhetoric could worsen the crisis.President Tinubu, in a Christmas message posted before Trumps announcement, called for peace between people of different faiths. He said his government would protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence and safeguard religious freedom.Nigeria has faced insurgency and armed violence for more than a decade. While most attacks have occurred in the north, the government has said both Christians and Muslims have been targeted. Officials have rejected claims of a Christian genocide, saying the situation is more complex.Earlier this week, a suicide bombing at a mosque in Borno State killed five people and injured dozens. The attack was blamed on Boko Haram. Human rights experts cited by Reuters have said more Muslims have been killed by Boko Haram than Christians.Aneliese Bernard, a former State Department adviser, told The Washington Post that violence in northwest Nigeria is often linked to bandit groups working with Islamic State affiliates. She questioned the evidence of a strong Islamic State presence in the area and said targeted airstrikes may not reduce armed group activity.The US strikes highlight growing tensions over Nigerias security crisis, differing views on religious violence, and Washingtons expanding military involvement.
Battle of Galwan

Salman Khans birthday announcement in the making

Image credit : Instagram @salmankhan | Salman Khan reportedly step away from an Eid 2026 clash

Why Eid 2026 is no longer certain

Bollywood Hungama

Battle of Galwan

Dhurandhar 2

Image credit : IMDb | Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar (2025)

Summer slot for Battle of Galwan?

Battle of Galwan

Battle of Galwan.

Image credit : Instagram @salmankhan | Battle of Galwan release date hangs in doubt

About Battle of Galwan

Battle of Galwan

Salman Khan is turning 60, and fans were hoping for a double treat, as reports suggested his milestone birthday could reveal the release date and teaser of his much-anticipated film,. However, plans now appear to have changed.Industry buzz suggests that the films team was keen to make the actor's 60th birthday memorable. Several reports claim that the announcement was being carefully planned, keeping fan expectations and box-office strategy in mind. The idea was to use the superstars birthday as the perfect moment to reveal what fans have been waiting for.However, while the plan sounds exciting, it came with challenges. Everybody knows how Khan has long been associated with Eid releases, a slot that has worked well for him in the past. This time, though, the situation is different, and the festive window may not be as easy to secure.has reported that the release date announcement ofwas being considered around Salman Khans 60th birthday. The portal quoted a source explaining the situation around the Eid release window. Salman Khan was eyeing turning this one into yet another Eid release. But sincehas locked that day, the chance for Battle of Galwan to release on a similar timeline is slim, the source said.The source further added that the actor prefers not to clash with other films. Salman Khan is a fair person, and he is clear that he would not like to clash with any other film. He feels its wrong that someone has taken up a date, and he should bring his film on another day. Because of this, the team has started looking beyond Eid and exploring other suitable options.With Eid becoming unlikely, the makers are now reportedly scanning the calendar between March and June. These summer months are seen as ideal for a large-scale film like. According to the same source, The team is trying to get a date which is vacant and appropriate for a grand film likeThey are now looking at all the summer months, between March and June.There is also talk in the trade that one major summer release might get postponed. The team is keeping a close watch on this possibility. There have been murmurs in the trade that one of the biggies, scheduled for a summer release, might get pushed, the source said.If such a window opens up, the makers are ready to take it. If not, they are prepared to adjust their plans. The source added that the team expects to lock the release date soon but admitted that there is a small chance that no date may be mentioned in the teaser if things do not fall into place in time.Directed by Apoorva Lakhia,is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The incident was one of the most intense border conflicts in recent history and stood out because no firearms were used. Instead, soldiers fought in hand-to-hand combat using sticks and stones.The film aims to revisit this emotional and powerful chapter, making it one of Khans most serious and anticipated projects.
Stargate and Oracles shift into AI infrastructure

Image credit : X/joni_askola | Elon Reeve Musk is a businessman and entrepreneur

The OpenAI deal and a record-breaking fortune spike

Hollywood expansion backed by Ellison capital

Image credit : X/LinkTechnlogies | Larry Ellison quietly became techs central figure

Mounting risks and a changing fortune

Image credit : X/StandWithAZ | Ellison currently ranks as the worlds fifth-richest person

From personal luxury to high-stakes industry bets

At the start of 2025, a tech billionaire closely connected to the White House appeared set to dominate headlines. Twelve turbulent months later, that title belongs to Larry Ellison, not Elon Musk. The Oracle Corp. co-founder and chairman was involved in nearly every major business development of the year, placing him at the center of technology, artificial intelligence, and media dealmaking.Now 81, Ellisons influence stretched across sectors. From the AI infrastructure race to complex Hollywood acquisitions, his presence was constant. Even TikTok entered the picture, with Oracle planning to take a stake in the platform as part of a broader effort tied to Donald Trumps attempt to keep the app operating in the United States. Throughout the year, Ellisons wealth closely tracked Oracles share price, reflecting both opportunity and risk in a volatile market.The year began with Stargate, one of the most ambitious data center projects announced to date. On January 21, one day after Donald Trumps inauguration, Ellison appeared at the White House alongside OpenAI chief Sam Altman and SoftBanks Masayoshi Son. The group unveiled a $500 billion plan to build AI infrastructure across the US.The announcement came with bold claims, including projections of 100,000 jobs. While some observers questioned whether the full amount would materialize, Oracle soon began a large-scale build-out of AI-optimized data centers. The pace surprised parts of the industry.This expansion came at a cost. Oracles cash flow turned negative for the first time since the early 1990s. For Ellison, the move marked a notable shift. Fifteen years earlier, he had passed on the rise of cloud computing. In 2025, he repositioned Oracle as a major player in the AI infrastructure race.During the summer, Oracle secured a deal that reshaped its future. OpenAI agreed to rent an enormous amount of computing power from Oracle in an agreement valued at roughly $300 billion. The deal positioned OpenAI as Oracles largest customer.When Oracle disclosed the scale of this business in September, investors reacted sharply. Ellisons net worth rose by $89 billion in a single day, reaching $388 billion. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, it was the largest one-day wealth increase ever recorded. For a brief period, Ellison overtook Musk as the richest person in the world.Ellisons rising wealth also supported his son David Ellisons ambitions in the media industry. In August, Skydance Media finalized its long-running effort to gain control of Paramount. The acquisition was largely financed by Larry Ellison.Soon after the Paramount deal closed, David Ellison set his sights on Warner Bros. Discovery, home to franchises such as Batman, Harry Potter, and Bugs Bunny. Larry Ellison offered financial backing and personally pitched executives at Warner Bros.The bid failed. Warner Bros. rejected the Skydance-Paramount offer and accepted a competing proposal from Netflix. Skydance responded with a hostile bid, echoing tactics Ellison himself used in the early 2000s during Oracles takeover of PeopleSoft. Warner Bros. rejected the second offer as well, citing concerns about Skydances ability to fund the equity portion. In response, Larry Ellison agreed to personally guarantee $40.4 billion in financing.The guarantee highlighted the scale of Ellisons financial exposure. In recent months, his net worth has declined alongside Oracles share price. Investor sentiment around AI spending has cooled, and Oracle faces scrutiny due to the debt accumulated to fund its data center expansion. The companys reliance on OpenAI for a large share of future revenue has added to concerns.Ellison currently ranks as the worlds fifth-richest person, with a net worth just under $250 billion. While this provides ample resources to cover the guarantee, most of his wealth is tied up in Oracle stock. That concentration raises questions about how quickly he could deploy cash if required, potentially forcing stock sales or additional pledges.Before 2025, Ellison largely used his wealth for personal interests, including aircraft, yachts, Malibu property, and much of Hawaiis Lanai island. He also supported Hollywood projects linked to his children.By the end of the year, his fortune was tied to two uncertain arenas: the highly competitive AI infrastructure market and a debt-heavy media company led by his son. Together, these bets explain why Larry Ellison, rather than Elon Musk, ultimately defined techs most consequential year.
My Korean Boyfriend

My Korean Boyfriend blends dating reality with cultural reality checks

My Korean Boyfriend

Image credit : Netflix YouTube screenshot | Netflix has officially unveiled the trailer and premiere dates for My Korean Boyfriend.

Five Brazilian women take their relationships to Seoul

My Korean Boyfriend: Cross-cultural experiment

My Korean Boyfriend

Single's Inferno

Love Is Blind: Brazil

My Korean Boyfriend: Seoul becomes more than a backdrop

Image credit : Netflix YouTube screenshot | The women must decide whether love can survive not just long distance, but daily reality.

Behind the scenes: a massive BrazilKorea production

Korean netizens react - and the response is anything but warm

Image credit : theqoo | Korean netizens react - and the response is anything but warm.

Fantasy versus reality: the real question Netflix is asking

My Korean Boyfriend

Yellow umbrellas. Slow-motion hand-holding. A kiss that arrives after sixteen episodes of longing. K-dramas have sold the world a very specific fantasy of Korean romance - but Netflix's newest docu-reality series asks a far riskier question: what happens when the fantasy meets reality? With, Netflix shifts from scripted swoon to unscripted truth.Netflix has officially unveiled the trailer and premiere dates for, a Brazilian-produced docu-reality series that merges romance, travel, and cultural collision. The show rolls out in two parts, with the first batch of episodes arriving on January 1, followed by the second on January 8.Unlike traditional dating shows, this one doesnt begin with strangers meeting - it starts with relationships already in progress.At the heart of the series are five Brazilian women, each already romantically involved with a Korean man. Their relationships vary in depth, distance, and expectations - but all are put to the same test when they travel to South Korea.Set against the nonstop energy of Seoul, the couples face daily routines, communication barriers, family dynamics, and cultural differences that K-dramas rarely show.Netflix describesas a hybrid ofand, combining emotional vulnerability with documentary-style realism. The series leans heavily into the question many international fans quietly ask: Is dating someone Korean actually like a K-drama - or nothing like it at all?Each episode chips away at expectations, exposing how romance changes when language, customs, and societal norms collide.Rather than confining contestants to a single location, the show lets the city itself apply pressure. From public transportation and work schedules to social etiquette and gender expectations, Seoul isn't just scenery - it's a stress test.The women must decide whether love can survive not just long distance, but daily reality.My Korean Boyfriend was filmed over 22 days in Seoul with a multicultural crew of more than 100 professionals from Brazil and South Korea. The production also worked closely with Korean cultural consultants to ensure accuracy, and received institutional support from the Consulate General of South Korea in Sao Paulo and the Seoul Film Commission.While international curiosity is growing, the show has already sparked backlash in South Korea. Following the trailer's release, Korean online forums lit up with criticism, much of it aimed at the concept itself.Some netizens mocked the premise, while others openly disapproved of the idea of Brazilian women dating Korean men - reactions that reveal deeper tensions around representation, dating stereotypes, and global perceptions of Korean romance."I heard it's not about finding a Korean boyfriend, but about going to see their own boyfriend they're already in a long-distance relationship with, and finding out whether life in Korea is really as dreamy as people imagine it to beBut that whole image is something that's been manufactured anyway. It's kind of sad."doesn't promise fairy-tale endings. Instead, it positions itself as a reality check - one that challenges both international K-drama fantasies and local discomfort with globalized dating.As the series prepares to debut, one thing is already clear: This isn't about umbrellas and perfect kisses - it's about whether love can survive when the script disappears.
A 10-year-old boy who vanished from a mountain village on Christmas afternoon has been found, ending a frantic search operation that mobilized the entire island during the holiday.

The child disappeared from Krittinia, a rugged community on the islands west coast, triggering an immediate Silver Alert.

Police, the fire service, and the Rhodes municipalitys civil protection unit launched a large-scale rescue effort as night fell.

Volunteer teams combed the area on foot, locating the boy in darkness about two hours later. He was found unharmed roughly 700 meters (0.4 miles) from his home.

"All volunteer groups on the island responded instantly, even on Christmas Day, with a single message," Deputy Mayor Michalis Thomatos told state broadcaster ERT.

Mr. Thomatos, who heads the municipalitys civil protection unit, praised the rescuers' "self-sacrifice," noting that their rapid mobilization was decisive in preventing a tragedy in the cold, mountainous terrain.

The incident highlights the critical reliance on volunteer networks in Greeces remote areas. Authorities thanked the residents for their swift cooperation and urged parents to remain vigilant during winter months when daylight is scarce.

   iefimerida.gr
Greece is "absolutely determined to defending its sovereignty and sovereign rights," and this is the constitutional obligation of the Armed Forces and of every Greek, National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said on Friday (Dec. 26) during a visit of military facilities on Samos island on the occasion of the holiday

season.

Dendias paid a visit to the headquarters of the national guard at and an observation post at Psili Ammos accompanied by the chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff and the chief of the Hellenic Army.

The minister clarified that Greece threatens nobody. "Greece has not expressed a revisionist mentality, has not formulated a threat for any of our neighbors. It has not registered any territorial or other demand against another country, and has not furthermore issued a threat of war against anyone," he said.

During his visit to Samos, Dendias also paid a visit to deputy and cardiology professor at the Athens University, Christodoulos Stefanadis.

Present at the visit were the chief of the Supreme Military Administration of the Aegean and East Mediterranean, the chief of the national guard unit, the deputy regional governor, the mayor of eastern Samos, the deputy mayor of western Samos and the president of the community of Ydroussa.

   iefimerida.gr
Protesting farmers spent their Christmas at the roadblocks on major highways, waiting for decisions from their coordinating committees, they said on Friday.

A major meeting will be held at the Nikea roadblock, between Volos and Larissa, at 12:30 pm on Saturday (Dec. 27), they said. As

they noted, the meeting will serve as a preparatory stage for a national meeting where further actions will be considered, including an escalation of mobiliztions.

So far, they said, they have not received specific commitments by the government on resolving their demands.

In northern Greece, representatives of farmers at the Malgara roadblock in the Thessaloniki region said they were considering blocking toll stations in the direction toward Athens at 12:00 noon on Saturday. Farmers and animal breeders from Trilofo, Derveni, Kerdyllia, and Niselli will be meeting midday on Saturday, while Chalkidona producers said they will block the junction on the old Thessaloniki-Edessa national road at 3:00 or 4:00 pm for 2-3 hours on Saturday.

Concerning the Exochi and Promachonas customs stations at the borders with Bulgaria, producers from Exochi said they would meet on Saturday afternoon on long-term blocking of the customs stations.

The Evzones customs with North Macedonia will be blocked at 12:00 on Saturday for both cars and trucks, with the duration of closure to be decided. The Niki customs office action will be decided on Saturday afternoon, at a meeting of farmers from western Macedonia, who said they intend to continue their protest actions.

In eastern Macedonia and in Thrace, farmers remain by the roads with their tractors but access to all vehicles is open at the Ormenio junction and the Kipoi customs office in Evros. Th farmers there will decide about further actions during their meetings on Saturday.

   iefimerida.gr
Maria Pappa, the Greek flight attendant killed in a deadly plane crash outside Ankara, earlier this week, was working her very first shift for the charter operator when the jet went down, her partner has revealed.

The crash

of the Malta-registered Dassault Falcon 50 claimed the lives of all eight people on board, including the Libyan Armys Chief of Staff , Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad.

Speaking to news portal in.gr, Mrs. Pappas partner described a tragic twist of fate.

An experienced aviation professional with 20 years of service, she had recently decided to transition from large commercial airliners to private charters operated by Harmony Jets.

"She had been flying for 19 years and was experienced," her partner said. Tuesdays ill-fated trip was her debut flight with the company.

The private aircraft, returning the Libyan delegation to Tripoli after an official visit, crashed Tuesday evening shortly after takeoff from Ankara.

Turkish officials reported that the pilots requested an emergency landing due to an electrical failure minutes before losing contact.

Mrs. Pappa, who hailed from Pyrgos in southwest Greece and lived in Athens, was one of three crew members who perished alongside Lt. Gen. al-Haddad and four other passengers.

The crash has drawn international attention due to the high profile of the passengers. Lt. Gen. al-Haddad was a key figure in Libyas military leadership, and his death comes at a sensitive time for regional security.

Turkish authorities have launched a full investigation into the technical malfunction cited by the crew.

   iefimerida.gr
Search and rescue teams continue to scour rugged terrain in northern Greece for a 45-year-old fire service commander who has been missing since Tuesday, leaving authorities and family fearing for his safety.

The officer, who heads the fire brigade unit in Ano Poroia in the Serres region, disappeared after leaving his home

earlier in the week.

According to police, he departed in his vehicle but left behind essential personal items, including his mobile phone and wallet.

A "Silver Alert" has been issued to mobilize public assistance.

Civil protection teams from the Sintiki municipality have joined forces with police, firefighters, and volunteer groups to comb the area.

The operation has been expanded to include drones scanning the difficult topography for any sign of the missing commander or his vehicle.

Authorities urged anyone with information to contact the police immediately.

   iefimerida.gr
President Donald Trump has disclosed that the United States military has launched strikes on ISIS targets in northern Nigeria on Christmas Day.

Trump disclosed this on his Truth Social handle.

He wrote, Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

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I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.

The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamist Terrorism to prosper.

May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.
*House of Representatives, National Assembly*

Office of the House Spokesman

*PRESS STATEMENT*

For Immediate Release

*Position of the House on Issues Surrounding the Tax Reform Laws*

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*Abuja, FCT | Friday, December 26, 2025*  Recent public commentary has focused on the legislative process relating to the passage, presidential assent, and publication in the Official Gazette of the Federal Government of the following Acts: the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.

The commentary has raised issues concerning the harmonisation of Bills passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the documentation transmitted for Presidential assent, and the versions of the Acts subsequently published in the Official Gazette.

The House of Representatives wishes to assure the public that these matters are being addressed strictly within the constitutional and statutory remit of the National Assembly. Only last week, the House constituted a seven-man Ad Hoc Committee on the matter after an Honourable Member raised it under a Point of Order (Privileges). The Ad Hoc Committee, alongside other relevant Committees of the National Assembly, working in collaboration with the Management of the National Assembly, is undertaking an institutional review to establish the sequence of events and to identify any factors that may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the legislative and administrative handling of the Acts. This includes a careful examination of any lapses, irregularities, or external interferences, should any be established. The review is being conducted in full conformity with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Acts Authentication Act, Cap. A4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, the Standing Orders of both Chambers, and established parliamentary practice.

In the course of this review, and in the interest of clarity, accuracy, and the integrity of the legislative record, the leadership of the National Assembly, under the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, and the *Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to re-gazette the Acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions duly passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly.* This administrative step is intended solely to authenticate and accurately reflect the legislative decisions of the National Assembly.

This review is strictly confined to institutional processes and procedures. It does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority by the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is undertaken without prejudice to the powers, functions, or actions of any other arm or agency of government, and without prejudice to any rights, obligations, or legal processes arising under the Constitution or any other applicable law.

The House of Representatives, under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, remains firmly committed to the principles of constitutionalism, separation of powers, due process, and the supremacy of the rule of law. Where procedural or administrative refinements are identified, appropriate corrective measures will be taken in accordance with the law and established parliamentary conventions.

Members of the public are respectfully urged to allow the National Assemblys institutional processes to proceed without speculation or conjecture. The leadership of the House of Representatives remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the faithful discharge of its constitutional responsibility as custodian of the legislative authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Further information will be provided as may be necessary.

Signed:

*Rep. Akin Rotimi, mnipr*

House Spokesman / Chairman,

House Committee on Media and Public Affairs
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has expressed confidence that Nigerias banditry and other security challenges will be overcome in 2026 and beyond, urging Nigerians to work collectively towards peace, unity, and national development.

Akpabio spoke during a prayer and fasting service organised in honour of the Akpabio family at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Ukana Ikot Ntuen, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

He called on Nigerians to set aside differences, embrace peace, and foster unity within families, communities, and across the country, stressing that sustainable development can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace.

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I want to wish all Nigerians a very prosperous and peaceful new year. I want to assure Nigerians that the new year will usher in renewed peace in our country, the Senate President said.

Reflecting on the Christmas season, Akpabio linked the birth of Jesus Christ to hope for national redemption, expressing optimism that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges.

By reason of the birth of Jesus Christ, Nigerians will be redeemed from banditry and insurgency in the new year and beyond, he said.

Akpabio urged Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its efforts to tackle insecurity.

He expressed confidence that strengthened collaboration with international partners would further enhance the fight against banditry and insurgency.

He also emphasized the importance of family unity as a foundation for peace and progress, noting that harmony within the family contributes to societal stability.

In her remarks, the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, called on members of the Akpabio family to support one another, set aside personal differences, and live in love and harmony.

Similarly, the head of the Greater Akpabio Family, Chief Ekan Akpabio, urged family members to continue supporting Senator Akpabio as an ambassador of the family, Essien Udim Local Government Area, and Akwa Ibom State.

He also appealed to family members holding public office to remain connected to their roots and prioritise the welfare of their relatives.

The annual prayer and fasting service, held every December 26, provides an opportunity for the Akpabio family to give thanks to God and pray for peace, unity, and progress in Nigeria.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has officially wed Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The announcement was made public on Friday by a facebook user and member of the Dajoh family, Abraham Double-d Dajoh, via a celebratory social media post.

Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh. While the union is reportedly established, the Queen was officially welcomed into the Dajoh family home in Mbakor, Benue State, this December. | Credit: Dajoh Family.

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He confirmed the union between the high-ranking government official and the former Olori of the Ife Kingdom.

The Dajoh family described the union as beautiful and uncommon, as they formally welcomed her into their fold in Benue State.

In a statement that quickly went viral, the Dajoh family expressed their collective joy, signalling a significant chapter for the SGFs household.

We, the entire Dajoh Family, happily join our daddy, uncle and brother, His Excellency, The Secretary To The Government Of The Federation, Sen. George Akume Jugu Dajoh in welcoming his new and uncommon wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, into the Dajoh family, the post read.

The family further extended their appreciation to the political associates and supporters of the SGF, urging them to remain steadfast in their loyalty to him as he embarks on this personal journey.

We appreciate and thank the fans and supporters of Sen. Akume for always standing by him. We enjoin every one of you to continue to support his Excellency even in this beautiful union with Queen Zaynab, the post further read.

Queen Zaynab, who was previously known as Olori Wuraola during her 17-month marriage to the Ooni of Ife (which ended in 2017), was ushered into her new home with deep cultural reverence.

The Dajoh family emphasised the importance of their ancestral roots in Mbakor and the wider Benue State.

Welcome to Benue State, the Food Basket of the Nation, welcome to Mbakor, the seat of leadership of the Tiv nation and welcome to the Dajoh family, the home of your darling husband. Welcome home, Queen Zaynab, the statement concluded.

The announcement coincided with the festive period, as the family used the opportunity to wish Nigerians a happy holiday season.

We wish you all a happy Christmas Celebration and a Prosperous New Year, the post read.

Akume, a former Governor of Benue State and a politician, currently serves as a key figure in the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The news of his marriage to Queen Zaynaba prominent humanitarian and former royalhas become a major talking point across the countrys social and political circles.

When contacted on the telephone on Friday, Akumes spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, confirmed the marriage.

He, however, said contrary to reports that the wedding was held on December 24, the marriage is over a year old.

I can confirm the marriage. However, contrary to the rumour that the marriage was concretised in Gboko on Christmas eve when the couple appeared together at an event to celebrate Christmas, it was actually a marriage that is over a year old, Odunuga said.
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has condemned the U.S. military bombing of terrorists in Sokoto on Christmas Day, describing it as a war against Islam.

In a statement in response to the U.S. military strike against terrorists on Friday, Mr Gumi said, The attacks are symbolic of a harbinger (of a) neo-Crusade war against Islam. Attack on Sokoto, where 90% are Muslim with no imminent danger of terror, while the real threat is in Maiduguri and on a Christmas Eve, with the claim of protecting against Christian genocide, says a lot.

The Muslim cleric, who has continually opposed military action against bandits and terrorists, said, The U.S. involvement in Nigeria will attract the real anti-U.S. forces, making our land the theater of war. The USAs involvement in Nigeria, citing coming to protect Christians, will ultimately polarise our nation and infringe on our sovereignty.

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Berating the U.S. as a terrorist nation, Mr Gumi said terrorists should be killed only by holy hands, not by another terrorist whose hands are stained with the blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent children, women, and men just recently.

As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war. And no nation should allow its neighbors to be their enemies, stated Mr Gumi. If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively, Mr Gumi said.

The Islamist called on President Bola Tinubus government to halt all military cooperation with the USA immediately because of its imperial tendencies worldwide, and seek the help of those neutral countries mentioned.

Nigerians are too educated to be played with, he stated. This is going to be a 2027 campaign discourse.

Dropping a few bombs here and there cannot tackle the menace of terror; they need serious military on the ground, which, if we are serious, we have enough men to do that. We call on all villages affected to upload videos and pictures of any casualties involved.
The United States Africa Command has disclosed that they coordinated with Nigerian authorities to launch strikes agaisnt ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State on Christmas night.

AFICOM disclosed this in a statement on X, after President Donald Trump announced the development on his Truth Social handle.

AFRICOM said, At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.

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President Trump said the attack followed his warning to terrorists against their vicious killing of mostly innocent Christians, recalling that he had warned that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.

The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamist Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.

https://x.com/i/status/2004349831863849380
A Rite Aid in Barrington, Camden County, pictured in July before all of the Philly-based pharmacy chain's locations closed for good. Read more

Last year, you may have celebrated Christmas or New Years with a meal at an Iron Hill Brewery.

At the time, your holiday preparations may have included trips to Joann fabrics or Party City, which was having its going-out-of-business sale. You may have stopped for medicines and other toiletries at Rite Aid.

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This year, however, you cant go to any of those places: All of these businesses served their last customers in 2025.

Heres a look back at a few of the notable Philly-area businesses that closed in the past year.

RIP to Rite Aid

It didnt come as a total surprise when Rite Aid filed for its second bankruptcy in less than two years.

The Navy Yard-based pharmacy chain had closed dozens of locations in recent years. Even after it emerged from its first bankruptcy in September 2024, shelves meant to be filled with drugstore essentials  such as cold medicines and pain relievers  remained bare at some stores.

In filing for bankruptcy again, Rite Aid announced that it would be closing or selling all locations. At the time, it had about 1,000 stores nationwide, including about 100 in the Philadelphia region.

 READ MORE: The rise and fall of Rite Aid

Across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, thousands of Rite Aid workers lost their jobs. Some, like Angela Gardin, also said bittersweet goodbyes to regular customers.

Gardin, assistant manager at the Queen Village Rite Aid, was moved to tears by customers handwritten thank you notes, which were scrawled on pieces of paper and taped to the stores front window in its final months.

By late August, all Pennsylvania and New Jersey Rite Aids had shut their doors for good, sending prescriptions to CVS, Walgreens, or other local pharmacies of a customers choosing.

The closures further exacerbate pharmacy access issues, especially for lower-income Philadelphians who dont have cars. People in more isolated rural areas are also impacted: The 46,000 residents of Perry County, west of Harrisburg, lost half their pharmacies when their three Rite Aids closed.

Adieu to Iron Hill Brewery

Iron Hill Brewerys closure was so abrupt that fans didnt even get to raise one last pint to the regional chain.

On a Thursday morning in late September, the nearly 30-year-old company, considered by many to be a pioneer of the local craft-brewing scene, announced that its brewpubs had closed their doors for the last time.

The news left 16 massive Iron Hill shells, including in Center City, Exton, Huntingdon Valley, Maple Shade, Media, Newtown, North Wales, West Chester, and Wilmington. Earlier in September, the company had closed locations in Chestnut Hill and Voorhees, as well as its flagship brewery in Newark, Del.

Bankruptcy filings shed more light on the Exton-based companys financial straits: Iron Hill owed more than $20 million to creditors and had about $125,000 in the bank.

In November, a bankruptcy judge approved an offer by Jeff Crivello, the former CEO of Famous Daves BBQ, to resurrect 10 Iron Hills, including in Center City and West Chester, pending landlord negotiations. The restaurants could be reopened as Iron Hills or as other brands.

Crivello said he plans to reopen the Rehoboth Beach brewpub  as well as the Iron Hill restaurants in Columbia and Greenville, S.C.  as locations of Virginia-based Three Notchd Brewing Co.

The fates of the other ex-Iron Hills will be determined in the bankruptcy process. Brewing equipment, furniture, and other items from the closed restaurants were auctioned off earlier this month.

Mainstays say goodbye in the Philly burbs

Local chains werent the only business casualties of 2025.

Main Line residents lost Lower Merion-based Maxwell Taxi Cab Co. in February, marking the end of an era for suburban-based cabs. Maxwell, which had operated for more than 50 years, was later acquired by a Bryn Mawr-based limo service called ML Car Service Ltd.

Also in Lower Merion, consumers lost the Gladwyne Market, a community grocery store.

In South Jersey, the Bistro at Cherry Hill, a beloved restaurant that operated in a 1,200-square-foot mall kiosk for 27 years, closed abruptly in July.

At the time, the restaurants president, Andy Cosenza, said the closure was due to a communication breakdown that had resulted in his voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition being converted to a Chapter 7, or liquidation, without his knowledge. Since then, however, Cosenza has been indicted on charges of tax fraud. The Bistro has remained closed.

In the city, the Macys in the Wanamaker Building closed in March, as did the Macys at the near-dead Exton Square Mall. And the latest iteration of Olde Bar, most recently an event venue in the historic Bookbinders building, shut its doors this summer.
Bristol Township police officers guard the scene outside the Bristol Health & Rehab Center Christmas morning, two days after a deadly explosion killed two and injured 20 at the nursing facility. Read more

Around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Samuel Bull Thomas pushed his older brother in a wheelchair down the first floor of the Bristol Health & Rehab Center.

As they rolled down the hallway, the 49-year-old Levittown resident smelled gas.

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People were still in there working, and there was a gas smell, Thomas said Thursday. There were people sitting behind desks  people just still walking around, like they were neglecting the smell.

Moments later, Thomas and his brother arrived at the facilitys barbershop, where Thomas, a part-time barber, had cut his brothers hair every two weeks. The Thomases are a close-knit family, and the nursing home had become their gathering place since Lamont Bubs Thomas, 59, suffered from a stroke several months ago.

Nearby stood the brothers nephew, Terence Aldridge, 42, who had started a job in the facility kitchen four days prior. Their sister, Terences mom, was on her way.

But within seconds, the visit turned catastrophic. As Samuel Thomas opened the door to the barbershop area and began to maneuver his brothers wheelchair through the door, the building pancaked.

The force of the blast knocked his work boots off. The floor collapsed beneath the men, the ceiling fell on top of them, and they were soon fighting for each others lives in the basement below.

While crashing through the floor to the basement, Thomas gripped his brothers wheelchair so tight he could feel his hands bleeding. Flames roared, while water from a burst pipe gushed around them.

If I would have let him go, he would have fallen on his head in the basement, Thomas said. All this water was pouring down on my face.

The three members of the Thomas family were among the 20 people injured in the fatal explosion that rocked the Lower Bucks County nursing facility. And while much remains unknown about what caused the blast, families of the victims like the Thomases spent the Christmas holiday gathered around hospital beds throughout the Philadelphia region, questioning the tragedy that occurred and counting their blessings.

Muthoni Nduthu, a 52-year-old nurse at the facility and mother to three sons, was killed in the blast. A second person who was killed, a resident at the nursing home, has not been identified. Saber Healthcare Group, which took over as the nursing home operator three weeks ago, said the company is evaluating its evacuation procedures.

Im alive, Samuel Thomas said, in a Thursday interview from his bed at Lower Bucks Hospital. Thats all I can say  Im alive.

Three days ago, that wasnt guaranteed.

A circus of chaos

Helen Middlebrook, 58, was driving to the nursing home that afternoon for her daily visit with her Bubs. She would have been there with her brothers and son Terence when the building erupted, but by a stroke of luck, she had forgotten something at home and turned the car around.

Back at home in Croydon, she got a panicked call.

A violent blast. Nursing home in flames. People trapped under the wreckage.

She rushed back to Tower Road where she was faced with a chaotic circus. As she scrambled to locate her brothers and son, going from ambulance to ambulance, she said she became hysterical.

Samuel Thomas  his legs mangled  managed to drag himself and his brother to a stairwell landing, where first responders were able to rescue them, he recounted Thursday from the hospital.

His brother, whose injuries were the most severe, was in critical condition at the scene.

Middlebrook rejoiced when she heard her brothers were still alive. But she could not find her son.

Law enforcement officials said that, in the confusion after the explosion, the injured were whisked off to numerous area hospitals. A second explosion that followed the initial blast added to the chaotic response effort.

For four hours, Middlebrook searched emergency rooms in anguish for her Papoose, Terences family nickname.

She braced for the worst.

My thought [was] that he was in the building, trapped or dead, she said. But God is good.

Middlebrook and her husband found her son at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, safe and breathing on a ventilator. Aldridge sustained cuts all over his body and lung damage due to smoke inhalation. He is expected to recover.

Samuel Thomas underwent surgery Wednesday on both legs, which were crushed by heavy wooden beams after the blast. He broke his right femur and fractured his ankle.

Lamont Thomas remains in critical condition at Temple University Hospital, his family members said. His spine is broken, the bones in his face are fractured, and he suffered severe burns. He had surgery on Thursday afternoon, his family said.

For now, Middlebrook said she would withhold speculation about who was at fault.

Were just praying everything goes the way it should go, she said, in an interview on Thursday as she rushed between hospitals to see her brothers and son on Christmas.

Its a really bad situation.

Questions mount over blast

On Thursday morning, the two-acre campus at Bristol Health & Rehab Center sat deserted, save for local police officers stationed around the fenced-in nursing home.

There is no clear timeline for answers as to what caused the devastating explosion.

A Peco technician was called to the nursing facility and was there working in the basement shortly after 2 p.m. when the blast occurred. Some experts have already questioned why residents were not evacuated at the first smell of gas, in accordance with Pecos own directives.

Peco referred questions to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the federal agency that is now leading the investigation.

Bristol Health & Rehab Center, formerly the Silver Lake Health Center, was cited repeatedly for substandard healthcare and unsafe building conditions under the management of CommuniCare Health Services, according to federal and state inspection records. Saber Healthcare Group acquired the facility home three weeks ago and gave it a new name. The company said it was working to fix deficiencies prior to the explosion.

A Saber representative said the company relocated about 120 residents to local hospitals and other assisted living facilities, while the investigators work to determine what led up to the explosion.

Peco, in its initial statement on Tuesday, said the gas technician had been called to the nursing home that afternoon due to the odor of gas. On Wednesday, Peco changed the timeline and said technicians had, in fact, arrived at the site hours earlier.

In a statement to The Inquirer Thursday, Peco president and CEO David Vahos said the company is committed to safety and deploys considerable resources to inspect, maintain, and upgrade its 14,000-mile network of gas lines.

While the NTSB is known for investigating high-profile transit accidents involving trains and aircraft, the agency sometimes intercedes after incidents involving gas pipelines.

An NTSB spokesperson said Wednesday that it could take days to clear a safe path in the debris and begin inspecting the gas line that fed the facility. The agency would not determine or speculate about the cause of the accident until the physical evidence had been gathered and analyzed from the scene.
Top Nigerian officials said Friday that U.S. attacks in the country on what President Donald Trump called ISIS Terrorist Scum could mark the opening salvo in a campaign against militant groups there. But security analysts warned that Trump administration officials appeared to be stepping into a complex, long-running conflict that they may not fully understand.

Trump has in recent months repeatedly warned that he would intervene in Nigeria  which is afflicted by widespread violence  if the killing of Christians does not stop. He made good on that promise Thursday, announcing numerous perfect strikes on Christmas night and promising more if the slaughter of Christians continues.

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Western and Nigerian security analysts said the attacks marked the first time in decades that the United States had launched such strikes in Nigeria, a country of more than 230 million people split about equally between Muslims and Christians. The analysts said that violence, particularly by Islamist militants in the north, has sometimes targeted Christians but that Muslims have also been affected.

Neither Trump nor the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) specified exactly who was killed in the strikes, which both the U.S. and Nigerias government said were conducted with the approval of Nigerias government. Daniel Bwala, an adviser to Nigerias President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the strikes on Thursday marked only the beginning. Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar told Nigerian broadcaster Channels Television that his country provided intelligence to the U.S. for the strikes and that cooperation was ongoing.

There will be more, I can assure you of that, he told the Washington Post in an interview Friday. This is part of our struggle against insecurity.

Trump, as he has done repeatedly in recent months, specifically cited violence against Christians in his Christmas night post on Truth Social, declaring that he had previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay.

Bwala said that while Nigeria welcomed the U.S. assistance, the government disputed Trumps claim that Christians were being disproportionately targeted. Sokoto State, where the strikes took place, is a primarily Muslim area.

Analysts said the violence in northwest Nigeria is carried out by a combination of Islamist militants and bandits. Much of the violence in Sokoto in recent years, according to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), is attributable to a group called Lakurawa. Some analysts, including those with ACLED, link that group to the Islamic State, while others say Lakurawa is affiliated with the rival al-Qaeda affiliate Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).

Analysts said that U.S. officials seem more focused on their preferred narrative in Washington than on the complex reality on the ground.

Its politically convenient, said Mustapha Alhassan, a security analyst who has worked extensively in northwest Nigeria, referring to Trumps framing of the strikes. He said that while it is clear there is increasing violence by Lakurawa, the group is more likely linked to al-Qaeda than the Islamic State.

Nigerians would welcome the help if it was hitting precise targets, he said. But that doesnt seem to be what is happening. All of this is to what end?

James Barnett, a Nigeria specialist based between Lagos and Britain, said that much remains uncertain about the impact of the strikes and the future of military cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.

If this is the start of a shift in U.S. policy toward Nigeria, there are a lot of potential challenges and risks, including in terms of how these operations are framed, he said. The symbolism of Christmas is hard to miss  there is a clear political angle to it.

He said it was significant, though unsurprising, that it was Trump, rather than Nigerian officials, who first announced the strikes. Historically, he noted, Nigerias government has not welcomed U.S. strikes because of concerns about the countrys sovereignty.

In the typically quiet village of Jabo in northwest Nigeria, three residents said in interviews Friday they were left confused by a strike in their area, which they said had not been especially affected by violence.

We dont have any bandits camp near our area, said Samaila Mustapha.

He recounted seeing a light and then hearing a loud bang late on Thursday night. Mustapha said he then followed a crowd of people to an onion field just outside of town near a hospital. He and two other residents said there were no casualties.

We thought its a missile or an aircraft, said another resident, Abdulrahman Mainasara. God was so kind it landed on the outskirts, in an open place.
Pope Leo XIV on Friday named the Rev. Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez, currently pastor of a predominantly Hispanic church in the Queens borough of New York City, as bishop of Palm Beach, Fla.

The diocese is home to the Mar-a-Lago estate of President Donald Trump, whose get-tough immigration policies have drawn objections from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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Rodriguez has been a staunch advocate for migrants, which make up most of his 17,000 congregants at the Our Lady of Sorrows church  the largest parish in the Diocese of Brooklyn, which also oversees churches in Queens.

I never, never, never expected anything even close to this, Rodriguez told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Friday from Palm Beach, where he was visiting a homeless shelter.

Im even a little bit scared. But I trust in Gods assistance, he said. One thing I can tell you is that this diocese is a diocese of hard-working priests and hard-working people, and Im here to help.

The Diocese of Palm Beach comprises about 260,000 Catholics and 54 parishes and missions. On its website, the diocese said that Rodriguez will be ordained and installed at a future date during a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola.

A Dominican native

Rodriguez was born in the Dominican Republic and ordained to the priesthood in 2004, in the capital, Santo Domingo. He led the Our Lady of Sorrows parish in the mostly Latino Corona neighborhood of Queens when more than 100 of its parishioners died from COVID-19.

Earlier this year, Rodriguez joined numerous faith leaders across the U.S. expressing their concern about how the immigration crackdown launched by Trumps administration had sown fear within their migrant-friendly congregations.

In his new assignment, he will lead the diocese where Mar-a-Lago  Trumps vast south Florida estate  is located. Trump has called the resort the Center of the Universe.

The president is doing really good things, not only for the United States, but for the world. But when it comes to the migrant, the immigration policy, we want to help, Rodriguez said. We want to assist the president as a church because we believe that we can do better  than the way were doing this right now.

Some church leaders have condemned Trumps immigration crackdown, saying it targets parishioners without a criminal record who are now too scared to leave home to attend Mass, buy food or seek medical care.

At many immigrant parishes, U.S.-born children have parents in the country illegally. Some of these parents have signed caregiver affidavits, which designate a legal guardian, in hopes their children stay out of foster care in case they are detained.

When it comes to enforcing immigration laws, we shouldnt be enforcing them by focusing on deporting 5-year-olds, 12-year-olds, 9-year-old kids, people that have never committed any crime. So, were here to help. Were willing to help, and God willing, we will, Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said hes in line with the Catholic Church, which staunchly defends the rights of migrants, even as it acknowledges the rights of nations to control their borders.

The Churchs position about this important and urgent matter has been made crystal clear by the bishops of the United States, he said.

Immigration a challenging issue

The Vatican announced Rodriguezs appointment the day after it shared that Pope Leo had accepted the resignation of conservative Catholic Cardinal Timothy Dolan who led the New York archdiocese and also had ties to Trump, including praying at his inauguration earlier this year and being appointed to his Religious Liberty Commission.

On some issues, such as greater inclusion for LGBTQ+ people, U.S. bishops are divided. But on immigration, even conservative Catholic leaders stand on the side of migrants.

During their general assembly earlier this year, U.S. bishops issued a rare special message criticizing the Trump administrations mass deportation of migrants and their vilification in the current migration debate. It also lamented the fear and anxiety immigration raids have sown in communities, and the denial of pastoral care to migrants in detention centers.

U.S. Catholic bishops shuttered their longstanding refugee resettlement program after the Trump administration halted federal funding for resettlement aid.

Rodriguez said the church will always be ready to defend the dignity of poor people and migrants, who over generations, have contributed to the growth of the United States.

Migrants are not to be demonized  Good migrant people that are here to work hard for their families  they share many of our core values, he said. Theyre to be not to be rejected and treated harshly but instead, theyre to be treated respectfully and with dignity. So, thats the idea, and Pope Leo is backing us up in this.
WRIGHTWOOD, Calif.  Another powerful storm system threatening to soak Southern California with its wettest Christmas in years rolled into the region on Thursday, bringing the potential for more flooding and mudslides a day after heavy rain and gusty winds were blamed for at least two deaths.

Forecasters warned the additional rain could increase the risk of debris flows in waterlogged areas scorched by wildfires in January. Those burn scar zones have been stripped of vegetation by fire and are less able to absorb water.

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Outside of California, a major storm system was moving toward the Midwest and Northeast and was expected to interfere with travel, according to the National Weather Service.

A mix of freezing rain and sleet could create icy conditions across much of Pennsylvania and parts of Michigan and Maryland. Forecasters warned significant ice accumulation on tree limbs and power lines could cause outages. Heavy snow was expected to blanket the Northeast early Friday.

The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department in Southern California issued an evacuation warning for Wrightwood, a mountain town about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, due to a risk of mudslides.

County firefighters on Wednesday said they rescued people trapped in cars when mud and debris rushed down a road leading into Wrightwood. It was not immediately clear how many people were rescued.

Roads in the town of about 5,000 people were covered in rocks, debris, and thick mud on Thursday. With power out, a local gas station and coffee shop running on generators were serving as hubs for residents and visitors. Statewide, more than 80,000 people were without power Thursday evening, according to PowerOutage.us.

Its really a crazy Christmas, said Jill Jenkins, who was spending the holiday with her 13-year-old grandson, Hunter Lopiccolo.

Lopiccolo said the family had almost fled the previous day, when water washed away a chunk of their backyard. But they eventually decided to stay and still celebrated the holiday. Lopiccolo got a new snowboard and e-bike.

We just played card games all night with candles and flashlights, he said.

Resident Arlene Corte said roads in town turned into rivers, but her house was not damaged.

It could be a whole lot worse, she said. Were here talking.

With more rain on the way, more than 150 firefighters were stationed in the area, said San Bernardino County Fire spokesperson Shawn Millerick.

Were ready, he said. Its all hands on deck at this point.

Deaths and heavy rain

A falling tree killed a San Diego man Wednesday, news outlets reported. Farther north, a Sacramento sheriffs deputy died in what appeared to be a weather-related crash.

Residents around burn scar zones from the Airport Fire in Orange County were under evacuation orders.

Areas along the coast, including Malibu, were under a flood watch until Friday afternoon, and wind and flood advisories were issued for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.

The storms were the result of multiple atmospheric rivers carrying massive plumes of moisture from the tropics during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches with even more in the mountains, National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford said.

Snow at higher elevations

More heavy snow was expected in the Sierra Nevada, where wind gusts created near white-out conditions in places and made mountain pass travel treacherous. Officials said there was a high avalanche risk around Lake Tahoe and a winter storm warning was in effect through Friday.

Ski resorts around Lake Tahoe recorded about 1 to 3 feet of snow overnight, said Tyler Salas, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Reno, Nev. Forecasters expect to see up to another 3 feet of snow through Friday, Salas said. The area could see 45 mph gusts of wind in low elevation areas and 100 mph winds along mountain ridges.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in six counties to allow state assistance in storm response.

The state deployed emergency resources and first responders to several coastal and Southern California counties, and the California National Guard was on standby.
U.S. forces struck Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria on Thursday evening, following up on threats to the country over killings of Christians, President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post.

Trump said the military conducted multiple strikes but did not elaborate. In a follow-up post, U.S. Africa Command said multiple people it said were ISIS terrorists were killed in strikes in Sokoto State, which is in the northwest portion of the country, bordering Niger, and has become a hot spot for a resurgence in violent extremism and the kidnapping of schoolchildren.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues, Trump posted to social media.

The Pentagon said the Nigerian government approved the strikes and worked with the U.S. to carry them out. No further details on how the strikes were conducted were immediately available.

A spokesperson for the Nigerian foreign ministry confirmed the U.S. strike Thursday evening, saying that precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes had been carried out in response to the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

Terrorist violence of any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities remains an affront to Nigerias values, the statement from spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said.

For months Trump and Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Reps. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, and Riley Moore of West Virginia, have raised alarms about killings of Christians in Nigeria amid larger ethnic and religious bloodshed. Trump had previously directed the Pentagon to plan potential military action in Nigeria, and earlier this month the State Department restricted visas for Nigerians involved in the violence.

Trump threatened an attack in Nigeria early last month, writing on his Truth Social site that: If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

His post followed a meeting in Washington between top advisers and representatives of religious groups and came after he watched a Fox News segment on the topic aboard Air Force One, the Washington Post reported. The push to make the issue an administration priority was long in the making, according to three people with knowledge of the situation, but the presidents threat of military action was entirely unexpected, they said.

The Council on Foreign Relations reported earlier this year that the Sahel, a region that spans multiple countries across Central Africa including Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Chad, and Sudan, has seen a significant uptick in the growth of violent extremist organizations as a result of decreased international counterterrorism support.

U.S. forces lost access to key counterterrorism bases in Niger and Chad in 2024. In their place, a number of proxy military groups such as the Russian-backed Wagner Group have filled in.

But the Trump administration has been looking at ways to reduce the U.S. role in Africa overall as it shifts to a strategy that will focus more military assets and attention to the Western Hemisphere. The administration is also looking at potentially consolidating U.S. Africa Command into a theater command that would also include U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command, which could further reduce the attention and resources the region would receive.

That proposal drew concern from some lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Connecticut, who cautioned against the U.S. pulling back given Africas young and quickly growing population and economic importance.

Nigeria is a diverse, multiethnic country split between the mostly Muslim north and predominantly Christian south. The countrys 230 million people are roughly split between Christians and Muslims. While violence has sometimes targeted Christians, it has also deeply affected Muslims, according to Nigerian and Western analysts.

Most violence in Nigeria has taken place in the northeast, where the extremist group Boko Haram has regularly attacked churches and kidnapped children for more than a decade as part of its campaign to build an Islamist state through violence.
MARACAY, Venezuela  This was not the Christmas that Mariela Gomez would have imagined a year ago. Or the one that thousands of other Venezuelan immigrants would have pictured. But Donald Trump returned to the White House in January and quickly ended their American dream.

So Gomez found herself spending the holiday in northern Venezuela for the first time in eight years. She dressed up, cooked, got her son a scooter, and smiled for her in-laws. Hard as she tried, though, she could not ignore the main challenges faced by returning migrants: unemployment and poverty.

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We had a modest dinner, not quite what wed hoped for, but at least we had food on the table, Gomez said of the lasagna-like dish she shared with her partner and in-laws instead of the traditional Christmas dish of stuffed corn dough hallacas. Making hallacas here is a bit expensive, and since were unemployed, we couldnt afford to make them.

Gomez, her two sons, and her partner returned to the city of Maracay on Oct. 27 after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border to Texas, where they were quickly swept up by U.S. Border Patrol amid the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration. They were deported to Mexico, from where they began the dangerous journey back to Venezuela.

They crossed Central America by bus, but once in Panama, the family could not afford to continue to Colombia via boat in the Caribbean. Instead, they took the cheaper route along the Pacifics choppy waters, sitting on top of sloshing gasoline tanks in a cargo boat for several hours and then transferring to a fast boat until reaching a jungled area of Colombia. They spent about two weeks there until they were wired money to make it to the border with Venezuela.

Gomez was among the more than 7.7 million Venezuelans who left their home country in the last decade, when its economy came undone as a result of a drop in oil prices, rising corruption, and mismanagement. She lived in Colombia and Peru for years before setting her sights on the U.S. with hopes of building a new life.

Trumps second term has dashed the hopes of many like Gomez.

As of September, more than 14,000 migrants, mostly from Venezuela, had returned to South America since Trump moved to limit migration to the U.S., according to figures from Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica. In addition, Venezuelans were steadily deported to their home country this year after President Nicolas Maduro, under pressure from the White House, did away with his long-standing policy of not accepting deportees from the U.S.

Immigrants arrived regularly at the airport outside the capital, Caracas, on flights operated by a U.S. government contractor or Venezuelas state-owned airline. More than 13,000 immigrants returned this year on the chartered flights.

Gomezs return to Venezuela also allowed her to see the now 20-year-old daughter she left behind when she fled the countrys complex crisis. They talked and drank beer during the holiday knowing it might be the last time they share a drink for a while  Gomezs daughter will migrate to Brazil next month.

Gomez is hoping to make hallacas for New Years Eve and is also hoping for a job. But her prayers for next year are mostly for good health.

I ask God for many things, first and foremost life and health, so we can continue enjoying our family, she said.
A New Jersey actor was indicted earlier this month on attempted murder and other charges in connection with accusations he shot a woman in the face following a traffic dispute.

Ernest W. Heinz, 46, of Port Republic, faces 31 charges, including aggravated assault and weapons infractions, stemming from the September incident in Galloway Township, court records show.

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 READ MORE: Resident Evil actor shot New Jersey mom in road rage incident, police say

Heinzs attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday. In a statement to People, a lawyer for Heinz said, he denies the allegations as reported and will contest them through the legal process, where the facts  not speculation or headlines  will determine the outcome.

The statement continued: We ask that the public and the media respect the presumption of innocence and allow this matter to proceed in court.

In an interview with The Inquirer shortly after the shooting, Maritza Arias-Galva said she was on her way home from the grocery store Sept. 11, when she tried to merge into another lane of traffic.

Arias-Galva said another driver blocked her from merging, then pursued her. The driver then confronted her near Stockton University and fired at least one shot into Arias-Galvas vehicle, NJ Advance Media reported. Prosecutors alleged at a detention hearing that Heinz told Arias-Galva, Im going to kill you, according to the outlet.

Heinz has had minor roles in television and films, but it appears his acting career sputtered after 2014; his IMDB profile lists credits in the 2011 biographical drama J. Edgar, The Sopranos, and two Resident Evil video games.

He is scheduled to make another court appearance in January, records show.
Justin Juray didnt know where to turn. His Maine bowling alley had been the site of a mass killing, and he was struggling  not just to reopen, but to cope with his businesss now notorious place in history.

John Curry was worried about closing his Georgia coffee shop, scrambling to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic and drowning financially as he waited for a $126,000 payment from a federal program for keeping his employees on staff.

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In their low moments, they received help from an unexpected source: their United States senator.

Sens. Susan Collins (R., Maine) and Jon Ossoff (D., Ga.), two of the most vulnerable members of the Senate facing reelection next year, have little in common politically. But both have reputations for providing strong constituent services, an often overlooked advantage afforded incumbents that could matter on the margins in close races.

Taking requests for help and working out a solution is one of the most unsung practices in most Senate offices, often overshadowed by committee hearings and Senate floor fights in Washington and by campaign rallies and television ads back home. But no work puts voters in more direct contact with their federal representative.

Collins office helped Juray with tax and insurance issues, as well as securing a disaster relief loan, in the wake of what was Maines deadliest mass killing ever, where eight people were killed in 2023 at his Lewiston, Maine, bowling alley.

Ossoff gave Curry his card after an event at the small business owners Augusta, Ga., coffee shop in 2023 and told him to call if he ever needed anything. When the business faced serious financial difficulties while waiting for funds to cover a string of bills, he emailed the senator for help.

He called me the next day, said Curry. It was not long at all before I got an email from the IRS saying that I had a check on the way.

In separate interviews with the Washington Post, Collins and Ossoff both said they have worked to create a culture in their offices that prioritizes each interaction with people they represent.

I know that I have had an impact, Collins said when asked to reflect on the constituent service work out of her office. Its extremely satisfying  when were able to solve a problem for an individual.

Ossoff said he wants his constituents to experience a level of responsiveness and accountability and concern that they have never felt before.

Asked why all members of Congress dont focus as heavily on such services, Ossoff said the current culture in politics is all about attention.

For a lot of people in Congress, their goal is to become more and more and more famous or infamous, find the cameras, post the viral content, he said. Thats just not my approach to the job.

Both Collins and Ossoff face competitive reelections next year.

Collins, who has yet to announce a campaign but has said she intends to run for her sixth Senate term, is the only Republican in the states congressional delegation and faces an electorate that has voted for every Democratic presidential nominee since 1992.

But Collins, a relatively moderate Republican, also faces pressure from her right, with more conservative members of her state bristling at the times she bucks her party and President Donald Trump. Maine Gov. Janet Mills announced a Senate campaign in October. The 77-year-old Democrat faces a primary challenge from a more liberal candidate, Graham Platner, a Marine Corps combat veteran and oyster farmer.

Ossoff, first elected to the Senate in 2020, faces a similarly competitive election in a state that has only recently been in play statewide for Democrats. Trump won in Georgia by two percentage points in 2024. The Republican primary to face Ossoff is competitive, a sign Republicans view him as vulnerable.

Collins six and Ossoffs four state offices include case workers whose primary focus is helping constituents solve problems. But other staff in the offices  and in Washington, D.C.  regardless of their primary duties, are also expected to pitch in.

The work has created scenarios in which people who may disagree with Collins and Ossoff on specific issues are willing to back them for reelection because of the personal level of work their offices have done.

Juray, the bowling alley owner, offers an example.

Two people from Collins office worked with him following the shooting. Juray said they not only cleared up all the questions with his insurance company and the IRS, but they secured him a disaster relief loan that helped us get everything put back together so they could reopen in 2024.

Juray, a registered Democrat, has voted for Collins in the past. While he hasnt decided who he will vote for next year, he says he is leaning toward the Republican incumbent.

Without the senators support and without them, I might still be waiting on some of this funding, Juray said. It changed the way I saw representation as a whole.

Chris Gardner, the head of the port authority in Eastport, Maine, was at a loss after watching the towns historic decades-old breakwater built to protect the citys harbor open up like a zipper and crumble along the rocky coast early one morning in 2014. The collapse put the livelihoods of countless people at risk.

Before the sun rose, Gardner recalled, Collins called him and promised to do whatever it takes to rebuild the critical infrastructure at the nations easternmost port. When the breakwater was rebuilt and reopened in 2017, Collins was there with Gardner, celebrating the achievement and the millions of dollars the senator helped secure for the project.

Gardner is a registered Republican who at times hasnt agreed with some of Senator Collins votes. But he said he tells anyone who will listen about the role Collins played in rebuilding the breakwater. God love her, she is hated by people on both sides of the aisle.  The irony is, she weathers all of that  because she stays focused on doing her job.

Collins laughed when asked if she thinks her constituent services work helps temper some of the anger directed at her by people who disagree with her politics. She said that often people come up to her at the grocery store and she can tell that they might not be her typical political supporters.

I always find that people come up to me because Im alone, she said. Im doing exactly what theyre doing. And they will come up to me and thank me for the work that my offices have done.

Ossoff, who is far newer to the Senate than Collins, is working to build that kind of reputation.

Shortly after Ossoff joined the Senate in 2021, he invited an executive from a famed Georgia company  Delta Air Lines  to come speak with his staff on best practices for his customer service operation, including suggestions that maybe are not common in the legislative branch or the federal government.

The result? Ossoff calls a handful of people who received assistance from his office each week to check in on their experience. And at the end of every constituent call with his office, Ossoff said the caller is asked whether they would recommend the service that my office provides for someone else in the same situation as them.

For Claven Williams, a retired Navy commander, the answer was yes.

Williams was exposed to Agent Orange during his service in the Pacific from the 1970s to the 1990s and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. After initially approving his claim for disability in 2024 under the newly passed Pact Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs reduced his disability to 50% in 2025, claiming that he was cured of the ailment. That prompted Williams to contact to Ossoffs office, which successfully worked with the department to restore his 100% benefit earlier this year.

I had dealt with other politicians; they didnt support you like that, they didnt go out of your way to help you, recalled Williams, who voted for Ossoff in 2020.

The casework provided by Ossoff and Collins has drawn praise from those partisans who have opposed their elections.

Their constituent services are second to none, Brian Robinson, a Republican operative in Georgia, said of Ossoffs staff during an April radio appearance with the senator, praising him for following in the footsteps of former Republican senator Johnny Isakson.

Bev Uhlenhake, the former chair of the Maine Democratic Party who opposes Collins reelection next year, said the reason Collins has proved difficult to defeat in a blue state is her relationships throughout the state of Maine.

They are so deep because her staff have helped so many Mainers while in crisis, Uhlenhake said. Constituent services in Maine are incredibly important, and she has done it really well.
The third ThaiLao Friendship Bridge that connects Nakhon Phanom Province in Thailand with Thakhek, Khammouane Province in Laos. Photo by Yothin M

The fifth LaosThailand Friendship Bridge spanning the Mekong River was inaugurated on Dec. 26, strengthening transport connectivity within the Mekong sub-region, particularly among Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.

The 1,350 m bridge shortens the distance from Buengkan in northeastern Thailand, through Bolikhamxay in central Laos, to the Cau Treo border gate in Vietnams central Ha Tinh province to just over 200 km, compared to more than 350 km previously, creating the shortest and most convenient route for transporting goods from Thailand to Vietnam.

The project is expected to open up new opportunities for economic development, trade, investment and tourism for the two border provinces of Bolikhamxay and Buengkan, and the wider Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), which includes Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Chinas Yunnan and Guangxi provinces.

The fifth bridge continues a series of LaosThailand transport cooperation projects following four friendship bridges already in operation.
People walk by the closed Iron Hill Brewery in West Chester in October. Read more

The search is on for a new restaurateur to take over the shuttered Iron Hill Brewery in West Chester, after the buildings owner bought the assets from the former CEO of Famous Daves BBQ.

John Barry, a Massachusetts-based real estate investor who owns the building, and Jeff Crivello, the ex-CEO of Famous Daves, said Friday that Barry purchased the liquor license and all assets inside the former West Chester Iron Hill, one of 16 locations that closed abruptly this fall when the regional chain filed for bankruptcy.

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In November, Crivello had said he intended to revive the West Chester Iron Hill, under the same name or as a new concept, after a bankruptcy judge approved his offer to buy the assets of the location and nine others in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and South Carolina.

Both Barry and Crivello declined to disclose financial details of the West Chester deal, which was finalized on Christmas Eve. It was first reported Wednesday by Hello, West Chester, a local news website.

As a landlord, I was hoping to have a chance to purchase the assets, Barry said Friday in an interview. I wanted to buy and keep the liquor license with the building. It allows me to get a better tenant in there that is probably going to pay a little bit more in rent.

Iron Hill had anchored the old Woolworths building since 1998, when the brewery founders opened their second location there. Many local business owners credit Iron Hill with sparking a restaurant renaissance in the borough, as the brewery did in other Philadelphia suburbs.

 READ MORE: Shuttered Iron Hill breweries sit empty across the Philly area. What will become of them?

Situated at West Chesters central corner of High and Gay Streets, Iron Hill had a 30-year lease, with a 15-year extension, Barry said.

Barry, a West Chester native who now lives outside Boston, purchased the nearly 30,000-square-foot building for $8.25 million in 2022, according to Chester County property records.

Barry said the next anchor tenant would take over a new lease for the now-vacant 10,000-square-foot space that can seat 300 people. He declined to specify what the lease terms might be.

It will not be reopening as Iron Hill Brewery, said Barry, who didnt buy the rights to the name. My goal would be to find something similar, though not necessarily a brewery.

In buying the assets, Barry said the restaurant is essentially turnkey, with all the furniture and kitchen and brewing equipment still inside. A new tenant, however, may want to redesign, he said, or the space could even be subdivided for a restaurant and a retail space.

Its really important to me that we find the right tenant for the West Chester community, Barry said. Itll take a little bit of time.

But, he added, my hope is we get somebody in there and operating by the summer.

Elsewhere, Crivello said there is still hope that the Iron Hill brand could get another life.

Were working with a couple buyers that want to reopen [closed breweries] as Iron Hill, Crivello said. He declined to say which locations could be resurrected.

In November, Crivello got the OK to acquire the assets of former Iron Hill brewpubs in Center City, Huntingdon Valley, Newtown, Wilmington, Lancaster, Hershey, and Rehoboth Beach, as well as West Chester and the two locations in South Carolina.

Crivello said Friday that he has since sold the assets of the former Iron Hills in Columbia and Greenville, S.C., to Virginia-based Three Notchd Brewing Co. He said plans for the other locations were still in the works.
KYIV, Ukraine  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that he will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida over the weekend.

Zelensky told journalists that the two leaders will discuss security guarantees for Ukraine during Sundays talks, and that the 20-point plan under discussion is about 90% ready.

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An economic agreement also will be discussed, Zelensky said, but added that he was unable to confirm whether anything will be finalized by the end.

The Ukrainian side will also raise territorial issues, he said. Moscow has insisted that Ukraine relinquish the remaining territory it still holds in the Donbas  an ultimatum that Ukraine has rejected. Russia has captured most of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk  the two areas that make up the Donbas.

Zelensky said that Ukraine would like the Europeans to be involved, but doubted whether it would be possible at short notice.

We must, without doubt, find some format in the near future in which not only Ukraine and the U.S. are present, but Europe is represented as well, he said.

The announced meeting is the latest development in an extensive U.S.-led diplomatic push to end the nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war, but efforts have run into sharply conflicting demands by Moscow and Kyiv.

Zelenskyys comments came after he said Thursday that he had a good conversation with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday that the Kremlin had already been in contact with U.S. representatives since Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev recently met with U.S. envoys in Florida.

It was agreed upon to continue the dialogue, he said.

Trump is engaged in a diplomatic push to end Russias all-out war, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, but his efforts have run into sharply conflicting demands by Moscow and Kyiv.

Zelensky said Tuesday that he would be willing to withdraw troops from Ukraines eastern industrial heartland as part of a plan to end the war, if Russia also pulls back and the area becomes a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces.

Though Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday that there had been slow but steady progress in the peace talks, Russia has given no indication that it will agree to any kind of withdrawal from land it has seized.

On the ground, two people were killed and six more wounded Friday when a guided aerial bomb hit a busy road and set cars aflame in Ukraines second biggest city, Kharkiv, mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on Telegram.

One person was killed and three others were wounded when a guided aerial bomb hit a house in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region, while six people were wounded in a missile strike on the city of Uman, local officials said Friday.

Russian drone attacks on the city of Mykolaiv and its suburbs overnight into Friday left part of the city without power. Energy and port infrastructure were damaged by drones in the city of Odesa on the Black Sea.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said that it struck a major Russian oil refinery on Thursday using U.K.-supplied Storm Shadow missiles.

Ukraines General Staff said that its forces hit the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russias Rostov region.

Multiple explosions were recorded. The target was hit, it wrote on Telegram.

Rostov regional Gov. Yuri Slyusar said that a firefighter was wounded when extinguishing the fire.

Ukraines long-range drone strikes on Russian refineries aim to deprive Moscow of the oil export revenue it needs to pursue its full-scale invasion. Russia wants to cripple the Ukraines power grid, seeking to deny civilians access to heat, light and running water in what Ukrainian officials say is an attempt to weaponize winter.
Vietnam Airlines has launched its first direct flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City to northern Dien Bien Province, strengthening air connectivity between the country's largest economic hub and the northwestern region.

The national carriers flight VN1160 departed from Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 9:35 a.m. on Dec. 24 and arrived at Dien Bien Airport at 11:55 a.m., carrying nearly 100 passengers.

The route is operated by Airbus A321 aircraft with two flights per week and a flight time of about two hours and 20 minutes. Passengers can also connect from Dien Bien to the capital city of Hanoi via daily flights.

Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines Dang Anh Tuan said the new route is an important step in expanding the airlines domestic network, creating better access for tourists to Dien Bien and contributing to local tourism and socio-economic development.

The service opens new travel opportunities to Dien Bien, a destination known for its rich history, diverse ethnic culture and scenic landscapes, especially attractive during the winter-spring season.

Vietnam Airlines has operated the Hanoi  Dien Bien route since 1994.

Since Dien Bien Airport reopened in December 2023, the airline has operated nearly 2,700 flights, serving more than 385,000 passengers, reaffirming its role in enhancing regional connectivity and sustainable development.
Looking back on every book I have read this year and choosing my favourites always feels like a daunting task.

I imagine it must be similar to choosing a favourite child, except, thankfully, books cant complain about their ranking.

Still, 2025 has been a fantastic year full of emotional, charming, and intense reads across nearly every genre.

Im honoured to share my top five, and I am confident that at least one of them will pique your interest.

Starting off strong is a novel that has rarely left my mind since its summer release: Atmosphere, the newest work of literary fiction from the fabulous Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Atmosphere is a tender, beautiful story about beating the odds and following your heart, no matter the consequences.

Set in the 1980s, the novel follows Joan Goodwin, an astrophysics professor who has always dreamed of travelling to the stars.

When shes offered the chance to train with Nasa  and possibly venture into the cosmos  she quickly packs her bags and heads to the Houston Space Center, joining a cohort of new recruits.

But Joans once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes with a cost. It puts a strain on her relationship with her sister, Barbara, a carefree single mother who regularly relies on Joan to help care for her young daughter, Frances.

As Joan throws herself into training, she finds herself pulled in multiple directions and forced to make difficult choices, especially when it comes to her complicated feelings for fellow recruit Vanessa Ford.

Atmosphere explores the barriers faced by women in the space programme during the eighties, and it doesnt shy away from highlighting the discrimination and secrecy forced upon queer people of the era.

Have a tissue on hand while reading, and step into the marvelous world Taylor Jenkins Reid creates so effortlessly.

Next up is another emotional heavyweight, but this time from the remarkable Ocean Vuong.

His newest release, The Emperor of Gladness, is set in the fictional post-industrial town of East Gladness, located in the very real state of Connecticut.

The novel opens with high tension as the protagonist, 19-year-old Hai, prepares to jump off a bridge.

Through a wall of heavy rain, he hears a voice calling to him from across the river.

Curiosity pulls him back from the edge and toward Grazina, an elderly Lithuanian refugee living alone after the death of her husband.

Hai soon realises she is suffering from dementia, and he chooses to move in with her, becoming her caretaker.

Their unlikely bond forms a tender and empathetic relationship that forces Hai to look inward at his own trauma and the choices that led him to that bridge.

Vuongs poetic prose is present on every page of this dense, heartfelt novel, and the book feels especially relevant in todays climate of harsh judgment and constant scrutiny.

Its not a light read, but it is an extraordinary one.

Perhaps my most anticipated release of the year, and definitely not one for the faint of heart, is Empire of the Dawn.

Released last month, it is the final instalment in Jay Kristoffs gritty, blood-soaked vampire trilogy, a series filled with honour, sacrifice, and endless night.

Kristoff sets the story in Elidaen, where almost 30 years have passed since the last sunrise.

For decades, vampires have waged war on what remains of humanity, and even the Silver Order couldnt stop their brutality.

Gabriel de Leon, the last remaining silversaint  a half-vampire sworn to protect humankind  harbours a deep hatred for the creatures who destroyed the world he knew.

When he encounters Dior Lachance, the final living descendant of the Redeemer, whose blood alone can heal, he begins to believe in something dangerously fragile: hope.

The novel is told by Gabriel as he languishes in a prison cell, captured by his dreaded enemies and forced to recount his entire life story as he awaits execution.

Empire of the Dawn is a long-awaited, hard-hitting conclusion that delivers everything fans of the series could want.

If you are as invested in this brutal, brilliant world, as I am, you wont want to miss its final chapter.

To keep things varied, I am including a non-fiction standout as well. Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism is a riveting memoir that feels perfectly timed.

Written by Sarah Wynn-Williams, a former Facebook employee, the book spills the companys dirtiest secrets and exposes what really goes on behind the scenes of the global tech elite.

Wynn-Williams details how Mark Zuckerberg runs the company and the controversial decisions he repeatedly makes.

She also shares a heartbreaking account of the obstacles she faced as a new mother navigating the relentless pressures of big tech.

Before joining Facebook, she worked as a diplomat in her native New Zealand.

She left that role when she was offered a position at the then fast-growing social media giant, believing wholeheartedly that Facebook could be used for good after witnessing its role in helping people connect in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake.

She eventually rose to become the global public policy director, devoting six years of her life to the company.

However, in this scorching expose, she finally tells her truth about the platform and the extreme behaviours of some of the people within it.

And finally, I would be betraying my teenage self if I didnt include one of the most anticipated books of the entire year.

Suzanne Collins has returned with yet another bang, this time with a long-awaited and immensely satisfying release.

For years, fans of The Hunger Games have been eager for a book from the perspective of Haymitch Abernathy.

Portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the films, the misunderstood, traumatised, alcohol-dependent mentor has always been shrouded in mystery.

All we really knew was that 16-year-old Haymitch won the Second Quarter Quell against all odds, outlasting 47 other tributes.

Now, at long last, Collins gives us the full story in Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel that proves she still possesses the talent and precision needed to carry such a legendary series.

The novel never once feels like a cash grab or an unnecessary addition; instead, it justifies its existence on every page.

It is heartbreaking, horrifying, and somehow exhilarating. It also captures the atmosphere of the original trilogy in the best way, and even though readers know how Haymitchs games end, it does not lessen the tension or emotional investment, not when the characters are so brilliantly written.

The series is experiencing a true renaissance, and I, for one, am thrilled. I will see you at the cinema next November for the film adaptation, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

So there we have it, my top five novels of 2025. It was incredibly difficult to single out these picks from the more than 100 books I read this year, and I wanted to highlight a diverse range of genres.

Still, Im happy with my choices. Heres to 2026 and to many more amazing novels in both of our futures.
About 40% of visa applications from Palestinian nationals have been rejected by Ireland since October 2023.

On the third floor of the Lajee Centre in Aida refugee camp on the outskirts of Bethlehem, Worod Al-Dibis is playing the Oud, a type of lute that has been played for thousands of years by Arab and Persian musicians.

This afternoon, Dibis is playing a composition by her teacher, Tamir Al-Sahouri, a leading Palestinian oud musician with the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Bethlehem.

Earlier this year, Dibis was preparing for the Lajee Cultural Tour to Ireland in July 2025. She was one of 40 Palestinian youth who were to perform music and the traditional Palestinian dabkeh dance in Dublin, Galway and Cork.

Earlier this year, Worod Al Dibis was preparing for a Lajee Cultural Tour to Ireland in July 2025 as a part of a group of 40 Palestinian youth who would be performing music and the traditional Palestinian dabkeh dance.

Travelling is a very important opportunity for the children, says Mohammad Alazza, the director of the Lajee Centre in Aida Camp. The only time they can practise freedom is when they are abroad.

You don't care about the soldiers  that maybe they will come to my house, he says. You feel more comfortable, because you know it's safe in some way.

The 2025 Lajee Cultural Tour had to be postponed after the Department of Justice in Ireland failed to issue visas for the youth group in time to travel for their tour in July. I was so sad, says Dibis.

It's really painful when you see the reactions of the youth, says Mr Alazza. They informed their parents, their friends that they are travelling. They are excited and suddenly: nothing.

We didnt lose any funds due to the delays, thanks to the generosity of those suppliers who returned deposits we paid, says Orla Ni Neill, one of the tours organisers in Ireland.

However, such uncertainties necessitate short-term planning which leads to unnecessary higher costs.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice said 1,790 applications have been received since October 2023, of which 1,068 have been granted. Israeli citizens do not require a visa to travel to Ireland for a short period.

The Lajee Centre in Aida refugee camp lies on the outskirts of Bethlehem.

Ms Ni Neill says the organising group is very disappointed the visa applications for our friends in the Lajee Center have been delayed so much we had to plan and postpone an itinerary twice in 2025 despite the applications having been submitted in plenty of time.

We had two very successful Lajee tours in 2014 and 2022, and never before had these delays, she says. We are perplexed about the reasons. Our team of volunteers in Dublin, Cork and Galway are experienced and include a social worker with expertise in safeguarding.

Another tour group of Palestinian youth, which was organised by GAA Palestine and several local GAA clubs in Ireland, were informed they would not be granted visas by the Department of Justice earlier this year, due to a lack of compliance with visa application criteria.

So far, the department has not formally rejected the visa applications which were submitted by the Lajee Centre in May 2025. This is the problem, says Mr Alazza. They're not saying yes or refusing some of the group or accepting some of the group.

The onset of the war on Gaza saw an increase in applications for international protection from Palestinian nationals in Ireland. In 2022, 37 Palestinians applied for asylum, before increasing to 118 in 2023. In 2024, when more than 45,000 Palestinians are estimated to have been killed in the Gaza war, 955 international applications were made by Palestinians seeking refuge in Ireland.

Justice minister Jim OCallaghan introduced new restrictions on family reunification and citizenship in November.

'We had two very successful Lajee tours in 2014 and 2022 and never before had these delays,' says Orla Ni Neill, one of the tours organisers in Ireland. 'We are perplexed about the reasons.'

In 2025, there was a significant reduction in applications for international protection from Palestinian nationals, with only 154 submitted by the start of December, according to the department.

The department said data on how many people applied for international protection after entering Ireland on visas was collected, but is not managed in a format that would make it readily accessible.

The Irish Examiner asked Mr Alazza whether he thought members of the group may apply for international protection in Ireland.

We go together, and we will come back together, he responded. If someone wants to go back there and live there, that is something else.

He notes if any member of the group did not return, that would cause problems for the individuals and organisations in Ireland who have arranged invitations for the Lajee cultural tour.

We're there to exchange cultures; to learn from other communities; to express ourselves through sharing stories, talking about our culture, and showing our cultures through music and dance, says Mr Alazza.

Irrespective of delays with visas, international travel for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank is often time-consuming and expensive due to the need to travel across the Allenby Bridge and fly from Jordan.

There has been no operational airport in Palestine since the Yasser Arafat International Airport in Gaza was destroyed by Israeli forces in strikes in 2001 and 2002; while Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza are largely prohibited from using airports in Israel.

The Allenby Bridge crossing can be closed by the Israel authorities without notice, meaning Palestinians often travel two days before flights from Jordan and incur extra accommodation expenses in Jordan.

In some cases, Palestinians with visas are denied permission to leave by Israeli officials at the border. The whole thing is always a stressful situation for Palestinians, says Mr Alazza.

We are hopeful the Department of Justice can make their decision soon so we can get on with planning for the 2026 tour, says Ms Ni Neill.

We are very grateful to our individual and trade union supporters who have donated funds for the tour. Many suppliers are offering us discounted services and we have a wonderful group of host families [with Garda vetting] in place. We are ready to go and everyone is very excited about welcoming the dancers, musicians and footballers to Ireland in 2026.
On St Stephens Day, crowds gathered in Limerick City to revive a centuries' old tradition that is synonymous with Munster  the Wren Boys, Hunting the Wren, the Wran, or simply the Wren, depending on where the celebrations take place.

A longstanding mid-winter tradition, the Wren is particularly celebrated in pockets of Cork, Limerick, and Kerry, as well as in parts of Dublin.

While some believe the story emerged from pagan times, the origins of the celebration are unknown. With costumes made of straw, the Wren Boys are known to parade locally while gathering money for charities.

In Carrigaline, south of Cork City, and Ballydehob in West Cork, the Wren Boys tradition has become a staple over the decades. It is not quite Christmas in these parts unless the Wren Boy costumes appear and vital funds are raised for organisations such as Marymount Hospice and Cork Simon.

Lumen Street Theater helping to make the masks for The Wren celebration in Limerick City.

In Limerick on December 26, crowds led by Irish tradition and cultural promotion organisation Trad Folkin' Rocks gathered to bring back the Wren to the Treaty City, from St Marys Mens Shed to The Commercial on Catherine Street.

Co-organiser Sean Flynn said the event was a massive collaboration between creatives.

A lot of people have come together to try to revive the tradition. Its wonderful to see the amount of support around the city, and the excitement when people in the city see that new life is being breathed back into the Wren, he told the Irish Examiner.

The story of the Wren is so ancient it is often difficult to pinpoint when exactly it came to life. And from generation to generation, the stories seem to have evolved.

Members of the Dingle Green & Gold Wren. Picture: Domnick Walsh

Back in the days, Wren Boys were said to be parading around towns with dead wrens attached to their costumes, demanding contributions in the form of food or money. If they did not receive a contribution, they threatened to bury a wren  which was believed to be a sign of bad luck.

Another story goes like this: In a contest to see which bird could fly the highest, the wren hid in an eagles wing. Once the eagle flew high above all others, the wren seized the moment and came out of hiding to fly higher.

While the celebration now mixes the old with the new, its essence remains the same  its all about community and inclusivity.

George Evangelou, Richelle Clancy, Cleopatra Evangelou and Niamh Clancy dressed as astronauts at the Wren Boys Street Festival on St. Stephen's day in Carrigaline, Co Cork.

Owner of The Commercial bar and co-organiser Rocky OShea said the idea to bring the Wren Boys back in the city came from a resurfaced video from 1954.

Mr OShea hosts the Tintean sessions, where trad musicians gather to play every Tuesday.

You look at how big it is elsewhere in the country, and we thought, Wouldn't it be lovely?. The trad scene in Limerick is thriving at the moment, and we thought it'd be a lovely way to kind of bring it back [the Wren tradition], he said.

Trad sessions are popping up in pubs where they would not have happened before, Mr OShea said, adding combined with the Wren, it is a nod back to heritage.

At Christmas, people are coming in to hear traditional music playing in the pub. Its massive for people coming back from London and Australia.

My little fella came to it last year, and it was very interesting when we went home; he wanted to know about it. It was lovely to see him learn, it has become so lost, and now it's kind of coming back a little bit, he said.

One of the organisers, West Cork native Meadhbh Hayes, felt lonely when she first moved to Limerick two years ago.

I started going to the Tintean almost every week. It was just so inclusive, nice, and everyone was welcoming and kind.

The Dance of the Wren performed by Pat McEvoy from Dublin and Mick Lacey from Clare, in Sandymount, Dublin.

Over the last couple of years, there has been a revival of trad and folk music, with bands such as Amble and Kingfishr leading the Irish charts.

Ms Hayes, who is a musician herself, said the genre was rooted in our soul.

It resonates a little bit more with what it is to be Irish. It's like Now we're back at home. I think there's something ingrained in all of us, its part of our tradition.

She first heard of the Wren Boys because of her cousins in West Limerick.

They do it every year on St Stephens Day, but their version is they go from house to house in the local community, playing trad music and raising money for a local charity or maybe for the local school.

Straw Boys on Main Street, Carrigaline.

While the tradition is deeply rooted in rural areas, Mr Flynn is hoping to keep the celebration going every year in Limerick City.

We are so lucky that across Ireland, many people have been keeping the Wren alive in their own communities. Each of these communities has its own take on the Wren.

While we've been inspired by other communities around Ireland that do the Wren, its something that we're learning to do here in Limerick. None of us were expert mask makers. We've had friends and other volunteers make them. Lumen Street Theatre has taken the lead on some of the more complicated masks, he said.

This year, the group raised money for MidWest Simon Community and Milford Care Centre.

The event was in collaboration with Trad Folkin' Rocks, The Commercial/Record Room, Lumen Street Theatre, St Marys Parish Mens Shed, Winner Flags, and Limerick City and County Council.
Given his very public and unique persona cultivated over the years, subtle and guarded reactions are not what weve come to expect from the worlds richest man.

However, when the European Commission levied a fine of 120m on X, formerly Twitter, at the beginning of December,

Elon Musk called for nothing less than the dismantling of the European Union.

He also retweeted a post comparing the EU to fascism and he was firmly backed by the Trump administration as US secretary of state Marco Rubio called it an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people and that the days of censoring Americans online are over.

Elon Musk accused the European Commission of censoring Twitter/X  but in fact his company was fined for deceptive blue checkmarks, a lack of ad transparency, and not giving researchers public data. Picture: Jeffrey Phelps/AP

The actual investigation and fine dished out were not about censorship at all  but about deceptive blue checkmarks, advert transparency, and not giving researchers public data  but it fit in with prevailing view of Europe among those who now run the US.

On the same day that the fine was issued, Europe was digesting the new US national security policy that told the continent it is facing civilisational erasure and that America should help Europe correct its current trajectory.

Ireland at the centre of social media wrangles

The regulation of big tech is just one of the fronts that America is at loggerheads with Europe on.

And  given that so many of those big companies run by men who lined up to attend Trumps inauguration are based in Ireland  we again occupy an outsized space in these geopolitical wrangles.

Priscilla Chan, Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook/Meta), Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Sundar Pichai (Google), and Elon Musk (Twitter/X) at Donald Trump's inauguration in January. Ireland occupies an outsize space in wrangles over social media, partly due to the strong Irish corporate presence of the US tech behemoths. Picture: Chip Somodevilla/Pool/AP

Already, the likes of X are facing probes by Irelands media regulator Coimisiun na Mean for suspected breaches of European digital safety laws.

With several more investigations set to be announced in the months to come, Ireland may well be in the crosshairs as these battles continue.

John Evans is digital services commissioner at the Irish regulator.

He told the Irish Examiner that Coimisiun na Mean is certainly feeling pushback as it aims to regulate the sector.

The regulations strike this balance between innovation and efficiency with the protection of fundamental rights and other harms, he said.

In Europe, weve struck this balance and now we have legislation.

CnaM successfully defended judicial reviews

It has already successfully defended judicial reviews in the High Court. In recent months, X has filed two more and he said well see what happens with those.

More broadly, there was engagement with the platforms and co-ordination across Europe to move together before the European Digital Services Act, as the big players tried to shape and influence what was being done.

But then the rubber starts to hit the road, and making some of the changes to come into compliance are expensive, he said.

They dont like doing that. It becomes a cost centre for them.

"In a sense, the geopolitical issues are kind of above my head and all we can do is work the legislative system as it is and do the job as best we can.

Sometimes it will become uncomfortable for people but, you know, you still got to do it.

CnaM got its full suite of powers this year

Coimisiun na Mean got its full suite of legislative powers during the summer, with the Irish Online Safety Code now complementing European legislation in the area.

Since then, it has launched its first ever investigations into X, Tiktok, and Linkedin for suspected breaches of the laws.

Towards the latter end of the year, weve opened up a number of investigations, and well be working through those, he said. My pipeline is producing now. So, its that next stage.

Well need to work through those investigations and bring them to a conclusion. Others will follow, and, you know, the pipeline moves on.

This will be the first time the regulator has conducted these probes and Mr Evans likened their work in 2024 to building the plane as youre flying it. But, in 2025, the pieces began to fall into place as they finally acted on taking the platforms to ask.

The investigations team now carry out their work, they collect information, and analyse the evidence that comes back, he said.

Therell probably be multiple rounds and potentially interviews with individuals involved.

All of this takes time because you know the consequences at the end of it are pretty serious.

"Youll see from the X case [announced by the European Commission] with a 120m fine. Theres a lot of stake.

Mr Evans stressed that the steps taken must be airtight and by the book to ensure the sanction can be followed through upon and defended in the courts if required.

Its hard to give a timeline, he said. It takes as long as it takes to get it right.

Doing things for the first time is harder, but I would expect there will be significant periods of time required to get these things right.

Carrot rather than stick

It wont all be fines and High Court battles, and the regulator does hope that by working with these companies they can bring about change using carrots rather than the stick  although whether that will consistently be effective remains to be seen.

I think maybe a point to get across is that investigations and enforcement findings and fines are not the only way to get change, Mr Evans said.

Those changes that happened on X around age gating their service. That happened without any enforcement and thats the law in place.

'Choosing to comply'

Theyve chosen to come into compliance.

"Of course, we need to assess the effectiveness of that, and that will determine whether or not theyre compliant. But theyve definitely taken steps.

Any regular user of social media will be familiar with the bile and abuse that gets thrown around so casually and so often across a range of platforms and, while that hasnt changed, Mr Evans believes there have been some visible changes that have been of benefit to users in Ireland.

CnaM's barely visible successes

I would say that the experience is different across the different sort of harm areas, he said. Does the public always see whats going on in the background?

An example Id point to is when Tiktok was launching a new product in Europe called Tiktok Lite.

He pointed to concerns raised that it had certain features that could potentially encourage addictive behaviour and prolong the amount of time children would spend on it.

John Evans points to Tiktok Lite as an example of successful regulation. Amid concerns that it could encourage addictive behaviour, regulators including Irelands Coimisiun na Mean got the products European launch delayed so changes could be made. Picture: Alamy

The launch of that product was delayed after Irelands regulator and some of our European counterparts got involved so that changes could be made.

Thats something that would go under the radar for the normal person because you just dont see that kind of thing. But it shows that the regulation is working in the sense that changes are being made even before they get to market.

The first investigations it has launched, into X, Linkedin and Tiktok, are because Coimisiun Na Mean suspects them of having breached the European Digital Services Act.

This is the same act under which the European Commission fined X 120m early in December.

CnaM does not deal with individual cases

Mr Evans conceded there is a degree of confusion over what the regulator does and doesnt look at here: Its not about one specific bit of content that is horrendously abusive and remains up on the site despite being reported.

[It also causes] a degree of disappointment in that when youre tackling systemic issues, youre looking at the systems and the mechanisms at the platforms to ensure peoples rights are upheld, he said.

All of it is intended to tip the balance back in favour of the user and give them a bit of agency when theyre dealing with platforms which they hadnt really had before the Digital Services Act.

Our role is to make sure those mechanisms work well. Thats not about individual pieces of content.

Whenever he and colleagues appear before an Oireachtas committee, politicians line up to describe the vile abuse thats directed at them online along with a general question, what are you doing about it, directed at the regulator.

Frustration at the process

A major source of frustration that is often aired is the approach recommended by Coimisiun na Mean  reporting it to the platform first, appealing the decision if necessary, and then contacting the regulator if action isnt taken.

At this stage, the cat may be out of the bag in terms of the person being exposed to abuse or similar online. Mr Evans acknowledged that, and said it was a concern.

We talked to a sample of politicians who went in the general elections and then in the local elections, and it is quite worrying what comes back, he said.

Social media threats to politicians

A significant proportion, around 20%, were receiving content that is not just negative but actually threats to life or harm to them and family members.

Mr Evans said that, apart from the individuals being harmed, it is a concern as it may put people off putting themselves forward for public office in the future. He called it a chilling effect.

However, he stressed that some of the investigations they have already started into platforms have arisen out of these methods of reaching out to the platform to report illegal content  with an eventual view of making them much better at taking down content that is reported to them.

Generally, are those mechanisms working well and in the way they should? So thats how were attacking it from a system point of view.

Protecting children from porn

Childrens ability to access pornography is another topic that frequently crops up: As it was widely available on X and its European headquarters is in Ireland, Coimisiun na Mean could tell it to introduce age verification measures and it did so during the summer.

On websites specifically for pornography, Europe is moving together.

The advantage of, say, tackling the porn issue with the Digital Services Act is youll get the same result for the whole of Europe, right?

So, the four cases that were opened [by the European Commission] during the summer include Pornhub, Mr Evans said.

The outcome of that will eventually be appropriate age gating for those services. Article 28 [of the DSA] is pretty clear that needs to be the case.

Collective action with the EU

The guidelines elaborate what needs to be done to come into compliance, and so we will see the outcome of those investigations in due course. And I think thats a better outcome, rather than having individual member states trying to make this happen on their own.

Theres a lot of advantages from tackling these companies as a region.

Irelands media regulator has been up and running several years now and has finally progressed to formal investigations into the big firms that are based here.

With so many big firms based here, and the wider political context around it, it faces a massive task going forward.

And, as the Government considers other moves, it is closely watching developments from elsewhere.

For instance, Australias move to ban under-16s from having social media accounts.

Mr Evans said it was an interesting experiment but it would ultimately be a decision for Government here.

The move certainly provoked the tech companies who all decried the move from the Australian government and said it wouldnt protect children from online harms.

But it appeared no coincidence that, the week before it took effect, Irelands and Australias regulators in this area signed a memorandum of understanding to co-operate in this field.

Were very interested to see what happens with that, he added.
An independent counsel on Friday demanded a 10-year prison term for South Koreas ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol in the first of seven criminal cases related to his ill-fated attempt to impose martial law in 2024 and other allegations that flared when he was in office.

The first of Mr Yoons trials to complete covers charges including his defiance of authorities attempts to investigate and detain him.

Mr Yoon denies all charges and his lawyers have argued that the detainment warrant was invalid and illegal.

They called the 10-year term request excessive and accused independent counsel Cho Eun-suks team of being politically driven and lacking legal grounds to demand such a harsh punishment.

The court is expected to render a verdict as early as next month.

Mr Yoon faces other trials on accusations ranging from corruption and favour trading to rebellion, a grave charge that is punishable by life imprisonment or execution. The rebellion trial is also nearing an end.

A TV screen shows footage of South Koreas ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol (Lee Jin-man/AP)

Mr Yoons martial law enactment brought armed troops onto Seoul streets and triggered South Koreas most serious political crisis in decades.

Martial law lasted only a few hours, as politicians managed to enter the National Assembly and voted to lift his decree. Mr Yoon was impeached by the opposition-controlled parliament later in December 2024 before he was formally dismissed as president upon an Constitutional Court ruling in April.

On Friday, Mr Chos team requested the Seoul Central District Court to sentence Mr Yoon to 10 years in prison on charges of obstruction of official duties, abuse of power, falsification of official documents and destruction of evidence.

Mr Yoon remained at his residence and hindered authorities attempts to execute a warrant for his detention for weeks after his impeachment.

The standoff caused worries about physical clashes between Mr Yoons presidential security service and those attempting to detain him and further deepened a national divide.

Park Eok-su, a senior investigator on Mr Chos team, called Mr Yoons actions an unprecedented obstruction of official duties during Fridays court session.

Mr Yoon also faces charges that he sidestepped a legally mandated full Cabinet meeting before declaring martial law, and that he fabricated documents including the martial law proclamation and ordered data deleted from phones used by those involved in his martial law imposition.

Mr Yoon has denied those charges and maintained that his decree was meant to draw public support of his struggle against the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, which impeached some of his top officials and obstructed his agenda.

Wrapping up a six-month probe last week, Mr Chos team said Mr Yoon plotted for over a year to impose martial law to eliminate his political rivals and monopolise power.

Mr Yoons other trials deal with charges including the ex-leader ordering drone flights over North Korea to deliberately stoke tensions and justify his plans to declare martial law and committing perjury in the trial of his prime minster.

Mr Yoon also faces charges that he tried to manipulate the investigation into a marines drowning in 2023 and received free opinion surveys from an election broker in return for a political favour.

Mr Yoon has said he was not informed of such drone flights and denied wrongdoing in the influence-peddling scandal.
A meeting with US President Donald Trump will happen in the near future, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday, signalling progress in talks to end the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine.

We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level  with President Trump in the near future, Mr Zelenskyy wrote on X.

A lot can be decided before the New Year, he added.

Mr Zelenskyys announcement came after he said on Thursday he had a good conversation with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Mr Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Mr Trump has unleashed an extensive diplomatic push to end the war, but his efforts have run into sharply conflicting demands by Moscow and Kyiv.

Mr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday he would be willing to withdraw troops from the countrys eastern industrial heartland as part of a plan to end the war, if Moscow also pulls back and the area becomes a demilitarised zone monitored by international forces.

Though Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that there had been slow but steady progress in the peace talks, Russia has given no indication that it will agree to any kind of withdrawal from land it has seized.

In fact, Moscow has insisted that Ukraine relinquish the remaining territory it still holds in the Donbas  an ultimatum that Ukraine has rejected. Russia has captured most of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk  the two areas that make up the Donbas.

On the ground, Russian drone attacks on the city of Mykolaiv and its suburbs overnight into Friday left part of the city without power.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said it struck a major Russian oil refinery on Thursday using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles.

Ukraines General Staff said its forces hit the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russias Rostov region. Multiple explosions were recorded. The target was hit, it wrote on Telegram.

Rostov regional governor Yuri Slyusar said a firefighter was wounded when extinguishing the fire.

Ukraines long-range drone strikes on Russian refineries aim to deprive Moscow of the oil export revenue it needs to pursue its full-scale invasion.

Russia wants to cripple the Ukrainian power grid, seeking to deny civilians access to heat, light and running water in what Kyiv officials say is an attempt to weaponise winter.
A man was arrested after stabbing eight people and injuring seven others with what was believed to be bleach at a rubber factory in central Japan on Friday, officials said.

There was no immediate explanation of his motive.
At a recent year end briefing at the State Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained how American foreign policy has been recalibrated under President Donald Trump. This was necessary said, Secretary Rubio because many of the institutions, policies, assumptions that our foreign policy was operating under were built upon a world that no longer existed.



One of the fundamentals lost was that at its core, U.S. foreign policy must be in the national interest of the United States. This then called for defining the national interest, explained Secretary Rubio.



We defined it as we are in favor of foreign policies that make America safer or stronger or more prosperous  hopefully all three, but at least one of those three. And then it requires you to prioritize. Even the richest, most powerful, and influential country on earth has limited resources, has limited time, and it has to be able to dedicate those resources and time through a process of prioritization.



Then you have to have the mechanisms of foreign policy to deliver on it. That has required a reorganization at the State Department that has among other things, empowered its regional bureaus, and the people who staff them to have more influence over every element of U.S. foreign policy.



The State Department also reevaluated the role of foreign aid, said Secretary Rubio.



Foreign aid is not a separate activity of the United States government. It is an element and a tool of our foreign policy, and it should be used for the purpose of furthering the national interest. That doesnt mean we dont care about human rights. That doesnt mean we dont care about starvation. That doesnt mean we dont care about hunger.



What it does mean, said Secretary Rubio, is that taxpayer money should be spent in furtherance of our foreign policy, should be spent in places and on things that further our foreign policy, and even that is not unlimited.



A priority for President Trump has been to play the role of peacemaker around the world, and so the U.S. has been engaged in peace talks regarding conflicts in Russia and Ukraine, India and Pakistan, Thailand and Cambodia, Sudan, and Armenia and Azerbaijan.



The peace deal between Israel and Gaza was a milestone and remains ongoing. There is now a ceasefire. War is no longer going on at the scale and scope as before. But obviously, theres more work remaining said Secretary Rubio. We are still [in] the process of trying to implement phase one [which will] lead to phase two and phase three. That is a long-term project, some of which will extend beyond the four years of this administration.



The United States will continue to pursue a foreign policy that first and foremost serves the national interest.
At SVVNS, we believe education is not just about academics it is about nurturing empathy, creativity, and resilience so every child can thrive in a rapidly changing world

strategies at SVVNS include mid-year competency testing, peer learning groups, and bridge classes to ensure students receive personalized guidance and support according to their learning needs.Community involvement is another important component in the education at this organization, where involvement in sustained social causes is pursued by every grade starting from Grade Six onward, including work with TB patients, orphanages, old-age homes, and Anganwadis. Empathy and compassion are best learned through action, not theory, says Dr Smita Nair Kurup highlighting the schools unique approach to character building through service.The strength of SVVNS lies in its dedicated and experienced teaching faculty, whose professional development is nurtured through continuous training, workshops, and collaborative learning. Teachers are supported through competitive salaries, performance-based increments, and comprehensive welfare measures inclusive of medical insurance and long-term financial security, creating an enabling environment where motivated educators can excel.The infrastructure of the school combines functionality with serenity in learning. Classrooms are airy, cross-ventilated, and have three computer labs, one robotics lab, libraries, and creatively used areas like an artificial turf terrace for sports activities. Smart classrooms, digital learning modules, and AI-enabled robotics labs provide comprehensive conceptual understanding and practical use to facilitate modern teaching.SVVNS has an enviable record of student achievements in the fields of academics, arts, and sports to its credit. Prestigious recognitions include the Raja Ravi Varma Award won through outstanding participation in the Kaladarpan competition and Poonha Zilha Shiksha Puraskar 2025, recognizing the schools effort in imparting holistic, value-based education.Students enjoy customized learning evaluations, remediation support, and personal career guidance entering higher education and professional life with poise. The student-teacher ratio is maintained at 1:40, ensuring close attention to individual growth and the school integrates mindfulness, counseling, and wellbeing programs into its curriculum to build resilient and self-aware learners.SVVNS aims to expand its robotics and innovation programs, incorporating advanced AI modules to deepen experiential learning. Activities for new clubs in the fields of entrepreneurship, public speaking, communication, and sustainability will be developed to enhance the leadership and problem-solving skills of students.The school is also revising its primary curriculum to continue the nature-based inquiry-led Reggio Emilia pedagogies currently used in its pre-primary classes and promote curiosity, mindfulness, and respect for each childs individuality throughout the grade levels. By evolving and always being sensitive to students needs, it strives to be the partner of choice for families who seek an all rounded, inclusive, and forward-thinking education.Our mission is not just to educate but to inspire students to become compassionate, skilled, and socially responsible global citizens, affirms Dr Smita Nair Kurup. With an enduring focus on quality, accessibility, and character building, Saraswati Vishwa Vidyalaya National School stands as a beacon of transformative education for the 21st century.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  The Algerian newspaper al-Masa reports that on December 24, the Algerian parliament passed a law recognizing French colonialism in that country, 1830-1962, as having been a crime that involved mass killing, rape, displacement of populations, usurpation of land, and marginalization of people. The law also makes claims on France for reparations.

The great Algerian historian Mahfoud Bennoune had made the case for the economic benefits to France of exploitation of Algerian natural resources (metals, oil), expansion of French vineyards on expropriated Algerian land, trade monopolies and the creation of Algeria as a captive market for French goods.

He wrote not only of countless massacres by French commanders of local populations but also of a vast transfer of landed wealth: Using innumerable arbitrary measures  sequestration, confiscation, expropriation, cantonment . . . an increasing number of hectares were accumulated for the purposes of colonization . . . The subsequent booty was distributed among the colons [French colonizers]. By 1954, these 3,028,000 expropriated hectares [~116,000 sq. mi.] consisted of 2,828,000 hectares of plowland and 210,000 hectares of forest, all owned privately by the French colons. The colonial state still possessed 7,200,000 hectares, including forest, unproductive land, and pastureland. As for the land the Algerians were crowded onto,  two thirds of the land assigned to the peasants was minimal pasture and unproductive plots.

Ibrahim Boughali, the speaker of the Algerian parliament, underlined that the objective of this law is not to deploy history for the purposes of revenge, but to restate the historical truth and preserve the national memory from all efforts to erase it or falsify it. At the same time, the law emphasized the necessity for the Occupying state to accept responsibility for the systematic crimes committed against persons, land and Algerian identity.

Or by check:

Juan Cole

P. O. Box 4218,

Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548

USA

(Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed)

The Algerian and French governments have increasingly had bad relations in recent years. Algeria is furious that France recognized the Moroccan claim to the Spanish Sahara; Algeria supports the Polisario Liberation Front and its claim that the Western Sahara should be independent. It was territory ruled by medieval Moroccan governments that had been detached and made a colony by Spain, which relinquished it in the 1970s. Morocco immediately claimed it, insisting it was only reclaiming it.

France recognized Moroccos claim, as did the US, as a quid pro quo under the Biden administration for Moroccos recognition of Israel and signing on to the so-called Abraham Accords.

Algeria is also not happy about the increase in French racism toward the large expatriate Algerian community in France. Further, Algerians have been annoyed by the rise online of French atrocity-denialism, in which commentators dispute that France committed massacres in that country or at least excuse them. In the early 21st century some French parliamentarians strove to outlaw any deprecation of what they termed the glories of the French empire, but then President Jacques Chirac refused to go along.

European colonialism, a historically distinct amalgam of barracuda capitalism, racism, settler expansionism, and economic exploitation, killed millions of people in the global south and directed profits to the metropole even from desperately poor countries in places like Africa. That it was a set of crimes is hard to dispute.

One of the things I was surprised to discover during the Iraq War was that when I called it a colonial war, some people in Washington couldnt get that that was a bad thing. The critique of colonialism had not reached the halls of Congress! Or, indeed, many people in middle America. Historians in the past 50 years have excavated masses of documents proving the massacres and exploitation engaged in by colonial authorities. There was actually a cover-up in the archives of the British atrocities committed in Kenya in the 1950s, which only hard historical digging managed ultimately to thwart. Im told by colleagues who work on Libya in the Italian archives that documents on massacres committed by Italian troops in that country appear sometimes to be hidden by the staff.

That is, there is a lot of denialism out there.

But even though it is easy to demonstrate colonialisms evils, few post-colonial countries have done what Algeria just did. In part this is because they often still have vital economic or security relationships with the former colonizer and so cannot afford to alienate them.

Never miss an issue of Informed Comment: Click here to subscribe to our email newsletter! Social media will pretend to let you subscribe but then use algorithms to suppress the postings and show you their ads instead. And please, if you see an essay you like, paste it into an email and share with friends.

While in the twentieth century the Algerian elite depended on France (and sometimes even seemed to think they were French), in 2025 things have changed. In the past two decades, Algeria has greatly diversified its import and export markets. It imports more goods from China than from France. It brings in wheat mainly from Russia, not France. It is doing more trade with Turkey and Qatar. Few Algerian firms operate in France, and the number of French firms in Algeria has fallen dramatically.

Having thrown off economic neo-imperialism, Algerian politicians are free to say what they think.

They are even introducing English in Algerian schools as of this year, with an eye toward gradually making it the countrys second language, after Arabic, rather than French, in which educated Algerians have mainly functioned since the mid-nineteenth century.



Photo of Algiers by Sid Ahmed SAOUD on Unsplash

Le Monde notes that Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has never actually presented a formal, specific request to France for reparations. It reports that the French Foreign Ministry  the Quay dOrsay  denounced the new law as manifestly hostile and as an impediment to the ongoing dialogue between the two countries.

Algeria, a country of some 47 million, is about as populous as Spain. It has an annual nominal GDP of roughly $190 billion, placing it in the company of Greece, New Zealand and Iraq; it is the worlds 52nd largest economy.

The United States could be presented with a similar bill by the Philippines, where US troops killed or unleashed the conditions that killed some 400,000 people in the early 20th century. But that is unlikely at the moment, since the Philippines is still deeply intertwined with the US and increasingly needs the US navy as China seeks hegemony in the region and makes claims on maritime territory also claimed by the Philippines. The US is the countrys largest trading partner with $12 billion in bilateral trade, though Japan, China, Hong Kong and South Korea are also major trading partners.

The kind of trade diversification undertaken by Algeria with regard to France is unusual in post-colonial countries, which may help account for why its criminalization of colonialism is so unprecedented. But as China rises as a major trading partner for postcolonial countries, and as south-south global trade more generally burgeons, we could see more such claims.

The Congo, where Belgium is estimated to have killed 8 million of 16 million residents, is a likely plaintiff. These disputes will likely go to the International Court of Justice at the UN, the judges of which, however, have traditionally been drawn more from the Colonial north than the colonized South.
( Middle East Eye )  In the old Anglican cemetery in Baghdads Bab al-Sharqi district lie the bodies of foreigners buried for more than a century. Dry shrubs sprout between sun-baked stones, some engravings now worn and hard to read.

Most visitors come seeking the grave of Gertrude Bell, the Queen of the Desert, immortalised by Hollywood and remembered  whether admired or condemned  for her role in shaping modern Iraq after the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.

Yet a short walk from Bells grave stands an older tombstone that draws the curious eye: that of Lieutenant Commander Charles Henry Cowley, a British naval reserve officer. Born in Baghdad in 1872, Cowley was killed near Kut in 1916 in a battle where he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Though far less known than Bell, Cowleys life shows how Iraq once sat at the centre of a river-driven commercial network that propelled trade, but more consequentially, the political destiny of the region. His story also counters the Bell narrative that the Middle East was a blank slate awaiting European invention after World War I.

This history takes on contemporary relevance after the controversial (and factually incorrect) comments made this past September by US businessman and political operative-turned-ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack.

While some critics of the post-WWI settlements argue that the Sykes-Picot agreement imposed artificial state constructs that contributed to later instability, it is quite another matter to suggest that the societies upon which these constructs were imposed were somehow primitive or unsophisticated.

Long history

What this view ignores is that while Sykes-Picot borders were drawn to serve European imperial interests, they did not conjure civilisations from sandy deserts. Iraqs long history  multilingual, mercantile, literate and forward-looking  was written long before European cartographers arrived, and offers a direct rebuttal to this attempt at revisionism. Barracks views were long ago debunked in the West by Edward Said and the entire academic field of Orientalism.

Cowleys name might not spark immediate recognition, like Lawrence of Arabias or Bells would, but a closer look at his life opens a window into an era when the Tigris and Euphrates were the Middle Easts superhighways, and control over their waters meant control of markets, diplomacy and power.

Iraqs past reminds us that the nations of the region are not artificial facades, but historical societies with only a relatively short period of colonial rule

The son of a senior captain with the Euphrates and Tigris Steamship Navigation Company and a woman of Armenian-Persian descent, Cowley grew up on the banks of the Tigris. Raised among steamship captains, river pilots, merchants and interpreters, he understood the rivers as Iraqs economic lifeblood.

Educated in Liverpool, he returned to Baghdad after his fathers death to work in the river trade, eventually becoming the companys senior captain by World War I. Tasked with ferrying British troops and supplies up the Tigris, he became a persistent menace to Ottoman forces, who branded him the pirate of Basra.

Fluent in Arabic and several other languages, he moved easily between cultures, embodying an older Mesopotamian cosmopolitanism defined by trade rather than borders. During the desperate 1916 mission to break the siege of Kut, Britains worst military defeat, Cowleys ship was ambushed. Captured, he was almost certainly executed.

His tombstone, erected by his mother, presents a key to a neglected chapter of Iraqi history. It evokes a time when identities were fluid, when faiths and ethnicities intertwined; when the daughter of Armenian refugees from Julfa could marry an Anglo-Irish river captain; and when steamships knit together commerce, travel, correspondence and even war.

Commercial heavyweight

Long before the age of Aramex, the internet and worldwide supply chains, the Euphrates and Tigris Steamship Navigation Company controlled the rivers and regional trade of Mesopotamia. It was the artery through which goods, people and influence flowed, connecting far-flung parts of then-imperial and colonial Great Britain.

These arteries made Iraq a commercial heavyweight, a logistical entrepot whose waters linked India, Persia, the Gulf and eastern Anatolia. The same networks also indirectly tied Iraq to port cities such as Izmir, Alexandria, Bushehr and Jaffa  urban centres whose traders and guilds were drivers of cultural exchange.

Hardly static or insular, these communities were remarkably fluid, fluent in multiple languages and embedded in global markets. They formed a commercial class that governed Eastern Mediterranean trade long before European powers imposed administrative templates.

Nor was Iraqs cultural life awaiting European enlightenment. A millennium before King Faisal I donned a western-style hat he called al-Sidara, declaring it a symbol of progress, Al-Mutanabbi wrote poems about the rise and fall of rulers and the nature of authority.

More recently, Mulla Abbud al-Karkhi wrote a sharp verse capturing the anxieties of a society caught between a crumbling Ottoman order and an ascendant British Empire. His poetry offered early musings on identity, sovereignty and modernity.

Indeed, Iraqis were not passive recipients of history, but active interpreters of their political moment.

Socioeconomic shift

The Euphrates and Tigris Steamship Navigation Company was part of a profound socioeconomic shift that affected those who made their living from the rivers. North of Baghdad, Tikrit and its residents manufactured the kalak, a small ancient boat. With the introduction of steamboats, this livelihood disappeared, prompting significant migration to Baghdad, mirroring the fate of other dislocated rural populations across Iraq.

Their shift from river-based trades to urban professions demonstrates how Iraqis were forced to modernise rather than remaining bound to static tribal identities.

During this period, an officer from a remaining Tikriti family, Mawlud Mukhlis, encouraged his townsmen to join the military and its academies, cultivating networks within the armed forces. One such recruit was Ahmad Hassan al-Bakr, who would lead the 1968 military coup, and whose cousin, Saddam Hussein, eventually seized the presidency for himself in 1979.

Their trajectories show how economic displacement redirected human capital into state institutions, influencing the political order decades later  an evolution more complex than the caricature of a region defined solely by tribes and villages.

Today, however, those once-mighty rivers no longer overflow with the same vigour, reduced by the internal combustion engine, climate change, upstream diversions and drought. Their diminished flows and depths matter little to global commerce, which long ago shifted to overland channels.

What is not diminished is Iraqs long historical record, going back millennia to the era of cuneiform, mathematics and legal canon, belying the notion that the Middle East lacked coherent societies, economies or political identities before European intervention.

Iraqs past reminds us that the nations of the region are not artificial facades, but historical societies with only a relatively short period of colonial rule. Now largely forgotten, replaced by modern logistics and digital commerce, the legacy of the Euphrates and Tigris Steamship Navigation Company remains etched on gravestones in an incurious corner of Baghdad, alongside the grave of Bell, perhaps the most misread and misunderstood of the class known as Arabists.

But Cowleys grave, and the lost world it represents, foreshadows a truth resurfacing today: Iraqs cohesiveness, and that of the broader region, has always developed organically  not by oil, war or empire, but by their collateral effects of connecting peoples, ideas and economies.

Regional evolution

The Middle East of 2025 bears little resemblance to its early-20th-century past. A resurgent Turkey, once the sick man of Europe, and Iran are the two post-WWI states whose borders remain untouched, precisely because their nationalism and internal legitimacy evolved organically, rather than through Franco-British design.

This evolution mirrors broader regional trajectories: the rise of influential oil economies, temporary post-colonial pan-Arab mergers of the 1950s-60s, and todays emerging trend towards federalism in places like Iraq, the UAE and, potentially, Syria.

The story of Iraqs rivers is a reminder that the Middle Easts capacity for adaptation has always been its defining current

The endurance of the borders of Turkey and Iran, and their assertive roles today, illustrates how political identities organically forged over centuries can prove more stable than borders drawn in European capitals.



Photo of Zakho, Iraq, by Bilal Photography on Unsplash

For the first time in recent memory, Middle Eastern states themselves are reshaping their political geographies. Yemen may return towards dissolution, with limited regional repercussions, while Iraq continues to negotiate and refine its federated order.

As these states redefine federal structures, negotiate autonomy and shift centres of power, they do so within a region that is neither accidental nor newly imagined, but one whose political and social vitality has been evolving continuously for centuries.

The story of Iraqs rivers is a reminder that the Middle Easts capacity for adaptation has always been its defining current.

The views expressed in this article belong to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye.

Reprinted from Middle East Eye with the authors permission.






Thursday, December 25, 2025 - A fleet of high-end Mercedes G-Wagon SUVs was spotted during the passing-out ceremony of Belgut MP, Nelson Koechs son, sparking debate online over the lavish lifestyle associated with allies of President William Ruto.

Photos from the event show several luxury vehicles lined up at the venue, a spectacle that has drawn sharp criticism from sections of the public who argue that Kenyas political elite continue to display opulence while millions of ordinary citizens grapple with economic hardship.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 25, 2025 - An aerial view of Belgut MP, Nelson Koechs new palatial residence in Chemalul has emerged online, sparking debate among Kenyans over his growing wealth.

The multimillion home, still under construction, sits on an expansive piece of land and is so large that it could easily be mistaken for a hospital or a school.

Koech is among a group of individuals benefiting from lucrative Government tenders.

A company linked to him secured a Ksh 1.2 billion contract to repair sections of Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way, thanks to his close association with President William Ruto.

See a photo of his residence below.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
russia of using equipment placed on residential buildings in Belarus to support attacks against Ukrainian territory. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy raised the issue, citing intelligence assessments related to recent Shahed drone strikes.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian intelligence has identified guidance and support equipment deployed in populated areas of Belarus near the Ukrainian border. He stated that the equipment used to conduct strikes against Ukraine is being positioned directly within civilian settlements, including on the rooftops of residential apartment buildings.

Illustrative image / open source

The president said antennas and other technical systems installed on ordinary multi-story buildings are being used to assist in guiding russian Shahed-type loitering munitions toward western regions of Ukraine. Such deployments, he suggested, indicate a deliberate use of civilian infrastructure to support military operations.

The claim that Belarusian territory is being used to control or guide Shahed drones has been discussed previously by Ukrainian specialists. Radio-electronics expert Serhii Flash corroborated the assessment, stating that although Shahed drones may enter Ukrainian airspace from russia, their control and guidance are likely being conducted from Belarus.

Serhii Flash cited a series of recent attacks to support his assessment, including strikes on Ukrainian train, railway repair crew, railway bridge, and locomotive depot over several consecutive days. These incidents, he said, point to coordinated drone operations targeting Ukraine's transportation infrastructure.

The positioning of such equipment in Belarus serves a broader operational purpose. One of the key objectives is to disrupt logistics routes between Poland and Ukraine, which are critical for both civilian transport and the delivery of international assistance.

As Defense Express previously reported, Ukraine continues to strengthen its air defense network with the support of international partners, as Germany has delivered a ninth IRIS-T air defense missile system. The transfer was previously announced by Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and later confirmed on the website of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.






Thursday, December 25, 2025 - The sudden death of Evans Mwaura Githua, CEO of Nairobi-based IT solutions firm, Com Twenty One, has left Kenyas tech community reeling in pain.

Fresh details from his will reveal that Githua requested his body be cremated within 24 hours of his passing - a wish his family will honor with a private ceremony on Christmas Day, attended only by close relatives and friends.

A requiem mass was held in Nairobi on Christmas Eve, though attendance was limited as many had traveled for the holidays.

Police reports indicate that Githua, 51, took his own life after allegedly jumping from the 14th floor of a Kilimani apartment along Kasuku Road.

Investigators say he checked into the short-stay Airbnb on Tuesday evening, and his body was discovered the following afternoon behind Alba Apartments.

Evidence inside the apartment pointed to self-harm prior to the fall, including wrist injuries, blood traces across the bedsitter, and items in the shower suggesting earlier attempts to end his life.

Security footage and forensic findings supported the conclusion.

The news has shocked the business community, especially as Githua had recently secured major deals that strengthened Com Twenty Ones position as a leading ICT solutions and systems integration company with branches across Kenya.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, December 25, 2025 - In the ongoing inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in a fatal road traffic accident, a team of detectives travelled to Keringet in Kuresoi South, Nakuru County, to trace and interview the individuals linked to motor vehicle registration number KDJ 564E, a white Toyota Probox, which was captured on CCTV at Eagol Petrol Station, entering the premises shortly after the deceased drove in and exited.

Statements were recorded from the individuals concerned, confirming that the said vehicle is registered to Hon. William Mutai, the Member of County Assembly for Keringet Ward and Majority Leader of the Nakuru County Assembly, and the same is managed by his wife.

It is alleged that, on December 11th, 2025, the wife hired out the vehicle to Denis Kipyegon Koech, who intended to transport family members to JKIA, Nairobi, to receive their son returning from New Mexico University in the USA.

Denis Koech and his family departed Keringet for Nairobi on December 12th, 2025, arriving at JKIA at 5:00 p.m.

Their sons flight landed at around 10:00 p.m, and after completing clearance formalities, the family commenced their return journey to Keringet shortly after midnight.

While en route, and upon reaching Karai, the scene of the accident, they stopped at Eagol Petrol Station to refill their wiper fluid due to poor visibility.

During this brief stop, they observed the deceased exiting the station and heading in the Nairobi direction.

Moments later, as they refilled the fluid, they heard a loud bang and saw a bus dragging the deceaseds vehicle.

After completing the refill, they exited the petrol station and briefly stopped near the accident scene at the request of the petrol station guard, who sought their assistance in rescuing the victim.

They did not alight from their vehicle but instead used their headlights to illuminate the wreckage, as it was dark and no other vehicles had yet arrived.

They left the scene after other motorists began to arrive and traffic started building up, proceeding with their journey and arriving home at around 6:00 a.m, where they later learned that the victim of the accident was Hon. Cyrus Jirongo.

The DCI is interrogating the veracity of the claims and reassures the family, friends, and the people of Kenya that thorough and impartial investigations into this incident are ongoing.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, December 25, 2025 - Kenyan socialite, Huddah Monroe, has once again sparked conversation with her unapologetic views on faith, festivities.

On Christmas Day, December 25th, 2025, Huddah took to Instagram to call out what she described as double standards among some Christians.

She noted how many Christians eagerly seek invitations to join Eid celebrations, yet vanish when it comes to Christmas.

Christians during Eid they beg to be invited to celebrate, during Christmas they disappear into oblivion, Huddah said.

Just days earlier, on December 22nd, Huddah declared 2025 the final year she would give anyone second chances.

2025 was the last year of my life to give anyone a second chance. Even my own mother isnt getting a second chance.

My siblings, too, if anyone messes up, Ill cut them off for good! Theyll never ever see me again! Im tired of all your nonsense, Huddah said.

My cut-off game has always been super strong; my own family members know this.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, December 25, 2025 - Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, has stirred reactions online after photos emerged of him visiting his neighbours in his rural village, where many residents appear to be living in abject poverty.

During the visit, Mudavadi is seen interacting with villagers outside mud-walled houses, images that have sparked debate among Kenyans on social media about the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

Some critics accused Mudavadi of failing to uplift the lives of his neighbours despite holding influential leadership positions for decades, while others argued that development is a collective responsibility and not solely dependent on individual leaders.

See the photos.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, December 25, 2025 - Veteran event organizer and entrepreneur, Christopher Kirwa, has sparked debate after cautioning men against spending the night at their in-laws place amid the festive season.

In a statement shared on Instagram on December 24th, 2025, Kirwa reminded men to resist pressure from their partners, no matter how persuasive.

Its that time of year again to remind the boy child: avoid sleeping at your in-laws home.

No matter how much your girlfriend or wife insists, dont spend the night at your fathers or mother-in-laws place, he advised.

Kirwa explained that in some communities, the rule is even stricter, with in-laws discouraged from being around after sunset.

While acknowledging that many women may disagree, he urged men to stand firm, stressing that such discipline ultimately earns respect from their partners parents.

He added that if a woman gets upset, men should step away and handle the situation later, reassuring that parents will value the boundaries.

Even if her own parents ask you to stay, bounce like a bad cheque, he quipped, encouraging men to ignore criticism now and trust tradition.

To reinforce his point, Kirwa cited a Kikuyu proverb: Uthoni ndo rangarangagwo - loosely translated as in-law relationships are not meant to be spent overnight.

Though controversial, his advice arrives at a time when many couples are navigating holiday visits.





The Kenyan DAILY POST
This video screenshot shows Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 25, 2025. Russia on Thursday condemned Japan's attempts to whitewash its history of militarist aggression and war crimes, urging Tokyo to face up to its past and make genuine atonement to the victims. Zakharova said that Japan ought to construct a memorial hall dedicated to the victims of Japanese militarism, and should "dispatch representatives to lay tributes there every year, or even more frequently, as a way to atone for the crimes it has committed." (Xinhua)

MOSCOW, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Russia on Thursday condemned Japan's attempts to whitewash its history of militarist aggression and war crimes, urging Tokyo to face up to its past and make genuine atonement to the victims.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova made the remarks at a press briefing in response to a question from Xinhua regarding reports that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may visit the Yasukuni Shrine.

Zakharova pointed out that the Yasukuni Shrine is a symbol of Japanese militarism, which enshrines Class-A Japanese war criminals sentenced to death by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East.

"It is hard for us to even imagine how many lives were claimed by Japanese militarism and how it brutalized civilians, but these are all historically documented facts," she said.

Zakharova said that Japan ought to construct a memorial hall dedicated to the victims of Japanese militarism, and should "dispatch representatives to lay tributes there every year, or even more frequently, as a way to atone for the crimes it has committed."

Russia once again urges Japan to abandon its attempts to whitewash the inhumane atrocities in its history and to fully acknowledge the outcomes of World War II, she said. 

Editor: Zhang Zhou
A KILDARE landlord denied wrongfully withholding a tenants security deposit and said he had no knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) case that was brought against him.

The case involves a couple who had a short-term lease at a one-bedroom apartment at 4 Duff Terrace, Brownstown Lower, The Curragh from landlord John OConnor, from March to August of 2024.

The tenants allege that their 1,500 security deposit was unfairly withheld by the landlord and attempted to seek reparations from the RTB on the matter.

While the RTB initially found in the tenants favour, this decision was set aside due to the RTBs inability to serve notice of the case to Mr OConnor, as they could not find his address.

Mr OConnor said he was never made aware of the RTB case and was not contacted on the matter.

He says the deposit was withheld because of wear and tear.

The Curragh couple want to share their story with people in Kildare as a warning to renters.

Well be fine, said Amelia, who now lives in the US and wished to be identified only by her first name. But there are families, students, immigrants, people who cant afford to lose that kind of money being taken in by this man.

In response to this, Mr OConnor said: Ill be honest, were having problems ourselves at the moment.

He then alleged that two current tenants of his owe him over 40,000, who are nine and ten months without paying any rent.

Im thinking of getting out of this job, he said.

Mr OConnor said he is fed up with working in the rental sector and being labelled the bad guy.

He added: Were the bad guys. Were housing everybody and its ridiculous at this stage.

Everybodys looking for free houses. Theyll pay the first month and after, they dont want to pay.

If you go into a B&B or a hotel and you dont pay for a night, the guards will be getting called for you.

I think about getting rid of this job because its, especially with these new laws and things, its not really worth the hassle.

The tenants

Amelia and her partner moved to Kildare from Galway when Amelia was offered a short-term job position and they decided to take the opportunity with both hands. The couple stayed at the property four nights a week for work and went home every weekend.

When it came to the end of her lease, Amelia said she and her partner left behind a clean apartment, which was seen by the landlord on moving out day.

However, after they vacated the premises, Mr OConnor withheld their security deposit, citing wear and tear.

When the pair first moved into the apartment, the landlord promised that an energy meter would be installed to monitor their electricity consumption. Amelia alleges that no meter was ever installed and instead the couple paid a flat rate of 200 a month.

The tenant believes the amount to be unfair as the pair barely used electricity and travelled home to Galway each weekend, where they washed their clothes.

Amelia alleges that the couple mostly used the electricity to power one lightbulb and the fridge, as heating was never really needed going into the warmer months and alleges the pair did not use the oven once.

They took the case to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), which found in their favour and was set to fine the landlord 4,000 in compensation and damages.

However, the ruling was never enforced and was set aside due to an inability to find Mr OConnors address to serve him notice.

The RTB told us they couldnt find his address, she said. But this mans Revolut, phone number and rental ads are all public. Its not like hes invisible. She added that the same property was advertised for rent again within days of their departure.

The RTB was contacted for comment; however, it confirmed that it cannot comment on individual dispute cases or confirm if a tenancy or landlord is under investigation.

However, the RTBs reply also included typical reasons that a case might be halted and said: In rare cases, a dispute will not proceed because the RTB are unable to serve notice on the landlord/tenant.

To avoid this happening, the RTB will carry out internal searches to locate a landlord/tenant address. These searches include our internal databases, social welfare records and Land Direct.

However, common names without additional identifying details (such as PPSN or address) are particularly difficult to trace. If we cannot confirm an address, the case cannot proceed because all parties must be formally notified of the hearing, as required by law.

There is also a prohibition notice on 4 Duff Terrace, which is available to view on Kildare Co Councils website, which indicates that a property should not be re-let until necessary works are carried out.

Kildare Co Council confirmed the process for issuing prohibition notices on properties.

The council said: Kildare Co Council issues Improvement Notices and Prohibition Notices to landlords who breach the minimum standards regulations. An Improvement Notice sets out the works that the landlord must carry out to remedy a breach of the regulations. If the landlord does not do these works, Kildare Co Council may issue a Prohibition Notice, directing the landlord not to re-let the property until the breach of the regulations has been rectified.

Amelias partner reported the situation to gardai but was told it was a civil matter.

The guards say its civil, then the RTB say they cant do anything. Meanwhile, hes still renting to new tenants, she said.

The landlord

The Kildare Nationalist contacted John OConnor for comment.

Mr OConnor said he sublets the property on behalf of a John Connors, who, he says, lives in America.

He confirmed owning properties in Athy, Newbridge and The Curragh, but declined to say how many properties he rents out in Kildare.

We deal with a few properties, he said.

He says he was never contacted by the RTB in connection with the tenants case.

In terms of Amelias tenancy, he holds that he was justified in withholding the deposit as the apartment was not left in a clean condition  with an absence of wheelie bins, which left rubbish at the place and a dog, which wasnt house trained. He continued: People are not going to move into a dirty property. Everything has to be up to standard. Some people leave the property; theyre leaving it like dumps, then we have to fix them up, paint and clean them.

The tenant denied these allegations. She said the couple never had a dog at the address.

Amelia showed this publication a video of the apartments condition the way they got it and left it, which appeared clean and tidy.

The tenant said their reason for not having a bin at the property was due to the fact that they had only planned on staying there three months when they moved in and brought their rubbish home to Galway with them every weekend.

The landlord also claims that the couple stayed at the property for five extra days after their lease had ended, without giving him notice.

The tenants also deny these claims, stating that they got a month-to-month lease extension until 11 August, which was pre-approved by Mr OConnor.

Text messages reviewed by this publication show that on 13 May 2024, the couple asked to extend their lease by a month, which was accepted by Mr OConnor.

Amelia provided this publication with screenshot text messages sent to Mr OConnor concerning the withheld deposit. After many days and unanswered messages, on 27 August 2024, the couple said they notified the landlord that they would be bringing the case to the RTB if they did not receive their deposit that day.

Speaking about Amelia, Mr OConnor said: Shes a very nice girl, actually. But we had to repaint the building, deep clean. To be honest, the place was a real mess. Rubbish and things just dumped on top of each other.

Electricity

Mr OConnor also commented on the monthly electricity charge of 200.

He stated: Its 50 a week, really. Washing machine, cooker, shower, heaters, everything, you know. Everything is electric.

We were supposed to install the meters. We were waiting on that, but it never came that time, so then we just charged a minimum fee for electricity, heating, gas, cooking, showers everything, basically.

Prohibition notice

As for the property having a prohibition notice which was imposed on the property served in May 2022, Mr OConnor claims the property is 100 per cent perfect and was renovated three years ago.

Its been renovated probably three years ago. Replastered, rewired, everything is new.

Theres a big misunderstanding on that. Probably an error on that, he said.

Kildare Co Council confirmed that in order for a prohibition notice to be lifted, the landlord is required to notify the local authority in writing that the matters listed on the Prohibition Notice have been remedied and shall give a copy of the confirmation to the tenant.

On receipt of the confirmation, the council then arranges for an inspection of the property to satisfy that the matters to which the prohibition notice relate to have been remedied and only then will the notice be lifted.
Karolina Salagierska and Olga Anacka from Newbridge have been selected from the 125,000 members of the Polish diaspora in Ireland to represent the community in a national campaign highlighting the achievements, creativity, and contributions of Polish people in Ireland.

Karolina Salagiersak is the owner of a popular shoe shop which she has been successfully running for the last 13 years.

Karter Shoes is a recognised local business, attracting loyal customers from Kildare and far beyond  including regular visitors from Dublin, Limerick, and other parts of Ireland.

Karolina said about her life in Ireland, The first words that comes to my mind when I think of Ireland is kindness. My heart leans towards kindness, and I feel like this is my place.

As a woman-owned local business I am proud that I have created an inviting space where women of all ages and backgrounds can find their personal style and bust their confidence. Karolina further said about her shop.

Olga

Olga Anacka is a Newbridge based, multi-award winning visual artist.

Her work has been supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and the Kildare County Council, and she regularly collaborates with the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge.

Olga said about her life in Ireland: I am very proud of my family, of the fact that we are getting a great experience living in Ireland.

Being a migrant is not easy but you develop a set of skills and you learn how to be a part of this community. In the last few years I have developed three distinct bodies of work that were well received. I have a sense of achievement that people refer to my art and that I have my audience, I am very grateful for that and I am proud. Olga further said about her art.

The campaign has been commissioned by Forum Polonia, a Polish migrant rights organisation.

Through a series of personal stories, portraits, and short videos, the campaign showcases ten Polish individuals from across Ireland who are shaping their communities in diverse fields  from education and culture to business, art, science, and volunteering.

The project challenges sometimes outdated stereotypes about Polish migrants and aims to highlight the complexity of identity  reminding audiences that every person who has come to Ireland brings with them not just a journey, but a lifetime of experience, talent, and resilience.

Barnaba Dorda, the Chair of Forum Polonia, said, A year ago, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of Poland joining the EU, and that was the beginning of the large-scale migration of Poles to Ireland. Many of us started working in manual work sectors, filling in labour gaps. Twenty years on, we can see the progress the Polish community has made, but we feel that the stereotypes about Polish migrant workers are still prevalent. With the Beyond Borders campaign, 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. Aga Wypychowska, said: An immigrant is a full person with a personal history, professional life, and unique skills. We want to show that Polish people are not just participants in Irish life  they are co-creators of it.

[
When Cork-woman Paula Cronin embarked on a bit of family history research she never expected to discover that her roots were not, as she thought, in her home county, but in Kilkenny.



Paula had long been a visitor to the city, and said she always felt at home here, but it was decades before she uncovered her familys origins in Kilkenny City and the exciting life of her Kilkenny grandfather - Lance Corporal William Ryan.

Having studied his career in the British Army during the last two decades of the nineteenth century, Paula has written his story.



Early Life

William Ryan was born on October 30, 1863, in Poulgour, Kilkenny, to Michael Ryan and Ellen Gorman. He was baptised on 1 November 1863 in St Patricks, Kilkenny, the third of four sons.



After the death of his father in 1866, Williams mother hired a woman to care for her three sons while she was employed as a live-in servant. Later, her sons were placed in a Church of Ireland family. According to family lore, the boys were denied a formal education and worked in the family store.



In 1878, Williams mother, Ellen Ryan died in the Kilkenny Union Workhouse, leaving her sons orphaned.

Kilkenny experienced great prosperity from 1863 to 1883. However, many impoverished families were confined to cramped accommodation, enduring hunger, sickness and the constant threat of the workhouse.

Enlistment

On July 21 1883, nineteen-year old, William Ryan enlisted at Victoria Barracks, Clonmel, County Tipperary, joining the 2nd battalion of the 18th Royal Irish Regiment of Foot.



His military service book records him as 5 feet 8 inches, two inches taller than the average male in Ireland at that time, an Irish complexion, grey eyes, dark brown hair, and a scar that ran across his left temple and upper eyelid.



In the late nineteenth century, the British Army offered Irish men a steady income, lodging, educational opportunities and the chance to travel the world. For Ryan, it represented the beginning of an army career spanning two decades, across different continents and military campaigns.



Clonmel to Malta

Ryans regiment completed basic training at Victoria Barracks in Clonmel, before transferring to Aldershot, the British Armys principal training centre.



From Aldershot, the battalion sailed from Portsmouth in February 1884, arriving in Malta on 10 March 1884.

India, 1885.

ABOVE: William Ryan was awarded the Indian General Service Medal with Hazara clasp



The 2nd Battalion sailed for India on 7 January1885, arriving at Bombay on 25 January. They were dispatched to Rawal Pindi, where a royal court (Durbar ) was conducted to meet the Amir of Afghanistan.



The battalion was subsequently posted to Subathu, Nowshera and Cherat, for patrol service, escort responsibilities and garrison duties on the North-West Frontier. Click NEXT to read on and see more photographs.
Annual budget losses, with the illegal gambling market estimated at 50%, amount to approximately UAH 19 billion, Hennady Novikov, head of PlayCity, the state agency for the control of the gambling and lottery business in Ukraine, told Interfax-Ukraine.

"When we talk about the 50% illegal market estimate, we can also calculate the losses. If last year the state received approximately UAH 19 billion in revenue from the legal segment, this means the budget loses approximately UAH 19 billion annually," Novikov noted.

According to him, in addition to financial losses, there are also social risks, including the development of gambling addiction, access to gambling by military personnel, as well as individuals under 21 and even under 18.

The PlayCity CEO added that the illegal gambling market also supports other illegal activities, such as the content piracy industry, which relies heavily on gambling revenue.

As reported, H2 Gambling Capital estimated the illegal gambling market share in Ukraine at 45.6%, with a forecast to grow to 58% by 2030. According to estimates by Kantar, Gradus, and Factum, the illegal gambling market share in Ukraine ranges from 39% to 53%.

Novikov noted that the agency agrees with these assessments and, together with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, has set the strategic goal of systematically reducing the share of the illegal market through a combination of regulatory and technical tools and incentives for legal operations.

According to him, priorities include blocking illegal online resources and working with "mirrors," narrowing the payment and marketing schemes that support shady activities, and creating clear rules for businesses to determine where legal operations are more profitable and easier.

Novikov added that the agency is in dialogue with the National Bank of Ukraine to combat these payment schemes.
Chinese zoologists monitor cattle burps to track methane emissions

Xinhua) 09:17, December 26, 2025

CHANGSHA, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Can monitoring burps help fight climate change? Chinese zoologists have recently developed a system that estimates methane emissions from cattle and sheep by tracking their burp behavior, offering an innovative tool to support China's emission reduction efforts in agriculture.

The methane emission monitoring equipment, developed by researcher Tan Zhiliang's team from the Institute of Subtropical Agriculture (ISA) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was unveiled in Changsha in central China. According to Science and Technology Daily report, the device can show the burp spectrum of cattle and sheep, and calculate the animals' daily methane emissions based on the spectrum.

METHANE EMISSIONS

Livestock farming is one of the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions in China's agriculture sector, with methane produced during the digestion of ruminants like cattle and sheep accounting for 66 percent of agricultural methane emissions.

Accurately measuring the methane produced by cattle and sheep burps is key to agricultural emission reduction. However, China has long lacked high-precision, low-cost, safe and reliable methane emission monitoring equipment suitable for on-site use in pastures.

To address the challenges in monitoring regional carbon sources and quantifying carbon budgets for climate change response, the Chinese Academy of Sciences launched strategic priority research programs at the end of 2010. The ISA team carried out the research project on livestock methane emission reduction.

At the start of the research, the primary method used was the respiratory metabolic chamber, which monitors total enteric methane emissions from cattle and sheep. This required confining animals in a sealed chamber for continuous monitoring over 48 hours. While data could be obtained, the efficiency was extremely low, and it also severely impacted the animals' feed intake and welfare.

The team discovered that 90 to 95 percent of the methane released by cattle comes from the mouth, primarily through burping, while the remaining 5 to 10 percent is released as flatulence. For this reason, they chose burping as the focus of the new system.

NEW METHOD

The shift to monitoring burp was key to the breakthrough. But how could methane emitted from the mouth be measured accurately? The sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) method used at the time required prolonged continuous monitoring, produced highly variable results, and involved SF6, a potent greenhouse gas.

Through extensive data analysis, the team found that continuous 24-hour monitoring was unnecessary. Methane emissions for an entire day could be accurately estimated by observing just a few key periods.

Wang Min, lead researcher, said that cattle and sheep burp about every 60 to 70 seconds with no obvious movement. People might think they are just idling, but they are actually burping and emitting methane.

"By analyzing large-scale daily methane emission data, we identified eight key time periods for collecting gas samples, allowing us to accurately assess full-day emissions," explained another lead researcher, Wang Rong.

Previously, measuring one animal using a respiration chamber took two days, while measuring 30 animals would take two months. The new method can measure 30 animals in less than a week with minimal impact, producing results that differ from continuous monitoring by only 1.5 percent.

WIDE APPLICATION

Analysis of monitoring data by the new system from over 20 provincial regions across China found that the methane emission intensity published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) overestimates China's actual emissions.

"Taking dairy cows as an example, modern cows produce more milk than before, but the amount of methane emitted per kilogram of milk produced has decreased. This indicates China's continuously improving livestock farming technology," Wang Rong said.

Based on this system, the team also developed methane-inhibiting feed additives that are safe for animals. Adding the inhibitors to feed can reduce methane emissions from cattle and sheep by 20 to 30 percent.

The system has been deployed and applied in over 20 universities and research institutes, as well as more than 50 farming enterprises across 23 provincial regions in China, initially establishing a methane monitoring network that covers major livestock regions.

Wang Min noted that the team plans to integrate technologies like AI visual recognition, autonomous cruising, and the Internet of Things to develop methane monitoring robots for unmanned operation.

Farmers would only need to set a monitoring plan. The robots could then automatically identify cattle and sheep, plan routes autonomously, and complete monitoring tasks, with data uploaded to the cloud in real time, requiring no manual intervention at all.

In the future, the team plans to develop additional equipment to provide essential data for breeding low-emission livestock, creating emission-reducing feeds, and calculating farm carbon footprints.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/minenergoUkraine

The situation in Ukraine's power system is currently being positively affected by increased electricity imports from the EU, made possible by falling prices in neighboring countries due to the traditional Christmas and New Year holidays.

This was reported by Volodymyr Zaichenko, CEO of Ukraine's transmission system operator Ukrenergo, during the national United News telethon on Friday, December 26.

"Imports have increased almost twofold... and the advantage here is that market conditions in Ukraine and Europe allow our traders to purchase electricity in Europe. There are holidays in Europe, electricity prices are falling, and against the backdrop of a deficit in our power system, these are the most favorable conditions," he said.

According to Zaichenko, power engineers are currently continuing restoration work at facilities damaged by massive Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy system, and in most regions the results are already noticeable.

As reported, Ukraine is currently importing electricity from Europe around the clock at a maximum capacity of up to 1.6 GW during peak hours, which does not fully cover the maximum permitted import capacity due to grid constraints.

The maximum agreed commercial import capacity from the EU has stood at 2.1 GW since December 2024. On average, utilization of cross-border capacity in November 2025 amounted to 27.4%, but it increases significantly during peak evening hours.
2025 was the year K-pop fans got everything they'd been dreaming about. Long-separated groups reunited, solo artists broke records that seemed impossible, and the genre proved it could dominate any stage in the world.

If you follow K-pop at all, you know 2025 was unforgettable for reasons that went far beyond the usual chart battles and music video releases.

BTS Members Return From Military Service

The most anticipated moment came when all seven BTS members completed their mandatory military service. RM and V were discharged on June 10, with Jimin and Jungkook following the next day, and Suga finishing by June 21. This marked the end of a nearly three-year wait for ARMY, the group's dedicated fanbase worldwide.

Jin had already been released in December 2023, and J-Hope returned in October 2024, but having all members finally back opened the door to full group activities.

In July, BTS announced plans for a new studio album scheduled for spring, along with a world tour that would include over 30 North American concerts. During the waiting period, members kept fans engaged with solo projectsJin released the album Echo and toured, while Jungkook became the first Asian solo artist to reach one hundred million streams on every original track.

Stray Kids Reach Eight Number One Albums

Stray Kids etched their name into music history in November 2025 when their album DO IT debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking their eighth consecutive chart-topper. The achievement, starting with Oddinary in 2022, made them the first act in the chart's 70-year history to debut their first eight albums at number one.

Beyond charting success, Stray Kids also earned the Album of the Year award at MAMA 2025 for their album Karma.

Rose and Bruno Mars' "APT" Breaks Records

Rose's collaboration with Bruno Mars, titled "APT," became a global sensation that redefined what K-pop collaborations could achieve. The music video reached two billion views on YouTube in just 335 days, becoming the fastest K-pop video ever to hit this milestone. The song itself competed for major Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, and dominated streaming platforms globally.

For Rose personally, it marked her first major solo achievement as both a group member of Blackpink and as a solo artist with a two-billion-view music video.

Hwasa Achieves Perfect All-Kill as Female Solo Artist

MAMAMOO's Hwasa delivered an unforgettable performance at the Blue Dragon Film Awards with her song "Good Goodbye." On Nov. 30, the track achieved a perfect all-kill, making Hwasa the first female solo artist to accomplish this feat in 2025. A perfect all-kill means a song tops all major Korean music charts simultaneouslya rare achievement that speaks to an artist's cultural relevance and broad appeal across all demographics.

By December, the song had accumulated over 400 perfect all-kills.

TWICE Headlines Lollapalooza

On Aug. 2, TWICE became the first female K-pop group ever to headline Lollapalooza in Chicago. The nine-member group performed with a live band, featuring songs across their entire career while also delivering the first live performance of "Takedown," a track in the Netflix animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters.

K-Pop Demon Hunters Becomes Netflix Hit

When Netflix released the animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters in June 2025, few expected it to become the most-watched original animated film in the platform's history. The film, which blended K-pop culture with Korean mythology and action sequences, reached Netflix's top 10 globally in 93 countries and accumulated over 26 million views within six weeks.
Ukraine's largest fuel retail network, UKRNAFTA, has completed the rebranding of filling stations previously operating under the Shell brand, marking an important milestone for the company and the development of its retail infrastructure.

"The completion of the Shell rebranding is another important step in building a modern, efficient, and competitive UKRNAFTA network," JSC Ukrnafta said in a press release on Friday.

The stations underwent a full rebranding, including interior and exterior upgrades, visual identity, retail space layout, and zoning. All fuel stations were brought in line with unified UKRNAFTA standards for planograms, product placement, service processes, and category management. The customer journey was unified, coffee and food zones were relaunched, and service standards were standardized, among other improvements.

"Today, all 663 UKRNAFTA filling stations operate as a single operational system  the largest fuel retail network in Ukraine," the company said.

Ukrnafta also significantly strengthened its presence along key highways, in Kyiv, and in strategically important regions.

According to the company, stations that underwent transformation from Shell to UKRNAFTA are already demonstrating growth in fuel sales and significant increases in non-fuel categories, such as food, coffee, and non-food items.

"Today, UKRNAFTA is the fastest-growing fuel station network in the country: it is already among the top three by fuel sales and is moving toward leadership positions," the statement said.

Full standardization makes the retail business more structured and predictable in terms of operations and financial performance, the company added.

As reported, in January 2025 the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine granted Ukrnafta permission to acquire more than 50% of the shares of Alliance Holding LLC, which operates the Shell fuel station network in Ukraine.

The joint venture between Shell and the Russian Alliance Group of Musa Bazhaev, which managed the fuel station network in Ukraine, began operations in August 2007. Shell held a 51% stake, while Alliance owned 49%. Alliance contributed approximately 150 filling stations to the joint venture, while Shell contributed cash, licenses, and the brand.

In 2014, it became known that sanctioned Russian businessman Eduard Khudainatov had purchased Bazhaev's oil assets. In June 2022, he was placed under European Union sanctions, and in October 2022 under Ukrainian sanctions.

In October 2023, Ukraine's Ministry of Justice filed a lawsuit with the High Anti-Corruption Court seeking to recover Khudainatov's assets in favor of the state. As a result of court proceedings, 49% of Alliance Holding was confiscated by the state. In April 2024, this stake was transferred to the State Property Fund.

In November 2024, Overseas Investments, part of the Shell group of energy and petrochemical companies, registered ownership of 51% of Alliance Holding's charter capital in accordance with a ruling by the Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court.

PJSC Ukrnafta is Ukraine's largest oil producer and operates the country's largest national fueling-station network under the UKRNAFTA brand. In 2024 the company took management of Glusco assets, and in 2025 it completed the acquisition of Shell's network in Ukraine. In total it operates 663 filling stations.

The company is implementing a comprehensive program to restore operations and modernize the format of its service stations. Since February 2023 it has issued its own fuel vouchers and NAFTACard cards, distributed to legal entities and individuals via Ukrnafta-Postach LLC.

The largest shareholder in Ukrnafta is the state-owned NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy, which holds a 50% plus one share stake. In November 2022 the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's office decided to transfer to the state the corporate rights of the company that previously belonged to private owners; those rights are now managed by the Ministry of Defense.
Ukraine does not plan to sell strategic assets that are critically important to food security, including key port grain elevators. However, other assets can be made more efficient by the private sector, Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture Oleksiy Sobolev said in an interview with Latifundist.com.

The minister said that in addition to cases involving alcohol plants or grain processing facilities, there are many other assets, ranging from elevators and mills to processing plants and agricultural enterprises.

"Overall, we are currently talking about 32 assets, including two agricultural enterprises, five grain processing plants, 11 alcohol distilleries, and 14 production and storage facilities of the state-owned enterprise Ukrspyrt. Many of these facilities were inherited from the Soviet era and have long required modernization," he said.

The minister recalled that in recent years the government has actively advanced the privatization process: a significant portion of former Soviet-era assets has been transferred into private ownership through transparent Prozorro.Sale auctions. In particular, most alcohol plants and grain processing facilities have already found new owners who are investing in modernization and expansion.

"This has not only relieved the state of inefficient administration but has also generated real budget revenues, which we are directing toward defense and recovery," Sobolev said.

He added that in 20262027 the government intends to significantly accelerate privatization and scale up public-private partnership mechanisms in order to attract private capital, technology, and managerial expertise into assets where this can deliver the fastest productivity gains.

In addition, the government is preparing more complex instruments, including the sale of minority stakes in state-owned companies. Under this model, the state retains control while allowing investors to participate in development and governance improvements, the economy minister concluded.
Nazareth-born entertainer Kate Micucci is collaborating with award-winning childrens author Mo Willems on a new installment in the popular Elephant & Piggie series, set for release Feb. 24, 2026.

The book, titled ELEPHANT & PIGGIE LIKE READING!: THE MONSTER AND PUPPET SHOW, features characters Monster and Puppet who decide to put on a show together. In the story, Puppet directs Monster through various performances  telling jokes, dancing, and singing  but keeps demanding more as the show progresses.

Micucci will visit the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity on March 21 for a performance and reading event. Details have yet to be released.

The Emmy-nominated actress has appeared in television series including The Big Bang Theory, Raising Hope, and DuckTales. She has voiced characters in animated productions such as Scooby-Doo, Steven Universe, and Dog Man. In 2023, she released her debut childrens album, My Hat, and has performed with her puppet, Camille, at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. She currently lives in New York City.

Willems is a number one New York Times bestselling author and illustrator who has received three Caldecott Honors, an Eisner Award, two Theodor Seuss Geisel Medals, and five Geisel Honors. His debut picture book, Dont Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! was inducted into the Picture Book Hall of Fame. He began his career as a writer and animator on Sesame Street, where he earned six Emmy Awards. In 2023, he cofounded Hidden Pigeon Company.
A Stewartsville family lost their home and possessions in an early morning fire on Christmas Day, prompting community members to organize donation efforts.

Emergency crews responded shortly after 1:30 a.m. to a fire at 527 North Main St. in Stewartsville.

Everyone was able to escape safely, and the fire was quickly extinguished, though authorities said the family may be unable to return home.

The Greenwich Township Police Department and the fire marshal are investigating the cause of the fire.

An officer said the family is being sheltered by neighbors, friends and family.

Tragically they lost everything except the clothes on their back, Greenwich Township emergency responders stated in an appeal online. This is what we know currently, they are in need of clothing and personal care items.

The Jackson-Jordan family consists of two men, two women, and a 13-year old girl.

Beginning Saturday Dec. 27, the Greenwich Township Emergency Squad will operate as a drop-off point for donations of clothing and personal care items. Monetary donations will not be accepted at the drop-off location.

A GoFundMe campaign is being organized by Laura Zhang Choi, a neighbor of the family, First Lady to the minister of the Stewartsville Presbyterian Church and former Greenwich Board of Education member.

Im so devastated for them, words are inadequate right now. Natasha and the entire Jackson-Jordan family have been wonderful friends and neighbors, Zhang Choi stated in a post online. Yet today, the home she has taken such pride in burned downLets show up for them with the support that they deserve.
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Showcase, Irelands International Creative Expo, returns to the RDS, Dublin from Sunday, 18th January to Tuesday, 20th January 2026, bringing together hundreds of Irelands leading designers, makers and creative brands under one roof - including 16 from Kildare:

Liffey Artefacts

PickledPomPom

Sam Agus Nessa

SIOG Botanicals

Pure Oskar

Duck Blue

West End Knitwear Ltd / Aran Crafts

Deerpark Knitwear

A little bit of Scents

Chubby Cherub Co.

Fiadh and Finn

Kildare Candle Barn

Loinnir Jewellery

Magnetic Mobility Ltd

BuffBarrier

Buyers from Ireland and across the globe are once again expected to attend the countrys largest annual trade event for Irish craft, design and creativity. Showcase is presented by Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Department of Trade Enterprise and Employment, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices.

In 2026, Showcase will welcome 385 exhibitors under this years theme, Making Irish Stories, which celebrates the depth, diversity and cultural power of Irish craft and design. The theme highlights the narratives behind the work of makers from every corner of the island and their stories shaped by landscapes, communities, heritage and innovation.

READ NEXT; Kildare Gardai take part in National SlowDown Day.

Showcase expects nearly 4,000 visitors, including many who return to meet their valued clients year on year. 105 brands will exhibit for the first time and 280 brands including Aran Woollen Mills, Tipperary Crystal, Solvar, C. Bonner & Co., Brooke & Shoals, Irish Handmade Soap Co., Saol Knitwear, Agency International, Shandon of Ireland, Royal Tara, Newgrange Living, Martina Hamilton and Vivien Walsh will all return to the show, along with many others. The fair is an international launch pad for the Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople who unveil their new season collections across fashion, wellbeing, jewellery and home and giftware.

Established in 1975 by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) as the National Craft Fair, Showcase has grown into a major international trade show, welcoming buyers from across Europe, America, Canada and the Middle East annually. Building on strong international momentum in recent years, Showcase 2026 will once again feature:

The Inspiration Stage - hosting expert talks, insights and trend discussions.

- hosting expert talks, insights and trend discussions. The Fashion Show - a curated runway experience presenting 40 Irish designer looks with integrated craft displays, supported by a digital QR-access lookbook and a buyer-facing fashion train activation throughout the RDS

a curated runway experience presenting 40 Irish designer looks with integrated craft displays, supported by a digital QR-access lookbook and a buyer-facing fashion train activation throughout the RDS The Showcase Awards - recognising excellence in craftsmanship, design and innovation.

To attend Showcase 2025, please register here: Showcase Ireland 2026
US Senators Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Tom Tillis, Jackie Rosen, John Barrasso, Chris Coons, Angus King, Jerry Moran, Jeff Merkley and Chris Van Hollen issued a statement condemning Russias attacks on civilians in Ukraine over the Christmas period. The statement was posted on the Senate Foreign Relations Committees website on Thursday.

"We condemn Russias brutal attacks on Kherson, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Donetsk and Kryvyi Rih waged on innocent Ukrainians as they convened to mark the birth of the Prince of Peace with their loved ones and in prayer. It bears repeating that President Zelenskyy agreed to a Christmas truce, but Putin declined, yet he directs soldiers to continue to commit brutal crimes of aggression on one of Christianitys holiest days. Even for countries at war, there is a long history of Christmas ceasefires, including notably during World War I. Todays decision by Putin to launch attacks rather than hold fire is a sobering reminder for us all: Putin is a ruthless murderer who has no interest in peace and cannot be trusted," the Senators said in a statement.
A LIMERICK householders are being urged to avoid festive plumbing disasters by keeping fats, oils and greases out of the sink this Christmas.

Clean Coasts and Uisce Eireann have relaunched their annual Think Before You Pour campaign, warning that leftover fats from roasts, gravies and seasonal dishes can quickly harden in pipes and cause serious blockages at home and across the wastewater network.

The reminder comes as Limerick families prepare for the busiest cooking period of the year, when wastewater crews consistently respond to a spike in avoidable blockages. Organisers say simple habits can dramatically reduce the risk, including allowing fats to cool before collecting them in a container and placing them in the bin.

Scraping plates, wiping pans and using sink strainers can also stop food particles entering drains.This year, Clean Coasts has teamed up with food creators Gina and Karol Daly  The Daly Dish  to highlight how even modern cooking devices can generate more grease than people expect.

Read More: Temporary car park in Limerick town opens ahead of festive shopping rush

Gina Daly said many people wrongly assume air fryers prevent the problem.It surprises people how much grease collects at the bottom of the basket after cooking, she said.

I always let it cool, wipe it out with kitchen paper and pop the paper in the bin. It only takes a minute, and it helps keep your drains  and Irelands drains  FOG-free.A national Uisce Eireann survey shows improvements in how households dispose of fats, oils and greases (FOGs), with the proportion pouring them down the sink dropping from 44% in 2018 to 36% in 2024.

However, one-third of people still dispose of them incorrectly, contributing to thousands of blockages each year. Younger adults remain the most likely to continue the habit, with 57% of those under 35 admitting they regularly pour FOGs down the drain.

When fats mix with wipes and other waste, they form fatbergs  hardened masses that can block drains, damage infrastructure and lead to sewer overflows.

Uisce Eireann removes thousands of these blockages annually, many linked to FOG build-up.Jonathan Deane, Uisce Eireanns Wastewater Regional Operations & Maintenance Senior Manager, said Christmas consistently brings an increase in preventable issues.

Every Christmas, we see a rise in blockages caused by fats, oils and greases entering the wastewater system. Were appealing to households to take one simple action that protects their home, their community and our environment: keep FOGs out of the sink.Clean Coasts campaign officer, Patrick Cross, said the damage caused by grease is often invisible until it becomes a costly problem.

By making a small change to how we handle leftover cooking fats this Christmas, we can prevent fatbergs, reduce pollution and keep Irelands rivers, beaches and coastal waters clean.

Clean Coasts works with nearly 2,500 volunteer groups nationwide to protect waterways and coastal environments, and says better disposal habits help support cleaner rivers and seas year-round.Their festive message is simple:Think Before You Pour  dont make pour decisions. Bin it before you clog it.
AS families across Limerick gear up for the annual Christmas food shop, new figures from surplus-food marketplace Too Good To Go are casting a spotlight on the countys mounting food waste bill, estimated to reach 53 million this year.

Research from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows the average Irish household throws away approximately 700 worth of salvageable food annually.

Applied to the 76,756 occupied households recorded in Limerick in the most recent Census, that amounts to a staggering 53.7 million in wasted food over a 12-month period.

The problem intensifies at Christmas, traditionally the biggest food-shopping period of the year.

Bread tops the list of most commonly wasted items, according to EPA data, with 48% of people admitting they throw out bread most often, followed by fruit and vegetables at 42%.

Read More: John Kiely stresses importance of Fitzgibbon Cup involvement for Limerick senior hurlers.

These items, Too Good To Go notes, can easily be repurposed into festive dishes such as breadcrumbs for stuffing, soups, fruit cakes and crumbles.

Dinner time remains the danger zone for waste, with 79% of people identifying it as the meal where most food ends up in the bin. With the years biggest dinner now days away, households are being encouraged to rethink their habits.

At Christmas, when food is at the heart of so many of our celebrations, its more important than ever to make it go further, said Machaela OLeary, Sales Manager at Too Good To Go Ireland.

She described the idea that Limerick households could be discarding 700 worth of food as truly shocking, adding that smarter planning can keep money in peoples pockets rather than in the bin.

To help households cut back, the company has issued its Christmas Rescue Guide, advising families to portion realistically, clear freezer space, avoid bulk-buying just in case, and transform leftover vegetables into soups or honey-roasted dishes for St Stephens Day.

Too Good To Go says small changes this Christmas can keep more food on plates, not in bins.
NEW vape and mobile phone shops are to be excluded from getting council support to move into vacant properties in Limerick.

It comes with priomh-chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery claiming vape shops are taking over the city.

The local authority has long offered incentives for new businesses to move into empty commercial units in a bid to revitalise the city centre and towns across the county.

READ MORE: Motorist caught speeding at more than twice the limit while driving in Limerick village

Among these, business owners can avail of a grant of up to 6,000 over two years to fund the fit-out of a unit, and other costs with setting up a new retail outlet.

But the head of tourism, trade and enterprise, Brendan Troy, has confirmed that from the new year, these supports will not be available to vape and mobile phone shops.

He gave the information in a written response to a question from Cllr Slattery at this months metropolitan meeting.

Some traders have contacted me and asked if there is a limit to how many candy shops, vape shops and phone shops there can be on one street, she said.

She believes allowing more vape and phone shops to open, it might deny other retailers the opportunity.

We need more local businesses in the city. Weve enough vape shops, weve enough phone shops. They are taking over the city. We need clothes shops, bakeries, cafes and chemists, for example, said the priomh chomhairleoir.

The Fianna Fail councillor also asked Mr Troy if there is a limit on the number of vape, candy and phone shops allowed on one main street and whether measures are being taken around what is being sold in them.

Also, on our main streets in the city, are there any rules for signage such as illuminous signage not being allowed? she added in her written question.

Mr Troy replied: Council is not aware of any measures being taken as to what is being sold in the shops. There is no restrictions on the number of vape, candy or phone shops allowed in one main street.

In relation to signage, he pointed out there are recommended standards in the Limerick Development Plan, which governs what can be built in certain areas.

Council also published the shopfront design guide in July 2025 which provides guidance on appropriate shopfronts including signage, he added.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that an agreement had been reached to meet with US President Donald Trump "in the near future."

"Rustem Umerov reported on his regular contacts with the American side. We are not wasting a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level - with President Trump in the near future. Much can be decided by the new year. Glory to Ukraine!" he wrote on Telegram on Friday morning.
PEOPLE surveyed on whether they preferred a small or large modular housing unit overwhelmingly went with the latter.

Thats according to councils senior housing executive officer Sarah Newell, who was speaking on Mayor John Morans flagship housing scheme at this months metropolitan meeting.

Two purpose-built rapid-build housing units were put in place in Arthurs Quay Park in September.

READ MORE: Limerick gardai seize 1,400 of cannabis after pouncing on man acting suspiciously

The public could go in and view one large and one small unit, before giving their feedback to council.

The large modular home measured around 45 square metres, while the smaller one was just 30 square metres, and comparable to micro-apartments which can be found in cities like Tokyo, Paris and New York.

Ms Newell said on the basis of the engagement that the public have a preference for the larger unit type.

She added this verdict came through overwhelmingly in the surveys which were done.

Mayor Moran is hoping to deliver 2,000 of these so-called Smart - or short-term modular affordable rental transition - housing units in a bid to tackle the homelessness crisis by increasing supply.

Hes identified a number of different tracts of land in the city to build upon, but has run into opposition on some sites, particularly at Boro Park on the southside.

Since the public viewing of the units finished, they have lain idle, with Fine Gael councillor Dan McSweeney describing them as an eyesore.

Ms Newell said: At the moment, we are engaged with the suppliers to have them removed before Christmas. We are working with them to ensure they are decanted off-site.

At the metropolitan meeting, Cllr McSweeney said more than 100,000 had been spent on the public display in the heart of the city.

We paid 70,000 excluding VAT to rent the prototypes for people to come and see them. We spent 21,923 excluding VAT to hire a security firm to protect the protypes while there was public engagement. We spent 12,656 excluding VAT on branding and printing for design around the prototype. I think weve wasted enough tax payers money. Over 100,000 has been spent on this project, and a pet project at that, he said.

The figures declared by Cllr McSweeney were not disputed by officials at the council meeting.
(Bloomberg) -- Brazils central bank is facing extraordinary scrutiny over its decision to liquidate Banco Master SA, a rare instance of judicial intervention that risks undermining the legal certainty of its regulatory decisions.

Both the countrys Supreme Court and Audit Court are seeking details about the move, with the regulator facing a looming deadline to provide information. The liquidation followed months of investigations into Banco Masters operations and its politically connected Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Vorcaro, who spent about a month in jail before being released with an ankle monitor.

The central bank found evidence suggesting attempted fraud in the proposed sale of Master to Banco de Brasilia SA, an institution owned by the Federal District government. The findings were forwarded to the federal police and the federal public prosecutors office, which sought the arrest of Vorcaro and other executives on Nov. 17.

It is the first time a decision falling under the central banks exclusive jurisdiction has come under scrutiny by Brazils highest courts, underscoring the challenges policymakers face in navigating Brasilias web of political connections  terrain that Vorcaro has long been adept at exploiting.

The central bank didnt respond to a request for comment.

Vorcaro is facing allegations that his bank fabricated credit operations that were later sold to Banco de Brasilia. His lawyers argue that the portfolios targeted by investigators were never effectively transferred and that Banco de Brasilia instead purchased other portfolios not included in the probe.

In early December, Supreme Court Justice Dias Toffoli moved to take control of the investigation after a defense lawyer argued that police actions could affect individuals with parliamentary immunity. Among documents seized during a search of Vorcaros home was paperwork related to a real estate transaction involving a federal lawmaker. Although unrelated to the Master investigation, Toffoli ruled the document sufficient to require that any legal action be evaluated beforehand by this court rather than by a lower court.

Over Christmas, Toffoli scheduled a confrontation hearing for Dec. 30 between Vorcaro; former Banco de Brasilia chief Paulo Henrique Costa, who was fired after the investigation became public; and central bank supervision director Ailton de Aquino.

The hearing was scheduled without any request from either the federal police or the public prosecutors office. The attorney generals office advised against it, arguing that such a procedure should only take place after those involved in the probe have been questioned individually.

Toffoli has offered no further explanation for summoning Aquino, whose role at the central bank is supervision not decision-making regarding the sale of Master to Banco de Brasilia. Central bank President Gabriel Galipolo has said he is willing to appear before the Supreme Court to explain the regulators actions.

As president, I am available to the Supreme Court to provide all the data that we have already provided to the public prosecutors office and the federal police. We have documented everything: each of the actions taken, each of the meetings, exchanges of messages, communications, all of this is duly documented. I, in particular, am available to provide all kinds of support and assistance to the investigation, he said on Dec. 18 in a presser.

On the same day, Audit Court Minister Jhonatan de Jesus opened a separate investigation into the central bank, citing potential failures in its supervision of Master. According to his ruling, the regulators actions may have been marked by omissions and insufficiently timely responses to signs of the institutions financial deterioration, undermining the effectiveness of the regulatory framework and increasing systemic risk.

Critics have long argued that the central bank took too long to liquidate a lender that was clearly in distress. As with the Supreme Court inquiry, the audit court investigation is under seal.

Rising Star

Once touted as a rising star in Brazilian finance, Master attracted billions of reais from retail investors through investment platforms, promoting its bonds as safe because they were backed by Brazils deposit insurance system, the Credit Guarantee Fund, or FGC. The fund covers up to 250,000 reais per investor, capped at 1 million reais over four years.

A central bank rule change in December 2023 tightened access to the FGC, punching a hole in Masters business model. A second rule change, approved in August, will require banks to contribute to the fund based on their risk profile starting in June 2026.

The liquidation of Master could cost the FGC as much as 55 billion reais ($10 billion) if other smaller banks also fail, according to a person familiar with the matter. The fund would need to be replenished by Brazils largest banks.

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China has officially launched a national venture capital fund and three large regional funds, together worth billions of dollars, as part of a push to foster home-grown tech champions and improve investment efficiency.

The National Startup Investment Guidance Fund, as well as the three vehicles covering the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta and the Greater Bay Area, began operating on Friday, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The national fund is backed by 100 billion yuan from the Ministry of Finance, financed through the issuance of ultra-long special sovereign bonds, Guo Fangming, a Finance Ministry official, said at a briefing on Friday.

The three regional funds are set up through the national funds equity stakes in limited partnerships and are each expected to eventually grow to more than 50 billion yuan, Huo Fupeng, chairman of the state fund, said at the same event.

China is ramping up its push for technological breakthroughs as competition with the US heats up in areas such as semiconductors. Tighter fiscal conditions  including rising debt risks and weaker revenue  have forced the government to be more disciplined about how it invests. At the same time, the rise of AI startup DeepSeek this year demonstrated the effectiveness of private capital.

Emerging and future industries are still struggling with limited investment and insufficient inputs of other innovation factors, Bai Jingyu, an official at the National Development and Reform Commission, said at the briefing.

Addressing these gaps through the development of patient capital is the very purpose and mission of the guidance fund, he said, adding that the state fund will follow market-based principles, with professional managers making investment decisions.

Little Giants

The NDRC first announced plans for the state fund in March, estimating it could drive 1 trillion yuan of investment from local funds and private capital.

The national fund will run for 20 years  with 10 years devoted to investment and another 10 to exits. This will help support long-term growth of companies and cultivate little giants, a term used for smaller firms aligned with the governments tech priorities, as well as unicorns across industries, Bai said.

Seed and startup firms will account for at least 70% of the national funds investments, he said. The fund will target smaller companies with valuations of no more than 500 million yuan, and each deal will be capped at 50 million yuan.

Strategic emerging and future industries will be prioritized. Bai added that the three regional funds plan to invest in sectors such as integrated circuits, quantum technology, biomedicine, brain-computer interfaces and aerospace.

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IndiGo has been slapped with a penalty of over 13 lakh in connection with Goods and Services Tax (GST) payments. The low-budget carrier reportedly does not agree with the ruling and will contest the order through appropriate legal channels.

The Office of the Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, Excise and Taxation Department, Punjab has imposed the penalty of 13,28,255 for the financial year 2021-22, news agency PTI reported.

IndiGo operates the largest domestic network in India and continues to expand its International footprint.

IndiGo to contest ruling The department has raised GST demand along with penalty. The company believes that the order passed by the authorities is erroneous, the airline was quoted as saying by PTI.

Further, the airline, which is the largest in India by market capitalisation, said it believes that it has a strong case on merits, and its position is supported by advice received from external tax experts.

Accordingly, the company will contest the same before the appropriate authority, InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of IndiGo, said in a regulatory filing on Thursday.

It also clarified that the penalty will have no major impact on its financial position, operations or other business activities, PTI reported.

IndiGo services stabilise post chaos The GST notice comes shortly after IndiGo went through a period of widespread disruptions, where hundreds of its flights were either cancelled or delayed due to operational and weather-related challenges.

However, the airline's operations stabilised, as it asserted on Wednesday that it is fully prepared to handle the high travel demand of the upcoming holiday season. The assurance comes after a period of significant operational challenges earlier this month, which left multiple travellers stranded at airports across India.

Also Read | IndiGo pilot rejects woman on dating app over refund joke; social media reacts

The carrier has also implemented a 10% reduction in its winter flight schedule, a strategic move made in compliance with a mandate from the Ministry of Civil Aviation intended to stabilise the network after the disruptions.
When the year began, a billionaire with close ties to the White House was a lock for the most newsworthy tech titan of 2025. But 12 chaotic months later, Larry Ellison, not Elon Musk, can justifiably lay claim to the title.

The 81-year-old Oracle Corp. co-founder and chairman has been omnipresent  playing a role in just about every major business story of the year, from the frenzied artificial intelligence boom to the megadeals that are roiling Hollywood. Oracle even plans to take a stake in TikTok as part of a somewhat tortured plan to help Donald Trump save the popular video app. Along the way, Ellisons fortune waxed and waned with Oracles stock price  a fever line for a volatile era.

The year began with Stargate, perhaps the most audacious data center project of them all. On Jan. 21, a day after Trumps inauguration, the president appeared at the White House with Ellison, OpenAIs Sam Altman and SoftBank Group Corp. chief Masayoshi Son to announce a $500 billion plan to build AI infrastructure. Many superlatives were spilled that day  100,000 jobs!  and some skeptics considered the vast sum aspirational.

Oracle has since embarked on a historic build-out of data centers optimized for AI thats proceeding faster than some expected. The endeavor caused the companys cash flow to go negative for the first time since the early 1990s. But Ellison, who famously passed on the cloud computing revolution 15 years ago, is suddenly an AI guy.

In the summer, OpenAI inked a deal worth some $300 billion to rent a massive amount of computing from Oracle, setting up the leading AI lab to become Oracles largest customer.

Investors swooned in September when Oracle disclosed the full scale of its OpenAI business. Ellisons net worth jumped $89 billion in a day to $388 billion, the largest one-day increase recorded by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. That briefly made him the richest person in the world, surpassing Musk.

His ballooning fortune segued nicely with his son Davids aspirations of becoming a Hollywood mogul. In August, David Ellisons Skydance Media finally closed a deal to win control of Paramount, an acquisition financed largely by Ellison Senior.

Weeks after closing the Paramount deal, David Ellison turned his gaze to Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., offering to take over the home of Batman, Harry Potter and Bugs Bunny. His father offered to help finance the deal and personally pitched Warner Bros. executives.

It was to no avail. Warner Bros. turned down Paramount Skydances bid and accepted one from Netflix Inc. instead. The younger Ellison replied with a hostile offer  a move his father pulled in the early 2000s to buy software company PeopleSoft. Paramounts second bid was rejected, with Warner Bros. casting doubt the company could deliver on the equity portion of its offer. In response, Larry Ellison agreed to personally guarantee $40.4 billion in financing.

Thats a lot of money, even for him. In recent months, Ellisons fortune has dwindled  mirroring a slump in Oracles share price. Many investors have become skeptical about AI spending in general and consider Oracle especially vulnerable compared with its peers because it has accumulated so much debt to finance its data-center building spree and is counting on OpenAI for a massive chunk of its future business.

Ellison is currently the fifth-richest person in the world, with a net worth of just less than $250 billion. So he has sufficient assets to meet the guarantee many times over. However, his high concentration in Oracle stock means its unclear how much cash hed be able to immediately deploy were he called on to provide the full $40.4 billion backstop, raising the possibility that he might resort to selling stock or pledging additional shares.

Before 2025, Ellison used his money mostly to collect trophies  including planes, sailboats, Malibu real estate and much of the Hawaiian island of Lanai. He dabbled in Hollywood by backing his kids movies. Now his fortune is tied to the fiercely contested AI market and a still-unproven, debt-laden media company led by his son.

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(Bloomberg) -- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razaks defense in his biggest trial yet over 1MDB was roundly criticized by the presiding judge, who dismissed suggestions Najib was unaware of any wrongdoing and directly connected him with Jho Low, the fugitive financier at the center of the scandal.

The accused was no country bumpkin, but was possessed of not only an impeccable family and political pedigree, but of superior intelligence, Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah said in an almost three-hour High Court summation Friday. He said Najib used Low, who is now on the run, as a proxy or agent in the affairs of 1MDB.

No verdict has yet been given in the more than two dozen charges against the 72-year-old Najib, with the court breaking shortly after noon in Kuala Lumpur time and scheduled to resume after 3 p.m. Najib has consistently denied wrongdoing and can appeal any guilty verdict.

The judge said prosecution witnesses were credible, also rejecting Najibs Arab donation defense regarding millions of dollars placed in his bank account, purportedly by the Saudi royal family. The cold hard facts show Lows presence and involvement in critical phases of 1MDB transactions and an obvious proximity and relationship with Najib, the judge said.

The attempt by the accused to distance himself from Jho Low rang hollow in the light of the overwhelming evidence of these prosecution witnesses, Sequerah said in the High Court. Suggestions that officials below Najib knowingly conspired against the then-prime minister would stretch the imagination into the realms of pure fantasy.

The judge also dismissed defense claims that Najib was misled and duped by Low.

Najib is already serving time for crimes related to the collapse of 1MDB and on Monday lost a bid to serve the rest of his current six-year sentence at home. Fridays ruling relates to 2018 charges against Najib in which he was accused of four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving roughly 2.2 billion ringgit ($544 million) tied to 1MDB.

The state fund was set up during his premiership before collapsing in the sprawling, multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal, which has stretched from Singapore to Switzerland. Those ensnared in the affair included a Grammy-winning rapper and a high-profile banker, with global investigations revealing salacious details of Hollywood deals and parties with actor Leonardo DiCaprio. About $4.5 billion was allegedly lost in the scandal, which led to multiple probes across continents.

An adverse ruling would diminish the chances of a political comeback for Najib, although he retains significant influence in the United Malays National Organisation, which has campaigned for his release. UMNOs secretary-general this week said it may be time to review its support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims government after the biggest member of the coalition, the Democratic Action Party, crowed over Najibs recent legal loss.

Najib, whose father was Malaysias second prime minister, lost power in 2018 and has been in jail since 2022 for criminal breach of trust and abuse of power in connection with 1MDB. He had his original sentence halved to six years in early 2024 following royal intervention, and is due to be released in 2028.

--With assistance from Joy Lee and Adrian Kennedy.

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MUMBAI: Honest Shelters Pvt. Ltd., the developer of Mumbais long-delayed Palais Royale tower, which is touted to be Indias tallest residential skyscraper once completed, has settled a dispute with an operational creditor that had moved the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) seeking recovery of unpaid dues.

As per an NCLT order dated 27 October and reviewed by Mint, Honest Shelters has agreed to pay Interscape, a Mumbai-based architecture and interior decoration firm, 4.8 crore against total dues of 5.21 crore. The developer had already paid 1.05 crore prior to the settlement and committed to clearing the remaining amount in instalments by 31 December.

The order records that Saloni Sulakhe of law firm Dhaval Vussonji & Associates, appearing for Honest Shelters, handed over cheques worth 3.75 crore to Interscapes counsel in court.

The settlement removes one more legal hurdle for a project that has been mired in delays since its inception over 15 years ago. However, questions over timelines persist.

Located in Mumbais Worli area, Palais Royale received regulatory approval for construction in 2005. It was originally developed by Shree Ram Urban Infrastructure Ltd (SRUIL), which exited the project after slipping into bankruptcy following years of stalled construction.

Honest Shelters paid 705 crore to acquire the project in 2019 at an auction conducted by Indiabulls Housing Finance to recover dues from SRUIL. Under Honest Shelters, the completion deadline was extended three times, with the most recent target set for December 2024.

A year after that deadline passed, construction remains visibly incomplete, with cranes still perched atop the towera conspicuous marker of delay for Mumbai residents.

The projects registration with the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has lapsed, according to the regulators website.

Queries emailed to Honest Shelters remained unanswered. Sulakhe did not respond to Mints messages.

Buyers unfazed

Even so, prolonged delays and regulatory lapses have not deterred buyers at the very top end of the market.

In December 2024, the promoters of Metro Brands Ltd purchased five apartments on the 61st and 62nd floors of Palais Royale for a combined 405 crore, making it the most expensive home purchase of 2024, according to data from Zapkey, a property registration data aggregation platform. More recently, in August this year, two apartments in the building changed hands for 5052 crore, Zapkey data shows.

Part of the projects appeal lies in its scale and scarcity. Most apartments at Palais Royale have a carpet area of 4,755 sq. ft or 6,522 sq. ft, according to MahaRERA. The largest apartment spans 37,243 sq. ft. By contrast, nearly half of the new homes sold in Mumbai in 2024 had a carpet area of under 650 sq. ft, MahaRERA data shows.

Also Read | Bandra beckons: Adani Realty plots its most ambitious luxury build

Some of the projects attractiveness is also likely stemming from its exclusivity and the advanced stage of construction, according to Pankaj Kapoor, managing director of real estate data and analytics firm Liases Foras.

The construction of the building has reached an advanced stage so people may be taking comfort in that. It may not take 15 more years for the project to be completed, maybe one or two more years," he said. Moreover, the project remains attractive to home buyers as such large apartments are not easily available in Mumbai.

The project is also an exclusive address, so it is also a status symbol," he said.
The Andhra Pradesh government has issued a conditional "No Objection Certificate" to Vedanta Limited (Cairn Oil & Gas Division) for drilling 20 onshore wells in Krishna district.

According to a recent Government Order, Vedanta Limited (Cairn Oil & Gas Division) has submitted a representation, stating that their firm was awarded the work of development of the Onshore Oil and Gas Field under the Discovered Small Field (DSF) Policy, 2018.

Further, they requested to grant a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for drilling wells at 35 locations in the block located in various village limits for Onshore Oil and Gas Development and Production, from the Water Resources Department of Andhra Pradesh, as the Bandar Canal passes through the centre of the proposed block.

After careful examination of the matter, the government hereby issues No Objection Certificate to M/s Vedanta Limited (Cairn Oil & Gas Division), Mumbai, for drilling 20 Nos. of wells at the locations mentioned at para (2) above subject to the terms & conditions as mentioned at para (3) above, the order said.

The Engineer-in-Chief (Irrigation), Water Resources Department, Vijayawada, the Chief Engineer, Krishna Delta System, Vijayawada, and the Collector of Krishna District shall take necessary action accordingly, it added. According to the order, the NoC can be issued only from the irrigation point of view and is purely temporary in nature.

Also Read | Vedanta shares extend bull run to seventh session, hit fresh record high

The applicant shall obtain all required permissions from the departments concerned before commencing operations, as per norms. No water shall be drawn from irrigation canal sources such as the Bandar Canal, KDS canal network, drainage network, ponds, reservoirs, or any other surface-water source, it said.

Cairn Oil & Gas, a division of Vedanta Limited, is Indias largest private oil and gas exploration production company, contributing approximately a quarter of the countrys domestic crude production, with a vision to increase this contribution to 50 per cent through sustainable and responsible practices.
As the government weighs relief for Vodafone Ideas adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, the question is whether it will be enough to keep the telecom operator afloat. Experts suggest that even if the government halves Vodafone Ideas AGR dues, the relief may only buy time, not ensure survival.

Mint examines what relief the government is considering for Vodafone Idea, why AGR recalculation alone may not be enough, how high tariffs would need to rise for the company to remain viable, and whether Indias telecom market can sustain repeated price hikes without losing subscribers or competition.

What financial relief is the government considering for Vodafone Idea?

In October, the Supreme Court allowed the government to reassess Vodafone Ideas adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, which stood at 83,400 crore as of end of March 2025. The ruling came as a breather for the company, which has flagged concerns about its ability to survive beyond the current financial year without government support.

AGR is the revenue base used to calculate licence fees and spectrum usage charges payable to the government. Following the Supreme Court order, the department of telecommunications (DoT) has begun the process of recalculating Vodafone Ideas AGR dues.

Government officials and analysts suggest that this reassessment could halve the companys AGR liability to around 40,000 crore. In addition, the government is considering extending a moratorium on repayments for the cash-strapped operator.

Also Read | After SC lifeline for Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel eyes similar relief on AGR dues

Clarity on the relief is expected soon, as Vodafone Idea would otherwise need to begin annual instalment payments of nearly 18,000 crore from March 2026.

Will the AGR relief suffice for Vodafone Idea?

No. The proposed AGR relief may help Vodafone Idea stay afloat in the near term, but it does little to address the companys larger debt burden.

Of the roughly 2 trillion in total government dues, about 1.17 trillion relates to spectrum payments rather than AGR. According to brokerage firm Ambit Capital, Vodafone Idea will face deferred spectrum payments of 17,400 crore in FY28. Even assuming a 15% tariff hike across the industry in the JanuaryMarch period, the company is unlikely to generate sufficient cash to meet this obligation.

We expect Vi (Vodafone Idea) to continue raising equity/debt for funding its capex," the brokerage said in a note dated 24 December.

Earlier this month, Vodafone Idea raised 3,300 crore through secured non-convertible debentures, or NCDs, thorugh its subsidiary Vodafone Idea Telecom Infrastructure Ltd, or VITIL. The proceeds will be utilized by VTIL to repay past obligations to Vodafone Idea.

Crucially, Vodafone Ideas spectrum payment obligations from FY28 onwards are projected to exceed its expected cash Ebitda of 13,800 crore in that year and in subsequent years, highlighting why AGR relief alone does not change the companys long-term viability.

What does Vodafone Idea need to survive?

Analysts say Vodafone Idea would need sustained tariff hikes to lift its average revenue per user (Arpu) to about 300 from the current 167.

Even if we assume a four-year moratorium on AGR payments and the overall AGR liabilities being revised 50% lower, Vi will need an Arpu of 300 in FY30 to survive. This is possible only if the telecom industry tariff repair continues," Ambit Capital said.

Beyond tariff increases, the company would also require significant equity infusion. A fresh equity raise would dilute the governments current 49% stake, potentially allowing for further conversion of dues into equity if required, according to analysts and industry experts.

In a note dated 11 November, Emkay Global Financial Services said Vodafone Ideas leverage remains high even after excluding AGR dues, and that the government may need to consider measures to reduce spectrum debt. The brokerage added that further capital infusion and restructuring of spectrum and AGR liabilities are critical for the companys long-term sustainability.

Vodafone Idea also needs to expand network coverage to arrest subscriber churn. While the company has begun work on this front, it requires bank funding to execute its plans. It has previously outlined a capital expenditure programme of 50,00055,000 crore over the next three years.

We have strengthened our network by adding a significant number of towers across the country, enhancing coverage and capacity for more robust connectivity and a superior network experience," Vodafone Idea chief executive officer Abhijit Kishore said in a letter to its users Thursday. Kishore said the company has launched 5G in 29 cities and commenced the next phase of 5G expansion and 4G network improvement.

Can telecom operators raise tariffs at short intervals?

Tariff hikes remain a sensitive issue, given that voice and data services are considered essential by consumers. Historically, such increases have depended on actions by industry leaders, particularly Reliance Jio.

In December 2019, Jio initiated a tariff hike by introducing interconnect usage charge top-up vouchers, which was followed by industry-wide price increases of 30-50%. Two years later, Bharti Airtel led a 20-21% hike, with Jio and Vodafone Idea following suit. In July 2024, Jio again took the lead on tariff hikes.

We expect a 15% tariff hike in 4QFY26 to be led by Jio," Ambit Capital analysts said.

The brokerage expects tariff hikes of 12-15% roughly once every two years, along with metering of 5G data and the introduction of new plans offering more generous data allowances. However, Vodafone Idea is currently not in a position to lead such increases, as doing so risks accelerating subscriber churn if competitors do not follow.

While telecom operators are free to set tariffs based on market competition, the regulator monitors all changes and requires providers to file revised tariffs after implementation, allowing intervention in cases of unfair or anti-competitive pricing.

Why is avoiding a duopoly in telecom important?

Experts believe that preventing a duopoly is critical for the sector. A market dominated by just two players could result in higher tariffs, fewer choices for consumers, and weaker competition.

The survival of a third private operatorVodafone Ideais therefore seen as essential to maintaining competitive balance. Analysts point to recent disruptions in the aviation sector, where operational challenges at IndiGo, the countrys largest airline, prompted the government to approve two new airlines.

According to Ambit Capital, given the telecom sectors critical importance, comparable to aviation, the recent experience in aviation may push the government to move more urgently on relief measures, ensuring that Vodafone Idea remains a credible third private-sector player.
Mark Zuckerberg, the billionaire cofounder of Facebook, is in the spotlight after he gifted unique presents to his neighbours in Palo Alto this Christmas. His ongoing construction work at multiple homes in area aroused tension in the neighbourhood impacted by heavy noise and disruptions.

To settle down tensions, he gifted noise-cancelling headphones as a peace offering on this festive occasion, The New York Times reported. The CEO of Meta was concerned about frustrated neighbours due to his expansion and modification drive of 11 homes in the Crescent Park locality.

Over the past 14 years, the 41-year-old billionaire bought nearly 11 homes on Edgewood Drive and Hamilton Avenue spent by shelling out more than $110 million. This residential area was once dominated by lawyers, business executives and Stanford University professors. However, Mark Zuckerberg commissioned activities have been defining the area over the years as it was not only the construction equipment that disrupted neighbours' peace, surveillance and frequent lavish parties have been driving them up the wall.

Also Read | Christmas Day air scare: Poland intercepts Russian spy plane over Baltic

Mark, Priscilla and their children have made Palo Alto their home for more than a decade. They value being members of the community and have taken a number of steps above and beyond any local requirements to avoid disruption in the neighbourhood," Fortune quoted a spokesperson for Mark Zuckerberg as saying.

Also Read | Coast Guard tracks down a runaway oil tanker linked to Iran and Venezuela

Mark Zuckerberg on a gifting spree to appease angry neighbours Besides the noise-cancelling headphones, Zuckerbergs staff offered gifts to appease neighbours who complained about street blockages, debris and relentless noise as ongoing issues. Bottles of sparkling wine and boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts were among the several gifts reportedly offered by Zuckerberg.

Nearly eight years of continual construction activity and disruption surrounding Zuckerberg's expanding residential compound aroused discontent among neighbours. As per reports, the Meta Chief added 7,000 square feet of space underneath the residential compound. Residents describe these basements as bunkers or a billionaires bat cave."

Zuckerberg clashed with neighbours several times in the past. Facebook cofounder's real estate projects did not appeal to his neighbours as Palo Alto officials rejected a proposal in 2016 to demolish 4 homes and replace them with smaller houses and large basements. To avoid regulatory hurdles, Zuckerberg proceeded with his plans in a piecemeal fashion.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/

Ukraine neutralized 73 of the 99 drones that the Russian army used to attack Ukraine on Friday night, recording the hit of a ballistic missile and 26 strike UAVs at 16 locations, the Air Force of the Armed Forces has said.

"According to preliminary data, as of 09:00, air defense shot down/suppressed 73 enemy Shahed, Gerbera and other types of drones in the north, south and east of the country. Recording the hit of a ballistic missile and 26 strike UAVs at 16 locations," the Air Forces telegram channel said.

In total, on the night of December 26 (from 18:00 on December 25), the enemy attacked with one Iskander-M ballistic missile from the temporarily occupied Crimea, as well as 99 strike UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera type and drones of other types from the directions: Bryansk, Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk - the Russian Federation, Gvardiyske  temporarily occupied Crimea, about 60 of them  Shahed UAVws. .

The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

The effectiveness of air defense against UAVs was 73.74%.

As reported, on December 25, the Defense Forces neutralized 106 of 131 drones used in the Russian attack Ukraine on the night of Thursday. Some 22 strike UAVs were recorded hitting 15 locations, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.
Two of Tata Steels Dutch subsidiaries are facing a class action lawsuit in the Netherlands, seeking compensation of about 1.4 billion ( 14,810 crore) for alleged environmental and health-related damage.

A Dutch non-profit organisation, Stichting Frisse Wind.nu (SFW), initiated the legal proceedings against Tata Steel Nederland B.V. and Tata Steel IJmuiden B.V, Tata Steel said in a filing with the stock exchanges late Thursday.

SFW claims to represent residents living near Tata Steels IJmuiden plant in Velsen-Noord. It alleges that emissions from the steelmakers operations, including hazardous and harmful substances, have negatively impacted public health and the quality of life in the surrounding areas.

SFW is seeking compensation for increased susceptibility to health issues among residents, as well as loss in the enjoyment and value of homes in the region. It contends that average home prices in the area lag behind those in comparable regions and attributes this to the steel plants operations.

Responding to the allegations, Tata Steel said SFW's claims lack merit and that its Dutch subsidiary has strong arguments to defend against the claims and will vehemently defend itself against these claims. The company added that SFW has not provided any supporting evidence and described the compensation demand as speculative and without basis.

Also Read | Tata Steel board greenlights domestic expansion, moves to secure iron ore

Tata Steels stock closed 0.50% lower, while the benchmark index Sensex closed 0.43% lower on Friday.

1.4 billion euros is material. However, Tata Steel has stated it will study the claim and assess its potential implications. The company will defend its position legally, and explore how the case evolves, said Aditya Welekar, a senior research analyst at Axis Securities. The stock has not reacted sharply, which suggests the market is not factoring in a material immediate impact. On a broader level, Tata Steel is already engaged in discussions around ESG and emissions and is investing significantly in green initiatives.

Third-party funders According to the steelmakers filing, the proceedings will be under the Dutch Act on Collective Settlement of Mass Claims (WAMCA). The case will first go through an admissibility phase, followed by a merits phase. Each phase is expected to take two to three years to conclude. According to Tata Steel, since the case will be heard under WAMCA, the discussions on the actual compensation amount are not expected in the near term.

Tata Steel highlighted that the class action is financed by third-party litigation funders. According to the disclosure, the class action is financed by Redbreast Associates N.V. and Omni Bridgeway S.A. SFW has stated that its financiers could receive either a multiple of their investment or up to 25% of any compensation awarded.

The company said health and environmental protection remain key priorities. It also pointed to its Green Steel Plan, developed in coordination with the Dutch government.

Also Read | Tata Steel lifts profits, but UK pain lingers amid cheap imports

Tata Steel signed a non-binding agreement with the Netherlands government on 29 September to receive up to 2 billion of financial aid to reduce emissions at its Dutch facility. According to the government, Tata Steel will have to spend 4 billion to 6.5 billion in total to cut emissions at its Netherlands operation to comply with regulations.

The remaining funds will come from the companys cash flows, debt and from parent company Tata Steel. It has also applied for a grant of about 300 million from the EU Innovation Fund.

Tata Steel came to own both the IJmuiden plant and Port Talbot in the UK as part of its 2007 acquisition of Europe's Corus Steel. The IJmuiden plant has a capacity of 7 million tonnes per annum.

Other allegations Tata Steels Netherlands operations have faced similar allegations in the past. In December 2024, it received two penalty orders from the Environment Agency of the Netherlands, which fined it 239 crore for non-compliance with emission thresholds.

In a separate notice at the time, the environmental watchdog threatened to shut one of Tata Steels two coke and gas plants in the country if it didnt comply with certain conditions within 12 months. To this, the steelmaker said that the orders and notices were unlikely to lead to a shutdown of Tata Steels coke and gas plants and it planned to file objections against the orders and the notice with the appropriate authority in due course.

Also Read | Dutch govt proposes 2 bn euros support to Tata Steel arm for IJmuiden plant decarbonisation project

Tata Steel did not respond to an email from Mint, seeking comment on the developments.

In 2023, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) said life expectancy around Tata Steels steel factory was 2.5 months lower due to exposure to fine particles and nitrogen dioxide.
Washington DC [US], December 26 (ANI): Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese has expressed deep grief over the death of his longtime friend and collaborator Rob Reiner, describing the loss as "heartbreaking," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In a guest essay published in The New York Times on Christmas Day, Scorsese reflected on their decades-long friendship and shared memories of working together, including on The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), in which Reiner played the father of Leonardo DiCaprio's character.

"Rob Reiner was my friend, and so was Michele. From now on, I'll have to use the past tense, and that fills me with such profound sadness," Scorsese wrote, adding, "But there's no other choice." Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele, 70, were found dead at their Brentwood home in Los Angeles on December 14. According to reports, both had suffered fatal injuries, and their son, Nick Reiner, 32, has been arrested and charged in connection with their deaths, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Recalling their early days, Scorsese said he first met Reiner in the early 1970s after moving to Los Angeles. He praised Reiner's sharp wit, warmth, and natural humour, describing him as someone who never dominated a room but brought joy effortlessly. Scorsese also reflected on Reiner's celebrated family background and his roots in New York comedy.

Speaking about The Wolf of Wall Street, Scorsese said he immediately thought of Reiner for the role of Jordan Belfort's father. He praised his performance, noting how subtly and powerfully Reiner conveyed the emotional depth of a father torn between pride and concern.
Indore, Dec 26 (PTI) An 18-year-old graphic designer, who claimed to have lost his job due to AI (artificial intelligence), has been arrested with his doctor-aspirant woman friend for allegedly stealing jewellery worth 16 lakh, police said.

The teen duo told police that they were inspired by the 2005 film Bunty Aur Babli, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrikrishna Lalchandani on Thursday.

They allegedly stole gold, silver, and diamond jewellery worth 16.17 lakh from a shop in Indores Rau police station area on the night of December 22, the official told reporters.

All the stolen valuables were recovered from their possession after their arrest in Bhopal, where the two had fled.

Without disclosing the identities of the accused, DCP Lalchandani said, Both are 18 years old. The young man is a graphic designer, while the woman is preparing for NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test). The two have known each other since childhood.

During interrogation, the young man told us that he used to work part-time as a graphic designer in an IT company, but lost his job due to the companys adoption of artificial intelligence technology, and he was finding it difficult to make ends meet, the official added.

The accused, who come from economically weak background, claimed to have planned the theft after watching Bunty Aur Babli, he said.
Shale drillers have turned the biggest oil field in the U.S. into a pressure cooker that is literally bursting at the seams.

Producers in the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico extract roughly half of the U.S.s crude. They also produce copious amounts of toxic, salty water, which they pump back into the ground. Now, some of the reservoirs that collect the fluids are overflowingand the producers keep injecting more.

It is creating a huge mess.

A buildup in pressure across the region is propelling wastewater up ancient wellbores, birthing geysers that can cost millions of dollars to clean up. Companies are wrestling with drilling hazards that make it more costly to operate and complaining that the marinade is creeping into their oil-and-gas reservoirs. Communities friendly to oil and gas are growing worried about injection.

Its one of the many things that keep me up at night," said Greg Perrin, general manager of the groundwater-conservation district in Reeves County, Texas, where companies are injecting some of the largest volumes of wastewater.

Swaths of the Permian appear to be on the verge of geological malfunction. Pressure in the injection reservoirs in a prime portion of the basin runs as high as 0.7 pound per square inch per foot, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of data from researchers at the University of Texas at Austins Bureau of Economic Geology.

When pressure exceeds 0.5 pound per square inch per foot, the liquidif it finds a pathwaycan flow to the surface and pose a risk to underground sources of drinking water, Texas regulators have said in industry presentations.

The fracas above ground is raising questions about how the Permian can sustain red-hot production without causing widespread environmental damage that could leave taxpayers on the hookand complicate the regions economic plans. The basin is trying to lure data centers with cheap land and energy and has plans to become a hub for burying carbon dioxide captured at industrial plants and sucked out of the air.

You need to have a stable, locked-down geology thats going to behave as its supposed to," said Adam Peltz, a director at the Environmental Defense Fund, a nonprofit advocacy group. Otherwise, youre going to cause a huge, expensive mess that Texans will pay for for generations."The industry is working to clean up its act, but solutions to treat and ditch meaningful volumes of water far from the oil fields remain years away.

Oil-and-gas executives said solving the wastewater issue is an industry priority.

The size of the Permian is such that this cant be a limiting factor for the success of the whole basin," said Scott Neal, director of growth and portfolio for Chevrons shale and tight business.

Unintended consequences

In the Delaware portion of the Permian, its most prolific region, drillers crank out between 5 and 6 barrels of water, on average, for every barrel of oil.

For years, they pumped the putrid fluids deep into the groundand triggered hundreds of earthquakes, some with a magnitude of over 5. They caused little damage in the sparsely populated Permian, but they were felt as far as Dallas, El Paso and San Antonio, where a historic building was damaged.

In 2021, the Railroad Commission of Texas, the agency that oversees the oil-and-gas industry in the state, began cracking down on deep disposal. Companies pivoted to shallow reservoirs, which now absorb roughly three-quarters of the billions of barrels of water that they inject in the Permian every year. The shift largely cured the tremors but has created unintended consequences.

View Full Image Saltwater erupted in 2022 from an abandoned well near the unincorporated community of Tubbs Corner, Texas.

Pressure is mounting, and saltwater is being kicked out over vast distances. It is migrating up some of the decaying wells that litter the Permian, forcing companies and regulators to play a protractedand expensivegame of whack-a-mole.

In 2022, a 100-foot column of saltwater erupted from an abandoned well in Texas Crane County near the unincorporated community of Tubbs Corner. Chevron, which owned the well, plugged it. But nearly two years later, water started to ooze from a different well in the same area, a sign that bottling up the geyser likely repressurized the subsurface and triggered the new outburst, scientists said.

It took the Railroad Commission about 53 days and roughly $2.5 million to plug that leak. Eventually, the agency quietly shut in the injection wells that it said were likely causing the increase in pressure.

The ordeal might not be over. The ground in the area has seen a slight uplift in recent months, a sign that pressure is building up again, scientists said.

Tackling the crisis

Regulators in Texas face a tough balancing act. Oil-and-gas production contributes too much to the states economy to be curtailed, but letting the situation fester risks turning supportive communities against the industry. Their task is complicated because New Mexico restricts disposal, so most of the Permians wastewater is injected in Texas.

Researchers at the Bureau of Economic Geology painted a critical picture of the frenzied injection in a preliminary, informal project proposal shared with the Railroad Commission last year, an open-records request filed by The Wall Street Journal revealed. Operators were injecting wastewater with little concern over how it might travel underground or its impact on reservoir pressure, they said.

This behavior inexorably causes waste, regulatory action that impairs operation and investment, and reduction of the intrinsic value" of the injection resource, they said.

The commission has adopted a more-proactive approach to tackle the issue, industry experts said. Staffers routinely rely on satellite data to track down pressure buildups. Earlier this year, it said it would impose limits on injected volumes.

The Railroad Commission at times has appeared concerned about how the mounting crisis might reflect on it and the industry it regulates. It told the Texas Legislature last year that assembling a team to investigate the issue would help increase public confidence, the Journals open-records requests revealed. It received $1.3 million to hire the team. It also obtained an additional $100 million to plug leaky oil-and-gas wells.

Increasingly, Permian landowners find themselves dealing with abandoned well bores that come back to life. In May, a well on the Pecos County property of Laura Briggs started spraying saltwater like a fire hydrant. She said it took the Railroad Commission about four months to get it plugged at a cost of about $350,000.

Youre working with broken, rotten pieces of stuff," she said.

Some ranchers worry that wastewater might contaminate sources of groundwater and imperil their operations.

If it breaks loose in a zone where were drawing, say, stock water from, it could put you out of business overnight," said Brad Gholson, a rancher and the owner of Reeves County Feed & Supply, a livestock feed dealer in Pecos.

Perrin of the groundwater-conservation district said he thinks the Railroad Commission doesnt have enough boots on the ground to handle the situation. His district is starting a campaign to collect samples at water wells and assess whether quality has changed as a result of injectionan effort he expects to cost up to $200,000.

A commission spokesman said its injection program is designed to protect freshwater.

Uncertain future

The glitchy Permian plumbing is forcing producers to drill through zones of high pressure, fortify their wells with additional strings of casing, and use protective coating against corrosive saltwater. All this means that companies are having to spend more to extract oil and gas.

Bit by bit, it adds cost, it adds complexity, it adds mechanical challenges," said Chevrons Neal. He said the pressure buildup hasnt caused any material disruption to its operations.

In addition to these headaches, some drillers report that water is migrating into their oil-and-gas reservoirs. Pecos Valley, a Permian operator, earlier this year filed a lawsuit against the water-handling company NGL, saying water it had injected escaped and flooded four oil-and-gas wells. NGL has denied the allegations.

Oil-and-gas fields in South Texas, North Dakota and Appalachia also produce briny water but in much smaller volumes than in the Permian. As this basin matures, wells keep getting wetter.

The industry is testing technologies to evaporate the liquid faster and strip it of salt so it can be reused outside the oil patch. Companies are crafting plans to release scrubbed water into rivers. Texas lawmakers have passed legislation to help advance these solutions.

But researchers said these alternatives wont alleviate the near-term need for injection. Katie Smye, a researcher at the Bureau of Economic Geology, said there are areas of the Permian where injecting wastewater can be done safely and the industry must put more work into delineating these zones.

If we say no to deep injection due to earthquakes, and we say no to shallow injection due to surface flows, and were not taking into account the science of areas where injection is proceeding safely," she said, then what?"

Write to Benoit Morenne at benoit.morenne@wsj.com and Andrew Mollica at andrew.mollica@wsj.com
After Joe Greenes doctor unexpectedly retired, the New York City real-estate broker scrambled to renew prescriptions to treat his anxiety and depression. He called dozens of mental-health providers listed on his insurers website, but kept coming up empty.

They either dont pick up, they arent in-network or they arent seeing new patients," said Greene, 59 years old. The prospect of losing access to psychiatric medications he had taken for decades began to affect his business and family life. It was terrifying. You cant just go cold turkey on these things," he said.

Greene is one of a growing number of patients who have sued their insurance companies this past year, arguing they promise mental-health coverage that is virtually nonexistent.

Mental-health issues have had much more cultural acceptance, especially since Covid," said Sara Haviva Mark, a lawyer who has worked on insurance-related cases. One reason these lawsuits are being brought now is people are willing to talk about it."

By law, insurers must provide customers with an accurate list of doctors, hospitals and other providers covered by their plan. Lawyers say that when companies fail to do so patients end up paying high costs for out-of-network care, delaying care or opting to go without any treatment at all.

Lawmakers, academics and regulators have documented the existence of these faulty insurance directoriesoften referred to as ghost networksfor years. A Wall Street Journal investigation earlier this year found that many providers listed in the directories of Medicaid plans had seen few or no patients.

But researchers and lawyers say the studies have done little to improve insurance networks because the companies have faced few penalties.

The reports have not changed the fact that it is cheaper to break the law than comply with the law," said Abigail Burman, a lawyer who has studied the issue.

Insurers have argued they are reliant on information provided by doctors and hospitals. Maintaining accurate directories is a shared responsibility between clinicians, facilities and health insurance providers," Danielle Lloyd, an executive at health-insurance trade group AHIP, wrote in a letter responding to a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services request for information.

View Full Image Michelle Mazzola and her child, Guy Mazzola.

Construction company executive Michelle Mazzola, a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed in Connecticut earlier this year, said she spent months trying to find in-network treatment for her autistic toddler, but couldnt find anyone on the website for her insurance company, Anthem. The Mazzolas, who receive insurance coverage through an employer plan, pay as much as $20,000 each month for their 2-year-olds out-of-network care. It has made a huge difference in his life," she said. Its unfair that there are millions of kids out there whose parents cant afford this."

A spokeswoman for Anthem said it doesnt comment on pending litigation. The insurer meets state law requirements and relies on providers to update their information, the spokeswoman said.

One reason the problem is particularly acute in mental-health care is that psychologists, therapists and other specialists often have little incentive to take insurance. The amount insurers pay providers tends to be lower than for medical or surgical care, said lawyer Brian Hufford, who specializes in health-insurance litigation.

In areas like New York, there are enough people who can pay out of pocket that a lot of therapists can do well with cash-paying customers," Hufford said. What that means is anyone who is not well-off financially has difficulty getting care."

California plaintiff Jenniffer Roiz selected her employer plan because it touted its mental-health coverage but then struggled to find a therapist who would take her insurance, her lawsuit said. Roiz initially continued to see her existing therapist, who was out-of-network, then opted to go without any treatment at all.

Roizs law firm, Pollock Cohen, said its own research backs up her experience. It conducted a secret shopper study using a method designed by a health researcher, in which law-firm interns called 100 mental-health providers listed as in-network within a 25-mile radius of Roizs home. About half were unreachable, even after multiple calls, the lawsuit said. Only 13% of the 100 providers were in-network and willing to schedule an appointment within one month.

Her insurer, Blue Shield of California, said it doesnt comment on pending litigation.

Insurers have faced lawsuits over inaccurate listings for about a decade, but the newer lawsuits focusing on mental-health care have yet to clear key legal hurdles, including receiving a green light from a judge to proceed as class actions.

One particular challenge in these cases is quantifying compensation for people who received no mental-health treatment at all, said lawyer Steve Cohen, who represents several plaintiffs. The irony is that the people who are most hurt, those that abandon the search for care, have the hardest time recovering damages," he said.

Two earlier lawsuits on the issuebut not specifically mental-health carereached settlements this fall. Cigna agreed to pay $5.7 million to settle allegations that it wrongly classified some providers as in-network. And Health Net said it would pay $40 million to resolve allegations it used inaccurate provider directories. Cigna and Health Net have denied wrongdoing.

Greene, the real-estate broker, ultimately wasnt able to find a provider who was in the network of his insurance company, Healthfirst. He has instead paid about $50,000 over a couple of years for an out-of-network psychiatrist. Healthfirst declined to comment.

It cant be just me, he said. I dont want anyone else to have to go through this."

Write to Corinne Ramey at corinne.ramey@wsj.com
Punjab National Bank has informed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regarding a borrowal fraud of around 2,434 crore linked to former promoters of SREI Equipment Finance Ltd and SREI Infrastructure Finance Ltd, the lending giant informed the exchanges on Friday, 26 December 2025.

These companies were successfully resolved under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) by the NCLT, PNB noted.

Out of the 2,434 crore fraud, 1,241 crore is associated with a loan account of SREI Equipment Finance Ltd, and 1,193 crore with the loan account of SREI Infrastructure Finance Ltd. The lender has made provision for the total outstanding amount, according to the filing.

Also Read | Former IPS officer Amar Singh Chahal shoots self; critical

PNB share price The state-owned bank made the fraud announcement following the market hours on Friday, 26 December. PNB shares ended 0.50% lower at 120.35 on BSE today.

PNB Non-performing assets The lender's gross non performing assets (NPAs) decreased from 47,582 crore at the end of September 2024 to 40,343 crore at the end of September 2025, driven by improvements in recoveries, upgradation, and a reduction in fresh slippages, the lender informed in a separate exchange filing on 15 December, when Brickwork Ratings reaffirmed the ratings in respect of Basel III Additional Tier 1 Bonds as BWR AA+/Stable.

In H1FY26, the bank recovered 3,909 crore from NPAs, including 2,105 crore through cash recoveries and 1,804 crore by upgrading accounts to standard. Asset quality improvement was also supported by a write-off of 3,201 crore, down from 8,061 crore in H1FY25. While fresh slippages were 3,136 crore in H1FY26, they decreased slightly from 3,159 crore in H1FY25. Continued efforts to reduce slippages and enhance recovery and collections are expected to further improve asset quality, lowering the impact on provisioning costs and profitability, PNB said.
NEW DELHI : King Coal is tightening its grip as discoms flock to thermal power while cheaper green power waits for buyers, raising questions over India's ability to meet its energy transition goals.

States such as Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and West Bengal have recently signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) for thermal power at tariffs of as much as 6.64 a unit, even though solar and wind power come for 2.5-4. The key reason is the 'infirm' nature of renewable power - lack of generation when the sun doesn't shine, and the wind doesn't blow.

Even those renewable projects with combined solar and wind generation, plus battery storage, are not finding takers despite being available at 5 a unit or lower, as discoms remain wary of battery supply chains. Meanwhile, thermal provides the necessary base load. According to four people aware of the growing problem in Indias green energy space, this signals a continued weakening in demand for renewable power in the days to come.

Also Read | Why the COP30 climate conference is coy about phasing out oil, coal and gas

While Assam Power Distribution Co. Ltd has signed up for 3.2GW of thermal power at 6.64 a unit, Bihar State Power Generation Co. Ltd has signed a PPA at 6.08 a unit for 2.4GW. Also, MP Power Management Co. Ltd (800MW), West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd (1,600MW), and Uttar Pradesh Power Corp. Ltd (1.5GW) have signed PPAs for coal power at 5.85 per unit, 5.81 per unit, 5.45 per unit, and 5.38 per unit respectively, tariff petitions and orders showed. The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission is yet to approve the 1.5GW PPA.

We are not sure about the viability of these proposed (green power) projects, with tariffs being quoted very low for standalone battery projects," an official at a state power distributor that has signed up for thermal power said. "Further, there is an 18% GST on battery services, which would increase the cost of power. Batteries are currently imported, and there remain supply chain concerns. Thermal, on the other hand, is reliable with assured fuel supply and its baseload availability. Also, batteries currently can supply power for up to seven hours, and 24X7 supply would continue to require thermal power in the near future," the official said on condition of anonymity.

The situation may worsen as India plans to add 100GW of new coal power capacity by 2032. This also comes in the backdrop of Indias green energy trajectory, with power demand growing at around 10% annually. India hosts the worlds fourth-largest coal reserves and is the second-largest coal producer.

The states' scramble for coal-fuelled power comes at a time when 43GW green power capacity with a proposed investment of 2.1 trillion languishes without PPAs and power supply agreements (PSAs), as reported by Mint earlier. Also, Rajasthan and Gujarat, two of India's largest renewable power generators, have curtailed solar power production recently.

Green energy developers argue that coal power makes no economic sense.

If the levelized cost of power and escalation in coal prices are considered, the actual prices of thermal power would go above 7 per unit, while the cost of renewable power with storage is much better. There are batteries which run for about four hours and can be used in the evening when the demand is high. There is no genuine reason why discoms should prefer coal, which is a polluting resource, over renewable. There are neither economic nor operational reasons," said Parag Sharma, chief executive officer (CEO) of European alternative asset manager EQT-backed Zelestra India, which has an operational capacity of 600MW, with another 2GW contracted portfolio, of which 1.5GW is under construction.

Buying expensive thermal power also leaves little room for more green power, which states are mandated to buy under India's renewable energy purchase obligations (RPO).

A former executive with the Grid Controller of India said discoms need to come up with detailed resource adequacy plans and stick to them, keeping RPOs in mind.

As the space to procure green power by discoms shrinks due to the high-cost thermal PPAs, we would see more and more large companies take up green power through open access, along with the growth of rooftop solar and solar-based agriculture," said Jayant Deo, power sector expert and former CEO of Indian Energy Exchange, the countrys largest power exchange.

Also Read | Cabinet approves new rules to broaden export market for Indian coal

Of Indias 509.7GW of installed power generation capacity, coal-based plants account for 43% or 219.6GW; according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Indias apex power sector planning body.

Parth Kumar, program manager at the Centre for Science and Environment's sustainable industrialization unit highlighted that despite the 2023 National Electricity Plan targeting to cut the share of coal-based power to 59% of India's energy mix by FY27, it currently stands at nearly 70%.

There has been a change in course in the past two to three years. The NEP had projected an addition of 35GW by 2032, and it has increased to 97GW by 2035. Till March this year, its projections showed an increase in demand, and every year, demand surpassed projections. This year, peak demand was projected to be 270GW. But, it didn't reach that level, and the demand has, in fact, come down," he said.

There is a need to efficiently and flexibly use existing capacities, as well as scale up battery storage or other clean alternatives as firm power capacity, Kumar added.

The development has also raised concerns about its possible impact on India's emission targets. The government has set a target to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% till 2030. Between 2020 and 2025, the intensity reduced by 36%.

The new additions are definitely concerning from an environmental and carbon emission point of view. A major concern here is the long-term PPAs which are 25 years in most cases, which discoms are signing with the new plants with a future cost pass-through provision. This will undermine our clean energy and decarbonization goals. There is a need to review the economic longevity of these coal power contracts," CSEs Kumar added.

Whenever India has seen some pent-up demand, the country tends to go towards coal. Although the current addition of coal plants is in sync with the national electricity plan as of now, in case coal addition continues beyond what is in the pipeline, it may impact the energy transition and climate change goals," added Duttatreya Das, energy analyst for Asia at UK-headquartered think tank Ember, focused on energy transition.

Coal-fueled electricity has advantages such as assured fuel supply, stable power generation and continued role to meet the baseload power demand.

Discoms would primarily look at reliability and availability of power, apart from affordability. They would look at the source of power which is available. Coal provides that reliability," said Anil Razdan, Indias former power secretary, adding there is just not enough transmission capacity to evacuate renewable power.

"For discoms, coal is much more reliable and for power, availability would come ahead of the climate targets," he said.

In India, peak power demand is usually recorded during twice a dayonce in the afternoon 2pm to 4pm and later 9pm to 11pm. Despite the rapid growth of solar, India continues to rely heavily on coal to meet demand during peak demand times.

The lack of transmission capacity to evacuate renewable power has led to congestion and concerns of grid instability. Mint earlier reported that in February, clouds over swathes of North India caused abrupt dips in solar power production, raising worries about the stability of the power grid. Later, the national grid operator instructed all electricity companies to be on alert and maintain power supply to preserve the grid's stability.

The demand in the daytime is largely catered to by solar, and a large chunk of the agriculture demand across the country has now shifted to daytime with the reliance on solar; however, with the lack of energy storage, availability of power during the evening peak is still an issue," said a senior executive with an electricity exchange, requesting anonymity.
Dear reader, as 2025, a year of global tumult and volatility, rolls by, Mint's reporters and columnists look around the corner on what is coming in 2026to help you know what to expect and prepare for it. Tell us what you think at feedback@livemint.com.

India has the milk but not the export muscle.

That imbalance has defined its dairy sector for years: a country that is among the worlds largest milk producers, yet remains a marginal player in global dairy trade. Its presence in international markets is still tiny, concentrated in a narrow set of products and constrained by gaps in quality, compliance, cold chains, and branding.

Yet 2026 arrives at a moment when this long-standing mismatch is at an inflexion point. Dairy exports jumped sharply in FY25, scaling $490 million with volumes rising to over 113,350.4 tonnesup from about $273 million and 63,738.47 tonnes a year earlier, as per data from Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. Projections by the ministry of dairy and fisheries show Indias share in global milk supply rising to 32% in FY26 from 25% in FY25, underlining that production is no longer the constraint.

A smaller but symbolic shift is appearing in value-added products. Mint reported on 25 November that India is emerging as an unexpected player in the global mozzarella market, with exports rising to $2.29 million in FY25 from $0.71 million in FY24 and nil in FY23, according the commerce ministry. Shipments reached $3.29 million between April and September 2025an over 1,200% year-on-year jumpeven if overall volumes remain modest.

And, perhaps, the most important step in this direction is that dairy brand Amul started selling its Amul Gold homogenized milk in gallon (3.78 litre) packs at US retail giant Costco in October last year.

Indias exports of FY25 signal a turning point, said an expert. "The real opportunity lies in scaling it further in consonance with the Indias position as the largest producer of milk by building and exporting higher-value, processed dairy products such as ghee, SMP, cheese and whey, rather than raw or low-value outputs," said Avinash Chandani, partner at audit and consultancy firm Deloitte India. (SMP is short for skimmed milk powder.)

The constraints

Chandani noted that Asia produces nearly half of the worlds milk, with India accounting for about a quarter of global output. Total milk production in the country is estimated as 247.87 million tonnes during FY25, with output in FY26 estimated at 260 million tonnes, per esimates of the Indian Dairy Association.

But the export gap remains stark. While Asia commands only 4% of global dairy exports, Indias share is more abysmal proportionately at 0.25%. In contrast, Oceania captures almost 30% of exports with just 4% of production. This gap highlights Indias under-leveraged export potential," Chandani said.

The top five destinations for Indian dairy exports are United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the US, Bhutan, and Singapore.

Industry experts argue that Indias challenge is not supply but export readiness. Despite FY25s 80% growth, the basket remains narrow, with ghee and butter accounting for nearly three-fifths of shipments.

The next phase must focus on diversifying into high-value products such as milk proteins and other milk solids such as milk powders, lactoferrin, infant nutrition ingredients, and functional dairy," added Chandani.

Making India competitive

Analysts say India can scale exports sustainably only by shifting from volume-led growth to quality-led differentiation. That requires a stronger brand identity, deeper processing capabilities and consistent compliance with global standards.

There is need to prioritize branding that promotes Indian specialties, pack design and shelf-life enhancements, and consistent quality and certification. Also, it is essential to invest in cold-chain logistics, bargain with target markets for hygienic recognition, and assist exporters with trade facilitation and market research," said Ajay Kakra, who leads food and agriculture, among other sectors in India at consultancy Forvis Mazars.

Also Read | Why a teaspoon of ghee may be good for you

Experts also emphasise the need for globally accepted certifications, mandatory traceability from farm to port, and stronger positioning of buffalo-milk-based products, including ghee, butter oil, and dairy fats, in premium and ethnic segments.

The outlook for Indian dairies remains cautiously optimistic. While urban demand for categories such as ice cream, flavoured milk, yogurt and organic milk is rising, Indias share in global dairy trade remains work in progress.

India despite holding about 24% share in the world's milk production remains a marginal exporter in global milk trade of over $33 billion (as of 2024). "Aligning with global quality norms, improving productivity, and enhancing processing depth can unlock export opportunities in West Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia," said Satyam Shivam Sundaram, partner, government and public sector, at consultancy EY India.

According to Sundaram, 2026 could mark Indias transition toward a more premium, competitive, value-driven dairy economy, if supported by science-based breeding, expanded silage (feed), disease control, digital traceability and a targeted national dairy mission to drive white revolution 2.0".

Forvis Mazars's Kakra noted a niche but growing market for value-added dairy exports. Stronger cold chains, expanded processing capacity, and targeted marketing of products like ghee, whey and UHT milk will likely deliver steady growth. How soon manufacturers and exporters can fulfil stringent quality and packaging requirements will determine the pace," he said. UHT refers to ultra high temperature treatment of milk to sterlize it.

The way forward

Experts outline two pivots for Indias dairy exports.

First, a shift from production strength to compliance strengththrough export-grade processing, rigorous quality and residue standards, resilient cold chains and robust traceability.

Second, a move from scattered exports to strategic markets. India ships to more than 130 countries, but must now build focused corridors in high-growth regions such as West Asia, the Asean region, and Africa.

For India, 2026 is not about exporting more milkit is about exporting compliant milk, trusted brands, and globally acceptable products to the right markets," added Deloitte's Chandani.
For Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trumps billionaire envoys working on a deal to end the Ukraine war, Russia is a land of vast natural resources and rich business opportunities.

Welcoming it back into the world economy will make money for American investors and stabilize Moscows relationships with Ukraine and Europe, according to their public comments and people familiar with their thinking.

They arent the first U.S. business people to view Russia as a land of bountynor the first to advocate for peace through profits.

But many veterans of its volatile economy are skeptical that the country will handsomely reward U.S. capital, or that many American investors will flock to Vladimir Putins regime as soon as Washington lifts sanctions.

Russia is not the Emerald City or El Dorado," said Charles Hecker, a geopolitical risk analyst who spent four decades working in the Soviet Union and Russia. The size of the prize is smaller than some people think."

Russias $2.5 trillion economythe same size as Italyssuffers from weak long-term growth prospects, a shrinking population, declining reserves of oil that can be easily extracted, and a lack of growth drivers beyond energy, say economists.

View Full Image Jared Kushner, President Trumps son-in-law, and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.

Whats worse, say experienced U.S. investors in Russia, is the risk of losing your assetsand even ending up in jailin an increasingly autocratic and nationalistic regime that lacks the rule of law, rewrites the terms of deals, seizes property and views the West with deep suspicion.

Hecker, who also wrote Zero Sum: The Arc of International Business in Russia," said that even a settlement in Ukraine wouldnt break the cycles of hostility toward the West, saddling foreign companies with persistent geopolitical uncertainty.

The general animus of Russia towards the West will stay as long as Putin is in the Kremlin and arguably even longer," he said. Its unwise to assume that now, all of a sudden, the red carpet comes out for Western companies."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested as much this fall. Everyone should be allowed back in," he said at an economic forum. But it will be very expensive for them to come back here."

Risky business

The notion of companies flocking back to Russia is empty talk, said Alexandra Prokopenko, a former Russian central bank official who is now a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin. For any ordinary foreign investor, Russia is still uninvestable," she said.

If sanctions are lifted, exporters who can sell goods to Russia without investing much there will likely returnalthough many will find themselves up against Chinese imports that now dominate many Russian markets, from vehicles to smartphones.

Investors whose assets were expropriated after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine might seek to claw back some of their money. Exxon Mobil has held talks with Russian energy executives about returning to the Sakhalin oil and gas project, where it took a $4.6 billion write-down after Russia launched its war in 2022.

View Full Image Gas flares off at a liquefied natural gas plant on Sakhalin island, Russia.

If there are unique assets, such as extraordinary gas fields in the Arctic, I wouldnt be surprised if companies moved to secure an option to access those," said Michael Calvey, chairman of private-equity firm Baring Ventures, who worked as a financier in Russia for three decades.

But Id be surprised if anyone starts sinking billions into real investments for years," he said.

One deterrent, said Calvey, is that sanctions could return because of renewed war in Ukraine and Russian hybrid war with Europe. Then there are more the personal dangers of doing business in Russia.

Calvey was one of the most prominent U.S. business people in Russia. His firm Baring Vostok financed tech companies such as Yandex, Russias answer to Google. In 2019, after getting into a business dispute with Kremlin-connected investors, Calvey found himself arrested and jailed by the FSB, Russias internal intelligence agency.

His court conviction for misappropriating funds, widely seen as concocted, was later canceled, but he left Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and says he has no plans to return.

Russia does have valuable natural resources, as well as gifted tech entrepreneurs, Calvey said. But it also has systemic risks of the kind that I was a victim of," he said.

Since launching the war, the Kremlin has tightened its grip on Russias economy, confiscating property from foreign and domestic investors and handing them to business people loyal to Putin. Some $49 billion in assets have been seized as of this summer, according to Moscow-based law firm Nektorov, Saveliev & Partners. The pace of nationalizations is accelerating.

Any deals that Putin approves involving U.S. investors might only be upheld while President Trump is in power, said Pavel Khodorkovsky, a U.S.-based nonprofit executive and son of Mikhail, Russias richest oligarch until he was arrested and jailed in 2003 after clashing with Putin. Putin will honor his word only to the person he gives it to," he said.

Capital-intensive foreign investments in the Russian Arctic or elsewhere would involve heavy initial costs and bring returns only years later, he said. Investors would have to be confident of long-term friendly behavior from the Kremlin.

Anything that involves infrastructure, physical assetsI just dont think this is going to be an acceptable level of risk," he said.

Others say there is potential to make money. The question is should you do business with them at this time," said Alan Bigman, a Houston-based energy executive who was finance director of Russian oil producer TNK for years.

Of course, Russia should eventually be reintegrated into the world economy. If you have a nonaggressive Russia, then that economic linkup makes a lot of sense. But not at a time when theyre invading and threatening their neighbors," said Bigman. He noted that Putin used past trade with the West to build up his military. Most Russia experts predict hell do so again.

A history of hope

View Full Image Russians queue at a McDonalds restaurant in Moscow in April 1990.

As Communism was ending, U.S. brands moved in to satisfy Russians eager for a taste of the American lifestylesuch as with the first McDonalds restaurant, which opened on Moscows Pushkin Square in 1990.

But Russia adopted capitalism without the institutions that make it work in the West, such as functioning regulations or protections for property rights, and chaos ensued.

I thought we can make money if this place goes from terrible to bad," said Bill Browder, an Anglo-American financier whose firm Hermitage Capital Management ran the biggest foreign investment fund in Russia. You could lose all your money or multiply it 20 timesand the chance was fifty-fifty," he said.

View Full Image ....

In 2005 Browder was expelled from Russia after clashing with the authorities over corruption. His lawyer Sergei Magnitsky died in a Russian police cell, leading the U.S. to pass the Magnitsky Act, sanctioning Russian officials involved.

As Putins rule became increasingly autocratic, the predictability of Russias business environment went from bad back to horrible, and its been horrible ever since," said Browder.

Despite mounting tensions, Western Europe, led by Germany, stuck to its belief that trade and investment could eventually tame Russias repression at home and revanchism toward its neighbors.

Germanys theory of Wandel durch Handel," or change through trade, survived even Russias seizure of Crimea and covert invasion of eastern Ukraine in 2014. Only the full-scale invasion almost four years ago led to sweeping Western sanctions and a mass exodus by Western companies.

Frozen prospects

In wooing the White House, Moscow has talked up opportunities for joint ventures in the Arctic, which holds massive untapped energy resources, as well as for exploring Russias rare-earth metals deposits. But many of Russias deposits are in remote, hard-to-access environments.

Russia ranks among the worlds top three oil producers, alongside the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. But even before the war, many of Russias main oil fields in western Siberia and the Volga-Urals were depleting, forcing producers to shift to more complex and costly oil deposits in the far north and east.

View Full Image Workers at an oil rig in Siberia in 2004.

The share of Russias oil reserves classified as hard-to-recover is expected to climb to 80% by 2030, from 59% today, according to Russias Energy Ministry. As a result, some projections foresee output falling by at least 10% by the end of the decade.

Russias best years of growth came between 2000 and 2008, when global oil prices were rising continually. It was one of the original BRICsthe acronym championed by Goldman Sachs to highlight the promise of fast-growing emerging economiesalongside Brazil, India and China. Its performance has been patchy since then. The motor petered out after commodity prices stopped growing," said Elina Ribakova, an economist at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.

The U.S. shale gas boom contributed to Russias stagnation, she said. Faced with falling popular support, Putin shifted the narrative to nationalism.

As a foreign investor, said Ribakova, youre coming to a midsized European economy thats slowing down and dependent on arms spending. Why?"

Write to Marcus Walker at Marcus.Walker@wsj.com and Georgi Kantchev at georgi.kantchev@wsj.com
By Georgina McCartney

HOUSTON, - Oil prices settled more than 2% lower on Friday as investors weighed a looming global supply glut, while also keeping an eye on a potential Ukraine peace deal ahead of talks this weekend between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Brent crude futures settled down $1.60 or 2.57% to $60.64 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude settled down $1.61 or 2.76% to $56.74.

While supply disruptions have helped oil prices rebound in recent sessions from their near five-year low on December 16, they are on track for their steepest annual decline since 2020. Brent and WTI are down 19% and 21% respectively on the year, as rising crude output caused concerns of an oil glut heading into next year.

"Geopolitical premiums have provided near-term price support, but have not materially shifted the underlying oversupply narrative," Aegis Hedging analysts said in a note on Friday.

The global oil supply next year will exceed demand by 3.84 million barrels per day, according to figures from the Paris-based IEA's December oil market report.

EYES ON RUSSIA-UKRAINE PEACE PROCESS

Investors are watching for developments in the Russia-Ukraine peace process and the possible impact on future oil prices, as a peace agreement could lead to the removal of international sanctions against Russia's oil sector.

Zelenskiy will discuss territorial issues, the main stumbling block in talks to end the war, with Trump in Florida on Sunday, as a 20-point peace framework and a security guarantees deal near completion.

Announcing the meeting, Zelenskiy said that "a lot can be decided before the New Year."

The Ukrainian president also told Axios he would be willing to call a referendum on an agreed peace framework if Russia agrees to a ceasefire.

A foreign policy aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to members of the U.S. administration after Moscow received U.S. proposals about a possible Ukrainian peace deal, the Kremlin said on Friday.

For the oil price, "the negatives remain of elevated global oil storage, and slight progress on Ukraine-Russia peace talks," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial.

The White House also ordered its military forces to focus on a "quarantine" of Venezuelan oil for at least the next two months, indicating Washington is currently more interested in using economic rather than military means to pressure Caracas.

"The global impact to crude prices looks minimal at this time," Kissler said of U.S. actions to intercept sanctioned oil tankers leaving and entering Venezuela.

Despite headline risk pertaining to Venezuela, the broader market remains focused on the growing global surplus, according to Aegis Hedging analysts.
Photo: Telegram @OleksiiKuleba

Russia continues its attempts to destroy the logistics of Ukraines seaports and undermine the economy and food security, the port infrastructure in the Odessa region has been attacked again, Deputy Prime Minister for the Reconstruction of Ukraine - Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine Oleksiy Kuleba has said.

"As a result of the drone strikes, elevators, warehouses of civilian enterprises, a barge, and vessels under the flags of Slovakia and the Republic of Palau were damaged. Rescuers are extinguishing fires at the sites of the hits. Port workers continue to inspect the damage. There are partial power outages, repair crews are working on restoration," Kuleba wrote in the Telegram channel.

In addition, a terminal in the Mykolaiv region was also hit by Russian drones. A vessel under the flag of Liberia was damaged. There were no casualties. Restoration work is ongoing.

Also, as a result of the drone attack, there was damage to the Lviv Railway at the Kovel station. A locomotive and a freight car were damaged, and the windows of the locomotive depot shop were broken by the blast wave. Ukrzaliznytsia employees are eliminating the consequences. "Despite the targeted Russian terror, the logistics system of Ukraine continues to work," the minister said.
Users of the Binance-owned Trust Wallet lost over $7 million following the launch of an updated Chrome extension. The company's co-founder, Changpeng Zhao, said that the stolen funds will be reimbursed.

Weve identified a security incident affecting Trust Wallet Browser Extension version 2.68 only. Users with Browser Extension 2.68 should disable and upgrade to 2.69, Trust Wallet said in a post on X.

In a separate post on X, the crypto wallet platform on 25 December said, Weve confirmed that approximately $7M has been impacted and we will ensure all affected users are refunded.

Meanwhile, Zhao also assured that the team is still investigating how hackers were able to access the new version.

Who is not impacted? It should be noted that mobile-only users and all other browser extension versions are not affected, according to Trust Wallet.

What should affected users do? If you are an affected user of Browser Extension v2.68, follow these instructions shared on the Trust Wallet X platform.

Step 1: Do not open the Trust Wallet Browser Extension v2.68 on your desktop device to protect the security of your wallet and avoid potential issues.

Step 2: Open the Chrome Extensions panel in your Chrome browser by copying this URL into the address bar: chrome://extensions/?id=egjidjbpglichdcondbcbdnbeeppgdph (shortcut to the Official Trust Wallet Browser Extension).

Step 3: Switch the toggle to "Off" below the Trust Wallet if it's still "On".

Step 4: Click "Developer mode" in the upper right corner.

Step 5: Press the "Update" on the left upper corner.

Step 6. Check the version number: 2.69. This is the latest and secure version.

If you haven't updated to Extension version 2.69 yet, please avoid opening the Browser Extension until you have done so. This helps protect your wallet's security and prevents potential issues.

How did social media users react? Several social media users reacted to the security breach incident.

One of the users flagged, The problem has been going on for several hours.

Another user noted, You must explain what happened and compensate all users affected. Otherwise reputation is tarnished.

A user questioned, How did the vulnerability in version 2.68 get past testing, and what changes are being made to prevent similar issues?

About Trust Wallet Trust Wallet is a self-custody crypto wallet where users can buy, sell, store, swap, and manage their cryptocurrencies, meme coins, NFTs, and more. It allows users to buy, deposit, and withdraw cryptocurrencies.
Dachepalli Publishers IPO allotment: Following the closure of Dachepalli Publishers' initial public offering (IPO), investor focus has now shifted to its allotment status. Dachepalli Publishers IPO allotment date is today, December 26.

The company's maiden share sale had seen a lacklustre response during the bidding period, which opened on December 22 and closed on December 24.

The retail portion of the Dachepalli Publishers IPO was booked 1.90 times. Meanwhile, the non-institutional investor (NII) quota garnered 3.04 times bids. Lastly, the qualified institutional buyer (QIB) segment was subscribed 1.29 times.

Dachepalli Publishers IPO allotment status Investors can check the Dachepalli Publishers IPO allotment online by visiting the website of the exchange or the registrar. BSE is the exchange on which the SME IPO's shares will list, while Bigshare Services is the offer's registrar.

Steps to check Dachepalli Publishers IPO allotment on BSE 1. Head to the BSE website using this link: https://www.bseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspx

2. Select issue type as 'equity'

3. From the issue name dropdown, pick Dachepalli Publishers

4. Enter application number or PAN number

5. Select I am not a robot

6. Hit search

Steps to check Dachepalli Publishers IPO allotment on Bigshare Services 1. Head to the Bigshare IPO allotment page using this link: https://www.bigshareonline.com/ipo_allotment.html

2. Choose any of the three servers

3. Select the company name from the dropdown as Dachepalli Publishers

4. Select one of the options: Application No/Beneficiary ID/PAN No

5. Enter the details related to the option picked

6. Enter Captcha

7. Hit Search

Dachepalli Publishers IPO GMP today Dachepalli Publishers IPO GMP has remained steady over the last three days. Dachepalli Publishers IPO GMP today is 2. At the current GMP, Dachepalli Publishers' listing price could be 104, a premium of 1.96% over the offer price of 102.

GMP signals investor willingness to pay over and above the IPO price.

Dachepalli Publishers IPO Details The 40.39-crore Dachepalli Publishers IPO was entirely a fresh issue of 0.40 crore shares, priced at 100-102 apiece. Investors could apply for the IPO in lots of 1200 shares.

Since retailers needed to apply for at least two lots, the minimum investment requirement by them amounted to 2,44,800.

The company looks to use the IPO proceeds for financing working capital needs, repayment of borrowings availed by the company and meeting general corporate needs.

Dachepalli Publishers IPO listing date is December 30.

Dachepalli Publishers operates in Indias publishing sector, with a primary focus on educational content. The company publishes textbooks, reference books, and other academic materials tailored to school- and college-level curricula, supporting learning across a wide range of subjects and educational boards.
Gujarat Kidney IPO Allotment LIVE: Gujarat Kidney IPO closed for bidding on Wednesday, witnessing a decent demand for its maiden share sale. With the closure of the bidding process, investors are looking ahead to the Gujarat Kidney IPO allotment. Gujarat Kidney IPO allotment date is today, December 26.

Investors can track Gujarat Kidney IPO allotment easily online on the BSE or the NSE, and even by visiting the website of the registrar.

Gujarat Kidney IPO Subscription

Gujarat Kidney IPO was booked 5.21 times subscription on the final day of share sale.

The category for retail investors attracted 19.04 times subscription, while the quota for non-institutional investors received 5.73 times subscription. The portion meant for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) received 1.06 times subscription.

Gujarat Kidney IPO Details

The 251-crore IPO was priced in the range of 108 to 114 per share.

The issue consisted entirely of a fresh offering of up to 2.2 crore equity shares, aggregating 250.8 crore at the upper end of the price band.

The company plans to use the proceeds to acquire Parekhs Hospital in Ahmedabad and to partly fund the purchase consideration for the already acquired Ashwini Medical Centre.

Additional funds will be allocated toward setting up a new hospital in Vadodara, purchasing robotic equipment for the Vadodara facility, repaying debt, supporting inorganic growth through yet-to-be-identified acquisitions, and meeting general corporate expenses.

Gujarat Kidney IPO GMP

Gujarat Kidney IPO GMP today is nil. This means that shares are trading at par with the issue price, and listing will likely be flat -- neither a discount nor a premium.

The listing date for the Gujarat Kidney IPO is December 30.

Track this space for LIVE updates on Gujarat Kidney IPO Allotment details.
Sundrex Oil IPO allotment: The initial public offering (IPO) of Kolkata-based lubricants manufacturer, Sundrex Oil Company, concluded with modest subscription across segments. The NSE SME IPO, which opened on Monday, 22 December, and concluded on Wednesday, 24 December, saw an overall subscription of 1.5 times, with the retail portion subscribed to 2 times.

Priced at 81 to 86 per share, the SME IPO was a fresh issue of 37,50,400 shares of face value of 10, aimed at raising about 32.25 crore, which the company intends to utilise for meeting working capital expenses, capital expenditure, loan payments, general corporate purposes, and for meeting the offer-related expenses.

Sundrex Oil is a manufacturer and wholesaler of lubricants, greases, and a wide range of industrial products across India. Its revenue profile is predominantly concentrated in the business-to-business (B2B) segment, which accounts for approximately 99% of the total revenue, whereas the remaining 1% of revenue is generated from the business-to-customer (B2C) segment.

For FY24, the company's consolidated profit was 2.6 crore, which rose to 5.4 crore in FY25. Till June 30 in the current financial year, the company's profit was 1.9 crore.

Revenue from operations in FY24 and FY25 was 48.31 crore and 67.2 crore, respectively. Till June 30 in FY26, its revenue from operations was 18.71 crore.

How to check the Sundrex Oil IPO allotment status online? Investors who bet on the SME IPO can check the share allotment status online on the registrar's website. They can also check the share allotment status on the official websites of the NSE.

Cameo Corporate Services Limited was the registrar of the issue.

How to check Sundrex Oil IPO share allotment status on the registrar's website? Step 1: Follow this official link: https://ipo.cameoindia.com/

Step 2: Select any one link

Step 3: Select the company's name

Step 4: In the "Type" dropdown, select either the application number or PAN

Step 5: Fill in the "Value" section with the option chosen by you (application number or PAN)

Step 6: Enter the captcha, and hit on submit.

Your Sundrex Oil IPO allotment status will be displayed on the screen.

Sundrex Oil IPO allotment status check NSE Step 1: Visit NSE allotment status page on its website here - https://www.nseindia.com/invest/check-trades-bids-verify-ipo-bids

Step 2: Select Equity and SME IPO bids

Step 3: Choose Sundrex Oil IPO from the Issue Name dropdown menu

Step 4: Enter your PAN and Application Number

Step 5: Click on Submit.

Your Sundrex Oil IPO allotment status will be displayed on the screen.

Sundrex Oil IPO GMP The latest grey market premium (GMP) of Sundrex Oil was nil. This indicated the stock could be listed at par with the issue price of 86.

Read all IPO market-related news here

Read more stories by Nishant Kumar
Ajanta Pharma Ltd announced an in-licensing agreement with Biocon this week to market semaglutide across 26 emerging markets, including Africa, West Asia, and Central Asia. The patent for the weight loss drug expires in most of these markets by March, with commercialisation expected post regulatory approvals in late 2026 or early 2027. While this will not immediately impact earnings, it can potentially influence Ajantas medium-term growth.

To start with, Ajanta is not stepping into unfamiliar territory. The company already has a strong branded generics presence in over 30 countries, supported by over 2,000 medical representatives. This significantly reduces execution risk.

PL Capital expects semaglutide to provide additional around 200 crore of sales for Ajanta with healthy margins in FY28. The broking firm estimates Ajantas consolidated FY28 revenue at 6,966 crore. Biocon will handle manufacturing, while Ajanta leverages its existing field force and infrastructure across emerging markets.

This keeps incremental costs low and helps preserve Ajantas strong return ratios, rather than diluting them through heavy capital investment.

GLP-1 therapies such as semaglutide sit at the intersection of diabetes and obesity, both large and fast-growing markets globally. These therapies typically involve long treatment durations, which improves earnings predictability and durability.

Better business mix

Over the past few years, Ajanta has consciously reduced its exposure to the African institutional (anti-malarial) business, which is tender-driven and structurally has a lower margin compared to branded generics, and has now declined to 3% of total revenue versus 9.3% in FY21.

The branded generics business, which has the highest margins, now accounts for 74% of total revenue, up from 68% in FY21, driven by strong execution across India, Asia, and Africa.

In H1FY26, Ajantas India-branded business grew 14% year-on-year, outperforming the broader Indian pharmaceutical market in both value and volume, supported by new therapy forays into gynaecology and nephrology.

Meanwhile, the US generics business has emerged as the strongest growth engine, delivering 42% growth in the first half (H1FY26), aided by new launches and market-share gains.

As of H1FY26, Indian branded generics contributed 32% of total revenue, Asia branded generics accounted for 23% and Africa branded generics for 17%. Outside branded generics, the US generics business contributed 25%, while the Africa institutional (anti-malarial) business accounted for just 3% of total revenue.

Management expects low-teens growth in Asia branded generics for FY26, following a relatively modest 7% growth in H1FY26, and expects the growth momentum in US generics to sustain. The company has guided for Ebitda margins of 27% for FY26 versus 26.6% in H1FY26.

Cash deployment and growth

Ajantas future growth is likely to be driven less by balance-sheet expansion and more by how effectively it deploys its cash flows. Over the last decade, the company has converted 99.7% of its cumulative profits into operating cash flows.

Its strong cash generation provides ample headroom to pursue capital-light growth opportunities, such as in-licensing differentiated products like semaglutide, without stretching the balance sheet.

The stock is down about 10% year-to-date and trades at a price-to-earnings multiple of about 28 times FY27 estimated earnings, as per Bloomberg.

Given Ajantas improving business mix and robust cash generation, the valuation appears reasonable for a company transitioning into a cleaner, higher-visibility healthcare compounder.
Trade Set-up for December 26: The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open in the red on Friday, December 26 despite positive trends in the global markets.

The trends on Gift Nifty also indicate a positive start for the Indian benchmark index. The Gift Nifty was trading near 26,143 level, down 33 points or 0.13% from the Nifty futures previous close.

Indian stock markets were closed in the previous session, December 25 on account of Christmas. However, benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 ended lower on Wednesday, December 24, as investors booked profits in select heavyweight stocks such as Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank, amid mixed cues from global markets.

The Sensex declined 116 points, or 0.14%, to end the session at 85,408.70, while the Nifty 50 slipped 35 points, or 0.13%, to settle at 26,142.10.

Reflecting the subdued market mood, the overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies slipped below 475 lakh crore, easing from 475.70 lakh crore recorded in the previous trading session.

Heres what to expect from Sensex, Nifty 50, and Bank Nifty today: Sensex Prediction With volatility staying contained and Sensex oscillating within a narrow band, market participants are increasingly focusing on clearly defined levels rather than broad directional calls. Against this backdrop, Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equity Research at Kotak Securities, said the current market setup favours a cautious, level-driven approach, especially for intraday traders.

We believe that the intraday market texture is non-directional; hence, level-based trading would be the ideal strategy for day traders, Chouhan said. He highlighted that on the upside, the 85,750 mark remained a crucial resistance zone for bulls, while 85,300 was the immediate support level to watch. According to him, a decisive move above the 85,750 level could open the door for a further upside towards the 86,00086,200 zone. However, a slip below the 85,300 support could increase the probability of the market testing lower levels around 85,000.

Nifty OI Data Commenting on the evolving setup, Amruta Shinde, Technical & Derivative Analyst at Choice Equity Broking, said volatility continued to trend lower, signalling a relatively stable market environment.

Volatility continued to moderate, with India VIX declining by 2% to 9.19, indicating reduced fear and relatively stable market expectations, Shinde said.

She pointed out that derivatives data showed aggressive call writing at the 26,200 strike, suggesting strong resistance at higher levels, while heavy put open interest around the 26,000 mark reinforced this zone as a crucial support and pivot area.

Nifty 50 Prediction As Indian equity markets move through a brief consolidation phase amid holiday-thinned volumes, analysts believe the broader uptrend remains intact, with range-bound trade seen as a pause before the next leg of the rally rather than a reversal.

Commenting on the outlook, Ajit Mishra, Senior Vice PresidentResearch at Religare Broking, said the Nifty continued to hold a positive bias despite the ongoing consolidation.

We maintain a positive bias amid the ongoing consolidation in the index and continue to recommend a buy-on-dips approach as long as the Nifty holds its prevailing uptrend, Mishra said, advising traders to remain stock-specific, focus on outperforming sectors such as private banks, metals and auto in the current low-volume environment.

Meanwhile, Rajesh Bhosale, Equity Technical Analyst at Angel One, said the daily chart continued to show consolidation, with the Nifty forming back-to-back small-bodied candles as traders kept positions light ahead of the holiday.

Considering the recent price action, the placement of key moving averages and supportive momentum indicators, the broader undertone remains positive, and we continue to expect Nifty to retest all-time highs and potentially create a fresh milestone in the near term, Bhosale said.

He added that consolidation phases or intraday dips should be viewed as healthy opportunities to add on declines. According to him, the bullish gap zone around 26,05026,000, coinciding with the 20-DEMA, continued to act as immediate support, while the 26,30026,350 range remained the key resistance, beyond which a fresh upside move could emerge. Traders are advised to stay focused on selective themes and stock-specific opportunities showing relative strength.

Bank Nifty Prediction As markets increasingly rely on technical signals to anticipate the next directional shift, the Bank Nifty is entering a phase where consolidation could soon give way to a decisive breakout.

Commenting on the technical setup, Hrishikesh Yedve, AVP  Technical and Derivative Research at Asit C. Mehta Investment Intermediates, said the daily chart reflected rising supply at higher levels but strong support on declines.

Technically, on the daily chart, the Bank Nifty index has formed a red candle with a long upper shadow, reflecting selling pressure at higher levels. On the downside, the index has formed a good base around 58,800, while major resistance is placed near the 59,550 level. An eventual breakout on either side of this consolidation range is likely to set up the next directional move for the index, Yedve said.
EV stock Ola Electric Mobility share price rose over 5% in intra-day deals on Friday, December 26, after the company informed exchanges that the government has sanctioned incentives worth 366.78 crore under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI)-Auto scheme for claims pertaining to FY25.

The stock climbed as much as 5.4% during the session to touch an intraday high of 37.28, reacting positively to the announcement made through an exchange filing on December 25, a day when domestic markets were closed for Christmas.

Ola Electric Stock performance Despite Fridays rally, Ola Electric shares remain well below their historical highs. The stock is still about 63% lower than its 52-week high of 99.90, which was recorded in December 2024. On the downside, the shares had hit a 52-week low of 30.79 earlier this month on December 18, highlighting the volatility that has marked the stocks recent trajectory.

In the near term, the EV stock has shown some recovery. Ola Electric shares have jumped 10% over the past five trading sessions. However, the broader trend remains weak. The stock has fallen more than 10% over the past one month, declined 15% in the last six months, and is down a steep 61% over the past one year.

So far in 2025, Ola Electric shares are down nearly 58%, underlining the pressure the stock has faced despite intermittent positive triggers.

Government sanctions  366.78 crore under PLI-Auto In its exchange filing, Ola Electric said the sanctioned amount relates to the demand incentive for determined sales value for FY25 under the PLI-Auto scheme. The company stated that it received the sanction order from the Ministry of Heavy Industries for the release of incentives through IFCI Limited, the designated financial institution responsible for disbursement under the scheme.

The company added that the incentive has been sanctioned strictly in line with the applicable terms and conditions of the PLI-Auto Scheme, as amended from time to time. Ola Electric said the development reinforces its position as a key contributor to Indias advanced automotive manufacturing ecosystem, reflecting strong execution across scale, localisation and technology-led vertically integrated manufacturing.

Commenting on the development, an Ola Electric spokesperson said, The sanction of 366.78 crore under the PLI-Auto Scheme is a strong endorsement of Ola Electrics manufacturing capabilities and our commitment to building world-class EV technology in India.

The spokesperson added that the incentive recognises the companys sustained efforts in scaling domestic production, deepening localisation and driving innovation across the electric mobility value chain. We remain committed to supporting the Government of Indias vision of making India a global hub for advanced automotive manufacturing and clean mobility, the spokesperson said.

The PLI-Auto Scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on September 15, 2021, with a total budgetary outlay of 25,938 crore for a five-year period from FY23 to FY27. The scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products, including electric vehicles and their components, reduce import dependence, strengthen local supply chains and generate employment.

Other recent company developments Separately, Ola Electric provided an update last week regarding its promoter shareholding. The company confirmed the completion of a one-time, limited monetisation of a portion of the founder Bhavish Agarwal's personal shareholding, which was undertaken to fully repay a promoter-level loan of around 260 crore.

Following this transaction, all 3.93% shares that were previously pledged have been released, bringing the promoters pledge in the company down to zero, the Bengaluru-based firm said. The company clarified that the monetisation was executed entirely at the promoters personal level, carried out in tranches, and was time-bound.
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KOSPI rises, foreigners net buyers

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Korean won strengthens against dollar

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South Korea benchmark bond yield rises

SEOUL, - Round-up of South Korean financial markets:

** South Korean shares rose on Friday, as chipmakers tracked a rally in their U.S. peers on artificial intelligence optimism, with Samsung Electronics hitting an all-time high.

** The won hit its highest level in nearly two months, while the benchmark bond yield rose.

** The benchmark KOSPI was up 30.84 points, or 0.75%, at 4,139.46, as of 0208 GMT.

** U.S. stocks closed higher on Wednesday, while Micron Technology climbed 3.8% to a closing record, continuing its rally after the chipmaker issued a strong forecast last week.

** Among index heavyweights, chipmaker Samsung Electronics rose 4.77%, hitting its highest level on record, while peer SK Hynix gained 2.55%.

** Battery maker LG Energy Solution slid 1.79%, while Hyundai Motor and sister automaker Kia Corp were down 0.35% and 0.62%, respectively.

** Steelmaker POSCO Holdings shed 1.59%, while drugmaker Samsung BioLogics fell 0.59%.

** Of the total 929 traded issues, 226 shares advanced, while 647 declined.

** Foreigners were net buyers of shares worth 893.6 billion won .

** The won was quoted at 1,441.2 per dollar on the onshore settlement platform, 0.31% higher than its previous close at 1,445.7. The currency hit its highest level since November 4 at 1,438.0.

** South Korea's national pension fund initiated a new round of strategic foreign exchange hedging operations on Wednesday, as authorities stepped up market-stabilising efforts.

** In money and debt markets, March futures on three-year treasury bonds lost 0.02 point to 105.44.

** The most-liquid three-year Korean treasury bond yield rose by 1.9 basis points to 2.953%, while the benchmark 10-year yield rose by 2.9 basis points to 3.371%.
Stock market today: Indian indices - Sensex and Nifty 50 - closed in red on Wednesday, December 24, amid profit-taking in select heavyweight stocks such as Reliance and ICICI Bank and mixed global cues.

The Sensex slipped 116 points, or 0.14%, to finish at 85,408.70, while the Nifty 50 declined 35 points, or 0.13%, to end at 26,142.10. The broader markets also weakened, with the BSE Midcap index down 0.37% and the Smallcap index easing 0.14%.

Also Read | 7 key things that changed for market overnight - December 26

Markets traded lackluster for the second consecutive session and ended marginally lower, indicating continued consolidation after the recent surge. After a stable start, the Nifty moved within a narrow range for most of the session in the absence of fresh triggers and eventually closed around the previous days level at 26,142.10. Sectoral trends remained mixed and rotational, with profit-taking seen in select IT, pharma and FMCG stocks, while realty and metals ended largely flat. The broader markets also showed a mixed trend, with the midcap index declining nearly 0.5%, while the smallcap index closed marginally higher, highlighting selective participation, said Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking.

Stocks to watch Against this backdrop, here's a list of stocks that may attract investor interest and are likely to experience some movement today.

IndusInd Bank The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has initiated a probe into IndusInd Bank over irregularities in its derivatives trading portfolio. The private sector lender informed stock exchanges on Wednesday that it has received a communication from the white-collar crime investigation agency. The sentimental SFIO action against the bank is likely to impact the share price.

Ola Electric Ola Electric stated that it has received government approval for the release of 366.78 crore in incentives under the PLI scheme for automobiles and auto components. This liquidity development is expected to attract the attention of stock investors.

Vikran Engineering Vikran Engineering said it has been awarded an EPC contract worth 459 crore by NTPC Renewable Energy for developing a 400 MW AC grid-connected solar power project at Chitrakoot-1 in Uttar Pradesh. The new order contract is likely to boost company's order book and revenue in the long-run.

Castrol India Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and US-based private equity firm Stonepeak will make an offer to buy up to a 26% stake in Castrol India after agreeing to acquire the company from its parent, BP. The development is expected to boost the company's capacity and revenue in the long run.

Vodafone Idea The company said it has been served two GST penalty orders by tax authorities in Mumbai and Bengaluru, with a total potential liability exceeding 83 crore.

Lenskart Solutions The company said its Singapore subsidiary has approved an investment of KRW 3 billion ( 186 million) to acquire a 29.24% stake in South Koreabased optical machinery company iiNeer Corp. Ltd.

Adani Power Adani Power has increased its long-term installed capacity goal to 41.87 gigawatts by FY32 and announced capital expenditure of around 2 lakh crore, marking one of the most ambitious private-sector expansion strategies in Indias thermal power sector. The development is expected to boost the company's capacity and revenue in the long run.

Ultratech Cement The company stated that it has brought 1.8 mtpa of new capacity online, including 0.6 mtpa at its Dhule facility in Maharashtra and 1.2 mtpa at its Nathdwara plant in Rajasthan.

KNR Construction The company said it has entered into SPAs with Indus Infra Trust to divest its entire stake in four road SPVs for a total value of 1,543.19 crore, which includes a sale consideration of 1,398.65 crore.

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NBCC The company has entered into an MoU with the Mumbai Port Authority to develop the CGO Complex on 25 acres of port land in Mumbai, with NBCC appointed as the project management consultant and executing agency.
The Indian stock market closed Fridays session, December 26, with heavy losses, as selling was seen across sectors, led by IT and auto, while thin year-end trading volumes and a lack of fresh triggers kept momentum subdued.

The Nifty 50 ended the session down 0.39% at 26,043, while the S&P BSE Sensex fell 0.44% to 85,035. Both indices ended the holiday-shortened week with minor gains of just over 0.30%, snapping their three-week losing streak.

Broader markets also closed lower, with the Nifty Midcap 100 falling 0.31%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 inched up 0.11%.

Overseas investors resumed their selling trend, remaining net sellers over the last three trading sessions after a brief pause, further weighing on sentiment.

Tech stocks were among the top laggards, with the Nifty IT index dropping another 1% after the countrys second-largest tech company, Infosys, raised entry-level salaries for freshers, sparking concerns on Dalal Street about potential higher operating costs.

Earlier this week, the US Department of Homeland Security overhauled the H-1B work visa selection process, which weighed on sentiment across the tech pack. Other sectors, including auto, pharma, and PSU banks, also closed in the red.

On the upside, only metals and consumer durables managed gains, rallying 0.55% and 0.31%, respectively.

HFCL extends slide; Coforge, FirstCry deepen losses HFCL emerged as the top laggard of the session, plunging 4.3% to 61.50 apiece, its lowest level since November 2024, as the sell-off in the counter deepened. The stock has declined 12.4% so far this month and is down 64% from the highs it touched in September 2024.

Reliance Power shares also came under pressure, slipping 4.25% to 36.54 apiece after a two-day rally. Brainbees Solutions, the parent of baby products retailer FirstCry, resumed its losing streak, tumbling 4% to 285.20 apiece.

The stock has lost 56.26% of its value in 2025, emerging as one of the biggest wealth destroyers among new-age technology stocks. Losses in Coforge deepened further, with the stock sinking another 4% to 1,673 apiece, marking its third consecutive session of decline and positioning it for its first annual fall in two years.

Motilal Oswal Financial Services was also among the top laggards, falling 3.4% to 863.40 apiece, while CreditAccess Grameen and AstraZeneca Pharma declined 3.2% each. Investors appeared to book profits in GE Vernova T&D India following a recent rally, dragging the stock down 3% to 3,073.

Likewise, JBM Auto ended 2.73% lower at 622.50 apiece after a four-day rally during which the stock gained a cumulative 18%.

Other notable losers from the Nifty 500 pack included Caplin Point Laboratories, Timken India, Transformers & Rectifiers, Honasa Consumer, Dixon Technologies, Berger Paints and NCC, all of which closed with losses ranging between 2% and 3%.

Railway stocks rally continues; metals shine Railway stocks continued to ride the bull wave, with shares across the pack ending with sharp gains. Rail Vikas Nigam led the rally, surging 12.2% to 388 apiece, while IRFC, RailTel Corporation, Titagarh Rail Systems, Ircon International, and IRCTC advanced between 4% and 6%.

In a similar vein, momentum in metal stocks remained firm amid a sustained rally in both base and precious metals, keeping sentiment favourable. Hindustan Copper shares jumped 9% to end at a 15-year high of 475.60 apiece, while GMDC rallied another 7.9% to 589.

Other gainers in the metal space included National Aluminium Company and Hindustan Zinc, which rose 4% and 2%, respectively.

Ola Electric shares strengthened further, climbing 2.4% to 36 apiece, marking their sixth straight session of gains after the company said the government has sanctioned incentive payments worth 366.78 crore under the PLI-Auto scheme for claims pertaining to FY25.

Other stocks that bucked the broader sell-off included Karur Vysya Bank, NBCC (India), Craftsman Automation, RITES, Aster DM Healthcare, Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts, Shipping Corporation of India, Asahi India Glass, and HUDCO, all of which ended the session with gains of over 2.5%.
Photo: State Bureau of Investigation

The former head of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) branch in Kharkiv region has been charged with attempting to seize state power during the war, the Prosecutor Generals Office (PGO) has said.

"According to the investigation, after the start of the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation, the suspect, while holding a leadership position, committed actions aimed at the violent seizure of state power and the seizure of a building of a state authority," the message on Telegram said on Friday.

The message does not name the person involved, but according to Interfax-Ukraine, it refers to Roman Dudin, a lieutenant colonel of the SBU, who headed the SBU in the Kharkiv region in 2020-2022.

The State Bureau of Investigation reports that the attacker had information about the Russian Armed Forces conducting an offensive operation on the territory of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and was convinced of its success. The Prosecutor Generals Office notes that, using his official position, he organized illegal actions to remove the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration from the exercise of his powers, as well as misinformed subordinates and initiated the dissemination of knowingly false information, which could lead to destabilization of the situation in the front-line region.

"The above-mentioned actions were committed during a special period of martial law and created a real threat to the continuous functioning of state authorities and the defense system of Ukraine," the report notes.

He has been notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 15, Part 1 of Article 109 and Article 341 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The issue of choosing a preventive measure in the form of detention for the suspect is currently being resolved. If found guilty, he faces up to 10 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Prosecutors of the Prosecutor Generals Office are already supporting the public indictment of the same former law enforcement officer in the Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv in the case of high treason, willful failure to execute an order, and unauthorized abandonment of the place of service under martial law (Part 2 of Article 111, Part 4 of Article 402, Part 5 of Article 407 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). According to the State Bureau of Investigation, the defendant has already paid over UAH 4.2 million in bail.
Sometime last year at a university in western Canada, in the stairwell leading to a basement I found among a clutch of small squiggles on the wall, a little question asking saadanam kayilundo? I laughed at the sight of this Malayali shibboleth. The internet is full of reels of Malayalis asking strangers this question. This is how we find each other in Delhi parking lots or from boats in icy lakes. Its a line from a 1990 buddy cop movie that translates roughly to got the stuff?

Sreenivasan had that ability to make the ordinary phrase incredibly meaningful and memorable. Sometimes it was because he was the gifted actor performing the dialogue. Sometimes because it emerged from the mouths of the hundreds of actors for whom he wrote memorable dialogue and screenplays. Sometimes it was because he had directed the movie. If ever there was someone who had the stuff, it was Sreenivasan. For whole generations of Malayalis, our tongues ran in the rhythm he set. Irony and self-deprecation made us who we were. As much as Sreenivasan was central to my love for Malayalam cinema, Malayali culture and Kerala, in the last decade he was central to the souring of some of those relationships. When he died last week, I had to really stick my arm into my ribcage to check: what do you feel? Is thestuff in there?

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If I have ever considered getting a tattoo, Id have got a line of Sreenivasan dialogue and the options would have been a zillion. After his death, I have had to acknowledge that its been years since our one-way relationship has thrived. It began its withering with Sreenivasan offering his support to the actor Dileep then accused (and since acquitted) of organising a quotation (contract) to kidnap and sexually assault a fellow actor in 2017. Sreenivasan said, The Dileep I know wouldnt spend 1.5 paisa for something like this, forget 1.5 crore.

One could read that as a typical Sreenivasan remark about Dileeps financial parsimony and laugh like he did, I suppose. I didnt. Later, he said that the Women in Cinema Collective who supported the woman actor were wrong to demand better conditions for women in the industry. Imagine.

Does it make sense to feel less than fulsome affection and gratitude for Sreenivasan based on a few of his opinions? Isnt this a classic moment to separate the art from the artist, as we are often advised to? Perhaps it is possible in some forms, but so rarely is it possible in cinemaa beautiful machine whose moving parts are audacity and power. Suppose you heard that Quentin Tarantino wrote a scene in From Dusk Till Dawn in which Salma Hayek pours champagne down her leg and has an admirer lick it off her toes and then that Tarantino insisted he play the part of the toe-licker? Where does Tarantino the artist begin and Tarantino the chance-pe-dance exploiter begin? And to stay with Salma Hayek, what do we feel after reading that the relentless off-screen harassment that she endured from Harvey Weinstein ended with her being coerced into being nude with another actor during the making of Frida?

I read Alice Munro for the first time after her death, after the news came out that she had taken the side of her sexual abuser second husband rather than her youngest child. It is undeniable that Munro is brilliant, but oh boy, is it hard to read Vandals or some of her other stories without seeing her trying to dodge the dodgy stuff in her life. Perhaps you can separate art from an artist when you are doing an oil painting of a bowl of fruit, but not often otherwise.

As a young person, I had no illusions that Malayalam cinema, what we saw on screen, wasnt all about men. Its about what Malayali men thought, felt, experienced, laughed about, cried about, longed for. When Sreenivasan was acting, in his mannered, staccato delivery, his characters often mocked the bragging excesses of other menthe heroes. In Sreenivasans screenplays, cinema often showed us how men affected women with their insecurities, fears and delusions. Still, Sreenivasans movies were about men. And if the rest of Malayalam cinema wasnt also about men, it wouldnt have mattered. The world needs introspective, funny portraits of men.

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As it stands, Malayalam cinema needed other cures given its total resistance to women becoming directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers... people with power. (At one point the industrys makeup artists union went on strike because a woman make-up artist wanted to join the industry.) Unsurprisingly, the Malayalam industry has produced work that relentlessly reflected whatever was clattering at the moment inside the heads of men.

One can read the Sreenivasan classic Sandesham as a troubling argument against collectivist action or a less troubling hahaha politics is so stupid with the greatest one-liners. One can always, always read his movies as a big, giant vote against self-pity. Sreenivasan despised the mopey, self-pitying Malayali man. His denouements always involved the self-pitier throwing off the feelings and choosing action.

I am someone who is chronically unable to separate the art from the artist and not because I am so politically astute. The actor on the screen and his interviews and his photos and the three-line snippets about him in the backpages and his shoulders in a song all become the artist for me. And in the case of Dileep, that artist-shaped muddle that represents him in my head has always been about self-pity.

In the climax of Sallapam, Dileeps early hit, his character tells the spunky domestic worker who is in love with him that he cant marry her because of his poverty and ailing parents. Like a magician pulling the curtain to show you what lies behind, he unveils the room in which his responsibilities lie. Watching it, I remember thinking are you competing with her? Or maybe that is what I remember because that spunky domestic worker was played by Manju Warrier, the real-life spunky woman who would go on to become his first wife.

An actual IMDB description of Dileeps 1995 movie Kakkakum Poochakkum Kalyanam goes, Kunjananthan thinks the only way out of his problems is to end his life by suicide and fails at it every time. Things change for him when he gets a job, and falls in love again but his whiny personality persists.

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Dileep in his work and his public life seemed to distill for me the least attractive parts of masculinity in Malayalam cinema. It turned the often brilliant, funny Ordinary Man of Sreenivasans conception into the I am just a poor guy who the world owes everything because I pout. The kind of guy who just weeks after being cleared of charges of organising a kidnapping in a car (while everyone accused of being hired by him has been sent to prison) appears in Bha. Bha. Ba. In this movie, Dileep plays a kidnapper and makes violent sexually coloured jokes. Its like that OJ Simpson memoir that was amazingly titled, If I Did It. In this movie, Dileep has the immortal line, Shouldnt I do at least this much to those who ruined my life? Surely, this is the kind of line that we hope and pray others will remember us for when we are dead. What a nice saadanam.
Life is uncertain, wherein an emergency can arise at any time. For a financial emergency, a personal loan, which is widely available and can be obtained easily, can come to the rescue. However, in the midst of repaying a personal loan, what happens if the borrower dies? How do the bank and the borrowers family members deal with the situation? In this article, we will understand what happens when a personal loan borrower passes away.

Personal loans: Unsecured in nature A personal loan is an unsecured loan. It means there is no underlying collateral or security that the bank can repossess, sell, and recover the outstanding loan amount in the event of the borrowers death. Security is available only in the case of secured loans, such as a home loan, vehicle loan, gold loan, etc. As there is no security available, the bank will need to look at other ways to recover the outstanding loan amount.

Loan protection insurance The bank will check if any loan protection insurance plan is in place. If yes, the bank will file a claim with the insurance company for the outstanding loan amount. The insurance company will pay as per the policys terms and conditions. On recovering the outstanding loan amount, the bank will credit it to the personal loan account and close the case.

Co-applicant or guarantor In the event of the borrowers death, the bank will check if there is a co-applicant or guarantor for the personal loan. If there is a co-applicant, the bank will ask them to pay the loan. If there is no co-applicant, and there is a guarantor, the bank will ask the guarantor to repay the outstanding loan amount.

The co-applicant and the guarantor have the legal obligation to repay the loan in the absence of the primary borrower. If the co-applicant or guarantor fails to cooperate, the bank may initiate legal action against them to recover the loan amount. In the event of non-payment, the bank can report the default to the credit information companies (CICs). The default will be reflected in the co-applicant / guarantors credit report, and their credit score will take a hit. Thus, a co-applicant or guarantor provides an additional layer of security for the bank in the event of the primary borrower's unfortunate death.

Recovery from the deceased borrowers estate In the absence of any co-applicant or guarantor, the bank can recover the outstanding loan amount from the deceased borrowers estate. The deceased borrowers estate will include the assets that they have left behind. They can consist of the balance in the savings bank account(s), fixed deposits, shares, mutual funds, gold, real estate, small savings schemes, and any other assets.

If these assets are insufficient to recover the entire outstanding loan amount, the bank will check if the deceased borrower had any life insurance policy/policies. If yes, the outstanding loan amount can be recovered from the money paid by the life insurance company in the form of claim settlement.

Does the legal heir have to pay? If the legal heir is a co-applicant or guarantor, they have the legal obligation to pay the loan in the event of the primary borrowers death. If the legal heir of the deceased borrower is neither a co-applicant nor a guarantor, then they must check the personal loan agreement. Are there any clause(s) that specify what happens to the outstanding loan amount in the event of the borrowers death? Check whether the clause(s) mention that the legal heir has to pay the outstanding loan amount in the event of the borrowers death. If yes, the legal heir will have to pay.

In the absence of any such clause(s) in the personal loan agreement, the bank cannot ask the legal heir to pay on behalf of the borrower in the event of the borrowers death. However, if the legal heir wishes, they can choose to pay the outstanding amount voluntarily. Once the outstanding amount has been paid and the loan account is closed, collect the no dues certificate and keep it for record purposes.

If the legal heir has inherited any assets from the deceased borrower, the bank can recover the outstanding loan amount from the legal heir. However, the amount that can be recovered is limited to the extent of the amount the legal heir has inherited from the deceased borrower.

Loan write-off as a loss At times, a situation may arise in which none of the earlier discussed options will work. In such a scenario, the bank will be unable to recover the outstanding amount of the personal loan. The bank will be left with no other option but to write off the outstanding amount as a loss.

Also Read | Top 7 benefits of using a personal loan app for quick funding

What should the family members do? In the event of the borrower's death, family members must inform the bank of the borrower's death. They must submit the borrower's death certificate and other required documents to the bank. Based on this, the bank will determine the next step in recovering the outstanding loan amount.

In the event of any doubts, family members must consult a lawyer and take legal advice to safeguard their interests.

Should you opt for a loan protection insurance plan? Do you currently have an ongoing personal loan? If yes, it is always better to take a loan protection insurance plan. In the case of an unfortunate event leading to an untimely death, the insurance coverage will be beneficial to the family members. The insurance company will pay the claim and settle the loan. The insurance cover assures the bank of loan repayment and protects the family from any loan-related hassles that may arise in the event of the borrower's death.

Life is uncertain. You cannot control what is coming next. However, insurance protection can safeguard your family from the financial impact of untimely death.

Gopal Gidwani is a freelance personal finance content writer with 15+ years of experience. He can be reached on LinkedIn.

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New Delhi: More than five years after it was launched as a pandemic-era stimulus, the agriculture infrastructure fund (AIF) may be set for a substantial scale-up. The Centre is considering an additional allocation of over 1 trillion to the scheme over the next five years in the upcoming Union budget, according to two people aware of the development.

The move aims to accelerate the creation of post-harvest infrastructure and reduce farm-level losses, particularly in perishable crops.

The proposal also underscores the governments efforts to make agricultural infrastructure a cornerstone of farm sector reforms, at a time when agriculture and allied activities account for about 18% of Indias GDP and employ nearly 46% of the workforce.

The AIF, announced as part of the 20 trillion pandemic stimulus package, currently has a loan support ceiling corpus of 1 trillion. Under the scheme, banks and financial institutions provide loans for eligible projects, with the Centre offering a 3% interest subvention on loans of up to 2 crore for a period of seven years, along with credit guarantee cover for loans of the same amount. Beneficiaries must contribute at least 10% to the project cost.

While the AIF is operational from 2020-21 to 2032-33, loan disbursements under the scheme was made only for six years, until FY 2025-26.

Since its launch in July 2020, more than 1.18 trillion has been sanctioned across 146,106 projects nationwide as of 24 December.

The 1.18 trillion figure refers to the total project cost incurred by entrepreneurs, and not just the portion eligible for interest subvention. Since the government support applies only to the loan componentand not the entire project costthe cumulative value of projects sanctioned under the AIF can exceed the funds loan ceiling.

Banks have sanctioned loans of 78,743 crore, while actual disbursements stand at about 57,608 crore as of 24 December.

The gap between sanctions and disbursements reflects the progressive nature of lending under the scheme. While loans for asset purchases such as tractors are disbursed upfront, funding for construction-related projectssuch as warehouses or cold storage facilitiesis released in phases, in line with project progress.

"Agriculture and farmers welfare ministry has proposed that the unutilised allocation of around 20,000 crore ( 21,257 crore on 24 December), along with the fresh 1 trillion, should be provided through budgetary allocation," said one of the two people cited above, requesting anonymity.

If approved, the fresh allocation would be introduced as a new tranche with annual allocations released each year.

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Tackling post-harvest losses

The proposal comes amid rising concerns over post-harvest losses. Government estimates suggest that around 6% of crops in India are lost after harvest, including fruits and vegetables.

According to the Indian Council of Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), India incurred annual post-harvest losses of 1.53 trillion ($18.5 billion) from 2020 to 2022, primarily due to crops and agri-allied produce.

The additional funding would be directed primarily into farm-gate storage, warehousing, and modern logistics, enabling farmers to store produce for longer periods and sell at remunerative prices. "By strengthening post-harvest infrastructure, the government expects to minimise losses, improve price realisation and reduce farmers dependence on intermediaries," said the first person.

Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Gujarat are the largest beneficiaries of the scheme. In these states, AIF financing has been used to set up custom hiring centres for farm machinery, as well as primary processing units, warehouses, cold chains and collection centres to strengthen value chains.

Queries emailed to the spokespersons of the ministries of agriculture and finance on Wednesday remained unanswered till press time.

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Execution and impact

Experts said the scheme has gained momentum, but noted that execution is key.

"In its first five years, AIF has expanded in scale. Going forward, it will be important to sustain this momentum by ensuring that disbursements keep pace with sanctions, and that challenges faced by smaller borrowers, around awareness, access to credit and execution capacity, are effectively addressed," said Sushma Vasudevan, APAC lead, managing director and partner, agriculture practice at Boston Consulting Group.

The scheme has created momentum, and its long-term impact will depend on deeper and more consistent on-ground implementation."

The fund benefits farmers primarily by reducing post-harvest losses, enabling better price realization, and stabilizing farm incomes, said Shubhra Suman, assistant professor, department of economics, Maitreyi College, Delhi University. "By financing scientific storage, cold chains, grading, and processing facilities, the scheme helps farmers avoid distress sales immediately after harvest and facilitates value addition closer to the farm gate," Suman added.

Data from the agriculture ministry shows that projects approved under the scheme include 41,625 custom hiring centres, 23,155 farm and harvest automation projects and 17,585 warehouses. The fund has also sanctioned 4,095 sorting and grading units for horticulture produce and 2,775 cold storage assets as of 24 December.

Key Takeaways The proposed funding aims to enhance post-harvest infrastructure, reducing crop losses and improving market prices for farmers.

Execution of the scheme is crucial for its success; timely disbursement and support for smaller borrowers are essential.

The initiative reflects the government's commitment to agricultural reform and improving farmers' livelihoods in India.

The additional funding would be directed primarily into farm-gate storage, warehousing, and modern logistics

The schemes beneficiaries say such investments are critical for improving supply chain efficiency, stabilising prices during harvest gluts and enhancing farmers incomes in the long term.

"The renewed push through a larger outlay is expected to further accelerate the development of decentralised storage, primary processing units, cold chains and value addition facilities closer to farms," said Puneet Singh Thind, founder & director, Northern Farmers Mega FPO, a federation of farmer producer organizations from northern states.

These storage facilities are helping farmers cut wastage and sell produce when markets are favourable," said Amrit Singh, a farmer in Rauli village of Punjabs Ropar district.
Three people, including the CEO of a private IT company, have been arrested for the alleged gangrape of a female manager of the firm, following a birthday party in Rajasthan's Udaipur, police said on Friday.

According to a report by India Today, police said video from car's dashcam, which allegedly captured both audio and video of the incident, emerged as a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation

All the three accused  CEO, Jitesh Sisodia, executive head Shilpa Sirohi and her husband Gaurav were arrested on Thursday and produced before a court, which remanded them to four-day police custody, reported PTI.

What happened? According to police, the CEO had organised a party on his birthday last Saturday  to which the complainant was also invited.

In her complaint, the woman said she was left alone after other guests began to leave. The companys executive head then offered to drop her home and took her in a car where Sisodia and Gaurav Sirohi were already seated.

During the drive, the trio allegedly stopped at a shop, bought something resembling cigarettes and offered it to her. She claimed she lost consciousness soon after consuming it and woke up the next morning to realise she had been sexually assaulted.

Undergarments missing, injuries to private parts According to a report by India Today, in her complaint, the woman further stated that that when she fully regained consciousness, her earrings, socks and undergarments were missing, and she noticed injuries to her private parts.

Acting on the managers complaint, police registered a case, detained the three accused, and arrested them following questioning, officials said.
The Enforcement Directorate on Friday said it has lodged a money laundering case against an Islamic preacher hailing from Uttar Pradesh but based in the UK currently for his alleged radical links, including with a Pakistani outfit, officials said.

The case against Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) stems from an FIR of the UP Anti-Terrorist Squad, they said.

Khan, as per the federal probe agency, was appointed as an Assistant Teacher in a Uttar Pradesh government-aided madrassa in 1984.

He is alleged to have acquired British citizenship in 2013 but it is claimed that he continued to draw salary from 2013-2017 despite neither being an Indian citizen nor discharging teaching duties, while residing abroad, the officials said.

Khan could not be contacted for a comment.

Probe found, as per the agency, that Khan reportedly travelled to several foreign countries over the last 20 years and is alleged to have received funds through seven to eight bank accounts maintained in India.

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About a dozen immovable assets worth about 30 crore were also reported to have been "acquired" by the man, who is accused of "promoting" radical ideology and engaging in illegal funding activities under the guise of religious education.

A native of Azamgarh district, Khan allegedly channelled funds to various madrassas through his NGO named Raja Foundation as well as through his personal bank accounts, the ED officials said.

He is also alleged to have established two madrassas in Azamgarh and Sant Kabir Nagar, the registrations of which were subsequently cancelled.

Also Read | ED conducts raids in Chhangur Baba religious conversion case across 14 locations

His links with radical organisations based in the UK are under examination, the officials said.

Khan is reported to have visited Pakistan and is alleged by the officials to be a member of Pakistani radical organisation 'Dawat E Islami'.
The Centre told the Delhi High Court on Friday that slashing Goods and Services tax (GST) rates on air purifiers without following the applicable process would open 'Pandora's Box'.

The Delhi High Court was hearing a plea that sought directions to categorise air purifiers under the category of 'medical device' and to reduce the GST on them from 18 to 5 percent.

This came amid a pollution crisis in Delhi.

According to Bar and Bench, the Delhi High Court had asked the GST Council on December 24 to convene an urgent meeting to consider this proposal.

On Friday, the central government reportedly said that the matter is being examined at the highest level. It, however, sought more time to give a measured response.

Must follow the process Additional Solicitor General (ASG) N Venkataraman, representing the Centre, said that if the GST Council mechanism is bypassed in this case, it could open a Pandora's Box  whereby more GST exemptions may be sought without following the proper procedure, Bar and Bench reported.

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"This will open a Pandora's Box. Parliamentary committee has recommended something to us. It will be considered. There is a process. We are not saying anything. We are not saying whether it will be done or not. Constitution issue is involved," Venkataraman was quoted as saying.

What happened in Delhi HC? The petitioner, Advocate Kapil Madan, argued that air purifiers should be classified as a medical device with a lower GST rate.

But, the high court noted that these decisions may have to wait until the GST Council meets.

"Their only concern is that tomorrow number of petitions will be filed seeking mandamus to the GST council," the court reportedly said.

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Madan replied: I am saying a bare reading of the notification, it is clear that it purifiers) fall under Schedule 1 and they are charging it under Schedule 2.

The ASG went on to assure the court that the government will inform by its counter-affidavit as to when a GST Council meeting can be scheduled.

"The issue is such that everybody is concerned," the court then remarked.

Madan, however, raised concerns that Delhi's residents will continue to suffer if a decision is not taken promptly.

"It is a simple process. They will take time and entire city will suffer. Not only is the clean air taxed, it is being taxed wrongly," he said.

Classification of goods and fixation of GST rates fall exclusively within the domain of the GST Council, a constitutional and federal body comprising the Union and all States.

When the court asked the ASG what the difficulty was in the GST Council taking a call, the ASG said there was a defined process and that a Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendation on the issue was already under consideration.

He stressed that the Centre was not expressing any final view at this stage.

Centre asked to reply within 10 days time The high court proceeded to give the government 10 days time to file its counter-affidavit. It asked the Centre to file a detailed response, including on when the GST council could meet urgently to discuss whether GST rates on air purifiers could be reduced.

The bench concluded that, without a counter affidavit, no final or interim relief could be granted at this stage.

Also Read | gBest air purifiers specifically for asthma and dust allergies: Top 10 picks

Accepting the submissions of both sides, the court directed the Union government to file its detailed counter-affidavit within 10 days, with liberty to the petitioner to file a rejoinder thereafter.

The court maintained that something should be done to bring down the cost of air purifiers in Delhi, given the air pollution crisis that has hit the national capital.
As delays and cancellations in H-1B visa appointments continue, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that the Government is concerned about these issues, which have caused inconvenience for citizens, including disruptions to education. The Ministry is engaged in discussions with US officials in both New Delhi and Washington, DC, to address these concerns.

H-!B visa appointments were delayed or cancelled after a series of policy shifts by the Trump administration, including social media screening for applicants.

The Government of India has received multiple representations from Indian nationals facing delays and difficulties in scheduling or rescheduling US visa appointments. While visa matters fall under the sovereign domain of the issuing country, India has raised these concerns with the US authorities in New Delhi and Washington DC," Jaiswal said at MEA's weekly press briefing.

While acknowledging the issue for applicants, he assured active engagement from the government.

"These delays have caused extended hardships for affected individuals and their families, including disruptions to education. The government remains actively engaged with the US side to address the issue and minimise the impact on Indian nationals," he added.

H-1B visa appointments delays, cancellations MEA's statement comes amid delays in visa appointments, which could be extended further, as the US Embassy in India has announced that its office in New Delhi and the five consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru will remain closed from Wednesday, 24 December, to Friday, 26 December.

The announcement was made following a newly issued Presidential Executive Order by Donald Trump, which mandates the closure of federal executive departments and agencies on these dates.

Meanwhile, immigration lawyers noted that visa appointments for Indian high-skilled workers were cancelled from15 to 26 December, coinciding with the US holiday season. Emails examined by The Washington Post revealed that the State Department notified applicants their interviews had been postponed following the implementation of the Trump administrations expanded social media screening policy, which aimed to ensure that no applicants... pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety, reported ANI.

The US embassy in India previously asked visa applicants to refrain from visiting the consular offices on their scheduled interview date.
India on Friday condemned the latest killing of a Hindu youth by a mob in Bangladesh, stating that it is a matter of great concern. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also said that it is closely watching developments in Bangladesh following the return of ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman ahead of the polls scheduled for February 2026.

Stating that the incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh cannot be brushed aside as media exaggeration or dismissed as political violence, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India expects that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice.

India also mentioned that over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities, including cases of killings, arsons, and land grabbings, have been documented by independent sources during the tenure of the interim Bangladesh government led by Muhammad Yunus.

The MEA's comment comes after recent incidents involving the lynching of Hindu men in Bangladesh.

Hindu men lynched in Bangladesh On Thursday, a 29-year-old Hindu man, Amrit Mandal, was killed in Bangladesh's Rajbari district, police said, according to The Daily Star. This incident comes days after the barbaric killing of another Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Mymensingh.

Sheikh Moinul Islam, officer-in-charge of Pangsha Model Police Station, said Amrit Mandal had reportedly been accused by local residents of extortion, after which the situation escalated into mob violence.

Days before Mandal's death, Dipu Chandra Das  a garment factory worker  was beaten to death by a mob, after which his body was tied to a tree and set on fire. While initial reports claimed that the harrowing killing was over allegations of blasphemy, details which emerged later pointed to a workplace dispute as the likely trigger.

Earlier, MEA, in its response to media queries about Das's killing, had called the incident horrendous," urging the perpetrators of the crime to be brought to justice.

On Thursday, 25 December, ex-PM Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman  who is also the acting chairperson of Bangladesh National Party (BNP)  returned to the nation after 17 years of self-exile in London.

'India closely following developments' Referring to Tarique Rahman's return, India said it is closely following the developments in Bangladesh.

India supports free and fair elections in Bangladesh, and this development should be seen in that context", said MEA.

Rahman  60-year-old - has emerged as a leading contender for the prime minister's post, even as the country's Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has been trying to throw a stiff challenge to the BNP in the polls, which are due on 12 February 2026.

Earlier, Bangladesh had issued a statement seeking the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, accusing them of inciting violence, and raised concerns over alleged attempts to disrupt the upcoming elections.
Two sisters battling depression, who were distressed over their pet dog's illness allegedly died by suicide after consuming phenyl at their home in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow, police said on Friday.

According to PTI, investigators found that neither of the sisters used mobile phones or social media and largely stayed indoors. One of them was also known to have frequent anger outbursts and would sometimes damage household items, they said.

The incident took place in Lucknow's Doda Kheda-Jalalpur area.

The siblings had recently adopted a pet dog and had grown deeply attached to the pet  caring for it  "often mirroring each other's actions". The dog had been ill for nearly a month, which left both women increasingly distressed and withdrawn, reported PTI.

Family members told investigators that since the dog fell sick, the sisters appeared more depressed, though it is not yet clear whether issues related to its treatment directly led to the incident, the police said.

One of the two sisters  Radha Singh(26) died during treatment, while Jiya Singh (22) was later referred to King George's Medical University in central Lucknow, where she also succumbed.

A police officer told PTI that a preliminary inquiry, based on statements from family members, indicated that both sisters were suffering from depression.

Tuberculosis worsened mental health One of the sisters was suffering from tuberculosis, which had worsened her mental health, while the other had been battling depression since 2014.

The deceased sisters' parents Gulab Devi and Kailash Singh, are also reportedly unwell. The family also includes a brother, Veer Singh, who works as a small-time contractor.

How the sisters' suicide came to light? According to the police, information was received from a local private hospital around 2.30 pm on Wednesday that two sisters had been admitted after allegedly consuming phenyl.

However, no one witnessed the sisters consuming phenyl. Nor are there any audio or video evidence related to the incident, reported PTI.

Their mother informed neighbours and relatives after discovering their condition, as per investigators.

Also Read | Third suicide attempt in a week on Kolkata Metro Blue line; services hit

Para Station House Officer Suresh Singh told PTI, "The viscera samples of both women have been preserved and sent to a forensic laboratory to confirm the cause of death and detect any poisonous substances."

"Further action will be taken after the forensic reports," he said.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has condemned reports of attacks on members of the Christian community during Christmas on Wednesday. The Thiruvananthapuram Member of Parliament said any such incident amounts to an assault on the values of the entire nation.

Extending Christmas greetings in his constituency, Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor spoke to the media. He said that respect for the cultural and religious traditions of all communities has always been at the core of Keralas political and social ethos.

When people of a community are assaulted, every Indian is assaulted, Tharoor is heard telling news agency PTI. The Congress leader emphasised the importance of unity and mutual respect in a diverse society.

The Congress leader said safeguarding pluralism and ensuring harmony among different faiths remain essential to preserving Keralas long-standing tradition of inclusive politics.

Respect for the cultural and religious traditions of all communities is central to Keralas politics, he said, as quoted by the agency.

Bajrang Dal Protest in Bareilly Tharoors remarks came after a reported protest by members of the Bajrang Dal outside St Alphonsus Cathedral Church in Bareilly, UP, on Wednesday. The protestors alleged that a Christmas event had portrayed the Hindu religion in an objectionable manner.

The protest took place a day after workers from the Hindu organisation held demonstrations outside St. Alphonsus Cathedral Church in the Cantonment area, where they sat at the church gate, raised religious slogans and recited the Hanuman Chalisa.

In another similar incident, a BJP leader in Madhya Pradesh triggered controversy after a video surfaced online that allegedly showed her arguing aggressively with a visually impaired woman inside a church. The woman is heard questioning the visually impaired woman for bringing a young girl to the church among Christians.

When people of a community are assaulted, every Indian is assaulted.

In Assam, four persons associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal were arrested on Thursday for vandalising decorative items used for Christmas celebrations at a school and damaging festive articles in shops in Assams Nalbari district, police said.

Also Read | VHP protesters clash with police, break barricades at Bangladesh High Commission

The incident took place on Wednesday when the accused allegedly entered St Marys School at Panigaon village within Belsor police station limits and burnt and damaged decorative items meant for Christmas celebrations.
Case against 18 people involved in torture of over 90 civilians of Kupyansk referred to court - PGO

Law enforcement officers have completed the investigation into the case of a torture chamber that operated in the Kupyansk district police department during the occupation of part of the territory of the Kharkiv region from March to September 2022, the Prosecutor Generals Office (PGO) has said.

"As part of the investigation, 18 people involved in the detention and abuse of civilians were identified. Among them: the so-called "chief" of the "Internal Affairs Department of the Provisional Civil Administration of the Kharkiv Region" illegally formed by the occupation forces, Russian military personnel, members of the illegal armed formations "Luhansk/Donetsk Peoples Republics", as well as former Ukrainian police officers," the message on Telegram states.

After the liberation of the city by the Defense Forces, law enforcement officers conducted extensive work and identified more than 90 victims - these are teachers, rescuers, participants in hostilities, representatives of state authorities, volunteers, entrepreneurs and other civilian residents. During interrogations, the victims told prosecutors and police investigators about the abuse they were subjected to during their detention.

"There was constant screaming throughout the station. You could hear others being beaten - and it went on for days," recalls a 57-year-old participant in pro-Ukraine rallies.

During the pre-trial investigation, numerous facts of cruel treatment of the population were documented. Civilians were held in inhumane conditions: there were 15 people in cells designed for two or three people. Due to critical overcrowding, the detainees were suffocated, without water and basic medical care.

They were fed mainly with leftover food left over from the Russian military. Some victims lost up to 20 kilograms of weight during their detention.

People were beaten with hands, feet, sticks, and electric shocks:

"After the electric shock, they had surgery on their hands But I still dont have full feeling. My hands still dont go away completely," said one of the victims.

During the torture, the victims were forced to give false testimony about themselves and their acquaintances, to confess to collaborating with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). If they refused, they were threatened with murder, torture of loved ones, or detention of relatives.

In some cases, the abuse took the form of psychological terror - they simulated executions or forced people to dig graves for themselves and others. One of the men was tied with plastic ties above his head to a metal grate in the middle of the yard - he hung for hours, unable to even sit down.

"They were driven along the corridor in handcuffs at a walking pace - just to abuse him," said one of the victims, a 45-year-old businessman.

"They broke me morally: they put handcuffs on me for no reason, they broke my hands, even though I was the one who started them because my hand hurt," a former forestry worker testified.

Almost every day, all prisoners were forced to sing the Russian anthem.

In September 2022, during the offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the occupiers began to flee and left the cells with the prisoners locked. The victims, left to their own devices, broke the bars on their own, found their documents in the offices, and finally went free.

Some of the victims never lived to see freedom after the torture they endured. They are still being held captive in the occupied territories. The materials on this fact have been separated into a separate case, and the investigation is ongoing.

The prosecutor of the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutors Office approved an indictment against all 18 involved for violating the laws and customs of war, committed by a group of persons in a preliminary conspiracy (Part 2 of Article 28, Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Two of them were additionally charged with collaboration activities (Part 7 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Two of the accused will appear in court in person. The rest are wanted and will be tried in absentia.
The Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI) on Friday approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Delhi High Courts decision to suspend the life sentence and grant bail to expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, officials said, according to PTI.

The central agency filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the apex court against the high courts order, they added. The move came after reviewing the orders of a division bench of the Delhi High Court related to the case.

A CBI spokesperson stated that it was decided to file the SLP at the earliest against the high courts decision, which had granted bail to Sengar after suspending his life sentence. Despite this, Sengar will remain in prison as he is also serving a 10-year sentence for the custodial death of the rape survivors father.

The former MLA had appealed against his life sentence, a move strongly opposed by both the CBI and the victims family in the high court.

The statement had mentioned, The CBI filed timely replies and written arguments in this matter. The family of the victim has also opposed the petition, citing safety and threats. The CBI will immediately challenge this order.

Delhi HC on Kuldeep Sengar's life imprisonment in Unnao rape case On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court suspended Sengars life imprisonment in the 2017 Unnao rape case, noting that he had already spent seven years and five months in jail. The suspension of his sentence will remain in effect while his appeal against the conviction and sentence is pending. Sengar had been convicted of kidnapping and raping the girl in 2017, when she was a minor.

He challenged a December 2019 trial court verdict in the case.

Imposing several conditions for bail, the high court bench comprising Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar directed Sengar to furnish a personal bond of 15 lakh with three sureties of the like amount.

It also ordered Sengar not to come within a 5-km radius of the victim's residence in Delhi, and not to issue threats to her or her mother.

Sengar had been convicted of kidnapping and raping the girl in 2017, when she was a minor.

Following Supreme Court directions, the rape case and related matters were transferred from a trial court in Uttar Pradesh to Delhi on August 1, 2019.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the national programme marking Veer Bal Diwas today, 26 December 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.

Veer Bal Diwas is a day of reverence, dedicated to remembering the sacrifice of the brave Sahibzades, PM Modi said in a post on X.

We recall the unshakeable faith of Mata Gujri Ji and the immortal teachings of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This day is associated with courage, conviction and righteousness. Their lives and ideals will continue to motivate people for generations, he wrote.

What is Veer Bal Diwas? Veer Bal Diwas is observed to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzades  Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji  the young sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Their martyrdom, at a tender age, remains one of the most poignant chapters in Indias history, symbolising unwavering courage in the face of tyranny.

The annual observance was first announced by PM Modi during the Prakash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in January 2022. Prime Minister Modi had then announced that 26 December would be observed as Veer Bal Diwas, to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas.

Events on Veer Bal Diwas To mark Veer Bal Diwas, the Union Government is this year organising participative programmes across the country with the objective of informing and educating citizens about the extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzades, and to honour and commemorate the indomitable courage, sacrifice, and valour of the young heroes of Indias history, a government statement said.

Veer Bal Diwas is a day of reverence, dedicated to remembering the sacrifice of the brave Sahibzades.

The activities will include storytelling sessions, recitations, poster-making and essay-writing competitions, among others. These will be conducted in schools, Child Care Institutions, Anganwadi centres, and other educational platforms, as well as through online activities on the MyGov and MyBharat portals.
Christmas, the festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, was celebrated throughout the globe with devotion and festive gaiety on December 25 as churches were decked in lights and cribs, midnight masses drew large congregations, and community events spread cheer amid prayers for peace and harmony.

View full Image Pope Leo XIV stands after delivering the traditional Christmas Day Urbi et Orbi speech to the city and the world from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, December 25, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi ( REUTERS )

During his first Christmas Day address for the traditional papal Urbi et Orbi, Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to shed indifference in the face of those who have lost everything  such as in Gaza, those who are impoverished, such as in Yemen, and the many migrants who cross the Mediterranean Sea and the American continent for a better future.

The pope emphasised that everyone could contribute to peace by acting with humility and responsibility.

He also remembered those who have lost their jobs or are seeking work, especially young people, underpaid workers and those in prison.

Also Read | Pope Leo XIV condemns Russia for rejecting Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine

View full Image Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive to attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, England, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025. AP/PTI(AP12_25_2025_000342B) ( AP )

In his Christmas Day message, Britain's King Charles III called for compassion and reconciliation at a time of "division" across the world.

The monarch said he found it enormously encouraging how people of different faiths had a shared longing for peace.

View full Image Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP ( AFP )

New York streets lit up on Christmas as people took a moment to capture the beautiful decor. A winter storm is threatening to drop heavy snow on New York City and surrounding areas, potentially snarling post-Christmas holiday weekend travel.

View full Image (Photo by Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo)

Christian devotees receive the blessing of the Baby Jesus idol during Christmas celebrations at Don Bosco Church in Matunga, Mumbai.

View full Image REUTERS

Christmas and New Year's celebrations decorations at a department store in Bangkok, Thailand.

View full Image (Photo by Juni KRISWANTO / AFP) ( AFP )

Christian devotees attend a Christmas Day mass at Bethany Church in Surabaya.

View full Image (Lucy North/PA via AP) ( AP )

Members of the Serpentine Swimming Club take part in the Peter Pan Cup race, which is held every Christmas Day at the Serpentine, in Hyde Park, central London.

View full Image (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP) ( AP )

The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, The Right Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, conducts the Christmas Day Eucharist service at St Paul's Cathedral in London.

Also Read | Mark Zuckerberg presents unique gifts to neighbours on Christmas

View full Image (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) ( AP )

Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost, the Russian Santa Claus) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) greet a woman at a Christmas fair opened prior to Christmas and New Year festivities in St. Petersburg, Russia.

View full Image (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) ( AP )

Girls film their dance at a Christmas fair opened prior to Christmas and New Year festivities in St. Petersburg, Russia, with a statue of Soviet Union founder Vladimir Lenin in the background.

View full Image AFP ( AFP )

Military chaplain Mykola singing a carol during a visit to servicemen of the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade on Christmas Day in the Donetsk region, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

View full Image A couple hugs near trams decorated with garlands on Christmas Day in Kharkiv on December 25, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Ivan SAMOILOV / AFP) ( AFP )

Wishing Ukrainians on the occasion of Christmas, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for peace while also slamming Russia for launching a massive attack on the eve of the festival.

In his Christmas address, he said, "We are happy when we hear the music of Christmas, but even happier when we do not hear the music of evil, when we do not hear drones and missiles flying overhead."

View full Image (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) ( AP )

A child sits on an armoured vehicle on display among Christmas lights in Caracas, Venezuela, as the US ups military action in the area against alleged drug-trafficking boats.
US President Donald Trump on Friday (December 26) asserted that any peace proposal from Ukraine would require his approval, signaling a cautious stance ahead of expected talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Speaking to Politico about Zelenskys proposed plan to end Russias war in Ukraine, Trump said, "He doesnt have anything until I approve it. So well see what hes got.

Despite the skepticism, Trump expressed confidence that upcoming discussions could be productive, both with Kyiv and Moscow.

I think its going to go good with him. I think its going to go good with [Vladimir] Putin, Trump said, adding that he expects to speak with the Russian president soon, as much as I want.

Zelensky is all set to meet Trump in Florida on Sunday (December 28) as part of a renewed US-led diplomatic push to bring an end to the nearly four-year conflict.

And, Zelensky will present a new 20-point plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. The proposal includes the creation of a demilitarised zone and discussions around US security guarantees.

Zelensky told reporters the plan is about 90 per cent ready and said security guarantees would be central to the talks.

An economic agreement will also be discussed, he said, though he could not confirm whether anything would be finalised by the end of the meeting. The Ukraine President is also expected to raise territorial issues.

Diplomatic contacts widen as talks continue Trumps comments came a day after Zelensky said he had a good conversation with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Friday that Moscow has been in contact with US representatives following meetings in Florida between Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and US officials.

It was agreed upon to continue the dialogue, Peskov said.

Zelensky said Ukraine would like Europe to be involved in the negotiations, though he expressed doubts about whether that could happen at short notice.

We must, without doubt, find some format in the near future in which not only Ukraine and the US are present, but Europe is represented as well, he said.

Sticking points remain over territory and withdrawals While Zelensky has said Ukraine would consider withdrawing troops from parts of its eastern industrial heartland if Russia does the same  turning the area into an internationally monitored demilitarised zone  Moscow has given no indication it will agree.
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Nigeria. In a post on social media, he said that the country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.

In a statement issued on Christmas Day, Trump said he directed the strike as Commander in Chief. Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

I have previously warned these terrorists, Trump said. If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay. Tonight, there was.

He added that the Department of War carried out several perfect strikes. He emphasised that under his leadership, the US would remain aggressive against such groups. Trump ended his post by wishing a Merry Christmas to the military, while warning of more strikes if the violence continues.

May God bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues, Trump's post read.

The presidents post did not include information about how the strike was carried out, or its effects, and the White House did not immediately provide further details.

Meanwhile, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said it conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on December 25, 2025, in Sokoto State "at the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities."

More strikes to come Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened there would be more to come if the group does not stop going after innocent Christians in Nigeria [and elsewhere].

Also Read | Nigeria mosque blast: At least 7 killed in as bomb goes off during prayers

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for more details on the strikes, including the number of those affected or the type of weaponry used.

Christianity faces existential threat The US recently designated Nigeria a country of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act.

The strikes were launched after Trump, starting in late October, began warning that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria and threatened to militarily intervene in the West African country over what he says is its failure to stop violence targeting Christian communities.

Reuters reported on Monday that the US had been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November.

Last month, Trump said he had ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following the claims of Christian persecution.

The State Department then announced in recent weeks that it would restrict visas for Nigerians and their family members involved in mass killings and violence against Christians in the West African country.

What has Nigeria said? Nigeria's government has said armed groups target both Muslims and Christians, and the US claims that Christians face persecution, which does not represent a complex security situation and ignores efforts to safeguard religious freedom.

But it has agreed to work with the US to bolster its forces against militant groups.
Former Broadway performer Imani Dia Smith, best known for her portrayal of Young Nala in The Lion King, has been fatally stabbed at her home in Edison, New Jersey.

Smith, aged 25, was found with multiple stab wounds on 21 December 2025 and later pronounced dead at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, authorities confirmed.

Arrest and Charges Police arrested 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small in connection with the fatal stabbing. According to a press release from the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, Jackson-Small was taken into custody without incident and charged with first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

Prosecutors emphasised that Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other prior to the incident; thus, it was not a random act of violence. He is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Centre pending a pre-trial hearing.

Career and Legacy Smith first gained widespread recognition as a child performer, featuring as Young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King from 2011 to 2012. Her early stage work earned her admiration from theatre communities and fans globally. She later continued her career in performance and was remembered by peers as a vibrant and talented young artist.

Family and Aftermath Smith is survived by her three-year-old son, her parents Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, and her two younger siblings. In the wake of the tragedy, her family has established a GoFundMe fundraiser to support funeral costs, legal expenses and the care of her child; as of late December the campaign had raised tens of thousands of dollars.

In a tribute posted on the fundraiser, her aunt Kira Helper described Smith as a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person a true triple-threat performer, adding that her Broadway experience reflected the joy, creativity and light she put into the world.

Investigation and Community Response Local law enforcement has called for anyone with information regarding the incident to assist with the ongoing investigation. The news of Smiths death has reverberated through the Broadway community and beyond, with colleagues and admirers expressing profound shock and sorrow.
A major winter storm sweeping across the northeastern United States is set to bring heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions to New York City and surrounding areas from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning, prompting warnings from city officials and forecasters.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for New York City, forecasting 5 to 9 inches of snow, with some areas potentially seeing higher totals if intense snow bands develop.

Mayor Eric Adams urges caution as winter storm hits NYC New York City Mayor Eric Adams has urged residents to plan ahead and limit travel as a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect across the city, with heavy snowfall expected Friday evening.

There is a Winter Storm Warning in effect for New York City, and the latest forecast shows the heaviest snow falling this evening, Adams wrote on X (formerly Twitter). We have issued a Travel Advisory, so please plan ahead.

The mayor advised commuters to adjust their travel plans, particularly those driving into the city.

If you drove to work today, consider leaving before 4 PM or taking mass transit home, he said.

Adams warned that snowfall could begin earlier than expected and accumulate rapidly.

Snow may begin as early as 3 PM, and the total accumulation could be between 69 inches, with higher amounts in the northern parts of the city, he said.

He added that city agencies were already mobilised ahead of the storm. @NYCSanitation crews have been pre-deployed, and they have pre-treated roads. They will start to plow once 2 inches have fallen.

The mayor said the Winter Storm Warning will remain in place until Saturday afternoon and urged residents to prioritise safety.

The Winter Storm Warning continues until 1 PM tomorrow. Stay warm and stay off the roads if you can, Adams said. Call 311 if you lose heat in your home. Sign up for @NotifyNYC for the latest forecasts.

Winter Storm Warning areas New York City

Northeast New Jersey

Lower Hudson Valley

Nassau County

Western Suffolk County

Fairfield County, Connecticut

The National Weather Service (NWS) warning is in effect from 4 PM Friday to 1 PM Saturday. Eastern Suffolk and New Haven counties are under warning from 7 PM Friday.

Expected impacts:

Snowfall: 59 inches, locally over 10 inches

Peak rates: 12 inches per hour

Hazards: Snow-covered roads, reduced visibility, dangerous travel

Forecasters noted uncertainty around where the heaviest snow bands will set up, which could affect local totals. Some areas may also see sleet mixing in overnight.

Winter weather advisory in parts of Connecticut A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Middlesex and New London counties in Connecticut from 7 PM Friday to 1 PM Saturday.

Snowfall: 35 inches, with a worst-case scenario of 68 inches

Impacts: Slippery roads and reduced driving conditions

Snow is expected to be dry and powdery initially before becoming wetter overnight. Temperatures will remain in the mid to upper 20s, aiding accumulation.

NYC Emergency Management issues safety guidance NYC Emergency Management said flurries will begin Friday afternoon before intensifying later in the evening, with 48 inches expected across the city.

Residents were urged to follow safety precautions, including checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, avoiding the use of ovens or stoves for heating, and never leaving space heaters unattended.

Outdoor safety advice includes wearing layered clothing, using caution on slippery sidewalks, and bringing pets indoors.

Flight cancellations across at NY airports The storm has already caused major disruptions to air travel.

According to Flightradar24, more than 500 flights were cancelled on Friday across New York Citys three major airportsJFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty. Another 279 flights are cancelled for Saturday.

Airlines began pre-emptive cancellations to manage safety risks as snowfall intensifies across the region.

Also Read | NYC travel chaos: Winter storm triggers over 800 flight cancellations
Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday -- a decision that could reshape regional dynamics and test Somalias longstanding opposition to its secession.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy. In a statement he congratulated Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised his leadership and invited him to visit Israel.

Netanyahu said the declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump.

The 2020 accords were brokered by Trumps first administration and included Israel formalising diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with other countries joining later.

Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Somalilands president signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition, the Israeli statement said.

Abdullahi said in a statement that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, calling it a step toward regional and global peace. He said Somaliland was committed to building partnerships, boosting mutual prosperity and promoting stability across the Middle East and Africa.

Egypt meanwhile said Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held phone calls on Friday with his counterparts from Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti to discuss what they described as dangerous developments in the Horn of Africa following Israels announcement.

The ministers condemned Israels recognition of Somaliland, reaffirmed their full support for Somalias unity and territorial integrity, and warned that recognising breakaway regions poses a threat to international peace and security, Egypts foreign ministry said.

Somaliland has enjoyed effective autonomy - and relative peace and stability - since 1991 when Somalia descended into civil war, but the breakaway region has failed to receive recognition from any other country.

Over the years, Somalia has rallied international actors against any country recognising Somaliland.

The former British protectorate hopes that recognition by Israel will encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing its diplomatic heft and access to international markets.
Jailed former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined 13.5 billion ringgit ($3.3 billion), along with asset seizures, on Friday following his conviction in the countrys largest corruption case linked to the massive misappropriation of the 1MDB state investment fund, according to the news agency AP.

The High Court ruled Najib, 72, guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 charges of money laundering, involving over $700 million that had been transferred into his personal accounts from the 1MDB fund.

Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah sentenced Najib Razak to 15 years in prison for each abuse of power charge and five years for each money laundering charge, with the sentences to run concurrently, meaning Najib will serve another 15 years in prison. The judge clarified that this new sentence will begin after his current term for an earlier 1MDB case ends.

A fine of 11.4 billion ringgit was imposed for the abuse of power charges, along with 2.08 billion ringgit in assets to be recovered under money laundering laws. Najib faces additional prison time if he fails to pay, the report noted.

Najibs lawyer stated they plan to appeal the verdict. Wearing a blue suit, Najib remained composed as the sentence was read, though he later slumped back into his chair in the dock.

Najib refuted any wrongdoing, claiming the funds were a political donation from Saudi Arabia and that he had been misled by rogue financiers led by Low Taek Jho. Low, regarded as the scandals mastermind, remains at large.

Also Read | Who is Virandeep Singh? Only player from an Associate nation in IPL 2026 auction

What did Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah say? Sequerah dismissed Najibs claim of a Saudi donation as incapable of belief", noting that four letters purportedly from the Saudi donor were forged and that evidence clearly showed the funds originated from 1MDB.

The judge also rejected defense arguments that Najib was an unwitting victim, duped by former 1MDB officials and Low. Witnesses had testified to an unmistakable bond between Najib and Low, who had acted as the proxy, the conduit, the intermediary and the facilitator for Najib in 1MDB.

Sequerah pointed out that Najib failed to verify the source of the funds or take action against Low. Instead, he used the money despite its suspicious origins and took steps to protect his position, including removing the then-attorney general and anti-corruption chief investigating the case.

While Najib returned most of the funds to the offshore account from which they came, the judge said this was clearly staged to conceal the illicit origin of the funds.

Also Read | Malaysian government to implement social media ban for under-16s from 2026

The accused was no country bumpkin. Any attempt to paint the accused as an ignoramus who was hopelessly unaware of the misdeeds going around him must therefore, fail miserably, AP quoted Sequerah as saying.

Najib, who served as Malaysias prime minister from 2009 to 2018, is currently in prison following a conviction in a previous case related to the 1MDB scandal, which contributed to his governments electoral loss in 2018. In 2020, he was sentenced to 12 years for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering involving 42 million ringgit ($10.3 million) that had been deposited into his accounts from SRC International, a former 1MDB subsidiary.

He began serving his sentence in August 2022 after losing his final appeal, making him the first former Malaysian leader to be jailed. In 2024, the Pardons Board, which advises the countrys rulers on clemency, reduced his sentence by half and significantly lowered his fine.

Earlier this week, Najibs attempt to serve his corruption sentence under house arrest was rejected. Malaysias High Court ruled on Monday that a rare royal order for home confinement, issued by the countrys former king, was invalid because it did not meet constitutional requirements. Najibs lawyer has stated they plan to appeal the decision.

After his sentence reduction, Najib was originally set for release in August 2028, but he now goes through a longer period in prison.

Meanwhile, Najibs wife, Rosmah Mansor, was also sentenced in 2022 to 10 years in prison and a substantial fine in a separate corruption case. She has been released on bail while her appeal is pending.
At least 8 people were killed, 21 others were injured during Friday prayers as a terrorist explosion hit worshippers at a mosque in Syria's Homs on Friday, 26 December.

Syria's interior ministry said in a statement that "a terrorist explosion" targeted the mosque "during Friday prayers".

Condemning the blast as a cowardly criminal act  Syria's foreign ministry  in a statement, said the blast came "in the context of repeated desperate attempts to undermine security and stability and spread chaos among the Syrian people".

The Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque is located in an area of the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood in Homs  Syrias third-largest city.

Friday's blast is the second in a place of worship since Islamist authorities took charge of the country a year ago, after a suicide bombing in a Damascus church killed 25 people in June.

Panic grips residents Ambulance sirens blared as black smoke covered part of the Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib Mosque  with carpets and books scattered nearby, reported AFP.

A resident of the area, said people heard a loud explosion following which chaos and panic ensued in the neighbourhood. No one dares to leave their house, and we are hearing ambulance sirens," AFP quoted the person as saying.

Quoting a health ministry official, state news agency SANA gave a preliminary toll of at least eight dead and 18 wounded.

View full Image A man takes a photo of the aftermath of the explosion inside Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs on December 26, 2025. ( AFP )

The ministry imposed a security cordon around the mosque, saying that authorities "have begun investigating and collecting evidence to pursue the perpetrators of this criminal act".

Explosive devices planted inside mosque The explosion was likely caused by explosive devices planted inside the mosque, Syria's state news agency said, citing a security source involved in the initial investigations.

SANA also published photos from inside the Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib Mosque showed blood on the mosques carpets, holes in the walls, shattered windows and fire damage.

View full Image This handout photograph released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on December 26, 2025, shows the aftermath of the explosion inside Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs. ( AFP )
Photo: SBU

Counterintelligence agents of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) prevented the contract killing by the Russian Federal Secuirty Service (FSB) of an officer of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR). The FSB agent was detained.

"As a result of a multi-stage special operation in Kyiv, an FSB agent was exposed who tried to eliminate a Ukrainian soldier in the central part of the city. SBU employees detained the killer "red-handed" when he took out a pistol and aimed at the military GUR of the Ministry of Defense in one of the capitals institutions," the message on the Telegram channel said on Friday.

As the investigation established, the attempted murder was committed by a 28-year-old citizen of a Central Asian country. The enemy recruited the person involved in his homeland when he was looking for easy money in Telegram channels.

"On the instructions of the Russian agents, the agent, posing as a tourist, arrived in Ukraine and first stopped in Pervomaisk in the Mykolaiv region. There he purchased several smartphones and SIM cards, which he regularly changed for covert communication sessions with the FSB. Later, the foreigner left for Kyiv, received from the curator a photo of a potential "target", its approximate geolocation and the coordinates of the cache, from which he took a pistol with cartridges," the SBU said.

For the physical assault on the officer, he was promised $50,000 and legalization in one of the EU countries.

As reported, at the scene of the attempt on the Ukrainian intelligence officer, a weapon with ammunition and a smartphone with evidence of his contacts with the FSB were seized from the detainee.

SBU investigators informed the agent of suspicion under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Part 2 of Article 15, Part 2 of Article 115 (completed attempt to commit murder); Part 1 of Art. 111-2 (assistance to an aggressor state); Part 1 of Art. 263 (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives).

The perpetrator is in custody. He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Indian doctoral student, was shot dead near University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The concerning shooting incident came to the knowledge of Canada police when they received a call at 3:30 PM on 23 December.

The shooting incident happened near the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road. Shivank Avasthi was pronounced dead at the scene when the paramedics arrived. He died due to the fatal gunshot wound.

A student of University of Toronto Scarborough, Shivank Avasthi was in the third year and was a member of the universitys cheerleading team. The death of Shivank Avasthi, a life sciences student, marks 41st homicide incident in Canada this year. The search for the absconding shooter is ongoing. The gunman opened fire in broad daylight and fled the scene soon after.

The Indian Embassy in Toronto announced the tragic news of Shivank Avasthi's death through a post on X. The Consulate General of India said, We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr. Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus."

The post added, "The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities.

Shivank Avasthi's lifeless body was found by someone walking along the trail, as per investigators, The Star reported. According to police, this shooting was an isolated incident and there was no ongoing threat to the University of Toronto community and they didnt believe there was ever an active shooter.

Toronto police releases image of Shivank Avasthi Toronto police released an image of the deceased and in its press release stated, "The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of a Homicide investigation. On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at approximately 3:34 p.m., police responded to a call for an Unknown Trouble in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area."

Also Read | Canada Banks Sit on Billions as Regulator Maintains Capital Rule

The University issued a series of alerts on its X account regarding a temporary lockdown following the shooting. Although the restrictions have been lifted, The pathways into the Highland Creek valley remain closed. Avoid the Valley until TPS have reopened the area, the University said.
The essential accoutrement for auto executives this year was a cap. As in, of the red baseball variety. Tesla Inc.s Elon Musk had one virtually glued to his head (for a little while anyway).

His more measured counterparts in Detroit donned them virtually via flattery to President Donald Trump, even (especially?) when he was tormenting them.

Most surprisingly, Toyota Motor Corp.s Chairman Akio Toyoda ditched the protocol of neutrality to sport the real thing, along with a Trump-Vance t-shirt, at a Nascar event in Japan.

The fortunes of the auto industry revolved largely around Trump this year.

Also Read | How Ford failed to bottle Teslas EV magic

That applies especially to Detroit. After taking an initial salvo from the presidents haphazard trade war, General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. rallied on his subsequent carve outs and war on fuel economy and electric vehicles.

Both should beat the S&P 500 Index handily for the first time in four years.

So Detroit enters 2026 on a roll. Tariff headwinds have abated somewhat and US vehicle sales are expected to be stable. Washingtons swing back toward internal combustion engines also offers opportunities to raise margins.

And yet, in relative terms, Ford and GM look as unloved as ever.

Detroits safe space involves selling ever more big, tricked-out vehicles sporting engines without worrying about environmental penalties or interlopers.

That is kind of where they are now, shielded by anti-green and pro-protectionist policy. Can it last? Judging by Fords and GMs single-digit earnings multiples, investors regard this happy state as finiteand with good reason.

The most dangerous time for an incumbent is when their business is doing well, eclipsing signs of disruption gathering around them. In autos, that takes several forms.

Chinas automakers are squeezing foreign peers out of their own market and now making inroads everywhere else that lacks sky-high trade barriers. Linked to that, EVs are getting cheaper and better and taking market share in many countries outside the US.

Technology is also changing how vehicles get made, sold and used, with batteries, robotics, artificial intelligence and the related field of automated driving at the leading edge.

Also Read | One of Elon Musks old enemies joins the race to run GM

Disruption can be hard to spot in real time and you can lose a lot of money (and face) if you leap too soon. It takes a lot to upend a century-plus-old industry making products that are deeply embedded in daily life and which turn over at a stately pace of once every two decades.

With China in mind, prior panics about Japanese and Korean rivals conquering America eventually subsided as Detroit found a new equilibrium.

Similarly, the burgeoning s-curve in US EV sales has rapidly collapsed into more like an A, as inherent challenges around cost, consumer behaviour and charging infrastructure have been compounded by Republicans repeal of incentives.

Yet look around. Waymo robotaxis ferrying passengers around multiple cities. A Chinese smartphone company suddenly building EVs that have Ford chief executive Jim Farley worried.

Sales of new passenger vehicles with only internal combustion engines falling globally by more than a quarter between 2019 and 2024thats 20 million units, bigger than the entire US market. To dismiss disruption altogether would be derelict.

And disruption costs. Citing prior revolutions, including the arrival of mass-produced cars a hundred-odd years ago, John Casesa, former strategy head at Ford and now a senior managing director at Guggenheim Securities, points to capital as the decisive edge.

The industrys new entrants are investing at a scale that matches or exceeds the largest incumbents," he says, and many of these challengers are building scale in technologies that underpin the future automobile: batteries, chips, and software."

This is where Fords and GMs discount hurts, facing competitors with far easier access to capital. Tesla is the extreme example of this, valued at $1.6 trillionroughly 12 times Ford and GM combinedor 242 times forward earnings.

Teslas multiple is a little like my young sons obsession with the band Imagine Dragons: I cant say I agree with it, nor expect it to last, but it is undeniably there and both have real world effects, on the autos arms race and my Spotify algorithm, respectively. Tesla isnt the only one enjoying an easier relationship with investors, either.

Besides cost of capital, and linked to that, is the traditional mismatch of old dogs with new tricks.

Detroit is blocking and tackling well in the current environment, leaning into their core domestic truck businesses and working to address problem areas, China in GMs case and Europe in Fords. But both have struggled with innovation of late.

Recall that the recovery in GMs share price over the past two years began with it deploying that old standby of mature companies, a stock buyback, after a multi-billion-dollar debacle with robotaxi-developer Cruise.

Similarly, Ford abandoned its own self-driving effort with Argo and lost billions developing EVs; it closed out 2025 with a hard pivot away from the latter.

Fords touted Model T effort to launch a new, lower cost electric truck is intriguing, continuing a long tradition of reinventing itself around one new vehicle, be it Henry Fords Model A in 1927, the Taurus of the 1980s, and former chief executive, and savior, Alan Mulallys global Ford Focus after the 2008 financial crisis.

But using a skunkworks in California to do so can be read as both a clever way of bestowing freedom to break the mold and an admission that the mold in Michigan is unhelpfully sturdy.

In a recent report, analysts at Gartner Inc. predicted both a technological shake-up across autos and a failure by most to fully exploit it.

Only 5% of companies are expected to maintain investment in AI as a priority through the end of the decade. Meanwhile, connected services, lauded as a way to tap new revenue from drivers, will disappoint such expectations as they become standard features (see BYD Co. Ltd.s Gods Eye driver assistance system).

Also Read | Ford learns a brutal EV lesson

One of the authors, Pedro Pacheco, highlights the difficulty of keeping budgets dedicated to disruptive business cases such as AI or autonomy, where you cannot really prove it; you can only tell a story that is convincing."

He adds that, for the average legacy automaker, even if they invest, they will get to a point where they say we tried."

For next year, and a majority of the rest of the decade, Ford and GM should enjoy the grace and favour of the White House, capricious as it is. Much depends on whether they use that brief period to settle back or strike ahead. Bloomberg
Can a state-created cooperative relieve India of a near duopoly in its market for taxi services?

Uber and Ola have long ruled the ride-hailing business, with Rapido having sliced itself a share lately, but if a government plan works out, a cooperative model under the brand Bharat Taxi could alter this markets rivalry dynamics.

As announced by home minister Amit Shah, this service is set for launch within two months.

What sets it apart, he said, is that profits will go to drivers instead of companies.

Job generation is a major part of the Centres aim, which makes its success a matter of public interest, but cab users stand to gain too.

This market is short of competitionwhich needs to play a more effective regulatory role in keeping everyones interests in balance.

While ideas like surge pricing" follow the logic of supply shortfalls, persistently high fares hint of supernormal" profits, the type assured by monopolistic clout.

Todays scenario is ideally suited for the intervention of a cooperative platform that puts ride hailers and cab drivers in touch for free.

To empower on-the-street service providers, though, Bharat Taxis app would need to be user-friendly and its algorithm world-class.
VV Rajesh was on Friday elected Bharatiya Janata Party's first-ever Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. The saffron party recently won the corporation polls for the first time, marking the end of 45 years of Left rule.

Rajesh's candidature was announced by the party's state general secretary, S Suresh, at a meeting of the newly elected BJP councillors of the corporation and the party's district leaders.

The Mayor elections were held today.

The decision followed prolonged discussions within the party's state and district leadership. Earlier, discussions had focused on retired DGP R Sreelekha as a possible mayoral candidate, but a section of the party is learnt to have opposed her elevation.

Just ahead of the announcement, in a post on X, BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar said he had met BJP national president J P Nadda and national working president Nitin Nabin to seek their guidance on organisational issues related to the party's Kerala unit.

"On behalf of every karyakarta, I thank them for their support," he said.

The BJP secured control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation with 50 seats, breaking a Left stronghold that had lasted for four decades. The Congress-led UDF also made significant gains by doubling its seat tally. In the three-cornered contest, Thiruvananthapuram ultimately swung in favour of the BJP.

Who is VV Rajesh? Rajesh, 50, is currently a councillor in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, serving his second term in the house. Rajesh won from the Kodunganoor ward with a margin of 515 votes in the recently held Kerala local body elections.

In 2021, Rajesh contested the Kerala Assembly election from the Vattiyoorkavu seat as A BJP candidate. He secured 39,596 votes and finished second, behind CPI(M)s VK Prasanth, who polled 61,111 votes, winning by a margin of 21,515 votes.

Former Thiruvananthapuram district president

The BJP has secured control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, breaking a Left stronghold that had lasted for four decades.

A lawyer by profession, Rajesh is a senior party leader who serves as the BJP state secretary. He has previously served as the district president of Thiruvananthapuram and as the state president of the BJP Yuva Morcha.
Samsung is reportedly preparing to manufacture advanced camera sensors for future iPhones at its facility in Austin, Texas, marking a significant change in Apples supply chain strategy. According to reports from South Korean outlet The Elec, the South Korean tech giant will begin producing the components locally as part of a major expansion of its US operations.

Advanced sensor technology coming to iPhone The sensors being developed are said to use a three-layer stacked design, a next-generation approach that improves image quality by vertically stacking multiple layers of circuitry. This architecture could enable higher pixel density, faster data readout, improved low-light performance and better power efficiency compared with conventional designs.

Such technology has not yet been mass-produced at scale, making the project a notable technical milestone for Samsungs semiconductor division.

Investment and hiring underway in Austin Samsung is reportedly preparing its existing Austin facility for the new production line and has begun advertising roles for engineers, technicians and management staff to support the expansion. Earlier this month, the company reportedly informed the City of Austin of plans to invest around $19 billion into the site, underlining the scale of the project.

Also Read | New leak revives hopes of Apple iPhone Air 2 launching sooner than expected

Production is expected to begin as early as March, once equipment installation and testing are complete.

iPhone 18 expected to debut new sensor The new camera sensor is believed to be destined for the iPhone 18 lineup, which is widely expected to launch in the first half of 2027. Apple reportedly finalised an agreement with Samsung in August to secure the supply of these components.

Also Read | Apple discontinues over 20 devices this year  Check full list

According to MacRumors, this would mark the first time Apple has sourced iPhone image sensors from a supplier other than Sony, if confirmed. Until now, Sony has been the exclusive provider of iPhone camera sensors, manufacturing them in Japan before shipping them for integration via TSMC.

A strategic shift for Apple The move could signal a diversification of Apples supply chain and a growing role for US-based manufacturing in its hardware strategy. It may also represent a major win for Samsungs foundry business, positioning the company as a key player in next-generation mobile imaging technology.
Coming to Ireland for the first time to study English in a summer course, Annarita Monaldi from Italy has a unique skill with textile crafts. She has lived in Ireland for nearly thirty years, and her work has been sold globally.

Read more: Longford native brings Jazzercise home after 27 years teaching abroad

While studying Foreign Modern Literature and Languages, Annarita had several jobs to support herself:

Around that time, I also started to knit custom orders for a couple of wool shops in Bologna. That was my first step into transforming my passion for textiles into a business, as up until then I would knit just for family and friends, she said when asked about how she began to pursue her craft professionally.

In 2022, a very important experience happened to me when I was accepted into the Crafting Business Programme for makers and crafters. In Ireland, it was run by the Technology University of Shannon and the Design & Craft Council of Ireland, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. This programme really opened my eyes to all the opportunities available for designers and makers, as well as a foundational understanding of how to transform my crafting skills into a small business.

One of the challenges that Annarita has faced is the misinterpretation that craft designers and makers are hobbyists rather than full-time professionals. She explained the difficulty in making a craft business into a profitable endeavour, and how crafts are not recognised the same as other forms of art.

Sadly, crafting does not enjoy the same level of consideration as other human skills, like art, music or drama. For some reason, most people seem to be able to recognise a beautifully executed piece of art, a wonderfully played piece of music, or a well performed piece of drama, but when it comes to craft, people have a much harder time recognising the skill, hard work and artistry that goes into it.

Annaritas sculptures have been popular pieces, as well as her framed crochet reproductions, false taxidermy and tea cosies. Her makeup removers have also been very successful.

Annarita explained how trends influenced her earlier work.

I did not enjoy making those items that everyone was making over and over again, just to make some sales, as I much prefer designing and creating my own original pieces.

Although I love the process of making, Im probably more of a designer than a maker. And Im very particular about how I want my pieces to come out. My house is full of bags of works-in-progress, as I tend to get bored of a project as soon as I am able to complete it to the standard I am aiming for. I dont enjoy making the same items over and over, and most of my pieces are one-of-a-kind or very limited editions.

Annarita has noted a resurgence in craft makers due to rediscovered heritage to try knitting, crocheting, embroidery and weaving.

The younger generations seem to have rekindled a genuine passion for manual work, and many studies now have confirmed that using the hands and developing manual skills can improve our sense of wellbeing, she said.

For many years I have had a dream that I hope I will soon be able to make a reality: the creation of a craft hub, where craft workshops and classes are held to offer people the possibility to enjoy all different types of crafts and manual work, to learn or rediscover the positive aspects of being involved in a tactile activity.

Read more: Great night out in Longford at brilliant gala fashion show

With a goal to change the perspective of crafting by letting people try themselves, Annarita is all about keeping the legacy going from watching her mother and grandmother.

For me its also very important to honour the legacy attached to the skills I learned through my mother and my grandmother, that I would like to pass on to other people, for them to enjoy and cherish as much as I have enjoyed and cherished them for over 50 years now, and that Ive been able to bring with me wherever I go, as I have them with me, in my hands.
Somalia's capital kicks off first direct elections in over five decades

Xinhua) 10:00, December 26, 2025

A Somali voter casts his vote at a polling station in Mogadishu, Somalia, Dec. 25, 2025. More than 500,000 voters in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, cast ballots on Thursday in municipal elections widely seen as a key step toward the country's first direct national elections in more than five decades, scheduled for 2026. (Photo by Hassan Bashi/Xinhua)

MOGADISHU, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- More than 500,000 voters in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, cast ballots on Thursday in municipal elections widely seen as a key step toward the country's first direct national elections in more than five decades, scheduled for 2026.

Somalia's National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) said some 1,604 candidates from 20 political parties are running for 390 posts in district councils in Mogadishu, in a vote viewed as crucial to dismantling the country's long-standing clan-based political system.

The vote marks the first direct election held in Mogadishu in decades. According to the electoral body, 523 polling stations across 16 districts opened at 6:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) and are due to close at 6:00 p.m. (1500 GMT), with results expected on Friday.

"We are happy to announce that the local council election of the Banadir region officially started in designated polling stations early this morning peacefully," NIEBC Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan said.

Ahead of the vote, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the municipal elections are a milestone for the revival of the government and security of the capital, urging registered voters to exercise their constitutional rights.

"This election is a powerful statement to Somalia's recovery and the strengthening of the state institutions, and clear evidence that Mogadishu is secure and stable," Mohamud said in a televised address.

Authorities said extensive security measures were in place amid concerns over possible attacks by al-Shabab militants. Security was visibly tight across the capital, with a curfew imposed overnight to restrict traffic.

Several opposition parties, however, announced a boycott of the vote, alleging electoral fraud.

Voters in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland and the breakaway region of Somaliland are not participating in the elections.

For many residents, the vote carried deep personal significance. "This is a historic opportunity that has never passed me by in my entire life. I am 52 years old, and I have never voted before," Hassan Mohamed Hussein said after casting his vote in Mogadishu's Karan district.

A Somali voter casts her vote at a polling station in Mogadishu, Somalia, Dec. 25, 2025. More than 500,000 voters in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, cast ballots on Thursday in municipal elections widely seen as a key step toward the country's first direct national elections in more than five decades, scheduled for 2026. (Photo by Hassan Bashi/Xinhua)

A Somali voter casts his vote at a polling station in Mogadishu, Somalia, Dec. 25, 2025. More than 500,000 voters in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, cast ballots on Thursday in municipal elections widely seen as a key step toward the country's first direct national elections in more than five decades, scheduled for 2026. (Photo by Hassan Bashi/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Photo: DeepState

A video of a Ukrainian command and observation post allegedly captured by Russians in Hulyaipole, Zaporizhia region, has appeared on the Internet, and the Defense Forces declare that an investigation is underway.

The video footage allegedly shows a post of one of the Territorial Defense Brigades (TrO) abandoned by Ukrainian military personnel, showing abandoned laptops, work computers, documentation, and a smartphone without appropriate protection.

"Representatives of the relevant competent authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into this fact, which should establish the reasons and prerequisites for the occurrence of such a fact and, in general, whether it took place. Only after that will the information be made public," said Vladislav Voloshyn, spokesman for the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraines Armed Forces.

He also noted that street fighting is taking place in Hulyaipole, the situation in the city is difficult, the Russian invaders are trying to enter the city center, establish reinforcement groups and assault groups in the vicinity.

Voloshyn stressed that, in addition, proceedings will be initiated by law enforcement agencies, and based on the results of the investigation, the actions of each official involved in these events will be assessed.

At the same time, analysts from the OSINT project DeepState noted in a comment that "this video confirms the chaos and problems in the management of the units of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, which require the immediate attention of the high military command."

OSINT project specialists said the video confirms the presence of the enemy in the central part of Hulyaipole, but the situation is such that the city "is becoming a large gray zone" where both the Defense Forces and the enemy are present.
Two soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces 2nd Reserve Infantry Brigade operate in Gaza. (IDF)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) rotated two brigades out of Gaza in late December, replacing them with new units. The switch occurred as the IDF continues to deal with securing the half of Gaza that Israel controls in the wake of an October 2025 ceasefire. Israel is also preparing for a possible new phase of the ceasefire that may begin in early 2026.

On December 18, the Israeli military said that it had rotated the 2nd Reserve Infantry Brigade out of Gaza. After successfully dismantling Hamas infrastructure, killing terrorists, and destroying weapons caches, the IDFs 2nd Brigade has completed its mission and will be rotating out of Gaza to be replaced by the 16th Brigade, The Jerusalem Post noted, based on an IDF announcement. The 16th Brigade is a reserve infantry brigade.

The IDF said in a statement distributed on WhatsApp that the 2nd Brigade was operating under the command of the 252nd Division in northern Gaza. The brigade has secured the Yellow Line, a line that runs most of the length of Gaza and demarcates IDF control from areas of the territory still controlled by Hamas. The line is a result of the October 13 ceasefire agreement that created a framework for a phased withdrawal of IDF forces as Hamas returns hostages and disarms. One deceased hostage is still held by Hamas as of December 26, 2025.

Following the rotation of the 2nd Brigade, the IDF said on December 20 that it was rotating the Kfir Brigade out of Gaza. The infantry brigade had operated in the territory for two months and was being replaced by the 188th Armored Brigade, the Israeli military said. During their activities, the troops, in cooperation with the Yahalom [combat engineering] Unit, located and dismantled hundreds of terrorist infrastructure sites, including an underground tunnel route approximately two kilometers long and an additional tunnel route extending hundreds of meters underneath the Khan Yunis area, the IDF added.

In its announcement about the departure of the Kfir Brigade, the IDF said that 20 terrorists had been eliminated during the units activities. The Israeli military also said the 2nd Brigade had eliminated dozens of terrorists during its deployment. The Kfir and 188th Brigades are both regular IDF brigades comprised of soldiers doing their mandatory military service, in contrast to the reservists of the 2nd and 16th Brigades.

The rotation of the units took place as Israel prepares for the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Representatives of Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar met with US officials to discuss Gaza.

Turkey expects the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal to begin early in 2026, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Monday [December 22], following talks with U.S., Qatari and Egyptian officials in Miami over the weekend, Reuters reported on December 22. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump on December 29.

President Trump plans several big announcements on Gaza in early January, but the next steps hinge on his meeting on Monday at Mar-a-Lago with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Axios reported on December 26. The report said that the White House intends to announce details of an International Stabilization Force and Palestinian technocratic government for Gaza. Announcements about a new phase of the ceasefire have been expected since early December.

The IDF continues to face tensions along the Yellow Line. Five IDF announcements on WhatsApp between December 18 and 26 mentioned incidents in Gaza where Israeli troops eliminated terrorist threats. Two of the incidents involved more than one person who was identified as a threat. For instance, on December 20, the IDFsaidit had killed two suspected terrorists.

On December 24, an Israeli soldier was wounded in Gaza. An explosive device was detonated against an IDF vehicle during operational activity dismantling terrorist infrastructure in the area of Rafah, the IDF said. In the northern part of the territory, the IDFs Northern Gaza Brigade dismantled more than four kilometers of a tunnel, the Israeli military noted on December 25. In southern Gaza, the Kfir Infantry Brigade also destroyed a tunnel estimated at around 2 kilometers in length.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
A US Navy vessel fires Tomahawk missiles at Islamic State targets in Nigeria on December 25. (US Department of War)

On December 25, US President Donald Trump announced that he ordered US strikes against Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria in retaliation for the groups targeting of Christian communities in the country. The US militarys Africa Command (AFRICOM) added that the strikes occurred in Nigerias Sokoto State, which borders the Sahelian country of Niger.

Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! Trump announced on Truth Social. US officials have not ruled out further strikes.

While jihadists in Nigeria have deliberately killed Christians for their faith, they are not the only targets of Nigerias jihadists, who also routinely kill moderate Muslims. Additionally, Nigerias military has borne the brunt of jihadist violence in the country since 2009.

Trumps statement did not specify where the military action took place, though AFRICOM later stated that strikes took place in Soboto State, a misspelling of Sokoto State in northwestern Nigeria. AFRICOM did not specify how many strikes took place, nor did it provide any early damage assessment, other than that the operation killed multiple terrorists.

The strikes consisted of Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from a US Navy ship. Nigeria has confirmed the bombings, noting that they were conducted in partnership between the two countries.

Sokoto State borders Niger and has been one of the scenes of jihadist expansion from the Sahel into Nigeria. For instance, Sokoto is where the Islamic States Sahel Province (ISSP), which is primarily based in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has made inroads into Nigeria in recent years. Thus, although unconfirmed, it is likely that yesterdays operation targeted ISSP.

ISSP is just one jihadist group operating within Nigeria. Nigerias largest jihadist group is the Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP), which is primarily based in northeastern Nigeria, though it is also expanding elsewhere in the country. ISSP and ISWAP are known to communicate and collaborate across various capacities, primarily in logistical, training, and advisory roles.

Boko Haram, which calls itself Jamaat Ahl al Sunnah li Dawah wal Jihad (JAS), also operates in northeastern Nigeria, though it, too, has shown signs of expansion across northern and central Nigeria. JAS remains independent of both the Islamic State and Al Qaeda.

Al Qaeda also maintains a presence inside Nigeria, primarily in the northwest. This includes factions of Jamaat Ansar al Muslimeen fi Bilad al Sudan, or simply Ansaru, and the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which, like ISSP, is primarily based in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. JNIM has also started to make inroads into Nigeria, with the group claiming its first official attack in the countrys northwest in recent months. It has since claimed other operations in that part of Nigeria.

A vast array of bandit organizations also exists in Nigerias northwest, further contributing to the regions instability. Though not all of the bandits are allied with jihadists, various jihadist groups, including most of the ones mentioned above, maintain ties to some of these criminal factions.

The USs likely strikes against Islamic State positions belonging to the groups Sahel Province underscore the highly complex nature of Nigerias jihadist landscape and may indicate that the conflict in the Sahel and the various conflicts in Nigeria are merging. Nigeria is simultaneously facing a litany of security challenges that impact millions of its citizens, including but also beyond jihadist violence against Christians.

Caleb Weiss is an editor of FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.
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Petro Poroshenko handed over six Ai-Petri technical counterintelligence systems to the Defence Forces. "Three of them will operate as part of the 12th Army Corps, which protects the skies over Kyiv and repels Russian attacks. Two Ai-Petri systems will be given to the 241st Brigade of the Territorial Defence Forces. And another system, financed by the community of Haysyn, will go to our native 59th Brigade," he said on social media.

"The Kremlin devil knows no holidays or breaks, so we have no right to rest. Even on these bright days, Russian missiles and Shahed drones continue to fly towards Ukrainian cities. They target residential high-rise buildings and strike critical infrastructure with a single goal: to kill and destroy Ukrainians. To thwart these plans, we must strengthen our air defence," the fifth President is convinced.



Our team is working day and night, without wasting a single hour. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the front line and our cities are covered by as many Ai-Petri complexes as possible. I hope that these complexes will help protect critical infrastructure from enemy strikes and, most importantly, save the lives of Ukrainians, Poroshenko writes.



Since autumn 2023, Petro Poroshenko has invested over 200 million hryvnias in the production of unique systems to counter technical reconnaissance, Ai-Petri SV, which have been successfully tested and are used by the Armed Forces, covering a thousand kilometres of the front line. For a long time, the state did not allocate funding for this programme. In March 2025, Poroshenko announced a contract with the Ministry of Defence.



Each complex includes the PDTR device itself, a pickup truck, a charging station, a generator, and the necessary electronics. "This is cybersecurity with unique properties, developed by our team of specialists  programmers and engineers. Today, there is nothing like it in either the Armed Forces of Ukraine or the enemy. And we have established serial production," Poroshenko said earlier.

In total, since the start of the project, the troops have already received more than two and a half hundred installations.
The archbishop of Boston will meet in January with the priest of a Roman Catholic church in Dedham to discuss the churchs Nativity scene that had been designed to criticize U.S. immigration policies.

The scene in front of St. Susanna Parish features a sign reading ICE was here placed in the spot usually occupied by Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the middle of the manger.

Below the message is a smaller sign that reads The Holy Family is safe in our Church ... If you see ICE please call LUCE at 617-370-5023, referring to an immigrant advocacy organization.

Boston Archbishop Richard Henning was critical of the political nature of the display, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons called for its removal earlier this month.

Henning will meet in January with the Rev. Stephen Josoma of St. Susanna Parish to discuss the Nativity scene, Terry Donilon, a spokesperson for the archdiocese, told MassLive.

Donilon said Henning and Josoma talked by phone on Christmas Eve, but did not provide any details about the conversation.

An exact date for their January meeting has not been set, Donilon said.

My first thing will be just to hear him out and listen, Henning told the Boston Globe on Wednesday. He was the one that asked to speak with me. Id like to hear him first.

Josoma has defended the display, telling reporters at a press conference on Dec. 8 that he would not remove the scene until he had a meeting with Henning.

During the press conference, a small group of St. Susanna parishioners gathered in front of the scene to defend Josoma.

The word is out there [about] who we are, parishioner Rich Donovan said. Our sign says all are welcome. So there are people who are going to start coming here because of whats been going on.
A man was arrested the day after Christmas in Downtown Boston after police said he smashed through a 7-Eleven window, stole a cash register and threatened police officers.

Michael Waterman, 40, was arrested early Friday morning at 50 Summer St., which is listed as a 7-Eleven convenience store, according to Boston police.

It was 5:08 a.m. on Friday when Waterman smashed through the front glass door of the convenience shop, police said, which is located in the Downtown Crossing area near the T station and next to Macys.

Waterman also stole the cash register, police said, and he was seen across the street when officers arrived at the scene. Waterman resisted the police officers and threatened to kill them as they tried to put him in handcuffs, according to the department.

Eventually, Waterman was taken into custody and the stolen merchandise was recovered, police said. He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on several charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, armed robbery, breaking and entering into a building, resisting arrest and threatening to commit a crime.
A beloved restaurant in Norwood is closing for good after more than five decades.

The Olde Colonial Cafe will close after 56 years, with the restaurant hosting its Last Hurrah from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, Boston25 reported.

This was my life. I love what I did. Im going to miss it, but when youre almost 80, its time, Owner Paul Angelo told the news outlet, citing his retirement as the reason for The Olde Colonial Cafes closure.

I cant wait to spend a lot of time with my kids and their kids, he added.

Olde Colonial Cafe originally opened on Savin Avenue in Norwood in 1969 before moving to its current location at located at 171 Nahatan St.

The business has been in Angelos family for generations, according to Olde Colonial Cafes website.

The longtime eatery is known for its American fare and Italian dishes served in a brick-cladded interior and patio.

Olde Colonial Cafe is also a popular event space, with the establishment hosting a wide range of functions over the years.
Sophie Dunns life has always revolved around food  so it only makes sense that her new business venture will expand her professional palette.

Dunn is the daughter of Gordon Hamersley, who ran the legendary Hamersleys Bistro until it closed in 2014 after 27 years.

As someone who spent her childhood greeting guests, drawing on paper tablecloths and watching her parents pour their hearts into the restaurant, Dunn said Hamersleys Bistro served as her classroom, playground and second home.

I really grew up in the restaurant and was always surrounded by food, Dunn said. Food was always a topic of conversation. Were definitely a foodie family. And so food is definitely in my blood.

Dunn said it has been my dream forever to open a food shop spotlighting lesser-known brands that also embodied the hospitality for which Hamersleys Bistro was known. Dunns dream will soon become a reality when she opens Hamersleys Pantry: a new emerging foods store in South Boston.

Hamersleys Pantry is my way of bringing that feeling of discovery, of warmth, of everyday joy into a new chapter, the 35-year-old businesswoman said. Its kind of what my parents had really tried to build, which is this notion of good food brings great company together. And so it kind of feels like a natural continuation of everything I grew up with, just kind of reimagined in my own way.

How it began

Dunns idea for Hamersleys Pantry came long before she began her PR and communications career in food and beverage.

By age 8, she was running her own store out of her house, complete with paper pastries, a shoebox register and her golden retriever, Chester, serving as general manager.

Even when she entered the real workforce, food always found its way back into Dunns life.

Ive always loved markets. Ive loved discovering small brands, finding the one ingredient that transforms a dinner, the shop owner explained. I take these trips to New York and London and Italy and [would] be reminded how energizing it feels to stumble upon a new ingredient or a tiny brand doing something cool. And I really wanted that feeling here.

Dunn has worked in tech the last seven years, helping to build brands from the backend and supporting their communication efforts. At some point, she felt the urge to build something of my own and something that I could be proud of in a very tangible and real way.

As a Southie resident, Dunn noticed that most people tend to buy the same products over and over again. She felt like her community had lost a little bit of the fun of cooking, hosting and gifting  so she set out to change that. Dunn hammered out a concrete plan for Hamersleys Pantry in January, and shes never looked back.

This is really the moment to bring it to life, she said. I think, so far, the response from people is that we need something like this in Southie. And so its been great that people are so excited about it. It kind of reconfirms that this is the right path that Im on at the moment.

Whats in store

Located in a high-traffic area of West Broadway, Dunn said the goal of her store is to create a place that people can pop into if they need something for dinner.

To accomplish this, Hamersleys Pantry will greet shoppers with the Whats for Dinner? section upon entry. The section will come with a recipe and ingredients  conveniently packed inside a Hamersleys Pantry tote bag  needed to cook whatever meal is being highlighted that week.

But the buck doesnt stop at dinner. Hamersleys Pantry is designed to become part of ones daily routine, whether people are popping in to restock their new favorite snack or grab a gift for a party.

To assist with that effort, the shop will be separated into four disctinct categories so customers can have an easier time finding products.

The first will be Sweet Treats, featuring items such as brownie mixes, ice cream and cookies. The Saucy Stuff section will offer a plethora of condiments, from Calabrian chili ideal for chicken dinners to hot sauce to help spice up eggs. Chips, crisps and more crunchy items can be snatched from the Snacky Snacks section. Lastly, anyone searching for common items such as olive oil or spices can find them in the Pantry Picks section.

In addition to these four core sections, Hamersleys Pantry will have another Grab & Go section with frozen pizzas, premade pasta dishes, fresh bread and flowers. There will also be a homeware and gifts section where shoppers can scoop up glassware, cookbooks, cards, candles and other gifts ideal for an event or ones own pleasure.

More importantly, Hamersleys Pantry will spotlight brands that youre not finding everywhere else, according to Dunn. A wide range of lesser-known food and beverage brands that are shaking up the scene or doing things differently will populate the pantry, the owner explained.

With this, Dunns intention is to help brands that typically dont have the budget to be on full display at commercial grocery stores such as Stop & Shop or Market Basket.

What I found is that thats incredibly expensive to be front and center on those shelves. And, as you probably know, its kind of dominated by a few different brands with a lot of money behind them, the businesswoman explained. So theres a lot of brands who are making some incredible, really delicious stuff that just dont have the exposure.

By selling these products at an affordable price, Dunn hopes customers will feel more inclined to buy higher-quality goods while discovering whats new and noteworthy in food and drink.

How I think about it is, lets say I have $10 to spend on a snack. Id much rather spend $10 on something that I know is more quality ingredients from a small brand that Im supporting and tastes good and that I feel confident about putting into my body or giving to someone, versus $10 at a big-name grocery store and just buying the same thing that Ive seen for the 35 years of my life, Dunn explained. The whole point is for it to be really approachable, fun [and] all about discovery and trying new things.

Dunns father could also be responsible for some of these new finds. In addition to him sending her new brands from Connecticut, where he now lives, Hamersley has given his daughter tons of ideas and products since she first pitched the concept to him roughly eight months ago.

Of course his mind went a million miles a minute with so many ideas, Dunn said, mentioning how her father threw out rotisserie chickens as a possible addition to the pantry.

I kind of had to bring him back and touch the grass and say, No, this is the vibe and the vision. But theyve been great and so supportive and I think really excited to see it come to life, she added while speaking about her dad and mom, Fiona.

Moving forward

With years of experience building brands, Dunn feels fully equipped to tackle the marketing, communications, branding and graphic design for Hamersleys Pantry.

She is, however, learning more of the fundamentals of running a business, such as printing labels, learning how to use QuickBooks, packing boxes and sourcing inventory into Shopify.

If everything goes according to plan, Dunn is hoping to open Hamersleys Pantry by mid-January. She also intends to leave her tech job to fully focus on Hamersleys Pantry once it officially opens.

I love what I do and I love my job, but I have to focus on this full time, she said. Im ready to and excited to kind of dive in with all my brain power.

Hamersleys Pantry will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The address for the store is 341 West Broadway, South Boston.
Mickey Lee has passed away after the Big Brother contestant was hospitalized following a series of cardiac arrests.

Lee died on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, according to a statement posted by her family on Instagram Friday. She was 35.

Mickey captured the hearts of audiences nationwide through her appearance on Big Brother, where her authenticity, strength and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike, the statement read. She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed on and offscreen.

Lees family went on to thank everyone who offered prayers, love and support before asking for privacy during this critical time of bereavement as they mourn their tremendous loss.

Mickeys light, legacy, and impact will never be forgotten, the post concluded.

Details about memorial services will be revealed at a later time, the family noted.

Lee, who appeared on the 27th season of Big Brother, was hospitalized earlier in the week after she suffered a series of cardiac arrests.

She was getting treatment in the ICU and was said to have been in critical but stable condition, according to a Monday Instagram post and GoFundMe created on her behalf.

She has been surrounded by medical professionals and loved ones, but the road ahead will be long and challenging, the campaign reads.

The GoFundMe was collecting donations to help Lee and her family tackle the enormous emotional and financial strain such as hospital bills, ICU and specialist care, rehabilitation and recovery support and family travel costs.

Mickey has touched so many lives through her courage, bold personality, and unforgettable presence on Big Brother. Lets show her the same love and support now when she needs it most, the GoFundMe reads. Thank you for your generosity, prayers, and support.

The GoFundMe had raised more than $31,000 as of Friday morning.

Lee was originally from Jacksonville, Florida, but moved to Atlanta, Georgia. She competed on the latest season of Big Brother earlier this year, coming in 10th place and being evicted in week eight of the competition.

Those who knew Lee expressed their condolences following her death.

This is so heartbreaking. Im so happy she got to live out an experience of a lifetime on big brother and share her light with the world, Bayleigh Pelham, season 12 winner of Big Brother Canada, commented on the Instagram post. Im honoured to have met her for a brief moment. She was SO kind and beautiful, I was truly amazed by her light. This one hurts. Sending all my love to her family and friends.

Big Brother Season 25 houseguest Mecole Hayes called Lees death so devastating, adding, We are incredibly sad for this unfortunate loss. Rest peacefully beautiful.

Sorry for your loss and my prayers for your family, fellow Big Brother alum Rachel Reilly commented. RIP MICKEY you are missed  love to all of you.
A new season of HGTVs Home Town Takeover is coming, but this time with a major change.

The Home Town spinoff will head to Canada for the newest season, and longtime hosts Erin and Ben Napier wont be returning as main hosts this time around, according to USA Today.

Our production company is Canadian. The people who make our show, theyre passionate about this Canadian takeover, Erin Napier told Cinemablend. But because were Americans, were not legally allowed to host the show. We can only be in it as, like, guest stars.

A Canadian broadcast show has to be hosted by Canadian talent, Ben Napier told Cinemablend.

Canada passed the Online Streaming Act in 2023 to give Canadians more opportunities to see themselves in what they watch and hear and to support Canadian creators and creative industries, according to Canada.ca.

Because of the law, the Napiers will step away from the new season of Home Town Takeover in favor of a new pair of Canadian hosts. The new hosts have not yet been announced, according to USA Today.

The Napiers have been hosting Home Town since 2016. The show follows the couple as they renovate historical homes in Laurel, Mississippi. The spinoff Home Town Takeover, launched in 2021, and saw them venture outside of Laurel in favor of other small towns.
Theres less than one month left for the winner of a $100,000 lottery ticket sold in Massachusetts to come forward and claim their prize.

The $100,000 prize was from a Mass Cash drawing held Jan. 20. The winning numbers for that drawing were 10, 16, 17, 18 and 31.

A winning ticket that matched all five numbers was sold at West Main Gas & Diesel, located at 577 W. Main St. in Hyannis on Cape Cod.

The final day for the winner to come forward and claim their $100,000 prize is Jan. 21, 2026.

Mass Cash drawings are held twice daily. Each play costs $1. Players choose five numbers 1-35 or a Quic Pic selection, and tickets that match all five numbers win the $100,000 grand prize.

Lottery prizes that expire become part of the net profit that is returned to all towns and cities across the state.

Prizes up to $103,000 can be claimed at Lottery claim centers in Braintree, Dorchester, Lawrence, West Springfield and Worcester.
The CEO of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is predicting that Americans could see the biggest tax refund ever in 2026.

During an interview with Fox News on Monday, Frank Bisignano  also the commissioner at the Social Security Administration  confirmed major tax refunds, while echoing President Donald Trumps end-of-year address when he said the largest tax refund season of all time is expected next spring, adding that many families could save between $11,000 and $20,000 a year.

We should expect exactly what the president said, as always happens, Bisignano told the media outlet. And the great leadership of the Treasury secretary has positioned us to be able to deliver in a whole bunch of ways for America.

The commissioner claims that over 94% of middle-class Americans will see lower tax rates.

Meanwhile, Social Security recipients could save as much as $6,000 under Trumps proposal to end the taxation of benefits, he told Fox News.

It will be the biggest refunds that weve ever seen, and its all because of the presidents leadership and the Treasury secretarys under One [Big] Beautiful Bill, which is unparalleled, Bisignano said.

His comments come weeks after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Americans should expect an additional $1,000 in their next tax refunds.

Americans can expect another boost in their bank accounts in the months ahead, she said, adding 2026 refunds are projected to be the largest ever thanks to President Trumps passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Contributing policy changes include a larger child tax credit, increased standard deductions and no tax on tips or overtime.

According to Leavitt, projected refunds are expected to grow by $91 billion with an additional $30 billion in tax relief from reduced tax withholdings in 2026, citing an analysis by Piper Sandler, an investment bank.

It is only because of President Trump and Republican leadership that Americans will now pay no tax on tips, overtime, and Social Security, Leavitt said.

The deadline to file taxes is April 15, 2026. The IRS suggests that Americans get a head start in gathering necessary paperwork for the upcoming tax filing season.
The Needham house fire that claimed a womans life on Christmas Eve appears to have started accidentally in the garage, according to a statement from the Mass. Department of Fire Services.

The fire is still under investigation, but preliminary evidence suggests the cause is not suspicious, according to the Department of Fire Services.

Firefighters responded around 5 a.m. Wednesday and found heavy smoke and flames engulfing the three-story home. First responders tried to enter the home, but were rebuffed by a raging fire that spread quickly.

Two adults who were inside the home escaped and were treated at the scene. A third, a 21-year-old woman, was found dead inside.

Authorities have not yet released her name.

An examination of the scene, witness interviews and other evidence led investigators to believe the fire started in the back of an attached garage. Investigators identified several heat sources that could have contributed to the fire, all of which would have been accidental.

In a statement, Needham Fire Chief Thomas Conroy said rescue workers are thinking of the family, who were displaced by the fire.

Our thoughts have been with the family since the early morning hours of December 24 and they remain with the family today, Conroy said. I want to recognize the outpouring of compassion from Needham residents who are sending their love and support.

Firefighters from Boston, Brookline, Dedham, Natick, Newton, Norwood, Milton, Wellesley and Westwood provided mutual aid during the four-alarm blaze.

The six-bedroom, 6,500-square-foot home at 28 Woodworth Road was built in 2014. It is assessed at $2.5 million, according to town property records.
To date, almost 12,000 payments have already been made to Ukrainian civilians who were illegally deprived of their freedom by Russia, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has said.

"Released Ukrainian civilians who were illegally deprived of their freedom by Russia will receive a one-time payment of UAH 50,000 As of today, almost 12,000 such payments have been made for a total amount of about UAH 1.2 billion, of which UAH 359 million is a one-time payment after release, and UAH 818.7 million is an annual payment," Svyrydenko said on Telegram.

The Prime Minister said a person can submit an application to the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, to which they must attach a certificate from the Joint Center for Coordination of the Search and Release of Prisoners of War and Persons Illegally Deprived of Their Liberty as a Result of Aggression Against Ukraine.

In addition, civilians illegally deprived of their liberty who returned to the territory of Ukraine on their own must also provide a document confirming that the person is recognized as a victim in criminal proceedings.

"Civilians released from Russian captivity, regardless of the establishment of the fact of deprivation of personal liberty as a result of armed aggression against Ukraine, receive basic necessities: food, hygiene products, seasonal clothing and footwear, and also have the right to receive free legal, medical, and social assistance," she added.

In addition, those released from captivity and family members of prisoners for whom the Commission has established the fact of deprivation of personal liberty as a result of armed aggression against Ukraine, are entitled to a one-time state aid in the amount of UAH 100,000 upon release, as well as to annual assistance in the same amount for each year of captivity.
Vice President JD Vance lashed out at political commentator Nick Fuentes over the weekend for calling his wife, Usha Vance, an ethnic slur.

Let me be clear. Anyone who attacks my wife, whether their name is Jen Psaki or Nick Fuentes, can eat [expletive], Vance told UnHerd. Thats my official policy as vice president of the United States.

Fuentes, a far-right white nationalist, called Vance a race traitor for marrying a woman of Indian descent during one of his livestreams, according to USA Today.

Meanwhile Psaki, the former White House Press Secretary under Joe Biden suggested in October on the Ive Had It podcast that the second lady needs rescuing from her husband.

I always wonder whats going on in the mind of his wife, Psaki said. Like, are you OK? Please blink four times. Come over here, well save you.

Usha Vance is the first Indian American second lady in U.S. history. She graduated with a bachelors degree in history from Yale University and obtained her masters from the University of Cambridge, where she was a Gates Cambridge Scholar.

While studying at Yale Law School in 2010, she met Vance when they joined a discussion group on social decline in white America, the BBC reported.

The couple married in Kentucky in 2014 and have three children, Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.

While on the campaign trail in 2024, Usha Vance received racist online comments from far-right social media users, ABC News wrote.

JD Vance was also criticized for throwing his wifes Hindu religion under a bus when speaking about his conversion to Catholicism during a Turning Point event in October.

After receiving the backlash, ABC News said that Vance wrote on X, My Christian faith tells me the Gospel is true and is good for human beings. My wife  as I said at the TPUSA  is the most amazing blessing I have in my life. She herself encouraged me to reengage with my faith many years ago."

He continued, She is not a Christian and has no plans to convert, but like many people in an interfaith marriage  or any interfaith relationship  I hope she may one day see things as I do. Regardless, Ill continue to love and support her and talk to her about faith and life and everything else, because shes my wife.
Another round of snow is set for much of the state on Friday, with most parts of Massachusetts expected to see significant accumulation, according to the National Weather Service.

High temperatures will reach the low to mid 20s across the state, with clouds increasing through the afternoon. As the sun goes down, temps will drop to the teens in Western and Central Massachusetts and the low 20s in Boston and Cape Cod & the Islands.

Snow should begin to fall in Western Massachusetts in late afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the area from 4 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Worcester County will start getting snow about 10 p.m. Midnight will see it start coming down in Boston and coastal areas. Calm winds should make for a gentle snowfall through the night.

Western Massachusetts could see 3 to 7 inches of new accumulation, while Central Massachusetts and Cape Cod & the Islands could get closer 1 to 3 inches. The forecast calls for about 1 inch in Boston.

Snow will peter out early Saturday morning and should be wrapped up by 7 a.m. in Western Massachusetts. Skies will clear throughout the day, with sunshine and temperatures reaching the low 30s in some places.

The National Weather Service expects the sunny weather to continue into Sunday, with mild conditions throughout the day until a band of freezing rain hits the state overnight.
Editors Note: This story was updated on expected snow totals at 12:26 p.m.

A person snow blows their driveway on Tuesday, December 1, 2025 in Springfield, Mass. Sebastian Restrepo

Up to 8 inches of snow may be dumped over parts of Massachusetts on Friday night as a heavy winter storm blankets the northeast.

A winter storm warning was in effect for the Berkshires from 4 p.m. on Friday until 1 p.m. on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Residents may see between 5 and 8 inches of snow, with moderate to heavy snowfall developing early Friday evening and continuing overnight.

A winter weather advisory was also issued for Hampden County from 7 p.m. Friday night until 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Accumulations could total between 4 and 6 inches in the region, with up to 7 inches in areas like Pittsfield, according to the National Weather Service.

Springfield could see between 3 and 5 inches, while Worcester may only see between 1 and 3. Less than an inch is expected for Boston and Cape Cod & the Islands, forecasters said.

Snowfall rates may reach up to 2 or 3 inches per hour during the peak of the storm through midnight, until most snow bands move out of state before 5 a.m. on Saturday. A few scattered showers or flurries could linger until 7 a.m. in Eastern Massachusetts, forecasters said.

Forecasters are eyeing a second storm system that could bring a wintry mix to Massachusetts on Sunday night.

Freezing rain is possible, though forecasters expect more rain than snow for most areas. Ice accumulations should be under one-tenth of an inch.
Fridays storm is set to drop up to 7 inches of snow on some parts of Massachusetts, and while most of the accumulation will happen overnight, it could begin sooner in some places.

According to the National Weather Service, a clipper system is expected to move across the state on Friday night into Saturday morning.

Western Mass. will be the first part of the state affected by the storm, as snow is expected to begin falling sometime after 4 p.m. Snowfall is set to pick up by 7 p.m. and continue overnight, with Springfield expected to receive 2 to 5 inches and up to 7 inches possible in the southern part of Berkshire County.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden and Berkshire counties that will run from 7 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday.

Central Massachusetts should see snow after 8 p.m. Friday. The National Weather Service forecast calls for 3 to 6 inches of snow in Worcester County, with snowfall reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour at its heaviest.

As the system moves across the state, the eastern portion of Massachusetts will enjoy milder conditions.

Boston should start seeing snow after midnight, with most of the accumulation happening after 1 a.m. The National Weather Service predicts up to 2 inches for Boston, though it could end up being less than a half-inch. The North Shore could see a half-inch to 1 inch of snow overnight.

The southern coast and Cape Cod & the Islands should begin seeing snow between midnight and 2 a.m. Plymouth is predicted to get 1 to 2 inches, while the forecasts for Hyannis and Provincetown call for 1 inch. Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket could receive 1 to 2 inches of snow.
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Criminal proceedings have been sent to court against a former employee of the Ministry of Defense who tried to profit from the construction of housing for the military, the National Police of Ukraine reports.

"The defendant, together with his accomplices, promised the construction company assistance in winning the competition for the construction of housing for military personnel in Kyiv. The attackers estimated the cost of such "assistance" at $1.3 million, which they planned to receive in three stages: $100,000 before the start of the competition, $400,000 for signing the contract, and another $800,000 after the construction of the first phase of housing," the message on the law enforcement agency's Telegram channel says.

In June 2025, law enforcement officers documented the criminal activities of the scheme participants immediately after they received the first tranche. Based on the evidence collected, the main defendants were notified of suspicion.

Currently, the materials of the criminal proceedings against one of the accomplices have already been sent to court. The pre-trial investigation into the former Defense Ministry official and another accomplice, who are in custody, has been completed.

They face up to 12 years in prison for their crimes.
The agreement between Ukraine and the United States is almost ready, and the issue of its signing depends on the course of the meeting with US President Donald Trump, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"In my opinion, the agreement between us and the United States is almost ready. Whether or not we sign is, in my opinion, the second question, depending on the format of our meeting," Zelenskyy told reporters on Friday.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea on Thursday displayed apparent progress in the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, with state media photos showing a largely completed hull, as leader Kim Jong Un condemned rival South Koreas push to acquire the technology.

North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency said Kim visited a shipyard to inspect the construction of what the North describes as an 8,700-ton-class nuclear-propelled submarine, which the leader has called a crucial step in the modernization and nuclear armament of North Koreas navy. The North has indicated it plans to arm the submarine with nuclear weapons, calling it a strategic guided missile submarine or a strategic nuclear attack submarine.

During the visit, Kim described South Koreas efforts to acquire its own nuclear-powered submarine, which have been backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, as an offensive act that severely violates the Norths security and maritime sovereignty.

He said that the South Korean plan further underscores the need to advance and nuclear-arm North Koreas navy and claimed that the completion of his nuclear-powered submarine would be an epoch-making change in strengthening its nuclear war deterrent against what he called enemy threats.

The agency did not specify when Kim visited the shipyard but released photos showing him inspecting a huge, burgundy-colored vessel, coated with what appears to be anti-corrosion paint, under construction inside an assembly hall with senior officials and his daughter. It was the first time North Korean state media had released images of the submarine since March, when they mostly showed the lower sections of the vessel.

It was not immediately clear how close North Korea is to completing the vessel. But because submarines are typically built from the inside out, the release of what appears to be a largely completed hull suggests that many core components, including the engine and possibly the reactor, are already in place, said Moon Keun-sik, a submarine expert at Seouls Hanyang University.

Showing the entire vessel now seems to indicate that most of the equipment has already been installed and it is just about ready to be launched into the water, said Moon, a former submarine officer in the South Korean navy, who believes the North Korean submarine could possibly be tested at sea within months.

A nuclear-powered submarine is Kims next major military goal

A nuclear-powered submarine was one item on a long wish list of sophisticated weaponry that Kim announced during a major political conference in 2021 to cope with what he called growing U.S.-led military threats. Other weapons were solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, spy satellites and multi-warhead missiles.

North Korea has conducted a series of tests to develop some of those systems and recently unveiled a new naval destroyer, which Kim hailed as a major step toward expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of the countrys nuclear forces.

If North Korea obtains a submarine capable of operating stealthily for extended periods and launching missiles from underwater, it would be a worrying development for its neighbors, as such launches would be difficult to detect in advance. But there have been questions about whether North Korea, a heavily sanctioned and impoverished country, could get resources and technology to build nuclear-powered submarines.

Some experts say North Koreas recent alignment with Russia  including sending thousands of troops and military equipment to support President Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine  may have helped it to receive crucial technologies in return.

While some analysts suspect North Korea may have sought a reactor from Russia, possibly from a retired Russian submarine, Moon said it's more likely that North Korea designed its own reactor, while possibly receiving some technological assistance from Russia.

South Korea seeks its own nuclear-powered submarine

During a summit with Trump in November, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for U.S. support for South Koreas efforts to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, while reaffirming a commitment to increase defense spending to ease the burden on the United States.

Trump later said that the United States is open to sharing closely held technology to allow South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, but its not immediately clear where and when the vessel would be built and how Seoul would get the nuclear fuel and reactor technology required.

In a separate report, KCNA said Kim on Wednesday supervised tests of new antiair missiles fired into the sea. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff later said it had detected the North launching several missiles from an eastern coastal town, and that South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies were assessing the details of the weapons.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have worsened in recent years as Kim accelerated his military nuclear program and deepened alignment with Moscow following Russias invasion of Ukraine. His government has repeatedly dismissed calls by Washington and Seoul to revive negotiations aimed at winding down his nuclear and missile programs, which derailed in 2019 following a collapsed summit with Trump during the American presidents first term.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP)  President Donald Trump marked Christmas Eve by quizzing children calling in about what presents they were excited about receiving, while promising to not let a bad Santa infiltrate the country and even suggesting that a stocking full of coal may not be so bad.

Vacationing at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, the president and first lady Melania Trump participated in the tradition of talking to youngsters dialing into the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which playfully tracks Santa's progress around the globe.

We want to make sure that Santa is being good. Santas a very good person," Trump said while speaking to kids ages 4 and 10 in Oklahoma. We want to make sure that hes not infiltrated, that were not infiltrating into our country a bad Santa.

He didn't elaborate.

Trump has often marked Christmases past with criticisms of his political enemies, including in 2024, when he posted, Merry Christmas to the Radical Left Lunatics. During his first term, Trump wrote online early on Dec. 24, 2017, targeting a top FBI official he believed was biased against him, as well as the news media.

Shortly after wrapping up Wednesday's Christmas Eve calls, in fact, he returned to that theme, posting: Merry Christmas to all, including the Radical Left Scum that is doing everything possible to destroy our Country, but are failing badly.

But Trump was in a jovial mood while talking with the kids. He even said at one point that he could do this all day long but likely would have to get back to more pressing matters like efforts to quell the fighting in Russias war with Ukraine.

When an 8-year-old from North Carolina, asked if Santa would be mad if no one leaves cookies out for him, Trump said he didn't think so, But I think hell be very disappointed.

You know, Santas  he tends to be a little bit on the cherubic side. You know what cherubic means? A little on the heavy side, Trump joked. I think Santa would like some cookies.

The president and first lady Melania Trump sat side-by-side and took about a dozen calls between them. At one point, while his wife was on the phone and Trump was waiting to be connected to another call, he noted how little attention she was paying to him: Shes able to focus totally, without listening.

Asked by an 8-year-old girl in Kansas what she'd like Santa to bring, the answer came back, Uh, not coal.

You mean clean, beautiful coal?" Trump replied, evoking a favored campaign slogan he's long used when promising to revive domestic coal production.

I had to do that, Im sorry, the president added, laughing and even causing the first lady, who was on a separate call, to turn toward him and grin.

Coal is clean and beautiful. Please remember that, at all costs, Trump said. But you dont want clean, beautiful coal, right?

No, the caller responded, saying she'd prefer a Barbie doll, clothes and candy.

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Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would be willing to withdraw troops from the countrys eastern industrial heartland as part of a plan to end Russias war, if Moscow also pulls back and the area becomes a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces.

The proposal offered another potential compromise on control of the Donbas region, which has been a major sticking point in peace negotiations.

Zelenskyy said the U.S. proposed the creation of a free economic zone," which he said should be demilitarized. But it was unclear what that idea would mean for governance or development of the region.

A similar arrangement could be possible for the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Russian control, Zelenskyy said. He said any peace plan would need to be put to a referendum.

Zelenskyy spoke to reporters Tuesday to describe an overarching 20-point plan that negotiators from Ukraine and the U.S. hammered out in Florida in recent days, though he said many details are still being discussed.

Russia offers no hint it will agree to withdrawal

Russia has given no indication that it will agree to any kind of withdrawal from land it has seized. In fact, Moscow has insisted that Ukraine relinquish the remaining territory it still holds in the Donbas  an ultimatum that Ukraine has rejected. Russia has captured most of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk  the two areas that make up the Donbas.

Asked about the plan, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that Moscow would decide its position based on information received by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who met with U.S. envoys in Florida over the weekend. Peskov declined to share further details.

American negotiators have engaged in a series of talks with Ukraine and Russia separately since U.S. President Donald Trump presented a plan to end the war last month  a proposal widely seen as favoring Moscow, which invaded its neighbor nearly four years ago. Since then, Ukraine and its allies in Europe have worked to pull the plan closer to Kyiv's position.

Zelenskyy said figuring out control of the Donbas region is the most difficult point.

Meanwhile, on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the U.S. has proposed creating a consortium with Ukraine and Russia, in which each party would have an equal stake.

Zelenskyy countered with a proposal for a joint venture between the U.S. and Ukraine, in which the Americans would be able to decide how to distribute their share, including giving some of it to Russia.

Zelenskyy acknowledged that the U.S. has not yet accepted Ukraine's counter-proposals.

But we have significantly brought most of the positions closer together," Zelenskyy said. "In principle, all other consensus in this agreement has been found between us and them.

Zone would require difficult discussions

Creating the demilitarized economic zone in the Donbas would require difficult discussions on how far troops would be required to move back and where international forces would be stationed, Zelenskyy said, adding that it should discussed at the leaders level.

The working U.S.-Ukraine draft also proposes that Russian forces withdraw from the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Zelenskyy envisions that international forces could be located along certain points of the contact line within the zone to monitor the implementation of the agreement.

Ukraine also proposes that the occupied city of Enerhodar, which is the closest city to the Zaporizhzhia power plant, become a demilitarized free economic zone, Zelenskyy said.

This point required 15 hours of discussions with the U.S., he said, and no agreement was reached.

For now, the U.S. proposes that the plant be jointly operated by Ukraine, the U.S. and Russia, with each side controlling a 33% stake in the enterprise  a plan Zelenskyy called not entirely realistic."

"How can you have joint commerce with the Russians after everything? he asked.

Ukraine instead suggested that the plant be operated by a joint venture with the U.S. in which the Americans can determine independently how to distribute the energy from their 50% share.

Zelenskyy said billions in investments are needed to make the plant run again, including restoring the adjacent dam.

Details on security guarantees

The working draft ensures that Ukraine will receive strong security guarantees that would require Ukraines partners to act in the event of renewed Russian aggression. That would mirror NATOs Article 5, which says an armed attack on one member of the alliance is an attack on all.

Zelenskyy said a separate document with the U.S. will outline these guarantees. It will detail the conditions under which security will be provided, particularly in the event of another Russian assault, and it will establish a mechanism to monitor any ceasefire. The document will be signed with the main agreement to end the war, Zelenskyy said.

The mood of the United States of America is that this is an unprecedented step towards Ukraine on their part. They believe that they are giving strong security guarantees, he said.

The draft contains other elements, including keeping Ukraines army at 800,000 during peacetime and making Ukraine a member of the European Union by a specific date. Limiting the size of Ukraines military is a key Russian demand.

Elections and economic incentives

The document also proposes accelerating a free-trade agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. The U.S. wants the same deal with Russia, Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine would like to receive short-term privileged access to the European market and a robust global development package that would include the creation of a development fund to solicit outside investment in Ukraine's industries.

Other points include raising funds for Ukraine's reconstruction, with the goal of attracting $800 billion through equity, grants, loans and private-sector contributions.

The draft proposal also requires Ukraine to hold elections after the signing of the agreement. Zelenskyys five-year term was scheduled to end in May 2024, but elections were put off due to Russias invasion.

Ukraine is also asking that all prisoners taken since 2014 be released at once, and that civilian detainees, political prisoners and children be returned to Ukraine.

In other developments, an explosion in Moscow on Wednesday killed three people, including two police officers, Russian investigators said, days after a car bomb killed a high-ranking general not far away.

An official from Ukraines military intelligence agency, known as GUR, told The Associated Press that the attack had been carried out as part of an agency operation. Another official from the agency said the police officers had taken part in Russias war in Ukraine, without providing details. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

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Associated Press writer Volodymyr Yurchuk contributed to this report.

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Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
After the U.S. warned that more strikes may follow its surprise Christmas Day attack on suspected terrorist targets in Nigeria, officials in the West African nation suggested theyd be open to continued intervention.

I believe this is an ongoing thing and were working with the U.S., Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar told Channels Television Friday. Its a new phase of an old conflict.

Nigeria is coordinating the effort with the U.S. and more American attacks are expected, according to senior Nigerian officials who asked not to be identified to discuss matters that arent public.

The U.S. hasnt said anything publicly about possible further strikes, but Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth included the words, more to come in his tweet announcing the attack on Christmas Day. President Donald Trump, spending the holidays at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, reposted his announcement of the strike Friday without further comment.

While Trump ran on a platform of pulling the U.S. back from conflicts around the world, hes spent much of his first year in office on foreign policy.

Hes used force far from U.S. borders repeatedly, from attacks against alleged terrorists in Somalia, Yemen and Syria to a massive strike on Irans nuclear installations. The president has mounted a widening campaign against Venezuelas government, involving seizing oil tankers and striking boats that are allegedly ferrying drugs.

The strikes in Nigeria drew praise from some of Trumps allies, including far-right provocateur Laura Loomer, who has criticized the U.S. militarys actions in the Caribbean.

The president has called out Nigeria in recent months for what he and his supporters claimed were attacks targeting Christians.

Nigerian officials strongly rejected that characterization, saying the threat was from terrorists and part of broader unrest across that part of Africa, highlighting the political complexities around the administrations latest international military action.

Simplistic labels dont solve complex threats, Tuggar wrote on X Friday. Terrorism in Nigeria is not a religious conflict; it is a regional security threat.

He said the U.S. strikes were based on intelligence from the government in Abuja and followed a conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio spoke with Nigerias foreign minister multiple times Thursday before the attacks, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter.

There were no details on the strikes themselves  beyond a video of a missile being launched from a warship in a tweet from the Pentagon  or what damage they had done.

The attack hit the Sokoto region of northwestern Nigeria, an area where a local Catholic bishop said in October that Christians arent facing persecution. The Defense Ministry said the targets were linked to Islamic State.

Given what we know for now about the attacks, they are largely a signal for something larger, said Confidence MacHarry, a security analyst at SB Morgen Intelligence in Lagos. It is very likely that future attacks will do more damage.

The country of about 230 million people, by far the most populous in Africa, is split roughly evenly between Muslim and Christian populations and has been riven by violence for decades.

It seems as if were at the moment where the Nigerian authorities have finally realized that they cant do this thing alone, they need help, and the United States government appears more than willing to give that help, said Ebenezer Obadare, a senior fellow for Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington.

In November, Trump threatened military action if attacks continued. Shortly afterward, terrorists abducted more than 200 children from a Catholic school. They were released earlier this week, according to the government.

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2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he expects to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday in pursuit of a deal to end Russias nearly four-year invasion.

Zelenskyy told reporters on Friday that hed discuss sensitive issues with Trump including the future of the Donbas region in Ukraines east and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The Ukrainian leader said he plans to refine Kyivs agreements with the U.S. to the maximum extent possible, potentially as soon as Sundays discussions, while the comprehensive 20-point peace plan would then require input from Russia and Europe.

For now, Ukraine has no direct communication with Moscow, Zelenskyy said, adding that his countrys framework deal with the U.S. was almost ready and signing it would depend on the meeting with Trump.

Zelenskyy said hed like European leaders to be present online during his meetings with the U.S.

The larger 20-point peace plan  which Zelenskyy characterized as 90% ready  cant be signed without Russia and Europe, who are parties to the possible deal draft alongside Ukraine and U.S., he said.

A total of five documents developed by negotiators from Ukraine and U.S. are being tweaked on the daily basis, Zelenskyy said. Those cover topics such as a post-war security plan for Ukraine and an economic recovery deal likely to spawn several separate agreements.

Some issues remain, though, that can only be discussed at the leaders level, he said.

Separately, Ukraine is convening a working group on organizing post-war elections, Zelenskyy said. A potential referendum on aspects of the nations future is one of the elements of the 20-point plan.

Zelenskyy on Thursday spoke with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for almost an hour, in what the Ukrainian president called a very good conversation.

The White House didnt provide a readout of those talks, and hasnt commented on a potential meeting with Zelenskyy. Trump is spending the Christmas break at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach.

Separately, the Kremlin said earlier that its representatives had made contact with the U.S. at President Vladimir Putins direction.

The Kremlin has now reviewed information delivered to Putin by his envoy Kirill Dmitriev following recent talks with the U.S. in Miami, Interfax reported on Friday, citing Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Earlier this week, a person close to the Kremlin told Bloomberg News that Moscow will seek key changes to the U.S.- Ukraine plan, including more restrictions on Kyivs military.

Russia regards the 20-point plan as a starting point for further talks, but also believes that it fails to answer many questions, the person said.

Zelenskyy said Friday he also wants to discuss with Trump how the U.S. could apply more pressure to Russia if Putin doesnt agree to sign the peace deal.

Putin continues to press Russias maximalist demands including for Kyiv to give up land in Donbas that his troops have failed to capture for more than a decade of hostilities.

Ukraine rejects that demand, fearing that surrendering the heavily-fortified area would leave it vulnerable to a new Russian attack.

However, Zelenskyy signaled earlier this week that he was open to the idea of creating a special economic zone in the eastern part of Donbas, as envisaged by the U.S., and pull his troops  but only if Russia does the same.

As pressure to reach an end to hostilities increases, Kremlin forces continue regular missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, with a recent focus on Odesa, while Kyivs forces have targeted Russias oil refineries and gas plants.

At least one person was killed and several civilians injured in the Black Sea city on Friday, with port infrastructure, warehouses and two civilian vessels damaged, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said on Telegram. Air barrages were also aimed at Kharkiv in the northeast, Cherkasy in central Ukraine and Mykolaiv in the south, among other locations.

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With assistance from Deana Kjuka.

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2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
United States forces recently launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria, hammering ISIS targets in a large-scale assault provoking broader questions about the terror cell's impact on U.S. national security.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the Dec. 19 strike targeted Islamic State networks and infrastructure through coordinated strikes aimed at preventing future attacks on American and partner forces. The announcement of the military operation, part of an ongoing counterterrorism campaign, did not include a full accounting of targets hit, casualties, or whether additional phases are planned.

This operation reinforces our commitment to defeating ISIS wherever it attempts to operate, a CENTCOM spokesperson told Military.com, referring additional questions to previously released statements and official materials.

Key details for public consumption have remained few and far between. CENTCOM has not released casualty figures, identified specific ISIS leaders targeted, or confirmed whether coalition partners participated in the strikes.

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 19, 2025) A U.S. Airman prepares an A-10 Thunderbolt II for flight from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 19, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force photo)

A Defense Department spokesperson declined to provide additional information and referred further questions to CENTCOM.

Military.com reached out to the White House National Security Council, the State Department, U.S. Air Forces Central, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, and congressional defense and foreign affairs committees for comment.

ISIS Still a Formidable Terror Cell

The continued U.S. role in Syria remains a flashpoint, especially after a deadly attack tied to ongoing counter ISIS operations raised fresh questions about mission risk and force protection.

On Dec. 19, CENTCOM forces struck more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria with fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery. U.S. forces were supported by Jordanian Armed Forces' fighter aircraft. The operation employed more than 100 precision munitions targeting known ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites, according to CENTCOM.

This operation is critical to preventing ISIS from inspiring terrorist plots and attacks against the U.S. homeland," Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said in a statement. We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners across the region.

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 19, 2025) U.S. forces commenced a large-scale strike against ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites in Syria. (U.S. Air Force / U.S. Army Video)

ISIS has maintained a low-level presence throughout Syria in recent years, carrying out periodic attacks while attempting to rebuild networks amid instability in the country. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that sustained pressure is necessary to prevent the group from exploiting security gaps and reemerging as a broader regional threat.

Senior U.S. defense officials described Operation Hawkeye Strike as part of years-long efforts to keep ISIS off balance and prevent the group from regrouping or planning new attacks inside Syria.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pointed to the strikes as a clear show of resolve, signaling that the U.S. intends to keep steady pressure on ISIS even as Washington juggles multiple global crises.

The U.S. has maintained a military presence in Syria for years as part of its counter-ISIS mission, working alongside partner forces to disrupt militant cells and prevent the group from regaining territory. That mission has carried risk, notably in the form of deadly violence that occurred during counter operations in central Syria that killed U.S. service members and an American civilian.

New Video Invites More Questions

Newly released footage released from the Pentagon shows U.S. forces striking ISIS positions across several locations in Syria, with aircraft hitting targets from the air as explosions ripple across the ground below.

The strikes appear closely timed and coordinated, giving the impression of a fast-moving operation designed to hit hard and leave little room for ISIS to regroup or maneuver.

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 20, 2025) M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers fire missiles in in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike, Dec. 20, 2025. (U.S. Army video by Task Force Lightning  3-116th FAR)

The strike visuals match a familiar pattern from recent months, when the U.S. used airpower to blunt ISIS activity inside Syria.

Even so, the visuals only go so far and aforementioned information remains limited. Also, no civilian casualty assessment has been released. Independent monitoring organizations said it is too early to verify claims tied to the operation.

However, military officials frequently limit details following strike operations, citing operational security and the need to complete battle damage assessments before publicly releasing information. That process and timeframe varies.
The war unfolding across Europe does not involve tanks or troops, but lawmakers warned last week it is already testing alliances, democracies and Western resolve.

That is according to Washington lawmakers and witnesses who spoke during a House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee hearing on Dec. 16, who warned that Russia and China are testing alliances, democracies and Western resolve.

They said that the two major U.S. adversaries are already targeting Europe through cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation and economic pressure. Witnesses told Congress the tactics are meant to stay below the threshold of open war while weakening NATO unity, undermining democratic institutions and eroding public support for Ukraine at a moment when U.S. and allied resolve is being tested.

Military.com reached out to the White House, the Defense Department, the State Department, U.S. European Command and the U.S. Mission to NATO for comment.

Avoiding Open Conflict

This fight is already underway, even if it does not look like war.

U.S. House Rep. Keith Self (R-TX), chair of the Europe Subcommittee, said the U.S. and its allies are operating in a contested environment where Russia and China exploit the space between peace and war.

This is about inflicting damage without triggering a unified response, he said during the hearing.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., left, poses during a ceremonial swearing-in with Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, in the Rayburn Room at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA), the ranking member of the Europe Subcommittee, warned the strategy depends on hesitation and division inside democratic societies.

Our adversaries are counting on delay and disagreement, Keating said. If these actions are treated as isolated or insignificant, the damage compounds over time.

Witnesses told lawmakers that hybrid tactics succeed precisely because they avoid clear red lines and exploit ambiguity around responsibility and intent. Cyber intrusions, sabotage and influence campaigns can be denied, obscured or framed as isolated incidents, making it harder for NATO governments to justify a forceful response.

This is warfare designed to stay below the threshold that would normally trigger a collective response, Laura K. Cooper, a former senior Pentagon official now at Georgetown University, told lawmakers.

Adversaries 'Pushing Without Crossing Line'

Russia and China, according to witnesses, are closely watching how the West reacts to each episode and using those reactions to measure how much pressure can be applied before consequences follow.

Rep. Bill Keating, D-Mass., speaks to a reporter on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

When there is no clear cost imposed, that becomes a lesson, Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told the panel. It tells adversaries they can keep pushing without crossing a line that brings serious consequences.

Christopher Walker, vice president for studies and analysis at the Center for European Policy Analysis, warned lawmakers that delayed or fragmented responses risk normalizing behavior designed to weaken democratic systems without provoking retaliation.

Russias Shadow War Across Europe

Russia is no longer limiting its war against Ukraine to the battlefield.

Moscow has expanded a campaign of covert pressure across Europe that includes sabotage, cyber activity and infrastructure disruption aimed far beyond the front lines, witnesses told lawmakers. The objective, they said, is to rattle publics, strain governments and make continued support for Ukraine feel costly, risky and politically divisive.

Our adversaries are counting on delay and disagreement."

Cooper said that since 2022 Russia has carried out well over 100 acts of sabotage and attempted sabotage across Europe. The targets, she said, have included energy networks, transportation systems and other critical infrastructure that societies rely on daily.

The tanker Boracay that allegedly belongs to Russia's so-called shadow fleet, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, off Saint-Nazaire, France's Atlantic coast. (AP Photo/Mathieu Pattier)

This is meant to create fear and fatigue, Cooper told lawmakers. The goal is to make support for Ukraine feel unsustainable over time.

Warnings from European officials have sharpened that picture, with EU leaders describing a sustained campaign that includes pressure on energy systems and infrastructure far from the front lines.

The pattern also creates strategic ambiguity. Sabotage and cyber incidents can be denied, blamed on proxies, or buried in uncertaintycomplicating decisions about attribution and retaliation.

The end result, witnesses said, is erosion rather than shock leading to slower decision-making, diminished unity, and a Europe less willing to absorb risk.

That erosion matters for the United States, Cooper said, due to NATOs ability to deter Russia depending on speed and solidarity. Hybrid attacks that delay or divide responses can shape outcomes long before a conventional conflict begins.

Chinas Quiet Push for Western Influence

China is playing a longer, quieter game in Europe though witnesses warned the end goal is the same: leverage when it matters most.

Singleton told lawmakers Beijing is positioning itself to shape European decision-making well before any crisis erupts.

This is about shaping choices before a crisis ever begins, Singleton said. If you wait until the moment of confrontation, the leverage is already in place.

China's President Xi Jinping, center, leaves after his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, at the Elysee Palace, Monday, May 6, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Rather than relying on disruption, witnesses said China is embedding influence through economic ties, infrastructure access and political relationships that can be activated later.

Chinese investments in ports, telecommunications networks and supply chains, Singleton warned, could become pressure points if Europe faces high-stakes decisions involving Taiwan, sanctions on Beijing or deeper military cooperation with the United States.

Economic ties can become political constraints, Singleton said. When countries are deeply entangled, it becomes harder to act quickly or collectively.

The concern, witnesses said, is not a sudden break but gradual dependence leaving Europe constrained when unity and speed matter most.

Technology Turbocharges Disinformation Fight

Disinformation is no longer a background threat. Witnesses warned technology is amplifying its speed, reach and impact, making influence operations harder to detect and faster to spread.

The speed and scale are whats different now, Walker told lawmakers. Technology allows false narratives to spread faster and look more credible than ever before.

Walker said artificial intelligence and automated tools increasingly exploit existing grievances rather than create new ones, magnifying polarization during moments of political stress.

Effects may include erosion of trust in democratic institutions, especially during elections or national crises. Disinformation paired with cyber activity and infrastructure disruption can magnify the political impact of incidents that might otherwise remain limited.

The goal is not persuasion, Walker said. Its confusion, division and delay.

Electronic interference has also drawn fresh attention across Europe, with GPS jamming disrupting flights and raising alarms about hybrid tools that can create real-world risk while blurring attribution.

Vulnerabilities Beneath Europes Security

Critical infrastructure now sits at the center of Europes exposure to hybrid threats, turning systems people rely on every day into tools of strategic pressure.

Undersea cables, energy pipelines and digital networks drew repeated attention from lawmakers concerned about single points of failure that could be exploited during moments of crisis.

You dont need a massive outage to have a strategic effect, Cooper said. Even limited disruption can create economic pressure, public anxiety and political stress.

Even limited disruption can create economic pressure, public anxiety and political stress.

She said even temporary disruptions can carry outsized consequences, especially when paired with cyber operations and coordinated disinformation.

Infrastructure is attractive precisely because it sits below the threshold of war, she added. It creates disruption without a clear trigger for response.

NATO has already moved to strengthen protection of undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region after a series of cable incidents heightened concern about sabotage and escalation risks.

Damage to undersea links has piled up in the region, with at least 11 Baltic cables reported damaged over 15 monthsa pattern that has driven new patrols and sharper warnings about hybrid threats below the waterline.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about Russias so-called shadow fleet of vessels, which witnesses said could be used to probe or interfere with undersea infrastructure while operating in legal gray areas that complicate attribution and delay response.

The danger warned is not a single catastrophic strike but cumulative disruption that slows decision-making, strains alliances and weakens deterrence without ever crossing the line into open conflict.

The Pressure Is Already On

The pressure on the United States and its allies is no longer theoretical, lawmakers and witnesses warned.

Hybrid attacks are already shaping decisions, testing alliances and probing how much disruption the West will tolerate before responding.

Lawmakers signaled interest in stronger coordination with allies, improved intelligence sharing, and greater investment in infrastructure protection. Witnesses urged faster action, warning that delay carries its own cost as adversaries refine tactics and normalize behavior designed to weaken democratic systems.

The conflict may remain largely invisible to the public, but experts told Congress the effects are already being felt across Europe. How the West responds will shape deterrence and the balance of power long before the next conventional war begins.
A Venezuela-linked tanker is still being chased by U.S. authorities in Caribbean waters, refusing to let Coast Guard crews board as specialized teams move into position for a possible forced seizure. The vessel, known as Bella 1, keeps moving while cutters and surveillance aircraft take turns shadowing it.

The chase may prove to be the sharpest test of U.S. sanctions against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, combining White House pressure with Coast Guard boarding authority under maritime law, according to federal officials familiar with the situation. Since September pressure has been amplified on Maduro as officials claim his nation is using narco-trafficking vessels to bring drugs to the U.S., which the Venezuelan leader has denied and instead blamed on the United States' push to steal its resources. Strikes on multiple vessels have resulted in dozens of deaths.

Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States had already seized another tanker off Venezuelas coast as part of a campaign to target ships carrying sanctioned crude, framing the operation as proof that his administration would take the oil away from Maduros government. He and advisers later argued that seizing tankers and diverting cargo fits a broader effort to get the oil back, even as legal and military experts raised questions about the risks of expanding that strategy.

Recent interdictions show how quickly that campaign escalated. U.S. forces stopped a second sanctioned merchant vessel off Venezuela in international waters after that ship halted and allowed what officials described as a consented boardinga move they said was designed to signal that sanctioned cargo could be intercepted even without a dramatic confrontation at sea. Within days, U.S. officials were also tracking a third tanker in the region that they believed was helping Venezuela move restricted oil, underscoring how quickly pressure on Maduros export network was building.

Coast Guard and U.S. Southern Command are referring all questions to the White House. Military.com has not yet received a response from White House officials, though Trump said Wednesday the United States would end up getting it and would not allow sanctions to be undercut at sea.

The Bella 1 kept moving northeast of Barbados as Coast Guard crews tracked its position in the eastern Caribbean, according to MarineTraffic.com.

Federal officials with knowledge of operational planning said the Coast Guard is prepared to wait for specialized teams trained in high-risk boardings instead of attempting a forced entry with standard law enforcement crews. The units, called Maritime Security Response Teams, carry equipment and breaching tools for confined spaces, oil-coated decks and non-cooperative crews.

Oil Endeavors

EIAMedia, the U.S. Energy Information Administration, sent Military.com updated export figures showing where Venezuelas oil is now headed.

The data essentially shows less oil for the U.S. and more for China, the latter of whose purchases nearly doubled while U.S.-bound barrels dropped sharply. Malaysia also saw a jump, which analysts said signals ownership chains and ship-to-ship transfers that make cargo harder to trace.

Analysts warn that even if the Bella 1 is stopped, others can reroute and keep revenue flowing to Maduros government.

A U.S. court recently authorized seizure authority for vessels tied to sanctioned cargo if they ignore lawful orders. Federal officials said that ruling set the conditions for a forced boarding if the Bella 1 stays mobile long enough for interdiction teams to close distance.

As seizures mounted, Venezuelas National Assembly moved to criminalize actions it describes as piracy and blockades at sea, portraying foreign seizures of tankers as an attack on the countrys sovereignty and commercial lifelines.

Simultaneously, Washington lawmakers have argued over how far these operations should go. Some members of Congress pushed to rein in Trumps ability to use military and maritime power against Venezuela-linked targets after early boat strikes and interdictions, warning that aggressive tactics at sea risk sliding into a broader conflict and should be more tightly bound by war powers limits.

Military.com reached out for comment to officials at the Departments of Treasury, State, Southern Command, Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Energy, and the Maritime Administration. Several agencies acknowledged inquiries. Others did not respond before publication.

Forced Boarding Could Rewrite US Strategy

A boarding attempt on the Bella 1 would do more than stop a ship. It would test whether U.S. sanctions still have legitimacy at sea, or if vessels tied to Maduro can stay ahead of enforcement by never stopping long enough to be boarded.

Maritime Security Response Teams train for this scenario with full-scale mock tankers, breaching drills and casualty simulations built around cramped corridors and unpredictable crews, according to personnel familiar with training pipelines. Their gear is designed for missions where ladders slip on oil, radios cut out and resistance begins without warning. These can be live-or-die operations in real time.

Evana, an oil tanker, is docked at El Palito port in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Commanders weigh a tight list of triggers before moving, according to senior defense officials. The captain must ignore lawful orders. Seas need to cooperate. Any aggression or sign of resistance risks shifting the mission from enforcement to combat. Those factors drive the decision to stay in the chase or climb the rail and take the ship.

Failure would echo across global energy markets; sanctions networks could claim a win. Other tankers might test U.S. resolve in new lanes. Buyers in China and Malaysia might treat distance as a shield. Russia and Iran could frame the standoff as evidence that Washington cannot enforce sanctions once vessels leave port.

Success would create a different reality. It would show Washington can still block sanctioned crude before it reaches foreign buyers. It could push allies to join enforcement and warn shippers there is a point where a flag of convenience cannot protect them. It might even force Beijing to respond if energy flows get disrupted.

Big Decisions

Cutters will track fuel levels and speed changes for any hint the Bella 1 plans to dock, drift or meet a partner vessel for transfer, according to officials familiar with the operation. Tankers running low on fuel often slow near anchorages, and even a course correction toward Venezuelan waters or a neutral port could trigger a surge of U.S. assets.

Trumps vow to capture the ship puts political weight on Coast Guard commanders who must decide if a ladder-up boarding is worth the risk of injuries, international scrutiny, or a broader fight over maritime jurisdiction.

Federal officials and analysts warn that oil routes to China and Southeast Asia could become diplomatic leverage if interdictions disrupt supply.
Photo: @V_Zelenskiy_official Telegram

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to discuss security guarantees, as well as sensitive issues, in particular, territories and the Zaporizhia NPP, during his meeting with US President Donald Trump on Sunday.

"We have a broad agenda, it will be on the weekend, I think it will be Florida on Sunday. We will have a meeting with President Trump. We will discuss these documents, as I said, security guarantees," Zelenskyy told reporters on Friday.

According to the president, the 20-point peace agreement is now 90% ready. In addition, there are developments in several documents on security guarantees, and "it is desirable to find an opportunity to discuss all of them." There are also basic developments regarding the economic agreement. Zelenskyy added that the meeting with Trump is necessary to finalize these documents as much as possible.

"And whether the territorial issue will be discussed - all the issues on which we have questions, there are differences... our side will raise them," the head of state emphasized.
Elisabeth Vincken had listened to artillery fire for eight straight days before someone knocked on her cottage door on Christmas Eve in 1944. She opened it to find three lost American soldiers, one with a gunshot wound. Hours later, four German Wehrmacht soldiers showed up as well. The German woman forced both groups to surrender their weapons and sit down together for Christmas dinner. The next morning, the enemies shook hands and returned to the war.

The brief moment of peace occurred in a hunting cabin in the middle of the Hurtgen Forest during the Battle of the Bulge.

The Battle of the Bulge

On Dec. 16, 1944, Adolf Hitler launched Operation Wacht am Rhein, the last major German offensive on the Western Front during the war. Approximately 200,000 German troops and 1,000 tanks smashed into American positions across an 80-mile stretch of the Ardennes Forest.

Hitler aimed to split Allied forces and recapture Antwerp. The surprise attack created a bulge extending up to 50 miles into Allied lines as American forces were stunned and overrun in the initial assault.

The battle lasted until Jan. 25, 1945. American casualties would reach approximately 81,000, including 19,000 killed. German losses reached between 80,000 and 100,000. The offensive failed.

It was the largest battle ever fought by the U.S. Army and the deadliest battle American troops faced during WWII. In the chaos, three American soldiers became lost behind enemy lines.

American soldiers on the frontline during the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944. (Wikimedia Commons)

The Vincken Hunting Cabin

The Vinckens had fled the German city of Aachen after Allied bombings had destroyed their home. Hubert Vincken sent his wife Elisabeth and son Fritz, 12, to his hunting cottage in the Hurtgen Forest. The German offensive on Dec. 16 trapped them there.

On Christmas Eve, Elisabeth was in the middle of preparing a dinner of chicken soup and potatoes. The three lost American soldiers knocked on the door. She learned their names, Jim, Robin, and Harry. Harry had a bullet through his leg. They had been separated from their battalion for three days.

Harboring enemy soldiers in the middle of a battle could lead to execution. Despite this, Elisabeth invited them inside, warmed them, offered them dinner and bandaged Harry's wound.

An hour later, there was another knock on the door. Elisabeth opened it to find four German Wehrmacht soldiers. They too had become separated from their regiment and were starving and freezing. They asked to stay there for the night.

Elisabeth agreed, but warned them she had some guests that they may not take too kindly to. The Germans asked if they were American.

When she said yes, the Germans became agitated.

Listen. You could be my sons, and so could they in there. A boy with a gunshot wound, fighting for his life, and his two friends, lost like you and just as hungry and exhausted as you are, she told them. This one night, this Christmas night, let us forget about killing.

The German corporal nodded. They propped their rifles against the woodpile. Elisabeth collected the American weapons too and invited the Germans inside.

Battle of the Bulge - Tankmen of the U.S. First Army gather around a fire on the snow-covered ground near Eupen, Belgium, opening their Christmas packages (12/30/44) -5th Armd. Regt (Wikimedia Commons)

Christmas Dinner Between Enemies

Tension filled the room until the German corporal finally spoke up. He had studied medicine before being drafted. He cleaned and properly bandaged Harry's leg wound, saying the American would survive as long as infection didn't set in.

Elisabeth and Fritz served dinner to the men. Chicken soup, roasted potatoes, and bread. One of the Germans provided a bottle of red wine. Elisabeth gave half of it to the wounded American.

The soldiers sat around the table, Germans and Americans mixed together. They communicated through hand gestures and broken phrases. Two of the Germans, Heinz and Willi, were just 16. Two of the Americans were barely older than that.

Fritz later claimed he saw tears form in the soldiers' eyes as his mother said Grace and they all ate the hot meal, likely the first decent food they had eaten in weeks. They were exhausted, scared young men far from home.

After dinner, Elisabeth asked everyone to step outside. They stood together in the snow and looked at the Star of Bethlehem, except Harry who continued resting. No one spoke for several minutes.

Fritz later spoke of the moment, for all of us during the moment of silence, looking at the brightest star in the heavens, the war was a distant, almost-forgotten thing.

On Christmas morning, the soldiers woke up and built a makeshift stretcher for Harry. The German corporal pulled out his compass and map, showing the Americans the route to their lines. The Germans would head the opposite direction.

The seven soldiers shook hands. The German corporal gifted his compass to the Americans to help them get home. Both groups walked off into the forest. Within hours, they would be enemies again. Fritz never learned the fate of the Germans.

Panzergrenadier-SS Kampfgruppe Hansen in action during clashes in Poteau against Task Force Myers, 18 December 1944. (Wikimedia Commons)

The Reunion

Elisabeth and Fritz reunited with Hubert at the end of the war. Fritz later immigrated to the United States in 1959 and opened a bakery in Hawaii. He published his account of the story in Reader's Digest in 1973. President Reagan mentioned it in a 1985 speech, but Fritz couldn't find any of the soldiers he spent Christmas Eve in 1944 with.

In 1995, Unsolved Mysteries aired the story. A nursing home chaplain in Frederick, Maryland, recognized the story, one of the residents at the home had been telling the same story for decades.

On Jan. 19, 1996, Fritz flew to Maryland and met with Ralph, who had survived the war after fighting with the 121st Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division. Ralph still had the German compass that the enemy corporal had gifted him.

"Your mother saved my life," Ralph told him. Fritz called the meeting the highlight of his life.

Ralph died in 1999 at the age of 79. Fritz died in 2001 at the age 69.

The story of the 1944 Christmas Truce was retold in the 2002 TV movie "Silent Night."

In a 1997 interview, Fritz said, "The inner strength of a single woman, who prevented potential bloodshed, taught me the practical meaning of 'good will toward mankind.' I remember mother and those seven young soldiers, who met as enemies and parted as friends, right in the middle of the Battle of the Bulge."
Colleges and universities are doing wonderful things to support military-affiliated students, such as participating in the Yellow Ribbon program, but some have gone above and beyond with extra special services and programs.

The list below is not all-inclusive or a ranking of merit awards (though it doesnt hurt to mention it); Rather, it serves to provide examples of where human-centered approaches made a positive impact on their military-affiliated student communities.

The U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii community celebrated the academic achievements of 89 graduates during its 2025 Joint Graduation Recognition Ceremony Dec. 17, 2025, at the Sgt. Smith Theater. The ceremony honored a diverse group of service members, family members, and retirees who earned degrees ranging from certificates to masters programs. Among the graduates were 66 Army Soldiers, eight family members, two Air Force Airmen, six Navy Sailors, four Marines, and three military retirees. Together, they represented 24 colleges and universities across the country. (Photo by Eric Tagayuna, DVIDS)

2025 Higher Education Highlights for Military-Affiliated Students

University of North Dakota  Received 2025-26 Military Friendly School Gold recognition and Top 10 Military Spouse Friendly School, which means this school provided exceptional support and proved it did so. A couple of examples are their Military 101 sessions for their faculty and staff, and the Military Affiliated Peer Support program. Also, check out their Veterans Honor Wall!

Appalachian State University - Received the 2025-26 Military Friendly School Gold recognition, making it their 16th consecutive year. Offers extra assistance, such as the GY6 Emergency Scholarship, and the Military Affairs Committee, dedicated to providing personalized support.

University of Central Florida  Holds multiple accolades such as 2025-26 Military Friendly School Silver recognition, Top 10 Military Spouse Friendly School, Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus, and 2025 Military Friendly Best Online Colleges for good reason. Provides financial assistance over breaks with the Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistance Program through the Florida Department of Education. Provides services like UCF RESTORES, which treats mental health, and serves 500 veterans and counting. Recently joined the Service to Service initiative alongside 20+ other colleges and universities that began in the Fall of 2025.

Brown University  This school is expanding financial support for the 2026-2027 academic year, providing an unlimited match for any graduate program (masters and doctoral) tuition and fees not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Launched peer mentoring and networking support through the Cisneros Veterans Scholars Program.

Northeast Lakeview College  Opened their Nighthawk Legacy Center in November 2025 as a dedicated space for their military-affiliated students where they can have tailored academic advising, resources, transition assistance, and other support.

Midland College  Started a free Veterans Book Club to build a community environment where they can explore themes of military service, war, PTSD, rehabilitation, and transition to civilian life. Provides up to 150 hours of tuition exemption via the Hazlewood Act in Texas and offers direct veteran resources like the Military Veteran Peer Network.

Purdue University  Through their Military Family Research Institute (MFRI), the Reaching Rural Veterans initiative provides unique outreach support to veterans in remote, underserved rural areas, and served approximately 1,000 so far.

Kennesaw State University  As a Military Support College of Distinction, the school connects its students to more than 20 local and national organizations for both on-campus and off-campus support. Provides Green Zone Training to help faculty, staff, and other students better understand military-affiliated students and is the only school in the state to have the VA VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) on site.

Arizona State University  Through the Pat Tillman Veterans Center, provides multiple niche scholarships specific to their students, which include the Military Affiliated Scholarship, Military Active Duty and Reservist Commitment Scholarship, and the latest Lisa and Rick Ampil Scholarship.

Penn State  Houses the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness. Provides the Veterans First Year Seminar Transition is the Mission program. Offers Penn State World Campus financial support via Military Grant-in-Aid. Partners with the Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) and the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academys (SGM-A) Fellowship program.

New graduates Gloria Vazquez, pictured center left, and Jamail Crawford, pictured center right, cut a cake alongside the U.S. Army Garrison-Poland command and education teams, celebrating their college graduation at Camp Kosciuszko in Poznan, Poland, Aug. 22, 2025. The ceremony, a first for the USAG-P Education Center, showcased various levels of degrees earned by the graduates, commending their unwavering commitment to higher education. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Katie Mazos, DVIDS)

Whether it is a seemingly small gesture or a broad suite of services, many colleges and universities are serving those who served through meaningful initiatives and programs directly geared toward military-affiliated students. In higher education, it translates to personal and community engagement, real connection, and customized environments that help students integrate into academic life. This type of impact extends beyond campuses and into communities. Here's to another great year ahead!
Cold, snowy weather isnt the only thing headed for Michigan this winter. Dozens of species of weird and wonderful ducks are also coming to the state.

Michigans waterways will be filled with a fascinating cast of characters. As colder temperatures and icy winds freeze Arctic or boreal waters, ducks make their way south to the relative warmth of the Great Lakes state, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Michigan is a winter haven for more than 30 duck species.

RELATED: Snowy owls migrate in booms and busts. This winter could be a boom

These species feature unique beauty, like the northern pintail with its three-piece-suit plumage; delightful adaptations and behaviors, like surf scoters that dive into cresting waves; and awe-inspiring gatherings, including thousands of redhead ducks that float on open water.

Here are five of the weird ducks and other waterfowl we might spot this time of year, and how to successfully ID them:

A flock of redhead ducks by Ryan Dziedzic.

Redheads: Look for the telltale cinnamon-hued heads on the males of this species; the females will be close by, with medium-brown coloring on their bodies. In the winter these sociable ducks can sometimes be seen gathering in massive flocks on open water, where their numbers can reach well into the thousands.

RELATED: Christmas Count: Worlds longest-running bird census is happening now

The gadwall, a dabbling duck, can be found in southern Michigan marshes, lakes and river mouths. Photo: Chris Rusnak/Audubon Chris A. Rusnak

Gadwalls: From afar these birds might not look like much, but if youre able to see them through binoculars or a spotting scope, you can appreciate the males subtle yet intricate shades and patterns. ID the males by looking for a black rump, white wing patch and dark bill; the females will look similar to female Mallards.

Two Tundra swans fly above the Ferguson Bayou Trail at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Saginaw on Saturday, April 13, 2024. This guided nature hike was a collaboration event between Saginaw Art Museum, Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, and Friends of Shiawassee. Julian Leshay Guadalupe | MLive.com

Tundra Swans: Nicknamed whistling swans for the distinct whistle sound made by their wings, these beautiful water birds might be spotted flying far overhead in large family groups of up to 100 birds. Identify Tundra Swans from other swans by the U shape where their black bill meets their face; sometimes a small yellow patch is also visible near the eye.

Buffleheads: Zippy little birds, with an emphasis on little  these are among the smallest ducks in Michigan. From a distance the males appear black and white, but if you look closely youll see a patch of mesmerizing iridescent green and purple. This time of year you can find Buffleheads in pairs or small groups on sheltered bodies of water like bays, lakes, ponds, estuaries and slow-moving rivers.

Snow geese on Cayuga Lake viewed from Lower Lake Road near Cayuga Lake State Park Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Photo by Mike Greenlar

Snow Geese: These birds are not as common in Michigan as they are in Illinois and Indiana, so winter sightings can feel special. Look for Snow Geese in open fields or shallow waters, paying close attention since these birds come in two different color morphs, or patterns: The white morph has a white head and body with black wing tips, while the blue morph has a dark body and white head. Both have pink bills with a dark line.

Find more winter birding opportunities here.
An estimated 55,000 Toyota hybrid vehicles have been recalled because of an issue that can cause a fire or loss of motive power. The automaker announced the recall this week, which includes certain 2025-26 Camry and 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicles.

A bolt inside the inverter in the hybrid powertrain can become loose and could lead to a loss of motive power or could lead to a fire when the vehicle is on, reads a portion of the recall announcement. A loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds or a vehicle fire could increase the risk of a crash or an injury.

Owners of the impacted vehicles will be notified once a repair is ready, according to Toyota. The repair will be free and customers are expected to begin being notified by mid-February.

Customers with additional questions can contact Toyota customer support by calling the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331.

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FLINT, MI -- Members of the Flint City Council are talking about adding sign language interpreters to at least some of their meetings, but havent determined how to pay the expected cost.

Right now, you do not have money in your budget for sign language interpreters, City Clerk Davina Donahue told council members during their final committee meeting of this year on Dec. 17.

Donahue said the council will likely need to find funding in its current budget -- something that might not be easy to do.

Despite having a $350,000 professional services line item, the clerk said, there may not be enough in the account to add the cost of interpreters after paying for an annual audit.

Donahue said council members will also need to determine whether to provide the service at regular and committee meetings, estimating the cost of covering only regular council meetings at $15,000 per year and coverage of committee meetings as well at $32,000.

The cost estimates dont include annual council budget hearings or special meetings.

Attorney General Dana Nessel has said the Americans with Disabilities Act requires state and local boards and commissions to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability who request an accommodation.

Donahue told council members shes received only two such requests since she was appointed clerk in December 2022 -- one to move a divider separating the council from audience members because it interferes with lip reading and another she received just 36 hours before the start of a special meeting.

In all, the council averages roughly 50 regular meeting nights annually, and the clerk said those sessions average three to four hours.

Donahue said her cost estimates are based on an expected charge of $160 per hour for two interpreters, each working four hours after 6 p.m.

In addition to the interpreters, the decision to provide the service would require equipment investments that would allow council meetings to be broadcast on YouTube with picture-in-picture and an additional camera fixed on the interpreters.

YouTube closed captioning isnt provided as the meeting is streamed live, but usually updated with captions within 48 hours.

Sarah Houston, a 6th Ward resident, is among council watchers who have advocated for sign language interpreters this year.

Houston told council members at the Dec. 17 meeting that they need to act to provide the service while they find a way to fund it.

Deaf people need access ..., she said. Those residents should be just as important as other citizens.

Council members took no action after hearing Donahues report but 6th Ward Councilwoman Candice Mushatt requested the information in writing so we can make sure were reaching all residents in 2026.
WAYLAND, MI  Gun Lake Casino Resort and the Gun Lake Tribe have provided $7.9 million in revenue sharing to the state of Michigan and a local revenue sharing board.

The payments are required under an agreement with the tribe and the state that provides a share of the casinos gaming revenue to the state and local organizations. The most recent payments, announced Dec. 18, provided $3.1 million to the state and $4.8 million to local organizations.

Were incredibly proud to be able to provide these funds to deserving local organizations such as schools, governments and charitable organizations, Gun Lake Tribal Chairman Bob Peters said in a statement. Thanks to the hard work of the team members at Gun Lake Casino Resort and all of the expansions we have made to the property over the years, such as the addition of the Hotel, Spa and Oasis in 2025, weve been able to generate significant Local Revenue Sharing Board funds each year since we opened the casino in 2011.

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, owns Gun Lake Casino Resort in Wayland, roughly halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. The tribes headquarters is in Shelbyville, about eight miles south of Wayland.

The local organizations that received a cut of the tribes revenue sharing payments werent outlined in a news release from the tribe.

However, state reports show past payments have gone to nearby local governments such as Allegan County, the city of Wayland, Door Township, Hopkins Township, Martin Township and more. The Allegan Area Educational Service Agency has also received past payments.

Past state payments have gone to the Michigan Strategic Fund and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, documents show.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - I was at Robinettes Apple Haus & Winery this week creating a Christmas gift basket for a relative, who, like me, will appreciate the history of the family orchard thats been a staple in West Michigan for over 100 years.

In between deciding on Cameo and Ambrosia apples and various types of apple butter and jam, I reflected on how I always run into someone there eager to share their memories of coming to the popular spot at 4 Mile Road and East Beltline Avenue NE with their parents and/or grandparents.

At Robinettes, we believe in creating memories that last a lifetime, is whats written on the website. My family has made good memories there.

You hear in the voices and see in the faces of family members and their employees a pride in continuing a tradition and legacy. Every holiday season while picking up apple cider, pies and other pastries, I chat people up in line. It seems like one or more people usually bring up how they hope Robinettes is there for their childrens children, dreading a commercial or residential development.

But that type of development is exactly what some want to see downtown.

Readers were interested in news Monday about a massive riverfront project receiving major funding from the state to support construction of an office tower, a hotel tower, and a 43-story residential tower. Officials with the Michigan Strategic Fund signed off Monday on a $560.9 million incentive package. The 6.9-acre site is at Fulton Street and Market Avenue SW, near the Acrisure Amphitheater.

Brian McVicar told readers all about the approval of the Transformational Brownfield incentive for Fulmar Development Partners, a partnership between the prominent DeVos and Van Andel families and Magellan Development Group of Chicago. Fulmar has proposed depositing $8.5 million of the subsidy into the citys affordable housing fund over the next two decades.

The $795.8 million project has been criticized by area activists who are concerned that the proposed affordable housing contribution is too small. Supporters say it will help meet demand for new housing, help grow downtowns population, and provide public access to the Grand River through a new pedestrian pathway.

Sticking with business, Ehren Wynder shared the latest on the fight by some beloved antique shops to continue operating out of the historic Sligh Furniture building, owned by JV SBAM SB. The ongoing story has resonated with readers.

A Kent County judge on Monday denied a request to shutter the building due to safety concerns. Repairs are underway to keep the three sprawling shops inside open and safe.

A suspect arrested in a carjacking in Walker will be spending some time before a judge.

John Agar reported Walker police arrested someone on Sunday outside of a business near Alpine Avenue NW. Police initially responded to a shoplifting in progress that afternoon at 745 Center Drive NW. The suspect fled police, got into an occupied vehicle, threatened the driver and forced them to drive before later forcing them out of the vehicle. The person was shaken up, not injured.

John also shared major police news this week about the Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom being among three finalists to be chief of the Pensacola Police Department in Florida.

The news took many by surprise. Winstrom came to Grand Rapids in early 2022 from the Chicago Police Department. He was with CPD over 20 years before leaving as a commander.

Winstrom has asked for the communitys patience, with the selection process occurring Jan. 12 to 14, as he tries to make the best decision for him and his family. He said he remains fully committed to ensuring the city is a place where people feel safe at all times.

Those are just some of the stories in the Grand Rapids area this week that interested our readers.

Monica Scott is the editor for MLive Media Groups The Grand Rapids Press and Muskegon Chronicle. She was previously a reporter who covered the city, county and schools in Grand Rapids.
MONTCALM COUNTY, MI  A fire destroyed a house early Friday, Dec. 26, near Greenville, Sheridan Fire Department said.

The fire, reported just after midnight, engulfed the modular home on West Fenwick Road in Montcalm Countys Fairplain Township. Multiple fire departments responded.

No injuries were reported.

A GoFundMe page has been set up. The organizer said his grandmother escaped only with a coat and shoes.

It was not immediately known if the owner had insurance, Sheridan Fire Department said. The home is a total loss.

The American Red Cross helped the family overnight.

The fire is believed to have started from a gas leak in the kitchen area. Firefighters used 19,000 gallons of water to put out the fire and were on scene until 3:30 a.m.
JACKSON COUNTY, MI  The lasted restaurant chain to come to Jackson is almost ready to open its doors.

Here is that headline and some more you might have missed this week.

The sign is up! Five Guys is bringing its cult-favorite burgers to Jackson

The sign is up for Five Guys in Jackson, a message the burger chain is getting closer to opening.

On Monday, Dec. 22, workers could be seen installing the red sign onto the outside of the building on Boardman Road. Recent work on the interior shows Five Guys traditional red and white checkered counters and walls visible from outside the restaurant.

The restaurant chains website says its slated to open in January. The restaurant will be joining McAlisters Deli and Sport Clips, which opened in July.

Jackson boutique owner closing two stores due to declining sales

Michelle Moore is closing The Blessed Nest in downtown Jackson and Not So Shabby, Oh! So Chic in Summit Township.

Over the last two years, sales at the stores have dropped by 40%, which Moore, 50, credits to online shopping and the younger generation thrifting over buying new. While people were itching to shop in-person after the COVID-19 pandemic, she said the momentum has slowed.

I just kind of feel that everybody got it out of their system, getting out and about, Moore said. Basically, they just found that shopping online was easier.

Downtown Jackson clothing boutique HMN Style to close

Another downtown Jackson shop is closing its doors next year.

HMN Style opened inside of the Blake Building, 180 W. Michigan Ave., in 2023. Owner Scott Pienta said the sales just arent there anymore because people arent shopping in person.

Theres just not enough sales and we tried hanging on, but this has been a decision I was thinking about for over a year, Pienta said.

Marshall approves $1.12M land sale for data center, gas plant project

Marshalls Local Development Finance Authority unanimously approved a purchase agreement with an Ontario-based developer to build a gas generation plant and a data center inside of Brooks Industrial Park.

In an Oct. 30 special meeting, the LDFA sold the 270-acre land to Alterra Development for $1.12 million. The agreement includes 112 buildable acres for the proposed technology park.

Alterra Development officials provided a presentation at the meeting, saying the project positions Marshall to join a growing network of technology hubs across Michigan. Developers have identified at least 16 sites in 10 counties across the Lower Peninsula for server warehouses supporting artificial intelligence and cloud computing, according to a mid-December MLive tally.

Firefighters raise money, treat shelter families to holiday shopping in Jackson

Jackson and Summit Township firefighters treated 10 area families to a holiday shopping spree on Friday, Dec. 19, at Walmart.

For the past few years, firefighters have raised funds in advance to give each participating child $100 to spend, and then shopped alongside the children and their families at the store, located at 700 W. Michigan Ave.

The event has become an annual event which helps children living in shelters and those in need from area schools.

Jackson College seeks actors for Noises Off spring comedy production

Jackson College will soon host auditions for its spring production of Noises Off, opening the theater opportunity to both students and community members.

Auditions take place Jan. 26-27 at 5:30 p.m. in the Ruth Day Theatre at the Potter Center, with callbacks scheduled for Jan. 28. The production will run April 10-12.

Michael Frayns comedy follows a traveling theatre troupe attempting to stage the British farce Nothing On.

Shooting in Jackson leaves 1 injured, investigation ongoing

One person has been hospitalized after being shot in Jackson on Friday, Dec. 19.

Police responded to reports of shots fired in the 1100 block of First Street around 8:30 p.m. Friday, said Sgt. Rick Burkart.

One victim was transported to a local hospital with a non-life threatening gunshot wound, police said.

Truck crashes into Amish buggy, seriously injuring buggy driver, 2 children

An Amish man and two of his children were seriously injured when a pickup crashed into their buggy Sunday afternoon.

Police and rescue crews were called at 1:49 p.m., Dec. 21, to Mead Road north of W. Territorial Road in Camden Township for a report of a crash involving a truck and an Amish buggy, according to the Hillsdale County Sheriffs Office.

The preliminary investigation showed a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 31-year-old man, was going south on Mead Road when he crashed into the back of the buggy also going south, police said.

No foul play after apparent miscommunication in 911 call for reported Jackson break-in

Police investigating a reported home invasion and fatal shooting early Sunday on Higby Street have determined that there was no break-in.

Investigators found Monday, Dec. 22, there was no foul play in the death of a man found inside the house, Jackson Police Chief Christopher Simpson said. The man died by suicide, Simpson said.

The investigation showed that there was a miscommunication between the 911 caller and central dispatch, Simpson said.

Shoplifter stole meat from Chelsea store by stuffing it into his pants, police say

A man stole several packages of meat from a Chelsea grocery store by stuffing it into his pants and leaving the store without paying.

Police were called at 8:44 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, to Pollys Country Market in Chelsea for a reported shoplifting that had occurred earlier in the day, according to the Chelsea Police Department.

A store employee reported seeing a man at 5:30 p.m. placing packages of meat into his pants while inside the store before walking away, police said.

My kids need this, armed suspect says before taking $5K from Advance America location

Police are seeking information that will lead to the arrest of a suspect who held up an Advance America earlier this month.

The suspect is a white male and is approximately 5 feet, 5 inches or 5 feet, 6 inches tall, according to information provided by the Adrian Police Department.

Surveillance video obtained by the police department show the suspect enter Advance America, 1422 S. Main St. in Adrian, at around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Springport Schools joins Spring Arbor University automatic admission program

Springport Schools is the latest school district to join a program that offers an easier path to enrolling in college in 2026.

Spring Arbor University announced Dec. 16 that the district signed up for the universitys new Deep Roots Direct Admission Program, according to a press release announcing the partnerships.

Through the program, graduating high school seniors who meet the universitys admissions standards are granted automatic acceptance to the university.

Jackson County ISD superintendent announces retirement after decades in education

A school district administrator will soon be stepping down after 17 years of dedicated service.

Jackson County Intermediate School District Superintendent Kevin Oxley announced Dec. 17 he is retiring from public service at the close of the school year.

Ive lived my life on a school-year calendar since I was four years old and Im excited to graduate and begin a new chapter, Oxley wrote in his retirement letter to the school board.

Southern Michigan college lines up to recruit students from a soon-to-close neighbor

Before one Southern Michigan private college closes for good next spring, another in the same region is bracing to help take in its students.

Spring Arbor University southwest of Jackson has reached a teach-out agreement with the soon-to-close Siena Heights University in nearby Lenawee County, according to a news release.

SHU announced this summer it would end its century-long history after its spring 2026 semester, and soon after, a host of other institutions began lining up to recruit the Catholic universitys departing students, particularly as informal transfer pathways.

New affordable apartments in Jackson welcome first residents

Construction is completed on two new apartment buildings in Jackson and developers hope to have all new residents moved in by the end of 2025.

Ohio-based company Pivotal began construction on The Blackstone, 209 N. Blackstone St., and The Greenwood, 702 Greenwood Ave., in January 2024.

As of Dec. 3, The Blackstone had been fully leased, meanwhile The Greenwood had 15 units still available. The Greenwood offers 51 units, while The Blackstone has 53, bringing 104 new apartments to the downtown-area, Pivotal Regional Manager Rachel Osbon said.

How a Grass Lake classroom project created a 7-year bond with a Hawaii firehouse

A group of Grass Lake Community School children have maintained a holiday tradition with a firehouse in Hawaii.

What started as a simple classroom activity for Fire Safety Month back in 2019 has evolved into a regular event for Grass Lake Elementary School teacher Dakota Bahlaus old class of first-grade students.

Theyve been sending firefighters in Pahala painted high fives for years.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

Ukraine will be in constant contact with European partners, there may be an online meeting with them, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"While we are talking to you, dear journalists, European leaders are writing and calling me. Just like I had the Staff meeting before. I could not stop the meeting with all due respect to the partners. I will be in constant contact with them. We would like the Europeans to be there. I am not sure that right now, in one day, we can all gather offline, but I think, at least, we will connect online and our partners will be in contact," Zelenskyy told reporters on Friday.

The President emphasized that many documents and things also depend on the position of Europe.

"Of course, we must find some format in the near future - where not only Ukraine and America will be present. And where Europe will also be represented," he noted.
ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI  A man was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle on Christmas, police said.

At 7:14 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25, troopers from the Wayland Post were called to a vehicle/bicycle crash on 10th Street south of Miller Road, north of the city of Plainwell, the Michigan State Police said.

A 52-year-old Plainwell-area man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, a 40-year-old Kalamazoo man, was not injured and cooperated with police after the crash.

Both the vehicle and bicycle were traveling north in heavy fog and the bicycle did not have lights.

No impairment is believed to be a factor in the crash, MSP said.

Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page.
SAGINAW, MI  A Wayne County man spent his Christmas in the Saginaw County Jail, part of his penalty for killing a woman in a high-speed crash a little more than a year ago.

Stephen W. Barry, 24, on Nov. 25 appeared before Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark for sentencing, having pleaded no contest the previous month to his only charge, moving violation causing death.

The judge sentenced Barry to one year in jail, with 358 days held in abeyance pending the outcome of a year-long probation term.

Clark ordered Barry to serve seven days in the county jail, giving him until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve to report.

Barry did as instructed and was lodged in the jail by 6:08 p.m. on Dec. 24.

Clark further ordered Barry to pay $2,985 in fines and costs by March 25.

Barrys conviction stems from a crash that occurred about 10:20 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2024. Barry had been driving south on Interstate 75 in Birch Run Township when he rear-ended a Jeep near Canada Road.

Barrys Ford car flipped onto its roof and a third vehicle crashed into the disabled Jeep.

Riding as a backseat passenger in the Jeep was 76-year-old Burt resident Elvia Dee Rivera. She was conscious and speaking with others in the Jeep before the third vehicle crashed into it but suffered fatal injuries in this second impact, prosecutors alleged.

Rivera died the same day. Several others were treated for minor injuries at local hospitals.

Barry passed Michigan State Police troopers field sobriety tests at the scene. He told investigators he may have fallen asleep behind the wheel shortly before the collision. He admitted to smoking marijuana the day prior, prosecutors alleged.

A sample of Barrys blood was taken and submitted to the MSP Crime Lab for analysis. Results indicated he had THC in his blood, prosecutors alleged.

Investigators determined Barry was traveling at least 95 mph before the impact.

But for the defendant in excess of 20 mph over the speed limit, the accident would not have occurred, prosecutors wrote in a bond recommendation.

Rivera was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, and married her husband in Flint in 1967. He, along with three daughters, survives her.

Dee was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother who found joy in the simple pleasures of life, her obituary states. She could often be found shopping with her daughters, a pastime that they all cherished. Dee also enjoyed family camping trips and traveling. She was a frequent visitor to the casino and also loved playing Mexican Bingo and other card games and was always ready for a good time with family and friends.

Rivera was a dental hygienist who dedicated herself to others care. Her kindness and warmth extended to all she encountered, her obituary states.

In 1965, she was selected from a group of young women to win the American GI Forum Beauty Pageant, an honor that highlighted her grace and charm, her obituary states.

Rivera loved attending church and had a strong spiritual life.

Above all, she treasured the moments spent with her family, always surrounded by love, laughter, and joy, her obituary continues. Her legacy of love, devotion, and care will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, said members of Congress have received very little information a day after President Donald Trump said the U.S. launched a powerful and deadly strike against Islamic State forces in Nigeria.

Dingell described it as a continuing pattern, and said she believes it is Congress that needs to be making a lot of these decisions about escalating.

After weeks of saying the West African countrys government has failed to rein in the persecution of Christians, Trump announced the strike on Thursday in a Christmas evening post on Truth Social, his social media site.

Trump did not initially provide details or mention the extent of the damage caused by the strikes in northwestern Nigeria, though he said there were numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.

The Associated Press described the move as a major escalation in an offensive that the countrys overstretched military has struggled with for years.

In a segment on CNN Friday morning, Nigerias foreign minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar said it was a collaborative effort between Nigeria and the U.S., with the countrys president giving the go ahead before it took place.

We dont see it violating our sovereignty or territorial integrity, which is very important, he said.

But in the same CNN segment, Dingell said the same collaboration has not yet been fully extended to members of Congress.

Now, it was Christmas Day, Dingell said. I think we all want a lot more facts. We are going to need to be briefed.

In addition to the Dec. 25 strikes in Nigeria, Trump has overseen an escalating pressure campaign against Venezuela and the government of President Nicolas Maduro, which Dingell also referenced.

It took too long to brief us about what was happening in Venezuela, so well have to see what comes, she said.

Dingell said there are disturbing issues in Nigeria, but the question is, what is Americas responsibility to it? And I believe that the president has to consult the Congress, and that it is the Congress that needs to be making a lot of these decisions about escalating.

I feel very strongly about that related to Venezuela, she added. I want more facts on Nigeria, but Congress is where acts of war get declared, when you use military action.

The strike announcement comes after Trump ordered the Pentagon last month to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria. The State Department recently announced it would restrict visas for Nigerians and their family members involved in killing Christians there, and the U.S. recently designated Nigeria a country of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act.

In his Truth Social post, Trump said the strike was against IS militants who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was, the post read.

Residents and security analysts have said Nigerias security crisis affects Christians and Muslims, as the country of 220 million people is battling multiple armed groups, including at least two affiliated with the Islamic State.

Nigerias foreign minister said the strikes arent about religion, but about the protection of lives and property of Nigerians.

The strikes have been seen by some experts as crucial help for Nigerias security forces, often overstretched and outgunned as they fight multiple security crises across different regions.

But analysts say military operations targeting the gangs arent usually sustained, and militants move easily and often use hostages as cover, making airstrikes difficult.

Dingell said shes concerned about violence anywhere  but the fact of the matter is, the president came into office and said he was going to de-escalate our involvement in foreign wars, in foreign countries, and what should we be doing? What is our role there? What are his plans?
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer granted five clemency requests on Tuesday, including sentence reductions for two people convicted of murder.

The single pardon and four sentence commutations issued Tuesday, Dec. 23, were all based on recommendations from the Michigan Parole Board.

As a former prosecutor, I am committed to keeping people safe while ensuring our criminal justice system works for Michiganders, Whitmer said. Im proud of our bipartisan work to enact historic criminal justice reform and put more Michiganders on paths to a brighter future.

Today, we build on that work by granting clemency to five Michiganders who have taken accountability for their actions. Lets keep working together to build a justice system that treats all Michiganders fairly under the law.

Pardons set aside a persons conviction, meaning the offense and conviction will no longer show up on their record.

Commutations reduce an imprisoned persons sentence to a specified term, making them eligible for parole earlier. Unlike a pardon, the underlying conviction stays on the persons record.

Whitmers office declined to say how much each sentence was reduced by under her commutations.

One of the sentence reductions was for 63-year-old Linda Nunn, who was serving life in prison without possibility of parole for first-degree murder. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton opposed the sentence reduction.

On New Years Eve 1986, Nunn shot and killed a bank examiner at a Flint hotel.

Nunn told the Michigan Parole Board earlier this year that she acted in self-defense when she fatally shot the man, Ellery Brown.

Nunn, then working as a prostitute, said Brown attacked her in his hotel room after he allegedly refused to pay her the agreed-upon money for sex. She then shot him.

However, in a previous clemency request Nunn said the shooting was the result of a botched attempted robbery.

Nunn testified this year that she never intended to rob Brown. Leyton noted that that conflicts with testimony from Crystal Jones of Flint, who was with Nunn at the hotel bar that night and testified in exchange for immunity in the case.

Nunn said she gave that previous version of events to match a pre-sentence investigation report provided to the Parole Board. She told the Parole Board that she left Browns money in his hotel room.

Felicia Hale, 47, was serving a prison sentence of 22 to 60 years on a conviction of second-degree murder when Whitmer commuted her sentence. Her earliest release was 2029.

Hale was convicted of second-degree murder for aiding and abetting a man who killed the father of her children, according to court documents. The murder happened in 2007 in Wayne County.

Hale previously testified that the slain man, Jimmy Lee Merritt, Jr., had physically abused her, according to court documents. The shooting happened after Hale enlisted several others to go with her to the home she shared with Merritt so she could get her kids from him.

Others who had their sentences commuted were:

Charles Benson, 69, who was serving 50 to 100 years for an armed robbery he committed in 1986 in Wayne County. His earliest release was 2030.

Jeffrey Lanum, 57, who was serving 22.5 to 45 years in prison for manufacturing 1,000 grams or more of a controlled substance in 2007 in Oakland County. He was sentenced as a habitual offender and his earliest release was 2032.

Whitmer also pardoned Bianca Nellard. Nellard was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced in 2009 to two to nine years in prison.
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Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Staff, which was entirely devoted to drones, defense lines and Ukraine's responses.

"We also talked about Kovel. There is a problem that they [Shaheds] see our interceptor lines, which we work well with, and want to bypass them. They bypass them thanks, by the way, to Belarus and Belarusian land," Zelenskyy told reporters.

According to the president, this is a "serious question," and he has set all the tasks, "there will be an answer at the next meeting."
Ragini Jaiswal Entertainment journalist and content writer with 3+ years of experience covering Bollywood, lifestyle trends, and celebrity stories across leading digital platforms.
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Trump, Zelenskyy will try to finalize agreement on peace plan on Sunday  media

Photo: president.gov.ua

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet on Sunday in Mar-O-Lago, Florida, to try to reach an agreement on the American peace plan, writes Axios.

According to the publication, intensive consultations were held between the Ukrainian and American sides, as well as between negotiators from the United States and Russia, on the eve and during the Christmas holidays.

According to officials from both countries, most elements of the agreement between the United States and Ukraine have been finalized, including the security guarantees that Kyiv will receive from the United States and Europe. A senior U.S. official confirmed that the United States is ready to send a security guarantee based on NATO Article 5 to the Senate for ratification.

The report notes that the main points of contention are Russia's demands to control the entire Donbas region and the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the largest in Europe, as part of any agreement.

The United States has proposed that the territories from which Ukrainian troops will withdraw become a demilitarized "free economic zone."

Zelenskyy insists on an equal withdrawal of Russian troops from the current line of control and emphasizes that any territorial concessions must be approved by a referendum.

The American side supports Ukraine's idea of a ceasefire during the referendum, but logistics will be difficult.

According to a senior American official, the Russians, who had previously opposed a ceasefire until a final agreement was reached, now agree that a ceasefire is necessary for such a referendum.

However, Ukraine wants a 60-day truce, and the Russians may demand a shorter period, the official said.
Bangladeshi artist Ashfika Rahman's solo show 'Of Land, River and Body' is on at Vadehra Art Gallery in Delhi; Poems on the Move 2.0 was part of the 2025 Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa; and detail from Priyanka D'Souza and Nivedita Madigubba's 'No Kings (and Chronicles), 2025'.
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Gold and silver smash records again as rally gathers momentum
Industry estimates suggest that digital gold purchases stood at about 8 tonnes in 2024, underscoring the pace of growth this year.
NBCC will have to pay Rs 220 crore to the Delhi government.
RIL developed the KG-D6 block in record time, which to date is Indias most successful deepwater producing block.
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Hindustan Zinc shares hit fresh 52-week high as silver prices extend record run; stock up 36% in 30 days
Lovisha Darad Lovisha is passionate about domestic and global equity market development. She writes stories exclusively on equities from a fundamental perspective, gathering insights from niche market gurus.
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Stocks to Watch Today: Lenskart, KNR Constructions, Ola Electric, Vikran Engg, Strides Pharma, Panacea Biotec, Castrol, Supreme Industries, JK Cement in focus on 26 December
Ukraine's legal gambling industry faces significant limitations in payment acceptance instruments, and the issue of this quasi-monopoly can only be resolved with the active involvement of the market regulator  the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), according to Hennadiy Novikov, head of the state agency for the regulation of gambling and lotteries, PlayCity.

"Essentially, a quasi-monopoly has formed. For what reasons this happened. We are still trying to determine. This issue can only be resolved with the active participation of the National Bank of Ukraine, because it is the regulator of the banking sector," Novikov said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

According to him, at present only three banks service the gambling business under the Mastercard payment system, and only one under Visa.

The head of PlayCity said that banks are currently not ready to service all licensed operators that have officially been granted the right to operate and have paid the required fees.

"As a result, while banks refuse to service legal operators, the illegal market uses alternative mechanisms. These include P2P payments, substitution of MCC codes, the use of cryptocurrencies, and other schemes," Novikov added.

According to him, there are currently 34 licensed operators active across all segments of the gambling market.

At the same time, the National Bank of Ukraine told Interfax-Ukraine that it has not yet received any additional requests from banks expressing a willingness to service the gambling business.

According to market participants, the largest share of the gambling payment services market is currently held by the state-owned Sense Bank.

Among other government bodies that could significantly influence the situation with illegal gambling, the head of PlayCity also singled out the Bureau of Economic Security, particularly in cases involving the illegal organization of gambling activities, regardless of whether they operate online or offline.

"At this time, I am not aware of any completed criminal proceedings in which individuals involved in illegal online casinos, those who actually built these businesses, have been identified and held accountable," Novikov said.

He explained that illegal gambling does not operate on the principle that "someone from abroad decided to operate in Ukraine," because it is a complex system with clearly distributed roles, including individuals and companies that generate traffic through affiliate marketing and advertising tools.

As reported, since February 2025, state policy in the gambling sector has been shaped and coordinated by the Ministry of Digital Transformation. On March 21, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to establish a new central executive authority, the PlayCity agency, which officially reports to the Ministry of Digital Transformation and, as of April 1, replaced the former regulator, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries.
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Stylam Industries shares fall 5% as Japan's AICA Kogyo set to acquire 40% stake for Rs 1,525 crore
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The new GDP series will have the base year 2022-23.
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Sun Pharma says aiming for mid-to-high single digit consolidated topline growth in FY26
Approvals are coming through Chinese suppliers for Indian and foreign-owned units; automakers had warned of production disruption after April 4 export restrictions.
Indias merchandise exports reached approximately $292 billion during AprilNovember of 2025-26, a growth of around 2.6 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.
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'Knife-pole climbing, sea of flame crossing' performances stun visitors at the Kuoshi Festival in Yunnan

People's Daily Online) 10:45, December 26, 2025

On Dec. 22, a series of cultural activities were held in Miaowei Lisu township, Yunlong county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, to celebrate the Kuoshi Festival of the Lisu ethnic group. The on-site performances, including "ascending a mountain of blades and crossing a sea of flames" attracted many tourists and was met with continuous cheers from the crowd.

"Ascending a mountain of blades," or "knife-pole climbing," refers to a performance in which dozens of knives are tied horizontally to poles with their edges facing upward to form a ladder. Performers climb the structure barefoot, stepping directly on the sharp blades. "Crossing a sea of flames" refers to performers walking barefoot across burning hot charcoal, during which they occasionally scoop up glowing embers with their hands and throw them into the air.

It is reported that "Kuoshi" in the Lisu language means "New Year," with "Ku" meaning "year" and "Shi" meaning "new." As the most important traditional festival of the Lisu people in Yunnan, "ascending a mountain of blades and crossing a sea of flames" are essential performances of the Kuoshi Festival, symbolizing a spirit of perseverance and expressing the local people's hopes for favorable weather and a good harvest.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Du Mingming)
Ukraine's state agency for gambling and lottery regulation, PlayCity, has issued 10 B2B licenses to companies supplying software for the gambling market under updated legislation that took effect on April 1, and has revoked seven others due to a lack of response to agency inquiries, PlayCity head Hennadiy Novikov said.

"During this short period, we have already issued 10 new licenses for service provision (B2B). At the same time, we reviewed another seven companies, including to verify that they have no ties to Russia. These companies simply did not respond to our inquiries, so we revoked their licenses," Novikov said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

According to him, PlayCity is deliberately implementing an approach that separates market operations and licensing between the B2C and B2B segments. The agency head added that the first step was the introduction of a B2B license, which can be obtained only by residents, while operators are responsible for using the services of unlicensed counterparties.

"The next stage is oversight and inspections of such companies. In this way, without deviating from our strategic goal of supporting the legal market, we are narrowing the range of products available to illegal operators," Novikov said.

He cited Romania as an example, where B2C operators that interact directly with players are clearly separated from the B2B segment, which itself is divided into three distinct classes, extending even to suppliers of furniture or alcohol for offline casinos.

"This approach is driven by the high risks inherent in the sector, including the possibility of tax optimization and capital outflows. The regulator seeks to see not individual elements, but the entire ecosystem of the market, ensuring transparency across the supply chain, from software to service providers," Novikov explained.

As reported, since February 2025, state policy in the gambling sector has been formed and coordinated by the Ministry of Digital Transformation. On March 21, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to establish a new central executive authority, the PlayCity agency, which officially reports to the Ministry of Digital Transformation and, as of April 1, replaced the former regulator, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries.

Currently, across all verticals of the gambling market, there are 34 licensed operators, excluding three lottery companies.
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After Rafale and Sukhoi flights, President Murmu to undertake submarine sortie
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'Against party values': UP BJP chief's warning to MLAs after 'bias against Brahmins' discussed at Lucknow dinner meet
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Aligarh murder: Assailants kept shooting teacher in head even after his death, CCTV footage shows
This will be Amit Shah's first visit to west Bengal after the commencement of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
A video of the incident went viral on social media platforms
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Delhi govt plans to revive real-time pollution study with focus on PM10 sources
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Despite CBI objections and victims apprehension, Unnao rape convict Sengar got bail four times
Armaan Bhatnagar is a news editor with nearly 14 years of experience in digital media across leading organisations including The Times of India, Microsoft, and Network18. Over the years, Armaan has reported extensively on Indian politics, global affairs, economy, and business. He has led coverage of landmark events ranging from three Lok Sabha elections and multiple state polls to historic Supreme Court judgments. He has closely followed geopolitical developments across US and Pakistan, the Middle East, as well as South Asia. He has also helped build innovative newsroom products, including COVID dashboards, election trackers, economy meters, and a range of data-driven properties.
NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has been a rival to the NCP (SP) since the party split in 2023.
Ukraine's Ministry of Finance is working on simplifying the administration of value-added tax (VAT) for single-tax payers and proposes to automate processes as much as possible while designating 2027 as a transition year.

This was reported on the Ministry of Finance's website following a meeting between Deputy Finance Minister Svitlana Vorobei and Member of Parliament Ihor Marchuk, head of the parliamentary subcommittee on statebusiness relations.

"We have heard businesses' concerns regarding invoice blocking and risk classification. We are now drafting regulations in a way that maximally protects bona fide entrepreneurs and ensures confirmation of tax credits without unjustified pressure," Vorobei was quoted as saying.

She noted that as part of the transition to a service-oriented model, the Ministry of Finance and the State Tax Service plan to introduce a mechanism for automatic VAT registration for individual entrepreneurs whose transaction volumes exceed the established threshold. Such registration would take place automatically based on reporting data and payment transactions recorders data, without the need to submit paper applications to the tax authorities. In addition, entrepreneurs who reach the taxable turnover threshold within the last 12 months will be granted a special period to accumulate input tax credit.

Tax administration is planned to be carried out through the taxpayer's electronic cabinet, where tax declarations will be pre-filled automatically based on payment transactions recorders data and tax invoices. To simplify operations for individual entrepreneurs, the reporting period is expected to be extended from monthly to quarterly.

Vorobei also said that 2027 is proposed as a transition period. During that time, the state will focus on training entrepreneurs and testing new software solutions, and penalties for errors in VAT administration will not be applied.

However, business representatives at the meeting criticized the Ministry of Finance's proposals.

"VAT is not just '20% on top.' It's a tax liability minus the tax credit. And that's where the circus begins. If you buy goods from a non-payer, there's no credit. If you buy from an individual, there's no credit. Rent, marketing, services, you still have to prove that these are expenses the tax authorities recognize. So you will pay, but whether you get reimbursed is a matter of luck," said Lesia Zolotareva, co-founder of the Alliance of Regional Small Business Associations.

She also expressed skepticism about how long the moratorium on penalties would last and noted that references to EU Directive 112 require more thorough analysis, since European standards must be adapted without harming microbusinesses.

In addition, Zolotareva pointed to the need for a substantial technical upgrade of the taxpayer's electronic cabinet before implementing such large-scale changes.

Tetiana Slaschuk, deputy head of the NGO Microbusiness of Khmelnytsky Region, said that the changes proposed by the Ministry of Finance regarding taxation of individual entrepreneurs create additional burdens: the need to hire an accountant, increased administrative and reporting requirements, risks of future penalties, and cash flow gaps. All of this, she said, will ultimately affect consumer prices.

"Small businesses don't print money. They simply pass costs on to the price of goods or services. So all talk about there being no impact is outright manipulation. There will be an impact, and very quickly," Slaschuk said.

Artem Borodatiuk, founder of the IT company group Fractal, also joined the discussion. According to him, amid a labor shortage, businesses will struggle to hire accountants capable of handling the new requirements. As a result, some companies simply will not find specialists, others will not be able to afford them, and the rest will go underground.

"Then we'll see what we've already seen before: business fragmentation will increase, individual entrepreneurs will start registering businesses under relatives' names, and real turnover will no longer match declared figures. In the end, we'll return to cash transactions, something the country has been trying to move away from for years. In other words, a decision that is supposedly meant to fight the shadow economy will actually become a factor of regression and push us back decades," he explained.

The National SME Business Coalition stated that combating business fragmentation should not turn into a war against micro-entrepreneurship, and that the solutions proposed by the Ministry of Finance will ultimately lead to even greater fragmentation and further shadowing of small businesses.

"Ukraine needs a high-quality tax policy that distinguishes artificial schemes from legitimate business, targets the organizers of such schemes rather than individual entrepreneurs, and at the same time preserves the simplicity and attractiveness of the simplified taxation system for millions of Ukrainian entrepreneurs," the coalition said.

As reported, on December 18 the Ministry of Finance published for discussion a draft law on registering single-tax payers, individual entrepreneurs in Groups 1, as VAT payers once they reach taxable turnover of UAH 1 million.

The Ministry of Finance proposes that the law take effect on January 1, 2027, believing this timeframe will give businesses sufficient time to adapt and adjust their processes without unnecessary stress.
The court levied a Rs 30 lakh fine on him, payable to the victim's family.
Sentencing the convict to rigorous imprisonment for life with 30 years of jail without remission, the court opined that the murder was, apparently, because of panic to destroy the evidence of rape and not a premeditated act.
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Hyderabad man tells 8-year-old son 'Your mother will die today', then sets his wife on fire after suspecting infidelity
Delivery partners across platforms say falling pay, risky delivery targets and patchy social security have pushed them to organise nationwide action.

Aishwarya Dabhade Chief Sub-Editor at Moneycontrol. She leads shifts and writes explainers on business, policy, markets and geopolitics. Ex-CNBC-TV18, The Economic Times, YouGov and WebEngage.
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Inside India's 'Himalayan push' to be future-ready along China border: 'A dramatic shift in thinking'
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Karnataka Leadership row: All eyes on Siddaramaiah's trip to Delhi to attend CWC meet
The judges noted that while families play a critical role in monitoring childrens internet use, reliance on parental supervision alone is insufficient in the current digital environment.
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Uddhav faction seen as 'real Shiv Sena' by majority of Marathi-speaking voters in Mumbai: Survey
Presidents of Ukraine and Finland Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Alexander Stubb exchanged views on recent contacts with partners, Zelenskyy noted "significant progress" of the Ukrainian and American negotiating teams towards achieving peace.

"I spoke with President of Finland Alexander Stubb. Thank you for your ongoing support and exchange of ideas. We updated each other on our contacts with partners," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

"Here in Ukraine, we are currently preparing for meetings and negotiations in the United States, and as of today, our teams  the Ukrainian and American negotiating teams  have made significant progress," he noted.

"Much has been accomplished in drafting the necessary security guarantees, the recovery and economic development plan, as well as the 20point framework document. Alex and I share the view that the intensity of work truly helps, and not a single day, not a single hour can be lost. Even now, when so many countries and leaders are celebrating Christmas and preparing for the New Year, we are working at full capacity to protect lives and advance diplomacy. We are making every effort to achieve results, and this is precisely our approach  a shared success is needed for Ukraine and all of Europe, for the United States and President Trump, for all our partners worldwide, and for global peace," the president wrote.

"I am grateful to Steve Witkoff; I am grateful to Jared Kushner, and to everyone who is helping. Thank you, Alex!" Zelenskyy added.
Currently, the access to NATGRID is to superintendent of police-rank officers.
The Rs 6,500-crore Jewar project has missed four deadlines and cannot start operations without DGCA aerodrome licence and security clearance for its foreign CEO.
Active in politics since 1996, VV Rajesh brings nearly three decades of experience in party organisation and public life
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Who was Ganesh Uike? Maoist leader with Rs 1.1 crore bounty killed in Odisha
Arup Das is AI Digital Officer, Wadhwani Centre for Government Digital Transformation, Wadhwani Foundation. Views are personal, and do not represent the stance of this publication
The RSS has been conscious of this misinterpretation of Hindutva throughout its 100-year journey.

Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Pavel Durov has said his involvement in sperm donation began in 2010, when he agreed to help a friend who was struggling to conceive.
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Birth of Gold Hydride: Scientists accidently formed a new compound, proving gold can be "reactive"
Yakutia, Russia, plunged to 56C this Christmas, becoming the coldest inhabited place on Earth. (Image: X/@stats_feed)
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This new pitcher plant discovered in Philippines could already be "critically endangered"
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, informed him about the progress of negotiations with the United States and "about first documents that can be assumed to be ready," as well as expressed gratitude for "recognition the necessity for joint efforts" for the sake of security and real recovery.

"I had a call with Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney. It was a very good conversation, and I appreciate it. I updated the Prime Minister on the status of our diplomatic efforts with the United States, as well as the first documents that can be assumed to be ready. We are also working on finalizing the documents that still require attention. I appreciate Canadas clear recognition of the necessity for joint efforts to guarantee security and real recovery," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

"In the coming days, much can be accomplished both bilaterally between Ukraine and the United States, as well as with our Coalition of the Willing partners. It is critical that we jointly and constructively bolster Ukraines ability to protect life, reinforce our front-line positions, and enhance the effectiveness of the negotiation process. Right now, it is Russia that is dragging its feet and trying to waste time," the president stressed.

"We believe there should be no weekends or pauses while the bloodshed continues. We thank everyone in the world who supports such an approach. Thank you, Canada!" Zelenskyy concluded.
The mounds, made of hydrates, are covered by sediments and frenulate tubeworms forming a Sclerolinum forest (Image: nature communications)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
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Americas half-empty power grid could hold the key to lower electricity bills
Australian health authorities warn travellers vaccinated in India since Nov 2023 may have received fake Abhayrab rabies vaccines, which offer no protection. Those affected should seek medical advice and get revaccinated with approved Australian vaccines.

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Photo: @V_Zelenskiy_official Telegram

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who coordinated positions with him on the eve of the meeting with US President Donald Trump, at which, as expected, a draft plan to end the Russian-Ukrainian war will be discussed.

"We had a very substantive and positive conversation. We coordinated our positions ahead of the meetings in Florida, and we must work at maximum productivity in the coming days, as always. Ukraine has never been and will never be an obstacle to peace, and we will continue working efficiently to ensure all necessary documents are prepared as quickly as possible," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

"We also discussed our joint efforts to guarantee security and to develop coordinated European positions that will support not only Ukraine but all of us in Europe. I also shared details of the recent conversations with President Trumps envoys and key aspects of the process," the President of Ukraine said.

As reported, earlier this week, Rutte in an interview with Bild rejected the assumption that the US would leave Ukraine without support and Europe without defense. The NATO Secretary General also said that some countries are ready to take part in military operations if Russia attacks Ukraine again. Later, Rutte discussed the situation in Ukraine and the work within the "Coalition of the Willing" with French President Emmanuel Macron.
China imposed sanctions on 20 US defense firms and 10 executives after the Trump administration approved a record $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, warning the US to stop arming Taiwan and vowing firm action to protect its sovereignty and core interests.

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How the J-1 visa system enabled the exploitation of foreign labour in the US
American journalist Matt Forney sparked outrage by warning of violent attacks on Indians and Hindu temples in 2026 and calling for mass deportation. His now-deleted post was widely criticized as a threat, prompting calls for law enforcement action.

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This undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on December 26, 2025 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) visiting major munitions industry enterprises to acquaint himself with the missile and shell production at an undisclosed place in North Korea. (Photo by KCNA VIA KNS / AFP)
Human rights and opposition groups say the vote will be neither free nor fair and that power is likely to remain in the hands of military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan unveiled a new 2026 structure, including an Air Force unit, expanded shadow provinces, and leadership changes, signaling increased capability and threat to Pakistan amid rising attacks and tensions with the Afghan Taliban.

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Declassified documents reveal US and Russian leaders privately viewed Pakistan as a nuclear risk, sharing Indias concerns about instability and proliferation, but downplayed these fears publicly due to strategic interests after 9/11 and during the Afghanistan war.

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Over 1,000 Imran Khan supporters arrested as PTI launches fresh protests in Lahore
The Third Army Corps has released an investigative documentary that reveals the mechanism of forced recruitment of foreign citizens into the ranks of the Russian army using the example of 23-year-old Indian citizen Majoti Sahil from the state of Gujarat, who surrendered to soldiers of the 63rd separate mechanized brigade of the Third Corps.

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Russia has recruited 202 Indian citizens to participate in the war against Ukraine since 2022. One hundred and nineteen citizens were able to return home thanks to the Indian government's efforts. Twenty-six people died, according to reports from the Russian side. Seven are missing, and fifty Indian citizens are still in the Russian army, the Third Army Corps said on Friday.

During his visit to the Russian Federation in 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was assured that all Indian citizens would be discharged from the Russian army. However, recruitment did not stop; it intensified. "Foreigners are lured to Russia by agents who promise education or work opportunities. Upon arrival, they are held in pretrial detention centers, where criminal cases are fabricated or conditions are created to make them sign a contract 'voluntarily,'" the report says.
Maharashtra ATS has again taken custody of Zubair Hangargekar in an Al-Qaeda-linked terror probe after finding foreign Telegram IPs and extremist content. Hes accused of spreading jihadist ideology and contacting international suspects; the probe continues.

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Shashi Tharoor slams attacks on Christmas celebrations, says 'freedom of worship is being attacked'
Tarique Rahman to be Bangladesh's next PM? Why it matters for India and Pakistan
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Trump says US launched deadly strikes on ISIS in Nigeria: Merry Christmas to all
Two Indian nationals were killed in Toronto within a week, sparking criticism from journalist Daniel Bordman over rising anti-Indian sentiment and ineffective police response. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of the Indian community in Canada.

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US strikes in Nigeria: What happened, what Trump said, and whats at stake
Zelensky said this week there was still disagreements between Kyiv and Washington over those two core issues.
The National Security Archive has released declassified verbatim transcripts detailing the private conversations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President George W Bush from 2001 to 2008.
Nova Poshta, Ukraine's leading express delivery company and part of the Nova Group, processed 2.41 million shipments in a single day on December 22, surpassing its previous record of 2.25 million set on December 23, 2024, the company reported on Friday, December 26.

"This is a shared record for the company and our customers, especially entrepreneurs whose goods we delivered and who, despite all the challenges and difficult conditions, continue to operate and support the country's economy," the company quoted co-owner Volodymyr Popereshniuk as saying.

The company noted that in 2023, the record day was December 18, when it processed 2.01 million parcels nationwide.

The company added that during peak December days, more than 1,000 additional office employees were involved in parcel processing.

"Nova Poshta has a pre-holiday tradition whereby office staff join operational work at branches, terminals, fulfillment centers, and as couriers or contact center operators," the company said.

Nova Poshta previously reported that in the first half of 2025 it delivered 238 million parcels and cargo items, which is 7% more than during the same period in 2024, as well as 5.9 million international shipments.

As of October 6, Nova Poshta had 44,983 service points, including 14,336 branches and 30,647 parcel lockers. In the first half of the year, the network of branches expanded by 708 locations to 13,985, while the number of parcel lockers increased by more than 4,000 to 28,326.

Nova Poshta's consolidated net profit for JanuarySeptember 2025 rose by 35.1% year-on-year to UAH 2.87638 billion, while consolidated net revenue increased by 21.7% to UAH 45.72767 billion.

Nova Poshta's core business is express delivery of documents, parcels, and palletized oversized cargo.
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Who was Amrit Mondal? Another Hindu man lynched in Bangladesh days after Dipu Das killing
Bottles of European red wines from Spain's Rioja region, Italy's Tuscany, and France's Bordeaux and sparkling wine originated and produced in the Champagne wine region of France pictured in a cellar. (Courtesy: Reuters photo)
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Zelenskiy says 'a lot' can be decided before New Year ahead of Trump meeting
Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'Successes and Failures of Year, Peace Negotiations, Ratings, Moods'

On Monday, December 29, at 13.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Successes and Failures of Year, Peace Negotiations, Ratings, Moods." The results of a public opinion poll conducted by the sociological company Active Group on December 21-23, 2025 will be presented.

Participant: Oleksandr Pozniy, director of the sociological company Active Group (8/5a Reitarska Street).

The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel.

Admission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards.
U.S. Department of State logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration created on April 23, 2025. REUTERS

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  The U.S. on Tuesday said Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau spoke to Palau President Surangel Whipps about transferring third-country nationals to the Pacific Island nation, even after its lawmakers rejected a previous request from Washington on the matter.

President Donald Trumps immigration policies, including his administrations deportation drive, have been broadly condemned by human rights advocates on concerns about due process. The Trump administration has also sent hundreds of people to third countries to which they have no ties, a tactic that was rarely used in the past.

Trump has said the measures are aimed at improving domestic security.

The leaders discussed a new U.S.-Palau Memorandum of Understanding regarding the transfer of third-country nationals with no known criminal histories, the State Department said in a statement after Tuesdays call.

In late July, Palaus Congress said it cannot accept a U.S. proposal for it to accept asylum seekers from other countries.

Palau, with a population of 17,000, has a compact of free association with the U.S., which provides economic assistance in return for allowing American military access to its territory.

Palau is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.

U.S. Catholic bishops have condemned Washingtons immigration enforcement activities and in October, Pope Leo XIV lamented the mistreatment of immigrants.

Last week, a federal judge signaled a willingness to again rule that the Trump administration cannot swiftly deport migrants to countries other than their own without providing meaningful notice and an opportunity for them to raise fears of persecution or torture if they are sent there.
Yves here. We must note that Andrew Korybkos piece on the Nigeria Christmas bombing argued that the US was pursuing regional objectives as well as trying to throw some meat to the Trump base. But if that gambit works, it would confirm the criticism that Tucker Carlson has made of some of Trumps hard-core Christian backers with respect to Israel: Christians do not support the killing of innocents. As we explain shortly, the odds are high that the Trump claim of going after ISIS is strained. And it is similarly hypocritical to mount attacks during the Christmas, where one of the classic greetings is Peace on earth, good will to men.

From Korybko:

In exchange for helping Nigeria defeat at least some of the terrorists that have been causing trouble for a while already, which the national armed forces have thus far been unable to due to corruption to poor leadership, the US likely expects privileged access to its emerging mining industry. This . pairs with the third objective of Nigeria distancing itself from BRICS in the sense of the US beating China to the chase with this opportunity. The attainment of the three prior objectives would lead to the fourth and final one whereby Nigeria could then restore its regional leadership role under Americas aegis. The US is uncomfortable with the Russian-allied Sahelian Alliance/Confederation, whose members  Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger  just announced a joint military battalion after their latest summit for better tackling terrorist threats. While their anti-terrorist goals formally advance US interests, the multipolar example set by them doesnt. The spree of patriotic military coups that swept across those countries removed French and therefore Western influence from their armed forces and political leaderships. This in turn led to enormous mining opportunities for Russia, including uranium in Niger, which borders conflict-afflicted Northern Nigeria. Therefore, it should be assumed that the US envisages Leading from Behind as Nigeria reasserts Western influence over the Sahel on its behalf, but likely after some time and not right away.

I chose to run the Common Dreams coverage of the latest Trump sin due to Korybko amplifying the misleading Trump ISIS justification in his headline: Whyd Trump Bomb ISIS In Nigeria On Christmas? As one of his readers observed in comments:

Luis A. Melendez Albizu Because he didnt. ISIS is a CIA/Mossad mercenary force. The US is not and will not bomb its mercenary force. This is like Syria, where Clinton, Trump & Biden claimed to be bombing ISIS, when in reality they bombed some innocent victims while helping ISIS. So Trump probably just bombed some innocent goat herders so he could claim to be bombing ISIS.

By Brett Wilkins, staff writer at Common Dreams. Originally published at Common Dreams

President Donald Trumpthe self-described most anti-war president in historyhas now ordered the bombing of more countries than any president in history as US forces carried out Christmas day strikes on what the White Houseclaimed were Islamic State militants killing Christians in Nigeria.

Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! Trump said Thursday in a post on his Truth Social network.

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was, the president continued. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.

Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper, Trump added. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.

.@POTUS Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and pic.twitter.com/ct7rUW128t  Department of War  (@DeptofWar) December 26, 2025



A US Department of Defense official speaking on condition of anonymity told the Associated Press that the United States worked with Nigeria to conduct the bombing, and that the government of Nigerian President Bola Tinubuwho is a Muslimapproved the attacks.

It was not immediately known how many people were killed or wounded in the strikes, or whether there are any civilian casualties.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigerias values and to international peace and security.

The US bombings followed a threat last month by Trump to attack Nigeria with guns-a-blazing if the countrys government did not curb attacks on Christians.

Northwestern Nigeriaincluding Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Kaduna Stateis suffering a complex security crisis, plagued by armed criminal groups, herder-farmer disputes, and Islamist militants including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP/ISIS) and Boko Haram. Both Christians and Muslims have been attacked.

Since emerging in Borno State in 2009, Boko Haram has waged war on the Nigerian statewhich it regards as apostatenot against any particular religious group. In fact, the majority of its victims have been Muslims.

According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, more Muslims than Christians have been targeted in recent years, Chloe Atkinson recently wrote for Common Dreams. Boko Haram has massacred worshipers in mosques, torched markets in Muslim-majority areas, and threatened their own coreligionists.

It is true that Christian communities in the north-central regions have suffered unimaginable horrors as raids have left villages in ashes, children murdered in their beds, and churches reduced to rubble, she said. The April massacre in Zike and the June bloodbath in Yelwata are prime examples of the atrocities taking place in Nigeria.

The crisis in Nigeria is not a holy war against Christianity, Atkinson continued. Instead, its a devastating cocktail of poverty, climate-driven land disputes, and radical ideologies that prey on everyone and not just any distinct group.

By framing Nigerias conflict as an existential threat to Christians alone, Trump is not shining a spotlight on the victims, she added. Instead, he is weaponizing right-wing conspiracy theories to stoke Islamophobia, the same toxic playbook he used to fuel his ban on Muslims , and which left refugee families shattered at Americas borders.

Former libertarian US Congressman Justin Amash (R-Mich.) noted on X that theres no authority for strikes on terrorists in Nigeria or anywhere on Earth, adding that the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF)which was approved by every member of Congress except then-Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)is only for the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks.

The War Powers Resolution doesnt grant any authority beyond the Constitution, Amash added. Offensive military actions need congressional approval. The Framers of the Constitution divided war powers to protect the American people from war-eager executives. Whether the United States should engage in conflicts across the globe is a decision for the peoples representatives in Congress, not the president.

What constitutional authority supports these strikes without a Congressinal declaration of war?  Patrick Jaicomo (@pjaicomo) December 26, 2025

In addition to Nigeria, Trumpwho says he deserves a Nobel Peace Prizesince 2017 has also ordered the bombing of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, as well as boats allegedly transporting drugs in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Trump has also deployed warships and thousands of US troops near Venezuela, which could become the next country attacked by a president who campaigned on a platform of peace through strength.

Thats more than the at least five countries attacked during the tenure of former President George W. Bush or the at least seven nations attacked on orders of then-President Barack Obama during the so-called War on Terror, which killed more than 940,000 peopleincluding at least 432,000 civilians, according to the Costs of War Project at Brown Universitys Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs.

Trump continued the war on ISIS in Iraq and Syria started by Obama in 2014. Promising to bomb the shit out of ISIS fighters and take out their families, Trump intensified the US campaign from a war of attrition to one of annihilation, according to his former defense secretary, Gen. James Mad Dog Mattis. Thousand of civilians were killed as cities such as Mosul, Iraq and Raqqa, Syria were flattened.

Trump declared victory over ISIS in 2018and again the following year.

Some social media users suggested Trumps warmongering is an attempt to distract from the Epstein files scandal and alleged administration cover-up.

Bombing Nigeria wont make us forget about the Epstein files, said one X user.
Chinese national charged with smuggling deadly bacteria into the U.S.

A Chinese post-doctoral researcher on a J-1 visa has been charged with smuggling E. coli bacteria into the U.S. and making false statements to federal authorities.

The FBI frames this as part of a recurring pattern where researchers from China allegedly abuse academic access to violate U.S. laws and smuggle biological materials.

The case highlights a major biosecurity concern: while E. coli is standard in labs, dangerous strains could threaten public health or the economy if misused.

The researchers attorney denies the smuggling allegation, claiming the work was legitimate crop science, and notes the Justice Department has not yet formally filed that specific charge.

This incident has led the FBI to warn universities to increase vigilance, underscoring the growing tension between international academic exchange and protecting national security.

According to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, a Chinese researcher working at an American university has been criminally charged for reportedly smuggling a deadly strain of bacteria into the United States and making false statements to federal authorities.

Youhuang Xiang, a post-doctoral researcher in America on a J-1 exchange visa, faces charges for allegedly smuggling Escherichia coli (E. coli) into the country. The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant status that allows foreign nationals to participate in work- and study-based programs.

While the specific details of how or where the bacteria were smuggled in were not disclosed, Patel indicated that the investigation involved FBI offices in Indianapolis and Chicago. Xiang's attorney, James Tunick, stated his client was legally working at Indiana University.

The case highlights ongoing national security concerns regarding the illicit transfer of biological materials. Central to the charges are the false statements that Xiang allegedly made regarding the bacteria.

While the exact nature of these falsehoods was not detailed in the announcement, such charges typically involve lying to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers or other federal agents about the contents, purpose, or origin of the materials being shipped. This pattern of deception mirrors other recent cases, including one in Michigan where Chinese nationals were charged for smuggling biological materials and lying about their contents and intentions.

In a statement on social media, Patel framed the incident as part of a dangerous trend. "This is yet another example of a researcher from China - given the privilege to work at a U.S. university - who then allegedly chose to take part in a scheme to circumvent U.S. laws," he wrote. Patel linked the case to the November charges against three Chinese nationals in Michigan for allegedly smuggling biological materials on multiple occasions.

Some E. coli strains are harmless, but others can be devastating

The choice of E. coli raises significant concerns regarding public health and economic implications. While many strains of the bacteria are common and some are harmless, others can be devastating. Patel warned that such biological materials, "if not properly controlled... could inflict devastating disease to U.S. crops and cause significant financial loss to the U.S. economy."

As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, certain pathogenic strains of E. coli cause an estimated 260,000 illnesses, thousands of hospitalizations and dozens of deaths annually in the U.S. through contaminated food and water, leading to symptoms like severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea and potentially fatal kidney failure.

Paradoxically, E. coli is also a cornerstone of legitimate biological research because it is inexpensive and easy to grow and genetically manipulate, making it a standard tool in laboratories worldwide. This dual nature complicates oversight, as the same organism used for benign, groundbreaking science can also be weaponized or used illicitly.

Xiang's attorney has vigorously denied the allegations. Tunick told the media that Xiang was working with an Indiana University professor to improve wheat crop production and stated, "The allegation that Youhuang smuggled E.coli into the United States is completely false and is not even charged by the United States Department of Justice."

The Justice Department has not publicly detailed the specific charges beyond Patel's announcement.

The case has prompted a direct warning from the FBI to academic institutions. Patel urged university compliance departments to be vigilant, ensuring researchers understand the legal pathways to import or export approved biological materials. "Our continued partnerships will help to better secure our nation and ensure all parties are held accountable," he stated.

The incident casts a shadow over the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, which brings approximately 300,000 foreign visitors to the U.S. each year for cultural and educational exchange. While the vast majority of participants adhere to the law, this case underscores the potential for abuse of such programs for activities deemed threatening to national security and public health.

The status of Xiang's visa and his specific research category remain unclear as the legal process unfolds.

Watch the video below to learn why certain E. coli bacteria are so bad.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

IDSNews.com

KomoNews.com

BrightU.AI

Brighteon.com
Israeli defense minister vows we will never leave Gaza despite U.S. peace plan

Israeli Defense Minister rejects a full withdrawal from Gaza.

His comments contradict official Israeli and U.S. policy.

He initially suggested rebuilding settlements in Gaza.

Facing backlash, his office walked back the settlement remarks.

He later reaffirmed a permanent Israeli security zone inside Gaza.

In a declaration that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that Israel "will never leave Gaza." This unequivocal rejection of a full withdrawal, repeated multiple times in recent days, directly contradicts the official policies of his own prime minister and the United States, exposing a deep rift within the Israeli government and threatening a fragile peace. The minister's musings about reestablishing Israeli outposts in the Palestinian enclave have drawn fierce criticism for being dangerously inflammatory at a critical juncture, forcing a hasty and revealing retreat.

The controversy erupted on Tuesday during a ceremony in the occupied West Bank settlement of Beit El. There, Katz pledged to rebuild settlements in northern Gaza that Israel abandoned in 2005. "We are deep inside Gaza, and we will never leave Gaza, there will be no such thing," he stated. He added, "When the time comes, God willing, we will establish in northern Gaza Nahal outposts in place of the communities that were uprooted."

A direct challenge to allies

These remarks represent a direct challenge to the U.S.-brokered peace plan that paused the latest Gaza war. That plan, endorsed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, explicitly states that "Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza" and outlines a full Israeli military withdrawal. Katzs vision of permanent "Nahal outposts"  military-agricultural units historically used to seed civilian settlements  is seen by critics as a blueprint for a de facto annexation, piece by piece.

The backlash was swift. Former Israeli chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot accused the government of selling "fables" while paying lip service to the peace plan. More critically, U.S. officials were reported to be displeased, demanding clarification. Facing this pressure, Katz's office quickly issued a walk-back, asserting "the government has no intention of establishing settlements in the Gaza Strip," and that his comments were made "solely in a security context."

Walking back or doubling down?

Yet, just days later, Katz doubled down on the core of his message, demonstrating that the retraction was more about wording than intent. "In Gaza, Israel will never fully withdraw  there will be a significant security area inside the Strip," he insisted at a conference. He dismissed the notion he had reversed himself, quipping, "reverse is something I only do when driving."

This pattern is revealing. The initial, sweeping statement lays bare the ultimate objective, while the subsequent "clarification" attempts to manage the international fallout. It follows a familiar playbook: test the boundaries, gauge the reaction, and adjust the rhetoric while advancing the facts on the ground. The defense ministers comments are not a rogue opinion but a reflection of powerful factions within the governing coalition. Far-right ministers have openly called for reoccupation and settlement in Gaza, viewing the current war as a historic opportunity.

The context extends beyond Gaza. At the same Beit El event, Katz boasted of "practical sovereignty" in the West Bank, approving 1,200 new settlement homes. He admitted that formal annexation is not currently possible "due to the circumstances," but the relentless expansion continues. This two-pronged strategy  cementing control in the West Bank while plotting a permanent foothold in Gaza  aims to foreclose any possibility of a viable Palestinian state.

Historically, this moment echoes the decades-long project of settlement expansion, which has systematically eroded the territorial basis for a two-state solution. The use of "Nahal" units is particularly symbolic, hearkening back to a method used for decades to establish facts on the ground that the international community later deemed illegal. Katzs rhetoric suggests a desire to replay that strategy in Gaza.

Ultimately, the episode exposes a troubling truth for the United States and other mediators. The Israeli government is speaking with two voices. One, for external consumption, speaks of temporary security measures and peace plans. The other, voiced by key ministers, speaks of permanent possession and settlement. The gap between these narratives is not a misunderstanding but a fundamental contradiction. It raises a sobering question for the world: Can a peace process survive when a core partys senior officials openly reject its foundational principle? The defense ministers words are not a slip of the tongue but a clear signal of intent, and the world would be wise to listen.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

TimesOfIsrael.com

AlJazeera.com
Janet Airlines MYSTERIOUS flights to Area 51 fuel speculation

Multiple unmarked Janet Airlines flights (operated by the U.S. Air Force) were tracked heading to Area 51 in late February, including three flights in a single daysuggesting heightened classified operations ahead of potential disclosures.

The shadow fleet, identifiable by its red-striped Boeing 737s, has ferried military personnel and contractors to Area 51 since 1972. Its short 20-minute flights imply urgent missions, possibly tied to advanced aerospace testing or retrieval of classified materials.

Insiders, including a U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant, have cryptically hinted at "things out of this world" at Area 51. A 1999 executive order mandates the declassification of 25-year-old secrets by 2025potentially exposing Cold War-era black projects or extraterrestrial tech.

While figures like Robert Lazar allege alien spacecraft reverse-engineering at Area 51's S-4 facility, experts speculate his claims may have been used to mask real human-made aerospace advancements (e.g., Aurora spy planes).

With the 2025 deadline approaching, researchers anticipate disclosures about Area 51's true purposewhether confirming UFO programs or unveiling next-gen military technologyas Janet Airlines' flights continue to fuel speculation.

The secretive Janet Airlines fleet, operated by the U.S. Air Force, has once again drawn attention as multiple flights were tracked heading to the highly classified Area 51 facility in the Nevada desert.

Flight data reveals a surge in activity, with at least six Janet flights making the short 20-minute journey from Harry Reid International Airport to the restricted base over the past weekincluding three flights in a single day on Feb. 26. The purpose of these missions remains shrouded in secrecy.

However, aviation experts and conspiracy theorists alike speculate that the timing coincides with looming government declassifications. These revelations could potentially unveil Cold War-era black projects, advanced aerospace technology, or even extraterrestrial artifacts long rumored to be housed at the site.

Janet Airlinesofficially dubbed "Joint Air Network for Employee Transportation" or jokingly referred to as "Just Another Non-Existent Terminal"operates a fleet of unmarked Boeing 737s and Beechcraft turboprops, identifiable only by a single red stripe along their fuselage. Since its inception in 1972, the airline has ferried military personnel, defense contractors and intelligence officials to Area 51 and other sensitive installations like Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and Edwards Air Force Base.

BrightU.AI's Enoch points out that Janet Airlines, also called Janet Aviation, primarily serves Area 51. The decentralized engine notes that the exact composition and size of the Janet Airlines fleet are not publicly known due to its classified nature.

Flight tracking data from ADS-B Exchange shows Janet jets routinely departing from a private terminal at Harry Reid Airport, landing at Area 51's expansive 12,000-foot runwayone of the longest in the world. The short flight duration suggests urgency, with some analysts theorizing that personnel may be testing next-generation aerospace systems or retrieving classified materials ahead of potential disclosures.

Whistleblowers hint at classified revelations

The renewed interest in Janet flights follows a resurfaced 1990s interview with aviation journalist Jim Goodall, who spoke with multiple insiders stationed at Area 51 (also known as Groom Lake). One source, a U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant, cryptically stated: "We have things out there that are literally out of this world better than Star Trek, or anything you can see in the movies."

When pressed on whether UFOs existed, the source reportedly replied, "Absolutely. Positively. They do exist."

Another anonymous insider told Goodall that details about Area 51's most classified projects would remain hidden "until the year 2025." This aligns with a 1999 executive order by former President Bill Clinton mandating the automatic declassification of certain top-secret documents after 25 yearsmeaning secrets from the late 1990s could soon enter the public domain.

Area 51's origins trace back to 1955, when it served as a testing ground for the U-2 spy plane. Since then, it has been linked to advanced stealth aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird and rumored reverse-engineering programs for extraterrestrial technology.

Robert Lazar, a controversial whistleblower, claimed in 1989 that he worked on alien spacecraft at a site near Area 51 called S-4. While skeptics dismiss his account, aviation experts like Goodall suggest that Lazar's storywhether true or notmay have been exploited as part of a broader disinformation campaign to obscure real black projects.

"People like Lazar may have become part and parcel of the real cover-up," Goodall speculated, hinting that the U.S. government could be masking cutting-edge human-made aerospace advancementsnot just UFOsbehind extraterrestrial lore.

With the 2025 declassification deadline approaching, researchers anticipate a flood of previously hidden documents. Whether these will confirm long-held UFO theories or expose revolutionary military technology remains uncertain.

As Goodall's source ominously warned: "There's a lot of things going on there that I won't be able to tell you until the year 2025." For now, Janet Airlines continues its covert operations, its white-and-red jets slicing through Nevada's skieseach flight a silent reminder that some of the world's most closely guarded secrets may soon see daylight.

Watch this video about Bob Lazar and Area 51.

This video is from the KTL channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

The-Express.com

DailyPassport.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Two-thirds of Americans support social media ban for teens under 16, poll shows

Sixty-four percent of American voters support banning social media for children under 16, while 69% favor removing cellphones from K-12 classrooms, reflecting growing concerns over youth mental health and digital harms.

Republicans show stronger support (73%) than Democrats (56%) for social media bans. Parents across political lines mirror national sentiment, with 64% endorsing restrictions.

Australia's strict new law bars under-16s from social media, with fines up to $32M for non-compliant platforms. U.S. lawmakers are under pressure to follow suit amid Senate hearings on Big Tech's exploitation of young users.

Critics argue tech self-policing has failed, citing rising teen depression, cyberbullying and screen addiction. Proposed solutions include federal age verification, stricter penalties for violations and classroom phone bans.

Australia's policy sets a precedent as U.S. voters push for action. The debate over youth screen time has shifted from fringe concern to mainstream urgency, signaling potential legislative changes ahead.

A sweeping majority of American voters64%support banning social media for children under 16, according to a new Fox News poll that highlights escalating concerns about the impact of digital platforms on youth mental health and development.

The survey, conducted among 1,001 registered voters, also found that 69% favor removing cellphones from K-12 classrooms, signaling a growing consensus for stricter digital safeguards.

The findings arrive as Australia enforces one of the world's toughest social media age restrictions, barring anyone under 16 from holding accounts on platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.

As explained by BrightU.AI's Enoch, Australia has enacted a social media ban prohibiting children under 16 from accessing platforms, enforcing invasive age verification systems under threat of massive finesa move critics warn will push minors toward riskier online spaces while violating privacy rights, all under the guise of "protection" while advancing government surveillance.

Meanwhile, with bipartisan momentum building in the U.S., lawmakers, parents and advocacy groups are increasingly pushing for legislative action to curb what many see as an unchecked crisis.

A bipartisan issue with partisan divides

While support for social media restrictions spans party lines, Republicans show stronger backing than Democrats. The poll found:

73% of Republicans support banning social media for teens under 16, compared to 56% of Democrats.

81% of Republicans favor removing cellphones from schools, while 59% of Democrats agree.

Parents, regardless of political affiliation, mirrored national sentiment, with 64% supporting the social media ban and 63% backing classroom phone restrictions.

"The data is clear: parents and voters are deeply concerned about the effects of social media on kids," said a child safety advocate. "Now, it's time for policymakers to take action."

Australia's Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, which took effect on Dec. 10, imposes fines up to $32 million on platforms that fail to enforce age verification. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese framed the law as a necessary shield against algorithmic manipulation and peer pressure.

In the U.S., lawmakers have intensified scrutiny of Big Tech, with Senate hearings probing whether platforms exploit young users. An April 2025 Pew Research report found nearly half of U.S. teens believe social media harms their age group, while Gallup (2023) revealed teens spend 4.8 daily hours on average across seven platforms.

The push for policy changes

The poll underscores a shift in public demand for regulation. Critics argue self-policing by tech firms has failed, pointing to rising teen depression, cyberbullying and screen addiction. Advocates urge measures like:

Federal age verification mandates

Stronger penalties for platforms violating child safety laws

Classroom phone bans to reduce distractions

Yet skeptics warn of enforcement challenges and privacy risks tied to digital ID systems.

As global precedents mount and bipartisan support grows, the U.S. appears at a crossroads. With Australia's bold restrictions in place and American voters overwhelmingly favoring action, pressure is building for lawmakers to translate concern into policypotentially reshaping how the next generation interacts with technology.

The Fox News poll, conducted Dec. 12-15, has a margin of error of 3%. Whether these findings spur legislative momentum remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the debate over kids and screens is no longer fringeit's mainstream.

Watch the video below that talks about Australia's social media ban.

This video is from the GANG STALKING AUSTRALIA channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

FoxNews.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
What ultimately brought Oona Chaplin, 39, and James Cameron together was something very different from the glitz of premieres, red carpets, or the machinery surrounding a blockbuster like Avatar. Or perhaps not so different, considering the unmistakable environmental message of the highest-grossing film franchise in history.

We talked for about 40 minutes about the earth, says the Spanish actress over a video call. I told him I was living in a treehouse and starting a permaculture project with a friend. We talked about alfalfa, soil potassium, organic and biodynamic farming Hes very involved in all of that.

A few months later, the role she had poured her heart into during the casting process  the fearsome leader of the tribe that challenges the main clan in Avatar: Fire and Ash  was hers. Its hard, even for one of the most admired filmmakers in the world, not to be captivated by the combination of talent, determination, and magnetism of an actress who, after her success on Game of Thrones, chose to step away from the noise to focus on her personal  and intellectual  journey. She is now a mother to a two-year-old daughter and returns with the serenity of someone who has lived many lives, ready to embody a villainess destined to make history.

Actress Oona Chaplin comes from a great film dynasty: she is the daughter of Geraldine Chaplin and granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin. John Russo

Question. You havent given interviews to Spanish media for a few years, so weve lost track of you a bit. How are you?

Answer. Very well. Ive had a daughter, and Ive been in full mom mode; I spend every day with her. We live in the countryside, in a community weve created with friends. There are lots of children running around, and we have chickens, hens We had lambs, but a puma ate them [laughs]. My life now is like a fairy tale. I feel at peace and ready to go back to work after three years. What a treat that my return is with Avatar.

Q. Lets talk about Avatar: Fire and Ash. Whats it like to join such a massive production?

A. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. It was 2017, and I had just been in Cuba with friends, building a treehouse in the jungle. I remember thinking, This is what I want to do from now on: live in the countryside, alone, I dont care about anything else. But the opportunity arose to meet the casting director of Avatar, and I thought it would be a good excuse to leave the treehouse [laughs]. I identified with my character because at that time I was very connected to the injustices of the world; I felt a lot of anger. I met James Cameron, and although hes intimidating, he exudes a contagious passion. Hes a hero, a genius who made me feel capable and supported. I told myself, Theres no shame here, no second chances. Im giving it my all, and whatever happens, happens.

Q. Given the first two Avatar movies  among the highest-grossing of all time  had already been released, did it feel like you were joining a production that was in full swing?

A. Exactly. It was very easy to fit into an already established dynamic. There was a very solid way of working, a supportive, caring, and nurturing environment. The story, the artists, the team Everything was incredibly high quality. Its another level: thousands of people, geniuses in their fields, giving their all every day. Its truly impressive.

Oona Chaplin, as Varang in 'Avatar: Fire and Ash.' 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS

Q. On that huge set, with hundreds of cameras recording every movement, what is the biggest challenge for an actress?

A. The experience is completely different because your body is being filmed from every angle; youre constantly in close-up. None of the usual filmmaking worries  the lighting, the hair, the shot  matter. Theres only the actor, their imagination, and the truth of the moment. I hadnt felt that freedom since working in theater. James is a master and uses his power very generously: he tells you, Youre in the yard, play, create. The hardest part was convincing myself that I could inhabit that beast of a woman and convince the audience that I had the strength within me to be a leader.

Q. You play Varang, the films antagonist. She is a young queen to her tribe, but also a character marked by trauma.

A. Varang is the perfect example of how people who feel pain cause pain. Her people suffered great devastation; they felt abandoned, and she knew how to channel that despair and turn it into fuel. They are almost invincible because pain, when truly felt, is a very powerful emotion. That is also reflected in todays world. There are very angry victims who have turned their legitimate fury into something destructive; there are victims who are causing harm because they havent healed their own pain. I am calmer, more inclined to apologize, so I had to ignite that fire within myself.

Q. Have you retained any of that strength from the character?

A. She has changed me. Now I feel I can occupy more space, both inside and outside of myself. Interestingly, thats also an act of generosity: when you feel comfortable, others feel comfortable too. She has taught me the power of conviction. Even though shes twisted, she knows who she is; she has no doubts. That certainty has inspired me, and Im practicing it in my mind and spirit. Im growing toward that place.

Q. Years ago you said that all you wanted was a little less chaos in the world. Do you still long for that?

A. Ive stopped wanting less chaos, because chaos is alive and its happening for a reason. All the turmoil we see  this level of discord, confusion, people not listening to each other  is absolutely necessary for the present moment. Its happening all over the world, and for a reason. So Im learning to listen and to take responsibility for what is within my control: my emotions, my opinions, my actions It helps me stop blaming others for everything.

Oona Chaplin, Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver at the film's Paris premiere. Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

Q. James Cameron has a reputation for being a very demanding filmmaker. What was it like filming under that intensity?

A. Like a luxury. James deeply loves the world hes created, and it shows. He knows how to do everyones job on set better than anyone else, except for the actors and the cooks [laughs]. Hes like Prince, who could play every instrument. I have nothing but admiration for him. When he was tough on me, he did it in the best way, helping me so much in my life as well as in my career. He never disrespected me; it was more like, Get your act together, come on! Always with kindness, respect, and charisma.

Q. Youve always said that you didnt know if you wanted to be an actress when you grew up. Do you know now?

A. Yes, I want to be an actress because I love telling stories. Ive always had an internal conflict about deserving things This job is a privilege, and coming from a family like mine, with my mother [Spanish actress] Geraldine Chaplin and grandfather [Charlie Chaplin], I sometimes felt I didnt deserve it. Since becoming a mother, Ive realized that nobody deserves anything, that deserving is just a fantasy we create for ourselves. I felt free when I understood that the only thing we can do is be grateful for the opportunities and do our best. I love telling stories that uplift people, like Avatar. I also love the small, everyday ones: I put on plays at home with my daughter every day.

Q. You dont usually make appearances at galas or on red carpets

A. Theyve never been part of my world. I live on a farm, in a community, and I dedicate a large part of my time to making that community work. Also, for the last 15 years Ive devoted a lot of energy to studying Indigenous peoples, learning their way of seeing and understanding reality. That takes up a lot of space in my life. Im not afraid of the other world, but I dont enjoy it as much as other people do. I enjoy this little corner of the universe.

Q. You are the daughter and granddaughter of legends, but your family also includes refugees and exiles. How do you reconcile these two realities?

A. I think thats why Im a bit of a nomad. I dont have roots in just one place. I was born in Spain, I make the Castilian th sound [for the s sound], I like flamenco and chorizo, but Im not Spanish. Nor am I Chilean or Romani Im all those pieces that have scattered around the world. Now I live in California, where my grandfather was forced to leave. I dont feel at home anywhere, and yet I feel at home everywhere. Now I want to put down roots, connect with a place. Learn how the wind moves throughout the year and recognize the songs of the birds.

Q. In this desire to put down roots, is there a chance you might return to working in Spain?

A. I would love to work there again. Its very important to me that my daughter lives in Spain and speaks Spanish. Doing a project there would be a way for her to experience that culture, but ultimately I go where Im wanted and where the stories flow with the current of my life. Its true that Ive fallen off the radar in many countries, but I found myself in my own life. I spent two years making Avatar and disappeared into Pandora [the alien moon in Avatar]; then the pandemic came, I met my husband, we started looking for land

Q. Are there any Spanish habits or expressions that still come out without you meaning to, even though you live in California?

A. One of the first things I taught my daughter to say is ajo y agua [literally garlic and water, a way of saying deal with it]. She doesnt know what it means, and I try not to use it much because its not very polite, but these traditional expressions just come out. I recently inherited some Galician cookbooks, and I want to study them because I learned to cook when I was 22, after I had already left the country. What I miss most about Spain is the culture of eating, drinking, and sitting down to a meal. Im fascinated by that culture surrounding food, and I want to bring it back into my life.

Q. Youve gone from Game of Thrones to independent cinema, from Black Mirror to Avatar Is your career guided by instinct or by a clear sense of direction?

A. My heart is my guide. My heart always decides, and in that moment I know whether something is for me or not. I like variety as an actress, being able to explore the different realities of being human.

Q. Do you have any mementos of your grandfather, Charlie Chaplin?

A. I have one of his coats. Im not going to tell you what its made of because its a bit illegal It was his, from his personal wardrobe. I hardly ever wear it, but every now and then, I take it out and think its okay to use it.

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Thought police arrive in Pennsylvania: Court greenlights warrantless search of your Google history

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled police do not need a warrant to access an individual's Google search history.

The court argued users have no "reasonable expectation of privacy" because tech companies routinely collect and sell data.

The decision stemmed from a rape investigation where police used a "reverse keyword warrant" to identify a suspect.

Legal experts warn the ruling treats private thoughts as public data and sets a dangerous national precedent.

The logic suggests opting out of surveillance requires abstaining from essential modern internet use.

In a ruling that privacy advocates warn fundamentally reshapes the boundaries of government surveillance, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declared Tuesday that law enforcement does not need a warrant to access an individuals Google search history. The decision, which originated from a 2025 rape investigation in Pennsylvania, concluded that internet users cannot reasonably expect privacy for their online queries because data collection by corporations is now commonplace. By equating corporate data harvesting with a public surrender of constitutional rights, the court has granted police a powerful new tool to probe the private thoughts of citizens, setting a precedent that threatens to chill free inquiry and expand the surveillance state.

The case: From cold lead to hot precedent

The ruling emerged from a harrowing but legally complex case. Investigators, having exhausted all leads in a violent rape and home invasion, turned to a novel and invasive technique: a reverse keyword search warrant. They compelled Google to provide a list of all users who had searched for the victims address in the week preceding the crime. This digital dragnet identified a search originating from an IP address linked to John Edward Kurtz, who was later convicted. While the outcome secured a dangerous criminal, the method alarmed civil liberties experts. Police did not begin with a specific suspect; they began by scrutinizing the search histories of an untold number of innocent people to find one.

The courts reasoning: Privacy as a relic

The Pennsylvania courts opinion hinges on a narrow and controversial interpretation of the Fourth Amendments reasonable expectation of privacy standard. The justices asserted that because it is common knowledge that websites, internet-based applications, and internet service providers collect, and then sell, user data, individuals have effectively consented to government scrutiny. The court pointed to Googles own privacy policya lengthy document few users read in fullas an explicit warning that one should not expect any privacy when using its services. In the courts view, this corporate disclaimer doubles as a waiver of constitutional protections.

Furthermore, the opinion argued that creating a search history is a voluntary act, unlike the passive location data generated by a cell phone. The data trail created by using the internet is not involuntary, the court wrote, suggesting that citizens can avoid surveillance by simply not using online tools. This framing treats essential, daily internet usefor jobs, education, healthcare, and civic lifeas a discretionary luxury, akin to choosing a hobby.

From papers to personal thoughts

This ruling marks a troubling evolution in surveillance law. The Fourth Amendment was born from colonial revulsion against general warrants that allowed British agents to rummage through a citizens private papers without cause. For centuries, the amendment has protected the sanctity of ones personal thoughts and inquiries, whether locked in a diary or whispered in confidence. The Pennsylvania decision transposes the digital search engine into a public square, treating the most private of modern actstyping a question into a search baras a broadcast to both corporations and the state. Legal scholars note this creates a chilling environment, where individuals may hesitate to search for sensitive information on health, politics, or personal matters for fear of future government scrutiny.

The danger of the digital dragnet

The most profound threat lies in the normalization of the reverse keyword warrant. This technique inverts traditional policing. Instead of suspect-first investigation, it employs suspicion-less surveillance, trawling through the collective search history of millions to find persons of interest. As noted by surveillance attorneys, this process inevitably sweeps up innocent individuals, especially if search terms are common or timeframes are broad. It allows the state to identify people based not on their actions, but on their curiosity, effectively policing potential thought. The ruling grants this practice a veneer of legitimacy, likely encouraging law enforcement agencies nationwide to adopt similar tactics without judicial oversight.

A precedent for a panopticon

The Pennsylvania Supreme Courts decision is more than a single states legal anomaly; it is a bellwether for privacy in the digital age. By accepting the pervasive surveillance of the commercial internet as a justification for government intrusion, the court has blurred a critical line. It establishes a principle where corporate data practices, however invasive, can erode constitutional safeguards. In doing so, it risks creating a society where the path to privacy requires digital abstinence, and where the governments power to access the ledger of our inner lives grows with every click. The fight to reclaim a reasonable expectation of privacy in our own thoughts, now digitized, has entered a more precarious and urgent phase.

Sources for this article include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

BloombergLaw.com

TheRecord.media
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing across modern healthcare, yet its role in pediatric surgery remains limited and ethically complex. This study reveals that although surgeons recognize AI's potential to enhance diagnostic precision, streamline planning, and support clinical decision-making, its practical use is still rare and mostly academic. Pediatric surgeons expressed strong concerns about accountability in the event of AI-related harm, the difficulty of obtaining informed consent for children, the risk of data privacy breaches, and the possibility of algorithmic bias. By examining pediatric surgeons' experiences and perceptions, this study highlights the critical barriers that must be addressed before AI can be safely and responsibly integrated into pediatric surgical care.

At present, throughout the world, AI is reshaping how medical data are interpreted, how risks are predicted, and how complex decisions are supported. Yet pediatric surgery faces unique ethical challenges due to children's limited autonomy, the need for parental decision-making, and the heightened sensitivity of surgical risks. In low-resource settings, concerns about infrastructure, data representativeness, and regulatory preparedness further complicate adoption. Pediatric surgeons must balance innovation with the obligation to protect vulnerable patients and maintain trust. These pressures intensify debates around transparency, fairness, and responsibility in the use of AI tools. It was with these challenges that a deeper research is needed to guide the ethical and practical integration of AI in pediatric surgical care.



A national team of pediatric surgeons from the Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia, Nigeria, has released the first comprehensive survey examining how clinicians perceive the ethical and practical implications of integrating AI into pediatric surgical care. Published (DOI: 10.1136/wjps-2025-001089) on 20 October 2025 in the World Journal of Pediatric Surgery (WJPS), the study gathered responses from surgeons across all six geopolitical zones to assess levels of AI awareness, patterns of use, and key ethical concerns. The findings reveal a profession cautiously weighing AI's potential benefits against unresolved questions regarding accountability, informed consent, data privacy, and regulatory readiness.



The study analyzed responses from 88 pediatric surgeons, most of whom were experienced consultants actively practicing across diverse clinical settings. Despite global momentum in AI-enabled surgical innovation, only one-third of respondents had ever used AI, and their use was largely restricted to tasks such as literature searches and documentation rather than clinical applications. Very few reported using AI for diagnostic support, imaging interpretation, or surgical simulation, highlighting a substantial gap between emerging technological capabilities and everyday pediatric surgical practice.



Ethical concerns were nearly universal. Surgeons identified accountability for AI-related errors, the complexity of securing informed consent from parents or guardians, and the vulnerability of patient data as major sources of hesitation. Concerns also extended to algorithmic bias, reduced human oversight, and unclear legal responsibilities in the event of harm. Opinions on transparency with families were divided. While many supported informing parents about AI involvement, others felt disclosure was unnecessary when AI did not directly influence clinical decisions.



Most respondents expressed low confidence in existing legal frameworks governing AI use in healthcare. Many called for stronger regulatory leadership, clearer guidelines, and standardized training to prepare pediatric surgeons for future AI integration. Collectively, the findings underscore an urgent need for structured governance and capacity building.



"The results show that pediatric surgeons are not opposed to AI-they simply want to ensure it is safe, fair, and well regulated," the research team explained. "Ethical challenges such as accountability, informed consent, and data protection must be addressed before clinicians can confidently rely on AI in settings involving vulnerable children. Clear national guidelines, practical training programs, and transparent standards are essential to ensure that AI becomes a supportive tool rather than a source of uncertainty in pediatric surgical care."



The study underscores the need for pediatric-specific ethical frameworks, clearer consent procedures, and well-defined accountability mechanisms for AI-assisted care. Strengthening data governance, improving digital infrastructure, and expanding AI literacy among clinicians and families will be essential for building trust. As AI continues to enter surgical practice, these measures offer a practical roadmap for integrating innovation while safeguarding child safety and public confidence.
Christmas Eve celebrations muted across China amid curbs on religious activities

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 21:15 IST

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Beijing [China], December 26 (ANI): Christmas Eve was largely uneventful in many parts of China this year as the Chinese Communist government imposed stricter measures on religious gatherings, public festivities and even holiday decorations, according to accounts from pastors, Christians and local residents across the country documented by The Epoch Times (TET).House churches in several provinces reported that their planned Christmas services were obstructed by state security agents.Universities cautioned students against public celebrations or social media references to Christmas.Police in Shanghai detained individuals participating in impromptu street events.Commercial Christmas displays also declined noticeably or were restricted to designated areas.Religious activities linked to Christmas were largely confined to officially recognised venues, while public expressions of the holiday were increasingly suppressed.On December 24, Christians associated with Chinas underground house churches in Shandong, Zhejiang and Sichuan provinces said they were prevented from holding Christmas Eve services by local state security personnel, according to the TET report.Pastor Huang from Qingdao in Shandong Province said authorities informed church members that gatherings for Christmas Eve services were not allowed.He and his family instead held a private meeting at home with a few close friends.All group gatherings are prohibited here," Huang said.Shopping malls are also not permitted to display Christmas trees or decorations. There is no Christmas spirit at all this year, not only in Qingdao but also in other areas, as reported by fellow Christians from other locations," he said, as quoted by TET.In Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, a city known for its large Christian population, Pastor Wang told The Epoch Times that officials allowed Christmas events only at government-recognised churches.Several believers detained earlier in December have yet to be released," he said.As a result, many [Christians] here feel discouraged from attending group activities," as cited in the TET report.Under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), only state-sanctioned Christian churches aligned with the CCP are officially recognised.Sermons and activities must strictly comply with regulations set by the CCPs National Religious Affairs Administration.According to TET, these government-approved churches have been required to remove Christian symbols such as crosses and images of Jesus and replace them with portraits of CCP leaders while promoting communist ideology during sermons. (ANI)

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Five killed, three injured after collision in Rajasthan's Churu

Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 00:15 IST

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Jaipur, Dec 26 (PTI) Five people were killed and three others seriously injured in a road accident involving a trailer and an SUV in Rajasthans Churu district on Friday evening, police said.

The accident occurred under the Sandwa police station area, Station House Officer Chauthmal said.

He said four occupants of the the SUV, including a woman, died on the spot, while another injured person succumbed to injuries during treatment at a hospital in Bikaner.

The deceased were identified as Umed Singh (55), Prahlad Singh (35), Dalip Singh (25), all residents of Lalgad, Raju Kanwar (40) of Shyamsar in Nagaur district, and Narayan Ram (60), who died later in Bikaner, police said.

Three injured persons were initially taken to the Sandwa community health centre and later referred to Bikaner due to their critical condition.

Police said all the SUV occupants made the trip to Sandwa in connection with a family dispute, which was resolved through counselling. They were returning to Lalgad when the accident occurred.

The trailer driver fled the spot after the accident, and a search is on to trace him, police added.

The bodies have been kept at the Sandwa CHC mortuary for a post-mortem examination. PTI AG PRK PRK

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Indian-origin student arrested in US for arson, terroristic threat

Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 00:15 IST

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Houston, Dec 26 (PTI) A 22-year-old Indian-origin student has been arrested in the US on charges of arson and terroristic threat against family members, according to official records.

Manojh Sai Lella, a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas, was arrested by Frisco police on Monday.

Police responded to Lellas home after family members reported a mental health episode and alleged threats. Authorities said he allegedly tried to set the home on fire several days earlier.

Lella faces arson with intent to damage a habitat or place of worship, a first-degree felony, and terroristic threat of a family/household member, a Class A misdemeanour. Police stressed there is no evidence of a threat to a place of worship. Bond was set at USD 100,000 and USD 3,500, respectively, according to the documents. PTI SHK GRS GRS GRS

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One of the many makeshift dumps, a few meters from the tents where families in Khan Younis live.

A toxic mix of 61 million tons of debris, 100,000 tons of explosives, and chemicals leaked into the earth has destroyed arable land, water and air quality. Any recovery is expected to take decades

The destruction in Gaza is visible from a distance: vast expanses of scorched earth have replaced the agricultural land, transforming it into a lunar landscape of deep craters and debris. But the real catastrophe is invisible, caused by what is seeping into the ground, polluting the water table and poisoning the air. Gazas environmental systems have degraded to such a level that the government and scientific experts now talk about it in terms of ecocide.

What has happened in Gaza is an environmental genocide, says Professor Abdel Fattah Abd Rabou, an environmental scientist at the Islamic University of Gaza. He speaks with the authority of someone who has spent decades studying the ecosystems that have now been destroyed. Abd Rabou has also buried five of his children, killed in Israeli air strikes in 2024. He himself has been displaced from the north to Deir al Balah, in the center of the Strip.

The green of Gazas landscape has been replaced by debris and dust. The water is poisoned. The air is polluted. The soil is toxic. The biodiversity that supported human life has been virtually wiped out.

Israels brutal response to the October 7, 2023 massacre of 1,200 of its citizens by Hamas who also took 251 Israelis hostage, has left more than 70,000 Palestinians dead and around 170,000 injured. In October, a ceasefire was declared but it has not led to major changes for the population. The United Nations has flagged up the fact that since the ceasefire, 379 people have died and not all the necessary humanitarian aid has been able to enter the Strip.

For two years and three months, an integrated agricultural and environmental war has been waged, which has systematically attacked each and every element of the environment, says Abd Rabou who insists that the destruction of ecosystems is not simply collateral damage.

More than 61 million tons of rubble make up the new Gaza landscape, the equivalent of 15 of Egypts pyramids of Giza, according to data from the report The Environmental Impact of the Conflict in the Gaza Strip, published in September by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). According to the Palestinian Authority, there are also 100,000 tons of explosives lurking in the debris. This, it adds in a statement published on November 6, the Day Against the Use of the Environment in War, constitutes a genocide of all environmental components and systems, the effects of which are expected to last for decades.

Unrecognizably contaminated soil

The environmental catastrophe is under foot. The Strips soil, which constitutes the basis of all agriculture and life, has been destroyed, chemically and physically. The fertile top layer, the layer that supports life, has been completely torn away. What we have left is not land. It is contaminated waste, Abd Rabou explains.

An astounding 98.5% of agricultural land is damaged or inaccessible, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) reported in August. In other words, only 1.5% of Gazas agricultural land, some 232 hectares, is still available to grow food in a territory populated by more than two million people.

A group of young people walk past rubble and a large body of stagnant water this week in Khan Younis. Mohamed Solaimane

Huge bulldozers have scraped away the fertile topsoil, the productive layer that took generations to develop. What remains has been mixed into a toxic mishmash of debris from demolished buildings, fragments of unexploded ordnance, explosive dust, rocket residue and artillery shells. In its September report, UNEP, said that 15% of the debris could present a relatively high risk of contamination by asbestos, industrial waste or heavy metals.

Medical waste, which must be managed through specialized disposal protocols, is now mixed in with normal trash and debris. This poses a direct threat to public health and pollutes the environment in general. Dioxins and other persistent organic pollutants accumulate in the soil and in the bodies of living organisms, creating long-term health risks.

Talal Milad (right) and his son try to farm in Khan Younis surrounded by rubble. Mohamed Solaimane

Debris is, in itself, a source of continuous pollution. As its breaks down, it releases pollutants into the soil and groundwater. This creates a physical barrier that prevents the rehabilitation of the underlying land, resulting in an environmental debt that will require active management for decades.

As the clean-up work begins, the soil in some areas is being found to have been disturbed to such a depth that farmers cannot locate the boundaries of their own land. Talal Milad, a farmer from Gaza City who has managed to partially clear four of his fifteen dunams (the equivalent of 1.5 hectares) in Khan Younis, describes the experience as working in alien terrain. The agricultural land is completely mixed with rubble, dust, rocket debris and shelling debris. We dont know what the consequences will be, he told EL PAIS.

Water crisis

The water crisis in Gaza predates the war. The territory has long suffered from aquifer depletion, saltwater intrusion from the Mediterranean, and pollution. But the past two years have transformed a chronic crisis into an acute catastrophe, experts say.

The Israeli army has systematically destroyed the infrastructure that made water accessible and drinkable: thousands of wells have been demolished, water treatment plants have been destroyed, and distribution networks have been dismantled. A study by the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies on the ecological impact of the conflict estimated that the efficiency of the water system had plummeted from 60% to 25%. The water that reaches the population requires in-depth scientific study since, according to Abd Rabou, most of what is available is seriously contaminated and poses a direct risk to the health of those who consume it. Before the war, Gaza was already facing depletion of aquifers. The situation is now catastrophic, he says.

The Arava Institute adds that the water sources that Gaza shares with Egypt and Israel are at risk. The destruction of wastewater treatment facilities has created a secondary pollution pathway: sewage now flows untreated into the Mediterranean, poisoning the marine environment and creating health risks for anyone who enters the water. It is not possible, however, to gauge the degree of damage because the Strip cannot be accessed to take samples. We are facing a water crisis that will persist for years, says Abd Rabou. This affects everything. Agriculture cannot survive without clean water, but, more importantly, human survival itself depends on access to clean water.

Air impregnated with unknown compounds

The air has become a vector of pollution. The destruction of residential buildings has released toxic gases and vapors into the atmosphere. Fires and explosions also produce pollutants that are harmful to health. And hundreds of unmanned landfills, created during the conflict, emit dangerous compounds: dioxins, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides. These are not traces of pollutants, but the main atmospheric composition in the affected areas.

A girl looks at a water storage tank in Khan Younis. Mohamed Solaimane

But the most damaging air pollution comes from ammunition waste. Unexploded ordnance, bomb and rocket remnants are scattered throughout Gaza, releasing compounds whose nature and impact on health remain largely unknown. There is radiological and chemical contamination due to the enormous number of explosives, bombs and ammunition, explains Abd Rabou. No one knows the full extent of what was used or what the health consequences will be.

Meanwhile, asthma rates are rising, along with chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases, due to the burning of plastics or wood for cooking or to withstand the cold.

Biodiversity: the disappearance of life

The visible green that once characterized some parts of Gaza is gone. Since 2023, Gaza has lost 97% of its tree-based crops and 95% of its shrubland, according to the UNEP report. The orchards and groves that took decades to establish and which provided food security and environmental stability, have been cut down or decimated by the bombings. Date palms, citrus and olive trees have been eliminated. We are seeing desertification spreading, especially in eastern Gaza, where the vegetation has been almost completely removed, says Abd Rabou. The consequences ripple throughout the ecosystem. The Arava Institute argues that Gazas animal diversity is under enormous pressure due to the degradation of its habitat, conservation sites and zoos.

The livestock sector has also been affected: cattle, sheep and poultry raised in homes and small farms have been all but wiped out. Without vegetation, there is no fodder and domestic animals cannot survive. Wildlife has largely disappeared: birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians that were native to Gaza or passing through have gone. The fishing sector has been decimated. More than 1,900 of Gazas approximately 2,000 fishing boats, including the largest vessels, which allowed access to deeper waters and diverse fish stocks, have been destroyed.

Cascading collapse

Each of these environmental crises create a chain of failures in interconnected systems. There is no agriculture in Gaza now, says Nahidh al-Astal, director of the Khan Younis Agricultural Society. The land has been destroyed, the water is polluted, the livestock have disappeared. Less than 5% of the agricultural sector is still operational. And this was a deliberate goal, because agriculture is critical for food security and provides livelihoods for a large part of the population.

When asked about the recovery periods, Abd Rabou is direct: We are talking about years, many years, of partial and gradual recovery. And thats assuming massive international support and scientific intervention, he says.

This article was published in partnership with Egab, a platform that works with journalists from the Middle East and Africa.

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Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland as independent state

Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 02:15 IST

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Tel Aviv [Israel], December 27 (ANI): Israel on Friday formally recognised Somaliland as an independent country, becoming the first nation to do so more than 30 years after the territory broke away from Somalia, Times of Israel reported.The declaration of mutual recognition was signed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on behalf of Israel, and by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi for Somaliland. The breakaway region is located in a strategically important part of the Horn of Africa, along the Red Sea corridor.Speaking to President Abdullahi over the phone, Netanyahu described the moment as historic.The friendship between the countries was seminal and historic," he said.Netanyahu said Israel now plans to expand cooperation with Somaliland across multiple sectors.We intend to work together with you in economic fields, on agriculture, in the fields of social development," he said.I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel," Netaynayahu said in a post on X.Later on Friday, Netanyahus office released a video of the phone conversation in which he informed Abdullahi about the decision in real time.I want you to know that I am signing now as we speak Israels official recognition of the Somaliland," Netanyahu told him, adding that the relationship would open up new economic opportunities.Netanyahu also invited the Somaliland president to visit Israel officially. Abdullahi responded that he would come as soon as possible," according to the Israeli statement.Netanyahu said the recognition aligns with Israels broader regional outreach. He noted that the declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of US President Donald Trump."The Abraham Accords, brokered in 2020, led to Israel establishing diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with Morocco and other countries joining later, Times of Israel reported. Somaliland has said it aspires to join the Abraham Accords framework. While no other country has formally recognised Somaliland so far, several nations, including the UK, Ethiopia, Turkey, the UAE, Denmark, Kenya and Taiwan, have maintained informal diplomatic ties with Somaliland.Somaliland briefly gained independence in 1960 and was recognised by Israel and 35 other countries at the time before voluntarily uniting with Somalia. It declared separation again in 1991 after Somalia collapsed into civil war.Since then, Somaliland has functioned largely as a separate state, with its own government, currency and security forces. It has also seen relatively stable governance and peaceful democratic transitions, in contrast to the prolonged instability in Somalia. (ANI)

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Mosque bombing in Syria leaves 8 dead, 18 wounded

Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 03:15 IST

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Idlib, Dec 27 (AP) A bombing at a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs during Friday prayers killed at least eight people and wounded 18 others, authorities said, as long-standing sectarian, ethnic and political fault lines continue to destabilise the country, even as large-scale fighting has subsided.

Images released by Syrias state-run Arab News Agency showed blood on the mosques carpets, holes in the walls, shattered windows and fire damage. The Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque is located in Homs, Syrias third-largest city, in an area of the Wadi al-Dhahab neighbourhood dominated by the Alawite minority.

SANA, citing a security source, said that preliminary investigations indicate that explosive devices were planted inside the mosque. Authorities were searching for the perpetrators, who have not yet been identified, and a security cordon was placed around the building, Syrias Interior Ministry said in a statement.

A little-known group calling itself Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on its Telegram channel. The same group had previously claimed a suicide attack in June, in which a gunman opened fire and then detonated an explosive vest inside a Greek Orthodox church in Dweila, on the outskirts of Damascus, killing 25 people as worshippers prayed on a Sunday.

The Syrian government blamed the church attack on a cell of the Islamic State group, saying IS had also planned to target a Shiite Muslim shrine. IS did not claim responsibility for the attack. The group follows an extreme interpretation of Sunni Islam and considers Shiites to be infidels.

Syria recently joined the global coalition against IS and has launched a crackdown on IS cells, particularly after an attack on US forces earlier this month that killed two service members and a civilian translator.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres unequivocally condemns the deadly terrorist attack", and stresses that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The UN chief also noted Syrias commitment to combat terrorism and hold perpetrators accountable.

Targeted violence against Alawites The country has experienced several waves of sectarian clashes since the fall of President Bashar Assad last year. Assad, himself an Alawite, fled the country to Russia. Members of his sect have been subjected to crackdowns.

In March, an ambush carried out by Assads supporters against security forces triggered days of violence that left hundreds of people dead, most of them Alawites.

In a statement, the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and the Diaspora described the attack as a continuation of the organised extremist terrorism specifically targeting the Alawite community, and increasingly other Syrian groups as well".

The council held the Syrian government fully and directly responsible for these crimes", adding that these criminal acts will not go unanswered".

Local officials condemned Fridays attack, saying it came within the context of repeated desperate attempts to undermine security and stability and sow chaos among the Syrian people".

Syria reiterates its firm stance in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added in a statement.

Remnants of the former regime, IS militants and collaborators have converged on a single goal: obstructing the path of the new state by undermining stability, threatening civil peace, and eroding the shared coexistence and common destiny of Syrians throughout history," the Syrian information minister said in a post on X.

Huge explosion shattered mosques windows The mosques deputy imam  a religious official who helps lead prayers  told Syrias state-run Al-Ikhbariyah television that worshippers were praying when they heard a loud explosion that knocked us to the ground. Fire broke out in one corner of the mosque. Those of us who were not wounded rushed to help get the injured out. Within minutes, general security forces and the Red Crescent arrived".

The explosion was huge," he said. It shattered the mosques windows and caused a fire that burned copies of the Holy Quran." Neighbouring countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Lebanon, also condemned the attack. In a statement, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanons support for Syria in its fight against terrorism".

On Monday, clashes erupted intermittently between Syrian government forces and Kurdish-led fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces, in mixed neighbourhoods in the northern city of Aleppo, forcing temporary closures of schools and public institutions and prompting civilians to shelter indoors. A late-evening ceasefire was then announced by both sides amid ongoing de-escalation efforts.

Tensions flared again on Friday between government security forces and Kurdish forces in Aleppo, with the two sides trading blame.

The head of internal security in Aleppo province, Col. Mohammad Abdul Ghani in a statement said snipers from the SDF opened fire on a Ministry of Interior checkpoint, wounding an officer, and security forces returned fire.

The SDF in a statement said that factions affiliated with the Damascus government" targeted a checkpoint manned by Kurdish forces with rocket-propelled grenades and they returned fire. (AP) RC

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Nadda calls for mission-mode healthcare reforms, TB-free India by 2027

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 21:15 IST

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New Delhi, Dec 26 (PTI) Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday called for mission-mode healthcare reforms and TB-free India by 2027, highlighting the importance of robust drug regulation.

Nadda chaired a high-level review meeting with health ministers and senior officials of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh here.

He assessed the status of healthcare delivery and the implementation of key national health programmes.

The meeting focused on strengthening public health systems, enhancing patient satisfaction, improving regulatory oversight and advancing the national goal of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) as a public health concern by 2027.

Nadda highlighted the importance of robust drug regulation, underscoring that continuous monitoring of the entire supply chain, from manufacture to distribution, is essential to ensure quality and safety. He emphasised the need to promote best practices in regulation and urged strengthening regulatory supervision and compliance as an ongoing mission.

On the Free Drugs and Free Diagnostics schemes, the health minister directed both states to strengthen supply-chain systems and bridge monitoring gaps.

He informed that the ministry is working with IIM Ahmedabad to further enhance logistics, transparency and accountability in drug and diagnostic procurement.

Nadda stressed that quality diagnostics and timely testing form the backbone of effective healthcare delivery and must be strengthened across primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

He noted that while doctors are central to clinical care, hospital administration and regulatory compliance require dedicated professional management. Special emphasis was laid on strengthening the regulation of blood banks, hospital systems and safety protocols.

Highlighting technology-driven solutions, Nadda said telemedicine offers an effective means to expand access to quality healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

He encouraged both states to integrate telemedicine platforms more deeply into routine service delivery to ensure uninterrupted access to specialist consultation.

Reiterating the governments commitment to eliminate TB by 2027, Nadda called for district-specific interventions with intensified screening, diagnostics, treatment adherence and nutritional support.

He emphasised that TB elimination must be pursued in mission mode with close monitoring at district and block levels.

The Union minister also proposed sensitisation workshops for MLAs, encouraging them to actively engage with block medical officers (BMOs) and chief medical officers (CMOs) through regular reviews.

He underlined that Jan Bhagidari (peoples participation) is vital for improving healthcare outcomes, ensuring accountability and building public trust in government health programmes.

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Public Health and Medical Education Rajendra Shukla and Chhattisgarh Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Shyam Bihari Jaiswal assured that the state governments would work closely with the Union health ministry to strengthen implementation and outcomes.

Nadda reiterated the Centres support through National Health Mission interventions, PPP models, medical education expansion, viability gap funding and infrastructure support mechanisms to ensure accessible, affordable and modern healthcare systems in both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

He also said the Centre is committed to providing all necessary technical training and handholding of the state government of Chhattisgarh to ensure that management of leprosy is accorded top priority.

Nadda said similar consultative meetings will be held with health ministers of other states in the coming days as part of a mission-mode approach to health sector reforms.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to strengthen drug regulation, improve diagnostics, professionalise hospital administration, expand medical education capacity and accelerate progress towards a TB-free Bharat, reinforcing the spirit of cooperative federalism in public health. PTI PLB KSS KSS

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Libra Horoscope Today, December 26, 2025

Written By :

GaneshaGrace

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 06:40 IST

Libra Daily Horoscope, December 26, 2025: Health may be affected by fatigue and lack of sleep, impacting work capacity.

Libra Horoscope Today: Astrological predictions by Chirag Daruwalla for tula rashi on December 26 2025. (AI-generated image)

Libra Daily Horoscope Today, 26 December 2025: Ganesha says Today, most tasks will be completed smoothly for Libras, with family support creating a peaceful home atmosphere and pleasant meetings with friends and relatives. Married life remains harmonious, and invitations to auspicious events or major business orders may arise.

However, patience is needed, as haste or carelessness at work and over-interference with children can cause issues. Business requires attention to employee disagreements and careful follow-through on opportunities. Financially, the day may be challenging, with sudden expenses or reduced income, so cautious budgeting, restraint, and careful planning are essential. Health may be affected by fatigue and lack of sleep, impacting work capacity.

Positive  Most of your tasks will be completed smoothly today. With the support and guidance of senior members of the family, the atmosphere at home will be peaceful. You will receive an invitation to attend a auspicious ceremony. Meetings with friends and relatives will be pleasant. You may receive a major order through the media or phone, so keep your efforts. Your married life will be harmonious.

Negative  Be friendly with your children. Too much interference will weaken their morale. Haste and carelessness may cause problems in your work. Maintain patience and calm. Seek spiritual help for peace.

Business  You need to pay close attention to your business activities. Ongoing disagreements between employees will also impact your business performance. You may receive a major order through the media or phone, so keep your efforts. You may receive information regarding a job change.

Finance  Today can be a challenging day for Libras from a financial perspective. You need to be cautious in your financial matters. Think twice before making any major financial decisions. Sudden expenses or a decrease in income may cause you concern. To avoid this, manage your budget well and avoid unnecessary spending. It would be best if you maintain stability in your investment today.

Think carefully before implementing any financial plan. Avoid repeat mistakes and re-evaluate your financial strategies. During this period, it is important not to let stress overwhelm you. Work with your financial goals in mind and avoid making hasty decisions. Today is not a favorable day for making wise decisions, so exercise restraint and proceed with patience.

Love  Married life will be harmonious, and there will be peace and happiness at home. Respecting each others feelings is important in romantic relationships.

Health  You will feel weak due to fatigue and lack of sleep. This will also affect your work capacity.

Lucky Colour  Saffron

Lucky Number  9

(The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla).

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 06:40 IST

News astrology Libra Horoscope Today, December 26, 2025

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PSU Bank Merger: Govt Initiates Discussions With RBI & PSBs; More Mega Lenders Likely In 2026

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 13:39 IST

Mega Bank Merger Plan: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said India needs "many big, world-class banks" and indicated that preparatory work has begun.

Mega Bank Merger Plan.

Mega Bank Merger Plan: The government has set the stage for the next phase of consolidation in public sector banks (PSBs), with discussions already underway with the Reserve Bank of India and state-owned lenders. The objective is clear: Create more large, globally competitive banks to support Indias growth ambitions under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Last month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India needs many big, world-class banks" and indicated that preparatory work has begun, dropping enough hints about consolidation in the public sector space.

Why consolidation is back on the agenda

India currently has 12 public sector banks, but only State Bank of India features among the worlds top 50 banks by assets, ranking 43rd globally. Among private lenders, HDFC Bank stands at 73rd. Policymakers believe scale matters  for capital strength, global competitiveness, and financing large infrastructure and growth projects.

A brief history of PSU bank mergers

The government has already demonstrated its preference for consolidation through two major exercises:

2019-20 mega-merger: Announced in August 2019 and effective April 1, 2020, this reduced PSBs to 12 from 27 in 2017.

Announced in August 2019 and effective April 1, 2020, this reduced PSBs to 12 from 27 in 2017. United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce merged with Punjab National Bank

Syndicate Bank merged with Canara Bank

Allahabad Bank merged with Indian Bank

Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank merged with Union Bank of India

2019: Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank were merged with Bank of Baroda.

Earlier, in April 2017, five associate banks of SBI and Bharatiya Mahila Bank were merged with SBI, significantly expanding the lenders footprint.

SBIs consolidation journey began even earlier, with the State Bank of Saurashtra merging in 2008 and the State Bank of Indore in 2010. The 2017 merger lifted SBIs asset base to Rs 44 lakh crore, with around 22,500 branches and 58,000 ATMs.

Stake sale push continues alongside consolidation

Parallel to consolidation, the government is also moving ahead with strategic stake sale. The sale of IDBI Bank remains on track, with DIPAM Secretary Arunish Chawla expressing confidence that the transaction will be completed by March 2026.

In January 2019, the government had sold its 51 per cent controlling stake in IDBI Bank to Life Insurance Corporation of India as part of the privatisation roadmap.

PSU banks profitability strengthens the case

Improved financial performance has added momentum to the consolidation debate. The 12 PSBs, together accounting for about 60 percent of total banking business, reported a combined net profit of Rs 93,675 crore in the first half of FY26, up 10 per cent from Rs 85,520 crore a year earlier.

At the current pace, PSU bank profits are expected to cross Rs 2 lakh crore for FY26. In FY25, state-owned lenders had already posted a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore profit, a 26 per cent jump over FY24s Rs 1.41 lakh crore.

Foreign capital flows highlight sector confidence

While PSBs consolidate, private sector banks and financial services firms have attracted strong foreign interest.

In May, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation agreed to acquire a 20 per cent stake in Yes Bank for Rs 13,483 crore, with the transaction completed in September.

In October, Emirates NBD announced the acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in RBL Bank for Rs 26,853 crore.

Indias financial institutions remain structurally attractive to foreign investors, driven by constructive structural trends and a supportive regulatory environment. We expect loan growth to remain at 11-12 per cent, with retail loans expanding the fastest," said S&P Global Ratings Associate Director Deepali Seth Chhabria.

Insurance reforms add to financial sector churn

Beyond banking, 2025 also marked a turning point for insurance with the passage of the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, allowing 100 percent FDI in the sector.

Probably the most defining development of this year was the decision to open the sector to 100 per cent foreign direct investment. This is a meaningful step that can bring in fresh capital, global expertise, and new ideas while attracting more foreign players and inducing healthy competition," said Alok Rungta, MD & CEO of Generali Central Life Insurance.

The removal of 18 percent GST on individual insurance premiums from September 22 also improved affordability.

The removal of GST improved affordability and access, while continued advancement on platforms such as the National Health Claims Exchange and Bima Sugam helped reduce friction from purchase, servicing, and claims. Together, these developments strengthened confidence in the system and supported broader adoption," said Mayank Bathwal, MD & CEO of Aditya Birla Health Insurance.

Foreign capital continued to reshuffle ownership: Kotak Mahindra General Insurance sold a 70 per cent stake for about Rs 5,560 crore, while Allianz SE exited its joint ventures with Bajaj Finserv, with Bajaj Finserv proposing to buy Allianzs 26 per cent stake for Rs 24,180 crore.

The road ahead

With profitability improving, foreign investors showing confidence, and policymakers keen on scale, PSU bank consolidation is firmly back on the table. If discussions with the RBI and PSBs translate into action, 2026 could see the emergence of a new set of mega public-sector lenders, reshaping Indias banking landscape for the next growth cycle.

(With Inputs from PTI)

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 13:39 IST

News business banking-finance PSU Bank Merger: Govt Initiates Discussions With RBI & PSBs; More Mega Lenders Likely In 2026

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IT Firm Manager Gang-Raped In Moving Car In Udaipur, CEO Among Three Detained

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Last Updated: December 25, 2025, 17:53 IST

An IT company manager was allegedly gang-raped by the CEO and others in a moving car in Udaipur after a birthday party. Police detained three accused and launched an investigation.

Image used for representational purpose only.

A manager of a private IT company was allegedly gang-raped by the companys CEO and the husband of an executive head in a moving car in Rajasthans Udaipur on the pretext of dropping her home after a birthday party, police said on Wednesday.

The rape survivor claimed that the woman executive head was also present in the vehicle when the incident occurred. All three accused were detained and questioned on Wednesday. The alleged crime took place on December 20, during a celebratory outing for the CEOs birthday, according to a report in TOI.

According to the survivors statement, she attended the CEOs birthday and New Years party at a hotel, which began around 9pm and continued until nearly 1.30am.

News agency PTI, citing police, reported that the guests gradually left after the party, leaving the woman alone with the accused. The survivor alleged that following a birthday party last Saturday, the trio set out to drop the complainant to her home in a car when she was sexually assaulted.

Police said that during the journey, the group bought something resembling cigarettes from a shop and gave it to the woman. She allegedly lost consciousness after consuming it. The following morning, she realised about the sexual assault and decided to file a complaint, police added.

Despite her repeated pleas to be taken home, it was not until around 5am that they complied. After the ordeal, the survivor reviewed audio and video footage from the cars dashcam, which recorded the entire crime. She filed a police complaint three days later, on December 23, TOI report stated.

Police registered a gang-rape case and launched an investigation led by Additional SP Madhuri Verma of the womens crime unit. Udaipur SP Yogesh Goyal confirmed that three individuals, including one woman, were detained in connection with the case. A medical examination of the survivor was also conducted, and the report was awaited.

Based on the complaint, a case has been registered against three accused. The accused have been detained and are being interrogated. Further action will be taken following the medical examination report and statements," Udaipur SP Yogesh Goyal told PTI.

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Location : Udaipur, India, India

First Published: December 25, 2025, 17:53 IST

News cities IT Firm Manager Gang-Raped In Moving Car In Udaipur, CEO Among Three Detained

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Kerala Mans Day-1 Experience At Navi Mumbai Airport: Free WiFi, Chalo Buses & No Slums...

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 08:12 IST

Through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), a traveller from Kerala documented his landing, his movement through the airport, and his onward journey into Mumbai.

Navi Mumbai International Airport began commercial operations on December 25. (Photo Credits: X)

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) marked a significant milestone in Indian aviation this Christmas by commencing commercial flight operations on December 25. As passengers began using the new airport, firsthand experiences quickly surfaced on social media, offering glimpses into what it felt like to land at NMIA on its very first day of operations.

That first-hand view came from Rahul Srinivas, a traveller from Kerala, who was on IndiGos inaugural Ahmedabad-Navi Mumbai flight. Through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Rahul documented his landing, his movement through the airport and his onward journey into Mumbai.

Kerala Man On Inaugural Flight Of Navi Mumbai Airport

Rahuls first post focused on the landing itself. He shared a short video from the aircraft that showed how the approach into Navi Mumbai looked different from what many flyers are used to while landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Landing in Mumbai, without having to witness the slums is a welcome sight. The first landing of Indigos Ahmedabad Navi Mumbai flight," he wrote. The video showed open land and infrastructure instead of the dense settlements of Dharavi which are often visible during landings at Mumbais main airport.

Landing in Mumbai, without having to witness the slums is a welcome sight. The first landing of Indigo's Ahmedabad Navi Mumbai flight. pic.twitter.com/eYu3eY8byO Rahul Srinivas (@whizkidd) December 25, 2025

Certificate For Inaugural Flight

In another post, Rahul shared a photograph of a certificate given to passengers who were part of the inaugural flight operations at the airport. Treating it as a personal milestone, he wrote, Isko frame karke rakhunga (I will frame this and keep it)", followed by, Thank you Navi Mumbai International Airport."

Experience Inside NMIA

Rahul then detailed his experience after stepping inside the terminal and listed practical points that stood out during his exit from the airport. He noted that mobile network connectivity was not available at the time. To feel the gal, free Wi-Fi access is available.

There is no mobile network currently. But theres access to free WiFi. You can use it to book cabs. And keep Wi-Fi calling option on. Else the cabbie wont be able to call you," he wrote.

He also explained the layout for onward travel. According to his post, travellers need to go one level down after exiting the terminal to reach public transport facilities. He mentioned that Chalo buses to Colaba and other parts of the city were operational from the very first day.

At the same time, Rahul pointed out that construction work is still ongoing in parts of the airport. The airport is still pretty much under construction. Theres lots of work still pending. I even saw some leaks being plugged," he wrote.

Things to note after landing at NMIA.1. There is no mobile network currently. But there's access to free WiFi. You can use it to book cabs. And keep Wi-Fi calling option on. Else the cabbie won't be able to call you 2. After exit, you need to go one level down to access pic.twitter.com/qG14E4uCJ5  Rahul Srinivas (@whizkidd) December 25, 2025

From NMIA To Palghar

Rahul also shared details of his onward journey after leaving the airport. In a separate post, he broke down his travel timeline to Palghar. Only took me 4.5 hours to reach Palghar from NMIA," he wrote. He landed at 1 PM, reached Churchgate, boarded the 3:18 PM Dahanu local and arrived in Palghar (PLG) at 5:30 PM.

Only took me 4.5 hours to reach Palghar from NMIA. Landed at 1 pm. Took the 3:18 Dahanu Local from Churchgate. Reached PLG at 5:30. pic.twitter.com/mhFAAGgAoP Rahul Srinivas (@whizkidd) December 25, 2025

Airport Branding That Caught Attention

Airport branding also became part of the conversation online. One X user shared a post showing Coca-Cola cans with Navi Mumbai International Airport branding being sold inside the terminal. Thats innovative!! Havent seen something like before. Coca cola cans with Navi Mumbai Airport branding at the airport. Nice collectible item," the user wrote.

Thats innovative!!Haven't seen something like before.Coca cola cans with Navi Mumbai Airport branding at the airport.Nice collectible itemMrinalini Minal pic.twitter.com/RKwYYy3lqg Sahil P (@Sahilinfra2) December 25, 2025

1997 Idea That Took Off In 2025

The start of operations at NMIA was marked with a traditional water cannon salute for the first arrival and departure flights, according to news agency PTI. The greenfield airport was first conceived in 1997 by Maharashtras City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). Construction gathered pace years later and faced multiple delays, such as disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project in 2018 and inaugurated the airport on October 8 this year. On its first day of commercial operations, domestic flights were operated by IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 08:08 IST

News mumbai-news Kerala Mans Day-1 Experience At Navi Mumbai Airport: Free WiFi, Chalo Buses & No Slums...

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Woman Shot Near Gurgaon Club After Rejecting Marriage Proposal; Two Arrested

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 08:21 IST

Kalpana was shot near a Gurgaon nightclub after rejecting Tushar's marriage proposal. Police arrested Tushar and Shubham in Baraut. She is hospitalized and investigation continues.

The police arrest Tushar and Shubham.

A 25-year-old woman was shot near a nightclub in Gurgaon after she allegedly rejected a marriage proposal from a man who had been harassing her for months. Police have arrested two accused in connection with the case.

The incident occurred in the early hours of December 20 near the club where the woman, identified as Kalpana, worked. Police said they received information about an injured woman being admitted to Max Hospital, following which a team from the MG Road police post under the DLF Sector 29 police station rushed to the hospital and collected her medico-legal report. Doctors declared her unfit to record a statement.

Kalpanas husband, who rushed to the hospital from their home in Najafgarh, later submitted a written complaint. According to him, Kalpana had gone to work on the evening of December 19 as usual. Around 1 am the next day, she called him to say that a man named Tushar had shot her in the stomach and that she was being taken to the hospital.

The husband told police that Tushar, a resident of Sangam Vihar in Delhi, had been repeatedly pressuring Kalpana to marry him despite knowing that she was already married. She had consistently refused his advances. About a month ago, the accused allegedly visited their neighbourhood, created a ruckus and even fired at their house, following which a case was registered.

Based on the complaint, teams from the crime branch (Sector 40) and the MG Road police post conducted a joint operation and arrested two men on December 25 from Baraut in Uttar Pradesh. The accused were identified as Tushar alias Jonty (25) and Shubham alias Johnny (24).

During interrogation, police said Tushar admitted that he had befriended Kalpana around six months ago and wanted to marry her. On the night of the incident, he allegedly went to the club with Shubham and again proposed marriage. When Kalpana refused, he allegedly shot her with a pistol.

Further investigation is underway.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 08:11 IST

News cities Woman Shot Near Gurgaon Club After Rejecting Marriage Proposal; Two Arrested

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UP: 8-Year-Old Allegedly Mentally Harassed At Private School Over False Theft Accusation

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 19:30 IST

The family observed behavioural changes in the child, who became withdrawn and woke up crying at night, saying, "Ma'am, I didn't take the pen."

Police said they have issued notices to the accused, but they failed to appear at the station. (Representative Image)

An alleged case of mental harassment of an eight-year-old student at a private school has emerged after the child began showing signs of distress, such as crying in his sleep and writing help" in his books and on the walls at home, police said on Friday.

A case was registered against four staff members of the school at Sen Paschim Para in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on December 23 for allegedly mentally harassing the Class 2 boy after accusing him of stealing a pen, they stated, as reported by PTI.

The FIR, based on a complaint from the boys mother, has been filed against the schools director Devraj Singh Rajawat, principal Anuprit Rawal, and teachers Sangeeta Malik and Swatantra Agnihotri, according to police.

In her complaint, the childs mother claimed that her son was falsely accused of stealing a pen and mentally harassed at school.

She mentioned that her son was called to the school on December 12 regarding an incident that occurred on November 28, a day he did not attend regular classes.

The family observed behavioural changes in the child, who became withdrawn and woke up crying at night, saying, Maam, I didnt take the pen." He also began writing the word Help" in his books and on the walls at home, they said.

ALSO READ | Combating Children Burnout: Experts Say Academic Demands, Social Pressures Are The Real Enemies

The complaint also alleged that the child was forced into recording a confession video." The school refused to share CCTV footage and instead, pressured the family to pay for the pen, it stated.

Police said they have issued notices to the accused, but they failed to appear at the station.

An FIR has been registered and the matter is under investigation," said Station Officer Pradeep Kumar Singh.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 19:30 IST

News education-career UP: 8-Year-Old Allegedly Mentally Harassed At Private School Over False Theft Accusation

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UP School Holidays: Cold Wave Forces School Closures In Several Districts

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 09:50 IST

School Holidays: A severe cold wave and dense fog across Uttar Pradesh have forced authorities to close schools in several districts.

Schools closed across several districts of Uttar Pradesh as a severe cold wave and dense fog disrupt normal life. (Representative image/PTI)

UP School Holidays: A severe cold wave has gripped Uttar Pradesh, disrupting daily life and forcing authorities to take precautionary measures to protect children. A sharp drop in temperature has been reported across Varanasi and several parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, along with dense fog and poor visibility.

In view of childrens health and safety, the Varanasi district administration has ordered the closure of all schools up to Class 5 for Friday. The order applies to government, private and aided schools and has been implemented with immediate effect. Officials said the decision was taken as the cold wave continues to intensify and visibility remains dangerously low during morning hours.

The impact of the cold wave is not limited to Varanasi. Similar weather conditions are being witnessed across western, central and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Dense fog has reduced visibility on roads, increasing the risk for school buses and other vehicles.

District administrations and the education department are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Schools Closed In Several Districts

Apart from Varanasi, districts such as Prayagraj, Lucknow, Kanpur and Meerut are also experiencing extreme cold. In some districts, schools up to Class 8 have been closed, while others have revised school timings. Where schools remain open, classes are being held from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm to help students avoid exposure to early morning cold and fog. Parents have been advised to check official school notifications before sending their children.

According to the IMD, a Yellow and Orange alert has been issued for several parts of Uttar Pradesh for the next 48 hours. In many areas, visibility has dropped to less than 50 metres due to dense fog, raising concerns over road safety. Keeping this in mind, authorities have urged strict compliance with safety guidelines by schools and parents.

In Sambhal district, schools from nursery to Class 12 across all boards will remain closed on December 26 and 27 due to the cold wave and fog.

ALSO READ: CBSE To Reopen CTET 2026 Application Window From Dec 27, Details Here

Guidelines For Senior Students and Teachers

Schools for Classes 9 to 12 have not been completely shut, as pre-board and board examinations are approaching. However, revised timings have been introduced. Teachers have been instructed to ensure proper heating arrangements in classrooms and allow students to wear heavy woollen clothes. Schools have also been directed not to conduct classes early in the morning or late in the evening.

Parents are advised to stay updated through official school communication channels and district websites as weather conditions may lead to further changes in school schedules.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 09:23 IST

News education-career UP School Holidays: Cold Wave Forces School Closures In Several Districts

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Small businesses in China see rapid growth over past five years

People's Daily Online) 13:21, December 26, 2025

Photo shows a scene at the smart workshop of Anhui Jinfei Wheel Co., Ltd. in Lu'an city, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/Zhang Jun)

China has more than 60 million small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with an average annual increase of more than 4 million since 2021, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the number of SMEs that are specialized, refined, distinctive and innovative expanded from fewer than 40,000 to over 140,000. Meanwhile, the number of "little giant" enterprises, which stand out for their deep focus on innovation, rose from just over 5,000 to 17,600.

China is the world's largest producer and exporter of furniture, sanitary ware and related products. In recent years, clustered development has emerged as a key development strategy for SMEs in these sectors.

In Jiaozhou city, east China's Shandong Province, the smart home manufacturing industrial cluster has formed a comprehensive industry chain integrating R&D, design, manufacturing, installation and after-sales services.

Shaohaihui, a company that operates a platform connecting upstream and downstream SMEs in the smart home industry, is part of this cluster.

"The platform covers whole-house customization, system doors and windows, custom furniture and prefabricated bathrooms. We provide tailored home solutions and promote integrated smart living spaces that combine home appliances and furnishings," said Du Chunlong, head of overseas markets at the company's channel center.

Workers manufacture motor products at Jiangxi Special Electric Motor Co., Ltd. in Yichun city, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo/Zhou Liang)

As of October 2025, China had 397 national-level characteristic industrial clusters for SMEs. They include both traditional clusters with strong competitive advantages and emerging clusters founded by researchers and overseas returnees. The national-level clusters have also driven the development of more than 1,400 provincial-level clusters, creating a multi-tiered, wide-ranging, and clearly differentiated cluster development landscape.

Digital transformation has become a primary driving force for the high-quality development of China's SMEs.

Florasis, a Chinese beauty brand based in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, offers a product portfolio that spans cosmetics, skincare and fragrances. Following its digital transformation, the company's on-time order fulfillment rate increased to 96 percent, first-pass yield rose 5 percentage points, unit production costs fell 10 percent, and production plan completion reached 98 percent.

Li Guang, senior director of digital intelligence at Florasis, said that between 2021 and 2025, the company's smart factory carried out a comprehensive digital upgrade of its production lines.

Florasis reflects the broader digital transformation underway among China's SMEs.

According to the MIIT, during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, local governments across China introduced a range of long-term mechanisms to support SMEs in their digital transformation. More than 10,000 "small, fast, light and precise" digital solutions were rolled out, more than 1,000 specialized digital service providers targeting niche industries were cultivated, and nearly 30,000 "digital craftsmen" and "digital specialists" were trained.

During the same period, a series of targeted, business-friendly policies created a more supportive environment for SME growth.

Some firms have benefited directly from policies aimed at strengthening financial support for the real economy.

At the second session of a 2025 precision financial services matchmaking conference for private enterprises in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, Hunan Xingfulianlian Technology Co. Ltd. successfully connected with Bank of Changsha and reached a preliminary loan agreement.

"With this financing in place, I feel much more confident about the company's future. We expect to open 20 franchise stores in Changsha before the Chinese New Year and expand to 200 outlets next year," said Li Qun, chairman of the company.

According to Long Fei, director of the Research Institute of Small and Medium Enterprises at the China Center for Information Industry Development, which operates under the MIIT, China's SME support policies during the 14th Five-Year Plan period focused on three main priorities. These included easing pressure on businesses through tax and fee reductions, cultivating high-quality enterprises through a tiered development system, and strengthening the support system by building a nationwide network of SME public service institutions spanning the national, provincial, municipal and county levels.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
The government of Nicolas Maduro has let out nearly 100 dissidents, the largest number in a year. But NGOs note there are still around 1,000 opponents behind bars

As political and military tensions between Venezuela and the United States reached their peak, Nicolas Maduros government decided to release 99 political prisoners on Christmas Day, the highest number in 12 months. The previous act of clemency for imprisoned politicians and activists took place on August 2, when 13 prisoners were released from prison with alternative judicial conditions. In December 2024, nearly 100 prisoners were released from Chavista prisons, the vast majority of whom had been jailed for participating in anti-government protests following the presidential election.

The Chavista regime has made a calculated gesture to ease the pressure it is feeling, but without showing any signs of weakness or excessive magnanimity. The released prisoners are a small share of the nearly 1,000 (according to the NGOs Provea and Justicia, Encuentro y Perdon) who remain behind bars.

The vast majority of them were prosecuted following the protests that erupted after the presidential elections of July 28, 2024, which were considered fraudulent by the opposition and by much of the international community. To date, no high-profile politicians or activists are known to have benefited from these alternative legal measures, among the many who remain behind bars.

The names of all the individuals released on Christmas Day have not yet been made public. One of them is reportedly Professor Marggie Orozco, sentenced to 30 years in prison a few weeks ago for critical content against the Maduro government that she allegedly posted in a WhatsApp chain message. At least 65 men were released from Tocoron prison in north-central Venezuela, and three women were released from the Las Crisalidas detention center. There are also three teenagers ho had been detained at police checkpoints in the coastal state of Vargas, near Caracas.

Protest by relatives of political prisoners in Caracas on December 9, 2024. RONALD PENA R (EFE)

The non-profit Justicia Encuentro y Perdon issued a statement acknowledging the positive impact of the measure on the released individuals, but asserting that it is clearly insufficient, compared to the 1,085 people imprisoned for political reasons, as recorded in our databases. This group said that the partial release of arbitrarily detained individuals does not remedy the underlying illegality. It noted that the selective and discretionary nature of these releases confirms that imprisonment has been used as an instrument of political persecution.

The release of these political prisoners in no way represents a genuine policy of detente with the countrys political and social opposition, which currently constitutes a large majority in Venezuela. Quite the contrary: Washingtons pressure is providing the Maduro government with arguments and inspiration to continue radicalizing the Bolivarian Revolution through the approval of new punitive laws, a proliferation of arrests under dubious circumstances, and increased censorship of the media.

During these past few weeks, state security forces have intensified their crackdown on political and civil dissent, imprisoning new opposition leaders as the U.S. siege of Venezuelan shores escalates. The latest arrests include the political scientist Nicmer Evans; the union leaders Jose Elias Torres and William Lizardo; and the political activist Melquiades Pulido, a member of the Vente Venezuela party.

Last week, in a case that generated enormous public outcry, Gabriel Rodriguez, an underage student, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for terrorism for his participation in the popular protests of August of last year, which followed the presidential elections. The non-profit Foro Penal estimates that there are just over 800 political prisoners in the country.

In its statement, Justicia, Encuentro y Perdon reiterates its call for a general amnesty for all political prisoners, a demand that is frequently raised by social and human rights organizations. Freedom cannot be granted as a prerogative, but must be a right, and it must be restored to all those who have been arbitrarily arrested, the organization maintains.

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From AI Integration To CBSE's Assessment Reforms, Major Changes Brought Under NEP In 2025

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Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 14:09 IST

The focus is slowly shifting away from fixed textbooks, memory-based exams, and rigid degree paths. Here are some major changes brought under NEP in 2025.

Artificial Intelligence is now being added step-by-step into school and college education. (AI Generated Image)

Indias education system is going through steady changes as the National Education Policy (NEP) moves deeper into classrooms and campuses in 2025. The focus is slowly shifting away from fixed textbooks, memory-based exams, and rigid degree paths. Instead, learning is being shaped around skills, flexibility, and real-world use of knowledge.

From artificial intelligence in classrooms to new assessment tools, school upgrades, flexible university courses, and language reforms, the NEP updates are touching almost every level of education. Together, these changes aim to prepare students better for future jobs while also making learning more practical and inclusive.

Below are some major changes brought under NEP in 2025:

AI Becomes Part Of Everyday Learning

Artificial Intelligence is now being added step-by-step into school and college education. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently said AI can help solve long-standing problems in education by making learning more open and equal for students across backgrounds.

At the school level, AI is being introduced as a skill-based subject, especially for senior classes. In colleges and universities, courses are being updated so students learn about new technologies that matter in todays job market.

During a recent discussion, officials shared that AI tools are also being explored for teaching methods and assessments, helping teachers personalise learning for students. The goal is to support both learners and educators using technology, without replacing the human role in education.

Schools Move Away From Memory-Based Exams

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is working on a digital platform that will change how school exams are designed. Instead of testing how much students can memorise, the focus will be on how well they understand and apply concepts.

This platform will allow teachers to create better questions, review quality, and track learning outcomes. It will support both regular tests and final exams. The move follows NEP 2020s push to reduce exam pressure and make education more balanced. Once launched, the system is expected to help teachers design fairer and more meaningful assessments across CBSE schools.

PM SHRI Schools Focus On Better Facilities

The PM SHRI scheme aims to turn selected schools into model institutions that reflect NEP values. Around 14,500 schools across India are planned to be upgraded with better buildings, teaching tools, and digital learning support.

In October, Kerala joined the scheme after earlier concerns. The state clarified that joining PM SHRI does not take away its power to design textbooks or decide its syllabus.

The scheme focuses on hands-on learning, skills, and overall student growth. These schools are expected to set examples for other institutions, while still allowing states to keep control over their education systems.

Universities Adopt Flexible Degree Paths

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) reviewed how it is rolling out NEP changes, especially the new four-year undergraduate courses. Students can now choose honours or honours with research, along with flexible major and minor options.

The university is allowing students to switch subjects after the first year in some cases and is improving internships, online courses through SWAYAM, and skill-based classes.

Credit limits per semester have been clearly defined, and exit options like certificates or diplomas remain in place. The idea is to give students more choice while keeping academic standards strong.

Language Rules Change In Schools

Maharashtra has started implementing NEP 2020 by making Hindi a compulsory third language for Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. Earlier, these schools taught only two languages.

The change will begin from the 202526 academic year and follows the NEPs three-language formula. The state is also rolling out the new 5+3+3+4 school structure, which divides schooling into clear stages from early years to senior secondary. Officials say the move is meant to strengthen language learning from an early age and bring uniformity across schools.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 14:09 IST

News education-career From AI Integration To CBSE's Assessment Reforms, Major Changes Brought Under NEP In 2025

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Bihar Man Arrested For Marrying 3 Times In 3 Years, Cites Mother's Health As Excuse

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 16:16 IST

Pintu Barnwal from Bihar was arrested after his wives accused him of dowry harassment and marrying three women in three years without divorcing any of them

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The second wife claimed she had been misled into the marriage and kept in the dark about Pintu's first wedding. (Representative Image)

A bizarre case of alleged serial marriage has surfaced from Bihar, where a man is accused of marrying three women in as many years without divorcing any of them. The matter came to light after his first and second wives lodged a joint complaint with the police, leading to his arrest.

Police said the accused, identified as Pintu Barnwal, married his first wife Khushboo Kumari in December 2022. In her statement, Khushboo alleged that her family paid Rs 3 lakh in cash along with jewellery at the time of the wedding, yet she was subjected to harassment and physical assault for additional dowry before being thrown out of the house.

Khushboo later learnt that Pintu had married a second time in April 2024, and allegedly went on to tie the knot for the third time soon after, again without legally separating from his previous spouses.

The second wife, Gudia Kumari, claimed she had been misled into the marriage and kept in the dark about Pintus first wedding. She alleged that Pintus family routinely demanded cash and jewellery during the marriages and tortured the women if the demands were not met.

While in police custody, Pintu rejected all allegations of dowry harassment. He claimed he remarried due to family compulsions", saying his 60-year-old mother suffered from heart disease and diabetes and required constant care.

He alleged that neither of his first two wives performed household duties. Pintu further accused his first wife of attempting to attack him and his mother with a knife, and dismissed the charges of violence and sexual assault mentioned in the FIR as false".

FIR registered, accused sent to jail

Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered on the basis of written complaints from both wives. Pintu was produced in court and subsequently sent to jail. His third wife is currently living at his residence, officials said.

Both Khushboo and Gudia have demanded strict action, alleging that Pintu has ruined the lives of several women and must face exemplary punishment.

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Location : Bihar, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 16:16 IST

News india Bihar Man Arrested For Marrying 3 Times In 3 Years, Cites Mother's Health As Excuse

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CBI Objected, Victim Warned Of Threat Yet Kuldeep Sengar Got Interim Bail Four Times

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 08:24 IST

From his daughters wedding to treatment at AIIMS, Sengar received 23 days of interim bail across four occasions despite consistent resistance from the victim and investigators.

Kuldeep Singh Sengar. (File image)

For the marriage of his daughter, for his own cataract surgery, and for attending to issues such as anxiety and diabetes, Kuldeep Singh Sengar stepped out of jail four times in the last three years on interim bail. Sengar relied on this to tell the Delhi High Court that he was no threat to the victims family, as he had not misused his liberty earlier while on bail.

CNN-News18 studied the Delhi High Court orders regarding those four instances and found that Sengar received interim bail despite strong objections from the rape victim as well as the CBI.

Sengar received the benefit of suspension of sentence on four previous occasions for a total of 23 days  from 27 January 2023 to 1 February 2023; from 6 February 2023 to 10 February 2023; from 11 December 2024 to 20 December 2024; and from 23 December 2024 to 24 December 2024.

The Delhi High Court suspended Sengars sentence permanently on 23 December 2025, saying it could not keep him in custody merely because of apprehensions that the police or paramilitary forces may not properly safeguard the rape victim. The court also said that keeping Sengar in custody on grounds of threat perception to the victim was not a tenable argument".

In response to the argument on threat perception, Sengar, during his submissions before the Delhi High Court, placed strong emphasis on the fact that he had been granted suspension of sentence on four earlier occasions.

What Happened Earlier

The first time Sengar received interim bail from the High Court was on 27 January 2023, for his daughters wedding. He was granted interim bail for 15 days  until 10 February 2023. Sengar told the court that the wedding rituals and ceremonies would be held in Gorakhpur and Lucknow and that, being the only male family member, he needed to make multiple arrangements.

The victim and the CBI objected strongly. The victim said she might be killed while Sengar was out. This led the High Court to revise its order and direct Sengar to surrender before jail authorities on 1 February, as the tilak ceremony was on 30 January. Sengar was then released again from jail on 6 February and surrendered on 10 February, with the wedding taking place on 8 February.

This seemed to have raised Sengars hopes. A year later, he approached the High Court again seeking an interim suspension of sentence for a much longer period of five months, citing multiple medical ailments. Sengar submitted a medical report listing eight conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, bronchial asthma, age-related degenerative spine disease, cataract-related eye issues, internal haemorrhoids, bilateral hydrocele, and anxiety.

The court found Sengars request for five months to be excessive, but he received interim bail from 11 December 2024 to 20 December 2024. He was admitted to AIIMS, New Delhi, where a medical board comprising eleven doctors from various departments examined and treated him. The board noted that his diabetes and hypertension were controlled with oral medication, his asthma was managed with inhalers, and his spine-related issues required only exercise, physiotherapy, and medication. He underwent laser treatment for eye-related issues on 13 December 2024 and a banding procedure for haemorrhoids on 16 December 2024, according to High Court documents.

After reviewing his condition, the medical board concluded that Sengar was stable and fit for discharge. The report stated clearly that all necessary interventions had been carried out at AIIMS and that his condition could now be managed on an outpatient basis at a local medical facility. AIIMS said prolonged hospitalisation was not required in Sengars case.

However, during his stay at AIIMS, the hospital raised serious concerns. In a written communication dated 13 December 2024, the Member Secretary of the Medical Board flagged the unusually large number of visitors meeting Sengar during his admission. AIIMS stated that the high volume of visitors was compromising medical care and adversely affecting routine hospital functioning. This communication was sent to the Director of the CBI, requesting appropriate security arrangements.

Sengar received another interim bail for two days on 2324 December 2024 to undergo cataract surgery at AIIMS, Delhi.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 08:24 IST

News india CBI Objected, Victim Warned Of Threat Yet Kuldeep Sengar Got Interim Bail Four Times

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'Will Open Pandora's Box': Centre Opposes Plea In Delhi HC Seeking GST Cut On Air Purifiers

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 12:55 IST

The advocate appearing on behalf of the Centre said the process involving a GST cut cannot be done within two days, as it involves all states and relevant departments.

The petitioner sought GST cut on air purifiers in light of the worsening Delhi pollution. (File photo)

The Central government on Friday opposed a plea at the Delhi High Court seeking a reduction of GST duties on air purifiers amid worsening pollution in the national capital, saying the GST Council cannot take a decision on the matter as the classification of medical devices is done by the Health Ministry.

Additional Solicitor General N Venkatraman, appearing for the Centre, said the process of a GST cut cannot be completed in two days as the GST Council is a constitutional body, where all 30 states and Union Territories are involved. He urged the court to grant it time to file a detailed affidavit on the matter.

This was in response to a petition moved by advocate Kapil Madan seeking the removal of 18% GST on air purifiers. The plea says that air purifiers cannot be treated as a luxury but rather are a necessity to face extreme air pollution. Madan also argued that air purifiers were being taxed under the wrong category. He said the GST Council has to take a call on the matter, which the Centre opposed.

This will open a Pandoras box. The committee has recommended something. There is a process. We are not saying anything at the moment. Either we will reduce or not. I am not giving any commitment. We are scared from a constitutional perceptive," said Venkatraman, when asked by the court on the difficulty in conducting a meeting of the GST council.

Loaded Petition

The Centre also questioned the petitioner over his plea on GST cuts on air purifiers, saying a direction has been sought without naming the health department as a party.

Somebody wants a monopoly in air purifiers, we dont knowThe health ministry is in charge, which is not even a party here. This is a loaded petition. That is our concern," the counsel said.

This came after the High Court, while hearing the matter on December 24, had asked the GST Council to hold a meeting urgently on the issue of GST cut on air purifiers amid the worsening air quality in Delhi and nearby areas. The court said authorities must provide a GST exemption on air purifiers.

The Centre submitted that the matter be listed on January 5, and the respondent will file a counter-affidavit to the PIL. The matter would be heard next on January 9, 2026.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 12:41 IST

News india 'Will Open Pandora's Box': Centre Opposes Plea In Delhi HC Seeking GST Cut On Air Purifiers

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Chaos In India's Neighbourhood: 3 Crisis-Hit Countries Face Elections In 2026

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 15:31 IST

As 2026 nears, India will be hoping that the democratic process in its neighbourhood, however imperfect, restores a measure of predictability along its restless eastern frontier

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Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh will hold key elections in early 2026. (Representational Image)

India finds itself ringed by political uncertainty, with Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh all grappling with unstable or interim regimes as 2026 is almost here. The churn in these neighbouring nations, marked by power struggles, street unrest and shifting alliances, has direct implications for Indias security calculus, diplomacy, trade and border management.

For India, the absence of stable, popularly elected governments across its eastern flank translates into a period of strategic ambiguity. All three nations are slated to go to the polls in early 2026, raising hopes of a gradual return to elected rule.

Why does it matter?

In the absence of a clear political authority, India is forced to engage with multiple centres of power like the military, interim administrations, student groups, radical outfits and even actors backed by external forces. This complicates policy-making and undermines predictable communication channels.

A return to stable governments in all the three countries would restore direct, government-to-government engagement, crucial for tackling issues such as border management, trade, connectivity and counter-terrorism.

Myanmar

Myanmars military junta, which toppled Aung San Suu Kyis elected government in 2021, has announced phased general elections beginning Sunday, even as large parts of the country remain engulfed in civil war and insurgency. With Suu Kyis party banned and a quarter of parliamentary seats constitutionally reserved for the military, the outcome appears pre-determined, real power is expected to remain with the generals.

The United Nations and several other nations have already dismissed the exercise as a facade. State media in Myanmar have claimed that India has extended support to the election process, a sensitive point given the direct spillover of Myanmars instability into Indias northeast.

Voting will not be nationwide. Of 330 townships, only 265 are slated to vote, in three phases: December 28 (102 townships), January 11 (100) and January 25 (63).

Nepal

Nepal heads for parliamentary polls on March 5, 2026, but its political pitch is already being upended. A new cohort including Kathmandu mayor Balen Shah, former journalist Rabi Lamichhane and widely admired administrator Kulman Ghising, is challenging the dominance of traditional communist parties.

The churn reflects public anger over the failure of political elites to deliver meaningful change since the end of the Maoist insurgency in 2006. Discontent over unemployment, corruption and backroom deals has fuelled a surge in youth-backed alternatives. Earlier this year, the country saw a coup and the installation of an interim prime minister, Sushila Karki, seen as India-friendly.

For India, Nepal remains acutely sensitive, an open border, Chinas growing footprint and frequent government changes heighten concern. A strong, popularly backed government could steady bilateral ties.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is slated to vote on February 12, 2026, but the run-up to the election is fraught. The Awami League, led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, is out of power and banned. Into this vacuum has stepped the National Citizen Party, born of student movements, which is reportedly edging towards an alliance with hardline groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami.

Any mainstreaming of Islamist hardliners could affect cross-border security, minority rights and amplify anti-India rhetoric. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), headed by former PM Khaleda Zia, is currently the frontrunner. The return of her son Tarique Rahman from the UK this week has strengthened the partys hand. Pakistan, too, has sought to expand its influence in the Bangladeshi political theatre, a trend India is watching closely.

However, analysts say that once an elected government is in place, the space for external meddling is likely to shrink compared with the present period of flux.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 15:28 IST

News india Chaos In India's Neighbourhood: 3 Crisis-Hit Countries Face Elections In 2026

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Consider Australia-Like Law To Bar Under-16s From Social Media: Madras High Court

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 10:05 IST

Madras High Court urges Centre to consider an Australia-like law banning social media for children under 16, citing rising online risks.

Madras High Court urges Centre to consider an Australia-like law banning social media for children under 16, citing rising online risks. (Photo Credit: X)

The Madras High Court has observed that the Centre may consider enacting an Australia-like law to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing social media, citing the growing vulnerability of minors to harmful online content.

The observation was made by a division bench comprising Justice G Jayachandran and Justice KK Ramakrishnan while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought directions to internet service providers (ISPs) to offer parental window services to restrict access to pornographic content.

Acknowledging that children using the internet are highly vulnerable, the bench noted that the responsibility of parents is equally high. However, the judges underlined that stronger institutional safeguards are required and suggested that the Centre explore the possibility of bringing legislation similar to that enacted by Australia, which recently prohibited social media use by children below 16 years of age.

Till such legislation is passed, the authorities concerned shall accelerate their awareness campaigns more effectively and take the message to vulnerable groups through all available media," the court said.

The PIL was filed in 2018 by S Vijayakumar, a resident of Madurai district, who raised concerns over the easy availability and accessibility of pornographic content to young children on the internet. The petition sought intervention by authorities, including the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, to protect minors from online harm.

During the hearing, senior counsel appearing for the petitioner referred to the recent Australian legislation and argued that India could also consider a similar legal framework to safeguard children online. Accepting the submission, the bench remarked that the counter-affidavits filed by the authorities had failed to convince the court that they were adequately discharging their statutory responsibilities.

The courts observations come amid increasing global debate on regulating childrens access to social media and strengthening digital safety mechanisms for minors.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 10:05 IST

News india Consider Australia-Like Law To Bar Under-16s From Social Media: Madras High Court

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Decade Of Decline: 1,841 Naxals Killed And Over 16,000 Arrested, With 2025 Emerging As Turning Point

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 12:02 IST

The year 2025 has emerged as a turning point, with 2,167 surrenders recorded so far, the highest for any single year in the period under review.

Between 2014 and 1 December 2025, security forces recorded a total of 27,765 outcomes against LWE cadres across the country. (PTI Photo)

Indias fight against Left Wing Extremism (LWE) has entered its final phase, with the elimination of key Naxal leader and Central Committee member Ganesh Uikey, and 2025 witnessing the highest number of surrenders alongside a sharp rise in security operations, according to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Official figures show that between 2014 and 1 December 2025, security forces killed 1,841 LWE cadres, arrested 16,336 and facilitated the surrender of 9,588 extremists across affected states. The data highlight a sustained weakening of LWE networks over the past decade.

The year 2025 has emerged as a turning point, with 2,167 surrenders recorded so far, the highest for any single year in the period under review. During the same year, 335 LWE cadres were neutralised, also the highest annual figure, indicating intensified and targeted counter-insurgency operations.

The Big Picture: 20142025

Between 2014 and 1 December 2025, security forces recorded a total of 27,765 outcomes against LWE cadres across the country. Of these, 1,841 extremists were killed, 16,336 were arrested, and 9,588 surrendered.

What Was The Daily Average?

Spread across nearly 4,380 days, the figures translate into a daily average of:

One LWE cadre killed every three days, and

Almost four arrests and two surrenders per day.

In effect, authorities neutralised or disengaged an average of six LWE cadres every day for more than a decade, mostly through arrests and voluntary surrenders rather than lethal force.

Peak Years Of Violence

The data show that the most violent years were 2016 and 2018, when fatalities crossed the 220 mark each year.

In 2016, 222 extremists were killed, while 1,840 were arrested and 1,442 surrendered, making it one of the most operationally intensive years of the decade.

2018 followed a similar pattern, with 225 killed and 1,933 arrests, the highest in the dataset.

These peaks coincided with large-scale offensives in core LWE-affected districts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra and parts of Telangana, supported by expanded deployment of central armed police forces and improved intelligence coordination.

The Surrender Story

While killings declined, surrenders emerged as a key trend. From 440 surrenders in 2019, the number rose to 736 in 2021.

Even in years of lower operational activity, surrender figures remained substantial, underlining the impact of state rehabilitation policies offering financial assistance, skill training and legal relief to former cadres. Officials say this reflects growing disillusionment within LWE ranks and improved confidence in state institutions at the grassroots.

A Sharp Turn In 202425

The trajectory shifted again in the last two years. In 2024, 290 LWE cadres were killed  the highest annual figure since 2018  alongside 1,090 arrests and 881 surrenders.

2025, even as a partial year, stands out dramatically with 335 killed and an unprecedented 2,167 surrenders, the highest surrender figure in the entire dataset.

The spike is attributed to focused operations against remaining armed formations and renewed surrender drives in Bastar and adjoining regions. Officials caution that 2025 figures are provisional but say they point to a decisive phase in the campaign.

Decapitation Of The LWE Leadership

The decisive phase of the counter-LWE effort came with the elimination of the organisations top leadership. Senior commanders including Basavaraju and Madvi Hidma, followed most recently by the killing of Central Committee member Ganesh Uikey on 25 December, dealt a crippling blow to the movements command structure.

Security officials say these operations have effectively severed the organisational backbone of the LWE network, leaving it without strategic direction or operational cohesion. With its top leadership neutralised, the movement is now fragmented, struggling to coordinate armed actions or retain cadres.

According to assessments, only one senior leader  Devuji  remains at large. Officials indicate that sustained intelligence-led operations are underway to track him down, a development that could mark the final closure of the LWE chapter in India and relegate Naxalism to history.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 12:02 IST

News india Decade Of Decline: 1,841 Naxals Killed And Over 16,000 Arrested, With 2025 Emerging As Turning Point

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Digital Radicalisation, White-Collar Recruits: Al-Qaedas New Modus Operandi In India | Exclusive

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 15:43 IST

Investigators say Zubair Hangargekar, held for alleged Al-Qaeda links, mirrors the profile seen in recent doctor arrests tied to J&K modules, a worrying white-collar terror trend.

AQ-linked networks have largely migrated to closed Telegram clusters, multi-layered channels, and foreign-hosted servers that obscure early detection. (Representational image)

Al-Qaedas India network is shifting decisively towards a slow-burn, digitally driven radicalisation model, intelligence sources have told CNN-News18, emphasising that the group is increasingly prioritising ideological influence over immediate operational violence. Indias massive smartphone penetration, large youth population, and the openness of online discourse are being leveraged as part of this long-term strategy.

The Pune Arrest That Flagged A Larger Trend

In October 2025, the Pune Anti-Terrorism Squad ATS arrested 35-year-old software professional Zubair Ilyas Hangargekar under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged links to Al-Qaeda and its South Asian arm, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Investigators say Hangargekars digital footprintencrypted communications, archived propaganda material, and behaviour across multiple closed groupsindicated deep ideological radicalisation.

According to officials, Hangargekar came under the scanner through routine digital monitoring of AQ-aligned online ecosystems. His account was flagged as part of a cluster of high-risk Telegram groups, with behaviour patterns matching those typically associated with AQ online handlers and recruiters. Repeated downloads of banned content, archiving of long-form ideological material, and sustained engagement across various restricted forums strengthened suspicion.

Authorities also discovered he was using specialised tools and foreign IP routing, some traced to Afghanistan and Hong Kong, prompting deeper forensic analysis. Based on these findings, Pune ATS placed him under discreet surveillance before the arrest.

On Thursday, a UAPA court remanded Hangargekar back into ATS custody till 3 January 2026. In its remand plea, ATS told the court it needs custodial interrogation to examine 102 Telegram groups, communication channels, and foreign-linked IP addresses recovered from his devices.

White-Collar Terror: The Profile Al-Qaeda Prefers Now

Top intelligence officers say Hangargekars profile mirrors a concerning pattern seen in other recent arrests, including doctors linked to J&K-origin terror modules. Both sets of cases highlight the rise of a white-collar, digitally radicalised" recruiteducated, respectable, with no prior criminal record, and operating below traditional counter-terror surveillance thresholds.

Agencies say this is no coincidence. Al-Qaeda is deliberately gravitating towards individuals with professional legitimacy, credibility, and network access. These recruits are seen as less likely to draw suspicion, more capable of discreet communication, and more effective at transmitting ideological content to closed circles.

Al-Qaedas New Modus Operandi In India

Sources outline three pillars of this shift:

Encrypted Ecosystems: AQ-linked networks have largely migrated to closed Telegram clusters, multi-layered channels, and foreign-hosted servers that obscure early detection. Ideological Conditioning Over Training Camps: Recruitment focuses on sustained online influencereading lists, long sermons, private classroom-like sessionsrather than physical handling of weapons or travel to conflict zones. Leveraging Indias Digital Landscape: AQ sees Indias combination of mobile Internet penetration, youth demographic, and vibrant free-expression environment as ideal for stealth radicalisation without triggering financial or logistical red flags.

India Central To AQs Long-Term Plan?

According to intelligence inputs, Al-Qaeda views India not for immediate operational exploitation but as a long-term ideological theatre, where it can shape narratives, seed sympathisers, and gradually create insulated online communities.

This approach allows the group to:

avoid early detection

build influence through slow ideological reinforcement

cultivate recruits who appear outwardly normal" and socially integrated

rely on white-collar credibility rather than overt militancy

The Road Ahead

With cases like Hangargekars reinforcing this new understanding, Indias counter-terror strategy must increasingly focus on digital behavioural forensics, long-term surveillance of extremist ecosystems, and early detection of ideological drift among online users with no criminal history.

Al-Qaeda, sources warn, is attempting to create low-noise, high-impact ideological networks that grow quietly and surface only when strategically activated. The Pune case may be just one visible point in a much larger shift.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 13:56 IST

News india Digital Radicalisation, White-Collar Recruits: Al-Qaedas New Modus Operandi In India | Exclusive

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'Don't Trust Agents Promising Guaranteed Visas': US Embassy In India Cautions Against Fraud

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 13:56 IST

The US Embassy in India cautioned travellers against false promises or misleading information about the visa application process amid widespread delays in schedules.

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Several H-1B workers were affected by abrupted cancellations or delay in visa appointments. (Photo Credit: Representative Image)

The US Embassy in India advised travellers to remain alert against fraudulent messages and agents offering guaranteed visas or quick approvals, amid ongoing delays in visa processing.

The United States has announced a significant expansion of visa screening procedures for H-1B and H-4 applicants, which has led to delays in visa processing. The embassy described the enhanced screening measures as part of a broader effort to ensure the integrity of the H-1B visa programme.

Ever come across messages or agents promising guaranteed visas or faster approvals? Visa scams and fraud are more common than you think, and they can cost you time, money, and your travel plans," the US embassy said in a video message, cautioning people against visa fraud.

In the video, visa officers reiterated that the only places to get a legitimate visa to the US were from the American embassy or consulate. If anyone says they can get you a visa outside this process, they are trying to scam you," said Karthik, a visa assistant.

Ever come across messages or agents promising guaranteed visas or faster approvals? Visa scams and fraud are more common than you think, and they can cost you time, money, and your travel plans. This #VisaFriday, were highlighting steps you can take to identify scams, avoid pic.twitter.com/4a55mbOihR U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 26, 2025

Another US officer, Benjamin, said no citizens should avail the offers of a visa agent. Not a visa agent, not a fixer or a travel agent can promise you a US visa. Some agents may promise success, but they often provide false or misleading information. They also charge expensive fees."

The agents also said there was a lot of misleading information about the visa application process, and the only credible sources were the website of the US State Department or the US embassy.

The advisory comes amid widespread disruption to visa processing schedules in India, where thousands of pre-scheduled H-1B visa interviews slated from December 15 onwards have been abruptly postponed by several months.

According to affected applicants, interviews originally fixed for mid-December have been deferred to March, while some appointments scheduled later in the month have been pushed to as late as May. The mass rescheduling of interviews has caused hardship for many applicants, particularly those who had already travelled to India for their visa appointments.

Indian professionals form one of the largest groups of H-1B visa holders, especially in sectors such as information technology and healthcare. The latest development coincides with a broader crackdown by the US authorities on alleged misuse of the H-1B programme and illegal immigration.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 13:56 IST

News india 'Don't Trust Agents Promising Guaranteed Visas': US Embassy In India Cautions Against Fraud

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Every Individual Deserves Dignity: Maldives Ex-VP On Hindu Lynching In Bangladesh | Exclusive

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 17:25 IST

Speaking to CNN-News18, former Maldives Vice-President Faisal Naseem said every individual deserves dignity, security and equal treatment, regardless of their beliefs.

Faisal Naseem, former Vice President of the Maldives, was chief guest at the 8th Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi. (Image: X/@FaisalNasym)

The lynching of Dipu Chandra Das and the ensuing unrest in Bangladesh have once again raised alarm over violence against minorities in the region, prompting warnings from Indias Ministry of External Affairs. The incidents have highlighted the fragile security of vulnerable communities and the pressing need for governments to address extremism decisively.

During an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Faisal Naseem, former Vice President of the Maldives and chief guest at the 8th Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi, discussed violence against minorities in Bangladesh and how the Maldives ensures that religious identity is never used to justify discrimination.

He also spoke about the responsibility of Muslim-majority countries to call out such violence and the IndiaMaldives bilateral reset, including Delhis role in Males trade strategy and untapped sectors for deeper cooperation.

Edited excerpts below

We are witnessing disturbing incidents of violence against minorities in parts of South Asia, including recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. As a Muslim-majority nation, what responsibility does the Maldives see for itself in publicly standing against religious extremism in the region?

The Maldives believes that the welfare of people must always come before divisions of religion, ethnicity, or nationality. At the end of the day, we are all human beings, and peace and equal opportunity must be the guiding principles of any responsible government.

As a nation, we place a strong emphasis on coexistence and social harmony. Our belief is simple: every individual deserves dignity, security, and equal treatment, regardless of what they believe or where they come from.

In that sense, governmentsparticularly in countries with larger populations and greater influencehave a responsibility to actively promote peace and protect all people. If extremism and violence are not confronted clearly and consistently, such incidents risk becoming cyclical.

Prioritising peace and human well-being cannot be optional. It is the only sustainable choice if the region is to move forward.

How does the Maldives ensure that religious identity never becomes a justification for discrimination or violence, and what concrete safeguards exist to protect minority rights within the country?

The Maldives is a small nation, and that closeness plays an important role in how society functions. Institutions, policymakers, and citizens interact closely, which allows concerns to be addressed early and collectively rather than allowing divisions to deepen.

Our democratic culture is rooted in mutual respect. Policies are framed with people at the centre, and there is a strong emphasis on social cohesion and shared responsibility. This has helped ensure that religious identity is never used as a justification for discrimination or violence.

Respect for dignity and equal treatment is not just a principle but a practice. That, in my view, is one of the core strengths of Maldivian democracy and the only sustainable way forward.

Extremism, whether religious or ideological, is destabilising South Asia. Do you believe Muslim-majority countries have a special responsibility to call out violence committed in the name of Islam, especially when silence, though politically uncomfortable, risks deepening Islamophobia?

Governments have a responsibility to ensure equal opportunities for everyone and to work closely with people to address the many challenges societies face. These challenges do not exist on a single front, and people come from different backgrounds and face different problems.

Addressing such issues requires responsible governance and cooperation between governments and citizens. Only through this approach can lasting solutions be found.

Beyond regional responsibilities, India and the Maldives have also had to navigate bilateral tensions. After a visibly tense phase, the relationship saw a reset following Prime Minister Modis recent meeting with President Mohamed Muizzu. What, in your view, actually changed behind closed doors, and how durable is this reset?

Maldivians have always believed, even during the most heated phases of the political campaign, that the Maldives must work closely with India for development across all sectors. This relationship spans decades and has consistently benefited the country and its people.

The political tensions we witnessed during that period did not fundamentally change how Maldivians view India or the Indian people. After the election, President Mohamed Muizzus visit to India and his engagement at the leadership level underscored a clear recognition of how important strong ties with India are for the Maldives long-term interests.

In many ways, the earlier tensions were part of electoral politics. Different leaders adopt different strategies during campaigns, and this is not unique to the Maldives. Such dynamics are seen across democracies worldwide.

Over time, however, people learn from these episodes. Misinformation eventually loses its impact, and the public begins to question why certain narratives were pushed and for what purpose. What ultimately endures is the understanding that constructive cooperation with India is in the best interest of the Maldives.

Was the earlier fallout with India a failure of communication, ideology, or domestic political messaging in the Maldives? And what lessons should both sides take to ensure this does not repeat?

I would see it largely as a product of domestic political messaging rather than ideology or a fundamental policy shift. In many democracies, voters are often drawn to new faces and fresh leadership, driven by the expectation that someone new might deliver better outcomes than before. This is not unique to the Maldives and can be seen across the world.

In this context, certain narratives gained traction during the campaign. Misinformation played a role, and perhaps the government at the time did not place enough emphasis on strategic communication or public outreach. There was a belief that nothing was fundamentally wrong in the relationship with India, and that issues such as Indias presence were self-evident and did not require further explanation.

In hindsight, that assumption proved costly. The key lesson for both sides is the importance of clear, consistent communication. Even strong relationships can be strained if misinformation goes unchallenged. Proactive engagement with the public and transparency in bilateral cooperation are essential to ensure such misunderstandings do not resurface.

As the Maldives looks to diversify its economic partners, where does India realistically fit in its trade strategy, and which sectors hold the most untapped potential for deeper cooperation?

IndiaMaldives cooperation already plays a role in strengthening multiple sectors of the Maldivian economy, from fisheries and agriculture to housing, infrastructure, and connectivity. These areas have enabled tangible development and remain central to bilateral engagement.

That said, there is still significant work to be done in building human capital and institutional capacity. For any country to truly prosper, it needs a strong, skilled workforce capable of leading growth and innovation.

This is an area where deeper cooperation with India can be particularly valuable. Across sectors, there remains considerable scope for collaboration that supports the Maldives long-term development and economic diversification.

If Atal Bihari Vajpayee were alive today, what do you think he would advise India and the Maldives to prioritise: strategic alignment, political sensitivity, or people-to-people trust?

I believe he would have prioritised people-to-people trust, as that forms the foundation for any lasting strategic or political alignment.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 17:25 IST

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The president had been claiming for weeks that members of the Christian community in the African country are being viciously killed by Islamic jihadists

President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that the United States had attacked Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwest Nigeria. He justified the strikes by saying that the Christian community is under threat in Africas most populous country.

Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social. Tonight, under my authority as Commander-in-Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! he posted. I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.

The U.S. president did not provide further details about the military operation. For weeks, Trump and his allies have been drawing attention, with exaggerations and half-truths, to the situation of Christians, who represent 45% of the population (compared to 53% Muslims) in Nigeria.

Collaboration

A Defense Department official told The New York Times on Thursday that the Pentagon collaborated with the Nigerian government to carry out the strikes, and that these had Nigerias approval.

Church of the Assumption in Lagos (Nigeria). Sodiq Adelakun (REUTERS)

In early November, Trump had posted a warning on his social media platform: If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST! The post appeared to endorse the narrative championed by certain religious and conservative lobbying groups in the United States who have been claiming for years that a Christian genocide is taking place in Nigeria. One of the main proponents of this narrative is Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who has stated that, since 2009, 50,000 Christians have been murdered in the African country and that 18,000 churches have been burned down.

For two decades, Nigeria has faced escalating violence perpetrated by armed groups, including terrorists and criminal gangs, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 3.5 million people from their homes. Between May 2023 and May 2025 alone, more than 10,000 people were killed, according to Amnesty International. The Nigerian government states that the victims included both Christians and Muslims.

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Goa Court Extends Police Custody Of Luthra Brothers Till December 29

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 22:42 IST

Eight people have been arrested so far, and police are continuing the investigation into the roles of those linked to the nightclubs operations and management.

Saurav and Gaurav Luthra, own the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa where a fire claimed 25 lives.

A court in Goa on Friday extended the police custody of nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra till December 29 in connection with the deadly fire at a popular nightclub in North Goa that claimed 25 lives earlier this month.

The brothers own the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora village, where the fire broke out on December 6. Following the incident, the siblings allegedly left the country within hours and travelled to Thailand. They were later deported to India on December 17.

The extension was granted by a Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Mapusa after the brothers initial 10-day police remand ended on Friday. Their lawyer, Parag Rao, said the court accepted the police request for additional custody.

Their initial 10-day remand expired on Friday," Rao told reporters, adding that the brothers did not object to the extension. He said they were willing to cooperate with the investigation.

Rao also clarified that his clients were not present at the nightclub when the fire broke out. The brothers are currently in the custody of the Anjuna police.

Police have registered a case against Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with other charges related to safety violations and negligence.

So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation is ongoing, and police are examining the role of various individuals linked to the operation and management of the nightclub.

Meanwhile, authorities have started the process to issue a Blue Corner Notice against British national Surinder Kumar Khosla, who is also named as an accused in the case. Khosla is believed to have fled to the United Kingdom.

The December 6 fire has triggered widespread outrage and raised serious questions about fire safety norms and regulatory oversight in nightlife establishments across Goa. The case will be heard next on December 29.

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Location : Goa, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 17:05 IST

News india Goa Court Extends Police Custody Of Luthra Brothers Till December 29

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Hyderabad Man Burns Wife To Death Over Marital Discord, Pushes Daughter Into Flames, Flees

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 14:50 IST

A woman was allegedly burnt to death by her husband in front of their children in Hyderabads Nallakunta area on December 24, a day before Christmas.

Hyderabad man burns wife to death. Image shows locals outside his house (Video screengrab/CNN-News18)

A woman was burnt alive after her husband allegedly set her on fire in front of their children in Hyderabad, in an incident that has sent shockwaves through the city.

The horrific crime took place on December 24, a day before Christmas, in the Nallakunta area of the Telangana capital.

The accused in the case was identified as Venkatesh, who had long been suspicious of his wife, Triveni, a factor that frequently led to heated arguments and alleged harassment within the household.

On the day of the incident, Venkatesh reportedly assaulted Triveni in the presence of their children before the violence escalated to a fatal level.

Venkatesh allegedly poured petrol on Triveni and set her ablaze inside their home.

When their daughter attempted to intervene and rescue her mother, the accused is said to have pushed the child into the flames as well, before fleeing the scene.

The daughter narrowly escaped with minor burn injuries and was later rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.

Neighbours, alerted by the childrens screams, rushed to the house.

Triveni was rushed to a hospital in a critical condition, but succumbed to her burn injuries there.

The accused managed to escape before residents or police could intervene.

The couple had reportedly entered into a love marriage and were parents to two children, a daughter and a son.

According to NDTV, Venkateshs growing suspicion towards his wife had resulted in persistent abuse, prompting Triveni to seek refuge at her parents home some time ago.

She is believed to have returned to her husband only after he assured her that he would mend his ways, according to initial information gathered by the police.

Following the incident, police registered a case of murder and launched a search operation to track down Venkatesh, who remains absconding.

Authorities said efforts were underway to locate and arrest him at the earliest.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru Woman Shot Dead A Week After Divorce Notice; Husband Surrenders

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 12:45 IST

News india Hyderabad Man Burns Wife To Death Over Marital Discord, Pushes Daughter Into Flames, Flees

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Used To Give Tea, Milk: Punjab Boy, 10, Gets Bal Puraskar For Serving Soldiers During Op Sindoor

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 18:41 IST

Amidst tough situations, the boy was more than eager to help the troops and even offered his home for their stay.

Sharavn, amidst the risks associated with war during Operation Sindoor, used to regularly serve milk, tea, buttermilk, and ice, to soldiers. (ANI)

Shravan Singh, a 10-year-old boy from Punjabs Ferozepur, was awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President Droupadi Murmu on Friday for his courage, compassion, and patriotism, recognised for supporting Indian Army troops during Operation Sindoor.

A class five student, Sharavn, amidst the risks associated with war during Operation Sindoor, used to regularly serve milk, tea, buttermilk, and ice to soldiers posted at the border areas between India and Pakistan.

Amidst tough situations, the boy was more than eager to help the troops and even offered his home for their stay.

When Operation Sindoor began against Pakistan, soldiers came to our village. I thought I should serve them. I used to take milk, tea, buttermilk, and ice for them daily," the 10-year-old told news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Delhi | A Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardee says, When Operation Sindoor began against Pakistan, soldiers came to our village. I thought I should serve them. I used to take milk, tea, buttermilk, and ice for them daily I feel great to be awarded. I had pic.twitter.com/q7Tcfr9ig4 ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2025

I feel great to be awarded. I had never dreamt of it," he added.

Operation Sindoor

India launched precision strikes" under Operation Sindoor on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The strikes killed over 100 terrorists, including 10 family members of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and four close aides.

The operation sparked four days of cross-border fighting involving fighter jets, missiles and artillery.

Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar

President Murmu on Friday conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 20 children for their exceptional achievements in the fields of Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture and Science & Technology at a ceremony held in New Delhi.

In 2025, 20 children from 18 States and Union Territories have been selected for this prestigious national honour conferred annually by the Government of India.

The Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is a prestigious national honour conferred annually by the Government of India on children for exceptional excellence in Bravery, Art & Culture, Environment, Social Service, Science & Technology, and Sports.

These awards are being conferred on December 26, on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas. It is observed on December 26 to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the sons of 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, whose sacrifice has continued to inspire future generations.

(With inputs from agencies)

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 18:18 IST

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I Was Very Stupid: Vlogger Anant Mittal Says India Loses, China Wins After Detention

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 23:41 IST

In the video, Anant Mittal expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of response from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Anant Mittal also criticised himself for expecting support, saying the episode had left him disillusioned.

Indian travel vlogger Anant Mittal, popularly known as On Road Indian, posted an Instagram reel in which he said India loses, China wins" and accused the Indian government of remaining silent following his detention by Chinese authorities earlier this month.

In the video, Anant Mittal expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of response from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Now from here, the government should act. Or I will feel that our government got suppressed by China. MEA has not said anything on my matter and has left me in lurch," he said.

Anant Mittal also criticised himself for expecting support, saying the episode had left him disillusioned.

I am considering myself very stupid to think that someone would speak out for me," he said, adding that the experience made him question his own expectations of institutional backing.

The vlogger went on to say that people from China had reached out to him with messages of support. While stating that he had visited China several times and enjoyed its culture, Anant Mittal said his perspective had changed.

When no one cares about my matter, why should I care where the borderline is drawn. Let big people decide this," he remarked.

The comments come days after Anant Mittal alleged that he was detained for nearly 15 hours at Guangzhou airport. In earlier social media posts and a YouTube video detailing the incident, he described the detention as mentally exhausting and repeatedly said, Humaari koi aukaat nahi," to convey his sense of helplessness.

According to Anant Mittal, he had travelled to China to meet a friend and was stopped during routine immigration checks. He claimed an official withheld his passport stamp, called a senior officer and escorted him to a detention area, where he was made to wait for hours. He said he was later questioned by officers who searched his luggage and confiscated his camcorders and mobile phone.

Anant Mittal said that his detention was linked to a video in which he spoke about Arunachal Pradesh. The vlogger also claimed that he was not allowed to contact the Indian Embassy during his detention and that he did not receive food for more than 29 hours, eating only after reaching an airport lounge before boarding his return flight.

I just took a stand on a minor issue of Arunachal Pradesh. I wont take any stand on any other controversial issue ever now," he said.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 23:41 IST

News india I Was Very Stupid: Vlogger Anant Mittal Says India Loses, China Wins After Detention

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Cant Be Ignored: India Condemns Dipu Das's Killing, Violence Against Minorities In Bangladesh

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 16:43 IST

India urged Bangladeshi authorities to take decisive action to ensure the safety, security and rights of minority communities and to hold perpetrators accountable under the law.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. (PTI file photo)

India on Friday expressed grave concern over the ongoing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, saying that such unremitting hostilities" carried out by extremist elements against minority communities, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists, are condemnable and cannot be ignored by calling them political violence or media exaggeration.

While addressing a press conference, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also condemned the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man who was lynched over unfounded blasphemy allegations and set on fire. Jaiswal said that India hoped that the perpetrators of the crime would be brought to justice.

The unremitting hostility against minorities in Bangladesh is a matter of great concern. We condemn the recent killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh and expect that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice," he said as quoted by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Delhi | On Bangladesh, MEA Spox Randhir Jaiswal says," The unremitting hostility against minorities in Bangladesh is a matter of great concern. We condemn the recent killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh and expect that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to pic.twitter.com/UbacgqSskh ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2025

He further said that India has consistently raised concerns over attacks on minorities and rejected what it termed a false narrative" being projected by Bangladesh on such incidents.

According to the MEA, around 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities have been reported during the tenure of Bangladeshs interim government. We have issued statements earlier as well, rejecting the false narrative put out by Bangladesh," Jaiswal said.

While responding to media queries on the return of BNP leader Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh after 17 years ahead of the polls, Jaiswal said that New Delhi supports free and fair elections in Bangladesh, and this development should be seen in that context.

Reiterating Indias long-standing position on the protection of minority rights, the MEA spokesperson said that New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation and expects the Bangladeshi government to uphold its constitutional obligations to protect all citizens, irrespective of faith.

VIDEO | Delhi: India supports free and fair elections in Bangladesh, and this development should be seen in that context", says MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia), responding to media queries on the return of BNP leader Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh after 17 years ahead pic.twitter.com/XAJY5xAkSF Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 26, 2025

Bangladesh Unrest

The MEAs remarks came after violent protests erupted in the neighbouring country 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.

Media houses, cultural centres and political offices were attacked. A Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched and burnt to death in Mymensingh over alleged blasphemy. After thrashing and killing Das, the mob hung his body from a tree and set it on fire. Meanwhile, the mob that encircled him in Bhaluka, many of whom he knew, took out their smartphones to record the spectacle.

Another Hindu man, Amrit Mandal, was lynched by a mob over allegations of extortion.

Meanwhile, some youth leaders were also reported to have made provocative anti-India statements. In recent weeks, Bangladeshi security forces have had to stop protesters from marching towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Last week, a mob also pelted the Indian Assistant High Commission building in Chittagong with stones.

Bangladesh, currently governed by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is grappling with a volatile mix of high-stakes electoral preparation and a breakdown in law and order that has left minority communities in a state of high alarm.

(With inputs from agencies)

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 16:10 IST

News india Cant Be Ignored: India Condemns Dipu Das's Killing, Violence Against Minorities In Bangladesh

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People Must Continue To Have Faith In Judiciary, Says CJI Surya Kant | Exclusive

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 19:56 IST

Speaking about listing priorities, the CJI said matters related to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), senior citizens and specially-abled persons would be given priority.

Chief Justice Surya Kant | File Image

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Friday underscored the need for citizens to continue reposing faith in the justice delivery system, asserting that the Indian judiciary will live up to the expectations of citizens.

While speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, the CJI said, People should continue their faith in the justice delivery system that theyve always had. I am quite sure the Indian judiciary will come to their expectations."

He also spoke about listing his top priorities, criticism of the judiciary, collegium system, and judicial reforms he plans to bring during his tenure.

Chief Justice Kant emphasised that tackling the backlog of pending cases would be his top priority during his tenure. He also said that batch matters would be prioritised to address the growing pendency menace, adding that efficient case management was essential to improve justice delivery.

Speaking about listing priorities, the CJI said matters related to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), senior citizens and specially-abled persons would be given priority in court listings.

While addressing the criticism of the judiciary, Chief Justice Kant also spoke about the criticism of the judiciary, saying the emerging trend of judge bashing" was not correct; however, constructive criticism of judgments was not wrong and was part of a healthy democratic process.

When asked about possible reforms in the collegium system, the CJI said there was no such thought process at present, reiterating that the current focus remained firmly on reducing pendency.

The CJI also spoke about judicial reforms which he plans to bring during his tenure, emphasising efficiency, access to justice and timely disposal of cases as key areas of focus.

He also put forth his view on the ongoing row over the Supreme Courts ruling on the new definition" of Aravalli mountain range. He said that the matter was sub judice and it may not be appropriate for him to comment on it at this stage.

In its ruling dated November 20, the top court accepted a uniform definition that recognises only landforms rising 100 metres or more above surrounding terrain as hills".

Under the accepted definition, any landform with a local relief of 100 metres or more qualifies as an Aravalli Hill, while clusters of such hills within 500 metres  including inter-hill areas  together form an Aravalli Range.

The decision, however, triggered sharp political reactions and street protests, with critics alleging the order weakens environmental protection by allowing mining to continue.

Earlier today, the Chief Justice expressed confidence that experts and institutions will find an effective solution to Delhis persistent air pollution crisis.

Im confident experts will find a solution to Delhis air pollution problem," the CJI told CNN-News18, reflecting optimism that science-backed interventions and coordinated policymaking can address the issue that has increasingly emerged as a major public health challenge.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 19:56 IST

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Terror Plotters Punished, Executors Neutralised For First Time: Amit Shah On Ops Sindoor, Mahadev

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 20:00 IST

Referring to the attack in the Baisaran Valley, Amit Shah said the incident had shaken the country and was aimed at disrupting communal harmony.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah (PTI Image)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said security forces punished those who planned Pahalgam terrorist attack through Operation Sindoor and neutralised those who carried it out through Operation Mahadev, calling it a decisive response to terrorism. Addressing the Anti-Terrorism Conference2025 in New Delhi, Amit Shah said, Those who planned the terrorist incident were punished through Operation Sindoor, and those who executed it with the weapons provided to them were neutralised through Operation Mahadev."

Referring to the attack in the Baisaran Valley, Amit Shah said the incident had shaken the country and was aimed at disrupting communal harmony and derailing the renewed focus on development and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Based on extremely precise intelligence, our forces neutralised all three terrorists, delivering a stern message to Pakistan," he said.

Amit Shah said investigations into major terror cases were conducted in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.

The investigation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack has been completed successfully. Agencies across the world will study it and its findings will put Pakistan in the dock on international platforms," he said.

The Home Minister said, This is not just a discussion platform. Action points emerge here, and agencies work throughout the year on their implementation."

Warning that the nature of terrorism is changing with the increasing use of technology, Amit Shah said security agencies must stay ahead of emerging threats, adding, The landscape of terrorism is evolving rapidly. We must anticipate invisible future challenges and be prepared for them."

Calling for operational uniformity, Amit Shah said a common Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) structure across states was extremely essential" for accurate threat assessment, effective intelligence sharing and coordinated counter-action.

Without operational uniformity, we cannot make proper use of intelligence or carry out coordinated responses," he said.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 20:00 IST

News india Terror Plotters Punished, Executors Neutralised For First Time: Amit Shah On Ops Sindoor, Mahadev

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Udaipur Rape Case: Accused CEOs IT Firm Gave Itself 4.7/5 Rating On Women-Friendly Policies

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 16:16 IST

An Udaipur-based IT company owned by a CEO accused in a rape case had rated itself highly on workplace safety and inclusivity.

Rape-accused CEO Jeetesh Sisodia

An Udaipur-based IT company owned by a CEO accused in a rape case had rated itself highly on workplace safety and inclusivity, awarding a score of 4.7 out of 5 for being women-friendly," according to company records.

GKM IT Private Limited came under scrutiny after a senior female employee accused the firms CEO, Jeetesh Sisodia, along with executive head Shilpa Sirohi and her husband Gaurav, of sexually assaulting her earlier this month.

The allegations have sharply contrasted with the companys self-proclaimed standards on womens welfare.

According to the police, the incident followed a birthday celebration hosted by Sisodia at a hotel on December 20, which the complainant attended.

The woman alleged that after she began feeling intoxicated, individuals present offered to drop her home. However, she was allegedly persuaded by a female executive to attend an after-party instead.

The survivor told investigators that around 1.45 am, she was taken in a car where Sisodia and the executives husband were already present.

She alleged that she briefly regained consciousness during the journey to find Sisodia molesting her, and later accused all three of sexually assaulting her inside the moving vehicle.

Despite repeatedly asking to be taken home, the woman said she was dropped only around 5 am. In her complaint, she further stated that when she fully regained consciousness, several personal belongings were missing, and she noticed injuries to her private parts.

Police said a dashcam installed in the car, which allegedly recorded both audio and video footage of the incident, has become a key piece of evidence in the investigation.

Confirming the arrests, Udaipur Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal said a case was registered at Sukher police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The accused were produced before the court and have been remanded to police custody for four days," he said.

The case sparked widespread outrage, particularly over the stark contrast between the firms self-assessed women-friendly rating and the serious allegations levelled against its top leadership.

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Location : Udaipur, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 16:16 IST

News india Udaipur Rape Case: Accused CEOs IT Firm Gave Itself 4.7/5 Rating On Women-Friendly Policies

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CBI Moves SC Challenging Sengar's Bail, Says Releasing Him Would Endanger Unnao Rape Victim's Life

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 23:15 IST

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday suspended the jail term of Kuldeep Sengar, who is serving life imprisonment, saying he has already served seven years and five months in prison.

Kuldeep Singh Sengar. (File image)

Unnao Rape Case: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenging the Delhi High Courts order granting bail to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case in the Supreme Court.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday suspended the jail term of Sengar, who is serving life imprisonment, saying he has already served seven years and five months in prison. Sengars sentence has been suspended by the high court till the pendency of his appeal challenging his conviction and sentence in the rape case. He has challenged a December 2019 trial court verdict in the case.

In the SLP, exclusively accessed by CNN-News18, the probe agency argued that the High Court failed to adopt a victim-centric and purposive interpretation of provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act while granting relief to the convict.

In its appeal, the CBI contended that the seriousness of the offence and the intent of the POCSO law were not adequately considered. It further warned that releasing Sengar would pose a serious threat to the survivors life, citing his influence and past conduct.

Earlier this week, the probe agency said that it has examined the order passed by a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court and would soon approach the top court seeking to set aside the relief granted to the convict.

CBI has studied the orders of the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court in the Unnao Rape Case and has decided to file an SLP before the Honble Supreme Court at the earliest against the orders of the High Court granting bail to the accused Kuldeep Sengar by suspension of the sentence," a CBI spokesperson had said in a statement.

Protests Outside Delhi High Court

Earlier today, scores of protesters, including women activists along with the Unnao rape survivors mother, held a protest outside the Delhi High Court over its decision to grant bail to Sengar.

The protesters, holding placards, raised slogans such as Balatkariyo ko sanrakshan dena band kro" (stop protecting rapists) in support of the Unnao rape survivor, news agency PTI reported.

Holding a placard, the survivors mother said that she had come to the High Court to protest as her daughter had endured immense suffering.

I am not blaming the entire high court, but only the two judges whose decision has shattered our trust," she said, adding, This is an injustice towards our family. We will approach the Supreme Court, as I have faith in it."

The victim, who was a minor during the incident in 2017, said she will not be intimidated by the suspension of the life sentence of the convict, and asserted that she has blind faith" in the Supreme Court, which she will approach for justice.

Asserting her right to raise questions as a citizen, she said, It is my right and the right of the public to ask these questions. Not every judge is like this." The survivor said the bail order had endangered her familys safety and livelihood. This order has caged me and many women like me. It poses a threat to my family. My husband has also lost his job. What are we supposed to do?" she said.

Expressing faith in the apex court, the survivor said she would challenge the order before it.

We will approach the Supreme Court, and I have blind faith in it. The Supreme Court has given me justice before, and I am confident it will do so again," she said.

What Delhi HC Ruled?

A division bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar of the Delhi High Court suspended the sentence and granted bail to Sengar. He has been granted relief on the condition that he furnish a bail bond of Rs 15 lakh.

In its order, the court directed that the former BJP MLA shall not come within a five-kilometre radius of the victims residence or threaten the rape survivor or her mother, and said any violation of the conditions would automatically lead to the cancellation of his bail.

Unnao Rape Case

The case dates back to 2017, when a teenage girl (now an adult) accused then BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar of raping her. According to the survivor, she was assaulted at the legislators residence and later faced pressure and threats to withdraw her complaint. Initially, the police did not register her case, forcing the family to approach higher authorities and the courts.

The case drew attention after the survivors father died in police custody in April 2018, a day after he was arrested following an altercation with the accuseds supporters. Allegations of intimidation, misuse of power, and attempts to silence the victim led to widespread protests and criticism of the local administration. Following court intervention, the case was handed over to the CBI.

In 2019, a special CBI court convicted Sengar in the rape case and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

(With inputs from agencies)

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 22:03 IST

News india CBI Moves SC Challenging Sengar's Bail, Says Releasing Him Would Endanger Unnao Rape Victim's Life

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Kerala Capital Gets First-Ever BJP Mayor As VV Rajesh Wins Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Poll

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 14:26 IST

BJP State Secretary VV Rajesh was elected Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation with 51 votes, becoming the first BJP leader to head a municipal corporation in Kerala.

BJP State Secretary and Kodunganoor ward councillor VV Rajesh has been elected as the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation (Photo: ANI)

In a historic political development, BJP State Secretary and Kodunganoor ward councillor VV Rajesh was elected Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on Friday, securing 51 votes and marking the Bharatiya Janata Partys first-ever victory in a municipal corporation in Kerala.

Rajesh received the support of 50 BJP councillors and one Independent member in the 101-member corporation.

The UDF mayoral candidate, KS Sabarinathan, secured 17 votes, while the LDFs candidate, RP Shivaji, received 29 votes.

Two votes polled in favour of the UDF were later declared invalid.

Senior BJP leaders, including state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, former Union minister V Muraleedharan and former BJP state president K Surendran, were present at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation office to witness Rajeshs election.

Following the announcement of the results, Rajesh took the oath as Mayor of the state capital.

The BJPs victory in Thiruvananthapuram assumes particular significance as the party wrested control of the corporation after nearly four decades of uninterrupted rule by the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

This win also marks the first time the BJP has secured control of any municipal corporation in Kerala.

Speaking after being elected, Rajesh said, We will move forward together, taking everyone along. Development programs will be implemented in all 101 wards, ensuring equal treatment. Thiruvananthapuram will be transformed into a developed city of the country."

Calling the moment historic, Rajesh further said the development could have wider political implications for the state.

This is a historic moment, and I think this moment will change the political situation of Kerala. I think that the political change of Thiruvananthapuram will change the entire political situation in Kerala," he said.

Earlier in the day, the BJP had announced Rajesh as its mayoral candidate for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Karumam ward councillor GS Asha Nath was named as the deputy mayor candidate.

Meanwhile, results from other municipal corporations in the state reflected a mixed outcome for political fronts.

In Kollam Corporation, UDFs AK Hafeez was elected mayor, while in Kochi Corporation, UDF councillor VK Minimol, a four-time councillor, secured the mayoral post.

In Thrissur Corporation, Dr Niji Justin of the UDF was elected mayor, though dissent emerged from another councillor, Lali James, who alleged she was denied the post after leaders took bribes.

In Kozhikode Corporation, the LDF won the majority of wards, while in Kannur Corporation, UDF candidate P Indira is set to be elected mayor.

Of the six municipal corporations in Kerala, the UDF won four, while the LDF and BJP won one each.

Another milestone was recorded in Pala municipality, where 21-year-old Diya Binu Pulikkankandam was elected chairperson with UDF support, becoming the youngest municipal chairperson in Kerala.

Diya, along with her father Binu and uncle Biju, had contested and won as Independents before extending support to the UDF, ending the Kerala Congress (Mani)s rule in its traditional stronghold.

Apart from Thiruvananthapuram, the BJP also won control of municipalities in Thrippunithura and Palakkad.

ALSO READ | Kerala BJP Alleges Culture Of Fear After LDF Councillor Apologises For Saying Jai Hind In Oath

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 14:16 IST

News india Kerala Capital Gets First-Ever BJP Mayor As VV Rajesh Wins Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Poll

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More than 300,000 Haitians will lose their legal status in the US in February. Most reside in South Florida and have been contributing to the local economy for years

When Jonese Derious thinks about the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, she doesnt see a political debate, but the very real possibility of losing everything she has built with years of effort, including her home and her childrens future. Derious, a single mother of two children who are U.S. citizens, is one of hundreds of thousands of people who could be left in immigration limbo after the Trump administrations decision to end TPS for Haiti.

This is a disaster for me. Im the only person in charge of my children. I work to pay the bills, and they have no one else to care for them. I have no family in Haiti. My father died when I was already living here. My children cry every time I tell them we have to think calmly because we dont know whats going to happen, says Derious, 52.

For years, Derious cleaned hotel rooms, but then she took a croupier course and now works at a casino north of Miami. Three years ago, she bought a house in Port St. Lucie, north of Palm Beach on the peninsulas east coast, where prices were more affordable. She says that between her job and the house, she pays about $15,000 a year in taxes. We work very hard for this, and we deserve better treatment. We came looking for a better life. If my country were doing well, I wouldnt have come, she says.

At the end of last month, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Haiti no longer meets the requirements for TPS, which expires on February 3, 2026. The government maintains that allowing Haitians to remain temporarily in the United States is incompatible with national interests and urged beneficiaries who do not have another legal path to prepare to leave the country, including through self-deportation via the CBP Home app, which offers a free flight and $3,000 until the end of the year.

The decision affects 350,000 Haitians, most of them living in South Florida, who have been left without clear options to regularize their status after the recent suspension of other immigration benefits such as naturalization, residency, and asylum for citizens of a list of countries that included Haiti. In Miami, the decision has created alarm among families, employers, and community leaders.

Miami-Dade County is home to the largest Haitian diaspora in the United States. The first Haitians sought refuge in South Florida starting in the 1960s, fleeing the dictatorship of Francois Duvalier, a trend that intensified in the 1970s and 80s during the rule of his son, Jean-Claude Duvalier. Haitians transformed entire urban areas, such as the Little Haiti neighborhood northeast of Miami, creating an enclave with enormous cultural and demographic impact. It is estimated that some 130,000 people born in Haiti and nearly 300,000 with Haitian roots live in the county. Creole is the third most spoken language in Florida, after English and Spanish, and it appears on ballots and official Miami-Dade County communications.

TPS is an immigration program that allows people from countries experiencing exceptional circumstances, such as armed conflict, natural disasters, or severe humanitarian crises, to live and work legally in the U.S. The Caribbean nation has had TPS designation since the 2010 earthquake, which left hundreds of thousands dead and injured and more than a million displaced. The designation is reviewed periodically and renewed every 18 months. The last extension was granted by former president Joe Biden in August 2024, valid until February 2026.

Haiti is experiencing a profound crisis of insecurity, hunger, and institutional collapse. Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, armed gangs have taken control of large swathes of the country, including much of the capital. The violence has displaced more than a million people, according to human rights organizations, while international efforts have failed to stabilize the situation. A Human Rights Watch report from June documented thousands of deaths from gang violence, as well as hundreds of injuries and kidnappings. Although the United Nations deployed a multinational security force partly funded by the United States, it has not been able to contain the crisis, according to the organization.

Haitians at a protest in New York City during Trump's first term. Andrew Lichtenstein (Getty Images)

Serious consequences for the economy

In South Florida, community and business leaders warn that the end of TPS will have immediate consequences. Paul Christian Namphy, director of the Family Action Network Movement (FANM), a Miami-based community advocacy organization, argues that without the work of immigrants here, without this labor force, the Florida economy would be unable to function.

Namphy points out that to say it is against the national interest for Haitians to remain in the United States couldnt be further from the truth. Haitians contribute billions of dollars each year to the U.S. economy. They pay billions of dollars in federal, state, and local taxes. These workers are essential to the economy of Florida and the country, he adds.

Namphy was one of the activists, politicians and community leaders who gathered in early December at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, northeast of Miami, to condemn the governments decision, calling it unfair and dangerous for thousands of families who have lived and worked legally in the United States for decades.

The economic consequences in Miami-Dade will be severe, warns Candice Mondesir of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, who points out that many Haitian immigrants in South Florida work in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, construction, services, and retail. The impact of ending TPS will be significant.

These people have been here for many years, they have homes, businesses, they pay Social Security, taxes. What will happen to their retirement plans and 401(k), their savings, their Social Security? she points out.

Leslie Frane, executive vice president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents some two million workers, especially in the health sector, points out that Haitians are essential workers who sustain our economy, especially in home care, nursing homes and hospitals, where staff shortages are pushing families and the system to the limit.

Stripping migrant workers of their work permits not only harms Haitian families, but also affects patients, employers, and the communities that depend on their care. They deserve dignity and stability, not fear and uncertainty. The way the Trump Administration has treated them is despicable, she added.

Without a country to return to

Beyond the economic impact, the uncertainty is taking a profound emotional toll. Farah Larrieux, a 46-year-old Haitian businesswoman with TPS, works as a community organizer with a group of beneficiaries who she says are depressed because they dont know what theyre going to do.

Many of these people no longer identify Haiti as their country. Many have lost their homes; others escaped assassination attempts, says Larrieux, who has lived in the U.S. for 20 years. All these people are here because they were forced to come, because a terrorist group has taken over the country. They came to save their lives. For many, returning to Haiti now is, in practice, a death sentence, making them vulnerable to extortion and kidnapping.

For her, the decision transcends any debate. This isnt public policy, this is cruelty and racism. Because Trump thinks he can do whatever he wants because it involves Haitians. He thinks Haiti isexcuse my Frencha shithole country, that he can lie about us and there will be no consequences. He thinks the American people arent going to care; nobody is going to care about Haitians. We have to inform, educate, and raise awareness among the American people about the situation, she adds.

Were not talking about Haiti here, were talking about Miami, Larrieux insists. About hospitals, airports, hotels, schools, and communities that depend on these people every day.

In June, the DHS sought to shorten the latest TPS extension by six months, arguing that the situation in Haiti had improved enough to make it safe to return. However, San Francisco federal judge Edward Chen blocked the attempt in September, stating that revoking the protections would send these individuals back to conditions so dangerous that even the State Department advises against travel to their home countries. In the case of Haiti, the State Department advises against travel to the nation due to the severe security situation, including kidnappings, terrorist activity, and social unrest.

For Namphy, the answer lies in a fundamental political solution: We need immigration reform that will allow people to continue living and working here legally. The economy needs it, and people deserve it too.

He further emphasizes that the responsibility now rests with elected leaders. There are people of immigrant origin in Congress, in the Senate, in the Florida Legislature, in Miami-Dade County, and in city halls. They have to decide whether they will support their constituents, who are in danger today, or whether they will do the bidding of those who want to harm us. And if they dont decide to support us, in the next election we will elect someone willing to do so.

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Womans Ashes Go Missing From Crematorium Locker in Himachals Solan, Police Launch Probe

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 12:01 IST

When the family visited the crematorium on Thursday morning to collect the ashes for immersion in Haridwar, they discovered the locker open and the ashes missing

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A womans ashes went missing from a crematorium locker in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, distressing her family. (News18)

In a shocking incident, a womans ashes reportedly went missing from a crematorium locker in Himachal Pradeshs Solan, prompting the family to lodge a police complaint.

According to the complaint, Kamal Pals mother, an 85-year-old resident of Ward Number 5, passed away on December 16. Her last rites were performed the same day at the Chambaghat crematorium. After the cremation, her ashes were placed in locker number two, which the family had the key to.

When the family visited the crematorium on Thursday morning to collect the ashes for immersion in Haridwar, they discovered the locker open and the ashes missing. Fearing misuse of the remains, Kamal Pal later released a video appeal urging the public not to exploit his mothers ashes.

Familys Concerns And Police Complaint

Describing the matter as serious and sensitive due to emotional and religious sentiments, Kamal Pal filed a police complaint and demanded the arrest of those responsible. The family contacted priests in Haridwar, who advised creating silver ashes for immersion in the Ganga following the theft.

SP Solan, Gaurav Singh, confirmed that the police have received the complaint and are investigating the matter. Crematorium staff and other relevant individuals are being questioned as part of the ongoing probe.

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Location : Solan, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 12:01 IST

News india Womans Ashes Go Missing From Crematorium Locker in Himachals Solan, Police Launch Probe

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Veer Bal Diwas 2025: Why December 26 Stands For The Courage Of Guru Gobind Singh Jis Sahibzadas

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 07:03 IST

Veer Bal Diwas commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh Jis four Sahibzadas, symbols of faith, courage and righteousness.

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Veer Bal Diwas takes place each year on December 26. (Pic for representation)

Veer Bal Diwas is observed every year on December 26 to honour the extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. The day serves as a powerful reminder of bravery, unwavering faith and righteousness shown by children who chose truth and dharma over fear, coercion and oppression.

More than a tribute to Sikh history, Veer Bal Diwas stands as a national symbol of moral strength and resilience. Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh are remembered as timeless icons of courage whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations.

Veer Bal Diwas: History

The origins of Veer Bal Diwas are rooted in a deeply moving chapter of Sikh history. Guru Gobind Singh Ji faced immense hardship when Mughal forces surrounded the Anandpur Sahib Fort, where he and his followers had taken refuge.

After months of intense struggle, assurances of safe passage were given to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his family on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. However, this promise was soon broken. During the chaos that followed, the Gurus younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, were captured by Mughal forces.

Despite their tender age, the two Sahibzadas were subjected to immense pressure and were offered safety and comfort if they agreed to abandon their faith and convert to Islam. Displaying remarkable courage and spiritual resolve far beyond their years, both boys firmly refused.

As a result, the Mughal authorities ordered that they be bricked alive within the walls of a fort, an act of cruelty that shocked history. Even in the face of such brutality, the Sahibzadas remained steadfast in their beliefs, becoming eternal symbols of faith and sacrifice.

Earlier, the elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, had also attained martyrdom while fighting bravely on the battlefield, further strengthening the legacy of courage associated with Guru Gobind Singh Jis family.

Veer Bal Diwas 2025: Significance

Veer Bal Diwas is observed to honour all four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, with December 26 specifically chosen to commemorate the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas.

The day serves as a reminder for Sikhs and people around the world to pay tribute to these brave young heroes and reflect on the values they stood for, including courage, integrity and devotion to truth.

Celebration of Veer Bal Diwas

Across India, particularly in Punjab and among Sikh communities worldwide, Veer Bal Diwas is marked with deep reverence and reflection. Gurudwaras hold special prayers, kirtans and recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib in memory of the Sahibzadas. Educational institutions organise storytelling sessions, exhibitions and discussions to help children and young people understand the significance of their sacrifice. Cultural programmes, seminars and stage performances depicting the lives of the four Sahibzadas are also conducted to keep their legacy alive. Many individuals observe the day by reflecting on ideals such as compassion, bravery and service to humanity.

On December 26, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the Veer Bal Diwas observance in New Delhi, underscoring the importance of children as the foundation of the nations future.

During the event, he launched the Suposhit Panchayat Abhiyaan, aimed at improving nutrition outcomes and encouraging greater community participation.

The Government of India also conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) on 17 children for exceptional achievements across seven categories, with each awardee receiving a medal, certificate and citation booklet, reinforcing the enduring message of courage and excellence that Veer Bal Diwas represents.

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Location : Amritsar, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 07:03 IST

News lifestyle events Veer Bal Diwas 2025: Why December 26 Stands For The Courage Of Guru Gobind Singh Jis Sahibzadas
Akshaye Khannas All-Black Viral Look From Dhurandhar Decoded

Published By :

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 11:00 IST

Akshaye Khannas all-black Sher-E-Baloch look in Dhurandhars viral song Fa9la is stealing attention. Heres how the iconic outfit came together.

Akshaye Khanna's performance in Dhurandhar has won a million hearts. (Photo Credit: X)

Akshaye Khanna is trending across the internet thanks to Dhurandhars viral song Fa9la. Fans on Instagram and YouTube are captivated not only by the track but also by Akshayes dramatic entrance and striking look.

However, this magic isnt accidental; theres meticulous work behind the scenes that makes a scene go viral. A recent Instagram post revealed some of these secrets, with Dhurandhars costume designer, Smriti Chauhan, breaking down Akshayes iconic Sher-E-Baloch look from the song.

Akshayes Viral Look From Dhurandhar Decoded

Akshayes impromptu dance may have stolen the spotlight in the Flipperachi-sung song, but his look was anything but spontaneous. Smriti Chauhan decoded the ensemble, revealing the thought and effort that went into creating a look that truly stood out.

Smriti shared that one thing she and her team were certain about for the Dil Chahta Hai actors look in the song was that it would be an all-black ensemble, ensuring he remained the centre of attention. She also revealed that though the colour of the pagdi was a point of discussion, they eventually chose white, allowing the black-and-white contrast to stand out amidst the vibrant colours surrounding Akshaye in the song.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Smriti Chauhan (@smriti.schauhan)

More About The Silhouette

Talking about the silhouette, costume designer Smriti Chauhan revealed that the team wanted Akshayes look to stay true to Balochi culture, which is why they chose a traditional Balochi Pathani style. Keeping Akshayes frame in mind, they paired it with a semi-Balochi salwar crafted from six meters of fabric.

For the kurta, Akshaye wore a slim-fit black piece with a Chinese collar, featuring shirt cuffs on the sleeves and suede piping along the collar-hem, and a button placket. The kurta also included a leather double-line patch on the cuffs and pockets, with metallic black matte buttons, adding subtle detailing that elevated the overall look.

When it came to the fabric, the designer opted for a silk-wool blend, deliberately steering clear of traditional silks.

Smriti also shared that she initially loved the idea of a Nehru jacket for Akshayes look, but they eventually settled on a bandhgala, which suited the outfit perfectly. The final, crucial touch was a black Pashmina stole, adding an extra layer of finesse to the ensemble.

A great deal of effort went into crafting Akshayes look, and it clearly paid off; after all, it has become one of the most talked-about elements of the film.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 11:00 IST

News lifestyle fashion Akshaye Khannas All-Black Viral Look From Dhurandhar Decoded
Warning 'Shot': Australia Flags Fake Rabies Vaccine In India

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 21:48 IST

The alert warns that travellers who received this vaccine in India since November 1, 2023, may be completely unprotected against the fatal virus

Maintaining a safe distance from street dogs, monkeys, and other mammals remains the primary defence in endemic regions, the alert says. (Representational image/News18 Hindi)

Australian health authorities have issued an urgent public health alert following the detection of counterfeit batches of the rabies vaccine Abhayrab circulating in India. The alert, released by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and state health departments, warns that travellers who received this vaccine in India since November 1, 2023, may be completely unprotected against the fatal virus.

The Scope of the Counterfeit Circulation

The falsified vaccine was first flagged by the manufacturer, Indian Immunologicals Limited, in early 2025 after discovering that counterfeiters were replicating genuine batch numbers, specifically Batch No. KA24014. While the genuine Abhayrab is a WHO-prequalified, highly effective vaccine, the counterfeit versions have been found to differ significantly in their chemical formulation, packaging, and labelling. Authorities have identified the distribution of these fake vials in major Indian hubs, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow, although the full geographic extent of the circulation remains unknown.

Risk Assessment and Fatal Consequences

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is virtually 100% fatal once clinical symptoms appear. Because the counterfeit vaccine may lack the active viral antigen or may have been stored outside the required cold chain, it carries a high risk of treatment failure. ATAGI has stated that since it is nearly impossible for a patient to distinguish between a genuine and a fake vial based on sight alone, any dose of Abhayrab administered in India during the specified period should be considered invalid.

Directives for Travellers and Clinicians

The Australian government has advised anyone who received a rabies vaccine in India from November 1, 2023, onwardsand who was either given Abhayrab or is unsure of the brandto consult a healthcare provider immediately. Affected individuals are being recommended for replacement doses using vaccines registered in Australia, such as Rabipur or Verorab.

For those currently travelling or planning to visit India, health officials suggest the following precautions:

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Completing a full course of rabies vaccination in Australia before departure significantly simplifies treatment if an exposure occurs.

Documentation: If vaccinated abroad, travellers must take photos of the vaccine packaging and labels and keep a strict record of batch numbers and product names.

Animal Avoidance: Maintaining a safe distance from street dogs, monkeys, and other mammals remains the primary defence in endemic regions.

This alert follows a similar look-back" exercise conducted by the UK Health Security Agency and the CDC earlier this year, after a rabies fatality was linked to a traveller who had sought treatment in India.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 21:48 IST

News health-and-fitness Warning 'Shot': Australia Flags Fake Rabies Vaccine In India
Alia Bhatt Holds Ranbir Kapoor Close, Smiles At Raha At Family Christmas Dinner 'Wrapped In Love'

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 10:16 IST

Soni Razdan hosted a Christmas dinner which was also attended by Neetu Kapoor and her daughter.

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Alia Bhatt shared pictures from her intimate family dinner.

Alia Bhatt has shared a glimpse of her family Christmas celebration. Alia celebrated the festival of joy and togetherness with Ranbir Kapoor, Raha Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Soni Razdan, Shaheen Bhatt, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, and Samara Sahni. She took to Instagram to share beautiful photos from the intimate celebration.

She captioned the post, Wrapped in love, Christmas 2025 ." Alia Bhatt smiled brightly as she posed with her mother Soni and her sister Shaheen. Alias daughter, Raha, also featured in one of the photos. The actress held Ranbir Kapoor close in another picture and posed with the Kapoor family in one photo.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alia Bhatt  (@aliaabhatt)

While Alia chose the colour red, Ranbir opted for an all-black ensemble featuring a t-shirt, jeans and a jacket. The black and red combination was a classic look for the power couple. Shaheen and Soni were dressed in ruby red and black dresses, respectively. Neetu and Riddhima matched Ranbirs vibe and came dressed in hues of black and silver. Samara kept it casual and winter-friendly in a blue sweater paired with denim jeans.

Riddhima Kapoor also took to her Instagram handle and shared a photo featuring Neetu Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and her daughter. Christmas isnt about the gifts under the tree, but the people gathered around it. So grateful for moments like these and a family that makes every season brighter! Thank you, @sonirazdan aunty, for the love, effort, and care you put into Christmas dinner. We missed you @brat.man #gratefulthankfulblessed," read the caption.

Meanwhile, on the work front, both Alia and Ranbir will soon be seen in Love and War. According to recent reports, the makers are planning to unveil the first glimpse of the film in January 2026. If a recent report by Bollywood Hungama is to be believed, Love and War is running behind, due to which its release is likely to get delayed. Reportedly, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has asked the lead actors to block dates until summer 2026 to complete the project. Besides this film, Alia is also gearing up for the release of Alpha and Ranbir will be seen in Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana as Lord Ram.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 10:16 IST

News movies bollywood Alia Bhatt Holds Ranbir Kapoor Close, Smiles At Raha At Family Christmas Dinner 'Wrapped In Love'
Katrina Kaif Shares FIRST Post Since Becoming A Mother, Holds New Dad Vicky Kaushal Close

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 07:34 IST

Katrina Kaif wished for love, joy and peace for all this Christmas as she shared a family selfie.

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Katrina Kaif welcomed her son on November 7.

Katrina Kaif has shared her first post since becoming a mother, and its her customary Christmas post. Katrina Kaif, who loves sharing glimpses from her Christmas celebration on Instagram, recently took to social media to share a family selfie from the special day. This year, she celebrated with Vicky Kaushal, Sunny Kaushal and her brother Sebastian.

Katrina captioned her post, Love joy and peace to all Its a Merry Merry Christmas! ." The selfie was taken by Vicky Kaushal, who sported a goofy expression. Even Sunny made a funny face for the photo. Meanwhile, Katrina and Sebastian flashed bright smiles. Have a look here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif)

The Christmas selfie marked Katrinas first Instagram post since becoming a mother on November 7. Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif have been enjoying quiet family time away from the hustle and bustle of Bollywood ever since they welcomed their first child together, a baby boy.

Katrina and Vicky also recently celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary. This year, Vicky and Katrina skipped a grand anniversary celebration. Instead, the sleep-deprived new parents chose the comfort of home, marking the day quietly together with their baby boy. Vicky shared a romantic selfie with his wife, and even penned a sweet note wishing her on their wedding anniversary.

Katrina Kaif And Vicky Kaushals Love Story

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal tied the knot in a dreamy wedding in Rajasthan. The couple got married on December 9, 2021, in a private ceremony at Six Senses Fort Barwara in Sawai Madhopur.

In November, Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal took to Instagram to announce the happy news of their baby boys birth. The couple wrote, Our bundle of joy has arrived. With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our baby boy. 7th November 2025." The post garnered more than 4 million likes and love from loved ones. Vickys brother and actor, Sunny Kaushal, couldnt contain his excitement as he shared the happy news on social media, writing, Main chacha ban gaya."

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 07:34 IST

News movies bollywood Katrina Kaif Shares FIRST Post Since Becoming A Mother, Holds New Dad Vicky Kaushal Close
Pakistani-American Actor Kumail Nanjiani Says Shah Rukh Khan Is God

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 19:29 IST

In an interview, Kumail Nanjiani spoke about his deep admiration for Bollywood and Shah Rukh Khan.

For Eternals, he even featured in a full-fledged Bollywood-style song and dance sequence.(Photo Credit: Instagram)

It is often debated just how vast Shah Rukh Khans star power truly is, but his influence across India and the world is undeniable. From packed theatres to global fan followings, the Bollywood icon enjoys a level of admiration that very few celebrities can match.

Adding to this conversation, Pakistani actor and comedian Kumail Nanjiani recently shared his thoughts on why Shah Rukh Khans stardom stands far apart from even Hollywoods biggest names.

Kumail Nanjiani on Shah Rukh Khans Global Stardom

Kumail Nanjiani, who played the role of Kingo in Marvels Eternals, believes Shah Rukh Khan possesses a unique and unmatched presence. While many actors are considered global superstars, Nanjiani feels the Jawan actors appeal operates on a completely different level.

Appearing on Hasan Minhajs YouTube channel, Nanjiani joined the comedian for a candid discussion on movies and celebrity culture. During the conversation, Minhaj posed an interesting question about who qualifies as the bigger movie star, Shah Rukh Khan or Tom Cruise.

Nanjianis answer was immediate and emphatic. He said, Shah Rukh Khan is God. He is not a movie star Can I tell you why this superpower is at a whole different level? Were comparing apples to oranges. Once again, the mastery of Urdu as a language, which is simultaneously the biggest movie star in the world, is a very American, individual thing. But it is the humility factor."

Humility and Confidence Behind Shah Rukh Khans Persona

Explaining further, Nanjiani spoke about how Shah Rukh Khan carries his stardom with humility. He said, I must say, I watched interviews with Shah Rukh Khan, a whole lot. Tom Cruise will come out with his movie star shades, Shah Rukh Khan will come out and say, Oh! Im nothing. Obviously, he knows thats not true, but that he is so confident in his movie star-ness that he actively downplays it."

According to Nanjiani, this ability to downplay his own fame while being fully aware of it is what sets Shah Rukh Khan apart from other global icons.

Why Indian Cinema Creates Larger-Than-Life Stars

Nanjiani also reflected on how deeply cinema is embedded in Indian culture. What people dont understand here (America) is what movies are to India, they are not to people here. There, it is such a big part of the culture, the people who are movie stars are gods, they are kings," he said.

He further highlighted how Bollywood films are an immersive experience for audiences. The Bollywood movies are, you know, you spend 5 hours in a theatre, thats your whole day. The reverence people have for their movies, America has never had," the actor said.

Expanding on this, Nanjiani described the appeal of Indian masala films. Its about entertaining people. If you look at a normal masala movie, it has action, drama, romance, comedy and songs. Every movie is everything."

Kumail Nanjianis Bollywood-Inspired Role in Eternals

Nanjianis admiration for Bollywood also influenced his portrayal of Kingo in Eternals. The character was written as a Bollywood movie star and the actor revealed earlier that he took inspiration from Indian cinema icons like Hrithik Roshan while shaping the role.

The film featured an elaborate Bollywood-style song-and-dance sequence, marking the first time such a spectacle appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and highlighting the growing global impact of Indian cinema.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 19:10 IST

News movies bollywood Pakistani-American Actor Kumail Nanjiani Says Shah Rukh Khan Is God
Salman Khan To Celebrate 60th Birthday With Private Gathering At Panvel Farmhouse | Details Inside

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 13:11 IST

Salman Khan celebrates his 60th birthday with a private Panvel farmhouse party, tribute video from directors, and continues work on Battle of Galwan with Apoorva Lakhia.

Salman Khans 60th Birthday To Feature Tribute From Directors

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is set to mark his 60th birthday on December 27 with a private celebration, continuing a tradition he has maintained over the years. The actor plans to host a close-knit party at his Panvel farmhouse, inviting family, friends, and select industry colleagues.

Like every year, Salman Khan will be throwing a private bash at his Panvel farmhouse. Apart from his family and close friends, the invitees also include all the directors he has worked with," a source told India Today. The guest list is expected to remain intimate, focusing on long-standing professional and personal relationships rather than a large-scale industry event.

Adding a special touch to the occasion, a tribute video featuring messages from directors Salman has collaborated with throughout his career has been prepared. A special video featuring messages from all his directors over her cinematic journey and their experience working with him has been prepared for the actor," the source added, calling it a personal gesture.

Salmans birthday celebrations have traditionally followed a similar format, with brief appearances for photographers as he cuts the cake at his Panvel farmhouse. Despite reaching the milestone of 60, the actor is expected to maintain this understated approach.

The milestone holds significance beyond personal celebration. Salman Khan is the last of Bollywoods iconic Khans" to reach 60, following Shah Rukh Khan (November 2) and Aamir Khan (March 14). Fans of Hindi cinema who grew up watching the trio redefine stardom and box-office benchmarks are particularly invested in the occasion.

On the professional front, Salman continues to work on his upcoming film Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The project reportedly portrays the military confrontation on June 15, 2020, in the Galwan Valley, where 200 Indian soldiers faced 1,200 Chinese PLA soldiers in defense of Indian territory.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 13:11 IST

News movies bollywood Salman Khan To Celebrate 60th Birthday With Private Gathering At Panvel Farmhouse | Details Inside
Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol To Hold Special Screening Of Ikkis In Dharmendra's Memory

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 07:18 IST

Helmed by filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis shares the inspiring story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal  Indias youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.

Agastya Nanda stars in Ikkis, releasing in theatres on January 1, 2026.

Sriram Raghavans upcoming movie, Ikkis, is going to be very special. The film, which also stars Agastya Nanda in the lead, will mark late actor Dharmendras last appearance on the big screen. To celebrate the same, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol will be hosting a special screening of the movie.

As reported by Times Now, Sunny and Bobby will organise a special screening of Ikkis in Mumbai in the coming week in memory of their late father. During the screening, the Deol brothers are also expected to address the media for the first time since their fathers death. More details are awaited.

Helmed by the National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis shares the inspiring story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal  Indias youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Khetarpal took on the enemy head-on during the Battle of Basantar, destroying 10 Pakistani tanks before losing his life.

Recently, Agastya Nanda spoke about being a part of this movie and shared how Ikkis marked one of his earliest experiences of working with a towering figure of Indian cinema.

We didnt have many scenes together, but the time we did spend was unforgettable," Agastya said during a media interaction in Mumbai, as quoted by India Today. The young talent further recalled his first meeting with Dharmendra and shared that while he was very nervous about it, Dharmendra was very kind. He never made you feel like he was a senior. He spoke to you like a friend," Agastya said and described Dharmendra as warm, relaxed and surprisingly energetic on set.

Later, in an interview with ANI, Sriram Raghavan also revealed that Dharmendra watched the first half of the movie but could not watch the second half. I met him in October. That time he was okay, but he was not too well. He did watch the first half and waited for the second half. I wanted him to see the film in its entirety. Somehow, that couldnt happen. He is not here to enjoy the work he had done, and people appreciate that. That is a regret we have," he shared.

Ikkis will hit theatres on January 1, 2026.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 07:18 IST

News movies bollywood Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol To Hold Special Screening Of Ikkis In Dharmendra's Memory
Sunny Deol To Address Media For The First Time After Dharmendra's Death: Report

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 12:29 IST

Sunny Deol has reportedly been upset with the media, particularly the paparazzi, over Dharmendra's death coverage.

Dharmendra passed away on November 24.

Sunny Deol is reportedly all set to address the media for the first time ever since his father, veteran actor Dharmendras death. If a latest report by Times Now is to be believed, Sunny and Bobby will organise a special screening of Sriram Raghavans upcoming directorial Ikkis  which will also mark Dharmendras last film on the big screen.

Reportedly, during the screening, the Deol brothers are also expected to address the media for the first time since their fathers death. However, there is no official announcement regarding this as of now.

It should be noted that Sunny Deols address to the media will mark a special moment since he has reportedly been upset with the news agencies over the coverage of his fathers death. Previously, the Gadar actor was seen confronting a paparazzi and lashing out at him when the shutterbug tried to take his pictures during Dharmendras asthi visarjan ritual in Haridwar. In a video that surfaced on social media, Sunny was seen walking towards the paparazzi and snatching his camera before asking, Paisa chahiye? Kitne paise chahiye tere ko?"

Prior to this, the actor was seen lashing out at the media who were stationed outside his Juhu residence when Dharmendra had returned from the hospital. Aap ke ghar mein maa-baap hai, bachche hai. Chu**** ki tarah video bheje ja rahe ho. Sharam nahi aati? (Dont you have mothers and fathers at home? Dont you feel any shame?)" he had said.

Dharmendra passed away on November 24. Following this death, Sunny and Bobby Deol held a prayer meeting in Mumbai, which was attended by several Bollywood stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Malaika Arora, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Rekha, Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty. Later, Hema Malini also held a separate prayer meet for her late husband in New Delhi.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 09:20 IST

News movies bollywood Sunny Deol To Address Media For The First Time After Dharmendra's Death: Report
Year Ender 2025: From FA9LA To Sahiba, 10 Viral Songs That Ruled The Indian Internet

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 18:02 IST

From Saiyaara to FA9LA, discover the 10 viral songs that ruled Reels, Shorts, and playlists across the Indian internet in 2025, cutting across languages and genres.

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From heartbreak ballads and indie confessions to regional rap and massy Bollywood bangers, 2025 belonged to sonic chaos.

If 2024 was about catchy hooks, 2025 was the year the Indian internet fully embraced sonic chaos. From the raw energy of Haryanvi rap to the acoustic soul of Indie pop, this years playlist was as diverse as the country itself. Language barriers dissolved completely on Reels, with Marathi, Tamil, and Haryanvi tracks dominating national feeds just as much as Bollywood blockbusters. Here are the 10 songs that provided the soundtrack to our scrolls this year.

1. Saiyaara (Title Track)

The heartbreak anthem of the year didnt come from a massive blockbuster, but from the hauntingly beautiful world of Saiyaara. Sung by Faheem Abdullah, who has become the unofficial voice of modern longing, this track topped YouTube Indias trending lists for weeks. It wasnt just a song; it was a mood that permeated the internet. The melancholic melody became the default background score for millions of sad aesthetic" Reels, where users captured rainy cityscapes, lonely train journeys, or pensive moments. Its slow-burn intensity resonated deeply with a generation that loves to romanticize its solitude.

Ghafoor (The Ba***ds Of Bollywood)

When Aryan Khan announced his directorial debut series, expectations were high, but no one predicted that the breakout star would be a quirky musical track. Composed by Shashwat Sachdev with vocals by Shilpa Rao, Ghafoor was an eccentric, stylish earworm that refused to leave peoples heads. The tracks unusual beat and the distinctively elongated Ghafoooooor" hook sparked a massive lip-sync phenomenon. It wasnt a standard dance number; it was a vibe check. The internet obsessed over the unique pronunciation, leading to thousands of comedy videos and memes that cemented it as the years most unconventional hit.

3. Shaky

Just when we thought the regional pop wave had peaked with Gulabi Sadi, Sanju Rathod returned to prove he is no one-hit wonder. Shaky exploded out of the Marathi pop scene to become a pan-India dance phenomenon. The track bridged the gap between local folk beats and electric party energy, making it irresistible to content creators. It took over YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels with the Shaky" hook step challenge, a high-energy routine that everyone from top influencers to toddlers attempted to master. It was the ultimate example of how regional music is driving Indias viral culture.

4. FA9LA (Dhurandhar)

Bollywood is often accused of playing it safe, but Dhurandhar flipped the script by featuring Bahraini rapper Flipperachi on a mainstream track. FA9LA brought a gritty, Middle-Eastern rap swag that was entirely fresh for Indian ears. The heavy bass drop and international texture fit perfectly with the years appetite for sigma" energy. It quickly became the go-to audio for the walk challenge," where users strutted in slow motion, mimicking the films swagger. It was loud, aggressive, and perfectly tailored for 15-second visual flexes.

5. Uyi Amma (Azaad)

This track marked the musical arrival of the next generation of Bollywood stars, Rasha Thadani and Aaman Devgan. Sung by the powerhouse Madhubanti Bagchi, Uyi Amma was playful, peppy, and undeniably catchy. While the melody was a hit, the song went viral largely because the internet loved dissecting the debutants. It became the Bestie Anthem" for Gen Z, used in countless dance covers and friendship montages. The video was analyzed frame-by-frame, sparking endless debates and edits comparing the new actors to their famous parents, keeping the song in the spotlight for months.

6. Laal Pari (Housefull 5)

Sometimes, you just need noise, and Housefull 5 delivered the loudest track of the year. With Akshay Kumar returning to his comedy roots, Laal Pari served as the quintessential massy" number. It wasnt sophisticated, but it was incredibly effective. The high-energy dhol beats made it the anthem for Ganpati visarjans, wedding baraats, and gym playlists across the country. The Group Dance" challenge saw large groups of friends attempting the chaotic choreography in public spaces, proving that the appetite for unapologetic Bollywood masala is still very much alive.

7. Kanimaa

Composed by the genius Santhosh Narayanan, Kanimaa was the Tamil track that conquered the North. Much like Illuminati did the previous year, this song proved that a sick beat needs no translation. Its infectious rhythm and inherent swag" made it a favorite for fashion influencers. The song was synonymous with the transition" trend, where creators used the beat drop to switch from casual streetwear to stunning traditional ethnic attire. It was stylish, smooth, and ubiquitous on fashion feeds.

8. Name Chale

If you scrolled through Reels in 2025, you definitely heard the heavy bass of Haryanvi hip-hop. Name Chale was the flagbearer of this movement, bringing Haryanvi grit into mainstream pop culture. It became the background track for every success story," glow-up," or attitude status" video on the internet. The trend usually involved users showing a before and after" transformation synced to the songs powerful drop, celebrating personal victories with a heavy dose of desi swagger.

9. Sahiba (Aditya Rikhari)

In a sea of over-produced remixes, Aditya Rikharis Sahiba was a breath of fresh air. This indie track went viral purely on the strength of its raw, rustic storytelling. Rikharis signature vocal texturewhich feels like a friend singing in a living roomstruck a chord with millions. It became the Travel Therapy" song of 2025. The audio was almost exclusively paired with scenic visuals of mountains, solo trips to Himachal, and slow living" vlogs. It was the sound of peace for a generation burnt out by the digital hustle.

10. Arz Kiya Hai (Coke Studio Bharat)

Anuv Jains debut on Coke Studio Bharat was one of the most anticipated indie moments of the year, and he delivered with Arz Kiya Hai. Collaborating with Lost Stories, the track stripped away the noise, using just a harmonium and guitar to create a warm, acoustic hug. It fueled the Open Letter" trend, where users used the instrumental sections to type out heartfelt digital letters to their crushes, exes, or even their future selves. It was a cultural moment that turned the comments sections into a collective diary of love and loss.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 18:00 IST

News movies bollywood Year Ender 2025: From FA9LA To Sahiba, 10 Viral Songs That Ruled The Indian Internet
Before Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas Wanted To Marry Miley Cyrus: 'Don't Wanna Love If It's Not You'

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 09:44 IST

Nick Jonas wrote a song about how Miley Cyrus should call off her wedding with Liam Hemsworth and give him another chance instead.

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Nick Jonas' love life has always caught everyone's attention.

Long before Nick Jonas married Priyanka Chopra and became Indias National Jiju, the pop stars most famous romance was with Miley Cyrus. Nick Jonas and Miley Cyrus were among the most talked-about young stars navigating fame, friendship, and first love in the spotlight. Their relationship became one of the most memorable teen romances of the late 2000s, shaping pop culture and inspiring music that fans still dissect today.

Most notably, Nick Jonas previously confirmed that the Jonas Brothers song, Wedding Bells, was about Miley getting married to Liam Hemsworth. In the song, Nick suggested that Miley should call off her engagement and not marry Liam. He suggested in the song that they should get back together instead.

When Nick Jonas wrote an entire song about how he didnt want Miley Cyrus to marry Liam Hemsworth. https://t.co/hFqWvzc9gN pic.twitter.com/iStXsuOUdQ ` (@Evadivalore) December 25, 2025

The song includes lyrics like, No, I dont wanna love if its not you. I dont wanna hear the wedding bells prove that we cant try one last time. But I dont wanna hear the wedding bells chime!" This pop culture moment has gone viral again on X.

Nick Jonas and Miley Cyrus met in the mid-2000s, when both were rising stars on the Disney Channel. Their shared experiences of sudden fame, relentless schedules, and massive fan attention naturally drew them together. The pair reportedly began dating around 2006, when they were both in their early teens. Though young, their relationship quickly became public fodder, with fans and media closely following every appearance, lyric, and rumour.

As one of Disneys first high-profile teen couples, Nick and Miley faced intense scrutiny. Every interaction was magnified, and the pressures of growing up in public left little room for privacy. Their romance was short-lived, reportedly ending around 2007, but the emotional impact lingered. In 2009, Nick and Miley briefly reconnected, reigniting interest and nostalgia among fans. However, this second chapter was also short-lived.

Years after their romance, Miley Cyrus married Liam Hemsworth in 2018. However, the couple is now divorced. Meanwhile, Nick Jonas married Priyanka Chopra, also in 2018. They welcomed their daughter, Malti Marie, in 2022.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 09:44 IST

News movies hollywood Before Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas Wanted To Marry Miley Cyrus: 'Don't Wanna Love If It's Not You'
Lily Collins On Her Struggles Filming Emily In Paris As New Mom

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 10:25 IST

Lily Collins began shooting for Emily in Paris season 5 three months after welcoming her baby girl, Tove.

Emily in Paris season 5 premiered on December 18. (Photo Credit : Instagram)

As Emily Cooper juggled career, fashion, and romance across Europe in Emily in Paris season 5, actress Lily Collins, who plays the character, navigated an even bigger role off-screen: motherhood. She and her husband, director Charlie McDowell, surprised fans earlier this year when they announced they had welcomed their daughter, Tove Jane McDowell, through surrogacy in late January.

Just three months after welcoming her daughter, the actress resumed working on the Netflix rom-com. She revealed that returning to the sets was anything but easy. In an interview, Lily spoke about how motherhood reshaped her approach to work. Known for her perfectionism, she admitted that returning to the sets proved to be more challenging than she had anticipated.

Lily Collins Says She Wasnt Her Perfectionist Self While Filming For Emily In Paris Season 5

It was my first job being a mom," she told People, adding, Normally I can juggle a lot of things at once, and I still find myself in that mode of perfectionism, and everything has to be memorised, and everything has to be overly prepared. And what I realised this year is thats just not possible when you have something greater than yourself to focus on."

The 36-year-old actress revealed that the exhaustion and emotional strain led her to open up to her colleagues in ways she had never before. I went up to people, and I just said like, Okay, not sleeping a lot, Im exhausted. Im obviously a new mom. Im trying to figure a lot of things out in real time. Its a struggle. I miss her," she shared.

Lily Collins Reveals Shes Never Been In A Gag Reel, But This Time, It Was Different

Lily mentioned that she would tell her co-stars that she might not remember all her lines, saying, Im at work. Theres a lot of new emotions floating around for me. I may not know all my lines. You might have to have some grace with time." She also added that if she were going through something in her personal life, she would never warn" people or say something to anyone; she would just tell herself, Get over it," but this time, it was different.

Ive never really been in the gag reel because Ive never really done a lot of mess-ups because I wanted to never mess up," she explained. This season, however, she allowed herself more freedom. I was like, Oh, theyre gonna put that oh, theyre gonna put that. And it was amazing because I really felt like I had way more like fun and freedom," she mentioned.

Emily in Paris season 5, which premiered on December 18, is now streaming on Netflix.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 10:25 IST

News hollywood Lily Collins On Her Struggles Filming Emily In Paris As New Mom
Stranger Things Finale: 'Will Byers' Noah Schnapp Asks Fans To 'Cherish These Last Moments'

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IANS

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 10:35 IST

Noah Schnapp said that he is truly so grateful for the family weve built here.

Stranger Things 5 Volume 2 is now streaming.

As the makers of Stranger Things" dropped its final chapter, actor Noah Schnapp, who plays the pivotal role of Will Byers in the show, has shared an emotional message with fans, asking them to pause, reflect and truly savour the last moments of the globally loved series.

Sharing a string of images from the sets of Stranger Things 5 Volume 2" on Instagram, he mentioned that real power" isnt telekinesis, its friendship, loyalty, and accepting yourself and others exactly as we come."

He wrote in the caption: So excited to share this chapter with all of you. As we head into the final week of Stranger Things, please take a moment to really soak it in. Cherish these last moments, finding comfort in your favourite characters, debriefing with friends, reliving scenes together online afterward. These matter more than we sometimes realise."

The actor said that he is truly so grateful for the family weve built here." He added: I love you all like my own close friends and family. One of the greatest joys for me has been watching you form real friendships with each other, meeting you unexpectedly in public (or purposefully on DMs and video games) and feeling your pure excitement, and knowing how much this show has meant to so many people who needed connection, belonging, and a place to feel accepted."

The actor said, You will always have a place with me, and in this show, no matter who you are. We love you exactly as you are. If theres one thing to remember from our show: connection is what keeps us alive. And the only way to truly connect is to let people see the real you, and realise you can be loved even more when you do."

Noah concluded: Real power isnt telekinesis or cool hand movements (though those can be pretty badass). Its friendship, loyalty, and accepting yourself and others exactly as we come. Volume 2: Now Streaming."

Stranger Things combines elements of horror, science fiction, mystery, fantasy, and coming-of-age drama. Set in the 1980s, the series centers on the residents of the fictional small town of Hawkins, Indiana, after a young girl with psychokinetic abilities, named Eleven, opens a gateway between Earth and a hostile alternate dimension known as the Upside Down at a nearby human experimentation facility.

The cast includes Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, Matthew Modine, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Brett Gelman, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Linda Hamilton.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 10:35 IST

News movies hollywood Stranger Things Finale: 'Will Byers' Noah Schnapp Asks Fans To 'Cherish These Last Moments'
Rupali Ganguly Criticises Silence Over Hindu Killings In Bangladesh: 'Time To Take A Stand' | Exclusive

Reported By :

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 14:05 IST

Rupali Ganguly's comments come after the brutal killing of 27-year-old Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladeshs Mymensingh district.

Rupali Ganguly urges action after Hindu killings in Bangladesh spark outrage. (Photo: Instagram)

Rupali Ganguly has condemned the brutal killings of Hindus in Bangladesh. On Friday, the Anupamaa star spoke exclusively to CNN-News18 Showsha and questioned those who are silent over the atrocities against Hindus. The actress stated that its time for everyone to take a stand and urged Hindus to speak up.

Why arent people speaking about atrocities against Hindus? If you can speak up for Palestine and other countries, why cant you raise the same voice against what is happening with Hindus in Bangladesh? I fail to understand why nobody speaks up," Rupali told us.

First Dipu Das and now the fresh incident has happened. It has been happening for quite a while. Previously also we have seen several videos of such incidents. I dont know why voices are not being raised. Its time for us to stand for our own," the actress continued.

Hindus should stand up for the Hindus. They should help. I understand that love is the only religion, kindness is the only caste that we should believe in. But how do people keep quiet when things are happening with Hindus? We saw how sadhus were burnt alive in Palghar. Whenever something happens to Hindus, suddenly everyone keeps quiet. How? Dont understand. Its time for people to start speaking, raising their voice against whats happening," she added.

Rupali Gangulys comments come after the brutal killing of 27-year-old Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladeshs Mymensingh district. Another Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, was also beaten to death by a mob in Bangladesh over an extortion accusation on Thursday. The brutal killings have sparked major outrage and have highlighted the poor condition of minorities in the country.

Apart from Rupali, several other celebrities, including Manoj Joshi, Janhvi Kapoor, Kajal Aggarwal and Jaya Prada, have also expressed their concerns over these killings in Bangladesh.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 14:05 IST

News movies television Rupali Ganguly Criticises Silence Over Hindu Killings In Bangladesh: 'Time To Take A Stand' | Exclusive
Opinion | Baseless, Misleading And Politicised: The Anatomy Of The Aravalli Controversy

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 16:12 IST

The new definition does not permit mining automatically in any area. It only standardises what constitutes the Aravalli range using scientific & geomorphological criteria.

The Opposition has been spreading deliberate misinformation about the new, uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and range. (Getty Images)

The Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has recently issued directions to the States for a complete ban on the grant of any new mining leases in the Aravallis. This prohibition applies uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape. Further, the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been asked to identify additional areas or zones in the entire Aravalli range where mining should be prohibited, over and above the areas already restricted.

The Opposition has been spreading deliberate misinformation about the new, uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and range. No less than the Supreme Court has acknowledged the Modi governments efforts to check rampant illegal mining. The Opposition and the so-called climate lobby claim that the new definition dilutes environmental protection of the Aravallis, which is false. In fact, the new definition strengthens protection by introducing a uniform, scientific and enforceable framework, resolving decades of ambiguity caused by multiple conflicting definitions.

The other baseless allegation by the Congress Party and its cheerleaders is that the new definition opens up 90 per cent of the Aravalli region for mining, which is completely misleading. The new definition does not permit mining automatically in any area. It only standardises what constitutes the Aravalli hills and ranges using scientific and geomorphological criteria. The new definition does not dilute, suspend or override any of the following: the Environment Protection Act, 1986; the Forest Conservation Act, 1980; the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; and the EIA Notification. All statutory environmental, forest and wildlife clearances remain mandatory.

Any mining or construction, whether inside or outside the defined hill ranges, continues to require full statutory approvals. No land is automatically released for mining due to the new definition. New mining can be permitted only after a Mining Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is prepared by ICFRE, on the lines of the Saranda Forest model in Jharkhand. ICFRE has yet to identify district-wise ecologically sensitive, conservation-critical and restoration-priority areas across the 37 districts. Until this process is completed, bogus claims by fake activists that 90 per cent of the Aravallis are opened up" have no factual basis.

The allegation that the new definition allows mining in all landforms below 100 metres height is yet another reckless claim, and it is incorrect. All States unanimously agreed to adopt the 100 metres above local relief" criterion, which has been in force in Rajasthan since 9 January 2006. So why has the Congress suddenly decided to outrage?

All landforms enclosed within the lowest binding contour encircling hills of 100 metres or moreirrespective of individual height or slopeare excluded from mining leases. The Aravalli range is defined to include all landforms within 500 metres of two adjoining hills of 100 metres or more. All such areas are excluded from mining, regardless of height.

Another allegation by the fake climate lobby is that a uniform definition of the Aravallis was unnecessary, which is totally wrong. Earlier reliance on revenue records and local descriptions led to confusion, selective enforcement and promotion of illegal mining. A uniform definition ensures clarity, consistency and effective enforcement. The new definition is not arbitrary. The definition agreed upon by the Supreme Court is science-based, grounded in continuous hill formations, ridgelines and identifiable geomorphological featuresnot vague administrative labels.

The other bogus claim by the Modi-hating lobby is that ecologically sensitive areas outside the defined hill ranges are left unprotected, which is false. All such areas continue to be governed by existing environmental, forest and wildlife laws.

The allegation that the new definition prioritises development over environmental protection is also false. It strengthens environmental governance by making protection precise, science-driven and enforceable, reducing regulatory ambiguity and misuse. The new Aravalli definition is about stronger conservation through scientific clarity, not dilution. The Oppositions campaign is driven by distortion, not facts. The Aravallis need protection rooted in sciencenot fear-mongering politics by Congress and its extended ecosystem.

In fact, the Supreme Court itself emphasised that this move promotes sustainable mining while preventing illegal activities, endorsing the Modi governments vision for a Green Aravalli". One prominent Opposition lie is the claim that the redefinition opens vast swathes to mining. Protests backed by the Samajwadi Party and Congress have erupted with slogans like Save Aravalli", fuelled by misinformation that hills below 100 metres will be razed. However, the Centre has imposed a complete ban on new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range, expanding protected zones and rejecting any relaxation for non-forest activities.

This directive, issued amid the controversy, underscores that assumptions of widespread mining are baseless. The Aravallis will remain protected; this is Prime Minister Modis resolve. Historical context further exposes the hypocrisy. During Congress rule in Rajasthan under Ashok Gehlot, illegal mining flourished, with thousands of hectares denuded without oversight. The Congress is spreading confusion to deflect from its own failures. The current standardisation, followed by Rajasthan since 2006, actually curbs the very plunder that occurred under previous Opposition-ruled regimes.

A detailed analysis reveals that the Oppositions 90 per cent figure is a gross misrepresentation; the vast majority of the Aravalli range remains under stringent forest laws, with mining restricted to pre-existing, regulated sites only. Mining is permitted in just 0.19 per cent of the designated area, and that too only after a plethora of statutory approvals. Even the Forest Survey of India (FSI), often cited by critics, has supported slope-based norms that complement the height criterion, debunking claims of ecological dilution.

This pattern of fear-mongering is not new. In 2023, similar outcries over forest law amendments were proven unfounded, as those changes aimed at sustainable development without compromising core protections. The Oppositions strategy appears to be one of deflectionamplifying distortions to undermine the Modi governments environmental credentials, even as its own track record in States where it rules allowed real-estate encroachments.

Contrary to the Oppositions doom-and-gloom narrative, the Modi government has implemented a multifaceted strategy to safeguard the Aravallis, blending policy reforms, restoration projects and enforcement mechanisms. Since 2014, conservation has been a cornerstone of the National Democratic Alliances agenda, with investments in green infrastructure yielding tangible results.

At the forefront is the Aravalli Green Wall Project, an ambitious 1,400-kilometre-long, 5-kilometre-wide green belt initiative launched to combat desertification and restore degraded lands. Modelled on Africas Great Green Wall, this project aims to rejuvenate 7,000 kilometres of the range through afforestation, soil conservation and biodiversity enhancement. By 2030, it is projected to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land, directly benefiting the Aravallis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally participated in tree-planting drives under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, integrating it with the Green Wall to symbolise national commitment.

Enforcement has been ramped up significantly. The Central government has cracked down on illegal mining, with over 1,000 operations shut down in Rajasthan and Haryana since 2020. Satellite monitoring and drone surveillance, introduced under the Modi regime, have enabled real-time detection of violations, leading to record seizures and prosecutions. The complete ban on new mining leases, announced in December 2025, extends protections to ecologically sensitive areas, with ICFRE tasked with mapping and expanding buffer zones.

This move directly counters the Oppositions claims, ensuring no relaxation for commercial exploitation. Policy innovations further bolster conservation. The 2023 amendments to the Forest Conservation Act, far from weakening safeguards, prioritise sustainable practices and community involvement in Aravalli regions. The government has also integrated Aravalli protection into broader schemes like the National Mission for Green India, allocating significant funds for watershed management and eco-tourism that preserves rather than exploits. In Haryana, where erstwhile Congress governments previously kept the Aravallis out of protected status to favour real estate, the current BJP government has reversed course, designating vast tracts as reserved forests.

Biodiversity efforts by the Modi government are equally robust. It has funded leopard conservation corridors in the Aravallis, reducing humanwildlife conflicts and boosting populations. Wetland restoration projects have revived seasonal streams, enhancing groundwater recharge critical for cities like Delhi and Jaipur. Air-quality improvements in the NCR, with AQI drops attributed to dust-trapping afforestation, underscore the ranges role as northern Indias great wall".

International recognition affirms these strides. Indias commitments under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification highlight the Aravalli Green Wall as a global model, with PM Modi emphasising it at COP summits. Domestic metrics from the FSI report show forest cover increased by 15 per cent in Aravalli States since 2014a stark contrast to stagnation under previous Congress regimes.

Gehlots government in the early 2010s opposed uniform definitions, allowing rampant mining and exploitation that the current standardisation seeks to rectify. In Haryana, Congress policies kept the Aravallis unprotected, enabling land grabs by influential figures.

Sonia Gandhis recent column decrying the dismal state of Indias environment" conveniently omits these facts, focusing instead on unsubstantiated attacks. Jawhar Sircars social-media rants echo this selective amnesia, ignoring how Congress-era loopholes fuelled the very mafias they now decry. The BJPs response has been to heal these wounds through restoration, turning the Oppositions climate vandalism into environmental enrichment through sustainable climate goals and robust policy initiatives.

The Aravallis stand as testaments to Indias natural heritage, and under the Modi government, they are being fortified against threats old and new. The Oppositions lies, rooted in exaggeration and historical deflection, crumble under scrutiny, revealing a desperate bid to politicise ecology. In contrast, initiatives like the Green Wall Project, mining bans and biodiversity corridors demonstrate a commitment that is comprehensive, science-driven and forward-looking.

As northern India grapples with climate challenges, the real betrayal would be succumbing to misinformation. The environment-friendly and ecologically sensitive Modi governments actions ensure the Aravallis endurenot as victims of politics, but as thriving guardians of our future. With sustained efforts, these ancient hills will continue to shield us, proving that true protection comes from deeds, not deceit.

Sanju Verma is an Economist, National Spokesperson for BJP and Bestselling Author of The Modi Gambit". Views expressed are personal and solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 16:08 IST

News opinion Opinion | Baseless, Misleading And Politicised: The Anatomy Of The Aravalli Controversy

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Opinion | Faith Without Fear: The Legacy India Inherited From Shaheedi Saptah

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 19:04 IST

To understand why this week matters to India as a whole, one must look beyond ritual remembrance and examine the ethical legacy it left behind

The President of India, in a post on X, observed that nearly 320 years ago, Guru Gobind Singh and his four sons laid down their lives while fighting for truth and justice, and that on this day the nation remembers the unparalleled bravery of the two youngest Sahibzadas, whose courage is honoured across India and the world. (Image: PIB)

Every nation has moments in its past that do more than record events; they define values. For India, many such moments are remembered selectivelysome celebrated loudly, others quietly archived. Yet there exists a chapter in history so morally decisive, so uncompromising in its defence of human conscience, that it deserves remembrance not as a community observance but as a national reflection.

The last week of Decemberobserved by Sikhs worldwide as Shaheedi Saptah (Martyrs Week)is one such chapter.

Between December 1704 and early January 1705, the family of Guru Gobind Singh endured a sequence of sacrifices unparalleled in recorded history. Within days, the Guru sacrificed all four of his sonstwo on the battlefield, two through state executionand his mother soon after. These events were not random tragedies of war. They were the direct consequence of a principled resistance to religious coercion and political tyranny. They were sacrifices made not for conquest, territory, or supremacy, but for the right to liveand believewithout fear.

To understand why this week matters to India as a whole, one must look beyond ritual remembrance and examine the ethical legacy it left behind.

The Idea of Resistance as Moral Duty

The roots of Shaheedi Week stretch back to 1675, when the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb intensified policies of religious conformity. Kashmiri Pandits, facing forced conversions, travelled to Anandpur Sahib seeking protection from Guru Tegh Bahadur.

What followed remains one of the most profound exchanges in Indian moral history. Guru Tegh Bahadur explained to his young son, Gobind Raithen only nine years oldthat only the sacrifice of a great soul could halt the persecution. The child responded with a clarity that would later define his life: there was no greater saint than his father.

Guru Tegh Bahadur was arrested in Agra near Delhi and subjected to extreme torture. His companionsBhai Mati Das, Bhai Dayala, and Bhai Sati Daswere executed in public in horrific ways to break his resolve. He did not yield. On 11 November 1675, he was beheaded in Chandni Chowk. His martyrdom was not for Sikh survival alone; it was for the principle that no ruler has the authority to dictate belief.

That principle would later find constitutional expression in India. But centuries before constitutionalism, it was upheld through sacrifice.

From Spiritual Authority to Ethical Sovereignty

The Sikh response to oppression evolved across generations. Guru Hargobind, Guru Gobind Singhs grandfather, articulated the doctrine of Miri-Pirithe inseparability of spiritual authority and temporal responsibility. Faith, he argued, could not exist in isolation from justice.

Guru Gobind Singh inherited this worldview and sharpened it for an age of conflict. By the end of the 17th century, his growing influenceespecially among the poor and marginalisedalarmed both Mughal authorities and local hill chieftains. He represented not rebellion for power, but resistance with purpose.

On Baisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh formalised this ethic by creating the Khalsa Panth. He abolished distinctions of caste and status, initiated Sikhs into a collective identity, and then subjected himself to the same initiation. In doing so, he declared that authority would flow from moral equality, not lineage.

Anandpur and the Politics of Betrayal

By 1704, tensions had escalated into open confrontation. Anandpur Sahib, the Gurus base, was placed under siege by a combined force of Mughal troops and hill rulers. Supplies dwindled. After months, the besiegers offered safe passage, swearing solemn oaths.

Those oaths were broken.

As Guru Gobind Singh, his family, and followers crossed the flooded Sarsa river on a bitter December night, they were attacked from behind. The chaos scattered the Gurus familyan act that would set in motion the tragedies remembered today.

What followed was not merely a military episode; it was a moral test.

Chamkaur: When Youth Chose Honour Over Survival

At Chamkaur Sahib, the Guru took refuge with forty Sikhs in a small fortress, surrounded by a vastly superior force. In a decision that continues to astonish historians, he sent his men out in small groups to face near-certain deathnot to win the battle, but to uphold the principle that surrender to injustice was not an option.

Among those who stepped forward were his elder sons: Sahibzada Ajit Singh, aged 18, and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, aged 14. They fought and fell on 2122 December 1704.

In modern discourse, we often speak of youth as victims of history. At Chamkaur, youth became its conscience.

Sirhind: The Execution of Innocence

If Chamkaur represented courage in combat, Sirhind represented courage in captivity.

The Gurus younger sonsSahibzada Zorawar Singh (9) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (67)were captured along with their grandmother, Mata Gujri. They were imprisoned in the open, unheated tower of Sirhind during the harsh winter. They were denied food, water, and warmth.

They were also offered life.

The condition was simple: abandon their faith.

They refused.

On 26 December 1704, a fatwa was issued to brick the children alive. When the wall collapsed, and they were found breathing, they were executed by slitting their throats. Mata Gujri died shortly thereafter upon learning of their fate.

It is difficult to read this episode without discomfort. That discomfort is precisely the point. History that does not unsettle us has failed its purpose.

Why This History Still Matters

India today rightly prides itself on pluralism. Yet pluralism does not survive on declarations alone. It survives when societies remember the cost at which freedom of belief was secured.

The sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singhs family were not reactive acts of vengeance. They were deliberate assertions that faith, dignity, and conscience cannot be negotiatedeven under threat of annihilation.

This distinction matters deeply in contemporary India, where debates around identity, belief, and nationalism are often reduced to binaries. Shaheedi Week reminds us that the strongest nationalism is one that protects difference rather than fears it.

Veer Bal Diwas: From Memory to National Recognition

In recent years, the remembrance of the Sahibzadas has acquired a formal place in Indias national calendar. On 9 January 2022, during the Prakash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that 26 December would be observed as Veer Bal Diwas, commemorating the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh.

This recognition marked a significant shiftfrom community memory to national acknowledgement.

In his own message, Prime Minister Modi described Veer Bal Diwas as a day of reverence dedicated to courage, conviction, and righteousness, recalling the unshakeable faith of Mata Gujri and the timeless teachings of Guru Gobind Singh, which will continue to inspire generations.

The President of India, in a post on X, observed that nearly 320 years ago, Guru Gobind Singh and his four sons laid down their lives while fighting for truth and justice, and that on this day the nation remembers the unparalleled bravery of the two youngest Sahibzadas, whose courage is honoured across India and the world.

Similarly, Home Minister Amit Shah noted that the sacrifices made by the Sahibzadas at such a tender age for the protection of faith and nation are rare in world history. He emphasised that the values instilled by Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Gujrivalues of humanity, courage, and righteousnesscould not be shaken even by the most inhuman cruelty, and that Veer Bal Diwas was instituted so that this legacy reaches every generation.

These statements matter not for political endorsement, but for what they signify: an acceptance that the story of the Sahibzadas belongs to the moral inheritance of the Indian Republic.

A Question for the Present

To remember the last week of December is not to romanticise suffering. It is to recognise responsibility. The men, women, and children who died between Chamkaur and Sirhind did not know what India would become. They only knew what it should never bea land where belief is dictated by fear.

Their legacy places a question before every generation: when confronted with injustice, do we choose comfort or conscience?

Indias answer, written in the blood of a family that refused to surrender its values, was clear.

The question is whether we still remember itand whether we still live by it.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 19:04 IST

News opinion Opinion | Faith Without Fear: The Legacy India Inherited From Shaheedi Saptah

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Opinion | Tarique Rahmans Tough Call: Nashta In New Delhi Or Banquet In Beijing?

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 08:45 IST

Tarique is not exactly an Indophile, but those close to him vouch that he dislikes the Chinese perhaps a little more.

Tarique Rahman | File Image

It is not wrong for Tarique Rahman to see in the mirror the soon-to-be Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Given the vagaries of power, especially in the turgid waters of Bangladeshs politics, the rest of the world does not have that warm, personal privilege.

One, however, must not shy away from intelligent guesses about which way the leader of Bangladeshs arguably largest legacy party will lean when it comes to the geopolitics of the neighbourhood. Whether he wins the promised February polls or not, Tarique Rahman will remain a very influential politician for as long as he is in Bangladesh and safe.

It has been Indias mistake that it did not engage enough with the BNP earlier and put all its eggs in Sheikh Hasinas basket. The mistrust of Tarique is understandable, although it does not absolve Delhi of under-reading an unfolding political situation in the neighbourhood and displaying baffling overconfidence.

The deep lack of trust stems from the 2004 10-truck arms haul at the Chittagong Urea Fertiliser Limited (CUFL) jetty. The weapons were being smuggled into India for terror groups like ULFA. Investigations and court hearings linked high-ranking officials of the then BNP government, including former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar and others. Even Tarique Rahman was later implicated in supplementary charges as being part of the conspiracy.

But in the last seven or eight years, the BNP has sent repeated feelers of truce to New Delhi. It is believed that lately, there has been both pragmatism and optimism from both sides.

Tarique is not exactly an Indophile, but those close to him vouch that he dislikes the Chinese perhaps a little more. He apparently believes China is less of a cultural fit with Bangladesh, besides being cold, calculative and predatory.

There is a bit of history there, too.

In 2004, the then BNP government allowed Taiwan to establish the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Dhaka. China promptly went mental.

The Chinese envoy to Dhaka warned the Bangladeshi government of unimaginable consequences" if Taiwan was allowed to carry out diplomatic activities. Beijing alleged that the trade office was a de facto diplomatic mission and demanded that Dhaka clarify its stance on the One China policy.

In spite of that, the BNP government watched as the Taiwan office tried to issue visas. Only after Beijings sustained diplomatic tantrums did Dhaka begin reeling in its Taipei line, ultimately leading to the closure of the Taipei office in 2009.

But since the 5 August 2024 regime change, while a bitten India dithered, China has been quick to pander to the BNP. There have been three or four documented instances of China hosting BNP leaders or delegations.

In November 2024, a four-member BNP delegation led by BNP vice-chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon visited Beijing at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) for a Political Party Plus cooperation event. In early 2025, a BNP delegation visited Beijing just before the capital hosted a flock of Islamic parties from Bangladesh. In mid-2025, a 10-member BNP delegation led by Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul visited Beijing and met Chinese officials, including Vice Minister Sun Weidong.

In comparison, there has been no official visit of BNP leaders to New Delhi since the Hasina government fell. In September 2024, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma met Mirza Fakhrul at the BNPs Gulshan office in Dhaka. Most of the talks have been behind the scenes.

Bangladeshs recent Islamist surge and the drummed-up anti-India sentiment will not make it easy for Tarique Rahman to engage with Delhi. Jamaat and its handlers, Pakistans ISI, will try everything to sabotage relations with India.

The BNP leaders quiet actions, not necessarily his public statements, will have a bearing on the geopolitical course of a nation geographically sandwiched between two great regional powers.

Abhijit Majumder is the author of the book, Indias New Right. 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 26, 2025, 08:45 IST

News opinion Opinion | Tarique Rahmans Tough Call: Nashta In New Delhi Or Banquet In Beijing?

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Opinion | Why Modi Governments Observance Of Veer Bal Diwas Is Laudable

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 12:42 IST

The initiative bridges communities, corrects historical oversights, & builds a resilient India ready to face contemporary challenges with same unyielding courage as the Sahibzadas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at last year's 'Veer Bal Diwas' programme at Bharat Mandapam. (PTI Photo)

In an era where national identity and historical remembrance play pivotal roles in shaping a countrys future, the Narendra Modi governments institution of Veer Bal Diwas stands out as a profound initiative. Observed annually on December 26, this day honours the unparalleled bravery and martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the young sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, Veer Bal Diwas not only commemorates a tragic yet inspiring chapter from Indias past but also serves as a beacon for instilling values of courage, faith, and patriotism in the younger generation. This observance is laudable for its effort to weave Sikh heritage into the national fabric, fostering unity and pride in Indias diverse cultural tapestry.

Delving Into The Historical Context

The story behind Veer Bal Diwas is rooted in one of the darkest periods of Mughal tyranny during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb in the early 18th century. Aurangzebs rule was marked by mala fide policies aimed at expanding Islamic dominance, often through forced conversions and persecution of non-Muslims. In 1705, amid relentless Mughal campaigns against the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Jis family was separated during the Battle of Chamkaur.

His younger sons, Zorawar Singh (aged nine) and Fateh Singh (aged six), along with their grandmother Mata Gujri, were captured by Mughal forces led by Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind. Refusing to renounce their Sikh faith and convert to Islam despite promises of safety and riches, the young Sahibzadas displayed extraordinary resolve. As punishment for their defiance, they were sentenced to be bricked alivea barbaric execution that shocked even contemporaries.

This act of martyrdom, carried out on December 26, 1705, symbolises the ultimate sacrifice for dharma (righteousness) and resistance against religious oppression. Mata Gujri also passed away shortly after, unable to bear the grief. The elder Sahibzadas, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh, had earlier perished in battle, making the four sons eternal symbols of Sikh valour.

This horrific episode highlights the clash between spiritual resilience and dastardly fanaticism. As PM Modi reflected in his speech, On one hand, there were heights of terror and religious fanaticism, while on the other hand, there was the pinnacle of spirituality and kindness to see God in every human being." The Mughals, under Aurangzeb, represented a regime blinded by zealotry, where dissent was met with unspeakable cruelty. Yet, the Sahibzadas steadfastness ensured that their legacy endured, inspiring generations to uphold principles over personal survival.

PM Modis Vision On Veer Bal Diwas

Prime Minister Modi announced the observance of Veer Bal Diwas on January 9, 2022, during the Prakash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, framing it as a tribute to the immense contribution of ten Sikh Gurus and the sacrifice of the Sikh tradition for protecting the honour of the nation".

Since then, the day has been marked with nationwide events, including school programmes, cultural displays, and awards such as the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, emphasising youth empowerment. In his addresses, PM Modi has eloquently captured the essence of this observance.

During the inaugural event in 2022 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, he stated, Veer Bal Diwas will remind us age does not matter when it comes to extreme valour and sacrifice." He further emphasised its role in national rejuvenation: Veer Bal Diwas is like a life force for the Panch Prans," referring to the five pledges for Indias development during Azadi ka Amrit Kaal.

PM Modi highlighted how such remembrances counter historical narratives that instilled inferiority, noting, Any country with such a glorious history must be full of self-confidence and self-respect; however, concocted narratives were taught to infuse inferiority."

In 2023, at the Bharat Mandapam event, the Prime Minister reiterated, Veer Bal Diwas is a symbol of resolve to do anything to protect Indianness," underscoring its significance in safeguarding Bharatiyata (Indianness). He added, When a country moves forward with pride in its heritage, the world shows respect," linking historical pride to global standing.

More recently, on December 26, 2024, Modi paid respects, saying, Today, on Veer Bal Diwas, we remember the unparalleled bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzades. At a young age, they stood firm in their faith." These quotes reflect Modis commitment to integrating Sikh sacrifices into Indias collective memory, promoting Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat" (One India, Great India).

Acknowledgment As A Path To Closure And Vigilance

Closure comes from acknowledgement, not denial. The country needs to solemnly acknowledge the unspeakable monstrosity unleashed by Aurangzeb upon opponentsviolence and intolerance that emanated from an ideology of vile hatred for other religions. By institutionalising Veer Bal Diwas, the Modi government has taken a bold step in confronting this painful history head-on, rather than remaining in denial mode as the Congress did.

Aurangzebs era, with its forced conversions and brutal suppressions, exemplifies a supremacist mindset that viewed non-believers as infidels to be eliminated. India needs to remain vigilant and circumspect even today to defeat this supremacist mindset, whose only agenda is to eliminate non-believers. In a world still grappling with echoes of such violent ideology, this observance serves as a reminder to nurture resilience and patriotism, ensuring that historys lessons fortify the nation against those displaying supremacist tendencies.

Conclusion

The Modi governments Veer Bal Diwas is laudable because it transcends mere commemoration; it revitalises national spirit by honouring unsung heroes and inspiring the youth to prioritise dharma and desh (nation). In an age of fleeting distractions, it instils timeless values, as PM Modi aptly put it: We need to live for the countrys pride and glory."

By bringing this story to the forefront, the initiative bridges communities, corrects historical oversights, and builds a resilient India ready to face contemporary challenges with the same unyielding courage as the Sahibzadas. As we mark this day each year, it reinforces that true progress lies in embracing our past with honesty and resolve.

The writer is a national spokesperson of the BJP, besides being an acclaimed author. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 12:42 IST

News opinion Opinion | Why Modi Governments Observance Of Veer Bal Diwas Is Laudable

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Opinion | Tarique Rahmans Hamletian Dilemma: Avenge Awami League Or Block Jamaat?

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 27, 2025, 07:34 IST

Tarique Rahmans return to Bangladesh after 17 years of exile places him on the brink of power. However, he faces some fraught choices.

Acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman (Photo: AFP)

As the Boeing Dreamliner 787-9 touched down in Dhaka late Thursday morning, the airstrip ahead was metaphorically forked for Tarique Rahman, interim chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

He stepped on his motherland after 17 years in exile in London, hounded out in 2008 by serious corruption charges and even the blot of a failed assassination attempt on Awami League (AL) chief Sheikh Hasina.

The Dark Prince  an epithet coined in December 2005 by then US Charge dAffaires Judith A Chammas  faces an election in February which he is likely to win handsomely.

There are just two minor problems.

One, that the election promised by the chief advisor to the caretaker government, Muhammad Yunus, may be derailed by Jamaat-e-Islami, which knows it may not come to power. By creating circumstances to stall the polls, it would get more time to arm-twist Yunus and capture more institutions.

The second challenge may come from Yunus himself, a wily and ambitious man capable of desperate manipulations to cling on to power. But if elections happen according to schedule, Tarique has a dilemma about which party leaders talk about in private.

It is straight out of Hamlet.

Should he keep the AL out of polls and politics and unleash a reprisal befitting of Hasinas treatment of robbing the BNP of all political space and keeping its ailing chief, Khaleda Zia, in prison for long, crushing periods?

Or should he be the bigger man, and set an example both for the domestic and international audiences on how to conduct a democracy by pushing for inclusive elections with a refined Awam League (a euphemism for a party minus the Sheikh family and those with an obvious record of repression).

Or should the BNP fight a straight election against the Jamaat, its former political ally and crutch, and keep the AL out?

The latter may seem to be an easier choice in the short term, especially with the Islamist surge that Bangladesh has witnessed since the regime change operation of August 5, 2024.

But the leadership knows that if AL is taken out of the equation and Jamaat emerges even as the second largest party, it is a matter of time before it wrests power. That could be the end of the multi-party democracy in Bangladesh as we know it, a tectonic shift which even the BNP would not survive.

Instead, it is politically far better for the BNP to have a weakened AL as its chief opponent with approximately 40-70 of the 300 elected seats in Parliament.

It would then be bearable to have Jamaat with 10-15 seats with its 15-20 per cent traditional vote share.

Besides, the BNP and the AL are joined at the hip by the 1971 Liberation War.

Their founders, Mujibur Rahman (Hasinas father) and Ziaur Rahman (Tariques father), were both war heroes who liberated Bangladesh from Pakistan with Indias help, a legacy that the ISI-backed Jamaat wants to erase for good.

However, it is not easy for the BNP to advocate for the inclusion of AL in the elections.

Although it will please the international community, which is very worried about the recent Islamist instincts and mass lynching of AL supporters and minorities, there is still a mob veto against the AL.

The rise of Islamist anarchy has been so sharp that in his first speech after landing in Dhaka, Tarique declared that he was back because of Allahs mercy and the country will be run by the almightys writ.

Insiders say that the BNP working chief is a changed, mellowed, and mature man, a far cry from the brash scion two decades ago.

A lot will depend on the kind of advisors he surrounds himself with, the steps he takes to stop the rampant extortion rackets that goons have been running under the party banner, and the short, medium, and long-term blueprint he draws up for his party and the nation.

Dhakas 300-feet road was left littered thick with flags, fliers, and garbage on Thursday after his heros welcome. But the road ahead is far messier and potentially violent.

There are enemies in every corner, and the most dangerous ones could be lurking not across borders but close to him.

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 26, 2025, 08:23 IST

News opinion Opinion | Tarique Rahmans Hamletian Dilemma: Avenge Awami League Or Block Jamaat?

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 08:35 IST

1 / 15 India in January is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, harvest celebrations, and national observances. As the new year begins, the country witnesses a mix of cultural, spiritual, and seasonal festivities. From the warmth of Lohri bonfires in Punjab to the patriotic fervor of Republic Day, every week brings something unique. Lets explore the festivals and holidays that make January 2026 truly special.

2 / 15 English New Year  January 1, 2026

The Gregorian New Year kicks off celebrations across India with parties, fireworks, and gatherings. While not rooted in Indian tradition, it has become a widely celebrated occasion, especially in urban centers. Families exchange greetings, resolutions are made, and cities light up with festive cheer. It sets the tone for a month filled with cultural richness.

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3 / 15 Hazrat Alis Birthday  January 2, 2026

Observed by the Muslim community, Hazrat Alis birthday honors the birth of the revered cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. Devotees mark the day with prayers, sermons, and charitable acts. Its a moment of reflection on his teachings of justice, courage, and compassion, celebrated in mosques and homes across India.

4 / 15 Pausha Putrada Ekadashi  January 5, 2026

This Hindu fasting day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observed by couples seeking blessings for children. Devotees abstain from grains and spend the day in prayer and devotion. The festival emphasizes faith, family, and the continuity of lineage, making it spiritually significant for many households.

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5 / 15 Swami Vivekananda Jayanti  January 9, 2026

Swami Vivekanandas birth anniversary is celebrated with reverence, especially among youth. His teachings on spirituality, nationalism, and self-reliance continue to inspire generations. Schools, colleges, and organizations hold seminars and cultural programs to honor his legacy. Its a day of reflection on his vision for a modern India.

6 / 15 National Youth Day  January 12, 2026

Coinciding with Vivekananda Jayanti, National Youth Day celebrates the energy and potential of Indias youth. Educational institutions organize debates, rallies, and awareness campaigns. The day encourages young people to embrace responsibility and contribute to nation-building, echoing Vivekanandas ideals of strength and character.

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7 / 15 Lohri  January 13, 2026

Lohri is a harvest festival celebrated in Punjab and northern India. Families gather around bonfires, singing folk songs and dancing to the beats of dhol. Traditional foods like sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts are shared. Lohri marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days, symbolizing warmth, prosperity, and community spirit.

8 / 15 Makar Sankranti  January 14, 2026

Makar Sankranti is a pan-Indian harvest festival marking the Suns transition into Capricorn. Celebrated with kite flying in Gujarat, til-gud sweets in Maharashtra, and river bathing in Uttar Pradesh, it unites diverse traditions. The festival signifies new beginnings, prosperity, and gratitude for the harvest season.

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9 / 15 Pongal  January 14-17, 2026

In Tamil Nadu, Pongal is a four-day harvest festival honoring the Sun God. Families prepare the traditional dish pongal made of rice and milk, offered to deities. Each day has unique rituals, from cattle worship to community celebrations. Pongal reflects Tamil cultures deep agricultural roots and joyous thanksgiving.

10 / 15 Magh Bihu  January 15, 2026

Celebrated in Assam, Magh Bihu marks the end of the harvesting season. Communities build meji bonfires, feast on rice cakes (pithas), and engage in traditional games. Its a festival of abundance, camaraderie, and cultural pride. The warmth of Bihu celebrations brings families together in the cold January nights.

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11 / 15 Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti  January 17, 2026

This Sikh festival commemorates the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Known for founding the Khalsa, his teachings of equality, courage, and devotion are remembered. Gurdwaras hold special prayers, kirtans, and langars (community meals). Its a day of spiritual reflection and collective celebration.

12 / 15 Pausha Purnima  January 21, 2026

Pausha Purnima is observed with holy baths in rivers and charitable acts. Devotees believe that rituals performed on this full moon day bring blessings and prosperity. Temples witness special prayers, and fairs are organized in some regions. Its a spiritually uplifting occasion in the Hindu calendar.

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13 / 15 Republic Day  January 26, 2026

Republic Day is one of Indias most significant national holidays, marking the adoption of the Constitution in 1950. The grand parade in New Delhi showcases Indias military strength and cultural diversity. Across the country, schools and institutions hold flag-hoisting ceremonies. Its a day of patriotism, unity, and pride in Indias democratic values.

14 / 15 Basant Panchami  January 27, 2026

Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Basant Panchami heralds the arrival of spring. Devotees wear yellow, offer prayers, and celebrate wisdom and learning. In Punjab, its also associated with kite flying, while in Bengal, Saraswati Puja is performed in schools and homes. The festival blends devotion with seasonal joy.

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The 'Pawars' That Be: Uncle-Nephew Truce In NCP Ahead Of Maharashtra Civic Poll Battle?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 18:15 IST

By exploring a joint front, the two NCP factions aim to preserve their core electoral territory in Pune and Baramati

Analysts view these local alliances as a 'test run' for a more permanent realignment before the 2029 central and state polls. File image

In a remarkable shift within the landscape of Maharashtras regional politics, the two estranged factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appear to be inching towards a significant realignment. On December 23, reports emerged that Sharad Pawar, the head of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), and his nephew, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, have reached an informal consensus to contest the upcoming municipal elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad together. This potential thaw in a bitter family and political feud comes just weeks after the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide victory in several local body polls, leaving both NCP factions with mixed results and a shared need for strategic consolidation.

The Civic Poll Catalyst

The catalyst for this unexpected rapprochement is the looming elections scheduled for January 15, 2026, for 29 civic bodies, including the Rs 74,000-crore Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

In their traditional bastions of Pune and Baramati, the division of the Pawar vote" has historically benefitted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). By exploring a joint front, the two factions aim to preserve their core electoral territory. Supriya Sule, a senior leader of the Sharad Pawar camp, has confirmed that discussions are underway to create a broad-based opposition" that could potentially include the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and parts of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). This India-neutral" or local-centric approach suggests that the factions are prioritising regional survival over national alliance rigidity.

Internal Friction and Low-Temperature Rebranding

However, the path to reunion is fraught with internal resistance. On December 24, the Pune unit president of the Sharad Pawar faction, Prashant Jagtap, tendered his resignation, expressing profound unhappiness over the prospect of aligning with Ajit Pawars group. Jagtap and other loyalists argue that such a merger undermines the ideological battle fought since the 2023 split. Despite these high-temperature" outbursts at the grassroots level, the leaderships tone remains deliberately low-temperature", with both Pawars avoiding direct personal attacks and instead focusing on the welfare of Pune" as a common ground for cooperation.

A Strategy for 2029

Analysts view these local alliances as a test run" for a more permanent realignment before the 2029 central and state polls. With the BJP increasingly asserting its big brother" status within the Mahayutiand even inducting several leaders from Ajit Pawars faction into its own ranks earlier this monththe deputy CM faces a diminishing strategic role within the NDA. Conversely, the Sharad Pawar faction seeks to regain the legislative numbers it lost during the split. While a formal merger remains a distant prospect, the current civic truce" indicates that the Pawar family is preparing to reclaim its unified influence over the sugar belt and urban hubs of Maharashtra, signalling a major reshuffle in the states power dynamics for the years ahead.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 18:15 IST

News politics The 'Pawars' That Be: Uncle-Nephew Truce In NCP Ahead Of Maharashtra Civic Poll Battle?

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Thrissur Congress Councillor Claims Mayor Post Sold For Bags Of Money

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 19:13 IST

Laly James levelled allegations against UDF mayoral candidate Niji Justin, questioning the manner in which the candidature was finalised.

Laly James alleged that Justin's candidature was finalised not on merit or party support but on financial strength. (File)

Ahead of the mayoral election, the Congress party in Thrissur has been hit by an internal controversy after a councillor publicly alleged that the mayors post in the Thrissur Corporation was sold in exchange for money.

Laly James, a four-time councillor elected from the Lalur division with the highest margin in the corporation, claimed that the mayoral post was sold" and that she was sidelined because she did not have the required funds to offer party leaders. She alleged that the district leadership ignored her despite having the backing of a majority of Congress councillors.

As per media reports, James also levelled allegations against UDF mayoral candidate Niji Justin, questioning the manner in which the candidature was finalised. She alleged that Justins candidature was finalised not on merit or party support but on financial strength. She said that Justin personally approached party leaders with a cash box" to secure the post.

She further claimed she came from a farming family and had only her hard work to offer the party. The party wants money. I have no money, only hard work. People are asking me whether posts can be obtained by paying money," she said, adding that she would still vote for the Congress candidate in the mayoral election.

Responding to allegations, Justin denied the charges and said that the party leadership would give an appropriate reply. I have been with the party since 1999 and have worked at various levels in the Youth Congress and in social service," she said.

Thrissur District Congress Committee President Joseph Tajet stated that the decision was made after consultations with councillors and the party leadership, in accordance with established procedures. He said that the party would examine why James made such statements.

Senior Congress leader V D Satheesan said that the party has a clear procedure for selecting mayors and that the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) would look into any complaints.

The controversy erupted days after Navjot Kaur Sidhu criticised the Congress leadership in Punjab and alleged that a suitcase full of Rs 500 crore" has to be given to become the chief minister in Punjab.

She had said that her husband would return to active politics if the Congress declares him as the partys chief ministerial face in Punjab. She had further said they do not have money to give to any party but can transform Punjab into a golden state". She was later suspended by the Punjab Congress.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Location : Thrissur, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 19:13 IST

News politics Thrissur Congress Councillor Claims Mayor Post Sold For Bags Of Money

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Google Could Finally Let You Change Your Gmail ID: Heres What It Means

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 07:40 IST

Gmail ID has not been changeable since day one but the company is about to consider making a big switch.

Google could make this highly requested change for billions

Gmail users have stuck to their year-old IDs because Google never lets them change or edit it. But that could change soon as the company is said to be working on one of the most requested features by its users.

Google has not officially confirmed the option but multiple reports have cited some changes in the Google support page where users can see the change Gmail address section. This will be a significant move from the company, one that many have been asking for a while and here are the details of how the feature could work.

Gmail Address Change: What It Means

The report claims changing the Gmail ID/username means the account you created 10 years back can be edited with an updated username. The company seems to have assured that changing the Gmail ID does not stop your older username, and there is going to be no data loss for the users.

In fact, the company is likely to let you use both the old and new usernames with all the emails headed to the same inbox. More importantly, Gmail will not only let you continue using the older ID but you can also use the username to login to your account.

Gmail ID Edit: What You Need To Know

While changing IDs will be a useful feature, Google is likely to set some limits about how many times you can edit and what happens to the older IDs. The company is tipped to have a limit of 12 months before you can edit the new username. Users are likely to be given up to 3 times to change the Gmail address. And the older address cannot be your new username either.

So when is the biggest Gmail feature rolling out? Google is likely to have a phased release for the tool, and is tipped to focus on select regions initially and the changes will be offered from the Google My account for users. We are eager to see how Google plans to offer the feature, where it rolls out and whether it is as effective as it sounds.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 07:40 IST

News tech Google Could Finally Let You Change Your Gmail ID: Heres What It Means

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'Boycott Thailand' Calls Take Over Social Media As Lord Vishnu Statue 'Destroyed' On Cambodian Border

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 13:49 IST

The statue, reportedly built in 2014, stood in the An Ses area of Cambodia, roughly 100 metres from the Thai border.

Videos show a statue of Lord Vishnu being damaged allegedly by Thai army. (Photo Credit: X)

The clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, which began in July and briefly paused under a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump, have reignited. Amid the rising tensions, many videos have gone viral that show a statue of Lord Vishnu being damaged allegedly by Thai army. The incident has sparked outrage particularly among Indians who hold Lord Vishnu as a revered deity in Hinduism.

The statue, reportedly built in 2014, stood in the An Ses area of Cambodia, roughly 100 metres from the Thai border. Cambodian authorities claim it was a religious site for both Buddhist and Hindu followers. Meanwhile, Thailand has described the demolition as a security-related action and not an attack on religious sentiments.

Social media users began calling for a boycott of Thailand, a country that is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Indians. Thailand attracts visitors with its beaches, cultural sites, cuisine and nightlife. But the viral videos have led many Indians to rethink travelling to Thailand as the destruction of the statue was seen as a disrespect to Hindu heritage.

Boycott Thailand Echoes After Lord Vishnu Statue Razed

Many Indians expressed shock and disappointment with one user commenting, Dear Indian friends: Please reconsider travelling to Thailand. Hindu heritage on Cambodian land has been destroyed, while Cambodia continues to honour Hinduism through its ancient temples. Why support a country that disrespects your faith?"

Dear Indian friends:Please reconsider traveling to Thailand. Hindu heritage on Cambodian land has been destroyed, while Cambodia continues to honor Hinduism through its ancient temples.Why support a country that disrespects your faith? pic.twitter.com/sNl5RZifa1 Yang Saing Koma (@YangSaingKoma) December 24, 2025

Another said, Thailand brought down Lord Vishnu statue, I want to start the Boycott Thailand" and Boycott Pattaya" campaigns. Hope my Hindu brethren support this cause by canceling bookings and ensuring that country is brought to its knees and forced to beg before India Challenge accepted?"

#Thailand brought down Lord Vishnu statue, I want to start the Boycott Thailand" and Boycott Pattaya" campaignsHope my Hindu brethren support this cause by canceling bookings and ensuring that country is brought to its knees and forced to beg before India Challenge accepted? pic.twitter.com/uLClYbblun  Raghav / Tau (@palwai) December 24, 2025

Now that Thailand has demolished a Hindu God statue, I hope Hindutva supporters will boycott Thailand as a tourist destination!" someone else remarked.

Now that Thailand has demolished a Hindu God statue, I hope hindutva supporters will boycott Thailand as a tourist destination! Maheshwer Peri (@maheshperi) December 25, 2025

Why is Thailand so cruel? What is wrong with the statue of Lord Vishnu, and why did you destroy it like this? As a devotee of Lord Vishnu, I condemn Thailand and call for a boycott by refusing to travel to your country," a person wrote.

Why is Thailand so cruel? What is wrong with the statue of Lord Vishnu, and why did you destroy it like this?As a devotee of Lord Vishnu, I condemn Thailand and call for a boycott by refusing to travel to your country." pic.twitter.com/U2PlIgjXe2 Kan socheat 168 (@168_kan26295) December 26, 2025

We urge Indian citizens to stand for justice and ethics by boycotting Thai tourism, travel, goods, and services. Do not support a country that shows no respect for religion, civilians, or international norms. A peaceful, global boycott sends a clear message," read another comment.

We urge Indian citizens to stand for justice and ethics by boycotting Thai tourism, travel, goods, and services.Do not support a country that shows no respect for religion, civilians, or international norms.A peaceful, global boycott sends a clear message: aggression and , pic.twitter.com/CZ2Qr9VVMg PM~officer  (@Anntra168) December 26, 2025

Why Did Thailand Destroy The Lord Vishnu Statue

In response to the controversy, Thailand issued a statement clarifying that the statue was not a registered religious site. The Thai-Cambodian border press centre stated, The actions were not intended to involve religion, beliefs, or disrespect any sacred entities, but were solely for the purpose of area management and security, following the Thai sides regaining control of areas under Thailands sovereignty."

They added that the statue had been built on disputed territory by Cambodian soldiers allegedly to claim sovereignty over the Thai region. Thailand further emphasised that it respects all religions and expressed sincere regret for any discomfort that may have arisen from misunderstandings" caused by the images.

Meanwhile, Cambodia maintains that the statue was located inside its territory in An Ses and that it was worshipped by both Hindu and Buddhist followers. Preah Vihears spokesperson Lim Chanpanha said, We condemn the destruction of ancient temples and statues that are worshipped by Buddhist and Hindu followers."

Indias Official Response

India condemned the demolition of the statue, stating that such disrespectful" acts hurt the sentiments of followers worldwide and should not take place." External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, We have seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity, built in recent times, and located in an area affected by the ongoing Thai-Cambodia border dispute."

India also urged both countries to use dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and prevent further damage to life and property.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 13:48 IST

News viral 'Boycott Thailand' Calls Take Over Social Media As Lord Vishnu Statue 'Destroyed' On Cambodian Border

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Kanpur Dehat Couple Adopt 11 Underprivileged Children Instead Of Big Fat Desi Wedding: You Need A Big Heart

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 14:35 IST

A Kanpur Dehat wedding has gone viral after the bride and groom said they would adopt 11 underprivileged children instead of sticking to traditional celebrations.

A wedding that chose humanity over grandeur. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

A wedding in Kanpur Dehat has taken the internet by storm, not for its decor, outfits or rituals, but for a gesture thats being hailed as a masterclass in compassion.

A video of a newlywed couple standing on stage with 11 children, moments after their jaimala ceremony, has become the talk of the town. The caption read, On their wedding day in Kanpur Dehat, a couple chose compassion over convention," stepping away from typical rituals to do something unforgettable.

Kanpur Couple Ditches Big Fat Indian Wedding

After the floral garlands were exchanged, the couple invited the children on stage. According to the post, After the jaimala, they called 11 underprivileged children on stage and announced they would adopt them," vowing to support their education and upbringing. The couple has reportedly taken lifelong responsibility for their education."

The caption sums up the beautiful gesture. What was meant to be a celebration of two lives coming together became a promise to shape many more. A wedding that turned into a lesson in humanity."

Heres the post:

Social Media Is Crying Happy Tears

People have flooded the post with admiration for the couple, praising them for prioritising empathy over extravagance.

A user wished they had seen something this meaningful in person, saying, I wish I couldve attended such weddings," suggesting that ceremonies like this redefine what a celebration should look like.

Another prayed for the kind of success that enables them to make a similar impact, writing, God, please give me such success that I can also help them."

A user, moved by the beautiful gesture," added, Adopting 11 underprivileged children right there on the wedding stage and pledging to support their education is truly commendable. This wedding isnt just the union of two people, its a new ray of hope. God bless them always."

Someone else pointed out that the couple made a conscious choice to prioritise social responsibility over extravagance, saying that its good instead of spending lakhs on destination weddings and pre-wedding shoot, they choose to be socially aware."

Another person said moments like these are what inspire the younger generation when they make it," highlighting the ripple effect such acts of kindness can have.

And, putting it simply, one user said this was much-needed positivity."

In an age of big-budget weddings and social-media spectacle, this act of generosity is proving louder than any fireworks display.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 14:35 IST

News viral Kanpur Dehat Couple Adopt 11 Underprivileged Children Instead Of Big Fat Desi Wedding: You Need A Big Heart

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Delhi Delivery Riders Bag Shows Swiggy, Zomato Together: Bhaiya Ko Bhi Commitment Issues Hai | Video

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 18:45 IST

A Delhi delivery rider grabbed attention after viewers noticed his bag showed two rival brands at once.

The bag showed Swiggy on one side and Zomato on the other.(Photo Credit: Instagram)

A delivery rider going about his usual day in Delhi has suddenly found himself in the spotlight. The man, dressed in his work gear and riding through traffic, caught peoples attention for a detail that felt oddly relatable in todays gig economy.

The short clip has sparked laughs, jokes and plenty of comments, as viewers couldnt stop noticing what made this rider stand out from the rest. What begins as an everyday street scene quickly turns into a moment many social media users found clever and amusing.

A Regular Ride With An Unusual Detail

The video opens on a busy Delhi road with vehicles moving at their usual pace. In the middle of the traffic is a delivery rider wearing an orange jacket and a helmet, riding his bike like any other day. At first, nothing seems out of place.

As the camera follows him from behind, viewers notice the delivery bag mounted on his bike. That is when the twist appears. The bag is a single unit, but each side carries a different brand. One side shows the Swiggy logo, while the other clearly displays Zomato. The POV text on the clip reads, Bhaiya ko bhi commitment issues hai."

A Closer Look Makes It Funnier

The clip then cuts to a closer shot of the delivery rider. This angle makes it clear that it is one bag designed with two different delivery platforms on either side. The rider continues on his way, unfazed, as if this setup is perfectly normal.

The caption of the post adds another layer to the joke and reads, But I am loyal to @swiggyindia @swiggy_genie @swiggy_deliverypartners." The mix of the visual and the caption struck a chord with viewers familiar with delivery work and brand loyalty jokes.

Comments Pour In on Instagram

Shared on December 25, the video has crossed 98,000 views so far and continues to gain traction. A user commented, kya kya dhundh leti hai." Another wrote, Bhaiya ka helmet is very expensive."

Others joined in with playful takes. Biggest Collab of the year," a person joked. Another wrote, Mahagathbandhan." A user also added, left mei porter hoga."

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 18:45 IST

News viral Delhi Delivery Riders Bag Shows Swiggy, Zomato Together: Bhaiya Ko Bhi Commitment Issues Hai | Video

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This Country Offers Free Beer In Hotel Rooms, But A Water Bottle Costs Rs...

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 20:51 IST

The affordability of beer in Vietnam is linked to low taxation on locally produced draft beer, high consumption levels and inexpensive production

Rapid Read

Beer is cheaper than water in Vietnam due to low taxes and local production. (AI-Generated Image)

Across parts of the world, beer can be cheaper than bottled water, and in some places, even complimentary. From Asian nations to Caribbean resorts, hotels have begun offering free cans of beer alongside drinking water, highlighting sharp contrasts in pricing, taxation and culture.

Vietnam is one of the most striking examples. The Southeast Asian nation is known for serving what is considered the worlds cheapest beer, locally called bia hoi. At many roadside stalls, a glass of freshly brewed bia hoi costs between 5,000 and 10,000 Vietnamese dong (Rs 18-Rs 35). A 500ml bottle of drinking water, by comparison, is priced at around 30,000 dong (Rs 102). For the price of one bottle of water, a customer can buy two, sometimes three, glasses of beer.

In several Vietnamese properties, including premium 5-star hotels, beer is stocked in mini-bars at no additional charge, much like bottled water. Budget hostels often serve free beer during social hours" or happy hours to encourage interaction among guests.

The affordability of beer in Vietnam is linked to low taxation on locally produced draft beer, high consumption levels and inexpensive production. Bia hoi is freshly brewed each day using rice, a cheap and abundant ingredient, and contains only 2-3% alcohol. It is not bottled or branded and is sold directly from kegs, compelling sellers to clear stocks quickly at low prices. Authorities keep taxes on such locally produced beer minimal, ensuring it remains accessible to the working and middle classes.

Ironically, water costs more because tap water is not considered safe to drink. Packaged drinking water involves bottling, branding, transportation and retail margins, pushing up prices. Clean water, therefore, becomes a necessity consumers are willing to pay extra for, while beer remains part of a social tradition that governments have avoided taxing heavily.

Vietnam also ranks among the worlds highest per-capita beer consumers. Evenings in major cities see crowds spilling onto pavements and low plastic stools outside street-side eateries, with beer flowing late into the night.

Complimentary beer is not limited to Vietnam. In Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, many all-inclusive resorts stock mini-bars with water, soft drinks, local beer and occasionally wine, all refilled daily at no extra cost. Guests also enjoy unlimited drinks at bars, restaurants and poolside counters as part of their package. Some luxury suites even include full bottles of whisky, vodka and rum.

In Germany and the Czech Republic, where beer culture runs deep, boutique hotels and local inns often welcome guests with a complimentary beer. Select luxury properties also place free local beer in mini-bars.

In Japan, hotel chain Lively Hotels has introduced a free beer hour", where guests at properties in Tokyo and Osaka can enjoy unlimited beer every evening for an hour.

At the other end of the spectrum lies Qatar, currently among the worlds most expensive places to buy beer. A pint can cost between $11-13 (Rs 990-Rs 1,100), owing to a sin tax" on alcohol and strict controls on where it can be sold. High prices are also reported in Iceland and Norway, where alcohol sales are tightly regulated. In Dubai, a pint of beer can cost between Rs 850-Rs 1,000.

Meanwhile, countries such as Ukraine, the Czech Republic and China continue to see beer priced lower than bottled water in many locations, driven largely by taxation policies and local brewing traditions.

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Location : Vietnam

First Published: December 26, 2025, 20:47 IST

News viral This Country Offers Free Beer In Hotel Rooms, But A Water Bottle Costs Rs...

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Ghanas Noah Offers Space In His Ark In End Of The World Warning, Later Says Apocalypse Postponed

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 13:11 IST

Ebo Noahs doomsday prophecy sparked online hilarity as he urged calm, denied selling tickets, and claimed a new vision to build more arcs.

Ebo Noahs doomsday prophecy sparked online hilarity as he urged calm, denied selling tickets, and claimed a new vision to build more arcs. (Pix: X)

A self-styled preacher from Ghana  who went viral for predicting cataclysmic floods on December 25 and offering protection on his Noahs Ark from the world-ending deluge  released a new video on Thursday, in which he said the apocalypse was postponed" after he received a new vision" from God.

Ebo Noah, a Ghanaian man who rose to prominence after videos showed him building an ark in August, mirroring the biblical story of Noah. He had claimed that he had received a divine warning" of a three-year flood that would begin on December 25.

He claimed that his project, called the Ebo Noah Ark, was being carried out under divine supervision, and offered space on the structure for those seeking salvation. The sight of the massive ark drew thousands of his followers and curious visitors to the site. Despite this, Ebos dire world-ending prophecy never came to fruition, and humanity woke up to business as usual on Christmas!

In the new video, Ebo claimed that he had received a new divine" vision after praying, fasting and consulting with other religious leaders. He claimed that during this period of prayer, he received another vision in which large numbers of people from across the country and the world were entering theark," which he has been building, but the structure was not large enough to contain them.

Ghanaian man, Ebo Noah says the world will no longer end today as he predicted, after pleading with God for mercy.He says God has given him more time to build more arks to accommodate people before rapture. pic.twitter.com/u2b7cHcMCQ  Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) December 25, 2025

After this divine vision, Ebo claimed that he had pleaded with God and was granted more time. He said this additional time would be used to construct more arks to accommodate everyone seeking salvation. God reveals to redeem. I have prayed, I have fasted, I have donated, and I have built," he said.

Stressing that there was no immediate danger, he appealed to people not to rush to any specific location. I am not selling tickets. I am not taking money from anyone," he said in the message, adding that people should stay at home, relax and enjoy themselves.

Ebo Noah, a man in Ghana people there call a prophet," is building arks to save humanity from a flood.This extinction level catastrophe is said to be happening tomorrow, December 25, 2025. People in Ghana are flocking to the arks in anticipation of the flood. pic.twitter.com/TePpSRjshv  Kentucky Girl (@Notwokenow) December 24, 2025

The preacher ended his address by wishing viewers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, while reiterating a call for repentance. The video has continued to circulate widely on social media, drawing mixed reactions, with many users questioning the credibility of repeated prophetic claims and others mocking the shifting narrative.

The story has drawn even more attention after reports said the preacher used donations to buy a Mercedes car worth $89,000 (approximately Rs 79 lakh) and photos of it have been circulating online. Many were stunned to see how so many followers trusted him and gave away their money. Additionally, several people who believed his claims and went to the site are now stranded, unsure of what to do next.

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Location : Ghana

First Published: December 26, 2025, 09:19 IST

News viral Ghanas Noah Offers Space In His Ark In End Of The World Warning, Later Says Apocalypse Postponed

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End Of World On Dec 25 Prophecy Turns False, Ghanas Prophet Explains...& Buys 80,00,000-Car  Who Is Ebo Noah?

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 10:12 IST

Ebo Enoch had claimed that a huge flood will destroy everything on December 25 and many rushed to see the large wooden arks he was building for safety.

Ebo Enoch has built around 10 arks and believes his prayers have been answered.(Photo Creddit: Instagram)

A man in Ghana, who calls himself a prophet, has once again made headlines after changing his warning about the end of the world. Ebo Enoch had earlier claimed that a huge flood will destroy everything on December 25. Many people believed him and rushed to see the large wooden arks he was building for safety. When nothing happened on Christmas Day, Enoch said the disaster had not been cancelled but only delayed. He explained that God has given him extra time to finish his work and spread his message.

Enoch has built around 10 arks and believes his prayers have been answered. The story has drawn even more attention after reports said he bought a luxury Mercedes using money given by followers for the ark project. Thousands of people had even arrived near the site, hoping to be saved from the flood. Among them was a man from Liberia who is now stuck in Elmina, unsure of what will happen next.

What Was Ebo Enochs Prophecy And How It Went Wrong

In a YouTube video titled, What Will Happen and How It Will Happen, shared in August, Ebo Enoch said he had received a message from God. He claimed he was shown a vision in which nonstop rain will begin on December 25 and will continue for three years. According to him, God asked him to build arks to save people who wanted protection. In several of his videos, Ebo can be seen making boats. He repeatedly claimed that he had already made 10 arks for this purpose.

Many followers believed him and took his warning seriously, but his prediction did not come true. In his newest video, Ebo Noah said the disaster he had spoken about has been delayed. He claimed that God has allowed more time before anything happens. He also said he has now been told to make the ark project bigger so that more people who want to be saved can be included.

He said, Ive prayed, Ive fasted, Ive donated and Ive built and through my prayers, I had another vision and in that vision. So I shared my vision with some great men of god. So, God has given us some time to build more arks, in addition to the 10, to contain all of us. Im not selling tickets, Im not taking money from anyone, so please stay home, enjoy yourself, have fun."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by EBO NOAH (@ebo_noah)

The Aftermath

After Ebo Enoch announced that the floods had been delayed, a video has been circulating of a man from Liberia who travelled to Ghana hoping to board the ark. Now, hes in Elmina, where he has been left stranded and upset.

Breaking News : Man who traveled from Liberia to Ghana to board Ebo Noahs ark left stranded in Elmina, Central Region.He has been crying since. https://t.co/WWfR1fwOaN pic.twitter.com/2ybGxwD3n6  WithAlvin  (@withAlvin__) December 25, 2025

In another incident, a mans wife and family had moved near the ark. When the apocalypse was postponed, the man became angry and felt cheated. In frustration, he allegedly set fire to the structure, only to later find out that the ark did not belong to Ebo Noah. After realising his mistake, he felt regret.

Man Burns Down Ark After Mistaking It for Ebo Noahs StructureA bizarre incident has been reported involving a man who allegedly set fire to an ark he believed belonged to self-styled prophet Ebo Noah. According to eyewitness accounts, the mans wife and family had reportedly pic.twitter.com/qpOOUKBzXf  Maqcoy Reports (@maqcoyreports) December 25, 2025

Prophet Uses Followers Money For Lavish Lifestyle

Even though Ebo Enoch said he never sold tickets or asked people for money, recent reports suggest a different story. It is being said that he used donations to buy a Mercedes car worth $89,000 (approximately Rs 79 lakh) and photos of it have been circulating online. Many were stunned to see how so many followers trusted him and gave away their money. Enoch also shared videos of himself checking the ships and walking around the site, which made his claims look real and helped strengthen the faith of those who believed him.

Ghanaian cleric Noah Ebo reportedly acquires a brand new Mercedes-Benz worth $89,000 (129 million), barely days after the suspension of the so-called December 25th global flooding" prophecy.The fact that some people actually believed the Noahs Ark stunt is even more pic.twitter.com/1NFYrskrur Michael Bogbo (@mikesensational) December 25, 2025

How It All Began

Many people took Ebo Enochs words seriously because of the heavy rains across several parts of Ghana. The bad weather added to their fear and made his warning look real. As a result, in panic, many started believing that the floods he spoke about were actually coming.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 10:06 IST

News viral End Of World On Dec 25 Prophecy Turns False, Ghanas Prophet Explains...& Buys 80,00,000-Car  Who Is Ebo Noah?

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An electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, developed by Chinese drone maker EHang, carries out a demo flight at the urban air traffic operation demonstration center in Bao'an District in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

GUANGZHOU, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Conference on High-Quality Development of Low-Altitude Economy in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) convened in south China's Guangzhou city Thursday, gathering government officials, industry leaders and academics to chart a course for innovation-driven growth.

Low-altitude economy, a strategic emerging cluster, represents a pivotal frontier for technological advancement and economic diversification. The GBA, with its robust industrial ecosystem and cross-border synergies, is poised to lead this charge.

Guangdong Province, the core engine of the GBA, is a hub in China's low-altitude landscape. Data from the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission reveals that the province hosts over 15,000 low-altitude industry chain enterprises, 30 percent of China's total, including global leaders like EHang and DJI. In 2024, Guangdong produced 6.94 million civilian drones, accounting for 95 percent of China's consumer-grade and 54 percent of the industrial-grade market shares.

The conference yielded substantial collaboration outcomes, with cities including Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou and Zhuhai inking agreements spanning government-enterprise partnerships, research alliances and operational innovations. These steps aim to forge a networked industrial ecology, accelerating the integration of low-altitude applications.

Zhang Hu, executive vice governor of Guangdong, emphasized the GBA's readiness for robust growth of the low-altitude economy, noting that the region boasts an exceptional innovation environment, world-class business conditions, and a mature industrial system.

Hong Kong is leveraging its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework. In March, the city launched a "regulatory sandbox" for low-altitude projects, enabling controlled testing of technologies and infrastructure.

Michael Wong, deputy financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and head of its low-altitude economy task force, said, "As an international financial, shipping and trade hub, Hong Kong will fully utilize its role as a super-connector to collaborate with Guangzhou and other GBA cities in advancing high-quality development of the low-altitude economy."

Macao has also established a dedicated task force for the development of the low-altitude economy.

"Low-altitude economy is a national strategic industry and a new engine for GBA integration," Tai Kin Ip, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region government, said, adding that Macao will strengthen cooperation with fellow cities to contribute to high-quality development of the sector.

A 2025 blue book on GBA low-altitude industry released by China Economic Information Service highlights the need for synergy among Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai as core hubs, coupled with deeper integration with Hong Kong and Macao. 
'A Junta With Nuclear Weapons': When Putin Privately Warned Bush About Pakistan

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 08:01 IST

For India, these declassified chats are not revelations but international confirmation of a long-held stance: Pakistans nuclear assets have always been a global security liability

In 2004, AQ Khan admitted to operating a global black market that supplied nuclear centrifuge designs and materials to Iran, Libya, and North Koreaa revelation that significantly strained the BushPutin relationship. Image: US State Dept

The National Security Archive has released a trove of declassified verbatim transcripts detailing the private conversations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President George W Bush from 2001 to 2008. The documents expose a shared, deep-seated anxiety regarding Pakistans nuclear stability, with Putin famously describing the nation as just a junta with nuclear weapons" during their first personal meeting in Slovenia in June 2001.

The Junta and the Proliferation Headache

The transcripts reveal that while the United States was publicly building a close post-9/11 partnership with President Pervez Musharraf for counter-terrorism, both world leaders privately viewed his regime as a major non-proliferation liability. Putin was particularly blunt, criticising the West for its lack of democratic pressure on Islamabad. The shadow of AQ Khan, the father of Pakistans nuclear programme, looms large over these papers. In 2004, Khan admitted to operating a global black market that supplied nuclear centrifuge designs and materials to Iran, Libya, and North Koreaa revelation that significantly strained the BushPutin relationship.

Conversation Transcript

One of the most revealing exchanges took place during a discussion on Irans clandestine nuclear labs and their undeniable link to Pakistani technology:

President Putin: But its not clear what the labs (Iran) have, where they are Cooperation with Pakistan still exists."

President Bush: I talked to Musharraf about that. I told him were worried about transfers to Iran and North Korea. They put AQ Khan in jail, and some of his buddies. Under house arrest. We want to know what they said. I keep reminding Musharraf of that. Either hes getting nothing, or hes not being forthcoming."

President Putin: As far as I understand, they found uranium of Pakistani origin in the centrifuges."

President Bush: Yes, the stuff the Iranians forgot to tell the IAEA about. Thats a violation."

President Putin: It was of Pakistani origin. That makes me nervous."

President Bush: It makes us nervous, too."

President Putin: Think about us."

President Bush: We dont need a lot of religious nuts with nuclear weapons. Thats what Iran has running the country."

Intelligence Perspective: A Dangerous Precedent

For India, these declassified admissions are not revelations but international confirmation of a long-held stance: that Pakistans nuclear assets have always been a global security liability. Indian intelligence sources told CNN-News18 the risk is institutional rather than limited to the rogue" AQ Khan episode. The transcripts validate the view that proliferation occurred under state protection and military control, with minimal civilian oversight.

From New Delhis perspective, the US decision to prioritise counter-terror cooperation over nuclear accountability effectively shielded Pakistan from the consequences of its actions. This created a dangerous precedent, emboldening the Pakistani security establishment and indirectly raising the risk of radiological or nuclear leakage" during future military stand-offs. To Indian agencies, the intersection of Pakistans military command and Islamist radical ecosystems remains the principal danger to regional stability.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 06:30 IST

News world 'A Junta With Nuclear Weapons': When Putin Privately Warned Bush About Pakistan

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Car With 'Happy Chanukah' Sign Torched In Melbourne A Week After Bondi Beach Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 07:08 IST

A car with a Hanukkah sign was set ablaze in Melbourne on Christmas, weeks after the Bondi Beach attack, leading to a police investigation.

Rapid Read

The car was set ablaze on Thursday. (Image: X/@AustralianJA)

A car displaying a sign celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah was set ablaze in Melbourne on Christmas, just over a week after the deadly Bondi Beach attack, prompting an investigation by the Australian police.

The vehicle, which had a Happy Chanukah" sign fixed to its roof, had no occupants inside when it was torched on Thursday. It was parked in a residential driveway in the suburb of St Kilda East according to Victoria Police. Images broadcast by national broadcaster ABC showed the car badly scorched.

Police said the fire was lit in the early hours of the morning and described the incident as a suspicious fire." As a precaution, occupants of the house were evacuated.

Detectives have identified a person who may be able to assist with their investigation and they are actively searching for and making enquiries into their whereabouts," police said in a statement.

SO IT CONTINUESCar with Chanukah sign has been fire-bombed in Balaclava Rd in Melbourne overnight. The new Australia where for over two years the antisemitism crisis has been allowed to escalate unchecked due to inaction and in some cases incitement by our governments. pic.twitter.com/FVYjvUpV1K  Australian Jewish Association (@AustralianJA) December 24, 2025

The incident comes amid heightened concern over antisemitic violence in Australia. Authorities have moved to strengthen laws and penalties for hate crimes following a December 14 mass shooting at a Hanukkah festival on Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead and many injured.

Rabbi Effy Block of Chabad of St Kilda said the Melbourne attack was clearly motivated by antisemitism. Thank God no people were harmed," he told AFP.

But this is a continuing escalation, where we see these events happening again and again," he added. My Jewish community in St Kilda and Melbourne do not feel safe in their own homes and country."

The Australian Jewish Association also condemned the attack in a post on X, stating, SO IT CONTINUESCar with Chanukah sign has been fire-bombed in Balaclava Rd in Melbourne overnight. The new Australia where for over two years the antisemitism crisis has been allowed to escalate unchecked due to inaction and in some cases incitement by our governments."

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Location : Australia

First Published: December 26, 2025, 07:08 IST

News world Car With 'Happy Chanukah' Sign Torched In Melbourne A Week After Bondi Beach Attack

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China Sanctions 20 US Defence Companies After Trump Approves Arms Sales To Taiwan

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 23:05 IST

China sanctioned 20 US defence firms and 10 executives, including Boeings St Louis hub, after Donald Trump approved a $10 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

Earlier this month, Trump's administration had announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than USD 10 billion, including medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones. (File Photo/Reuters)

China on Friday imposed sanctions against 20 US defence-related companies and 10 executives after Donald Trump approved a large-scale arms sale to Taiwan.

The Guardian quoted the ministry stating that the measures  against 10 individuals and 20 US firms including Boeings production hub at St Louis in Missouri  would freeze any assets the companies and individuals hold in China and bar domestic organisations and individuals from doing business with them.

Earlier this month, Trumps administration had announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than USD 10 billion, including medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones. The potential sale of eight arms packages to Taiwan, including 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-armour 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 countrys Defence Ministry.

PTI quoted the Chinese Foreign Ministry saying on Friday that Beijing has decided to take countermeasures against 20 American military-related firms and 10 senior executives who have been involved in arming Taiwan in recent years.

The Taiwan question is at the very core of Chinas core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. Anyone who attempts to cross the line and make provocations on the Taiwan question will be met with Chinas firm response," it said.

It urged the US to abide by the one-China principle and to stop the dangerous moves of arming Taiwan, stop undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces".

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Location : China

First Published: December 26, 2025, 23:03 IST

News world China Sanctions 20 US Defence Companies After Trump Approves Arms Sales To Taiwan

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Eight Killed In Explosion At Syria's Homs Mosque During Friday Prayers, Several Injured

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 18:33 IST

The blast occurred inside the mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood, a government-controlled district of the city.

Authorities said the nature and cause of the explosion had not yet been determined.

An explosion struck the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the central Syrian city of Homs, killing at least eight people and wounding several others, according to Syrian state media. The blast occurred inside the mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood, a government-controlled district of the city, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

Emergency response teams were dispatched immediately to the site to evacuate the wounded and secure the area. Security forces cordoned off the perimeter of the mosque as investigators began examining the scene.

Authorities said the nature and cause of the explosion had not yet been determined. It remained unclear whether the blast was caused by an explosive device, a suicide attack or another source.

AFP reported that the mosque is located in an Alawite-majority area of Homs.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 16:22 IST

News world Eight Killed In Explosion At Syria's Homs Mosque During Friday Prayers, Several Injured

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'Govt Has No Interest In Ensuring Justice': Hadis Brother Threatens To Gherao Yunus's Residence

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 23:27 IST

Sharif Osman Hadi's assassination sparks nationwide protests, with Sharif Omar bin Hadi threatening to lay siege to Jamuna if justice is not delivered by Yunus's government.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure of the July uprising, died at a hospital in Singapore on Thursday, a week after he was shot at by masked gunmen in Dhaka. (AFP)

Amid the ongoing protests following the assassination of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, his brother on Friday threatened to lay siege to Jamuna, the residence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, if necessary.

Looking at the condition of the government, it is clear that they have no interest in ensuring justice. The demand for justice for Osman Hadi has now become the demand of 180 million people of Bangladesh," said Hadis brother Sharif Omar bin Hadi at the protest site.

He further said: We have taken to the streets, and we will not return home until justice is delivered. We will be forced to announce even more stringent programmes. Before the situation of the state deteriorates further, we want to make it clear  do not force us to lay siege to the cantonment or Jamuna."

Hadi, a 32-year-old activist, poet and spokesperson of the Inqilab Manch movement, was shot in Dhaka on December 12 during an election campaign event. He was later flown to Singapore for treatment but succumbed to his injuries on December 18, triggering widespread unrest across the country.

Previously, Omar made a huge allegation against the Muhammad Yunus regime, accusing the government of killing Hadi to cancel the forthcoming Bangladesh election.

He directly confronted political leaders and the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus over what the family sees as a failure to deliver justice. Omar warned the authorities, saying, If you cant give justice then you have to flee."

He accused those in power of being responsible for his brothers killing and called on them to take responsibility for the death of Osman Hadi. You have killed Osman Hadi and you want to cancel the election showing him," he asked, reflecting widespread distrust in the current political process. If Hadi does not get justice, you also have to leave this country."

Hadis funeral was marked by heavy security and tens of thousands, many of whom chanted slogans such as, Hadis blood will not go in vain." Hadi rose to prominence during the July 2024 uprising that contributed to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and was widely seen as a potential voice in the upcoming February parliamentary elections.

Omar Hadi urged the authorities to bring all murderers who killed Hadi" to justice, reflecting a broader call among supporters for accountability and transparency. He reiterated that his brother never bowed down," a phrase that resonated with many in the crowd as a testament to Hadis defiance and spirit.

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Location : Bangladesh

First Published: December 26, 2025, 23:27 IST

News world 'Govt Has No Interest In Ensuring Justice': Hadis Brother Threatens To Gherao Yunus's Residence

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Hospital Killed My Husband: Wife Alleges Negligence After Indian-Origin Man Dies In Canada

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 13:29 IST

In a statement, the organisation expressed condolences to the family but declined to comment on specific aspects of patient care.

Niharika Sreekumar and her husband Prashant Sreekumar

Days after a 44-year-old Indian-origin man Prashant Sreekumar died of a suspected cardiac arrest while awaiting treatment at a hospital in Canadas Edmonton, a video of his grieving wife accusing the hospital of negligence surfaced on social media.

In the video, Niharika Sreekumar is seen standing beside her husbands body, alleging that prolonged delays and lack of timely medical care at Grey Nuns Community Hospital led to his death.

The hospital killed my husband," she says, recounting what she described as an eight-hour-long wait despite repeated complaints of severe chest pain.

According to Niharika, Prashant began experiencing acute chest pain around noon on Monday, December 22, and was taken to the hospital by 12.20 pm.

She claimed that he remained seated in the triage area until nearly 9 pm, continuously reporting chest pain while his blood pressure kept rising. The last recorded reading, she said, was 210, far above the normal range for healthy adults.

During this period, she alleged that her husband was only given Tylenol and received no further medical intervention.

They told us chest pain was not considered an emergency and that they did not suspect a cardiac issue," she said.

After more than eight hours, Prashant was finally taken inside for treatment. However, moments later, he collapsed.

He stood up briefly and then fainted. I heard the nurse say she couldnt feel a pulse," Niharika recalled. Medical staff attempted to resuscitate him, but he could not be revived. He was declared dead due to an apparent cardiac arrest.

Prashant Sreekumar is survived by his wife and their three children, aged three, 10 and 14.

Niharika further accused the hospital administration and staff of failing her husband at a critical moment.

She also alleged that security personnel behaved insensitively when she questioned the delay in care. Instead of addressing what went wrong, they told me I was being rude," she said.

Echoing the familys allegations, Prashants father, Kumar Sreekumar, told Canadian media that his son had repeatedly told hospital staff that his pain was 15 out of 10."

He said an electrocardiogram (ECG) was conducted but the family was told there were no alarming findings, after which they were asked to continue waiting.

He told me, Papa, I cannot bear the pain," Kumar Sreekumar said.

Grey Nuns Community Hospital is operated by the Covenant Health network.

In a statement, the organisation expressed condolences to the family but declined to comment on specific aspects of patient care, stating that the case is currently under review by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

We extend our sympathies to the patients family and friends. The safety and care of our patients and staff remain our highest priority," the statement said.

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Location : Canada

First Published: December 26, 2025, 13:29 IST

News world Hospital Killed My Husband: Wife Alleges Negligence After Indian-Origin Man Dies In Canada

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20-Year-Old Indian Student Shot Dead Near University Of Toronto, Suspects On The Run

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 10:07 IST

An Indian student was shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The police said the suspects fled before officers arrived.

A photo of Shivank Avasthi, Indian student killed in Toronto (Toronto Police)

A young Indian doctoral student was shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, prompting a homicide investigation by the Toronto Police Service and an expression of deep anguish from the Consulate General of India in Toronto.

According to the Toronto Police Service, the incident occurred on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

Police said they responded at approximately 3.34 pm to a call reporting an unknown trouble" in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area.

Upon arrival, officers found a male victim suffering from serious injuries.

Police stated that officers responded to reports of a person with serious injuries," following which they located a male victim with a gunshot wound."

The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Authorities said that the suspect or suspects fled the area prior to police arrival.

The victim was identified as 20-year-old Shivank Avasthi.

The Toronto Police Service confirmed that this case marks the citys 41st homicide of 2025.

Police have launched a homicide investigation and appealed to the public for information. Anyone with details related to the case has been asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or reach Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or through www.222tips.com.

Following the incident, the Consulate General of India in Toronto issued a statement on X expressing deep sorrow over the death of the Indian student and assuring assistance to the bereaved family.

We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus."

The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities," the Consulate Generals X post mentioned.

It reiterated that it remains engaged with local authorities as the investigation continues and is providing all possible support to the family of the deceased.

We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr. Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) December 25, 2025

Earlier, the Toronto Police had said that the campus was locked down during the probe into the shooting.

Police officials reiterated that the suspect or suspects involved in the killing fled the scene before officers reached the area.

Separately, the Toronto Police had earlier reported another homicide involving an Indian national in the city.

Police said a 30-year-old Indian-origin woman was found murdered in Toronto, following which a Canada-wide arrest warrant was issued for a suspect known to the victim.

The deceased was identified as Himanshi Khurana, a resident of Toronto.

Police said they were searching for Abdul Ghafoori (32), also of Toronto, in connection with the case.

According to CBC News, investigators said the incident appeared to involve intimate partner violence."

ALSO READ | Canada Records Sharpest Population Decline In 80 Years. Reason: Fewer Temporary Residents

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China Slams US Report For 'Sowing Discord' With India, Calls Border Situation 'Stable'

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 09:37 IST

China accused the US of sowing discord between Beijing and other countries by false narratives and said the border situation with India was "stable".

Rapid Read

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. (Reuters)

China on Thursday rejected a report by the US Department of War, which accused Beijing of leveraging reduced border tensions with India to undermine US-India ties while deepening defence ties with Pakistan. China accused the US of sowing discord between Beijing and other countries by false narratives and said the border situation with India was stable".

The Pentagons report distorts Chinas defence policy, sows discord between China and other countries, and aims at finding a pretext for the US to maintain its military supremacy. China firmly opposes the report," Chinese Foreign Ministry Lin Jian told a media briefing here when asked about the Pentagon report submitted to the US Congress.

The US report flagged Chinas claim over Arunachal Pradesh as part of Beijings expanding core interests," placing the Indian state alongside Taiwan and key maritime disputes in Chinas long-term national strategy.

In October 2024, Indian leadership announced an agreement with China to disengage from remaining standoff sites along the LAC two days before a meeting between President Xi and Indian Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit," the US report mentioned.

China probably seeks to capitalise on decreased tension along the LAC to stabilise bilateral relations and prevent the deepening of US-India ties; however, India probably remains sceptical of Chinas actions and motives. Continued mutual distrust and other irritants almost certainly limit the bilateral relationship," it added.

Pentagon Flags Chinas Claim On Arunachal, Warns Of Deepening Military Ties With Pakistan

India-China Border Conflict

In response to a question about Chinas ties with India, Lin stated that Beijing views and handles its relations with New Delhi from a strategic height and a long-term perspective."

We stand ready to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, and properly handle differences with India, and advance a sound and stable bilateral relationship," he said.

On the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Lin said, The boundary question is a matter between China and India and the current border situation between the two countries is generally stable with smooth communication channels. China opposes relevant countrys groundless and irresponsible comments."

This came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a high-profile meeting at Kazan in October 2024 to sign a landmark agreement to disengage from standoff sites at the LAC. This marked the onset of monthly high-level engagements between the two countries.

China-Pakistan Ties

The report also claimed that China was considering installing a military base in Pakistan and highlighted the cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad in defence and space. Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang denounced the Pentagon report, saying it was grossly interfering in Chinas internal affairs.

The US report maliciously misinterpreted Chinas national defence policy, made unfounded speculations about Chinas military development, slandering and smearing the normal actions of the Chinese military," he said, declining to directly respond to a question on the report alleging Chinas expanding defence and cooperation with Pakistan.

Zhang alleged that the report was full of erroneous understandings of China and geopolitical biases, exaggerating the so-called Chinese military threat" to mislead the international community. We express our strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this," he said, urging the US to stop fabricating false narratives and provoking confrontation and antagonism.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Location : Beijing, China

First Published: December 26, 2025, 08:53 IST

News world China Slams US Report For 'Sowing Discord' With India, Calls Border Situation 'Stable'

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Man Attempts To Take Own Life In Mecca Grand Mosque, Guard Breaks Fall In Dramatic Rescue | Watch

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 15:14 IST

A video went viral showing a man jumping from the upper floor of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, before a security guard broke his fall in a rescue attempt.

A man attempted to take his life by jumping from the upper levels of the Mecca Grand Mosque. (Photo: X)

A dramatic video went viral, showing a man attempting to take his own life by jumping from the upper floors of Masjid al-Haram in Saudi Arabias Mecca, and a security officer rushed to intervene and broke the mans fall, receiving injuries in the process.

The Emirate of the Makkah Region said the Special Force for the Security of the Grand Mosque immediately initiated action after the man attempted to jump from an upper floor. An officer was injured while preventing the man from hitting the ground; authorities said the injury was limited to fractures.

The Haram security forces have issued a statement that said there was an incident of a person attempting to take his own life from the upper floors of the Grand Mosque."

 A security guard at the Masjid al-Haram rushed to intervene after a person tried to take their own life by jumping off the upper floors of the masjid.The security guard was injured while trying to prevent the person from hitting the ground. Both individuals were pic.twitter.com/NnpveIE8wf   (@Alhamdhulillaah) December 25, 2025

A security officer was injured while trying to prevent him from hitting the ground at the moment of his fall. Both individuals were immediately transferred to receive the necessary medical care, and the required official procedures were completed," the forces said.

Footage circulating online showed the man moving toward the edge of the upper level and jumping before security officers rushed in to restrain him. A guard standing below attempted to break the mans fall, with both persons suffering injuries.

#_:                        . pic.twitter.com/ksGvcyhYiU     (@makkahregion) December 25, 2025

The Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr Abdur Rahman As Sudais, commented on the incident, calling upon visitors to adhere to regulations and instructions, to revere the sanctity of the place, to observe proper Islamic manners therein, and to devote themselves to worship and obedience."

He warned against what some individuals  though very few  attempt by throwing themselves from upper levels, stressing that this constitutes a form of suicide, which is strictly forbidden in Islamic law, as per the statement.

Makkah authorities said legal procedures are being completed in accordance with applicable regulations. A similar incident took place in 2017, when a man lost his life after jumping from an upper level near the Kaaba as thousands of pilgrims were offering prayers.

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Location : Saudi Arabia

First Published: December 26, 2025, 15:14 IST

News world Man Attempts To Take Own Life In Mecca Grand Mosque, Guard Breaks Fall In Dramatic Rescue | Watch

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'Merry Christmas To The Sleazebags': Trump Unleashes Scathing Attack Over Epstein Links

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 07:22 IST

Trumps Christmas message attacked rivals, media, linked Democrats to Epstein, and called investigations a Radical Left Witch Hunt.

Trumps Christmas message attacked rivals, media, linked Democrats to Epstein, and called investigations a Radical Left Witch Hunt.

US President Donald Trump issued a combative Christmas message on his social media platform, Truth Social, launching a sweeping attack on political rivals, media organisations and individuals he claims were associated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In the lengthy post, Trump accused unnamed sleazebags" of socialising with Epstein, visiting his private island and funding him, before distancing themselves once Epstein became the subject of criminal investigations. Trump asserted that he was the only one" who cut ties with Epstein early on, long before it became politically expedient to do so.

The president alleged that the ongoing scrutiny into Epsteins connections is part of what he described as a Radical Left Witch Hunt," claiming that those whose names are emerging are largely Democrats. He also singled out what he called a lowlife Republican," without providing details.

Trump further compared the Epstein-related scrutiny to the Russia investigation into his 2016 campaign, again branding it a hoax and a total scam." He accused sections of the US media, particularly The New York Times, of spreading false narratives, claiming the outlet was previously forced to apologise for inaccurate election reporting and lost subscribers as a result.

In a sharp closing remark, Trump warned that mostly innocent" people could be reputationally harmed by what he called corrupt Democratic politics, ending the message with a provocative sign-off suggesting it could be the publics last Merry Christmas."

The post adds to Trumps long-standing pattern of using holidays and major occasions to deliver politically charged messages, as he continues to position himself as a central figure in US political discourse ahead of future elections.

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Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 26, 2025, 07:22 IST

News world 'Merry Christmas To The Sleazebags': Trump Unleashes Scathing Attack Over Epstein Links

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A passenger plane is welcomed by a water cannon salute upon arrival at Jiaxing Nanhu Airport in Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Dec. 26, 2025. Jiaxing Nanhu Airport, the first specialized air cargo hub in the Yangtze River Delta, was officially put into operation on Friday. The 4E-level airport is capable of handling both passenger and cargo planes with a focus on freight services. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

A passenger plane arrives at Jiaxing Nanhu Airport in Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Dec. 26, 2025. Jiaxing Nanhu Airport, the first specialized air cargo hub in the Yangtze River Delta, was officially put into operation on Friday. The 4E-level airport is capable of handling both passenger and cargo planes with a focus on freight services. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

A cargo plane is welcomed by a water cannon salute upon arrival at Jiaxing Nanhu Airport in Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Dec. 26, 2025. Jiaxing Nanhu Airport, the first specialized air cargo hub in the Yangtze River Delta, was officially put into operation on Friday. The 4E-level airport is capable of handling both passenger and cargo planes with a focus on freight services. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

A cargo plane prepares to take off at Jiaxing Nanhu Airport in Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Dec. 26, 2025. Jiaxing Nanhu Airport, the first specialized air cargo hub in the Yangtze River Delta, was officially put into operation on Friday. The 4E-level airport is capable of handling both passenger and cargo planes with a focus on freight services. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

A cargo plane prepares to land at Jiaxing Nanhu Airport in Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Dec. 26, 2025. Jiaxing Nanhu Airport, the first specialized air cargo hub in the Yangtze River Delta, was officially put into operation on Friday. The 4E-level airport is capable of handling both passenger and cargo planes with a focus on freight services. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)
Pakistan Forced To Seek UK Help After Threat To Field Marshal Asim Munir Abroad | Exclusive Details

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 23:11 IST

Islamabad has lodged a formal demarche with British authorities after a public threat was issued against Munir during a protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford

According to Pakistans Foreign Office, a video uploaded by the UKPTIofficial social media account shows a woman addressing the protest and issuing a violent threat against Field Marshal Munir. (File image: ISPR/AP)

Pakistan has been forced to turn to the United Kingdom to protect its own field marshal, exposing what sources told CNN-News18 is a growing erosion of control within the Pakistan Army and over its overseas support base.

Islamabad has lodged a formal demarche with British authorities after a public threat was issued against Field Marshal Asim Munir during a protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford. Pakistani officials have asked the UK to take action under British law, citing video evidence that they say amounts to incitement to violence.

According to Pakistans Foreign Office, a video uploaded by the UKPTIofficial social media account shows a woman addressing the protest and issuing a violent threat against Field Marshal Munir, allegedly referring to a car bomb and drawing comparisons to the 1988 plane explosion that killed former president General Zia ul Haq. Pakistani ministers have claimed the remarks crossed the line from political protest into terrorism-related incitement.

The episode has drawn attention to Pakistans increasing reliance on foreign governments to address security threats against its top military leadership, even when those threats emerge from its own diaspora. Critics argue this underscores a deeper problem, namely the armys diminishing grip over overseas supporters and the growing anger directed at the military establishment abroad.

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf have rejected the governments narrative. Sources close to the party insist the Bradford gathering was a political demonstration against what they describe as military interference in civilian politics, not an organised or sanctioned threat. PTI leaders argue that the video clip is being selectively amplified by the government to criminalise dissent and silence overseas critics of Field Marshal Munir.

The party maintains that freedom of expression abroad is being deliberately conflated with terrorism in order to deflect attention from Pakistans internal political instability and economic distress. PTI has further alleged that Islamabad is pressuring foreign governments to pursue political opponents overseas after failing to secure legitimacy at home, and that the demarche is an attempt to internationalise a domestic power struggle and intimidate diaspora activists rather than address any genuine security lapse.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 23:11 IST

News world Pakistan Forced To Seek UK Help After Threat To Field Marshal Asim Munir Abroad | Exclusive Details

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Police Station Chief Abducted By TTP Militants In Pakistan's North Waziristan

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 19:02 IST

The incident occurred on the Datta KhelMiranshah road, an area known for a long history of militant activity and weak state control.

Police sources said local tribal elders have stepped in and initiated negotiations with the militants.

Militants belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) abducted a station house officer (SHO) in Pakistans restive North Waziristan region, sources told CNN-News18.

According to police officials, Muhammad Sadiq Ullah, the SHO of the Datta Khel police station, was abducted while travelling from Datta Khel to Miranshah. The incident occurred on the Datta KhelMiranshah road, an area known for a long history of militant activity and weak state control.

Security officials said the abduction took place as the officer was en route, though further operational details were not immediately disclosed. The militants involved have been identified as members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, also known as the Pakistani Taliban.

Police sources said local tribal elders have stepped in and initiated negotiations with the militants in an effort to secure the safe release of the abducted officer. There has been no official communication from the TTP so far and no demands have been made.

Following the incident, security has been tightened across North Waziristan, with additional checkpoints set up on key routes and movement being closely monitored. Security forces launched a review of the situation but have not announced any rescue operation as negotiations continue.

North Waziristan, once a stronghold of militant groups, has seen a resurgence of targeted attacks and kidnappings in recent months, raising concerns over the fragile security situation in Pakistans former tribal districts.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 19:02 IST

News world Police Station Chief Abducted By TTP Militants In Pakistan's North Waziristan

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Putin Signals Openness To Dialogue After Receiving Trump's Ukraine Peace Proposals

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 23:54 IST

Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President said he plans to meet his US counterpart in Florida on Sunday as part of the ongoing efforts to end the nearly four-year war with Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said envoy Kirill Dmitriev brought paper copies of US proposals for peace back to Moscow after a meeting in Miami at the weekend - and the details were being analysed by the Kremlin.

Russian President Vladimir Putins foreign policy aide spoke to officials of US administration after Moscow received US-backed proposals about Ukrainian peace deal, the Kremlin said on Friday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Kremlin foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, spoke by telephone to several members of the administration of US President Donald Trump but did not mention when the call took place.

Reuters quoted Peskov saying Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev brought paper copies of US proposals for peace back to Moscow after a meeting in Miami at the weekend  and the details were being analysed by the Kremlin.

The information was analysed, and on behalf of President Putin, contact took place between representatives of the administrations of Russia and the United States," Peskov said. It was agreed to continue the dialogue."

Speaking on the report, he said the Ukrainian peace discussions were touched upon in general" and mentioned at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Russias Kommersant newspaper reported Putin has informed some of Russias top businessmen that he might be open to swapping parts of territory controlled by Russian forces in Ukraine but that he wanted the whole of Donbas.

Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he plans to meet his US counterpart in Florida on Sunday as part of the ongoing efforts to end the nearly four-year war with Russia.

Speaking to reporters, Zelenskyy said though he could not confirm whether the Sundays meeting would lead to a firm agreement but the two sides would aim to finalise as much as we can".

In a video posted on X on Christmas Eve, the Ukrainian leader said that despite all the suffering that Russia has brought, it is not capable of occupying or bombing what matters most. That is our Ukrainian heart, our faith in one another, and our unity".

In a veiled reference to Putin, Zelenskyy added, Today, we all share one dream. And we make one wish  for all of us. May he perish, each of us may think to ourselves. But when we turn to God, of course, we ask for something greater, we ask for peace for Ukraine. We fight for it, we pray for it, we deserve it."

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Location : Russia

First Published: December 26, 2025, 23:54 IST

News world Putin Signals Openness To Dialogue After Receiving Trump's Ukraine Peace Proposals

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Softer Voice, Sharper Strategy: Intel Review Of Tarique Rahmans Bangladesh Comeback Speech | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: December 25, 2025, 18:52 IST

Central to the intelligence findings is Rahmans subtle but clear outreach to India, though there was no direct mention of New Delhi in his address

The note highlights that Rahman's repeated emphasis on peace, the rule of law, and the protection of minorities was a carefully calibrated message designed for two audiences. (File pic/AFP)

An internal intelligence note detailing the strategic nuances behind the landmark speech delivered by Tarique Rahman upon his return to Dhaka on Thursday has been exclusively accessed by CNN-News18. According to the assessment, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) adopted a deliberately low-temperature" tone, marking a calculated departure from the partys traditional image as an agitation-driven force. By eschewing direct confrontation, street mobilisation, and Islamist rhetoric, Rahman is reportedly attempting to rebrand the BNP as a responsible, governance-oriented national alternative ahead of the February general elections.

Tarique Rahman claimed that Bangladesh has changed significantly since he left. He praised the development and infrastructure, acknowledging the progress made under Sheikh Hasinas leadership.

This admission is significant, as it comes from a leader who has often criticised the current government.

The note highlights that Rahmans repeated emphasis on peace, the rule of law, and the protection of minorities was a carefully calibrated message designed for two audiences. While it sought to reassure the domestic populace, it was equally aimed at international stakeholders who have historically viewed the BNP with caution. Analysts suggest that this soft-rebranding" is intended to distance the party from its more turbulent past and project a vision of stability that aligns with democratic norms.

Central to the intelligence findings is Rahmans subtle but clear outreach to India. Although there was no direct mention of New Delhi in his address, the note interprets his focus on non-violence and minority rights as a reassurance signal" to the neighbouring capital. Intelligence agencies suggest that Rahman is seeking to convey that a future BNP government would not revert to the 200106 template", which was characterised by anti-India permissiveness, including the presence of insurgent sanctuaries and radical networks.

The assessment concludes that the BNP is currently testing an India-neutral" rather than an India-friendly" posture. By stressing national sovereignty and a peoples mandate", Rahman is purportedly aiming to alleviate New Delhis historical security fears without offering a direct strategic role or appearing subservient. This nuanced diplomatic positioning appears to be the cornerstone of his strategy to secure both domestic legitimacy and regional acceptance as he prepares for a direct role in Bangladeshs evolving political landscape.

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First Published: December 25, 2025, 17:44 IST

News world Softer Voice, Sharper Strategy: Intel Review Of Tarique Rahmans Bangladesh Comeback Speech | Exclusive

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Trouble For Pakistan As TTP Reveals New Organisation Setup, Air Force Ops For 2026

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee



Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 11:31 IST

The TTP, behind several attacks on Army and security personnel in Pakistan, announced a new organisational structure that includes new zones and air force operations.

Rapid Read

Pakistan is staring at an escalating conflict with the TTP. (Image for representation: AFP)

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has announced a new organisational structure for 2026, including plans for an Air Force" unit, signalling an intent to escalate hostilities against Islamabad, sources told CNN-News18.

The structure details TTPs military units, deployments in different provinces, and the organisational frameworks of various departments. The creation of a new air force shows the TTPs escalation in intent, propaganda, and threat to Pakistan, said sources.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terror activities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, after the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022 and launched a series of attacks on security forces, police, and law enforcement personnel.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to as Fitna-al-Khawarij by the Pakistani state, is a banned group. Pakistan has accused TTP of operating from Afghan territory, a claim denied by the Taliban government. It remains one of Pakistans most serious internal security threats.

Major Changes Announced By TTP

New Supervision Zones: The TTP announced the formation of two new zones to manage the shadow provinces, namely the Western Zone (Balochistan) and the Central Zone. Both zones have their respective overall military commanders.

Shadow Provinces: New provinces have been added to TTPs administrative control, including the Kashmir province and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Military Zone Leadership: The leadership of all military zones has undergone a change. Notably, Ehsanullah Ipi, the great-grandson of Faqir Ipi, has been appointed as Head of the Southern Military Zone. Faqir Ipi joined TTP in March 2022. The new military zones feature Hilal Ghazi as deputy head of Central Military Zone.

Major Appointments: Moreover, Azmatullah Mehsud has replaced Maulvi Faqir Muhammad as leader of the Political Commission. Maulvi Faqir will remain a member of the commission, while Sarbakaf Mohmand is not present anymore.

Air Force Ops: The TTP has announced the creation of its Air Force operating under the leadership of Saleem Haqqani.

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Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: December 26, 2025, 09:28 IST

News world Trouble For Pakistan As TTP Reveals New Organisation Setup, Air Force Ops For 2026

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Trump Orders Deadly Strike On ISIS In Nigeria After Attacks On Christians: 'Merry Christmas To All'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 07:19 IST

Trump has been accusing the Nigerian government for persecuting innocent Christians in the West African country and said he would not allow Radical Islamism to prosper.

Trump announced a 'deadly' strike at ISIS terrorists in Nigeria. (Reuters/X)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday night said he had ordered a powerful and deadly" strike against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, accusing the group of targeting and killing innocent Christians in the West African country.

Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was," he went on. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper."

The president also warned of more strikes if the Christians continue to be targeted by terrorists. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues."

The US Africa Command said the operation was carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities. At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State," said AFRICOM.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation" for the mission. Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the cooperation included exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination in ways consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security."

.@POTUS Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and pic.twitter.com/ct7rUW128t Department of War  (@DeptofWar) December 26, 2025

Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigerias values and to international peace and security," the ministry said in a statement.

Trumps Warning To Nigeria

For the last several months, Trump has accused the Nigerian government for persecuting innocent Christians in the West African country, warning that the United States would enter Nigeria guns-a-blazing" to protect the Christian population.

If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing," to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities," he said last month, ordering the Defence Department to prepare for possible action.

In response to Trumps criticisms, Nigerias government has insisted that people of many faiths, not just Christians, have suffered attacks at the hands of extremist groups. Despite this, the US designated Nigeria a country of particular concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act.

The US State Department also announced it would restrict visas for Nigerians and their family members involved in mass killings and violence against Christians there. Notably, Nigeria has long faced security threats from various terror groups, including ISIS and Boko Haram, which have also targeted the large Muslim population of the country. The country has faced a series of attacks on schools and churches in violence that experts say target both Christians and Muslims.

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 26, 2025, 06:52 IST

News world Trump Orders Deadly Strike On ISIS In Nigeria After Attacks On Christians: 'Merry Christmas To All'

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Two Killed In Suspected Palestinian Car-Ramming, Stabbing Attack In North Israel

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 22:15 IST

Israel Defense Forces said a preliminary investigation indicated that the terrorist is an illegal resident who infiltrated Israeli territory several days ago.

The IDF said additional forces were preparing to enter Qabatiya following the directive. (Representational image)

Two people were killed in a car-ramming and stabbing attack carried out by a Palestinian assailant in northern Israel, Israeli police said, describing the incident as a rolling terror attack". According to police, the suspect- a Palestinian from the occupied West Bank- first rammed his vehicle into a 68-year-old Israeli pedestrian in the city of Beit Shean. He then drove to the area near the kibbutz of Ein Harod, where he stabbed a 17-year-old Israeli girl. A 16-year-old boy was also injured in the attack, Israels emergency medical service Magen David Adom said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later identified the victims as Shimshon Mordechai, 68 and Aviv Maor, 17. A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces said a preliminary investigation indicated that the terrorist is an illegal resident who infiltrated Israeli territory several days ago." Police said the attacker was eventually confronted by a civilian bystander in the nearby city of Afula and was taken to hospital in moderate condition.

Following the attack, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered military action in the West Bank city of Qabatiya, the suspects hometown near Jenin. Israel Katz said he had instructed the army to act forcefully and immediately to locate and thwart every terrorist and terrorists infrastructure" in the area, warning that anyone who assists terrorism or provides sponsorship and backing for terrorism will pay the full price."

The IDF said additional forces were preparing to enter Qabatiya following the directive.

Israels far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir seized on the attack to renew calls for legislation introducing the death penalty for terrorists, a proposal currently being advanced by the government at his insistence.

Anyone who sets out to carry out an antisemitic terror attack must know Israel will not allow them to continue living and will send them straight to hell," Ben Gvir said.

Beit Shean and Afula are located in Israels northern Jezreel Valley, close to the northern West Bank.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 26, 2025, 22:15 IST

News world Two Killed In Suspected Palestinian Car-Ramming, Stabbing Attack In North Israel

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US Strikes ISIS In Nigeria: Why Trump Acted Now And What Happens Next

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 23:15 IST

Donald Trump framed the military action as a response to what he described as escalating violence against Christian communities by Islamist militants.

US President Donald Trump announced the operation on Christmas Day.

The United States carried out air and missile strikes against Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria, marking a sharp escalation in Washingtons counterterrorism posture in West Africa and directly linking military action to President Donald Trumps warnings over attacks on Christians.

Donald Trump announced the operation on Christmas Day, saying the US had launched powerful and deadly" strikes against ISIS militants whom he accused of slaughtering Christians" in Nigeria. The operation was conducted in coordination with Nigerian forces and comes days after large-scale US strikes on ISIS targets in Syria.

Why Did Donald Trump Order US Strikes On ISIS In Nigeria?

Donald Trump framed the military action as a response to what he described as escalating violence against Christian communities by Islamist militants.

Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria," Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. He claimed militants had been viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians."

He added that he had issued prior warnings.

If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was," Donald Trump said.

Why Did Strikes Happen Now?

Donald Trump had instructed the Pentagon in November to prepare military options for Nigeria and publicly warned that US aid could be cut if attacks continued. At the same time, US forces began stepped-up intelligence and surveillance operations over northern Nigeria to identify militant camps. Nigerian officials also increased engagement with Washington, according to US media reports. The timing followed a renewed wave of violence, including a suspected suicide bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri days earlier.

How Has Nigeria Responded To US Strikes?

Nigerias foreign ministry confirmed the strikes were carried out in coordination with Abuja and stressed that the action respected Nigerias sovereignty and international law.

Terrorist violence in any form- whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities- remains an affront to Nigerias values," the ministry said, adding that civilian protection remained central to counterterrorism efforts.

Could More US Strikes Follow?

Donald Trump has indicated that the Nigeria operation may not be a one-off. In his Christmas Day post, he warned that additional strikes could follow if attacks continue.

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First Published: December 26, 2025, 23:15 IST

News world US Strikes ISIS In Nigeria: Why Trump Acted Now And What Happens Next

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Who Was Shivank Avasthi? Indian Student Shot Dead Near University Of Toronto

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 17:31 IST

According to the Toronto Police Service, the incident took place on Tuesday near the universitys Scarborough Campus.

A file photo of Shivank Avasthi (Toronto Police)

A young Indian doctoral student was shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, prompting a homicide investigation by the Toronto Police Service.

According to the Toronto Police Service, the incident took place on Tuesday near the universitys Scarborough Campus. In a statement, the police said that officers were called to the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road at approximately 3:30 pm (local time) after reports of unknown trouble.

News Release  Homicide Investigation, Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road, Victim: Shivank Avasthi, 20, Image Releasedhttps://t.co/WdkKqp4pGe pic.twitter.com/XF6NAYJwgX Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) December 24, 2025

When officers arrived, they found a male victim, identified as 20-year-old Shivank Avasthi, with a gunshot wound on a paved trail running through a wooded section near the campus perimeter. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The police said that the suspect fled before officers arrived.

Who Was Shivank Avasthi?

Avasthi was a doctoral student at the University of Torontos Scarborough campus (UTSC). He was reportedly in the third year of his advanced studies in life sciences.

He used to visit the Campus Valley area, an area that was promoted and highlighted by the university, on a regular basis.

He was also a member of the UTSC Cheerleading team. The UTSC Cheerleading team condoled his death and said he lit up practice and brought up everyones spirits with his encouragement and support."

We are deeply saddened and in shock by the sudden loss of a beloved Maroon, Shivank Avasthi. He brought a smile to anyones face when you talked with him, and as a team, we were so lucky to have him. Rest easy, Shivank. UTSC Cheerleading will always love you, and you will always be a part of our family, in our hearts always," the team said in a post on Facebook.

Indian Consulate Condoles Death

Indias consulate in Toronto also expressed deep anguish" over the students tragic death".

We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus," it said in a post on X.

We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr. Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) December 25, 2025

The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities," it added.

It reiterated that it remains engaged with local authorities as the investigation continues and is providing all possible support to the family of the deceased.

Meanwhile, police have launched a homicide investigation and appealed to the public for information. Anyone with details related to the case has been asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or reach Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or through www.222tips.com.

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News world Who Was Shivank Avasthi? Indian Student Shot Dead Near University Of Toronto

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Zelenskyy To Meet Trump In Florida For Ukraine Peace Talks On Sunday

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Last Updated: December 26, 2025, 20:41 IST

Zelenskyy plans to meet Donald Trump in Florida to discuss a 20-point peace plan with Russia, aiming to end the war. Ukraine awaits Kremlin response and allies' approval.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he could not confirm whether the Sunday's meeting would lead to a firm agreement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said he plans to meet his US counterpart Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday as part of the ongoing efforts to end the nearly four-year war with Russia.

Speaking to reporters, Zelenskyy said though he could not confirm whether the Sundays meeting would lead to a firm agreement but the two sides would aim to finalise as much as we can".

In a previous post on X, he said: A lot can be decided before the New Year. Glory to Ukraine!"

In a video posted on X on Christmas Eve, the Ukrainian leader said that despite all the suffering that Russia has brought, it is not capable of occupying or bombing what matters most. That is our Ukrainian heart, our faith in one another, and our unity".

In a veiled reference to Putin, Zelenskyy added, Today, we all share one dream. And we make one wish  for all of us. May he perish, each of us may think to ourselves. But when we turn to God, of course, we ask for something greater, we ask for peace for Ukraine. We fight for it, we pray for it, we deserve it."

CNN quoted the Ukrainian President saying that the 20-point peace plan hammered out by Ukrainian and US officials is 90% ready" and that he planned to discuss with Trump how Ukraines allies could guarantee its security in the future.

The initial peace plan, tabled in November, following talks between the United States and Russia. It was criticised by Ukraines allies as backing Moscow. Since then, the draft has been trimmed to the current 20-point plan, which Zelenskyy said will serve as a foundational document on ending the war".

The latest announcement comes after he offered to compromise on some of the thorniest issues that have so far stalled the US-mediated peace process with Russia, CNN reported.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine has not received an official response from the Kremlin to the latest proposal. In my opinion, I see now that the agreement between us and the United States is almost ready," he said, adding that any peace deal will need approval by Russia and Ukraines European allies.

CNN quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy aide to President Vladimir Putin, had spoken to members of the Trump administration after Moscow had received the latest proposals for a deal. However, the spokesman did not mention when the conversation took place.

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News world Zelenskyy To Meet Trump In Florida For Ukraine Peace Talks On Sunday

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JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces said it struck Hezbollah targets in several areas in Lebanon on Friday.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported that the strikes were carried out in the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon and in the Jezzine District in the south of the country.

A statement issued by the Israeli army said one of the targets was a training compound for Hezbollah's elite unit, the Radwan Force, adding that weapons depots, military structures, and other infrastructure used by Hezbollah were also targeted.

It claimed that the targets and military training of Hezbollah constitute a violation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon and a threat to Israel.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's official National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes "on the outskirts of Hermel in eastern Lebanon."

It also reported airstrikes "targeting Jabal Safi, the al-Breij area on the outskirts of Jbaa in the Iqlim al-Tuffah region, as well as the areas of Kfar Melki and Bouslaiya, deep in southern Lebanon."

A source from Lebanese army intelligence, along with eyewitnesses, told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes conducted nine airstrikes on areas housing Hezbollah sites.

The source added that the warplanes launched approximately 18 air-to-ground missiles, triggering massive explosions in southern Lebanon.

A ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel has been in force since Nov. 27, 2024. However, Israel has continued to carry out occasional strikes in Lebanon, saying they are aimed at eliminating Hezbollah threats. The Lebanese government has repeated condemned Israeli attacks in the country. 
A homicide case in an Arizona mountain town has drawn in one of California's most powerful farming dynasties. Authorities say 63-year-old Michael Abatti, scion of an Imperial Valley agribusiness family, is being held in Imperial County, California, and is expected to be extradited to Arizona to face first-degree murder charges in the death of his estranged wife, Kerri Ann Abatti, reports SFGate . Navajo County deputies were called on Nov. 20 to Kerri's home in Pinetop, a small resort community; Kerri, 59, was found with a gunshot wound at the scene and later died at a nearby hospital.

The Abatti family has been a dominant force in Imperial Valley agriculture for generations, playing a role in water projects that turned desert into productive farmland. A 2023 Desert Sun/ProPublica investigation found their operations were the largest single user of Colorado River water in their district, reportedly drawing more than the whole Las Vegas metro area. Mike and Kerri, who married in 1992, ran Mike Abatti Farms in El Centro before she became a full-time homemaker and raised their three kids.

The couple's marriage unraveled, however, with Kerri filing for divorce in October 2023 and seeking increased spousal support, claiming in legal filings that she was "barely scraping by," per the Independent, citing the Los Angeles Times. Court records show she reported less than $30,000 in personal accounts while estimating the couple's shared real estate was worth roughly $30 million. The divorce case was dismissed 18 days after Kerri's death, with the court citing her "untimely passing."

On Dec. 2, Navajo County detectives executed search warrants at Mike Abatti's El Centro residence, two trailers, and two family vehicles, seizing what they called a "significant amount of evidence." The sheriff's office also said it has evidence that Mike Abatti traveled from California to Arizona on the day of the killing. He was arrested Tuesday in El Centro. Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse credited a grand jury with reviewing the evidence and issuing an indictment that will help "to bring justice to the Abatti family." Mike Abatti's lawyers say their client has "devoted himself to his family, to his work, and to his community," and that he'll be pleading not guilty, per the AP. As for Kerri Abatti, a cousin tells the Times, "I don't know how else to describe her. She was love and she was light."
President Trump said on Thursday evening that US forces carried out airstrikes on Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria, framing the operation as a response to attacks on Christians. In a Truth Social post, Trump said he ordered a "powerful and deadly" strike on ISIS militants in the Soboto state, accusing the group of killing Christians on a large scale, USA Today reports. A Pentagon official said the Nigerian government approved the operation and worked with the US to plan it, per the New York Times . Trump described the operation as involving numerous successful strikes, and an American official said it caused multiple deaths of militants.

Nigeria has been battling IS-linked armed groups in the area. In a Christmas address reported by Channels TV, Nigerian Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke urged the country's forces to intensify efforts against terrorism, banditry, and other crime in the region. The US strikes followed Trump's earlier warnings that he might use military force in Nigeria over what he called the government's failure to protect Christians, and after US forces hit ISIS targets in Syria on Dec. 19, following the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter there.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's press secretary called US characterizations of Christian persecution "a gross exaggeration," saying both Christians and Muslims, as well as churches and mosques, face attacks. Muslims mostly live in the northern part of Nigeria and Christians in the south, per NBC News. A bombing Wednesday night at a mosque in the northeastern city of Maiduguri killed five people, per NBC. After the US strikes, per ABC News, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted that there will be "more to come," ending his message with "Merry Christmas!"
A man has been arrested after stabbing eight people and injuring seven others with what was believed to be bleach at a tire factory in central Japan on Friday, officials said. There was no immediate explanation of a possible motive. Eight people were taken to hospitals after being stabbed by the man at a factory of the tiremaker Yokohama Rubber Co. in the city of Mishima, west of Tokyo, according to the Fujisan Nanto Fire Department.

The fire department told the AP that five of the people who were stabbed were in serious condition but other details were not available. Shizuoka prefectural police said the attacker, a 38-year-old man, was arrested for alleged attempted murder at the factory, but did not give further details. The suspect was carrying a survival knife and wearing what appeared to be a gas mask, the major Japanese newspaper Asahi reported, citing investigators. Seven others were also injured by the bleach thrown at them during the attack, and taken to hospitals for treatment, the fire department said. Japan has strict gun control laws and is known for rare violent crimes, but there have been a number of high-profile knife attacks in recent years.
New York City is on track to get its most meaningful shot of snow in years, just as the holiday travel crush hits its peak. Forecasters say the city and surrounding suburbs could pick up roughly 5 to 7 inches between late Friday and early Saturday, with the heaviest bands expected overnight, according to the National Weather Service. If more than 4 inches pile up in Central Park, it would be the city's largest storm since January 2022, when more than 8 inches fell, per the New York Times . PIX11 meteorologists say the dump could even break 10 inches.

The broader metro area, including parts of southern Connecticut, northern New Jersey, and southeastern New York, is under similar projections. NBC New York notes that regions southwest of the city, meanwhile, are likely to be hit with a mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain. Snow is expected to begin Friday afternoon, intensify through the evening, and taper off by Saturday morning. Gov. Kathy Hochul advised New Yorkers with Friday plans to "rearrange" them if possible, while NYC Mayor Eric Adams asked residents to stay off the roads, per the Times.

The state plans to roll out more than 1,600 large plow trucks, while the city's sanitation department will deploy hundreds of salt spreaders to pretreat streets. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which expects nearly 15 million people to pass through the area's airports, bridges, and tunnels this holiday season, is keeping tabs on conditions and directing air travelers to check FlightAware for delays and cancellations.
Holiday purists are incredulous over an Amazon Prime Video version of It's a Wonderful Life, which they say plays like a Christmas movie with its heart surgically removed. The streamer is offering an abridged cut that runs about 22 minutes shorter than the 130-minute originaland it skips the entire "Pottersville" stretch, the alternate-reality sequence where George Bailey learns what the world would look like if he'd never been born, notes the New York Post .

Without that section, audiences see James Stewart's despondent banker on a bridge one moment and then watch him jubilantly racing through town the next, with none of the hard-earned revelation in between. Social media reaction has been sharp, with users calling the edit "sacrilege," "an abomination," and, perhaps worst of all for a classic, "pointless." At Gizmodo, Germain Lussier puts it this way: "The edit makes no sense and completely ruins the film." The missing passage is widely regarded as the film's emotional centerpiece: Bedford Falls morphs into seedy "Pottersville," George's brother dies young, his wife never marries, and tycoon Henry Potter effectively owns the town.

The New York Post explains that the odd edit isn't a new director's cut but a relic of the film's messy copyright history. When It's a Wonderful Life slipped into the public domain in 1974 due to a lapsed renewal, broadcasters freely aired and sometimes trimmed it. In the 1990s, rights holders leaned on still-valid copyrights for the underlying short story The Greatest Gift and Dimitri Tiomkin's score to reassert control. Legal analysts say the Pottersville sequence is the part most closely tied to that short story, and excising it may have been seen as a way to dodge infringement claims while still showing "most" of the film.

One more element of the confusion: Amazon Prime actually has three versions of the film streaming, according to a post at Bored Panda: The black-and-white original (which Lussier argues is the one to watch), a colorized version, and the abridged version. But viewers aren't always aware they've picked an alternative version.
This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2025 shows an interior view of the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian) at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. After nearly a decade of comprehensive renovation, the Hall of Mental Cultivation reopened to the public on Friday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- A key section of China's Palace Museum, situated at the site of the Forbidden City in Beijing, reopened to the public on Friday.

The Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian), first constructed in 1537 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), later served as the residence and venue for daily state affairs for several rulers during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The historic building and its cultural relics have undergone nearly a decade of research-based conservation and systematic restoration.

A total of 1,020 exhibits are on display in the hall, according to Wen Ming, deputy director of the Palace Museum's palace history department.

Except for light-sensitive relics such as silk textiles, calligraphy, paintings, inscribed plaques and couplets, all the exhibits on display are original items, Wen said.

The Hall of Mental Cultivation owes much of its fame to its rooms in the Western Warmth Chamber (Xinuan ge), where Qing emperors received ministers and reviewed state reports.

Yet what piques visitors' curiosity even more is a royal private study, the Hall of Three Rarities (Sanxi tang), tucked into a modest adjoining room and named for having housed three legendary calligraphy scrolls dating back roughly 1,600 years.

According to the Palace Museum, the current exhibition in the Hall of Mental Cultivation faithfully reflects its original historical layout.

Visitors can glimpse Emperor Yongzheng's handwriting on a plaque above the throne in the central hall, while the couplets in a western room have been restored. The Hall of Three Rarities has also been recreated to match its documented appearance from over 200 years ago.

The conservation project, launched in 2015, emphasized in-depth research before any restoration work, setting a precedent for similar projects in the Palace Museum.

"We follow the principles of preserving the relics' original state and minimal intervention," said Zhao Peng, head of the ancient architecture department at the Palace Museum.

During conservation, the hall's polychrome paintings were mostly kept intact, with minor damage reinforced and heavily damaged areas carefully retouched. Large wooden beams were strengthened with carbon fiber, avoiding large-scale replacement, said Zhao.

A digital exhibition of the Hall of Mental Cultivation will also go live, where visitors can "experience" a traditional ceremony at the start of the year through interactive devices and virtually witness how an emperor wrote in prayer for peace. 

This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2025 shows an interior view of the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian) at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. After nearly a decade of comprehensive renovation, the Hall of Mental Cultivation reopened to the public on Friday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2025 shows the plaque of the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian) at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. After nearly a decade of comprehensive renovation, the Hall of Mental Cultivation reopened to the public on Friday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2025 shows an interior view of the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian) at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. After nearly a decade of comprehensive renovation, the Hall of Mental Cultivation reopened to the public on Friday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2025 shows an interior view of the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian) at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. After nearly a decade of comprehensive renovation, the Hall of Mental Cultivation reopened to the public on Friday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2025 shows an interior view of the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian) at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. After nearly a decade of comprehensive renovation, the Hall of Mental Cultivation reopened to the public on Friday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2025 shows an interior view of the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian) at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. After nearly a decade of comprehensive renovation, the Hall of Mental Cultivation reopened to the public on Friday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2025 shows a view of the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian) at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. After nearly a decade of comprehensive renovation, the Hall of Mental Cultivation reopened to the public on Friday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2025 shows a caisson ceiling of the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian) at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. After nearly a decade of comprehensive renovation, the Hall of Mental Cultivation reopened to the public on Friday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2025 shows a view of the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian) at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. After nearly a decade of comprehensive renovation, the Hall of Mental Cultivation reopened to the public on Friday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)
Beijing imposed sanctions on Friday against 20 US defense-related companies and 10 executives, a week after Washington announced large-scale arms sales to Taiwan. The sanctions entail freezing the companies' assets in China and banning individuals and organizations from dealing with them, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The companies include Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Maritime Services, and Boeing in St. Louis, while Palmer Luckey, founder of defense firm Anduril Industries, is one of the executives sanctioned who can no longer do business in China and are barred from entering the country, per the AP .

Assets in the East Asian country of those affected have also been frozen. The announcement of the US arms-sale package, valued at more than $10 billion, has drawn an angry response from China, which claims Taiwan as its own and says it must come under its control. If approved by the US Congress, the weapons package would be the largest ever from the US to the self-ruled territory. "We stress once again that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday. "Any company or individual who engages in arms sales to Taiwan will pay the price for the wrongdoing."

The ministry also urged the US to stop what it called "the dangerous moves of arming Taiwan." Taiwan is a major flashpoint in US-China relations that analysts worry could explode into military conflict between the two powers. China says that the US arms sales to Taiwan would violate diplomatic agreements between China and the US. China's military has increased its presence in Taiwan's skies and waters over the past few years, holding joint drills with its warships and fighter jets on a near-daily basis near the island. Under American federal law, the US is obligated to assist Taiwan with its self-defense, a point that has become increasingly contentious with China. Beijing already has strained ties with Washington over trade, technology, and other human rights issues.
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What We Know About the US Airstrikes in Nigeria

Nigerian official disagrees with Trump that Christians are being targeted
A bombing at a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs during Friday prayers killed at least eight people and wounded 18 others, authorities said, as long-standing sectarian, ethnic, and political fault lines destabilize the country, even as large-scale fighting has subsided. Syria's state-run Arab News Agency, citing a security source, said preliminary investigations indicate that explosive devices were planted inside the mosque. Authorities were searching for the perpetrators, who have not yet been identified, and a security cordon was placed around the building, the Interior Ministry said in a statement. A little-known group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on its Telegram channel, the AP reports.

Images released by Syria's state-run Arab News Agency showed holes in the walls, shattered windows, and fire damage. The Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque is located in Homs, Syria's third-largest city, in an area of the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood dominated by the Alawite minority. The same group had claimed a suicide attack in June in which a gunman opened fire and then detonated an explosive vest inside a Greek Orthodox church in Dweil'a, on the outskirts of Damascus, killing 25 people as worshippers prayed on a Sunday. The Syrian government blamed the church attack on a cell of the Islamic State group, saying IS had also planned to target a Shiite Muslim shrine. IS did not claim responsibility for the attack.

The mosque's deputy imam told Syria's state-run Al-Ikhbariyah television that worshippers were praying when they "heard a loud explosion that knocked us to the ground. Fire broke out in one corner of the mosque. Those of us who were not wounded rushed to help get the injured out. Within minutes, general security forces and the Red Crescent arrived." He said the blast caused a fire "that burned copies of the Holy Quran." Neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Lebanon, condemned the attack.
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 12F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low around 5F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches.
ISTANBUL, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Turkish security forces arrested a suspected Islamic State (IS) member on Friday in the eastern province of Malatya after intelligence services determined that he was preparing an attack during the New Year period, state media reported.

According to state broadcaster TRT, the National Intelligence Organization found that the suspect, identified as Ibrahim Burtakucin, was in contact with numerous IS sympathizers both inside Turkiye and abroad. Intelligence assessments indicated that he was seeking opportunities to carry out an attack and was also planning to travel from Turkiye to conflict zones to join the group.

Following intelligence-led operations, security forces located and detained the suspect in Malatya. During the operation, digital materials and banned publications were seized from his residence and are currently being examined.

The arrest came amid intensified counterterrorism efforts across Turkiye after intelligence warned of potential IS attacks during the Christmas and New Year holiday season. On Thursday, Turkish police detained 115 suspected IS members in a large-scale operation in Istanbul.

Turkiye officially designated the IS group as a terrorist organization in 2013. 
OSAKA, Dec 27 (News On Japan) - A live broadcast was conducted from the Pop Circus Higashiosaka performance currently being held inside a special tent in front of Higashiosaka City Hall, offering viewers an up-close look at the troupes breathtaking acrobatics and dynamic stage presence.

The popular circus, based in Osaka, has staged performances at around 150 locations nationwide and is now appearing in Higashiosaka through January 12.

The defining feature of Pop Circus is the remarkably close distance between the stage and the audience. From the front-row seats, performers soar directly overhead, close enough to feel as though they might brush past the spectators. The immersive experience creates an intensity rarely found in conventional stage performances.

Adding to the excitement was a special juggling act by the Apollo Brothers from Mexico. The three performers, born into a multigenerational circus family, delivered a flawlessly synchronized routine that drew loud reactions from the crowd with its speed, precision, and coordination.

Reporter Maya Yoshizawa delivered the live coverage from the venue, describing the experience as real-life 3D, likening the sensation to stepping inside a movie. She noted how the performers movements were so close that eye contact felt possible, heightening the sense of immersion.

One of the featured performers, Kawakami, who made his debut last month, was introduced during the broadcast. Pop Circus is known not only for its performances but also for training young talent, with many graduates going on to appear in major productions across Japan.

The highlight of the segment was the Apollo Brothers juggling performance, featuring Marco, Carlos, and Antonio. Their rapid exchanges, spinning props, and seamless coordination drew audible gasps as they executed complex routines without a single misstep.

Pop Circus has been performing at the Higashiosaka venue since September and will continue through January 12. Performances are held daily during the year-end and New Year period, except on December 31 and January 1. Showtimes and ticket information are available on the official Pop Circus website.

Source: YOMIURI
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Insights from 2025 China-US economic and trade ties: Shouldering great power responsibilities with pragmatic actions

13:24, December 26, 2025 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily

Looking back at a year of rapidly changing international dynamics, the interactions between China and the US in the economic and trade sphere have consistently drawn global attention. From "conflict" to "dialogue," and from a seemingly insurmountable impasse to a return to an equal dialogue and negotiation track, the fluctuations in US-China economic and trade relations offer rich insights into how these two major economies can effectively manage their relationship and accurately grasp the trends of the times.

International relations have never been smooth sailing. It requires wisdom and responsibility to stabilize the course and steer the overall situation amid turbulent waves. The strategic vision - "The finer details will fall into place when they are aligned with the bigger picture" - is essential. Focusing on the bigger picture and acting with a sense of responsibility is the consistent principle guiding the Chinese approach to managing China-US relations.

As economic and trade tensions disrupt the world, the head-of-sate diplomacy between China and the US has played a crucial role as an anchor, calibrating the direction of bilateral relations. The two leaders engage in in-depth communication, reaching important consensus that provides strategic guidance for managing differences and solving problems, injecting valuable certainty and stability into a world marked by turbulence.

Under the guidance of the consensus reached by the leaders, the teams from China and the US have held five rounds of consultations, gradually accumulating consensus and working to resolve issues. One fact continues to be validated: Any attempt to simplify China-US relations into a narrative of "competition" or even "confrontation" is a deviation from and misreading of reality. Such perspectives are not only unhelpful in solving problems but also create more severe new issues for both countries and the world.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. In that life-and-death struggle concerning the fate of humanity, China and the US fought side by side, making significant contributions to defending peace and justice and saving human civilization during its darkest moment. Looking back at history, the lessons are clear: For the sake of our shared responsibility and future, China and the US should and can cooperate.

The importance of China-US cooperation continues to rise with time. China-US relations not only influence the global strategic landscape but also affect the pulse of the world economy, impacting the livelihoods of people in various countries. The trade interactions between China and the US demonstrate the spillover effects of their relationship. From production lines in Southeast Asia to traders in Latin America; from international financial markets to global industrial and supply chains, every subtle change in China-US economic and trade relations sends ripples through the world economy, quickly resonating worldwide.

Beneath the ripples lies a profound inquiry into the direction of the times: Should we accumulate risk through confrontation, or forge consensus through dialogue? Should we exacerbate divisions amid turbulence, or seek win-win outcomes through cooperation? Whether China and the US can manage their relationship well is a century-defining question that both countries must answer, with implications for the fate of the world. This significant judgment is validated by reality.

At this historic juncture of turmoil and change, the world looks to China and the US to make responsible choices that promote global peace and development. "The world today is confronted with many tough problems. China and the United States can jointly shoulder our responsibility as major countries, and work together to accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of our two countries and the whole world," President Xi Jinping responded to the world's expectations with straightforward words. President Donald Trump also pointed out that the two countries can get many great things done for the world. As two major nations with extensive common interests, China and the US can benefit each other and the world by properly managing differences and focusing on cooperation.

China always adheres to the principle of responding to people's concerns and pursuing the larger interests of all countries. Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development clearly puts forward the proposals of "opening China wider to the outside world," "promoting the innovative development of trade," and "expanding two-way investment cooperation." This will open up broader opportunities for win-win cooperation between China and the global community, including the US. We look forward to the US side meeting the Chinese side halfway and taking practical actions to shoulder great power responsibilities and bring more confidence in development to the international community.

When China and the US work together, the world feels reassured; if they confront each other, the world is left unnerved. Major countries must have a commensurate vision and shoulder due responsibilities. In the face of new situations and challenges, both sides should prioritize the interests of their peoples and the long-term well-being of the world, opening the doors wider, paving the way for broader cooperation, and sending stronger signals of stability, collectively injecting more positive energy into the world's response to challenges.

Zhong Sheng is the People's Daily international news commentary column.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- A top militant commander wanted by law enforcement agencies was killed in a joint police operation in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said on Thursday.

The Counter-Terrorism Department and district police launched the operation on intelligence reports and engaged militants at a suspected hideout, police said.

The militant commander was killed in an exchange of fire, while his accomplices managed to escape through the area's difficult terrain. A search operation is currently underway to apprehend them.

The slain militant was a key ring leader who was wanted in more than 10 cases, including terrorism and attacks on security forces, police added. 
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- MARC Ratings has affirmed its unsolicited public information sovereign rating on Malaysia at AAA with a stable outlook based on the rating agency's national rating scale.

The Malaysia-based rating agency said in a recent statement that the AAA rating reflects Malaysia's credit strengths, including an open and increasingly diversified economy, sound monetary policy, a resilient financial sector, and continued progress in structural and institutional reforms.

"Economic growth has remained resilient in 2025 despite external uncertainties and is expected to be sustained in 2026, supported by strengthening foreign investments, particularly in manufacturing and high value-added services, alongside resilient household consumption and a stable labor market," it noted.

The stable outlook also reflects MARC Ratings' expectation that Malaysia will sustain healthy economic growth, continue improving fiscal efficiency, and make further progress in addressing structural constraints, including broad-based subsidies, revenue leakages, and elevated public debt.

Looking ahead, it highlighted that the key priorities for strengthening Malaysia's credit profile include continued improvement in fiscal metrics while moderating debt accumulation through sustained fiscal consolidation efforts and ensuring the timely delivery of planned economic targets. 
Firefighters from three South Jersey departments spent hours battling a Christmas Eve blaze that killed a family pet.

The fire broke out around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday on the 1600 block of Route 9 in Upper Township, according to the Seaville Fire Company.

The residents managed to evacuate but were displaced from their single-story home, the fire department said. However, their pet died in the blaze, which investigators determined started in the kitchen.

No other injuries were reported. Firefighters did not say how many people were home when the fire started.

Seaville firefighters were assisted by personnel from the Marmora and Tuckahoe fire companies, as well as Upper Township Emergency Medical Services and the New Jersey State Police.

Firefighters did not say if the fires cause was determined.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the U.S. military launched a "powerful and deadly" strike against the Islamic State (IS) in northwestern Nigeria.

"Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!" Trump said on social media platform Truth Social.

"The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes," Trump wrote, vowing that the United States will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper.

On Oct. 31, Trump claimed on Truth Social that thousands of Christians were being killed in Nigeria by "radical Islamists," declaring Nigeria was a "country of particular concern."

Although the Nigerian government immediately rejected Trump's claims, saying that the accusations "do not reflect the situation on the ground" and vowing to fight terrorism, Trump accused the Nigerian government of not doing enough to prevent the killing of Christians.

In a post on Nov. 1, Trump threatened that the U.S. forces "may very well go into" Nigeria to "completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities."

Days later, the Economic Community of West African States described Trump's allegations that terrorist attacks in Nigeria were targeted at Christians as "false and dangerous," expressing solidarity with the region's most populous country. 
New Jersey health officials are warning travelers who passed through Newark Liberty International Airport on Dec. 19 that they may have been exposed to measles.

A passenger, who is not a New Jersey resident, traveled through at least two of the airports terminals, state Department of Health officials said Friday.

Anyone who was in Terminal B at 7 a.m. or Terminal C at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19 may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

Health officials said they do not have information about where the infected person was between those times.

People who were exposed could develop symptoms as late as Jan. 2.

Anyone who suspects exposure or illness should call their local health department or health care provider before visiting any medical facility, officials said.

Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection.

Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes and a rash that typically appears three to five days after symptoms begin.

The rash starts as flat red spots on the face at the hairline and spreads downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet.

Serious complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis. Pregnant people face risks of miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby.

The virus spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

People can also contract measles through contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

New Jersey has had 11 confirmed measles cases in 2025, compared with seven cases in 2024.

Nationally, measles cases have soared to 2,012 across 44 jurisdictions as of Dec. 23, the highest levels reported since 1992.

The state health department is working with local officials on contact tracing and efforts to notify people who might have been exposed.

Those at risk include people who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past.

The MMR vaccine, administered in two doses, is the most effective way to protect against measles, mumps and rubella
Karim Daoud got the only Christmas present he wanted this year.

Daoud, a Flemington husband and father of two, is home, according to the Facebook page Free Karim.

He had been detained by Immigration Customs Enforcement since March 12 at a detention facility in Elizabeth.

Karim Daoud got his Christmas wish to come home after being detained by ICE since March. Free Karim

An update to the GoFundMe social media page created in March reported Karim is home! It is truly a Christmas miracle!

State Sen. Senator Andrew Zwicker posted on the Free Karim Facebook page, I am overjoyed to see you embracing your family again as a free man. A true Christmas miracle. Welcome home!

The GoFundMe page has to date raised $115,552 after requesting in March to raise $50,000.

The family wrote on the GoFundMe page: Thank you to each and every person who has donated, shared, or even just sang Karims praises. Each of you has helped make this possible.

The funds donated will continue to support his family and legal fees.

Daoud, who is from Egypt, posted on Christmas Eve: Over these past 9 1/2 months I prayed and hoped to say these words .. Im home. Im in my house, in the arms of my loving family. It hasnt fully sunk in yet where this should feel normal.

He wrote that he is aware that he also faces a period of transition.

Im going through a lot of emotions but Im soaking it all in. There are many questions that I dont fully have the answers for but I am and will always be grateful for the warmth, love and support of my family, friends and community, said Daouds post.

His family previously told NJ Advance that Daoud was detained by immigration officials on the same day that he went to an appointment to pick up work authorization documents.

In June, a stay of removal  meaning he cant be deported  was granted, but Daoud remained in detention.

NJ Advance has reached out to ICE for details about Daouds release.

Friends created a social media page called Free Karim. They held a rally and continue to hold fundraisers for his family.

During his long detention, Daoud has missed a lot of family events.

His daughter, Alexandria, graduated from high school in the spring and also received awards for outstanding achievement.

Daoud celebrated his birthday in April and Fathers Day in June, but not at home.

Daoud took to social media on his 100th day of detainment to describe what it was like at the facility.

Everyone working here makes sure to use a different language to reassure you that youre not an inmate, and that youre a detainee, Daoud wrote. Youre in an immigration detention center and not in a prison. Call it whatever, it sure feels like hell.

Daoud used social media on Wednesday to thank everyone who helped him get home for Christmas.

I have so many to thank for their tremendous effort to get me back home. When you see me just give me a big hug. Happy holidays to us all. Make every moment count, Daoud wrote on Facebook.
A Monmouth County woman serving 100 years in prison after being convicted of killing her two toddlers in a car fire in 1994 wants a new trial, court documents show.

Lawyers for Maria Dolores Montalvo, 61, have requested a new trial in her murder conviction, citing advances in arson science that cast doubt on the validity of expert testimony from her 1996 trial.

Montalvo, of Union Beach, was charged in 1994 with murder and aggravated arson after she lit her car on fire with her two children, 28-month-old Raphael and 18-month-old Zonaida, inside, officials said.

Since Ms. Montalvos conviction, the scientific evidence presented in her case has been revealed to be fundamentally flawed and unsupported by current medical understanding, Montalvos attorneys told NJ Advance Media. As scientific knowledge evolves, the justice system must evolve with it.

In Ms. Montalvos case, that means ensuring she receives a new, fair trial grounded in valid and reliable science.

Her attorneys, Deputy Public Defenders Tamar Lerer, who runs the Forensic Sciences Unit, and Joshua Hood, said a conviction based on bad science is not a just conviction.

The request for a new trial was filed in superior court in February and a hearing was held in Monmouth County on Oct. 22. Judge Jill G. OMalley has not issued a decision on the motion for a new trial as of Thursday.

Montalvo, who was working as a nurse at the time of the incident, has maintained her innocence for decades, according to documents filed in the case.

She is incarcerated at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in Hunterdon County.

Lerer and Hood argue in their motion for a new trial that Montalvos conviction was primarily based on testimony from an arson expert and ignored significant evidence, such as eyewitness accounts and burns Montalvo suffered in the incident.

A Monmouth County woman serving 100 years in prison after being convicted of killing her two toddlers in a car fire in 1994 wants a new trial, court documents show. Lawyers for Maria Dolores Montalvo, 61, have requested a new trial in her murder conviction, citing advances in arson science that cast doubt on the validity of expert testimony from her 1996 trial. She is pictured above in a photo taken after her arrest in 1994. Courtesy photo

A spokesperson for the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Prosecutors challenged Montalvos lawyers assertions of new evidence based on updated science, claiming Dr. Vytenis Babrauskas, an expert in fire and explosion safety and principal member of the National Fire Protection Agencys Technical Committee on Fire investigations, strayed from the arson investigation and delved into the lack of a motive and witness testimony.

Despite being couched in the scientific rubric of developments in standards by the NFPA and scientific pattern studies, Dr. Babrauskass opinion and defendants motion in reality do not truly rely upon either in defendants quest for a new trial, prosecutors wrote in their rebuttal to a motion for a new trial.

Both rely upon that which experts cannot and never have been able to do in New Jersey courtrooms  opine on the credibility of lay witnesses," prosecutors continued in laying out why the court should deny the motion.

Prosecutors suggested that Montalvo was motivated to kill her two young kids after her husband, Raoul Aponte Jr., ended their relationship a few days beforehand, stating heartbreak and revenge are well-established motives for murder.

At the time of the incident, prosecutors said Montalvo drove to her in-laws house in Long Branch on Feb. 22, 1994, and set her car on fire with her children still inside.

Montalvos husband was a corrections officer at the Monmouth County Jail and his parents said they were excited to see Montalvo when she entered the driveway, expecting a visit from their grandchildren.

Apontes mother told authorities she saw Montalvo stoop, bend and throw something into the vehicle before it erupted into flames. Authorities said Montalvos clothes were soaked in gasoline and caught fire as well.

Montalvo bought $3 worth of gasoline at a gas station on Route 36 in Hazlet just before heading to her in-laws, prosecutors said, and a gas container was found on the passenger seat after the fire was extinguished.

Montalvos attorneys argue in court filings that prosecutors relied heavily on two arson experts that testified the fire started in the footwell of the car, and testimony from Apontes mother that said Montalvo tossed a match into the car.

But Lerer and Hood say prosecutors discounted an eyewitness who saw Montalvo pulled out of the car after it caught fire and testimony from a gas station attendant who said the gas can was not properly sealed when it was placed in her car.

A neighbor who testified for the defense said he was outside and heard a loud boom before looking back at Montalvos car and seeing her be pulled out of the car as she was on fire, according to court filings.

Pictures of Montalvo included as exhibits in court filings show burns across the right side of her face and on her right hand.

In a statement to investigators, Montalvo said the gas can was on the front passenger floor and that there was the smell of gasoline inside the car. Despite the fumes, she said she lit a cigarette anyway and that there was black smoke and fire throughout the car very quickly.

Montalvos attorneys argue that a lieutenant in the arson unit of the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office identified the origin of the fire prior to receiving lab test results about the presence of accelerants and a V-burn pattern that, at the time, was considered to indicate the origin of the fire.

The lieutenant determined the fire had started at the front passenger area or near the drivers seat and floor, according to Montalvos attorneys. He also testified that gasoline vapors can ignite with sufficient heat, causing a flashover and boom described by the neighbor, according to court documents.

During the trial, an arson expert from the NFPA testified for the defense that V-patterns are useful in determining points of origin in short-burning fires, and offered his own conclusion that gasoline vapor started the fire.

But since the 1990s, V-shaped patterns have been labeled as unreliable indicators of a fires origin, according to Montalvos attorneys.

Lerer and Hood cite Babrauskas in court documents claiming that V-burn patterns are unreliable.

Inferring the origin location of a fire to be the place where one observes the base of a V-pattern, or the place of heaviest burning constitutes junk science, Babrauskas writes.

Lerer and Hoods theory with the help of Babrauskas is that gas vapors in the car ignited when Montalvo lit the cigarette creating a flash fire and when the door was opened to pull Montalvo out of the car, the oxygen fed a flashover, court documents show.

As a result of the flashover, any burn patterns in the car are unreliable, according to Lerer and Hood.

A jury convicted Montalvo on Nov. 27, 1996, of two counts of murder, felony murder and one count of second-degree aggravated arson. She was spared the death penalty, but sentenced to consecutive 50-year sentences with a total of 60 years of parole ineligibility, her attorneys wrote in their motion for a new trial.
A fire damaged a South Jersey bank on Thursday afternoon, prompting a two-hour response from firefighters.

The fire was reported at TD Banks branch on East Broadway in Salem around 3 p.m., according to the citys fire department. The bank is a tenant in a seven-unit strip mall.

When crews arrived, they found smoke rising from the roof and clouding the banks windows, officials said. Firefighters attacked the flames through the front entrance and from the roof.

Inside, crews discovered a fire in a utility and break room and quickly extinguished it, the department said. The flames were contained to that area, and no injuries were reported.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone was inside the bank when the fire started or if other businesses in the strip mall were affected.

The department did not say if officials determined a cause.

In a statement, TD Banks corporate team said it was still assessing when the branch could reopen.

We are aware of the fire incident at TD Banks location on East Broadway in Salem, New Jersey, and are actively cooperating with the fire department during their ongoing investigation, TD Bank said in a statement to NJ Advance Media. Our teams are working hard to ensure that all necessary measures are taken for the safe reopening of this location.
UPDATE: Ice emerging as major concern in tonights winter storm. Snowfall totals cut.

A messy winter storm is expected to hit New Jersey Friday night and could drop up to 9 or more inches of snow in northern counties by Saturday evening, forecasters say.

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for 11 counties and advisories for eight others, where sleet and freezing rain could mix with snow.

New Jersey has declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties starting at 1 p.m., with a commercial vehicle ban taking effect at 3 p.m.

The highest snowfall totals are likely in Sussex, Morris, Passaic and Bergen county, according to forecasters.

Some parts of South Jersey and along the coast may only get rain with little to no accumulation.

Here are the latest snow predictions as of Friday morning from forecasters across the New Jersey region, along with New York City and Philadelphia:

AccuWeathers snowfall forecast map predicts the northern region of the state will get the most snowfall into Saturday afternoon, with the potential for 6 to 12 inches.

AccuWeather's forecast for the storm calls for widespread 3 to 6 inches across northern New Jersey with a chance at 6 to 12 inches in higher elevations. AccuWeather.com

National Weather Service - New Jersey

The snow forecast map from the National Weather Services forecast office in Mount Holly calls for 5 to 8 inches of snow in Sussex and Morris counties, with the chance of up to 10 inches.

Lower snowfall totals are expected across central New Jersey counties where sleet and freezing rain will mix with snow.

The National Weather Service's latest snow total forecast map for New Jersey shows 5 to 8 inches in Sussex and Morris counties, with up to 10 inches possible in some spots. National Weather Service

National Weather Service - New York Office

Northeastern New Jersey appears to be where the heart of the storm will hit, getting heavy snowfall as it heads up to New England.

The forecast from the National Weather Services New York office, which issues forecasts for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties, shows upwards of 6 to 9 inches of snow predicted.

The National Weather Service's New York office, which provides forecasts for five northeaster New Jersey counties calls for 8+ inches of snow in some spots. National Weather Service

NJ101.5 FM - Dan Zarrow

The snow forecast map by Dan Zarrow, chief meteorologist for NJ 101.5 FM radio and the Townsquare New Jersey Weather Network, has the hardest hit areas at the top of the state, with heavy snowfall of at least 5 to 6 inches of snow in some regions.

Zarrow says southern counties like Cape May, Cumberland, Salem and Atlantic should expect mainly sleet, with little to no accumulation.

6ABC.com in Philadelphia

Southern New Jersey should expect to see snow late Friday afternoon and into the evening, but will quickly change into sleet for most of the southern region.

6ABC in Philadelphia is predicting 1 to 3 inches of snow across the previously mentioned region.

CBS3 News in Philadelphia

Meteorologist Joe Martucci - Jersey Shore

Martucci says the storm will hit hardest in North Jersey, bringing in 7 to 12 inches of snow in Sussex, Passaic, Bergen and Hudson counties.

Meteorologist Joe Martucci Martucci says the storm will bring in 7 to 12 inches of snow in Sussex, Passaic, Bergen and Husdon counties. Meteorologist Joe Martucci

His forecast puts 4 to 7 inches of snow and sleet for all of inland Middlesex County and all of Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Warren counties.

Ocean and Monmouth counties will see 2 to 4 inches of snow and sleet, while coastal areas of Atlantic and Cape May counties will see a half inch to 1 inch of icy coating mixed with rainfall.

NY NJ PA Weather - Steven DiMartino

Meteorologist Steven DiMartino, head of the NY NJ PA Weather forecasting company, is predicting 6 to 10 inches of snow and sleet across a wide swath of northern and central New Jersey.

For much of South Jersey, he is predicting 1 to 4 inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain changing to all rain.
UPDATE: N.J. declares state of emergency with up to 9 inches of snow, wintry mix looming in winter storm

LATEST FORECAST: Major snowstorm to thump state. See county-by-county snow, ice forecasts

New Jersey residents should prepare for a nasty mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain starting this afternoon with widespread snowfall totals of 4 to 8 inches in northern half of the state.

Up to a foot of snow is possible in some higher elevations in northern New Jersey where intense snow bands could form, the National Weather Service said.

Winter storm warnings were expanded overnight to include 11 counties expecting the highest snowfall totals. Eight other counties are under winter weather advisories.

The winter storm warnings include Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties.

New Jersey is bracing for a significant winter storm that will bring a mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet and a glaze of ice starting on Friday afternoon and into Saturday. Winter storm warnings have been issued for half the state. AccuWeather.com and National Weather Service

Snow develops this afternoon, the weather service said early Friday. The highest snowfall accumulation will be across areas near/north of I-80. Snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain this evening and tonight for areas south of I-78 and (northwest) of I-95.

The weather service cautioned that the mix of sleet and freezing rain could cause a dangerous coating of ice.

Snow is expected to begin between 1 and 3 p.m. across northern areas.

The heaviest snow is expected Friday evening between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., when snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour in intense snow bands just south of the New York metro area.

This intense banding will heavily impact travel along the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 78 during the Friday night rush hour.

New Jersey is bracing for a significant winter storm that will bring a mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet and a glaze of ice starting on Friday afternoon and into Saturday. Winter storm warnings have been issued for half the state. AccuWeather.com and National Weather Service

Snowfall totals will vary significantly across the state based on elevation and proximity to the heaviest bands.

Warren and Sussex counties could see 4 to 6 inches in lower elevations, with 8 to 12 inches possible in higher terrain.

The northern portions of Somerset, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties may receive 5 to 6 inches, though southern sections of these counties will see lower totals as sleet mixes in.

For counties south of I-195, expect 1 to 5 inches of mixed snow and sleet, with a glaze of ice possible along and west of the Delaware River.

Far southern New Jersey, including Salem and Cumberland counties, will primarily see freezing rain with ice accumulations up to 0.05 inches, while the southern Jersey Shore will experience mainly rain.

New Jersey is bracing for a significant winter storm that will bring a mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet and a glaze of ice starting on Friday afternoon and into Saturday. Winter storm warnings have been issued for half the state. AccuWeather.com and National Weather Service

Precipitation will taper off Saturday morning, though light snow or flurries may linger through midday.

Temperatures Saturday will struggle to reach freezing across northern areas, while southern regions should climb into the mid to upper 30s.

Saturday night will be cold, with lows in the teens across northern New Jersey and low 20s elsewhere.

New Jersey is bracing for a significant winter storm that will bring a mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet and a glaze of ice starting on Friday afternoon and into Saturday. Winter storm warnings have been issued for half the state. AccuWeather.com and National Weather Service

Sunday will start cold but temperatures will moderate through the day.

A warm front will move through Sunday afternoon and evening, bringing rain to most areas.

However, northern New Jersey could see a brief period of freezing rain Sunday evening before changing to plain rain.

Highs Sunday will range from the low to mid 30s in the northwest to mid and upper 40s in southern New Jersey.

Rain will continue Sunday night with temperatures gradually rising.

Monday will be rainy with highs in the 50s to near 60 degrees.

A strong cold front will pass through Monday afternoon and evening, followed by gusty northwest winds developing Monday night and Tuesday.

Wind gusts could reach 30 to 40 mph Tuesday, with wind chills falling into the teens.

A weak clipper system may bring additional weather Wednesday, though significant impacts are not expected.

Temperatures will moderate slightly Wednesday before cooler air potentially filters back into the region Thursday.

Current weather radar
UPDATE: N.J. declares state of emergency with up to 9 inches of snow, wintry mix looming in winter storm

MORE: Major snowstorm to thump state. Latest snow, ice forecasts by county.

A significant winter storm is expected to hit New Jersey starting this afternoon with a dangerous combination of snow, sleet, freezing rain and ice.

The timing of the storm will likely affect the evening commute on Friday and turn roads treacherous into Saturday for those planning post-Christmas travel.

Snow is expected to start between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. across northern areas.

A storm system will bring widespread precipitation to the region this afternoon into Saturday morning, the National Weather Service said Friday morning. Precipitation begins from west to east as snow this afternoon.

Widespread snowfall is expected across New Jersey with the highest totals of up to 8 inches expected in northern counties. The southern half of the state could see a nasty mix of sleet and freezing rain. National Weather Service and Canva

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for 11 counties facing the highest snowfall totals and winter weather advisories for eight counties where snow could mix with sleet and freezing rain.

Plan on slippery road conditions, the weather service said. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.

The heaviest snow is expected Friday evening between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour in an intense band in northern New Jersey this evening.

Those intense bands could heavily impact travel along the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 78 during the Friday night rush hour, the weather service said.

New Jersey is bracing for a significant winter storm that will bring a mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet and a glaze of ice starting on Friday afternoon and into Saturday. Winter storm warnings have been issued for half the state. AccuWeather.com and National Weather Service

This fast-moving storm will pack a punch in the Northeast right after Christmas. Holiday travelers should prepare for major slowdowns on roads and at airports, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys said.

Widespread snowfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected across the northern half of the state, with the potential for up to a foot of snow in higher elevations, the weather service said.

The highest snowfall accumulation will be across areas near/north of I-80, the weather service said. Snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain this evening and tonight for areas south of I-78 and (northwest) of I-95.

For counties south of I-195, expect 1 to 5 inches of mixed snow and sleet, with a glaze of ice possible along and west of the Delaware River.

Precipitation will taper off Saturday morning, though light snow or flurries may linger through midday.

Current weather radar
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Occasional snow showers. High 26F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 90%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..

Tonight

Occasional snow showers. Low 12F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%.
DAMASCUS, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and five others wounded after an explosion struck a mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs, a central Syrian city, during Friday prayers, Syria's state news agency SANA reported.

A SANA correspondent in Homs said the blast occurred inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque, adding that emergency teams rushed to the scene and the wounded were taken to nearby hospitals.

Security forces cordoned off the area as investigations began.

The cause of the explosion is not immediately clear. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported the explosion, noting that it is still uncertain whether it was a suicide attack, amid reports of casualties. 
Exeter Cathedral is hosting a series of events throughout January, combining music, film, art and immersive experiences that aim to engage the local community and visitors alike.

The month begins with The Storytellers: A Sound & Light Experience by Luxmuralis, running from Wednesday 7 to Saturday 10 January 2026.

The installation uses light and sound to bring the history of storytelling to life, guiding audiences through visual interpretations of classic literature and oral traditions.

Luxmuralis, known for creating immersive experiences in sacred buildings and heritage sites, aims to make fine art accessible in unexpected spaces.

READ NEXT: New management team takes over at Radford House community in Exeter

Tickets are 10 for adults, 5 for children aged 417, and 25 for a family of four.

On Saturday 17 January 2026, Exeter Cathedral will host an Environment Film Festival from 12:30pm to 5pm.

Screenings of Six Inches of Soil and Wilding will be followed by panel discussions with experts including Charles Hunter Smart, Simon Gibson, Rhiannon Alcock, Pip Campbell-Clause, Peter Harris, and Anna Harrison.

The films explore regenerative farming and rewilding initiatives in the UK, with panelists connecting these topics to themes of faith and community. Tickets are 5.

Later in the month, on Tuesday 27 January 2026, the Cathedral will present My Heart Was a Tree, a concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of the charity Farms For City Children.

Authors Michael and Clare Morpurgo, along with Carol Hughes, will read selected poetry and prose accompanied by the Iddesleigh String Quartet performing works by Vivaldi, Vaughan Williams, Haydn, and Max Richter.

Tickets range from 526, with proceeds shared between Exeter Cathedral and the charity.

The Cathedrals Art of Appreciation exhibition will remain open until 4 January during standard opening hours, showcasing artwork from local community members inspired by gratitude and thankfulness.

This initiative offers residents and local artists the chance to contribute and see their work displayed in the historic setting.

Visitors to Exeter Cathedral over the festive season have commented positively on the experience, describing it as an oasis of calm and praising the choir, saying a beautiful choir sang the mass.

The Cathedrals architecture was also noted for its dramatic impact: Exeter Cathedral is the architecture of theatre.

All details and bookings are on the Exeter Cathedral website.
ACCRA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's central bank has pledged to reform the country's domestic gold purchase program (DGPP) to boost its macroeconomic benefits.

In a release on Thursday, the Bank of Ghana said its board had approved the reforms to be rolled out from January 2026, in line with budgetary provisions made in the 2026 budget to fully resource the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), ensuring the sustainability of its operations.

"Recognizing both the macroeconomic benefits and fiscal costs of the DGPP, the board of the Bank of Ghana recently approved reforms to improve pricing and operational efficiency in the downstream segment of the program," the release said.

The reforms aim to reduce intermediation fees, improve cost-efficiency, and achieve competitive yet economically sound buying prices, with benefits for both the sector and the broader economy, according to the central bank.

The DGPP is a policy tool that has helped shore up Ghana's international reserves, supported currency stability, and enabled access to large volumes of foreign exchange without incurring new debt, said the bank.

"The operational role of GoldBod as an aggregator has been important in channeling gold-based inflows from the small-scale mining sector into the official market. This collaborative structure between the Bank and GoldBod has ensured that the DGPP remains anchored in public policy objectives," it added. 
He tears down the White Houses East Wing for his ballroom.

He tears down the White Houses East Wing for his ballroom.

He also pardons his supporters involved in the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol.

He also pardons his supporters involved in the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol.

How the Boat Strikes Are Trumps Most Extreme Test of Presidential Power

On the afternoon of Sept. 2, Mr. Trump was in the Oval Office delivering remarks about the U.S. Space Commands headquarters when he casually mentioned that we just, over the last few minutes, literally shot out a boat, a drug-carrying boat.

I had been chronicling all the ways Mr. Trump was expanding executive power, but this immediately stood apart.

The military is not allowed to deliberately target civilians or criminals. Even in an armed conflict, targeting a civilian is a war crime. But in this moment, Mr. Trump claimed he had the power to determine that the United States was in an armed conflict with drug cartels and to deem crews suspected of smuggling boats combatants.

In asserting he could do this, Mr. Trump defined a new level of presidential power for himself.

Later that day, he posted a video of the strike, bragging that it killed 11 terrorists. In the months since, the military has continued to kill scores of people in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific.

Photographs by Doug Mills and Gabriela Bhaskar. Videos by Brent McDonald, Alex Kent and U.S. Department of Defense.
Youve probably heard that Trump was yearning to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a scenario slightly less likely than his getting the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.

OK, he didnt win the Nobel. But he did get a peace prize from 
Not a Subscriber? Join O'Dwyer's & Get RFP Access Stop wasting time tracking down RFPs. O'Dwyer's connects you with organizations looking for PR firms & services. Get new business with O'Dwyer's! Join O'Dwyer's
Since the latest ceasefire began on the 15th of October, 391 souls have been killed in Gaza and more than 1,000 wounded. Zionist forces continue to attack Christian and Muslim refugees by air, artillery, and gunfire, while denying adequate food and aid. Israel occupation forces destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes since the genocide began, leaving the people they imprisoned there without adequate food, shelter or medical care.

There is no ceasefire.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has slaughtered and starved people in the Gaza Strip. It's committing genocide-not fighting a war-according to Israeli and international human rights organizations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, genocide scholars, and the United Nations Human Rights Council. It won't stop until it is forced to do so. The Houthis, Ansar Allah of Yemen, are the only nation that appears to recognize this reality.



In 2005 Israel forced Jewish Palestinians out of Gaza and turned it into a concentration camp for Christian and Muslim refugees, whose homes and land were stolen during the Nakba of 1948, or in 1967, when Israel attacked the USS Liberty and their neighbors.





Israel could have peace and security at any time. They could have it today. There's nothing they need to negotiate with anyone: Withdraw from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Golan Heights and Gaza Strip, territory captured when Israel attacked the United States and their neighbors in 1967, to allow an independent Palestinian state to be established; or extend human and democratic rights to all.One unified, peaceful and strong nation.

Israel chose another path. Zionism is primitive tribalism/nationalism. Its goal is Lebensraum. Its means are violence. It has nothing to do with religion, the Bible, creating a refuge for Jewish people, or faithfulness to God. This is not controversial. Zionists were explicit about their ideology and plans.



Today, Israel denies citizenship, human and democratic rights, to five million Christian and Muslim people who were inhabitants of the land stolen by Israel in 1967. Israel covets Palestinians land, but they don't want Christians and Muslims living there. That is the crux of the conflict. It's a story as old as King Ahab, Queen Jezebel, Naboth, his vineyard, and the prophet Elijah.



Corporate-state media deceptively labels people calling for justice and peace "pro-Palestinian" when in reality they are simply people with a conscience. They are, like the prophets of old, voices crying in the wilderness.



Israel, for now, extends a type of second-class citizenship to two million Palestinians who identify as Christians and Muslims, people who lived within Israel's old borders prior to the 1967 war. Jewish Palestinians and Zionist immigrants in Israel are accorded full citizenship wherever they reside.



Israel and the United States blocked peace for decades. Their feigned support of a two-state solution was always a lie. The Arab League offered to guarantee Israel's security if they accepted the two-state solution based upon Israel's 1967 borders in 2002. Israel refused. Israel also denies equal rights to all. (A bedrock principle of human rights enshrined in the Declaration of Independence.) Instead of accepting the Arab peace initiative, or extending human rights to all, Israel created an apartheid regime, and helped establish and finance Hamas. They pressured, and sometimes joined the United States in attacking Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, and now Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boasted to his Likud Party that Israel's support for Hamas blocked a two-state solution.



Israel supplied weapons and money to al Qaeda-linked rebel groups in Syria beginning in 2013, alongside the United States. Netanyahu recently confirmed Israel is arming Abu Shabab, an ISIS-linked heavily armed organization with a history of terrorist activity against Israel, drug smuggling, and large-scale looting of humanitarian aid in Gaza.



Israel occupation forces themselves, have been credibly accused of committing war crimes. The United States and Israel's attack on Iran was a crime against the peace; not self-defense.

President Donald J. Trump promised to restore law and order. But so far he has refused to enforce laws that President Joe Biden violated, including the Leahy law, that bars U.S. military assistance to foreign military units when there is credible evidence of gross human rights abuses. Enforcing that law would stop the slaughter and starvation of civilians in Gaza. It would also be an act of kindness to Israel. It might even help ensure Israel's survival.



Hamas was not popular with the Christian and Muslim refugees imprisoned in Israel's Gaza Strip Prison Camp prior to October 7th. Israel, however, denied Gazans, as well as Christians and Muslims living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the opportunity to vote for representation in the Knesset.





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A Marion County grand jury report released this week detailed cascading failures at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, Oregons largest youth prison, citing systemic issues ranging from security flaws to unaddressed violence.

Here are the five key findings from the report:

1. Cascading failures overwhelm an ill-defined mission

The grand jury concluded MacLaren is struggling because it is asked to fill too many roles, resulting in an inability to fulfill any of them well. Youth sentenced to MacLaren may remain there until their 25th birthday before they can be transferred to an adult prison to finish out a prison term. That means 60% of its population is over 18, and the facility is often unable to meet the significant mental health needs of those incarcerated there.

2. Contraband problem is out of control

Contraband including drugs, cellphones, and improvised weapons is rampant due to inadequate supervision and security vulnerabilities. The report notes that outsiders have thrown contraband-loaded objects over the single chain-link fence, and the facility lacks funding for additional fencing.

3. Staffing shortages and legislative changes create volatility

The facility suffers from high staff turnover and burnout from mandatory overtime, with about half of all staff having less than five years of experience. Legislative changes from 2019 resulted in shorter sentences, giving the current population fewer incentives to comply with rules and adding to the volatility for both youth and staff, the report said.

4. Gang violence is unaddressed and discipline is ineffective

The report found it concerning that officials do not track whether fights are gang-related and lack specific programs to address gang activity. The grand jury also questioned the effectiveness of the prisons developmental model for discipline and called for stronger sanctions for misconduct.

5. Uninvestigated complaints, including about sexual abuse, have piled up

The investigation was spurred by a massive backlog of unaddressed complaints, including multiple reports of sexual abuse and misconduct. A former chief investigator had failed to review an estimated 3,000 complaints, leading to the firing of the Oregon Youth Authority director and more than 70 pending federal lawsuits from individuals alleging abuse.

This story was drafted with the assistance of generative AI based on original reporting from The Oregonian/OregonLive.
A well-dressed man in a suit and tie apologized as he handed a bank teller a note demanding money  a tactic investigators say he used to try to rob three banks along Southwest Portlands Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway in a nine-day span before his arrest this month.

Beaverton police arrested James Allyn Dorsey, 62, on state allegations and then he was charged in federal court this week with bank robbery.

Hes accused of making off with more than $7,000 from two of the three banks.

When officers searched his apartment with a warrant, they found some of the clothes he was caught wearing on bank surveillance cameras. One of the demand notes he produced was found stuffed in the pocket of one of his dark-colored suit jackets in his bedroom closet, the affidavit said.

Dorsey is accused of attempting to rob the Wells Fargo bank at 6785 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway on Dec. 10. Two days later, he struck the U.S. Bank, at 8205 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, and then last Friday, he hit the Chase Bank at 8275 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, according to a federal affidavit.

About 4:15 p.m. on Dec. 10, he approached a teller at the Wells Fargo bank, handed her a note that read, Give me all your money, and said a second person was waiting for him outside. The teller told him she did not have a cash box at her desk and stepped away and activated a silent alarm, and he left the bank.

At 4:44 p.m. on Dec. 12, he entered the U.S. Bank, handed a teller a manila folder containing a note that told her she had 30 seconds to give him all the money." As she turned over $2,712 in cash, he said, I dont want to do this, apologized but grabbed the bills and fled out the door, last seen running south from the bank, the affidavit said.

Seven days later, about 4:35 p.m., he entered the Chase Bank, presented a note that said, Put all the money in the envelope, and as the teller placed cash in a manila envelope he handed her, he told her sorry at least twice, according to the affidavit. He made off with $4,600 in cash, according to the FBI.

Following the second robbery, Beaverton police were able to identify the suspect through surveillance images and located his apartment nearby, off of Southwest Oleson Road, the affidavit said.

After the third robbery at the Chase Bank, investigators went to the apartment and spotted Dorsey step out of a green Jaguar Coupe. He walked around to the passenger door and removed what looked like a suit jacket and a manila envelope and headed to his apartment, the FBI said.

Later that night, Beaverton police Officer Nicholas Jacobs spotted Dorsey smoking a cigarette outside his apartment complex and police arrested him, according to the affidavit.

Officers obtained a warrant and searched his apartment last Saturday and found more than 20 firearms in his bedroom and $3,500 in cash inside a padded manila envelope that appeared to be similar to one he had presented at the Chase Bank robbery, the affidavit said. In his bedroom closet, officers found clothing that resembled what the bank robbery suspect wore: gray suit jackets, gray suit pants, black and blue suit jackets, a dark overcoat, and red, yellow and blue and black neckties, according to the affidavit.

Inside one of the dark-colored suits, police found a crumpled handwritten note that was used in the Chase Bank robbery that read, Please Put the Money i n your drawer In the Envelope, the affidavit said.

Dorsey remains in custody at the Washington County Jail. Hes accused in Washington County Circuit Court of three counts of third-degree robbery, three counts of first-degree theft and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

He has not yet made his first appearance on the federal bank robbery allegation in U.S. District Court in Portland.
This photo shows the border crossing in Chanthaburi province, Thailand, Dec. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong)

BANGKOK, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed Friday that the National Security Council has authorized Defense Minister Natthapon Nakpanich to attend the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on Saturday.

Speaking after chairing the council meeting, Anutin expressed hope that a joint statement could be signed to reaffirm the mutual commitment to non-aggression and stability.

"The essence is that we must keep our promises not to threaten, invade, or provoke each other," he told reporters, noting that reducing security threats is a priority for both nations.

Meanwhile, military delegates from Thailand and Cambodia reconvened on Friday for the third day of negotiations on the resumption and verification of the ceasefire along their disputed border.

According to a statement released by Thailand's 1st Army Area, three Thai soldiers were dead on Friday during clashes along the border in Sa Kaeo Province. 

This photo shows the border crossing in Chanthaburi province, Thailand, Dec. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong)
A caller who spotted black smoke billowing from the roof of Oregon Citys Reformation Covenant Church on Christmas Day drew a two-alarm response from Clackamas firefighters, who put out the blaze about 3:30 p.m., according to the fire district.

The firefighters were sent to the church shortly after 2 p.m. and found the fire between an old and a newer roof, which required maneuvering to ventilate and attack the blaze from above, Clackamas Fire District officials said.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

An elder of the church, Gary Barnard, declined to comment on the fire.

The Clackamas Fire District posted on its Facebook page a video of the districts response set to the popular holiday song, Youre a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.
After at least four humpback whales were entangled this year in Oregon commercial Dungeness crab fishing gear, conservation groups are petitioning the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt measures to reduce the amount of fishing gear during whale feeding and migration seasons.

Filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council and the American Cetacean Society, the petition asks officials to open a pathway for fishers to use pop-up fishing gear, which eliminates untended buoy lines. The gear has been tested in the California Dungeness crab fishery, and conservation groups say it is reliable, profitable and safe for whales and other marine animals.

This years horrific entanglements show that humpbacks are in a lot of danger from Oregon crab gear, said Ben Grundy, an oceans campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity. If state officials dont move to adopt whale-safe fishing gear, like pop-up buoys for Dungeness crab pots, endangered whales will continue to suffer and die preventable deaths.

The petition, filed earlier this month, comes weeks after a young entangled humpback whale was found stranded on a beach north of Yachats. Veterinarians euthanized the whale after unsuccessful attempts to free it on Nov. 17. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating the entanglement.

The department on Dec. 5 issued a fleet advisory, urging fishers to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid entanglements. The advisory doesnt include enforcement measures, but it says the department is strongly considering further regulatory action to reduce entanglement risk.

The latest dead humpback whale should be a wake-up call that entanglements in Oregon crab gear are a major problem, stated Ben Enticknap, fisheries director at Oceana. Oregon fishery managers should act quickly to strengthen conservation measures to reduce whale entanglements.

The number of entanglements in Oregon commercial Dungeness crab gear this year is likely higher than just the four confirmed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in September released preliminary results showing that there may have been as many as 20 entangled whales.

Entanglements can cause starvation, infections, amputations, strangulation as well as impact a whales ability to reproduce, according to NOAA.

The four humpback whales found tragically entangled in Oregon crab gear are a signal of a much greater entanglement problem, as only a small fraction of them are ever detected, said Francine Kershaw, a senior scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council. The state should take swift, science-based management action to effectively protect endangered whales in Oregon waters.

State law requires the commission to respond to the petition in writing within 90 days and either deny it or begin rulemaking proceedings.

-- Mia Maldonado, Oregon Capital Chronicle

The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy.
In 2025, the life and culture stories that resonated with readers ran from spiders to milkshakes to missing bracelets.

If there was a theme in these stories that readers loved, it could be the unknown. What is on the bottom of the ocean? What is this massive spider in my basement? What will the weather be tomorrow?

Here are the ten most-read life and culture stories from The Oregonian/OregonLive in 2025.

10. A tiny eastern Oregon towns milkshakes have become a tourist attraction, published Oct. 5

The Elvis milkshake at the Narrows RV Parks Jackalope Bar & Grill in southeastern Oregon's Princeton. Visalia Rose

How far would you go for a milkshake?

Near the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge at the Narrows RV Parks Jackalope Bar & Grill, you will find travel-worthy shakes, thick enough to hold a spoon upright and made with unconventional ingredient combinations.

Take The Elvis, which blends peanut butter, bacon and banana into ice cream.

9. Legendary Oregon authors coastal writing retreat is for sale for the first time, published July 22

The property at 95080 Highway 101 in Yachats is for sale by Shanna McCord of Fathom Realty Oregon. Marck Shipley-Hommati 181

The cottage, which was built in 1964 and purchased by Ken and Faye Kesey in the 1970s, sold for over asking after this story was published.

8. Scientists predict the Pacific Northwests most active (undersea) volcano will erupt this year, published Jan. 7

Scientists on board the research vessel R/V Atlantis observe a video and data feed from a robotic submersible diving at the Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano off the Oregon coast. The June 2024 dive allowed the scientists to gather additional information to help predict when the volcano might erupt next. Marley Parker, ML Parker Media

Early in the year, scientists made a prediction: Axial Seamount, the most active volcano in the Pacific Northwest, which lies 300 miles offshore, just under a mile beneath the ocean waves, would go off in 2025.

You might be thinking, Hmm, I dont remember that happening.

Thats because it didnt. Now scientists are saying, Hey, maybe next year.

7. Timeline shows when hail, thunderstorms, possible tornadoes could hit Portland, published March 26

Back in March, another prediction: Some wild weather was headed to Portland. Tornadoes?! Maybe!

Did this one happen? Well...no. But everyone was definitely ready, if it had.

6. Heres when daylight saving time ends for 2025: When to fall back and change clocks, published Aug. 28

As much as Oregon tries to stop it, daylight saving time keeps coming and going and, consequently, people keep wondering, Hey, when is the time changing again?

5. Oregon diner chain to replace several former Sharis restaurants, published July 28

A Shari's Cafe and Pies location at 2185 N.W. 185th in Hillsboro sits empty on Sunday, October 20 Grant Butler | The Oregonian/OregonLive

The sadness customers experienced upon learning most Oregon Sharis locations were closing was partially ameliorated by the knowledge that Elmers would be moving into some former locations.

4. Arachnophobes beware: Oregons largest spider is on the move, published Sept. 2

A giant house spider (Eratigena duellica, formally known as Tegenaria gigantea and T. duellica) in Portland Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. The spider measured well over three inches from leg-tip to leg-tip. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

What is it about spiders? Last year, a spider story also landed in the top 10, at the fourth most-read spot.

This years entry reads like a horror story: Every summer, like clockwork, the giant house spider emerges from the shadows.

3. My heart is broken: Customers reeling as General Mills discontinues 3 cereals, published June 21

Boxes of General Mills cereal are displayed on a grocery store shelf in 2023 in San Anselmo. Getty Images

People love their breakfast cereal. So when General Mills announced earlier this year that it was discontinuing three flavors, fans of those flavors were up in arms.

Please have mercy, wrote one consumer on the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios product page. My heart is broken.

2. WWII bomber found on Pacific Ocean floor  with a bomb still attached and vintage car on board, published April 27

The lights of remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer illuminate the hand-painted mural, A Chart of the Cruises of the USS Yorktown, during the Papahanaumokuakea ROV and Mapping expedition dive on April 19, 2025. NOAA Ocean Exploration

An undersea mystery from Tacoma News Tribune came in at No. 2 for the year.

1. She kept a strangers lost Tiffany bracelet for years because it seemed so personal. Now its finally home, published April 29

Photographed on April 23, 2025, this Tiffany charm bracelet had been left behind at The Pit Stop Sports Bar & BBQ Grill in Beaverton. Then-restaurant owner Dani Rosendahl held onto it, hoping someone would return for it. When no one did, she reached out to a reporter at The Oregonian/OregonLive, who helped solve the mystery. Close-up images were edited to highlight the engraved stencil. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Samantha Swindlers tale of finding the owner of a bracelet lost at a Beaverton sports bar was the most-read life and culture story of 2025, with good reason. I have goosebumps, the owner of the bracelet said as it was returned to her. Im so happy to get it back.
With so many new sparkling wine producers in Oregon, its difficult to keep track of them all. But theres one producer that I will never lose in all of that sparkling noise: Kramer Vineyards, the home of some of my favorite sparkling wines.

Founded in Gaston, Oregon, by Trudy and Keith Kramer, Kramer Vineyards celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024. In addition to their magnificent still wines made from grapes like pinot noir, the Kramer family has been making sparkling wines for nearly 25 years.

The inaugural Kramer sparkler, called Celebrate, was made with Muller-Thurgau grapes using a technique called forced carbonation. Trudy Kramer was a reluctant sparkling winemaker at first, but the speed at which the first Celebrate sold out won her over.

Oldest daughter Kimberley took Trudy and Keiths sparkling wine program to a new level when she decided to get involved in the family business. Kimberleys inspiration came from an unlikely source.

I was born in the 1970s, but Im an 80s kid, and I watched a lot of nighttime soap operas like Falcon Crest and Dynasty,  Kimberley Kramer said. I loved the female characters who were powerful and glamorous. Especially Alexis Carrington Colby, who drank champagne even while in prison. I saw this image of a formidable character that I really admired, and that is what first drew me to sparkling wine as a symbol.

The symbol became action when Kramer, then in her early 20s, began working in the tasting room at St. Innocent Winery in Salem. There she would occasionally help with production, which gave her the opportunity to watch owner Mark Vlossak make sparkling wine.

Kramer was a quick study, so in 2005, Vlossak paid for her to attend Chemeketa Community Colleges Wine Studies program. There she discovered a series of papers on winemaking written by Bruce Zoecklein, who was head of the Enology-Grape Chemistry Group at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg.

His white papers, although technical, were easy to read. Ive read his sparkling wine paper hundreds of times over the years, Kramer said.

A year into her program at Chemeketa, Vlossak gave Kramer roughly two barrels of 2006 chardonnay to make sparkling wine in her garage. She also picked up a batch of pinot noir from Tom Symonette, who owns his own vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills region of the Willamette Valley.

Kramer used the grapes to make two sparkling garage wines, one 100% chardonnay, the other a pinot noir-chardonnay blend. That first chardonnay never really developed much in the way of bubbles, but the pinot noir-chardonnay blend was good enough to impress Trudy Kramer.

In 2008, Kimberley came to Kramer Vineyards to join the family team and take on their sparkling wine program. Kramer made her first sparkling wine, a traditional-method brut, for Kramer Vineyards in 2009.

By 2013, the winerys sparkling wine programs success led to the creation of a sparkling wine club, which now has 150 members. Another sign of success: Sparkling wines now account for 40% of total wine production at Kramer Vineyards.

I recently sat down with Kimberley Kramer to taste a series of her current sparkling wine releases. I will never hesitate to recommend any of her sparkling wines, but two of them really stood out to me that day.

2017 Brut Blanc de Blancs Prestige Cuvee ($75  12.5% ABV)

This blend of 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot blanc, which aged on its lees for 87 months, is made in the traditional method made famous by the Champagne region of France. The still wine was bottled before additional yeast and sugar were added. The yeast ferments sugar into alcohol until dry, which gives off carbon dioxide. The secondary fermentation takes place inside the bottle.

The wines elegant texture and bubbles that zoom to the surface with military precision accompany aromas and flavors of warm brioche stuffed with lemon filling, Mirabelle plums and chamomile tea. This is easily one of the best Oregon sparkling wines I had in 2025, and Im betting it will age gracefully for another 8-10 years.

2024 Celebrate Rose of Pinot Noir ($29  12.5% ABV)

This sparkling wine is flat-out fun, from its frisky bubbles and crisp mouthfeel to its strawberry and citrus flavors that gave me a hankering for a bowl of Capn Crunchs Crunch Berries. Theres even a powdery note here that reminds the winemaker of Bazooka Joe bubblegum.

Celebrate wines are made using forced carbonation. According to Kramer, most sparkling wines made with this method are injected with carbon dioxide on the bottling line, producing what she described as coarse, soda-pop-like bubbles.

Desiring smaller bubbles, Keith Kramer developed a system where the week prior to bottling, the wine is transferred into a custom-built tank for pressurization. Kramer chills the wine while gradually raising the pressure, which she said creates lots of tiny bubbles.

The tasting room at Kramer Vineyards offers one-stop New Years Eve shopping with 18 sparkling wines made with a variety of techniques and grapes, priced from $24 to $75.

If you would like to celebrate early, Kramer Vineyards annual Big Bubble Bash takes place at their tasting room on Saturday, Dec. 27. The Kramers will pour 12 different sparkling wines that day, with six hourlong time slots available, beginning at 11 a.m. Tickets for the event are $53 and may be ordered through Tock.

11 a.m.- 5 p.m Thursday-Monday, closed Christmas Day, 26830 N.W. Olson Road, Gaston, kramervineyards.com or 503-662-4545.

-- Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com. To read more of his coverage, go to oregonlive.com/wine
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An aerial drone photo shows the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday. Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes. As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

URUMQI, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day.

Via existing expressways, the new route extends to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Chengdu-Chongqing region, thereby becoming a key hub that connects China's eastern economic circle with countries in Eurasia.

"This is an all-weather, high-efficiency, large-capacity transport corridor that will significantly enhance the resilience and security of national energy resources and agricultural supply chains," said Huang Tao, deputy director of the transportation bureau of the Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, where Yuli County is located.

Stretching 2,500 kilometers, the Tianshan Mountains span central Xinjiang, separating Urumqi, the largest city in the north, from Korla, the largest city in the south. With the opening of the expressway, travel time between these two major cities is reduced from 7 hours to approximately 3 hours, promoting economic integration between northern and southern Xinjiang and creating new channels for external exchanges.

"Previously, transporting raw materials from northern Xinjiang to Yuli took three to four days; now it can be done in one to two days," said Tao Feng, manager of Yuli Lihua Textile Co., Ltd., noting that the company's transport costs and time will be significantly reduced.

The expressway, constructed over five years, spans 324.7 kilometers with a total investment of 46.7 billion yuan (about 6.63 billion U.S. dollars).

"Building roads in the Tianshan Mountains presented extreme challenges at every step," said Zhou Zheng, general manager of the project of China Communications Construction Company. The complex terrain along the route includes an 11-km section with 14 bridges and five tunnels, resulting in a bridge-tunnel ratio exceeding 90 percent.

The tunnel's construction saw world-class challenges due to its extraordinary scale. It spans 22.13 kilometers, reaches a maximum burial depth of 1,112.2 meters, crosses 16 geological fault zones and faces five major difficulties -- high ground stress, high seismic intensity, stringent environmental requirements, extreme cold and high altitude.

To address these challenges, Chinese builders implemented innovative solutions: constructing eco-friendly access roads to minimize ecological disruption and improve material transport efficiency; adopting a construction method that shortened the main tunnel's construction period by over a quarter; and deploying China's independently developed global-first pressurized hard rock tunnel boring machine to overcome industry inefficiencies in hard rock excavation.

The expressway traverses diverse landscapes, allowing tourists to experience the Tianshan Mountains' glaciers, pastoral grasslands, forested valleys, Gobi desert and wetlands while witnessing the project's commitment to ecological conservation.

"Day trips between northern and southern Xinjiang may become routine, attracting more tourists," said Han Jun, a long-distance bus driver who frequently travels between the regions.

"Xinjiang's expressway length has exceeded 8,000 kilometers, while the total length of expressways and first-class highways has surpassed 13,000 kilometers," said Guo Sheng, deputy director of the regional transport department.

He emphasized that as more expressways and first-class highways traverse the Tianshan Mountains, they will accelerate the two-way flow of commercial logistics and cultural tourism resources between northern and southern Xinjiang, injecting strong momentum into the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt. 

An aerial drone photo shows vehicles waiting to pass a toll station for the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in Urumqi County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

A staff member (L) hands a passing card to a driver at a toll station for the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Xu Hongyan)

An aerial drone photo shows the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

Media staff take photos of vehicles passing a toll station for the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in Urumqi County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

An aerial drone photo shows the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

Vehicles wait to pass a toll station for the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in Urumqi County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

An aerial drone photo shows a vehicle driving out from the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

A policeman reminds a driver of safety precautions at a toll station for the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in Urumqi County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

Vehicles wait to pass a toll station for the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in Urumqi County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Xu Hongyan)

An aerial drone photo shows a vehicle driving out from the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo shows a vehicle driving out from the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo shows the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in Hejing County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

A staff member (R) hands a passing card to a driver at a toll station for the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Xu Hongyan)

Vehicles wait to pass a toll station for the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in Urumqi County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

Vehicles drive into the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Xu Hongyan)

An aerial drone photo shows vehicles near the entrance of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

An aerial drone photo shows vehicles near the entrance of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

Vehicles drive through the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 26, 2025. The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic on Friday.

Traversing the central Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel slashes what was once a several-hour mountain drive to just 20 minutes.

As a vital artery linking city clusters in northern and southern Xinjiang, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, including the tunnel, entered operation on the same day. (Xinhua/Xu Hongyan)
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The Giant Company is closing five fulfillment facilities in Pennsylvania.

Giant is closing its fulfillment center at 235 N. Reservoir St. in Lancaster, as well as facilities in the Philadelphia, Willow Grove, Coopersburg and North Coventry areas.

Giant plans to continue to operate these facilities into early next year, with most closures occurring by the end of the first quarter in 2026.

Giant provided the following statement:

Weve learned over the past few years that there isnt a one size fits all approach to our e-commerce business, particularly our fulfillment model. With customers expecting faster delivery, we need to ensure we are operating as efficiently as possible to meet their ever-changing needs.

After careful review, the decision was made to transition fully to store-based fulfillment and discontinue centralized fulfillment. With this, we will be closing our five e-commerce central fulfillment centers, including the one in Lancaster. Upon completion of the transition, Giant Direct orders will be picked by store team members in area stores and delivered by a third-party provider.

Its anticipated that operations will transition by the end of April. Until then, our focus is on supporting our team members. Orders will now be picked or shopped by Giant Direct team members in store  our expert Grocery Getters. The most noticeable change to customers will be how groceries are delivered: orders will now be delivered by a third-party (Instacart or DoorDash) driver versus a Giant Direct driver.

Ahold Delhaize USA, the parent company of Giant, stated that employees affected by the closings will be offered alternative positions or have the opportunity to apply for open roles.

The 38,000-square-foot facility in Lancaster opened in 2019 and employs 81 people. The facility was previously a Giant grocery store for 37 years. It had closed on May 18, 2017.

Giant said the new fulfillment operations will provide:

Faster delivery times; orders can be delivered in as little as two hours

Expanded assortment and in-store pricing

Delivery windows are now only one hour

Customers can make order changes up to two to three hours before the delivery window, instead of four to six hours

Giant is laying off 128 employees at the fulfillment center at 3501 Island Ave. in Philadelphia, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification it filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. The notice was dated Dec. 12.

Its not clear how many people work at the Willow Grove, Coopersburg and North Coventry-area centers.

Giant Food, a separate company owned by Ahold Delhaize USA, will also cease operations at a facility in Manassas, Virginia.
A manufacturing facility in Somerset County is closing.

Potato Chip Manufacturing LLC has filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, informing the state that it will close the facility at 1313 Stadium St. in Berlin, on or around February 13.

Ninety-six employees will be laid off. Ninety employees will be laid off on Feb. 13. Six employees will assist in the final shutdown and clean-up of the facility, and will be laid off between March 13 and Dec. 31.

Hanover-based Utz Brands previously owned the plant and sold it to New Jersey-based Our Home in April 2024.

The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered business closing and a covered business mass layoff. The WARN notice was dated Dec. 3.
One minute, a business is a household name, expanding across the country. The next minute, its closing up shop.

That happened to several well-known retailers this year.

Here are four prominent retailers that said goodbye in 2025:

Forever 21 at Capital City Mall in Lower Allen Township. November 18, 2021. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

Forever 21 didnt last forever. The retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for a second time in March. At the time, Forever 21 had 17 stores in Pennsylvania, including a location at the Capital City Mall in Lower Allen Township, near Camp Hill. The company closed all of its 354 U.S. stores earlier this year.

Joann Fabrics file photo. (Daniel Urie, PennLive)

JoAnn, known for years as JoAnn Fabrics, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for a second time in January. The chain later closed all of its 800 stores. JoAnn had stores in every state but one. As of March 2024, the retailer had 42 stores in Pennsylvania, including locations in Lemoyne and Lower Paxton Township, outside of Harrisburg. In June, The Michaels Companies acquired JoAnns intellectual property and private label brands.

Party City at Paxton Towne Centre on Jonestown Road in Lower Paxton Township. July 20, 2023. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

The party ended this year for the retailer. Party City filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for a second time in 2024. In December 2024, it announced it was closing all of its stores. At that time, the retailer had 25 stores in Pennsylvania, including locations in Silver Spring Township, outside of Mechanicsburg and Lower Paxton Township, near Harrisburg. The retailer closed its more than 700 stores earlier this year.

27 1 / 27 Rite Aid has closed its last store

It was one of the most prominent companies that ever called south-central Pennsylvania home, and now its just a memory. The last two Rite Aid pharmacies closed on Sept. 29 in Bainbridge Island, Washington, and in Bend, Oregon. In May, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for a second time. In 2015, the company had more than 4,600 stores. Rite Aid sold 1,932 of those stores to Walgreens in 2017 after the two companies failed to merge. The company closed more than 800 stores during its first bankruptcy, which ended in 2024. By the time it filed for bankruptcy a second time, it had more than 1,200 stores.

At one time, the company had more than 400 stores in the Keystone State. Rite Aid was based in East Pennsboro Township, outside of Camp Hill for decades before moving to Philadelphia in 2022.
Protesters attend a rally against the ruling coalition's plan to ease arms export in front of the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo, Japan, on Dec. 25, 2025. Japanese protesters held a rally on Thursday afternoon in front of the headquarters of the LDP in Tokyo, voicing strong opposition to a plan by the ruling coalition to relax restrictions on exports of weapons significantly. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

TOKYO, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Japanese protesters held a rally on Thursday afternoon in front of the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo, voicing strong opposition to a plan by the ruling coalition to relax restrictions on exports of weapons significantly.

At the rally, protesters held placards reading "Don't sell 'Made in Japan' weapons," "No war," and "Firmly oppose weapons exports," urging the ruling LDP and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, to halt all efforts aimed at easing weapons export restrictions.

Yoko Sugiura, one of the protesters, told Xinhua that the existing five-category restriction helps curb the export of lethal weapons. She warned that the abolition of the restriction could lead to Japanese-made weapons being used to kill people in other countries and called on the ruling coalition to abandon the plan as soon as possible.

Another protester, Paul McCartin from Australia, said, "I oppose war and do not want weapons or warships made in Japan to be exported to other countries." He added that one of the responsibilities of politicians is to safeguard peace, not to start wars.

An anonymous protester said that "Japan is a country that cannot wage war, yet is revising laws to export weapons used for warfare while priding itself on being a country ruled by law. I think this is absolutely wrong and totally unacceptable."

Representatives of the protesters submitted a petition to the LDP on the same day, calling for an immediate halt to all work aimed at abolishing the five-category restriction.

Under the current system, fully assembled defense equipment that can be exported is limited to those that fall within the five nonlethal categories: rescue, transport, detection, surveillance and minesweeping.

On Dec. 15, the ruling coalition reached an agreement to revise the implementation guidelines for the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and abolish the five-category limit on arms exports, and confirmed that a related proposal would be submitted to the cabinet in February next year, a move that has sparked strong concern and criticism within Japan. 

Protesters attend a rally against the ruling coalition's plan to ease arms export in front of the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo, Japan, on Dec. 25, 2025. Japanese protesters held a rally on Thursday afternoon in front of the headquarters of the LDP in Tokyo, voicing strong opposition to a plan by the ruling coalition to relax restrictions on exports of weapons significantly. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

A protester attends a rally against the ruling coalition's plan to ease arms export in front of the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo, Japan, on Dec. 25, 2025. Japanese protesters held a rally on Thursday afternoon in front of the headquarters of the LDP in Tokyo, voicing strong opposition to a plan by the ruling coalition to relax restrictions on exports of weapons significantly. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Protesters attend a rally against the ruling coalition's plan to ease arms export in front of the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo, Japan, on Dec. 25, 2025. Japanese protesters held a rally on Thursday afternoon in front of the headquarters of the LDP in Tokyo, voicing strong opposition to a plan by the ruling coalition to relax restrictions on exports of weapons significantly. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Protesters attend a rally against the ruling coalition's plan to ease arms export in front of the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo, Japan, on Dec. 25, 2025. Japanese protesters held a rally on Thursday afternoon in front of the headquarters of the LDP in Tokyo, voicing strong opposition to a plan by the ruling coalition to relax restrictions on exports of weapons significantly. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2025 shows the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo, Japan. Japanese protesters held a rally on Thursday afternoon in front of the headquarters of the LDP in Tokyo, voicing strong opposition to a plan by the ruling coalition to relax restrictions on exports of weapons significantly. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
A facility in York County is closing and 128 people will be laid off.

S&S Activewear filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, informing the state it will close the facility at 600 Industrial Drive in Fairview Township, York County.

The first layoffs began on Dec. 4. All layoffs are expected to be completed by April 1.

All terminating employees will receive the equivalent of at least 60 days pay and required benefits from the date of the notice, either by remaining employed, receiving pay and required benefits in lieu of the notice, or some combination thereof, the company said in the WARN notice.

The company previously laid off 218 people at the facility earlier this year.

S&S Activewear calls itself a tech-enabled apparel and accessory distributor. The company is based in Illinois and has 14 distribution centers across the United States.

The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered-business closing and covered-business mass layoff. The WARN notice was dated Dec. 4.
The fiancee of Pa. man convicted of selling stolen body parts says he didnt know they had been stolen.

Sophie Mae Vee posted on Facebook this week after Jeremy Pauley, 43, was sentenced to six years in prison that she would be speaking on his behalf from here on out and that she would continue to run their oddities shop in Wayne County.

She said two important points kept getting lost in the case against Pauley: that he didnt know the items he bought were stolen and that selling human remains is not illegal.

Pauleys conviction stemmed from moving stolen goods across state lines.

It is not illegal to sell, own, display, or conserve human remains, his fiancee posted. An argument we have been fighting this entire investigation. Should these laws ever change, there would be no hesitation in respecting it.

There is no federal law against selling human remains, other than those of Native Americans, and only eight states have laws against such sales. Pennsylvania is not one of them.

She said Pauley legally acquired many human remains over the years for the purpose of conservation and restoration, developing a method of plastination so that these remains may continue to be used in the medical industry and for the education of the public in regard to anatomy and physiology.

Jeremy sold several pieces to help fund the expensive process of preservation, believing what he was providing was out of an educational effort. Some of these remains were found to have originated from these disturbing places, something that has always deeply upset him. The government insists, without evidence, that the amount dealt was significantly higher than what was actually handled.

His fiancee complained that he had become the face of the national stolen body parts ring even though he didnt know the items were stolen and never had direct contact with the morgue manager at Harvard who was convicted of the thefts.

She said he unfairly took the biggest hit from the public because of his appearance, which has been drastically modified through tattoos and piercings.

Prosecutors agreed Pauley never purchased directly from Harvard Medical Schools former morgue manager, Cedric Lodge. But prosecutors say two of Lodges customers, Katrina Maclean and Joshua Taylor, sold and traded directly with Pauley, and that Pauley knew where the body parts he was buying came from.

Pauley has faced the consequences of his involvement in receiving stolen property, Sophie Mae Vee posted, and does not downplay the significance.

She explained that she and Pauley work with fetal and other human remains as non-profit memorial work for families who have lost loved ones.

These families reach out to us and are not contacted by us first in any way. We believe human beings have a right to grieve however they desire.Prosecutors portrayed Pauley as relishing his position as a financially successful trafficker of human remains.

But she said: Nothing could be further from the truth.

Sophie Mae Vee said she believes the government turned a blind eye to other human remains still in circulation by individuals who know their originsto those of you reading this, do the right thing and return them to the families.
Imani Smith, a former child actor who starred in the Broadway production of The Lion King, has died. She was 26.

According to a press release from Middlesex County, N.J., police responded to a 911 call at about 9:18 a.m. Sunday about a stabbing at a residence in Edison.

Upon arriving they discovered Smith with multiple stab wounds. She was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.

After an investigation, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, of Edison, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

In a GoFundMe, Smiths aunt, Kira Helper, said that Smith was senselessly killed by her boyfriend and leaves behind a 3-year-old son, her parents, her two younger siblings, and an extended family, friends, and community who loved her so very much.

Helper described Smith as a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person. A true triple-threat performer.

Helper said the proceeds from the GoFundMe will go toward helping Smiths parents, who are now facing the unimaginable: grieving their daughter while stepping in to raise her young son and support their two other children during this traumatic time.

Smith starred as a Young Nala in the Broadway version of The Lion King from 2011-12.

Jackson-Small is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of his detention hearing, officials said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Kirsh of the Edison Police Department at 732-718-8064 or Detective Ankudowicz of the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office at 732-745- 8083.
Say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026 in style with one of the many New Years Eve events in central Pennsylvania.

As is tradition, many of the towns and cities will be dropping something at midnight. And as Pennsylvanians love a theme, many cities will be holding their countdown with something that is thematically related to each city.

Heres a look at some of the gatherings and events in our region on New Years Eve:

Harrisburg

The Strawberry Drop will be held at midnight outside of City Hall on Second Street, followed by a fireworks display.

Second Street will be closed from Chestnut to Walnut streets starting at 6 p.m.

A Kids Glow Party will be held inside City Hall with a 1,000 balloon drop, face painting, balloon animals, crafts and free snacks. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the balloon drop is at 9:30 p.m.

Info: Harrisburg New Years Eve

Earlier events in Harrisburg include the Gamut Theatres New Years Eve Party for Children, with performances of The Ugly Duckling by the Popcorn Hat Players.

Performances are held at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., with countdowns to noon and 6 p.m. Tickets include admission to the performance, noisemakers, party hats and a balloon drop following both shows.

Info: Gamut Theatre Countdown to Noon

Hershey

The Hershey Kiss Drop events will be held at ChocolateTown Square, located at Chocolate & Park avenues.

Live music begins at 9 p.m. with the bands Fully Stocked and Burn the Jukebox.Denny Logan from WNNK 104.1 will host the countdown with Hershey characters, followed by a laser light show and pyrotechnics.

Family events are held earlier in the day, including Bubble Wrap Stomps, music with Holly Serio at 7:30 p.m. and face painting from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Info: Hershey New Years Eve Celebration

Hummelstown:

Hummelstowns Lollipop Drop event begins at 4 p.m., and is organized by The 1762 At The Warwick Hotel at 12 West Main Street.

Info: Lollipop Drop

Carlisle

Carlisles Hotchee New Year event will be held at the Carlisle Theatre at 40 West High Street from 6-9 p.m. Activities include a hot dog eating contest at 8 p.m., carriage rides near the town square, concessions and a 50/50 raffle.

The Hotchee Dog Drop will take place at 9 p.m., and feature a giant replica of the Hotchee Dog (a hot dog topped with chili, American cheese and mustard) from Hamilton Restaurant.

Info: Hotchee New Year

Mechanicsburg

This years Wrench Drop in Mechanicsburg was almost canceled. But volunteers rallied to make sure the drop takes place once more in front of the Mechanicsburg Volunteer Fire Department station on East Main Street.

Vendors will be joined by music from a live band and DJ. Festivities begin at 9 p.m.

Info: Wrench Drop

Lebanon

Lebanons Bologna Drop will feature a 250-pound bologna. The event starts at 10 p.m. along Eighth Street, from Cumberland to Chestnut streets, with music from DJ Jim Payne

Info: New Years Eve Bologna Drop

Gettysburg

Rather than a drop, Gettysburg will hold a raising of an Abraham Lincoln Stovepipe Hat replica at Lincoln Square. The event will include live music and fireworks, and a jumbo screen with a live broadcast of the Times Square countdown in New York City.

Guests can stop at food truck vendors and enjoy free hot chocolate.

Info: From Lincoln Square to Times Square

Lancaster

The Red Rose Drop in Lancaster will be held at Penn Medicine Park, 650 North Prince Street.

Activities begin at 8 p.m., with a Kids Party from 8-10 p.m., including face painting, balloon artists, scavenger hunts and other activities.

An 18+ DJ & Dance Party with photo booth, drinks and food vendors will be operating from 8 p.m. through midnight.

Info: Visit Lancaster City

Columbia

The National Watch & Clock Museum will hold a New Years at Noon event starting at 10 a.m., with a balloon drop at noon.

The event will also feature games, crafts, and face painting, with visits from Create Columbia and therapy dogs.

Info: New Years at Noon

York

The York White Rose Drop will be held at Continental Square, with events such as live music starting at 10 p.m.

Info: New Years Eve Celebration at Continental Square

Dillsburg

The Dillsburg Pickle Drop will be held at St. Pauls Lutheran Church of Dillsburg with activities starting at 7 p.m.

A baby pickle drop will be held at 7 p.m., and live music with the band Six Whiskey Revival starts at 9 p.m.

Attractions include food vendors and games, and the drop will be followed by fireworks.

Info: Dillsburg Pickle Drop 2026

Hanover

Timeline Arcade in Hanover will hold their 11th annual Pac-Man Drop. Events include unlimited arcade and soda from 7-9 p.m. for $30.

Info: Timeline Arcade
By SUSAN HAIGH, The Associated Press

When the ball drops on New Years Eve in New York City, it will sparkle in red, white and blue, ushering in 2026 and kicking off months of celebrations for the nations upcoming 250th birthday.

The patriotic touches at this years Times Square gathering, including a second confetti drop, will offer an early glimpse of whats ahead: hundreds of events and programs, big and small, planned nationwide to mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Im telling you right now, whatever youre imagining, its going to be much more than that, said America250 Chair Rosie Rios, who oversees the bipartisan commission created by Congress in 2016 to organize the semiquincentennial anniversary. Its going to be one for the ages, the most inspirational celebration this country and maybe the world has ever seen.

This image provided by America250 in December 2025 shows the New Year's Eve ball designed for the U.S.'s 250th year. (Damon Haimoff/America250 via AP) AP

Rios and her group worked with the Times Square Alliance business district and One Times Square, the building from where the ball is dropped, to make the changes to this years ceremonies. Theyre also planning a second ball drop July 3, the eve of the nations birthday, in the same beautiful style that Times Square knows how to do it, Rios said.

It will mark the first time in 120 years there will be ball drop in Times Square that doesnt occur on New Years Eve, she said.

A New Years Eve ball was first dropped in Times Square in 1907. Built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr, the 700-pound, 5-foot-diameter ball was made of iron and wood and featured 100 25-watt light bulbs. Last year, the Constellation Ball, the ninth and largest version, was unveiled. It measured about 12 feet in diameter and weighs nearly 12,000 pounds.

The only years no ball drop occurred were 1942 and 1943, when the city instituted a nightly dimout during World War II to protect itself from attacks. Crowds instead celebrated the new year with a moment of silence followed by chimes rung from the base of One Times Square.

This year, the stroke of midnight will also mark the official launch of America Gives, a national service initiative created by America250. Organizers hope to make 2026 the largest year of volunteer hours ever aggregated in the country.

On the following day, America250 will participate in the New Years Day Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, with a float themed Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years. It will feature three larger-than-life bald eagles representing the countrys past, present and future.

President Donald Trump has also announced the Freedom 250 initiative to coordinate additional events for the 250th anniversary.

Rios said she sees the wide range of celebrations and programs planned for the coming months, from large fireworks displays and statewide potluck suppers to student contests and citizen oral histories, as an opportunity to unite a politically divided nation.

If we can find something for everyone ... having those menus of options that people can pick and choose how they want to participate, she said. Thats how were going to get to engaging 350 million Americans.
Chuck Redd was slated to host a Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center as has been tradition for two decades.

The artist cancelled the show however after President Donald Trumps appointed board had his name added to the building. It now reads The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

And that was too much for Redd.

When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert, Redd told The Associated Press. 

Redd has hosted the event since 2006. His decision created quite the social media stir with many in the MAGA world attacking him.

@ChuckRedJazz is an ass, on person wrote on X. I hope he is never invited back. You are a performer not a political entity. So you screw over an audience and fellow performers because of your own TDS? You dont deserve that honor. If not for Trump you may have been performing in a crumbling shell. Screw you, you petulant jerk.

Crybaby @ChuckReddJazz decided to cancel Christmas Eve concert for thousands who had pre-purchased tickets, another wrote on X. All because of his own TDS, and Trump hurt his feelings. Ive never heard of this turd, but I hope that his handful of fans drop him.

What a piece of garbage, another person wrote on X. Cancelling a concert because of TDS instead of allowing people to celebrate the holidays and enjoy a performance. I hope everyone that attends any future concerts of yours  chooses (to) BOYCOTT YOU.

Someone should buy the Blues Alley and fire Chuck Redd before the New Years concert, another person wrote.

And those were some of the nicer criticisms of the performer.

There was plenty of support for Redd on X, too.

Proudly supporting @ChuckReddJazz in his groups decision not to perform at the now partisan and renamed  without mandated congressional approval  Kennedy Center National Memorial, Steven Asbury wrote. These artists depend on these events to put food on the table but taking a stand for democracy.

There are Americans with an ounce of integrity out there, Jim Riordan wrote. Bravo Chuck Redd!
This is another sign that barbecue restaurants are on a steady decline.

Yet another well-known BBQ chain has slashed some of its locations after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Smoke Ring LLC, which operates restaurants under the Ray Rays brand in Ohio, filed on Dec. 19, according to Inforuptcy. The chain even closed a few of its locations before filing.

The company will remain in control of its business operations while restructuring, with an intention of following a reorganization plan.

The three Ohio locations that recently went dark are Ray Rays Johnstown location and Marion location, which closed on Nov. 12, and its Linworth food truck location, which closed sometime in November as part of a consolidation.

As a result, four other Ohio locations remain open, which are in Clintonville, Franklinton, Westerville and Granville, according to its website.

The bankruptcy filing didnt state if Ray Rays is planning for more closings.

Much like the issues many other barbecue chains are facing  struggling consumers, increased labor costs, and an overall challenging operating market  these factors contributed to Smoke Rings Chapter 11 bankruptcy decision, per TheStreet.

Other chains to go the same route include Smokin Dutchman Holdings, Sticky Fingers Restaurants LLC BBQ chain, as well as Burnt BBQ & Tacos.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Author: Robert Applebaum, Miami University

Dec. 15, 2025  the deadline for enrolling in a marketplace plan through the Affordable Care Act for 2026  came and went without an agreement on the federal subsidies that kept ACA plans more affordable for many Americans. Despite a last-ditch attempt in the House to extend ACA subsidies, with Congress adjourning for the year on Dec. 19, its looking almost certain that Americans relying on ACA subsidies will face a steep increase in health care costs in 2026.

As a gerontologist who studies the U.S. health care system, Im aware that disagreements about health care in America have a long history. The main bone of contention is whether providing health care is the responsibility of the government, or of individuals or their employers.

The ACA, passed in 2010 as the countrys first major piece of health legislation since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965, represents one more chapter in that long-standing debate. That debate explains why the health law has fueled so much political divisiveness  including a standoff that spurred a record-breaking 43-day-long government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, 2025.

In my view, regardless of how Congress resolves, or doesnt resolve, the current dispute over ACA subsidies, a durable U.S. health care policy will remain out of reach until lawmakers address the core question of who should shoulder the cost of health care.

The ACAs roots

In the years before the ACAs passage, some 49 million Americans  15% of the population  lacked health insurance. This number had been rising in the wake of the 2008 recession. Thats because the majority of Americans ages 18 to 64 with health insurance receive their health benefits through their employer. In the 2008 downturn, people who lost their jobs basically lost their health care coverage.

The goal of the Affordable Care Act was to significantly decrease the number of Americans without health insurance. Drazen Zigic/iStock via Getty Images Plus Drazen Zigic/iStock via Getty Images Plus

For those who believed that government had a primary role in providing health insurance for its citizens, the growing number of people lacking coverage hit a crisis point that required an intervention. Those who place responsibility on individuals and employers saw the ACA as perversion of the governments purpose. The political parties could find no common ground  and this challenge continues.

The major goal of the ACA was to reduce the number of uninsured Americans by about 30 million people, or to about 3% of the U.S. population. It got about halfway there: Today, about 26 million Americans, or 8%, are uninsured, though this number fluctuates based on changes in the economy and federal and state policy.

Health insurance for all?

The ACA implemented an array of strategies to accomplish this goal. Some were popular, such as allowing parents to keep their kids on their family insurance until age 26. Some were unpopular, such as the mandate that everyone must have insurance.

But two strategies in particular had the biggest impact on the number of uninsured. One was expanding the Medicaid program to include workers whose income was below 138% of the poverty line. The other was providing subsidies to people with low and moderate incomes that could help them buy health insurance through the ACA marketplace, a state or federal health exchange through which consumers could choose health insurance plans.

Medicaid expansion was controversial from the start. Originally, the ACA mandated it for all states, but the Supreme Court eventually ruled that it was up to each state, not the federal government, to decide whether to do so. As of December 2025, 40 states and the District of Columbia have implemented Medicaid expansion, insuring about 20 million Americans.

Meanwhile, the marketplace subsidies, which were designed to help people who were working but could not access an employer-based health plan, were not especially contentious early on. Everyone receiving a subsidy was required to contribute to their insurance plans monthly premium. People earning US$18,000 or less annually, which in 2010 was 115% of the income threshold set by the federal government as poverty level, contributed 2.1% of their plans cost, and those earning $60,240, which was 400% of the federal poverty level, contributed 10%. People making more than that were not eligible for subsidies at all.

In 2021, legislation passed by the Biden administration to stave off the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the subsidy that people could receive. The law eliminated premiums entirely for the lowest income people and reduced the cost for those earning more. And, unlike before, people making more than 400% of the federal poverty level  about 10% of marketplace enrollees  could also get a subsidy.

These pandemic-era subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025.

Cost versus coverage

If the COVID-19-era subsidies expire, health care costs would increase substantially for most consumers, as ACA subsidies return to their original levels. So someone making $45,000 annually will now need to pay $360 a month for health insurance, increasing their payment by 74%, or $153 monthly. Whats more, these changes come on top of price hikes to insurance plans themselves, which are estimated to increase by about 18% in 2026.

With these two factors combined, many ACA marketplace users could see their health insurance cost rise more than 100%. Some proponents of extending COVID-19-era subsidies contend that the rollback will result in an estimated 6 million to 7 million people leaving the ACA marketplace and that some 5 million of these Americans could become uninsured in 2026.

Policies in the tax and spending package signed into law by President Donald Trump in July 2025 are amplifying the challenge of keeping Americans insured. The Congressional Budget Office projects that the Medicaid cuts alone, stipulated in the package, may result in more than 7 million people becoming uninsured. Combined with other policy changes outlined in the law and the rollback of the ACA subsidies, that number could hit 16 million by 2034  essentially wiping out the majority of gains in health insurance coverage that the ACA achieved since 2010.

Subsidy downsides

These enhanced ACA subsidies are so divisive now in part because they have dramatically driven up the federal governments health care bill. Between 2021 and 2024, the number of people receiving subsidies doubled  resulting in many more people having health insurance, but also increasing federal ACA expenditures.

In 2025, almost 22 million Americans who purchased a marketplace plan received a federal subsidy to help with the costs, up from 9.2 million in 2020  a 137% increase.

Those who oppose the extension counter that the subsidies cost the government too much and fund high earners who dont need government support  and that temporary emergencies, even ones as serious as a pandemic, should not result in permanent changes.

Another critique is that employers are using the ACA to reduce their responsibility for employee coverage. Under the ACA, employers with more than 50 employees must provide health insurance, but for companies with fewer employers, that requirement is optional.

In 2010, 92% of employers with 25 to 49 workers offered health insurance, but by 2025, that proportion had dropped to 64%, suggesting that companies of this size are allowing the ACA to cover their employees.

Diverging solutions

The U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world by far. The projected increase in the number of uninsured people over the next 10 years could result in even higher costs, as fewer people get preventive care and delayed health care interventions, ultimately leading to more complex medical care

Federal policy clearly shapes health insurance coverage, but state-level policies play a role too. Nationally, about 8% of people under age 65 were uninsured in 2023, yet that rate varied widely  from 3% in Massachusetts to 18.6% in Texas. States under Republican leadership on average have a higher percentage of uninsured people than do those under Democratic leadership, mirroring the political differences driving the national debate over who is responsible for shouldering the costs of health care.

With dueling ideologies come dueling solutions. For those who believe that the government is responsible for the health of its citizens, expanding health insurance coverage and financing this expansion through taxes presents a clear approach. For those who say the burden should fall on individuals, reliance on the free market drives the fix  on the premise that competition between health insurers and providers offers a more effective way to solve the cost challenges than a government intervention.

Without finding resolution on this core issue, the U.S. will likely still be embroiled in this same debate for years, if not decades, to come.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/as-millions-of-americans-face-a-steep-rise-in-health-insurance-costs-lawmakers-continue-a-century-long-battle-over-who-should-pay-for-health-care-271901.
A dangerous winter storm starting Friday morning in Pennsylvania will bring significant ice accumulations to western areas and a mix of snow and sleet further east.

Travel conditions will deteriorate rapidly throughout the day.

The National Weather Service has issued an ice storm warning for western Pennsylvania, where freezing rain is expected to create ice accumulations sufficient to damage trees and power lines.

Precipitation will spread eastward through the morning as a wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet.

The most severe ice is expected between 1 and 7 p.m. Friday across the Laurel Highlands and northwestern Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, areas north and east of the Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 15 corridor will see a brief period of snow before it transitions to sleet by early afternoon.

Total snow and sleet accumulations will generally remain under an inch in the southwestern two-thirds of the state, with 1 to 2 inches possible in eastern areas.

Temperatures will hover in the mid to upper 20s as precipitation begins, creating hazardous travel conditions throughout central Pennsylvania on Friday. The temperature for Harrisburg will climb, but remain just under freezing.

A winter weather advisory will be in effect for a large area of the state, including all of the Harrisburg, York, Lancaster and Carlisle regions, from noon today until 7 a.m. Saturday.

In central Pennsylvania snow and freezing rain could start around 1 p.m. today, followed by freezing rain and sleet until about 5 and just sleet after that until about 11 p.m., according to weather.com.

After a brief dry period Saturday, another system will bring a renewed threat of freezing rain Sunday morning in northern Pennsylvania, particularly between the New York border and the Interstate 80 corridor. This will transition to rain by Sunday afternoon and evening as temperatures rise.

Monday is expected to be unseasonably warm and rainy, with a high temperature in the 50s.

Current weather radar
SANYA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- In Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City in the coastal city of Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, international communication about seed breeding is commonplace.

Leveraging the policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the island province's tropical climate, Hainan is building a Nanfan "Silicon Valley," a global platform for seed industry cooperation and an experimental zone for deepening reform and opening up of the seed sector.

Against this background, an increasing number of international students and foreign agricultural researchers are coming to Hainan to learn and work.

In 2024, Felix Dapare Dakora, past president of the African Academy of Sciences, moved to the Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City and became the first full-time foreign breeding scientist there.

Working with Chinese experts, he is helping to develop soybean varieties with high nitrogen fixation, which reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizers in soybean production. He is also advancing cooperation projects under the China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance and inviting young African scientists to study in China.

China once faced food shortages, but persistent scientific and technological innovation secured food supply, he said, adding that Hainan's climate and agricultural types are similar to those in parts of Africa, and that the open, inclusive research environment and rich innovation resources in Hainan make it especially suitable for seed-industry cooperation.

With Dakora's support, Takele Weldu Gebrewahid, from Ethiopia, came to the National Nanfan Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to pursue postdoctoral studies.

His team has developed a new artificial-intelligence algorithm that uses big data and AI to accelerate the development of new varieties.

Agriculture is one of Ethiopia's economic pillars, he said, adding that China leads in agricultural production and breeding innovation, and that Ethiopia can draw on China's experience to narrow the technological gap.

Such international cooperation around seed breeding has yielded considerable results. For instance, the Sugarcane Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences has established a highly efficient genetic transformation system for sugarcane and obtained a batch of new germplasm that is high-yielding, high in sugar content, insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant. The center has also released a new framework for intelligent sugarcane breeding that promotes deep integration of traditional breeding with modern technologies.

Of the center's more than 20 researchers, five come from Pakistan.

"Pakistani researchers each bring specialized strengths and have made active contributions in different research teams," said the center's director, Que Youxiong. By applying advanced breeding technologies, researchers from both countries are pushing variety improvement to better tackle shared challenges such as crop diseases and climate change.

Collaboration extends beyond the laboratory. Batches of improved seeds from Hainan are being sent around the world.

At the Nanfan base of China National Seed Group in Sanya, hundreds of new rice varieties are thriving.

"Hainan's climate and ecology are similar to those of Southeast Asian countries," said Zhou Hua, the company's rice testing director. "Field trials here help us identify varieties with superior performance that can be exported to Southeast Asia."

Riding on Hainan's free trade port policies, China National Seed Group has exported more than 100 varieties abroad and is conducting hybrid rice trials and promotion in over 30 countries, including Vietnam, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The company has also imported more than 100 tropical fruit and vegetable varieties from around the world for trial in Hainan, aiming to offer more diverse, high-quality agricultural products to the Chinese market.

Against the backdrop of mounting pressure on global food security caused by climate change, resource constraints, and geopolitical volatility, from Dec. 7 to 9, the 2025 International Forum on Agriculture Innovation and Sustainability (IFAIS) & The 2nd China-Latin America and the Caribbean Sustainable Food Innovation Forum were held at Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City.

Experts from more than 20 countries discussed topics including the protection and use of germplasm resources, foundational and technical innovations in the seed industry, and industrial applications.

Santiago Signorelli Poppolo, associate professor at Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay, said that China has advanced crop stress resistance technologies that Uruguay currently lacks, adding that cooperating with China will provide great support for Uruguay's agricultural development. 
SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Kim Keon-hee, wife of former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, was indicted on charge of receiving bribes for influence peddling related to personnel appointments, the special counsel team said Friday. 
Top Stories of 2025, #6: Star Attorney Tom Goldstein Indicted Over Million-Dollar Poker Games

Connor Richards Senior Editor U.S. Copy link

One of the most respected lawyers in the United States, Tom Goldstein, has spent the year battling charges of tax fraud and other financial crimes related to high-stakes poker matches.

The high-stakes poker matches allegedly took Goldstein, who has appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court more than any other private attorney, from Hollywood to Macau, where he won and lost tens of millions in heads-up poker matches.

Goldstein's legal battle, which is still in the pretrial phase, makes for PokerNews' sixth biggest story of 2025.

Breaking Down the Indictment

Goldstein, who is the founder of the popular legal site SCOTUSblog, had recently retired from law when he was indicted in January by a federal grand jury on 22 counts, including tax evasion, falsifying tax returns, failing to pay taxes, and making false statements to two separate mortgage lenders. A superseding indictment returned in August produced new accusations against Goldstein but no new charges.

Prosecutors allege that Goldstein was a high-stakes poker player between 2016 and 2024 and was "frequently playing in games involving millions of dollars." During this time, he "allegedly engaged in a scheme to evade his taxes" by diverting legal fees from his law firm, Goldstein & Russell, P.C., to his personal bank account and using them to pay poker debts.

He also allegedly used "firm assets to pay salaries and health insurance premiums for people with whom Goldstein had a personal relationship but who performed little or no work for the law firm and did not qualify for its health insurance." The charges related to these allegations were dropped in December.

Tom Goldstein

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office District of Maryland, Goldstein "also allegedly did not report, or falsely understated, millions of dollars of gambling winnings on his tax returns."

"In addition, for 2016 through 2021, except 2018, Goldstein allegedly did not pay the taxes he self-reported were due on his returns, while simultaneously spending millions of dollars on personal expenses such as gambling debts, travel, vacation rentals, and luxury goods."

Some of the Biggest Poker Games Ever

The indictment shed light on some of the biggest poker games ever played. In 2014, Goldstein allegedly began playing in poker matches "involving stakes totaling millions, and even tens of millions, of dollars," which he financed by selling action to unnamed high-stakes poker players and "borrowing millions of dollars."

In 2016, Goldstein allegedly played in three heads-up matches against "three ultra-wealthy individuals" that resulted in over $50 million in profit. The first match, in Asia, resulted in a $13.8 million victory, while the second match in Beverly Hills produced a $26.4 million win. Goldstein then returned to Asia for a third match and won $8.8 million.

An excerpt from the indictment against Tom Goldstein

But losses mounted for Goldstein the following year, and by 2021 he allegedly had more than $14 million in poker debts, all while accruing a massive tax bill.

Back-and-forth motions between Goldstein and prosecutors revealed additional details about his poker escapades. For example, Goldstein allegedly "lost a substantial sum of money" in high-stakes poker matches at a 2024 birthday bash in Greece, which PokerNews learned was that of actor Kevin Hart.

PokerNews also learned and revealed that Goldstein was the mystery poker player known only as "Thomas" who took part in last 2024's Hustler Casino Live Million Dollar game, where he infamously mucked the winning hand to surrender a $540,000 pot.

The charges against Goldstein, who pleaded not guilty, carry stiff penalties. He faces a maximum of five years in prison for each of the tax evasion charges, three years for each count of tax falsification, one year for each count of willful failure to pay taxes, and 30 years for both counts of making false statements to mortgage lenders. He also faces monetary penalties and restitution.

Goldstein's Poker Background

Goldstein's high-stakes poker hobby was already known in some legal and poker circles. He gained attention for his manic playing style at the Bellagio in Las Vegas in 2008, the same year he developed a close friendship with social media star Dan Bilzerian, who he would go on to represent in an infamous case against an adult film actress.

The two once had a $385,000 racing prop bet that ended with Goldstein's Ferrari parked in the middle of Las Vegas Boulevard. Bilzerian would later write in his autobiography that he had "never met anyone with less respect for money proportionate to their net worth than Tom."

A screen grab of Tom Goldstein & Dan Bilzerian's 2011 Las Vegas prop bet race

Goldstein also did legal work in the poker industry, including representing Poker Players Alliance (PPA) after the Black Friday online poker shutdown and later representing Malaysian gambling mogul Paul Phua in an illegal gambling ring case (Phua was ultimately acquitted).

Pretrial Fight Continues

Goldstein's legal woes continued after the indictment. He was arrested in February as prosecutors accused him of making crypto transfers that violated his bail terms, but a judge later ordered his release after Goldstein presented evidence casting "sufficient doubt" that he owned the crypto wallets in question.

Goldstein later unsuccessfully appealed his "drastic" release conditions, which included the monitoring of all of his electronic devices, and accused prosecutors of "intentionally" misleading the court and making "critical false statements."

Goldstein suffered another pretrial loss in October 2018 when a judge denied his motion to suppress statements he made about a duffel bag of cash he brought into the United States in October 2018.

PokerNews will continue to follow the Goldstein saga closely into the new year as the case approaches trial.

*Photos courtesy of WikiMedia Commons

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Japan has become a troublemaker in international community

13:32, December 26, 2025 By Global Times editorial ( Global Times

Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

The Japanese government has been sending out dangerous signals one after another. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has publicly stated that Japan will not rule out the possibility of introducing nuclear submarines and is preparing to push forward the revisions of the three documents on security and defense to "be prepared for possible long military conflict." Her close associate, Koichi Hagiuda, led a group of Japanese lawmakers who visited the Taiwan region and met with Lai Ching-te. Japanese media also revealed that Takaichi's another close associate, Oue Sadamasa, was the one who previously made statements in favor of Japan possessing nuclear weapons. This series of words and actions is by no means accidental or isolated incidents. Japan is transforming from a constrained nation in the post-war international order into a "troublemaker" for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and even the world.

The root cause of Japan's role as a "troublemaker" lies in its persistent failure to thoroughly liquidate militarism, which poses a direct challenge to the international order established on the fruits of victory in World War II. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of World War II, a time when Japan should have deeply reflected on its history. However, the Takaichi administration has instead moved against the tide. Its cabinet members had repeatedly visited the Yasukuni Shrine, glorified the history of aggression as a "war of self-defense," and referred to Class-A war criminals as "heroic spirits," constituting an insult and harm to the people of nations that suffered from Japanese colonial aggression. More dangerously, this misguided view of history has transformed into specific policies: the Takaichi administration has attempted to revise the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," promoted the loosening of military restrictions, and even openly questioned the validity of international legal documents such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. The Japanese Instrument of Surrender pledges to "carry out the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration in good faith." However, the actions of the Takaichi administration today represent an attempt to overturn the political foundation of Japan's surrender and constitute an open betrayal of international justice.

The shift from historical revisionism to military adventurism is an extension of Japan's path as a "troublemaker," which is primarily manifested in the systematic loosening of its nuclear policy. After assuming office, Takaichi swiftly increased defense spending to over 2 percent of GDP and continuously relaxed restrictions on arms exports. From deploying long-range missiles on the Southwest Islands to hinting at the intention to acquire nuclear weapons, Japan's so-called "counterattack capability" exhibits clear preemptive and offensive characteristics. It has also been revealed that Japan's Liberal Democratic Party has reached internal agreement on revising the "Three Principles on Defense Equipment Transfers," aiming to fully liberalize the export of lethal weapons. On the nuclear issue, Tokyo's blatant disregard for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is becoming the greatest threat to nuclear security in East Asia and even globally.

Japan's role as a "troublemaker" is also reflected in its deceptive, two-faced diplomacy. While the Takaichi government claims to be "open to dialogue" with China, it has repeatedly provoked tensions on the Taiwan question. From late December to early January 2026, nearly 30 Japanese lawmakers are expected to visit Taiwan, and Iwasaki Shigeru, the former chief of the Joint Staff of Self-Defense Forces of Japan, has taken up the post of a "political consultant" for the Taiwan authorities, crossing the red line of governmental exchanges. This pattern of saying one thing and doing another mirrors the deceptive tactics Japan employed before launching wars in history. For decades after World War II, Japan cultivated an international image as a "peaceful nation" and a benevolent contributor, leading some countries even today to regard it as a "successful example of democratic transformation by the West." The Takaichi administration is now trying to portray itself internationally as a "victim" and to hype a false narrative of "Chinese bullying," with the real aim of using deception to conceal its expansionist nature.

Japan's provocations go far beyond self-armament. They are also evident in its deliberate undermining of regional unity and its role as a frontline proxy for external forces seeking to intervene in the region. The Takaichi government has repeatedly stirred up trouble, provoking neighboring countries on issues such as Dokdo and the Southern Kuril Islands. South Korean political commentator Hanjin Lew wrote in Asia Times that in just two months since taking office, Sanae Takaichi's hawkishness has accelerated regional crisis situation while isolating her own country. By manufacturing and amplifying divisions, Japan seeks to pursue its geopolitical interests amid turmoil and revive old dreams of regional dominance. Such practices seriously poison the atmosphere for resolving disputes through dialogue and cooperation among regional countries, turning Japan into an obstacle to peace and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.

History shows that once the specter of militarism returns, it brings grave disaster to the region and the world. By backtracking on historical issues, racing down the path of military expansion, and sowing division among regional countries, Japan's authorities are cementing their role as an "international troublemaker."

The Japanese government should recognize the trend of the times, immediately stop all dangerous actions that undermine regional peace and stability, sincerely reflect on its history of aggression, uphold the spirit of the "pacifist constitution" and its "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," and build trust with its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions. Peace and development in the Asia-Pacific must not be undermined, and any attempt to overturn the postwar order or revive militarism will be firmly opposed and jointly resisted by all peace-loving countries and peoples.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
A "Fuxing" bullet train is pictured at Yan'an Station of the new Xi'an-Yan'an high-speed railway in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Dec. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 km with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route.

The Xi'an-Yan'an high-speed railway is designed to handle speeds of up to 350 km per hour and is set to reduce travel time between the two cities to around an hour.

China's high-speed rail journey began in 2008 with the commencement of the Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway. Since then, its network has seen phenomenal growth, with operating mileage surpassing the combined total of all other countries in the world. It also operates the world's fastest commercial high-speed rail services.

According to data from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., the national railway operator, during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China constructed and put into operation 12,000 km of high-speed railways.

Today, high-speed rail services are accessible in 97 percent of Chinese cities with populations exceeding 500,000.

"China's high-speed rail has achieved historic accomplishments and realized higher-quality development. It has become a shining national flagship and a vivid embodiment of Chinese modernization," said Yu Jian, an expert from the China Railway Economic and Planning Research Institute.

The vast railway network enables 1 to 2-hour travel within 500-km city clusters, 4-hour journeys between major cities 1,000 km apart, and same-day trips over 2,000 km.

With a single-day passenger capacity reaching 16 million, it's as if the entire population of a megacity is on the move across this high-speed rail system every day.

The expansion strengthens links among major hubs and city clusters while integrating less developed counties and regions into the national economy, unlocking new pathways for local development.

Friday also saw the commencement of several new high-speed rail routes, including the 314-km Wuhan-Yichang section of the railway connecting Shanghai, Chongqing, and Chengdu, as well as the 131-km Hangzhou-Quzhou line in east China's Zhejiang Province.

These new lines are providing robust infrastructure support for regional economic growth, with cities along the routes actively seizing the opportunities presented.

Chen Tingting, a commerce official of the city of Tianmen in central China's Hubei Province, noted that the newly opened Wuhan-Yichang line would facilitate the development of a new cross-city industrial cooperation model.

China's engineering feat is powered by sustained breakthroughs in independent innovation. A Fuxing train operating at 350 km/h consists of over 40,000 components. Of the 254 critical technical standards applied, 84 percent are Chinese, with the overall design and core technology fully developed domestically.

Further pushing the boundaries of speed, the world's fastest bullet train, the CR450, has begun a battery of pre-service trials on a high-speed line in China, achieving a single-train speed of 453 km per hour.

"With key parameters like operating speed and energy efficiency leading the world, the CR450 has set the first global performance benchmark for trains operating at a speed of over 400 km per hour," said Li Yongheng, an official with China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

Wei Jigang, an official with the Development Research Center of the State Council, noted that China's modern infrastructure development has made significant strides in recent years.

"The growth of transport infrastructure like high-speed rail not only connects places but also creates new value across regions," Wei said. 

A train arrives at Peng'an West Station of Bazhong-Nanchong high-speed railway in Peng'an County of Nanchong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 27, 2024. The high-speed railway connecting Sichuan's Bazhong and Nanchong cities was open to operation on the same day. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Xinhua/Liu Yonghong)

Passengers pose for a group photo inside a carriage of the G5766 bullet train running on the Chongqing West to Yibin East section of Chongqing-Kunming high-speed railway in southwest China, Sept. 29, 2024. The section connecting southwest China's Chongqing municipality and Sichuan's Yibin City began operation on the same day, with the fastest travel time between the two places being 48 minutes. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Photo by Fei Sitong/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 6, 2024 shows a bullet train running along the Hangzhou-Wenzhou high-speed railway in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province. The new high-speed railway linking Hangzhou and Wenzhou began operations on the same day. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Photo by Lyu Bin/Xinhua)

A bullet train of Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway passes through Juyongguan Tunnel and heads for Taizicheng from Beijing, Jan. 21, 2022. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

The CR450AF bullet train with an operational speed of 400 kilometers per hour is debuted in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

A Fuxing train runs on the Beijing-Harbin high-speed railway in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 22, 2021. The Beijing-Harbin high-speed railway opened to traffic on the same day. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

The first inter-city train from Beijing to north China's Tianjin departs from Beijing South Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 1, 2008. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Photo by Gong Lei/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on June 20, 2022 shows a bullet train running on the Zhengzhou-Chongqing high-speed railway in Dongjin new area of Xiangyang City, central China's Hubei Province. The Zhengzhou-Chongqing high-speed railway opened to traffic on the same day. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Photo by Yang Dong/Xinhua)

Train attendants dressed in performance costumes prepare for performances for passengers at Xingshan Station of the Zhengzhou-Chongqing high-speed railway in Yichang City, central China's Hubei Province, June 20, 2022. The Zhengzhou-Chongqing high-speed railway opened to traffic on the same day. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Photo by Yang Dong/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 31, 2023 shows a bullet train running on the Yinpohe Bridge along the Guiyang-Nanning high-speed railway in Dushan County, southwest China's Guizhou Province. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

Two passengers from southeast China's Taiwan speak with their family in a video chat while taking the Fuxing bullet train G9801 on the Fuzhou-Xiamen-Zhangzhou high-speed railway in southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 28, 2023. China's fastest cross-sea high-speed rail started operation on the same day, with trains running at a maximum speed of 350 km/h along the west coast of the Taiwan Strait. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 19, 2023 shows a test train running on the Meizhou Bay cross-sea bridge along the Fuzhou-Xiamen-Zhangzhou high-speed railway in southeast China's Fujian Province. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

The first train of the Jinnan-Zhengzhou high-speed railway departs from Zhengzhou East Station in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 8, 2023. The Jinnan-Zhengzhou high-speed railway was open for operation on the same day. China, home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, has expanded its total operational mileage beyond 50,000 kilometers with the launch of a new high-speed line.

A "Fuxing" bullet train departed Friday morning from Yan'an, a sacred revolutionary heartland in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, for the provincial capital Xi'an, inaugurating the new route. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)
Anna Wilder covers politics for the Post and Courier. She previously worked as a political reporter for The State newspaper. She's a Florida native and a graduate of the University of Florida. Her work has appeared in outlets like Politico, Miami Herald and the Associated Press.
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 26, 2025 / Baker University recently suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal or protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal or protected health information entrusted to Baker University.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?In December 2024, Baker University became aware of a security incident on its network that resulted in a system outage. Upon detection, Baker University launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to certain files and folders between December 2, 2024, and December 19, 2024. Baker University conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identified affected individuals.The impacted data may include names, dates of birth, Driver's license numbers, financial account information, health insurance information, medical information, passport information, Social Security numbers, student identification numbers, and tax identification numbers.On December 19, 2025, Baker University filed a notice with the Attorney General of Maine and began notifying impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information or protected health 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 Baker University, 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 26, 2025 / Eckerd Youth Alternatives Inc. dba Eckerd Connects ("Eckerd Connects")recently suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to Eckerd Connects.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On or about November 11, 2024, Eckerd Connects detected unauthorized access to its network. Upon learning of the issue, the organization secured its network and launched a prompt investigation with the assistance of thirdparty cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. Eckerd Connects conducted a thorough review of potentially impacted data, which completed on November 17, 2025.The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party accessed files in Eckerd Connects' network between November 3, 2024, and November 11, 2024. Eckerd Connects determined that the impacted files may have contained personal information or protected health information of certain individuals.The impacted data may include first and last names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers or other state identification numbers, tax identification numbers, and medical information.On December 17, 2025, Eckerd Connects filed a notice with the Attorney General of Maine and began sending notice letters or emails to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information or protected health 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 Eckerd Youth Alternatives Inc. dba Eckerd Connects, 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
ABUJA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government confirmed on Friday that its armed forces, in collaboration with the United States, have conducted airstrikes on identified Islamic State-linked (IS) elements operating in the country's northwestern region.

The operation was part of Nigeria's security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, targeting terrorism and violent extremism in the western African country, Kimiebi Ebienfa, a foreign ministry spokesperson, said in a statement.

"This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by airstrikes in the northwest," Ebienfa said, without disclosing the casualties.

On Friday, the Nigerian military also confirmed the U.S.-assisted operation in a statement.

The confirmations came one day after U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social that he directed "a powerful and deadly strike" on IS terrorists in Nigeria. 
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 26, 2025 / ARC Community Services ("ARC Community") recently announced a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to ARC Community.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On November 4, 2024, ARC Community became aware of a security incident within its network. Upon detection, ARC Community launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to ARC Community's systems and acquired data from its network without authorization.The impacted data may include first and last names, addresses, dates of birth, and one or more of the following: medical record numbers, health information, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information.On December 4, 2025, ARC Community filed a notice with the office of the New Hampshire Attorney General and began sending notice letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal or 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 ARC Community Services, 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 25, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Freeport-McMoran Inc. ("Freeport" or the "Company") (NYSE:FCX). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Freeport and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 12, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Freeport securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On September 9, 2025, Freeport issued a press release announcing the suspension of mining activities at its Grasberg Block Cave operation in Indonesia, after "a large flow of wet material from a production drawpoint . . . blocked access to certain areas within the mine," trapping seven workers. The press release further stated that mining operations in the area "have been temporarily suspended to prioritize the safe evacuation of the . . . workers." On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $2.80 per share, or 5.99%, to close at $43.87 per share on September 9, 2025.Then, on September 24, 2025, Freeport provided an update on the incident, reporting that two of the seven workers were "fatally injured" and that the remaining five workers "remain missing." The press release further stated that mining operations in the area remained suspended.On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $7.69 per share, or 16.95%, to close at $37.67 per share on September 24, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 25, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Perrigo Company plc ("Perrigo" or the "Company") (NYSE:PRGO). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Perrigo and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 16, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Perrigo securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On February 27, 2024, Perrigo reported fiscal year 2023 earnings, revealing significant acquisition and integration-related charges, including a purported one-time cash cost of an additional $35 million to $45 million for remediations to address production and facility issues in its infant formula business. The Company also disclosed a 50% decline in earnings per share compared to the prior year due to infant formula remediation actions.On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $4.87 per share, or 15.14%, to close at $27.30 per share on February 27, 2024.Then, on May 7, 2024, Perrigo released earnings for the first quarter ended March 30, 2024, revealing the significant negative impact of Perrigo's costly actions to augment and strengthen its infant formula business.On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $3.28 per share, or 9.8%, to close at $30.15 on May 7, 2024.Then, on August 6, 2025, Perrigo issued a press release announcing earnings for the second quarter ended June 28, 2025, revealing the Company's adjusted gross profit decreased $30 million, or 6.9%, due in part to "production variability in infant formula, leading to an increase in product scrap in the quarter." Finally, on November 5, 2025, Perrigo issued a press release, announcing the Company "is initiating a strategic review of its infant formula business" including a "a full range of alternatives." The press release revealed Perrigo is "reassessing the Company's previously announced investment in this business of $240 million." On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $5.09 per share, or 25.2%, to close at $15.10 per share on November 5, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 25, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Primo Brands Corporation ("Primo Brands" or the "Company") (NYSE:PRMB). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Primo Brands and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 12, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Primo Brands securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained atwww.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On June 17, 2024, Primo Water Corporation ("Primo Water") announced entry into a merger agreement (the "Merger") with an affiliate of BlueTriton Brands, Inc. ("BlueTriton"). The two companies touted the synergies of the Merger, stating that the combined company was expected to have "significant financial and operating leverage" and "enhanced distribution capabilities" which would position it "for sustained long-term growth." On November 8, 2024, the companies announced the completion of the Merger and the formation of the combined entity, Primo Brands.On August 7, 2025, Primo Brands announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. On an accompanying earnings call, Chief Executive Officer Robbert Rietbroek acknowledged that "[t]he speed by which we closed facilities and reduced headcount led to disruptions in product supply, delivery, and service." Following these disclosures, Primo Brands' stock price fell $2.41 per share, or 9.13%, to close at $24.00 per share on August 7, 2025.Then, on November 6, 2025, Primo Brands announced Rietbroek's departure as CEO and disclosed that the Company was drastically reducing its full year 2025 net sales and adjusted EBITDA guidance. During a corresponding earnings call, Primo Brands' new CEO Eric Foss admitted that the Company "probably moved too far too fast on some of the various integration work streams" and that "[t]here's no doubt that speed impacted our ability to get through a lot of the warehouse closures and route realignment without disruption." Foss further revealed that Primo Brands had experienced "customer service issues" as well as "integration issues related to the technology move over." On this news, Primo Brands' stock price fell $8.20 per share, or 36.19%, over the following two trading sessions, closing at $14.46 per share on November 7, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 25, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Avantor, Inc. ("Avantor" or the "Company") (NYSE:AVTR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Avantor and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until December 29, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Avantor securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On April 25, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing first quarter 2025 financial results, cut its guidance for 2025, and announced that Michael Stubblefield would be stepping down from his roles as President and Chief Executive Officer. Avantor's management attributed its weak performance and outlook to "the impact of increased competitive intensity." On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $2.57 per share, or 16.5%, to close at $12.93 per share on April 25, 2025.Then, on August 1, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing second quarter 2025 financial results, including a year-over-year decrease in net sales, and further reduced the Company's 2025 guidance-now projecting organic revenue growth of -2% to 0%. Avantor's management again attributed the Company's lackluster results and outlook to "increased competitive intensity" and further admitted that Avantor did not expect the competitive environment to materially improve in the remainder of 2025.On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $2.08 per share, or 15.48%, to close at $11.36 per share on August 1, 2025.Then, on October 29, 2025, Avantor reported weak third quarter 2025 financial results, including -5% organic revenue growth and a net loss of $712 million, which management primarily attributed to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $785 million. Avantor's management said that the impairment charge was necessary due in part to "competitive pressures" that had "meaningfully impacted" Avantor's margins and further disclosed that the Company had lost several large accounts.On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $3.50 per share, or 23.21%, to close at $11.58 per share on October 29, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 26, 2025 / TriZetto Provider Solutions ("TriZetto") recently suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to 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 our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has urged the new leadership of Nigerias petroleum regulatory agencies to prioritise domestic refining, energy sovereignty and accelerated production growth as central pillars of sector reforms.

The advisory is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Muda Yusuf, following President Bola Tinubus recent appointment of new chief executive officers for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

On 17 December, President Tinubu replaced the heads of the two petroleum regulatory agencies amid allegations of corruption levelled against the former chief executive officer of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, by Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Industries Limited.

Mr Dangote accused Mr Ahmed of corruption, abuse of office and economic sabotage, allegations he said were undermining Nigerias domestic refining capacity, particularly the operations of his multi-billion-dollar refinery, the largest in Africa.

The accusations came against the backdrop of disagreements over petroleum importation policies implemented under Mr Ahmeds leadership, which Mr Dangote alleged disadvantaged locally refined products.

Mr Ahmed had consistently argued that Nigerias petroleum supply should not be monopolised and that importation permits should remain open to other market players to promote competition.

In a further escalation of the dispute, Mr Dangote alleged that Mr Ahmed was living beyond his legitimate means, citing the overseas education of his children as evidence of possible conflicts of interest and regulatory compromise.

Mr Dangote subsequently petitioned Mr Ahmed through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), calling for his investigation and prosecution. Mr Ahmed has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.

President Tinubu later announced the replacement of both Mr Ahmed and the former NUPRC chief executive, Gbenga Komolafe. They were succeeded by Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as chief executive of the NUPRC and Saidu Mohammed as chief executive of the NMDPRA.

Strategic opportunity

On Thursday, CPPE described the recent appointments as a strategic opportunity to reset Nigerias petroleum regulatory architecture and realign the sector with the administrations objectives of energy security, self-reliance and economic resilience.

According to the group, petroleum regulators must urgently refocus sector priorities on reducing import dependence, expanding domestic capacity and catalysing investments across the entire oil and gas value chain.

CPPE said strong and deliberate support for domestic refining must be an immediate and non-negotiable priority in the downstream segment of the industry.

It urged the government to adopt policies that favour locally refined petroleum products through targeted fiscal, regulatory and infrastructural support for both public and private refineries, while encouraging new investments in refining capacity.

The group criticised the current framework that allows imported petroleum products to compete with locally refined products under what it described as unequal fiscal and regulatory conditions.

This does not constitute fair competition, Mr Yusuf said, adding that genuine competition can only exist when all operators function under the same policy, tax and regulatory environment.

He called on the NMDPRA to place domestic refining at the centre of its policy framework in line with the federal governments Nigeria-First policy and industrialisation agenda.

According to CPPE official, a strong domestic refining base is essential for job creation, foreign exchange conservation, macroeconomic stability and the development of export-oriented refining capacity.

He added that domestic refining also promotes backward integration and resource-based industrialisation by strengthening Nigerias petrochemical, fertiliser and allied industries.

READ ALSO: Nigerian govt launches digital platform to improve service delivery in the petroleum ministry

Production growth and upstream reforms

On the upstream segment, CPPE urged the government to ramp up crude oil and gas production by implementing policies that attract fresh investments across onshore and offshore assets.

The group said this is particularly important as the global energy transition accelerates, stressing the need for Nigeria to maximise the value of its hydrocarbon resources while the opportunity still exists.

It called on the NUPRC to prioritise production growth, investment facilitation and improved security, with a national target of raising crude oil output to at least two million barrels per day.

CPPE also advocated expanded investment in gas production and strict enforcement of domestic crude supply obligations to local refineries.

These strategic imperatives must define the direction of Nigerias new petroleum regulatory leadership if the sector is to drive sustainable growth, industrialisation and long-term economic resilience, the statement said.
Actress Doris Ogala has levelled a fresh allegation against the lead pastor and founder of Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, Chris Okafor, warning him to retract the statement where he tagged her a blackmailer.

The actress alleged she was kept in an isolated room after her arrest in Abuja, and when transported to Lagos, she said she was denied access to her relatives, lawyer, and phones for days.

This is coming after Ms Ogala was freed from detention. She was arrested after alleging that the pastor ruined her life after an abrupt end to their nine-year relationship. The actress stated that the pastor reneged on his promise to marry her.

Ms Ogala noted that her past affairs with Mr Okafor and claimed he betrayed her by marrying another woman, Pearl, despite promising to marry her.

Arrest

In a series of Instagram videos she uploaded on Thursday and Friday, the actress claimed she was arrested through an agent of her housekeeper, who she claimed had extorted her previously.

Chris had me arrested through an agent connected to my house help, who has been extorting me for months. Within four months, she sent me three different housekeepers. I discovered she had been extorting me. We had issues over this, and I asked her to leave my house.

A day before my arrest, my housekeeper suddenly became very apprehensive, saying she wanted to leave, which I found strange at the time. The man who came to arrest me is the same person who arrested VeryDarkMan.

If this were truly a domestic issue, why did they come with a search warrant and ransack my house? Unfortunately for them, they found nothing except cigarettes. I was supposed to be released, but the policewoman handling the case ordered that I be detained, she explained.

The actress further alleged she was illegally detained in an isolated room, rather than staying in a cell. She stated that her arresters also tried to mask her when she was being transported to Lagos, which she said she obliged to.

Ma Ogala, however, lamented how she was denied access to her phones and opportunities to reach out to her lawyer throughout the journey.

I was kept in an isolated room at the first CID until the next day. My phone was seized, and later I was taken to Lagos. On the way, they begged me to cover my face so that people wouldnt see me.

When I got to Lagos, I was still not placed in a cell but kept in another isolated room where no one would know I was there. I asked for my phone so I could contact my lawyer, but they refused, she explained.

Blackmailer

In a separate video she uploaded on her Instagram page on Friday morning, Ms Ogala alleged that Pastor Okafor called her a blackmailer, which she claimed was not part of their previous settlement discussions.

I just woke up now, and I am seeing Chriss lawyer calling me a blackmailer. Chris, you cannot come to me to beg and apologise, admit that you shared my nude, and then have your lawyer call me a blackmailer.

This is unacceptable. You cannot drag my name through the mud and then try to clean up your image by labelling me a blackmailer. Have I ever blackmailed you? We have met three times since the police case. Did I blackmail you then? Were you not the one who asked me to state my demands so everything could be settled? She said.

Warning

The actress, best known for her role in Airline Babes in 2012, however, warned the Lagos pastor to retract the statement that tagged her a blackmailer. She further threatened to reveal the details of their recent peace talks if Mr Okafors lawyer failed to retract the allegations against her.

I am warning you now to tell your lawyer to retract that statement. Otherwise, everyone will hear what you and I discussed; you know me very well. You came to me, pleaded with me.

I have been trying to calm down and show understanding because of your daughters. Kindly call your lawyer to retract that statement, because I will not accept it. Otherwise, you will not like the next video you see, the actress concluded.

Backstory

The 37-year-old actress alleged that the cleric failed to honour a promise of marriage and warned that the relationship was doomed to fail.

Ms Ogala subsequently issued a formal legal notice, giving him 21 days to pay N1 billion or face court action. Her lawyers described the case as a failed marriage claim arising from the breakdown of what she said was a nine-year relationship.

In the suit, the actress was seeking aggravated and general damages, citing emotional, reputational, and psychological distress she claimed to have suffered following the collapse of the relationship and the way it was handled publicly. She accused the cleric of causing severe harm to her life.

Subsequently, Ms Ogala was arrested on 20 December in Abuja and released on 22 December in Lagos after the collaborative efforts of social media influencer Martins Otse and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.

Responding to the allegations, during a Sunday service at his church, the embattled pastor stated that he would remain silent as God instructed him, pending the investigation by the relevant authorities regarding the issues.

Though it can be painful that you are being misrepresented for what you are not. However, you will be surprised by the people involved by the time the investigations are completed. He who alleges must prove, Mr Okafor said.
Every year, slang from music, films, social media and street culture emerges and finds its way into the everyday lives of Nigerians.

The year 2025 has been no differentproving that words are more than mere tools of communication, they are cultural statements.

In this article, PREMIUM TIMES highlights some of the Nigerian catchphrases that went viral in 2025.

Ganusi

Popularised by Fuji music icon Wasiu Kwam 1 Ayinde, Ganusi humorously refers to someone who inserts themselves into situations where they were neither invited nor entitled to benefits.

This could involve food, clothes, money, or other freebies. In essence, it describes gatecrashing, freeloading, or meddling. The term gained traction after Kwam 1 allegedly used it to describe some Islamic clerics during the Fidau prayer for his late mother, Alimotu Anifowoshe, in January.

Example: Olu Ajayi Ganusi at his neighbours house opening.

Achalugo

Achalugo originated from Omoni Obolis film Love in Every Word. The Igbo name is a term of endearment describing a woman of beauty, prestige, and strength. It translates to the pride of the eagle or the beauty of the eagle, derived from Achala (elephant grass) and Ugo (eagle).

The slang has since been widely adopted, especially by men referring affectionately to their partners.

Example: Check out Abisola, my Achalugo.

Nepo Baby

A nepo baby refers to someone born into privilege who attains success mainly due to family connections. Their parents are often politicians, wealthy businesspeople, or celebrities, affording them access to opportunities that are unavailable to others.

Example: Many critics argue that Femis rapid rise in the industry is due to him being a nepo baby.

Lapo Baby

The opposite of a nepo baby, a Lapo baby describes individuals who grow up without privilege or influential connections. The term is often used by individuals hustling to succeed independently, without the benefit of parental wealth or support.

Example: Im a full-blooded Lapo baby.

If e reach your turn

A Pidgin English phrase meaning when it is your turn. It is often used sarcastically to comment on how people behave once they finally get an opportunity or a position of power.

Example: If e reach your turn, dont spend the money.

Everywhere Go First Blurr

This slang is used humorously to express confusion, shock, disappointment, or emotional overwhelm. It suggests a moment where everything suddenly feels unclear or chaotic.

Example: After seeing my bank balance, everywhere just go first blurr.

Sope Purrr

A playful expression combining Sope and Purrr to convey excitement, satisfaction, or encouragement. It is often used to hype someone or affirm confidence.

Example: You nailed that presentation  Sope purrr!

Labubu

Labubu originates from a character in The Monsters toy series created by Hong Kongborn artist Kasing Lung.

Although it has no literal meaning, the slang is now used to describe oversized or free-flowing outfits, as well as a cute but eerie aesthetic that reflects playful chaos.

Example: Her outfit was giving Labubu vibes.

Clock It

Popular on TikTok, clock it means to notice, expose, or call out something that is either hidden or blatantly obvious. It is also used to show agreement.

Example: You noticed the shade too? Clock it.

Cooked

This term describes someone who is mentally or physically exhausted, disoriented, or completely worn out  often after a long day. Office workers and students commonly use it.

Example: After back-to-back meetings, I was completely cooked.

Ate

Ate is used as praise for someone who performs exceptionally well or excels at a task. Its modern slang usage originated in African American and LGBTQ+ communities in the early 2000s.

Example: She ate that performance, no crumbs left.

Chakam

Popular on social media, Chakam means to keep a record, typically by taking a screenshot as proof. The word mimics the sound of a camera shutter and implies weve caught you.

Example:

Dayo: I only like serious, prayerful people.

Segun: Chakam.

Take Ham Play

This slang is used to stress the seriousness or importance of an issue, often as a warning not to take matters lightly.

Example: This exam no be joke take ham play.

Gadus

Gadus is used to express disbelief or to dismiss something as ridiculous, often in a joking manner. The slang originates from the nickname of a young Nigerian, Abdulgafar Saad, whom his friends used to tease.

Example: You want to quit your job without a plan? Gadus!

Atasa/Ataasa

This slang, popularised through skits and viral sounds, means wonderful, impressive, or magnificent. It is often used enthusiastically.

Example: She said my outfit is Atasa.

Involve Me

A straightforward phrase meaning to include someone in a lucrative deal or opportunity.

Example: If theres money involved, abeg involve me.

Kundusi

Kundusi emerged after MC Oluomo, President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), famously mispronounced kudos. The slang is now used humorously to express appreciation or commend someone.

Example: Kundusi to you for the assignment.
Turkish police have detained 115 suspected members of the Islamic State extremist group in nationwide raids over alleged plans to carry out attacks during the Christmas and New Year period, state media reported on Thursday.

A total of 137 are sought for arrest, according to state broadcaster TRT. Turkey issued international arrest warrants for the remaining suspects at large, the report said.

The operation, led by Istanbul counterterrorism units, followed intelligence that IS-linked elements were planning strikes against non-Muslim individuals and holiday gatherings, TRT wrote.

Police seized pistols and documents during searches of multiple addresses.

Investigators said the suspects were in contact with operatives in active conflict zones, according to the report.

Turkey regularly carries out operations against alleged Islamic State (ISIL) networks operating in the country.

The group claimed responsibility for a 2017 attack on an Istanbul nightclub during New Years Eve celebrations that killed 39 people.

(dpa/NAN)
PHNOM PENH, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said on Friday that Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped as many as 40 bombs in a border village in Banteay Meanchey province.

She said in a press briefing that the bombardment destroyed civilian houses as well as public infrastructures in Chok Chey village.

The Thai military also fired artillery shells into a civilian residential area in Poipet Municipality of Banteay Meanchey province, she added. 
The United States confirmed Nigerias involvement in a joint operation against terrorist groups on Thursday, underscoring ongoing security cooperation between both countries.

Although the US government framed the operation as one targeted at terrorists who kill Christians, the Nigerian government said it was targeted at terrorists causing harm to civilian populations in northern states.

In a post on X, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said US President Donald Trump had been unequivocal about the need to end the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

He added that the US Department of War remained fully prepared, noting that the Islamic State group had been targeted during the operation carried out on Christmas Day, and indicated that further actions would follow.

The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight  on Christmas. More to come

Mr Hegseth expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation in the operation.

Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation, he wrote.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that while the Secretary of War acknowledged Nigerias role in the operation, President Trump did not.

In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said, The United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries.

The Strike

A US military official told The New York Times that the strike involved more than a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles fired off a Navy ship in the Gulf of Guinea, hitting insurgents in two ISIS camps in northwest Nigerias Sokoto State. The operation was done in coordination with the Nigerian military, the official told the Times.

The US militarys Africa Command said its initial assessment concluded that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the strike that occurred at the request of Nigerian authorities.

US Africa Command is working with our Nigerian and regional partners to increase counter terrorism cooperation efforts related to ongoing violence and threats against innocent lives, Dagvin Anderson, the commander of US Africa Command, said in a statement. Our goal is to protect Americans and disrupt violent extremist organisations wherever they are.

Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the strikes were carried out as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States, involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to target militant groups.

This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West, the ministrys spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said in a statement.

Terrorist violence in any form  whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities  remains an affront to Nigerias values and to international peace and security, Mr Ebienfa added.

In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.

DHQ reacts

In its first official reaction to the operation, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters said the operation was executed with the approval of appropriate authorities and formed part of sustained efforts to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.

The strikes followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of the terrorists while minimising collateral damage. The operation was based on actionable intelligence and meticulous planning, Defence spokesperson Samaila Uba said in a statement on Friday.

It was deliberately calibrated to neutralise the targeted elements while minimising collateral damage, Mr Uba, a major general, said.

This action clearly demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining any foothold within our borders, he added.

The DHQs statement indicates that Nigeria provided the US with intelligence while the Americans conducted the actual bombing.

In his reaction to the strikes, a Nigerian security analyst, Bulama Bukarti, wrote on X, Strikes against the group are a welcome development, as they can help degrade its leadership and logistical capacity. This is especially positive given that the operation was carried out with the consent and cooperation of the Nigerian government.

Trumps Nigeria claims

In recent months, Mr Trump has made frequent references to what he called the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, warning that the US will enter Africas most populous country guns-a-blazing.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that the US leader also designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern on the grounds of alleged Christian persecution.

READ ALSO: Turkey detains 115 IS suspects for allegedly plotting holiday attacks

After designating Nigeria as CPC, Mr Trump also warned that if the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was, Mr Trump said, adding that the Pentagon conducted numerous perfect strikes against Islamic State targets in the region.

The US attack reportedly took place in Sokoto state on Thursday, suggesting they targeted the Lakurawa, a criminal group operating in northwestern Nigeria, near Niger and Benin. The group has been attacking both government forces and civilians.

In responding to Mr Trumps orders, US Africa Command in November drew up options for targeting insurgents in Nigeria and forwarded them to the Pentagon and the White House. The options included airstrikes on the few known compounds in northern Nigeria inhabited by militant groups, the New York Times reported.

But even as the plans were being drawn up, American military officials said it was doubtful they would have much long-term impact because of the entrenched nature of the conflict, the Times said.

The Nigerian authorities have rejected allegations of a Christian genocide, noting that the web of violent armed groups, with different motives and spread across the country, kill people of all religions and persuasions.

However, Nigerian officials have stepped up engagement with the US in recent weeks, after Mr Trump ordered the War Department in November to prepare to intervene militarily in Nigeria to protect Christians.

The Christmas Day attack came after the US started conducting intelligence-gathering surveillance flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November.
At least two objects believed to be explosives have landed in two locations in Offa town, Kwara State.

The objects were discovered Thursday night after residents heard a loud thud, prompting fears of a possible explosion.

Local journalists in the town told our reporter that the objects hit the Eid ground and the Solid Worth Hotel in Ijagbo Offa. The objects, however, did not detonate.

The level of destruction remains unclear as of press time.

The chairperson of Offa Local Government Area, Suleiman Omituntun, confirmed the incident in a statement by his spokesperson, Abiola Babatunde.

Mr Babatunde said his principal has visited the area to assess the situation.

The Executive Chairman urges all residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, the statement read. Citizens are advised to verify information through credible and official sources to avoid spreading fear.

Some parts of Kwara have witnessed terrorist activities in recent months, but Offa is not one of them. Communities in Ifelodun, Patigi, Edu, Kaiama and Baruten LGAs have been repeatedly attacked by terrorists.

The incident in Offa was reported hours after the United States launched airstrikes against suspected ISIS terror camps in Sokoto State.

Sokoto and Kwara share no boundaries and have at least two large states between them.

According to a statement by US Africa Command (AFRICOM), the strikes in Sokoto were conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities. AFRICOMs initial assessment indicated that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed.

The commander of the command, Dagvin Anderson, said the strikes were part of efforts to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation and curb violence against civilians.

No established link

While the timing of the Offa incident has fueled public concern, no official link has been established between the objects found in the town and the US airstrike in Sokoto.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the US strike involved more than a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles fired off a Navy ship in the Gulf of Guinea.

However, a security analyst said the Tomahawk could easily develop faults.

READ ALOS: US AFRICOM says many terrorists killed in Sokoto bombing

Tomahawk missiles can develop issues and miss their target because the missile is powered by a solid propellant booster for launch, followed by a turbofan engine for its main flight, Shehu Umar, a security analyst, posted on Facebook.

If the bomb fragments in Kwara are confirmed to be from the US Tomahawk missile, then the missiles did not hit its intended targets in Sokoto, the reason why the bomb fell on an empty farmland, he added.
The Nigerian government has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved US strikes against terrorist camps in the countrys North-western region on Thursday.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this on Friday, hours after the US Department of War and President Donald Trump announced the coordinated military action.

Some observers have raised concerns that the strikes infringe on Nigerias territorial integrity. However, Mr Tuggar insisted that the federal government would not permit any action that violated the countrys sovereignty.

It is a collaboration, it is what we have been calling for, Mr Tuggar said on the breakfast show of Channels TV, monitored by PREMIUM TIMES.

It was Nigeria that provided intelligence for the US strike in Nigeria. I spoke with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, for 19 minutes before the strike, and we agreed to talk to President Tinubu for his go-ahead, and he gave it, the minister said.

After the approval, I spoke again with Marco Rubio five minutes before the strike was launched against the terrorists.

The Strike

PREMIUM TIMES had reported the joint USNigeria operation against identified terrorist targets in Sokoto State.

The Christmas Day strikes targeted militants linked to the Islamic State (ISIS/ISWAP), accused of violent attacks in the region, including bombings and assaults on civilians.

The attacks were the result of intelligence sharing and strategic coordination between the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Nigerian military.

The Conditions

While casualty figures remain unclear, US officials described the strikes as precision hits on terrorist targets aimed at weakening the operational capacity of terrorists and their networks.

Now that the US is cooperating, we would do it jointly, and we would ensure, just as the president emphasised yesterday before he gave the go-ahead, that it must be made clear that it is a joint operation, and it is not targeting any religion nor simply in the name of one religion or the other, Mr Tuggar said on Channels Televisions Sunrise Daily.

We are a multi-religious country, and we are working with partners like the US to fight terrorism and safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians, the minister said.

Although details of the operation were limited, the US Department of War later released a short video showing the launch of cruise missiles from a ship into Nigeria.

On Thursday, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the strike, describing it as part of structured counter-terrorism cooperation with the United States.

The ministry said the collaboration respects Nigerias sovereignty and international law and involves intelligence sharing and tactical support.

This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West, the ministrys spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said in a statement. Terrorist violence in any form  whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities  remains an affront to Nigerias values and to international peace and security.

The United States also confirmed Nigerias participation in the operation, highlighting ongoing security collaboration between both countries.

Although the US framed the strike as targeting terrorists who kill Christians, the Nigerian government said it was aimed at terrorists threatening civilians in northern states.

Mr Hegseth expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation in the operation. Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation, he wrote.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that while the US Secretary of War acknowledged Nigerias role, President Trump did not.

In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump simply said, The United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries.

The Strike

A US military official told The New York Times that the strike involved more than a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from a Navy ship in the Gulf of Guinea, hitting insurgents in two ISIS camps in Sokoto State. The operation was coordinated with the Nigerian military, the official said.

US Africa Command said its initial assessment indicated that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed at the request of Nigerian authorities.

US Africa Command is working with our Nigerian and regional partners to increase counter terrorism cooperation efforts related to ongoing violence and threats against innocent lives, Dagvin Anderson, commander of US Africa Command, said. Our goal is to protect Americans and disrupt violent extremist organisations wherever they are.
One of the areas targeted by a US airstrike in Sokoto State, north-west Nigeria, is a primary route for terrorists and is most likely to have led to the death of many of them, a local official said on Friday.

The airstrike targeted areas believed to be hideouts of terrorists along the Nigeria-Niger border in Sokoto State, the official said.

The Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area, Isa Salihu, told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview that the strike hit a known hub for insurgents. However, Mr Salihu noted that casualty figures remain unconfirmed pending a formal security briefing.

That area serves as their primary route when entering from the Niger Republic, Mr Salihu explained. They frequent these zones and have established camps in the dense forests near the border.

While Mr Salihu expressed hope regarding the missions success, he remained cautious about civilian casualties.

We cannot yet confirm if targets were killed. We are awaiting detailed security reports to determine the impact and to verify if there were any civilian casualties.

There is no doubt about the presence of terrorist groups in the targeted area, Mr Salihu noted.

Locals frequently report sightings of armed groups nestled within the rocky hills along the border axis. The blast from the airstrike has caused panic among residents in the surrounding communities. We pray that no one is hurt, Mr Salihu said.

Residents of the Tangaza and Tambuwal Local Government Areas (LGAs) confirmed the explosions in their communities.

In the Jabo community of Tambuwal LGA, a viral video has surfaced showing locals recovering debris from one of the blast sites.

In Tangaza, residents confirmed that the operations targeted specific locations believed to be the hideouts of the Lakurawa terrorist group.

The security situation in the northwestern part of Sokoto State, particularly in Tangaza and neighbouring Tambuwal, has deteriorated over the years due to the activities of terrorist groups.

Tangaza shares a border with the Republic of Niger. This proximity makes it a strategic gateway for cross-border movement. Terrorists use the porous borders to retreat into Niger when pressured by the Nigerian military, or to smuggle arms.

In recent years, Tangaza has seen the emergence of a group known as the Lakurawa. Originally a group of foreign herders from Sahelian countries, they have evolved into a terrorist group that imposes taxes on locals and enforces their own version of justice, often clashing with traditional authorities.

The Strike

A US military official told The New York Times that the strike involved more than a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from a Navy ship in the Gulf of Guinea, hitting insurgents in two ISIS camps in Sokoto State.

The operation was coordinated with the Nigerian military, the official said.

US Africa Command said its initial assessment indicated that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed at the request of Nigerian authorities.

Nigerias foreign minister later confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the strikes and that Nigeria had shared intelligence with the US to ensure the strikes success.
PT: Many people mock your party as one with a tattered umbrella because of its crisis. Is there any hope for the PDP, lets say in Akwa Ibom State, in 2027?

Mfon Ben: I like to be very realistic with the use of language. You said many people. I deal with specifics, not with speculations. And being specific, I would say that our party has its fair share of crisis. And essentially it has been resolved at the last national convention. At the national level, the national convention has taken specific decisions by identifying those who have been used as moles to create crisis in the party. And they have been expelled. And so the party is no longer in crisis. Now, you mentioned Akwa Ibom State, for example. Theres no problem in Akwa Ibom State. The state executive of the party was dissolved by the National Working Committee. And that dissolution was confirmed at the national convention. And so theres no problem in the party, both at the national and specifically in Akwa Ibom State. PDP is going to file a candidate and were going to win the election.

PT: Which election are you talking about?

Mfon Ben: The presidential election and the governorship election, along with other positions (in 2027).

PT: The impression is that the who is who in Akwa Ibom have left the PDP for the APC. They have followed the governor.

Mfon Ben: The question is, does the governor make the party? No. The governor was the beneficiary of the PDP platform. He was voted under the PDP. There were other political parties at that time. The APC was there. Could they win the election? Look at the gap. They could not have won the election. We won the election. So the people that voted for the governor under the PDP are still in the PDP. Weve not changed that space. We are still there. Those that went with the governor are his appointees, and they are the direct beneficiaries of his administration. And theres no grouse about that. They are free to go with him. But the party structure for the PDP are still on ground. And well still come up with new candidates and well still vote for our candidates to win the next cycle of elections. We are not in any way threatened by the movement of those people.

We understand that they must go where the governor is going to, to get the benefit of the governor supplying their needs. We understand with them. We cannot fight them. But we know very well, deep inside, most of them, when it comes to selecting the next set of those to stand for election, we know where the tide will go.

PT: Are you trying to say that there are some of them who are there with the governor but their heart is not with him?

Mfon Ben: Umo Eno himself is a product of PDP. He cant deny that fact. And most of those people today in position at the House of Representatives, at the Senate, at whatever level, they are products of the PDP. So their sympathetic essence is still in the PDP. You cant deny that fact. Even (Governor) Umo Eno has sympathy for PDP. So those with him are still PDP members. In their real conscience, deep down in Umo Eno, he knows he has betrayed the party that gave him ticket. And so hes living with betrayal. And so you cannot expect that a man who lives in betrayal cannot expect betrayal. He knows very well that there are betrayers inside his cabinet because he knows their sympathy comes from where they came from. He knows they are following him because of what he can provide. He cannot be that unassuming that he does not know that many people are following him because of what they need. They are not following him because they believe in him. They are following him because of what they need. They are (political) appointees. They need stipends. They are following him. They are contractors. They need to maintain a contract. They are following him. And so you cannot say he cant be open enough to understand that. Its really politics. They are following him because of the benefit they get from him.

PT: But there are people who argue that the man is so loved by the Akwa Ibom people. So, irrespective of whether hes in PDP or APC, he can still win election?

Mfon Ben: The question is if (former governor) Udom Emmanuel did not particularly single him out and stood with him and took the risk for him, could he (Eno) have won an election on his own? He didnt win the election because of his personality or integrity or whatever. No, his personality could not have won the election.

PT: How about the incumbency factor? And what about the political support from the likes of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio?

Mfon Ben: That makes me laugh at times. Because when people come from that perspective, I ask one question: was Jonathan not the president of Nigeria? He was the president of Nigeria. Did he lose an election? Yes, he lost an election. Theres no invincibility for anybody in Nigerian politics. There are several factors that will count in the forthcoming election. I dont need to put them on ground because thats part of the strategy we are also keeping for ourselves.

PT: If you were a governor, would you allow your political appointee remain in office when such appointee refuses to move with you to a new political party?

Mfon Ben: It depends on your perspective of governance. Weve seen Bola Ige from the AD being in a government of the PDP. Weve seen several people being in different parties at the national level. So your party affiliation should not affect the capacity of getting a good team to work for you. Any government should rely on a team, a teamwork. So if your best brains are people in other parties and you need their brain to work, that is advisable. Political parties should not be a device (yardstick) for assessing the quality of governance you want to give to your people. Only a weak mind will look at political party as a separating factor to get in the benefit of people who want to serve in your government. Its a weak mind. Its a weak mentality. A strong personality looks for people with capacity to make the government grow.

PT: If Governor Eno decides to drop those he suspects are not loyal to him, do you think they would come back to PDP?

Mfon Ben: I dont deal with speculation in the first place, like I said from the start. I like being realistic. The governor has a choice of who his aides are. So if he changes his cabinet, let it be on a realistic basis that he wants a fresh input into his administration. Its different if I say those he suspects. That is a speculative analysis. Governments should not suspect. Governments should be specific in their actions, not based on emotion, sentiment and suspicion. And that is the problem with this administration. This administration is dealing with suspicion, and to a great extent, speculation. That is the problem of Governor Umo Eno. Hes dealing with too much speculation. Hes dealing with too much suspicion. Hes dealing with too much self-induced fear. Hes afraid of even himself. He has not focused on the identity of what he wants to give to the people. What is my product for the people? What would I be taken for? What character would I be seen with? How would I be identified as a governor? He has not yet dealt with that issue.

PT: Governor Eno said recently that hes been able to get an approval for a law faculty for the Akwa Ibom State University because of his connection to the centre. This should be an exciting news for you as a lawyer. Doesnt the governor deserve an applause?

Mfon Ben: That would be a very embarrassing applause. Please dont ridicule us to that level. We have not come that low. If a governor said Ive attracted a law faculty to a university, thats very insulting. Do you really need a connection to the centre to attract a law faculty to the university? That is too low for a government achievement. Please, he should mention better things he needs to do because he has not done anything for now.

PT: Oh, really? What about the Arise Park in Uyo? What about the five-star hotel which was abandoned, near the Ibom Tropicana in Uyo?

Mfon Ben: Can we go there and see if its completed? Lets talk about completed projects. What project has he completed as a governor? Ive seen him doing roads. You should tell me the road projects he has completed.
The House of Representatives has explained that its decision to repeal and re-enact the 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Acts was taken to align Nigerias budgeting process with global best practices, enhance transparency, and resolve implementation challenges associated with running multiple budgets.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese (APC, Benue), who stated this in a statement on Friday, noted that the move was aimed at strengthening accountability across government and easing the oversight burden that often trails budget execution

His explanation followed the Houses passage, on Tuesday, of the revised 2024 Appropriation Act, which increased the total budget size from 35.05 trillion to 43.56 trillion.

Lawmakers also passed the revised 2025 budget, approving an aggregate expenditure of 48.32 trillion for the period ending 31 March 2026. In addition, the House approved President Bola Tinubus request to extend the implementation of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act to 31 March 2026.

The decisions were taken after Mr Tinubu transmitted the Appropriation (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bills for 2024 and 2025 to the National Assembly, seeking legislative approval to repeal the existing budgets and replace them with revised expenditure frameworks that reflect current fiscal realities.

Mr Agbese said the repeal and re-enactment would streamline Nigerias fiscal process by ensuring a more coherent and predictable funding structure.

Basically, it is to align the nations budgeting system with global and international best practices. It is also to ensure transparency and accountability at all levels, and to lessen the burden of oversight during implementation, he said.

He explained that the repeal and re-enactment would streamline the fiscal process by ensuring a more coherent and predictable funding structure, while also paving the way for the adoption of a single national budget cycle after 31 March 2026.

Mr Agbese noted that adopting a single budget after March 2026 would allow the Executive to manage cash flow more efficiently and ensure the timely release of funds for projects.

The lawmaker commended the House Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Abubakar Bichi (APC, Kano), for its prompt handling of the re-enactment bills, noting that the committees diligence made it possible for the House to pass the bills before adjourning for the Christmas and New Year recess.

He also praised Mr Tinubu for providing leadership that supports fiscal reforms, describing the presidents commitment to ending the practice of running multiple budgets as reassuring.

He recalled that during the presentation of the 2026 budget, Mr Tinubu announced that Nigeria would operate a single budget system from April 2026, anchored on a unified revenue cycle.

This is research, a very hard one. Avoiding abandoned projects, unpaid contractual obligations, and running multiple budgets, both inherited and those of fulfilled mandates, is a problem facing the nation.

So we are terminating the habit of running through a budget on one inflow. By March 31, 2026, all capital liabilities from previous years will be fully funded and closed. No overlaps, no excuses and no rollover cultures, Mr Agbese said.

He described Mr Tinubu as a listening leader, noting that the decision to end multiple budgets followed sustained concerns raised by lawmakers and fiscal experts about the risks of fiscal indiscipline.

READ ALSO: 2026 budget passes second reading at Senate

He also passed a vote of confidence on the presidents economic team, particularly the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, for developing a budget framework that reflects Nigerias economic realities.

We want to commend the economic team, especially the budget and planning ministry, for putting together a budget plan that reflects the nations reality and the economic interests of the various segments of our society, he said.

Mr Agbese added that the House remains committed to reforms aimed at strengthening public finance management, improving service delivery and restoring public confidence in the budgeting process.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), in collaboration with the United States of America, has conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of the North-west.

The Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Uba, a major general, said the operation was executed with the approval of appropriate authorities and formed part of sustained efforts to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North West Nigeria.

The strikes followed credible intelligence and careful operational planning aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of the terrorists while minimising collateral damage.

The operation was based on actionable intelligence and meticulous planning.

It was deliberately calibrated to neutralise the targeted elements while minimising collateral damage, he stated.

Mr Uba noted that the operation underscored the resolve of the federal government, working with strategic partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding footholds within Nigeria.

This action clearly demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from gaining any foothold within our borders, he added.

The defence spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to the protection of lives and property across the country.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and will continue to support joint, inter-agency and international efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country, Mr Uba said.

(NAN)
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has announced that it killed multiple terrorists in targeted airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) camps in Sokoto State.

In a statement posted on its website, AFRICOM said the 25 December operation was in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

According to the command, its initial assessment indicates that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed during the strikes, which targeted camps used by the group for planning and coordination.

It said the operation was carried out as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt violent extremist networks operating in the region and to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation with Nigeria and other regional partners.

US Africa Command is working with Nigerian and regional partners to increase counterterrorism cooperation efforts related to on-going violence and threats against innocent lives, Dagvin Anderson, the commander of AFRICOM, said.

Mr Anderson added: Our goal is to protect Americans and to disrupt violent extremist organisations wherever they are.

While the command did not disclose specific operational details, it said the decision to withhold such information was to ensure operational security. It added that it would continue to assess the results of the operation and release additional information where appropriate.

Background

US President Donald Trump on Thursday night, posted on Truth Social, that the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorists who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years.

READ ALSO: Nigerian military explains role in US air strikes targeting terrorists

The strikes came a few weeks after Mr Trump threatened to go guns-a-blazing into Nigeria over what he described as Christian genocide.

Following the Christmas Day operation, the United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, in a post on X, said President Trump had been clear about the need to halt the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere.

He added that the Department of War remained fully prepared, reiterating that Islamic State targets were struck in the strikes.

Mr Hegseth indicated that additional actions could follow.

Sokoto and other neighbouring states in the North-west have been plagued by years of banditry and kidnapping-for-ransom. The region has also suffered infiltration of jihadists with debated affiliations to the Islamic States and al-Qaeda.
The Sokoto State Government has confirmed that missile strikes conducted on Thursday by the US military targeted terrorist strongholds within the Tangaza Local Government Area (LGA).

The government also said no civilian casualties have so far been recorded from the strikes in both Tangaza and neighbouring Tambuwal LGA.

Earlier, the Chairman of Tangaza Local Government told PREMIUM TIMES that the targeted area is a primary route for terrorists and is most likely to have led to the death of many of them.

The strike targeted areas believed to be hideouts of terrorists along the Nigeria-Niger border in Sokoto State, the official said.

Abubakar Bawa, the spokesperson for Governor Ahmed Aliyu, in a statement on Friday confirmed the success of the mission, adding that based on preliminary reports, there were no civilian casualties.

While the full impact of the strikes is still being evaluated, Mr Bawa noted that the government is awaiting a formal assessment from the Joint Operations team.

The circumstances of the objects found in a location near Jabo Town, Tambuwal Local Government Area, could not also be immediately explained as the outcome of analysis by Nigeria/US Military Authorities is being awaited, Mr Bawa stated.

He further reassured the public that there were no civilian casualties recorded in Jabo as well.

Thursdays missile strikes were carried out by the US in partnership with Nigerian authorities. The Nigerian government said it provided intelligence for the attacks, which were also approved by President Bola Tinubu.

In its statement, the Sokoto State Government expressed its strong support for international defence partnerships to combat the rising tide of insurgency in the North-west, the official said.

Sokoto State welcomes any collaboration between Nigeria, and all relevant global stakeholders aimed at curbing the menace of terrorism and cross-border crimes in the State, the statement read. The ongoing operations are geared towards securing the State and ensuring the protection of the lives and property of the citizenry.

Mr Bawa added that over the past two years, the state administration has prioritised security by providing essential equipment and logistical support to various security agencies fighting banditry.

The State Government therefore called on residents of affected areas to continue to cooperate with both the Federal and State Governments by providing useful information to security agencies, to sustain ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security, and to continue to pray to Almighty Allah to assist our security agencies to defeat criminals in the State and the country at large, the statement concluded.

The security situation in the northwestern part of Sokoto State, particularly in Tangaza and neighbouring Tambuwal, has deteriorated over the years due to the activities of terrorist groups.

Tangaza shares a border with the Republic of Niger. This proximity makes it a strategic gateway for cross-border movement. Terrorists use the porous borders to retreat into Niger when pressured by the Nigerian military, or to smuggle arms.

In recent years, Tangaza has seen the emergence of a group known as the Lakurawa. Originally a group of foreign herders from Sahelian countries, they have evolved into a terrorist group that imposes taxes on locals and enforces their own version of justice, often clashing with traditional authorities.
On his return to Ahmadu Bello University, Mr Baikie became the architect of education studies. He was the first Nigerian Head of the Department of Education and later the first Nigerian Dean of the Faculty of Education. He initiated the BEd degree programme, designing a pioneering part-time structure for serving teachers, and he established the Masters and Doctorate degrees in Education. He was also instrumental in the establishment of two new departments: Vocational and Technical Education and Physical and Health Education.

With the passing of Professor Adamu Baikie on Friday, 12 December, Nigeria and indeed Africa lost a great intellectual, institution builder and architect of modern education. He was someone who made significant impact on the lives of those he encountered as a teacher, administrator, church and community leader. We are grateful to God for giving him a full and accomplished life, having lived for 94 years.

For me, the Baikies are family and we grew up in a small closely-knit community. In 1934, our parents were foundation members of Christ Church, Anglican Communion, in Fagge, Kano. The geographical location of the church was important. It was built at the centre of the vast empty open field that separated the indigenous Fagge community from the strangers quarters of Sabon Gari. The placement was an identity affirmation of a Hausa Christian community that was no longer assimilable into either the Kano Muslim community or the southern Nigerian Christian community of Sabon Gari. The missionary who led the development of the church, after establishing the earlier churches in Durumin Margarke in Zaria city, which was subsequently moved to Wusasa, Zaria, Dr Walter Miller, was committed to his triple identity mission  Hausa-Christian-Anglican. And so, it was that our two families would walk from our houses in Sabon Gari towards but not quite in Fagge, for our religious devotion.

The late Adamu Baikies father, Batshon Bangbharyiga Abdallah, was one of the grand old men of our church, as well as the chief clerk at the Kano Native Authority under the Emirship of Abdullahi Bayero. Of course, I was not born at that time, but Pa Baikie, as we fondly called him, was a great story teller, and one of my joys as a kid was sitting by his feet and listening to the stories of his adventures. For me, the most gripping stories he told us were around the adventures of the missionaries in the first two decades of the 20th century, the intricacies of Native Administration, and the construction of the rail lines to Kano.

Pa Baikie was of Shuwa Arab origin, born around 1890 in the Lai Bagharmi District of Chad, and captured by slave raiders in 1900 at age nine, just at the time the British and the French were occupying the borders between Nigeria, Chad and Niger. He escaped from his captors in Borno and eventually walked south to Lokoja and Zungeru, where he met missionaries and colonial administrators who provided a new pathway for him in both religion and Western education. He adopted the name of the missionary who adopted and converted him to Christianity, following their meeting in 1910, the Reverend John Ogazuma Baikie.

In his post-Ahmadu Bello University career, Mr Baikie became a serial vice chancellor. He started at the University of Benin (1978-1985), where he established the Faculties of Law and Agriculture, the School of Postgraduate Studies, and the unique Institute of Public Administration, overseeing a tripling of the student population. He then moved to the National University of Lesotho (1988-1995), where he made history as the first Nigerian appointed vice chancellor in another African country.

Professor Adamu Baikie inherited his fathers storytelling skills and had an excellent gift of the gab. He was the fulcrum of every conversation that he was part of. His speechmaking skills were legendary. I still remember with pride, the eloquence with which he read addresses at Ahmadu Bello University convocation ceremonies when I was a student there and he was professor and university orator. He was educated at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science, and Technology, Zaria (1957-1961), the precursor to Ahmadu Bello University. He then received a Northern Nigerian Government scholarship as Ahmadu Bello Universitys first staff development scholar to the USA, where he studied in Indiana University, Bloomington. He obtained an MSc and ultimately a Doctor of Education in Educational Technology (1967-1969).

On his return to Ahmadu Bello University, Mr Baikie became the architect of education studies. He was the first Nigerian Head of the Department of Education and later the first Nigerian Dean of the Faculty of Education. He initiated the BEd degree programme, designing a pioneering part-time structure for serving teachers, and he established the Masters and Doctorate degrees in Education. He was also instrumental in the establishment of two new departments: Vocational and Technical Education and Physical and Health Education. Under his leadership, student numbers in Education grew from 20 to over 1,200, and the academic staff grew from 8 to 48.

In his post-Ahmadu Bello University career, Mr Baikie became a serial vice chancellor. He started at the University of Benin (1978-1985), where he established the Faculties of Law and Agriculture, the School of Postgraduate Studies, and the unique Institute of Public Administration, overseeing a tripling of the student population. He then moved to the National University of Lesotho (1988-1995), where he made history as the first Nigerian appointed vice chancellor in another African country. There, he revised the curricula, established a new Faculty of Agriculture and Postgraduate Studies, and successfully hosted the Conference of the Association of African Universities.

For the past fifty years, Professor Baikie has been the leadership pillar of the Hausa Christian community in Northern Nigeria. He has also been able to play the role of the bridge with the Emirates we belong to. He once told me that one of the happiest days of his retirement was the arrival of the current Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, at his house to greet him and exchange pleasantries.

He then returned to Nigeria where he served as the pioneer vice chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (2002-2009), establishing the institution as a solid academy with seven faculties, a Postgraduate School, a School of Preliminary Studies, and all critical service units, guiding the university to its first accreditations and a student body of over 10,000.

Mr Baikie was a well-respected scholar with deep insights into the educational crises into which Nigeria has fallen and how to address the problems. In addition to his public lectures and journal publications, his authored works include his autobiography, Against All Odds; his fathers autobiography titled, Babas Diaries: 1890-1983 (a book dear to me as he recorded his attendance at my own naming ceremony in 1954); and four other authoritative books: Recurrent Issues in Nigerian Education; Nigerian Education: Ivory Towers and Other Issues; Boys Middle School: The Reminiscences of an Old Boy; and Sabon Gari: The Simmering Melting Pot of Kano State  a classical work that addresses the efficacy of diversity as a basis for development and national cohesion.

For the past fifty years, Professor Baikie has been the leadership pillar of the Hausa Christian community in Northern Nigeria. He has also been able to play the role of the bridge with the Emirates we belong to. He once told me that one of the happiest days of his retirement was the arrival of the current Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, at his house to greet him and exchange pleasantries. Deep condolences to his immediate family, Garba (Dada), Mohammed, Ado, Tanimu, Jummai, Maimuna and Zuwaira. I am glad that Baikie had a definition of family that was much wider than the nuclear one and included so many of us as part of this. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

A professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the U.S. military launched a "powerful and deadly" strike against the Islamic State (IS) in northwestern Nigeria.

"Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!" Trump said on social media platform Truth Social.

"The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes," Trump wrote, vowing that the United States will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper.

The strike came about a week after the United States struck over 70 suspected IS-linked targets in Syria in retaliation for the killing of two U.S. service members and an interpreter.

On Oct. 31, Trump claimed on Truth Social that thousands of Christians were being killed in Nigeria by "radical Islamists," declaring Nigeria was a "country of particular concern."

Although the Nigerian government immediately rejected Trump's claims, saying that the accusations "do not reflect the situation on the ground" and vowing to fight terrorism, Trump accused the Nigerian government of not doing enough to prevent the killing of Christians.

In a post on Nov. 1, Trump threatened that the U.S. forces "may very well go into" Nigeria to "completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities."

Days later, the Economic Community of West African States described Trump's allegations that terrorist attacks in Nigeria were targeted at Christians as "false and dangerous," expressing solidarity with the region's most populous country.

With a population of over 230 million people, Nigeria is divided roughly in half between Christians and Muslims. With Muslims predominant in the north, violence against Christians has escalated there over the past decade as Islamist extremist groups like Boko Haram have expanded their influence, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, a New York-based think tank.

Founded in northeastern Nigeria in 2002, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the self-proclaimed Islamic State, rebranding itself as the Islamic State in the West African Province in 2015. The group has consolidated control over northeastern Nigeria and parts of Niger since 2021. 
Again, Christmas is here. It is a season of great joy to the whole world. Sadly, Nigeria is stuck in a valley of violence and sorrow. Still trapped in the web of insecurity, we risk the temptation to be sorrowful. The good news is that by the birth of Christ, despite it all, Emmanuel, God is among us. Prophet Isaiah reminds us that; a people that walked in darkness has seen a wonderful light (Is. 9:2). We must embrace this light because it is a light that darkness cannot overcome (Jn. 1:5). In the midst of the darkness of our circumstances, we strongly urge our leaders to strengthen their resolve towards ameliorating the sufferings that challenge our faith. We may not have enough to feed the greed of our elite, but there is enough to feed our people.

Christ remains the cornerstone of our faith. It is tempting for us to grow weary and despondent due to these circumstances. Over a long time, we have become inconsolable, helplessly watching our communities torn apart by violence. Occasionally, there seems to be a reprieve, then suddenly we find ourselves lapsing again into sorrow as the murderers among us reenact the orgy of death and destruction. The birth of Jesus itself was also marked by the violent realities of the time. Jesus was born in poverty. Fearful for his throne, Herod ordered the killing of all children born around this same time (Mt. 2:16). In the Catholic Church, we celebrate these innocent martyrs on December 28. The poor and vulnerable shepherds in the wild fields were the first to receive the good news of the birth of our Saviour (Lk. 2:10). Christmas calls on us to renew our strength, reminding us that this is not the time to falter. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that: Even the young grow tired and weary, stumble and fall, but those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength (Is. 40:30).

Christmas is a good time to remind ourselves that violence still stalks the cribs where the innocent children lie today. From Gaza to Sudan, children are being exposed to the violence that threatens their innocence and childhood. In Nigeria, our harvest of this tragedy is rich. We think of the Dapchi and Chibok girls whose fate now seems to have become a distant echo. Their fate is sealed by the official complicity of a negligent state. Only esterday, it was Maga and today it is Papiri. Today, about two thousand children have been subjected to this inhumanity in our country. Our children are being exposed to the highest risks from early marriages, slavery, physical, psychological and sexual abuses. These children are our future. As we think of the child Jesus at Christmas, we can only continue in steadfast prayer and hope that; our redeemer liveth (Job 9:25).

In all this, we Nigerians must renew our belief that we can win this battle against the evil in our land. This is a battle for our soul as a people and a nation. We cannot outsource its solution. We need to ask what has happened to us and what has exposed us to these evil forces. We must now draw from the pool of the goodwill that has held us together as human beings and as a people. In all of this, we have buried our dead together. We have mourned together. We must hold together in darkness so we can welcome the light together. Times like these may try our faith in God and the redemptive power of the Gospel. Yet, we must resist the temptation to falter by resorting to the weapons of the flesh. We received the grace of baptism for times like these. The only weapons that cannot be taken from us are our faith, prayers and faithful witnessing to the Gospel.

The men of evil that have descended among us are the product of our toxic politics of selfishness and greed for power. The killers among us have sponsors and supporters. They are all among us.

Thus, whether we choose to call them, bandits, miscreants, kidnappers, jihadists, herdsmen, all we know is that these men and women of violence are our children, they have come out of our own loins. They are both the product of our low level of development and an even lesser level of personal conversion. It is little wonder that northern Nigeria remains the theatre of this drama of death. It is the years of miseducation that have turned innocent children into demons full of hatred. Northern Northern Nigeria has the highest rates of poverty, illiteracy and disease. The message is simple: we must either renovate, educate or perish. We must choose the light of knowledge and abandon the darkness of ignorance. We must hold ourselves to higher moral codes.

We Christians are no strangers to violent persecution. Christianity was born during one of harshest periods of the Roman empire. Yet, through time, we Christians have seen the backs of empires and emperors. There should be no ambiguity as to how to confront violence against our faith. Christians have never shirked from persecution. We have not sought it, but we never run from it. That is why, we hold on to the time-tested saying that; The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christianity. We will not ask where our help will come from because we know it will come from the Lord (Ps. 121:1). We will not trust in chariots and horses, but the Lord (Ps. 20:7).

Through history, trying times have only strengthened our resolve because; it is the love of Christ that urges us on (2 Cor. 5:14). Let us turn away from the weapons of violence of this world, no matter the temptation. Violence cannot defeat violence. Let us heed those solemn words of Jesus to Peter: Put your sword back in its place (Mt. 26:52). We know that; The battle is not for the swift (Eccl. 9: 11). The walls of Jericho did not fall from the gunfire of mighty armies. They fell when the people, led by the prophets marched in faith (Jos. 6: 5-6, Heb 11: 30). St Paul reminds us that God manifests his power through our weakness when he says, When I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor:12:10). In this, we know therefor that His grace is sufficient for us (2 Cor. 12:9). Faced with the powerful Egyptian army, Moses told the people of Israel: Be strong. Do not be afraid: These Egyptians you see today, you will not see them again (Ex. 14:13). It is by the name of Jesus that these evil men will be defeated.

To those who have died, whether by circumstance of abduction, kidnapping, armed robbery, martyrdom, genocide, by whatever name, we all have an obligation. First, we owe them and their families our prayers. Secondly, we owe them our commitment to work for a better tomorrow that Gods Kingdom of Peace and Justice will reign among us. In this holy season of Christmas, let us remember that; the Lord heals our wounds and mends our broken hearts (Ps. 147:3). Like the shepherds in the fields, we pray that millions of our brethren stranded in refugee camps or forests, may hear the good news that joy has come into the world. We do not celebrate Christmas as a feast or a date on our calendar. We celebrate it as a vocation. Our duty is to let the world see and experience the face of Jesus. Let us do that by our lives of love. Let us embrace peace and seek reconciliation.

In Nigeria, with St. Paul, we acknowledge that we are; continually in danger in travelling, in danger of rivers, a danger of bandits, in danger of pagans, in danger in the city, in danger in open fields, in danger at sea and in danger from false brothers (2 Cor. 11:26). Still, we must teach the world how to live through these times of uncertainty because, we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5: 20). Being His ambassadors means that our message to the world must be that of joy, peace and reconciliation.

Finally, and happily, all our abducted children are back safe and well. At least so we believe. We commend the federal government for their safe return and we rejoice with their immediate families, their teachers, the Diocese of Kontagora, the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, and all who have prayed for an end to this ordeal. Yet, this is one ordeal too many. We pray that this will be the last act in this absurd theatre. In spite of it all, let us not deny ourselves the opportunities of the joy of this season. A happy Christmas to you all.

Matthew Hassan Kukah is the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Nigeria.
the link between security and development remains undeniable. The Speakers acknowledgment is a reminder that peace is deliberate, not accidental. Through leadership, coordination, and accountability, CP Moshood Jimoh has earned legislative praise for keeping Lagos stable. The expectation now is sustained progress, deeper reform, and the consolidation of public trust.

Legislative commendation of policing is rare in Nigeria. When it occurs, it is more than a ceremonial courtesy; it is a signal of institutional confidence  earned, not gifted. Such a moment unfolded at the Lagos State House of Assembly during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, when the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, publicly commended the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh, for sustaining peace across the state and for providing consistent, real-time security briefings to the government.

The commendation stood out sharply in a session otherwise dominated by fiscal projections, governance priorities, and accountability debates. Yet, security rightly asserted itself as a central theme. In a state like Lagos, stability is the invisible architecture upon which development rests. Without peace, policies falter, investments hesitate, and economic ambition weakens.

In his remarks, the Speaker highlighted two defining features of CP Jimohs leadership. First s the relative calm that Lagos continues to enjoy despite mounting social pressures, political contestations, and periodic public agitations. Second is the quality and consistency of intelligence flowing from the Police Command to the state leadership. Daily security updates and timely briefings have replaced uncertainty with clarity, enabling informed decision-making at the highest levels of government.

Lagos presents Nigerias most complex security environment. Its vast commercial activity, continuous migration, dense residential settlements, and politically conscious youth population combine to create a landscape that demands far more than routine policing. Managing such a space requires foresight, coordination, and, above all, institutional trust. The Assemblys commendation reflected recognition that CP Jimohs command understands  and has embraced  this broader responsibility.

Since assuming office, CP Jimoh has prioritised preventive, intelligence-led policing. Rather than waiting for crises to escalate before responding, the command has focused on early-warning systems, information gathering, and sustained stakeholder engagement. This proactive posture explains why potentially volatile situations have often been resolved quietly, without public disorder. In policing, the absence of crisis is often the most telling measure of success.

Equally notable is the strengthening relationship between the Police Command and other arms of government. The Speakers commendation underscored growing synergy between the legislature and law enforcement. Accurate and timely security intelligence empowers lawmakers to exercise informed oversight, reinforcing democratic governance, while reducing institutional friction.

The praise also speaks to internal professionalism within the command. Daily security reporting requires discipline, coordination, and accountability. In a system frequently criticised for opacity, such structured transparency deserves acknowledgement.

Still, commendation must never slide into complacency. Policing in Lagos continues to face serious challenges  from uneven public trust and isolated cases of misconduct to traffic management, response times in densely populated areas, and the protection of vulnerable communities. The Assemblys praise should therefore be understood as encouragement, not final approval.

Indeed, CP Jimohs leadership presents an opportunity to deepen reform. Sustained peace must be matched with fairness. Intelligence-driven policing should translate into reduced street-level harassment and stronger citizen engagement. Professional reporting to government must reflect professional conduct on the streets. Lagosians want security, but they also expect dignity in how it is delivered.

The House of Assemblys commendation sets a clear benchmark. It signals what the state values in policing: stability, reliable intelligence, and institutional cooperation. If these standards are sustained and expanded, public confidence in Lagos policing can grow stronger and more enduring.

As budget deliberations continue, the link between security and development remains undeniable. The Speakers acknowledgment is a reminder that peace is deliberate, not accidental. Through leadership, coordination, and accountability, CP Moshood Jimoh has earned legislative praise for keeping Lagos stable. The expectation now is sustained progress, deeper reform, and the consolidation of public trust.

Adebisi Adams Oyeshakin writes via [email protected].
History is often unkind to leaders who inherit complexity. It demands instant miracles while ignoring the weight of what came before.

Yet, every so often, a leader emerges who understands that transformation is not always loud or dramatic, but steady, deliberate, and ultimately undeniable. In Ogun State, that leader has been Prince Dapo Abiodun. When he assumed office as governor, Ogun was widely acknowledged as a state of immense promise, yet burdened by deep contradictions. Its land attracted industries, but its infrastructure lagged behind demand.

Its people were industrious, yet opportunities were uneven. Though it bordered LagosAfricas commercial capitalit often bore the spillover costs without enjoying proportional benefits. What Abiodun brought to this reality was not noise, but order; not populism, but planning. Today, Ogun no longer pleads for relevance. It asserts it.

Leadership with Direction, Not Drama

From the outset, Abioduns administration made it clear that governance would be anchored on a clearly articulated development philosophy. The ISEYA agenda was not presented as a slogan, but as a governing compassone that placed infrastructure, social development, education, youth empowerment, and agriculture at the centre of public policy. This clarity of purpose has defined the administrations approach. Rather than scatter efforts across unrelated initiatives, projects have been tied to long-term outcomes.

Ministries and agencies operate through coordination rather than competition. The result is a state that moves with coherence instead of confusion.

Infrastructure That Speaks for Itself

If governance is best judged by what citizens can see and feel, then Oguns roads have become some of the most eloquent advocates of the Abiodun administration. Across the state, long-forgotten corridors have been restored to life. Roads in Abeokuta, Ota, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Ilaro, and numerous rural communities now bear the mark of purposeful governance. The reconstruction of strategic routes such as the SagamuInterchangeAbeokuta corridor, the AtanLusadaAgbara axis, and key intra-city roads has redefined mobility and commerce.

These are not ceremonial projects; they are economic arteries, carrying goods, people, and opportunity across senatorial boundaries. More profoundly, these roads have reunited communities with the promise of development. Farmers reach markets with ease. Traders move goods without losses. Families access schools and healthcare without dread. Under Abiodun, infrastructure has become a tool of dignity.

Taking Ogun to the Skies

Perhaps no project captures the audacity of Abioduns vision more clearly than the Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport at Iperu. In a country where airports are often criticised as prestige projects, Oguns facility stands apart as a statement of economic intent. Designed as a cargo and logistics hub, the airport aligns seamlessly with the states agricultural and industrial ambitions. It reflects a governor who understands supply chains, export competitiveness, and the demands of modern commerce.

By integrating the airport with road and rail infrastructure, the administration has positioned Ogun as a natural gateway for goods moving between farms, factories, ports, and international markets. This is infrastructure with purposeconceived, initiated, and delivered by one administration, and one of its kind in Nigeria.

Restoring Investor Confidence, One Policy at a Time

Under Abiodun, Ogun has regained its standing as one of Nigerias most investment-friendly states. Through consistent engagement with the private sector, regulatory clarity, and strategic infrastructure support, the government has sent a clear message: Ogun is open, ready, and reliable. Industrial hubs in Agbara, Ota, Sagamu, and Abeokuta have witnessed renewed activity.

Manufacturers continue to expand operations, encouraged by improved access roads, responsive institutions, and a government that listens. Strengthened investment facilitation agencies have reduced bureaucratic friction, allowing investors to focus on production rather than paperwork. The revival of discussions around the Olokola Free Trade Zone and inland logistics infrastructure further underscores the administrations strategic outlook.

Development is not pursued in isolation, but through regional collaboration and long-term positioning.

Sustaining Oguns Place in Education

Education reform under Abiodun has been quietly transformative. Public schools have seen extensive rehabilitation, improved learning environments, and a gradual restoration of confidence in public education. Teachers, long neglected, have received renewed attention through recruitment, training, improved welfare, and prompt payment of salaries and allowances.

Digital learning initiatives and model schools reflect an understanding that education must evolve with the times. The administrations support for tertiary institutions through infrastructure upgrades and partnerships reinforces Oguns historic reputation as a centre of academic excellence. The launch of the OgunDIGI Class during the COVID-19 pandemic was widely praised for keeping learning uninterrupted.

In tangible terms, the administration has built and renovated well over 1,000 blocks of classrooms across all 236 wards, identifiable by their distinctive yellow roofs. More than 50,000 desks and chairs, along with essential learning materials, have been supplied. The government approved the construction of 12 blocks of 900 smart classrooms in flagship schools across the zones and employed over 4,000 teachers through initiatives such as OgunTeach.

Additional reforms include improved rural and transport allowances, the absorption of OgunTeach interns into permanent positions, the clearance of promotion backlogs, and the abolition of illegal levies and indiscriminate fees to guarantee free and accessible basic education. Governor Abiodun also secured significant UBEC intervention funds to clear backlogs from 20142019, earning commendations from the National Parents-Teachers Association (NPTA) and praise from the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS).

A People-Centred Healthcare System

Healthcare reforms under Abiodun have prioritised access, quality, and sustainability. Primary healthcare centres across communities have been renovated and equipped, bringing essential services closer to the people. Functional facilities, supported by reliable power solutions, have significantly improved service delivery. The Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme stands as one of the administrations most people-centred policies, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and expanding access to care.

In health infrastructure, the administration secured full accreditation and upgraded the states Schools of Nursing to collegiate status, inaugurated the Sexual Therapy and Assault Referral Centre (STAR) at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, completed and concessioned the 250-bed Medical Centre of Excellence in Abeokuta, and commissioned key projects at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, including a consultant complex and ward extensions. Redefining Agriculture Agriculture in Ogun is no longer an afterthought.

Through mechanisation support, farmer data systems, and market integration, the Abiodun administration has elevated farming from subsistence to enterprise. Farm settlements have been revitalised, access roads constructed, and rural markets improved. The alignment of agricultural policy with logistics infrastructureparticularly the agro-cargo airportdemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of value chains and export potential.

Key initiatives include the development of a 20,000-hectare rice farmland in Yewa, a pilot rice project yielding 1,400 metric tonnes, and the empowerment of thousands of agripreneurs in cassava production. The creation of the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency (OGUNIPA), youth-focused agricultural programmes, and the Ijebu Development Initiative for Poverty Reduction (Eriwe) to develop the fish sub-sector further reflect this strategic focus.

Youth Empowerment Rooted in Skills

Rather than rely on token empowerment schemes, the Abiodun administration has invested in skills development and employability. Job centres, digital platforms, technology hubs, and vocational training programmes have expanded pathways for young people to earn, create, and innovate. These initiatives acknowledge a simple truth: empowerment without skills is charity; empowerment with skills is development.

Governance Anchored on Stability Beyond physical projects,

Abioduns greatest strength may lie in the tone of his governance. Regular consultations, town hall engagements, and collaboration with traditional institutions have fostered trust and inclusion. Fiscal discipline and transparency have ensured that ambition does not outpace capacity. Strategic security partnerships and community engagement have helped preserve Oguns reputation as a stable environment for investment and livingan achievement often undervalued until it is absent.

A Quiet but Enduring Transformation

The transformation of Ogun under Dapo Abiodun is neither accidental nor exaggerated. It is evident in roads that endure, institutions that function, and policies that align with lived realities. While challenges remain, the direction is firm and the momentum unmistakable. What Ogun has witnessed is leadership that understands that development is not about grandstanding, but about groundwork; not about applause, but about permanence.

In redefining governance with calm authority and strategic intent, Dapo Abiodun has not merely governed Ogun Statehe has restored its confidence, reclaimed its relevance, and repositioned it for a future that now feels attainable.

*Mr Akinmade is a media aide of Ogun State governor
Nigerian security forces thwarted separate criminal operations in Benue and Plateau states on Christmas Day, officials said.

The police and the military carried out the operations in the neighbouring states.

In Benue State, the police said they foiled a kidnapping attempt along the GbokoMakurdi Road and rescued a traveller identified as Geoffrey Akume.

The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, Udeme Edet, a deputy superintendent of police, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

Ms Edet said the incident occurred in the early hours of Christmas Day at Tiortu community, along the busy GbokoMakurdi corridor.

According to her, Mr Akume was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi when armed men, suspected to be kidnappers, intercepted his vehicle and forcefully abducted him.

The victim was accosted by armed men at Tiortu and was being taken deeper into a nearby forest, she said.

She said operatives of the command were mobilised immediately after distress information was received, leading to intensive patrols and a coordinated search of the area.

On sighting the police team and hearing the sirens, the perpetrators abandoned the victim and fled into the forest, Ms Edet said.

She added that the victim was rescued unhurt and that no ransom was paid.

The police patrol team successfully rescued the victim. He was taken to Abinse Police Station, where the Commissioner of Police debriefed him and later reunited him with his family, she said.

The Benue Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the officers involved in the operation and reassured residents of the commands commitment to protecting lives and property during the festive season.

He assured residents that patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led policing have been intensified across strategic locations in the state, Ms Edet said.

She also said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.

In Plateau State, troops of the Nigerian Army under the 3 Division and Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace foiled a planned attack by suspected bandits in Bokkos Local Government Area, killing one of the assailants and recovering weapons.

The spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Samson Zhakom, a major, said the operation was carried out in the early hours of 25 December at Gwande community in Monguna District.

Mr Zhakom said the troops acted on credible intelligence that indicated that armed bandits were mobilising to attack a nearby community during the Christmas period.

Troops conducted a decisive operation at Gwande community where they made contact with a group of armed bandits preparing to launch an attack, he said. The criminals were swiftly engaged, forcing them to flee in disarray.

He said one of the bandits was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds.

Items recovered from the scene included one fabricated revolver rifle, one fabricated pistol, nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and six cartridges, Mr Zhakom said.

He added that preliminary feedback from residents confirmed that the slain suspect was a member of a notorious criminal syndicate that had terrorised Gwande and its surrounding communities.

Following this development, troops have intensified follow-up operations to track down, intercept, and apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate, he said.

Mr Zhakom said the task force remained committed to safeguarding lives and property in Plateau State and urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

Criminal elements operating within the Joint Operations Area are warned to desist from all forms of illegal activities or face decisive military action, he said.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported another security operation by troops of Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau State, underscoring heightened military activity during the yuletide period.

On 24 December, troops disrupted a suspected gunrunning syndicate in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area, arresting three suspects and recovering locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, ammunition, knives, and mobile phones.

The military said the intelligence-led operation was aimed at dismantling illicit arms supply chains in the state.

It said troops encountered resistance while withdrawing from the area, as some youths and women blocked the road and attacked personnel and vehicles, resulting in injuries to one soldier and damage to operational vehicles.

The military said the situation was swiftly brought under control and that the arrested suspects and recovered arms were taken into custody for further investigation.

Security agencies said the operations in north-central Nigeria were part of broader efforts to curb kidnapping and armed criminality and to ensure public safety during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two men described as key members of a banditry and kidnapping network operating across Kwara and neighbouring states, amid a wave of abductions and violent attacks in parts of the state.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the suspects were arrested on Friday, 19 December, during a joint operation by operatives of the Force Intelligence DepartmentIntelligence Response Team and the Kwara State Police Command.

Operatives of the FIDIRT, attached to Kwara State, in a covert operation carried out in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command, intercepted and arrested two members of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping gang along the KomenMasallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area, Mr Hundeyin said in a statement issued on Friday.

He identified the suspects as Abubakar Usman, 26, also known as Siddi, and Shehu Mohammadu, 30, alias Gide, who were arrested in KomenMasallaci village. According to the police, items recovered from them include an AK-47 rifle with a loaded magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition, 500,000 in cash suspected to be proceeds of ransom payments, and a Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, which investigators said was bought with ransom money.

Preliminary investigations, the police said, indicate that the suspects belong to a criminal gang involved in kidnapping and armed attacks across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara states, and also act as suppliers of arms and ammunition to other criminal groups. Mr Hundeyin added that one of the suspects, Mr Usman, was recently identified in a viral video where firearms and large sums of money were displayed.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that the arrests come against the backdrop of rising insecurity in Kwara State, particularly in forested communities that link Kaiama, Patigi, Edu, Ifelodun, and Ekiti local government areas. In recent weeks, several farmers have been abducted from their farmlands, two Chinese workers were kidnapped from a road construction site along the Bode SaaduKaiama axis, and a traditional ruler, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, was abducted in Ifelodun and remains in captivity.

The state has also witnessed deadly attacks on communities, including the 19 November assault on a church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, where worshippers were killed and dozens abducted before being released days later. Security agencies have blamed the attacks on armed groups exploiting forest corridors to move between communities.

READ ALSO: Suspected explosives hit two locations in Kwara

Mr Hundeyin said the suspects are currently in custody and cooperating with investigators to enable the arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional weapons.

Residents and community leaders have repeatedly called for sustained security operations in affected areas, warning that continued attacks are disrupting farming activities and forcing some villagers to abandon their homes.
In a coordinated USNigeria military operation, the United States and Nigerian security forces on Thursday carried out precision airstrikes against identified terrorist targets in northwest Nigeria, including in Sokoto State and parts of neighbouring Zamfara State, authorities said.

The joint action on Christmas Day targeted militants linked to the Islamic State (ISIS/ISWAP) accused of carrying out violent attacks in the region, including bombings and assaults on civilians.

According to official statements, the strikes were the result of intelligence sharing and strategic coordination between the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Nigerian military.

US military aircraft and assets engaged known terrorist camps and bombed insurgent positions in Sokoto and nearby areas of Zamfara, where terrorists embedded themselves to launch attacks against local communities.

Security sources report that explosions from the joint bombardment occurred near some villages in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where suspected ISIS-linked terrorists have launched attacks in recent times.

While casualty figures remain unclear, the strikes were described by US officials as precision hits on terrorist targets aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of terrorists and their enablers.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the operation, describing it as part of structured counter-terrorism cooperation with the United States.

In a statement early Friday, the ministry said the collaboration respects Nigerias sovereignty and international law and includes intelligence sharing and tactical support.

The Ministry such cooperation aims to confront persistent terrorism and violent extremism in the northwest region.

US officials, including President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, have framed the strikes as retaliation against extremists accused of targeting civilians and religious minorities.

However, the Nigerian government has cautioned against viewing Nigerias security crises through a religious lens.

US forces have conducted similar operations in other parts of the world as part of the countrys ongoing global counter-terrorism efforts.

This is a developing story. PREMIUM TIMES will provide additional details as they become available.

US President Trump speaks on Nigeria-US operation

In a post on his Truth Social, US President Trump wrote, Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not

allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Militarv, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians

continues.

Nigeria confirms operation

The Nigerian government has confirmed the joint operation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a statement entitled NIGERIA-UNITED STATES SECURITY COOPERATION_AND INTELLIGENCE COLLABORATION HITS AT TERRORIST TARGETS IN NIGERIA.

Signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministrys spokesperson, the statement read as follows:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism. This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.

In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.

Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.

Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigerias values and to international peace and security.

The Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigerias own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.
SHIJIAZHUANG, China, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A News Report from Great Wall New Media:

Speed Speed

In 2025, many middle school teachers and students from several states across the United States traveled to China, driven by curiosity and anticipation about Eastern civilization. Journeying alongside Chinese students, they connected through meaningful exchanges that fostered a warm and genuine cultural bond between young people from both countries. Their experiences ranged from exploring museums and tracing the course of history to encountering giant pandas up close; from hands-on activities with intangible cultural heritage such as tai chi fans and lacquer fans to leisurely walks through traditional Chinese architecture, where they discovered its unique beauty. This rich and engaging journey offered an immersive glimpse into Chinese culture, leaving the visitors deeply impressed by its traditions and architectureand with lasting memories of their time in China.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daAbUz9M2Do&list=PLL711GAcgjV1aCtqO-LNBAIMG0MwteevQ&index=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCNIgtU8gPY&list=PLL711GAcgjV1aCtqO-LNBAIMG0MwteevQ&index=2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ybc7tOQXGs&list=PLL711GAcgjV1aCtqO-LNBAIMG0MwteevQ&index=3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-aA2E5u5oc&list=PLL711GAcgjV1aCtqO-LNBAIMG0MwteevQ&index=4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icFNk3qJpU8&list=PLL711GAcgjV1aCtqO-LNBAIMG0MwteevQ&index=5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41CntOLTwIs&list=PLL711GAcgjV1aCtqO-LNBAIMG0MwteevQ&index=6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhhZImLXoSg&list=PLL711GAcgjV1aCtqO-LNBAIMG0MwteevQ&index=7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5vsLooqVdA&list=PLL711GAcgjV1aCtqO-LNBAIMG0MwteevQ&index=8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGHbDz9fP_o&list=PLL711GAcgjV1aCtqO-LNBAIMG0MwteevQ&index=9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v-wU5yWVlM&list=PLL711GAcgjV1aCtqO-LNBAIMG0MwteevQ&index=10

SOURCE Great Wall New Media
The fast-casual Japanese brand celebrates new openings, menu innovation and franchise development progress as it enters the new year.

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Onigilly Japanese Kitchen , the fast-casual concept centered on traditional onigiri rice balls, is closing 2025 with record sales, double-digit traffic growth and a fast-growing franchise pipeline, marking its evolution from a founder-led concept into a scalable modern brand poised for wider expansion in 2026.

Founder and CEO Koji Kanematsu says 2025 was the brand's strongest year to date, driven by demand for convenient, healthier global flavors and a more structured approach to growth.

"This year, we anticipate around $2 million in revenue across our corporate locations," Kanematsu said. "We're seeing rising interest in onigiri, and our concept is attracting more customers across all our units."

Across Onigilly's core locations, guest traffic surged in 2025. The San Francisco restaurant saw a 28 percent increase in traffic, while the San Jose location grew 18 percent. A new restaurant in San Francisco's Stonestown Galleria is already approaching $1.8 million in annualized sales.

"For sure, we can say double-digit growth," Kanematsu said.

On the culinary front, Onigilly continued to lean into simple, focused innovation. The team introduced a limited-time spicy pumpkin onigiri around Halloween and Thanksgiving, which quickly became a guest favorite.

"We keep our menu simple, but because of the success, we are planning to do more," Kanematsu said.

The brand also launched a loyalty program called SAMURAI CLUB and stepped up marketing efforts in 2025, further strengthening its foundation for franchising.

This year marked a turning point in Onigilly's evolution from a small, founder-driven operation into a franchise-ready system. The company filed its Franchise Disclosure Document and received approval to franchise in California in September.

Since then, Onigilly has opened its first franchise location and built a robust pipeline of new restaurants.

"We have one franchisee currently operating, and another five who have either secured leases or are very close to doing so," Kanematsu said.

Unlike many emerging brands, Onigilly's corporate team takes an active role in guiding franchisees through the real estate process.

"As the franchisor, we assist in identifying and negotiating locations, then offer those options to our franchisees," Kanematsu said. "This support reduces the heavy lifting for them, helping them get started quickly and accelerate growth."

In addition to the six committed franchisees, Onigilly is in discussions with several more prospective partners and has identified multiple promising new sites.

"Right now, we're confident about opening 15 to 20 franchise locations next year, with the potential for even more," Kanematsu said.

Kanematsu says the first year of franchising underscored the differences between a franchise business and operating corporate locations, as well as the importance of building systems around owner success.

"Managing a corporate location is more straightforward because we hire and guide the general manager, and we have a clear line of sight into operations and success," he said. "Franchise ownership is a different structure, which requires a different approach. Even with manuals and training, there's a unique process in how you motivate and support franchisees effectively."

Those lessons are shaping Onigilly's priorities for 2026. The company is investing in its headquarters support team and establishing systems to ensure deliberate growth with the right partners.

"Our focus now is on our franchisees' success," Kanematsu said. "Our team is strong, but we're investing in additional support, so franchisees have the resources they need to thrive. Support is our top priority."

While many of Onigilly's franchisees are already interested in multi-unit development, the brand is taking a disciplined, one-restaurant-at-a-time approach to expansion.

"Our priority is making sure franchisees are happy, well-supported, and fully understand the gap between their expectations and reality," he said. "Once that foundation is in place, they can consider additional locations. We want to ensure they are both capable and motivatedthat's our approach."

Beyond the numbers, Kanematsu remains focused on Onigilly's founding mission: introducing authentic, healthier Japanese fast casual to a wider American audience and establishing onigiri as a mainstream option.

"That has been my primary motivation," he said. "We're not pursuing growth or profitability at the expense of quality. Onigiri remains a niche category in the U.S., and as a category leader, we recognize that we are often the first point of exposure for many guests. Their initial experience must be exceptional, because that experience helps define the category as a whole."

Kanematsu views Onigilly not only as a growth business but as a steward of the onigiri category. "We may be a single company, but we see ourselves as leaders of the category," he said. "Our goal is to bring onigiri into the mainstream as a better, healthier and more convenient fast-food option. At its core, Onigilly is about rethinking what fast food can be."

That mindset is reflected in how the brand approaches franchise recruitment. Kanematsu says Onigilly is not looking for anyone who simply wants to buy territory; it is looking for partners who believe in the concept and will champion it in their local markets.

"We're confident in our strength, but we're selective about who we partner with," he said. "We're not looking for someone who simply has capital or wants to claim territory. We want partners who share our culture, values, and mission because those are the people who will represent the brand and lead the category in their communities."

With record sales, double-digit traffic growth, its first franchise locations coming online and a carefully built pipeline for 2026, Onigilly is stepping into the new year as an emerging player in healthy global fast casual, backed by both strong performance and a clear, values-driven growth plan.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/onigilly .

About Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen is a fast-casual franchise bringing Japan's favorite grab-and-go food, onigiri rice balls, to the U.S. Founded by Koji Kanematsu in 2008, Onigilly has grown from a food cart in San Francisco to a scalable franchise concept designed for efficient operations, healthy menus, and compact footprints. With a focus on fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients and streamlined systems that keep costs low, Onigilly offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to join a brand that blends innovation, culture, and consumer demand for healthier dining. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit onigilly.com .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Chad Cohen

Mainland

786-417-5769

[email protected]

SOURCE Onigilly
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Jason Turchin, a Florida-based personal injury law firm, helps tourists and out-of-state visitors who suffer injuries in car accidents while vacationing in Orlando. With millions traveling to Orlando each year to visit theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, car crashes involving visitors are unfortunately common.

"Vacation accidents can be overwhelming especially when you're far from home," says Jason Turchin, Esq., a personal injury attorney who regularly assists injured travelers. "We often work with clients across the country to handle their Florida injury claims so they don't have to navigate the legal process alone."

Steps to Take After a Car Accident While on Vacation in Orlando

Call 911 and Get Medical Help  Always prioritize safety. Request a police report and make sure injuries are documented.



Exchange Information  Get the other driver ' s license, insurance info, and vehicle details. Take photos of the scene.



Notify Your Insurance Company  Let your insurer know about the crash and whether you were in a rental car.



Seek Continued Medical Care  Even after returning home, follow up with your doctor and keep all records.



Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer  Florida has unique laws and deadlines. A local attorney can handle the case even after you leave the state.

Can I File a Claim from Another State?

Yes. In many cases, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin can handle your claim remotely, by phone, email, or video, without requiring you to return to Florida. You may be eligible to recover compensation for:

Medical expenses





Lost wages





Pain and suffering





Rental car damages





Future care or rehabilitation

Contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin

If you were hurt in a car accident while vacationing in Orlando, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at (800) 337-7755 or visit www.jasonturchin.com for a free consultation.

About the Law Offices of Jason Turchin

The firm handles injury claims for tourists and Florida residents, including car accidents, theme park injuries, and hotel negligence. Jason Turchin, Esq. has been featured in CBS Evening News, Forbes, and Rolling Stone for his work in injury and consumer protection law.

Contact:

Jason Turchin

(800) 337-7755

[email protected]

SOURCE Law Offices of Jason Turchin
BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The value of China's international trade in goods and services totaled approximately 4.42 trillion yuan (about 628 billion U.S. dollars) in November, official data showed on Friday.

Of the total, exports of goods came in at about 2.25 trillion yuan and imports exceeded 1.59 trillion yuan, resulting in a surplus of 654.7 billion yuan, according to data from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

Exports of services totaled 246.5 billion yuan and imports reached 329.8 billion yuan, resulting in a deficit of 83.3 billion yuan.

In U.S. dollar terms, China's exports of goods and services amounted to 351.6 billion U.S. dollars in November, and its imports came to 271.1 billion U.S. dollars, resulting in a surplus of 80.5 billion U.S. dollars, according to the administration. 
Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd (TSX-V:GMG, OTCQX:GMGMF) CEO Craig Nicol talked with Proactive about the company receiving a key environmental approval for its graphene coating technology.

In the interview, Nicol outlined that the company now holds the approval conditions from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which will allow it to commercialize its graphene-based coating across the United States.

This coating is used on air conditioning units, data centers and other heat exchangers to improve thermal efficiency and reduce corrosion.

Proactive: Welcome back inside our Proactive newsroom. And joining me now is Craig Nicol. He is the CEO of Graphene Manufacturing Group. And Craig, it's great to see you again. How are you?

Craig Nicol: Yeah, great. Thank you. Good to be back on.

So I know you've had a couple of pieces of news that we're going to talk about in just a second. But first, maybe for those not totally familiar with the company, remind everyone a little bit about the company.

Yeah. GMG is a clean technology manufacturing company. We make graphene from our own process of natural gas, and then we go and make that into a number of energy-saving and energy-storage products  which include a coating, a lubricant additive, a battery additive, and a very new next-generation battery.

And so you're announcing today that you've been getting EPA approval, which is a real milestone for the company. Maybe explain what this approval is and what it means and what the technology is thats being approved.

Yeah. Excellent question. EPA approval for graphene products is pretty rare. There's probably only one or two that otherwise have it. We now have the approval conditions in hand. We've got to go through the process of signing it, which should only take a few weeks. So we should soon have approval, consent and notice  which will allow us to sell our graphene coating into the US for coating products in air conditioning, data centers, and various other types of heat exchangers, with basically no limit.

Thats a huge validation of what we're doing, and it shows the government thinks it's safe and legal to sell around the world. The US was the last country to get the approval. So this now completes a global opportunity for us  which is really exciting, because it's a global product that can help heat transfer and reduce corrosion in any heat exchanger in the world.

And the key to that in the end is saving money, right? This allows companies to adopt the technology because it helps the bottom line.

Yeah, thats exactly right. We typically say there's a 10 to 20 percent reduction on air conditioning bills with our coating. It can be applied in situ, so on the building, or in the factory. We already have a number of large companies in America testing the product, which is very exciting.

When you see what our product can do, there really should be no reason why every air conditioning coating, heat exchanger, or data center cooling system isnt coated with it. It improves efficiency and stops corrosion  which are the two biggest concerns in this industry and ways people try to reduce costs. Our product tackles both.

So let's just give a quick update on the commercialization. You're expecting the first shipment to come early in the new year?

Yeah. We've already got orders in with our partner Nu-Calgon, which has over 4,000 shipment points across Canada, America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. They've been actively promoting the product to their customers. The product was launched over a year ago, so it's very exciting to now be talking about the exact parameters of the physical product launch  which will happen early in the year.

We look forward to a conversation when that happens as well. We should also mention you had an update on your battery demonstration  the aluminum-ion battery technology. Lets update everyone on that.

Yeah. So our battery technology uses only aluminum-ion instead of lithium-ion. It offers fast charging, is safe, has a long life, and a low cost. There's no other battery that really does all that in the market today. The only similar battery is a lithium-titanate-oxide battery (LTO), which sees about $6 billion a year in sales.

Our battery can charge in six minutes  which very few others can do. Well continue progressing its development over the next year and are targeting commercial production in 2027. It's a simple and low-cost battery to make, with long life and fast charging. That changes the way we believe customers will work with batteries. Because its no longer hours to charge  its minutes. That shift could enable new use cases. Weve had a lot of big companies wanting to work with us. We just need to get the technology to the next level, and were progressing well.

Sounds like its going to be a busy 2026. A lot of change for the company coming.

Yeah. A lot of exciting points. A number of our products are going into full commercialization. Weve got our small packs opportunity, which could be significant next year. We also have the Beijer Ref launch in Australia for air conditioning distributors  which means all refrigeration systems there can be coated with our product.

And now weve got our US launch, which is the largest air conditioning coating market in the world. So three big opportunities coming after many years of work  and of course, the battery continues to progress as well.

Quotes have been lightly edited for style and clarity
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the national event marking 'Veer Baal Diwas' on Friday.

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the national event marking aVeer Baal Diwasa on Friday.

The programme is scheduled to begin at around 12:15 PM at Bharat Mandapam, where the Prime Minister will also address attendees.

aVeer Baal Diwasa is observed to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzades - Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji - the young sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Their martyrdom, at a tender age, remains one of the most poignant chapters in Indiaas history, symbolising unwavering courage in the face of tyranny.

The annual observance was first announced by PM Modi during the Prakash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in January 2022.

To mark the occasion, the government of India is rolling out a series of participatory events across the country.

These include storytelling sessions, poetry recitations, poster-making and essay-writing competitions, all designed to engage children and young people with the legacy of the Sahibzades.

Activities will be held in schools, Anganwadi centres, Child Care Institutions and other learning spaces, with additional online programmes hosted on the MyGov and MyBharat portals.

The event at Bharat Mandapam will also see the presence of recipients of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP), adding a special touch to the dayas proceedings.

aVeer Baal Diwasa is observed to honour the courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzades, whose martyrdom remains a defining chapter in Indiaas history and continues to be remembered across generations.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : A 20-year-old Indian student was fatally shot near the University of Toronto's Scarborough campus, following which the Canadian Police launched a manhunt and an appeal to the public for information related to the incident.

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) A 20-year-old Indian student was fatally shot near the University of Torontoas Scarborough campus, following which the Canadian Police launched a manhunt and an appeal to the public for information related to the incident.

The victim has been identified as Shivank Avasthi, an Indian national pursuing doctoral studies in Canada. According to Toronto Police, he was discovered with a gunshot injury on Tuesday afternoon, marking the cityas 41st homicide case of the year.

"On Tuesday, at approximately 3.34 p.m., police responded to a call for an unknown trouble in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area. Officers responded to reports of a person with serious injuries. Officers located a male victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene," the Toronto Police said in an official statement on Wednesday.

"The suspect(s) fled the area before police arrival," the statement said.

Anyone with information was asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

The killing has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in Canada and drawn a strong reaction from Indian authorities. The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow over Avasthias death and confirmed that it is extending full support to his family.

"We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr. Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities," the Consulate General of India in Toronto said on X.

The incident comes just days after another Indian national was killed in Toronto, raising renewed concerns about the safety of international students and residents. Last week, 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana was found dead inside a residence, a day after she was reported missing in the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area.

Following an investigation, Toronto Police issued an arrest warrant for 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, a Toronto resident, charging him with first-degree murder in connection with Khuranaas death. Police said the accused and the victim were reportedly in an intimate partner relationship.

Reacting to Khuranaas murder, the Indian Consulate in Toronto had also conveyed its shock and grief, extending condolences to her family and assuring them of all possible support. The Consulate said it has been closely monitoring the case and remains engaged with local authorities to assist the victimas relatives.

"We are deeply saddened and shocked by the murder of Himanshi Khurana, a young Indian national, in Toronto. We extend our deepest condolences to her bereaved family during this moment of profound grief. The Consulate has been in close touch with the matter over the past few days, and all possible assistance is being extended to the family in close coordination with local authorities," it posted on X.
Mumbai, Dec 26 : Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt spent Christmas 2025 wrapped in warmth and togetherness, celebrating the festive day with mother Soni Razdan, sister Shaheen Bhatt, husband Ranbir Kapoor and their daughter Raha.

Mumbai, Dec 26 (IANS) Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt spent Christmas 2025 wrapped in warmth and togetherness, celebrating the festive day with mother Soni Razdan, sister Shaheen Bhatt, husband Ranbir Kapoor and their daughter Raha.

Alia took to Instagram, where she shared a string of images from her Christmas celebrations, which also included Neetu Kapoor and sister-in-law Riddhima Kapoor Sahni.

For the caption, she simply wrote: "Wrapped in love, Christmas 2025."

Ranbir and Alia got married in 2022 and the same year in November they welcomed their daughter, Raha.

The actress, who was last seen in "Jigra", is prepping for her next film which is a part of the YRF spy-universe. She will be sharing screen space with actress Sharvari of 'Munjya' fame. The two will be seen playing spies. 'Alpha' marks the first female-led action film from the spy-universe.

She also has Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Love & War" alongside Ranbir and actor Vicky Kaushal. It is an upcoming epic saga centered on a dramatic wartime love triangle involving two army officers and a woman caught between duty and desire, drawing inspiration from classics like Sangam.

In other news, the actress showed how to keep things effortlessly stylish by bringing weekend vibes to an otherwise ordinary weekday earlier in December.

Taking to her Instagram, she posted a series of her stylish photos and videos from a recent award function.

She simply captioned the post, "weekend wali vibe weekday pe."

In the images, Alia, dressed in a black dress, can be seen striking different poses for the camera. The first close-up shot gives a glimpse of the actress's subtle makeup, while in the others she is seen posing sensuously for the lens.

On December 15, Alia Bhatt made a glamorous appearance at the star-studded Filmfare OTT Awards 2025, held in Mumbai. The 'Student of the Year' actress turned heads in a striking all-black Herve Leger dress from 1993. Alia's black gown stands out with a plunging sweetheart neckline and wide halter-style straps.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, paid tributes to the Sahibzades, the sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas, describing it as a day of reverence dedicated to remembering their supreme sacrifice.

Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, aVeer Baal Diwas is a day of reverence, dedicated to remembering the sacrifice of the brave Sahibzades. We recall the unshakeable faith of Mata Gujri Ji and the immortal teachings of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji."

He further said that the day symbolises courage, conviction, and righteousness.

aThis day is associated with courage, conviction and righteousness. Their lives and ideals will continue to motivate people for generations," he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to the Sahibzades on the occasion, highlighting their unmatched courage and sacrifice at a very young age.

In a post on X, Amit Shah said, aThe sacrifices made by Guru Gobind Singh Ji's brave sons at such a young age, in defence of their faith and country, are unparalleled in history. The values aainstilled in the Sahibzades by Mata Gujri and Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the seeds of humanity they sowed, could not be shaken even by the inhumane torture inflicted by cruel tyrants."

The Union Home Minister further noted that to ensure the story of the four Sahibzades reaches every generation, Prime Minister Modi initiated the observance of Veer Baal Diwas

"To ensure that the story of the four Sahibzades' sacrifice reaches every generation, Prime Minister Modi initiated the observance of 'Veer Bal Diwas'. On this 'Veer Bal Diwas', I pay my respects to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Mata Gujri, and the brave Sahibzades, remembering their martyrdom," Amit Shah added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid homage to the Sahibzades on the occasion. In a message posted on X, he said, aHundreds of salutations to the four Sahibzades of Guru Shri Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj on their martyrdom day 'Veer Bal Diwas' (Sahibzada Diwas) who made the supreme sacrifice for the protection of the nation, religion and Sanatan culture."

"This immortal saga of indomitable courage and bravery will continue to illuminate the path of patriotism, religious devotion and dutiful life for everyone for ages to come," he added.

Veer Baal Diwas is commemorated every year on December 26 to honour the martyrdom of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh. The Prime Minister announced the observance of Veer Baal Diwas on January 9, 2022, on the occasion of the Prakash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh.

The youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh, were born at Anandpur Sahib. On the morning of December 7, 1705, the day of the historic Battle of Chamkaur, the two Sahibzades, along with their grandmother Mata Gujri, were taken into custody by Mughal officials Jani Khan and Mani Khan Ranghar at Morinda.

They were subsequently sent to Sirhind, where they were confined in the Cold Tower (Thanda Burj) of the fort. On December 9, 1705, the Sahibzades were produced before the Mughal governor, Nawab Wazir Khan, who attempted to coerce them into abandoning their faith. Despite threats of death, the young Sahibzades remained steadfast, and a death sentence was eventually pronounced.

On December 11, 1705, they were ordered to be sealed alive in a wall. As the masonry reached chest height, it reportedly collapsed, and the Sahibzades were sent back to the Cold Tower for the night. The following day, December 12, 1705, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall.

The site of these events, now known as Fatehgarh Sahib near Sirhind, is marked by four prominent Sikh shrines. A religious fair is held there every year from December 25 to 28 to honour the memory of the martyrs.

Veer Baal Diwas is observed nationwide and also underscores the importance of children as the foundation of Indiaas future. On this occasion, initiatives such as the aSuposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyana have been launched to improve nutritional outcomes and overall well-being by strengthening nutrition-related services and encouraging active community participation.
Patna, Dec 26 : The process of vacating the 10 Circular Road residence of former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi in Patna has been underway for the past several days.

Even late on Thursday night, plants and household belongings were seen being shifted from the premises in a pickup van.

When asked about the destination of the items, those present at the site did not provide a clear response.

However, sources speculate that the belongings are being gradually shifted to the under-construction residence of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav at Mahua Bagh locality.

It may be recalled that on November 25, the Bihar governmentas Building Construction Department issued a notice to Rabri Devi, asking her to vacate the bungalow at 10 Circular Road.

Subsequently, a new government bungalow -- Number 39 on Harding Road, Patna -- was allotted to her.

The 10 Circular Road bungalow was expensively modified to suit the familyas needs, including additional rooms and a conference hall for political engagements.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, also stays in the 10 Circular Road bungalow, and the 1 Polo Road bungalow is mainly used as his office, where his close aide Sanjay Yadav stays.

According to reports, the Lalu-Rabri family is now shifting to the Mahua Bagh residence, and the newly allotted bungalow -- Number 39 on Harding Road -- will mainly be used for official work.

The accommodation at Harding Road has been provided to Rabri Devi in her capacity as the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council.

The state government has clarified that the earlier provision of lifetime government accommodation for former Chief Ministers has been abolished.

As a result, government residences are now allotted strictly based on the current constitutional or official position held.

Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family had been residing at the 10 Circular Road bungalow for nearly two decades.

Following the official notice, the process of vacating the residence is being carried out in a phased and orderly manner.
Guwahati, Dec 26 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that the miscreants involved in the vandalism at St. Mary's English School in Panigaon area of Nalbari district have been arrested, asserting that the state government remains fully committed to maintaining peace, communal harmony and ensuring the safety of all institutions and citizens across Assam.

"In connection with the vandalism at St. Mary's English School, Panigaon, under Belsor Police Station, the miscreants involved have been arrested. Assam Police acted promptly, and further action will be taken strictly as per law," the Chief Minister said in a post on social media platform X, underscoring the government's zero-tolerance approach towards any attempt to disturb communal harmony.

The incident took place on Thursday afternoon when a group allegedly entered the premises of the school and vandalised decorations prepared for Christmas celebrations.

According to a written complaint lodged by the school's Principal, Fr. Baiju Sebastian, the miscreants unlawfully entered the campus around 2.30 p.m. and damaged serial lights, decorative items, plant pots and other materials. Some of the Christmas-related articles were also reportedly set on fire, resulting in damage to school property.

Following the complaint, Belsor Police Station registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and launched an investigation. Sub-Inspector Chanakya Das has been assigned to probe the case, officials said.

Police have arrested four people in connection with the incident. They have been identified as Bhaskar Deka (34), district secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP); Manash Jyoti Patgiri (32), vice-president of the VHP; Biju Dutta (34), assistant secretary of the VHP; and Nayan Talukdar (37), district convenor of the Bajrang Dal.

All the accused are residents of Nalbari district.

Sources said the group allegedly entered the school premises, raising slogans and vandalising Christmas decorations, triggering tension in the area.

The incident has raised serious concerns, with many stressing the importance of safeguarding religious harmony and ensuring educational institutions remain free from intimidation. Police said the situation is under control and that strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty.
Kolkata, Dec 26 : The Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, will lead a six-member delegation to the Bangladesh Deputy Commission later Friday to submit demands on the recent lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment factory worker, and also over the unbridled atrocities on the minorities under Muhammad Yunus' regime.

Kolkata, Dec 26 (IANS) The Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, will lead a six-member delegation to the Bangladesh Deputy Commission later Friday to submit demands on the recent lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment factory worker, and also over the unbridled atrocities on the minorities under Muhammad Yunusa regime.

However, the other members of the delegation to be led by the LoP will not be any state leader of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal. The other five members of the delegation will be representatives from the Hindu saint society. Adhikari confirmed and added that the appointment has been scheduled for the second half of Friday.

The five representatives from the Hindu saint society will be Sarbananda Abadhut, Mahakal Giri, Sanjay Shastri, Sanjay Hela, and Krishna Mataji.

Earlier this week, there was a demonstration in front of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata led by the LOP. Although on that day, he did not get entry to the Deputy High Commission, Adhikari announced at the demonstration spot that he would be coming with a proper delegation on Friday, and in case the delegation was not allowed entry, he would arrange another demonstration in front of the Deputy High Commission office.

However, Adhikari finally confirmed that an appointment had been fixed for the second half of Friday, and accordingly, he will reach the Deputy High Commission with the other delegation members.

According to Adhikari, the delegation members will seek detailed information from the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission regarding the steps taken by the caretaker Yunus government after the murder of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and how the administration there has come forward in taking action against the offenders, as well as helping the family of the victim.

Earlier this week, the entire country erupted in protest over the brutal killing of Das and over unbridled atrocities on the minorities under Muhammad Yunusa regime.

From Delhi to Kolkata to Bhopal to Hyderabad, a wave of public anger and wrath spilled onto the streets as Hindu outfits hit the streets denouncing the targeted attack on minorities in the neighbouring nation.

The 25-year-old Hindu man, who worked in a garment factory in Bangladesh, was dragged on the streets, brutally thrashed to death by a frenzied mob, and then his lifeless body was set ablaze after being tied to a tree. He was accused of blasphemy by a coworker, following which the murderous mob, comprising radicals and extremist elements, barged into the factory, dragged him to the streets, and killed him ruthlessly.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised the release of the Constitution of India in the Santhali language, calling it a "commendable effort" that would strengthen constitutional awareness and democratic participation among tribal communities.

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised the release of the Constitution of India in the Santhali language, calling it a "commendable effort" that would strengthen constitutional awareness and democratic participation among tribal communities.

Replying to a post by President Droupadi Murmu on X, the Prime Minister said, "A commendable effort! The Constitution in Santhali language will help deepen constitutional awareness and democratic participation. India is very proud of the Santhali culture and the contribution of Santhali people to national progress."

The Prime Minister's remarks followed the President's release of the Constitution of India in the Santhali language, written in the Ol Chiki script, at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Addressing the gathering on Thursday, the President described the occasion as a matter of pride and joy for the Santhali people and expressed hope that the initiative would enable them to read and understand the Constitution in their own language.

President Murmu said the availability of the Constitution in Santhali would empower tribal communities by making the rights, duties and values enshrined in the document more accessible. She noted that this year marks the centenary of the Ol Chiki script and appreciated the Union Ministry of Law and Justice and its team for bringing out the Santhali version of the Constitution during this milestone year.

"It is a matter of pride and joy for all the Santhali people that the Constitution of India is now available in the Santhali language, written in the Ol Chiki script," the President said, adding that access to the Constitution in one's mother tongue strengthens democratic participation and constitutional understanding.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal were among the dignitaries present at the event.

The Santhali language was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003. It is one of India's most ancient living languages and is spoken by a significant tribal population across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar.

Speaking in the regional language, President Murmu said she was delighted to release the Constitution of India in Santhali and described the publication as a source of immense happiness for the entire Santhali community.

She reiterated that making the Constitution available in indigenous languages helps bridge the gap between citizens and the nation's democratic framework, ensuring wider participation and inclusivity.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Japan's new defense budget plan reveals the sinister intentions of Japan's right-wing forces to push for the country's re-militarization and resurrect militarism, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday.

Lin made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on Japan's approval of its record defense budget plan exceeding 9 trillion yen (about 58 billion U.S. dollars) for fiscal 2026.

"Despite the international community's continuous criticism over Japan's military and security moves, Japan plans to substantially increase its defense budget once again instead of reflecting on its actions and exercising restraint," Lin said. 
New Delhi, Dec 26 : The national capital witnessed a marginal improvement in air quality on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) falling into the 'poor' category and averaging 292, according to official data.

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) The national capital witnessed a marginal improvement in air quality on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) falling into the apoora category and averaging 292, according to official data.

The improvement comes after Delhi recorded aseverea air quality levels earlier this week, with the AQI touching 412 on December 23. Over the past two days, a gradual decline in pollution levels has been observed across several parts of the city.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Boardas (CPCB) Sameer mobile application showed that, as of 6.05 a.m., three monitoring stations reported air quality in the amoderatea category. These included Lodhi Road-IITM with an AQI of 160, Lodhi Road-IMD at 194, and Najafgarh at 188.

Several other stations recorded AQI levels in the apoora category. These included Aya Nagar (212), CRRI Mathura Road (265), Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range (290), Dwarka Sector 8 (282), IGI Airport Terminal 3 (238), IIT Delhi (231), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (253), and Mandir Marg (222), among others.

However, a number of monitoring stations continued to report avery poora air quality. Areas such as Anand Vihar (377), Bawana (363), Jahangirpuri (372), Narela (345), Nehru Nagar (346), Sonia Vihar (353), and Vivek Vihar (361) recorded some of the highest pollution levels in the city.

In view of the recent improvement in air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV restrictions across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on December 24. Officials said that if the improving trend continues, further relaxations in pollution control measures could be considered in the coming days.

Air quality in the surrounding NCR areas remained mixed. In Haryana, Bahadurgarh recorded an AQI of 301, placing it in the avery poora category, while Gurugramas overall AQI stood at 270, falling under the apoora range. One of Gurugramas four monitoring stations, located in Sector 51, reported avery poora air quality with an AQI of 375. Dharuhera also recorded apoora air quality with an AQI of 279.

In Uttar Pradesh, Ghaziabad registered an overall AQI of 344, with all four monitoring stations reporting avery poora air quality. Greater Noida recorded an overall AQI of 362, while Knowledge Park-V reported an AQI of 386, and Knowledge Park-III recorded 337. Noidaas overall AQI also remained in the avery poora category at 334.

Delhi's decision to allow only Bharat Stage (BS) 6 vehicles to enter the national capital had blocked at least 1.2 million older vehicles registered outside from entering the city.

Vehicular emissions are a major contributor to Delhi's toxic air, especially in the winter months when cold weather traps smog close to the ground. Experts estimate that vehicles account for up to 40 per cent of particulate pollution in the NCR, particularly in densely travelled corridors. By restricting higher-emitting vehicles, authorities hope to reduce the pollution load and safeguard public health.
Mumbai, Dec 26 : As the makers of "Stranger Things" dropped its final chapter, actor Noah Schnapp, who plays the pivotal role of Will Byers in the show, has shared an emotional message with fans, asking them to pause, reflect and truly savour the last moments of the globally loved series.

Mumbai, Dec 26 (IANS) As the makers of "Stranger Things" dropped its final chapter, actor Noah Schnapp, who plays the pivotal role of Will Byers in the show, has shared an emotional message with fans, asking them to pause, reflect and truly savour the last moments of the globally loved series.

Sharing a string of images from the sets of "Stranger Things 5 Volume 2" on Instagram, he mentioned that "real power" isn't telekinesis, "it's friendship, loyalty, and accepting yourself and others exactly as we come."

He wrote in the caption: "So excited to share this chapter with all of you. As we head into the final week of Stranger Things, please take a moment to really soak it in. Cherish these last moments, finding comfort in your favorite characters, debriefing with friends, reliving scenes together online afterward. These matter more than we sometimes realize."

The actor said that he is "truly so grateful for the family we've built here."

He added: "I love you all like my own close friends and family. One of the greatest joys for me has been watching you form real friendships with each other, meeting you unexpectedly in public (or purposefully on DMs and video games) and feeling your pure excitement, and knowing how much this show has meant to so many people who needed connection, belonging, and a place to feel accepted."

The actor said: "You will always have a place with me, and in this show, no matter who you are. We love you exactly as you are. If there's one thing to remember from our show: connection is what keeps us alive. And the only way to truly connect is to let people see the real you, and realize you can be loved even more when you do."

Noah concluded: "Real power isn't telekinesis or cool hand movements (though those can be pretty badass). It's friendship, loyalty, and accepting yourself and others exactly as we come. Volume 2: Now Streaming."

Stranger Things combines elements of horror, science fiction, mystery, fantasy, and coming-of-age drama.

Set in the 1980s, the series centers on the residents of the fictional small town of Hawkins, Indiana, after a young girl with psychokinetic abilities, named Eleven, opens a gateway between Earth and a hostile alternate dimension known as the Upside Down at a nearby human experimentation facility.

The cast includes Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, Matthew Modine, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Brett Gelman, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Linda Hamilton.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath speaks in the Vidhan Bhawan during the Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, in Lucknow on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.. Image Source: IANS/CMO

December 26 : Lucknow: Participating in the discussion on the supplementary budget during the winter session of the Assembly, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath outlined the government's priorities and achievements and responded to the opposition's questions with facts.

He stated that security, the rule of law, and development are the government's top priorities, and these pillars have significantly transformed Uttar Pradesh's image both nationally and globally.

During the debate, the Chief Minister also launched a sharp attack on the opposition, stating that had previous governments received and followed such advice, the condition of the state would have been very different.

CM Yogi thanked the Leader of the Opposition and other members, saying that most issues raised in the House concern the common people and are vital for the state's development.

He said, "The government takes constructive suggestions from the opposition seriously and will act on them." Calling the Leader of the Opposition senior and experienced, he said his conduct gives positive direction to the House.

He added, "Criticism of the government is natural in a democracy, but if such advice had been given nine to ten years ago, when the Samajwadi Party was in power, Uttar Pradesh's situation could have been far better."

The Chief Minister said, "The people of Uttar Pradesh clearly know who was responsible for the chaos, lawlessness, and identity crisis before 2017."

He emphasized that a clear and strict policy against criminals and mafias, backed by strong political will, is essential for economic growth. Security and rule of law, ensuring safety for every citizen, daughter, and businessman, must be the foremost responsibility of any government.

He said, "The change in Uttar Pradesh's image before and after 2017 is evident across the country and the world. Earlier, the state's image caused widespread concern, but today, people themselves acknowledge the improved security, absence of riots, and end of anarchy."

Citing the Pooja Pal case, the Chief Minister said it reflects the government's commitment to justice. He said that while earlier governments were forced to bow before mafias, the present government ensures justice for every daughter, irrespective of background.

He assured that justice will also be provided in the Riddhima Yadav case. On illegal encroachments, CM Yogi made it clear that illegal occupation of monuments, heritage sites, or government land will not be tolerated, regardless of who is involved. Government land, he said, belongs to the poor, not to the mafia.

Targeting the opposition, the Chief Minister said, "It was unfortunate that the Samajwadi Party opposed the Gramin Abhilek Vidheyak when it was introduced in the House."

He said, "The bill grants legal ownership rights to the poor over their homes for the first time, with these rights being registered in the name of the woman head of the family, ensuring her economic empowerment."

He made it clear that any mafia or anti-social element illegally occupying government land will face the strictest action.

The Chief Minister said, "This secure environment has transformed Uttar Pradesh's image and is drawing investment to the state." He added that this change is outcome-driven, has earned the trust of the people, and will continue to receive their support.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath speaks in the Vidhan Bhawan during the Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, in Lucknow on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.. Image Source: IANS Video Grab

December 26 : Lucknow: While speaking in the Assembly on infrastructure and employment in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the state has witnessed a decisive transformation over the past eight years and nine months, in terms of development, identity, and dignity.

He noted that Uttar Pradesh has today emerged as a major destination for investors from across India and the world, driven by strong political resolve and well-planned infrastructure development.

The Chief Minister said, The condition of Uttar Pradesh before 2017 was well known. Roads were riddled with potholes, metro projects existed only in name, and there was poor coordination between the Centre and the state on railway development.

He added, Dilapidated infrastructure had become the norm, and the state was increasingly viewed as backward.

He pointed out that previous governments formed alliances out of political compulsion, yet disorder continued to prevail in the name of development. Even when the UPA was in power at the Centre, and the Samajwadi Party governed the state, mutual coordination remained weak.

Highlighting infrastructure growth, the Chief Minister said, Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh had only one and a half expressways, whereas today the number has risen to 22. Once fully operational, these expressways will account for nearly 60 percent of the countrys total expressway network, reflecting the current pace of the states progress.

He added, Uttar Pradesh now has the largest railway network in the country, spanning approximately 16,000 kilometers. Interstate highways have been upgraded to four lanes, and the state leads the nation in the number of metro cities.

He added, Air connectivity has also seen a remarkable expansion. Before 2017, only two airports were fully operational, and two were partially functional. Today, 16 airports are operational, including four international airports. The fifth international airport, Noida International Airport at Jewar, set to be Indias largest, is expected to become operational next month, symbolizing the new direction of development in the state.

The Chief Minister further noted that the countrys first rapid rail system is operating in Uttar Pradesh, and the nations first waterway has also become functional in the state. Plans are underway to extend the waterway from VaranasiHaldia to Prayagraj, Ballia, and Ayodhya. He said these achievements reflect the governments strong will and commitment.

Criticizing the Samajwadi Party, the Chief Minister said, Making tall claims is a sign of arrogance. True respect, he added, is not claimed but earned when the world itself acknowledges good work.

He added, Today, global recognition of Uttar Pradeshs progress is bringing respect to every resident of the state.

On employment, the Chief Minister accused previous governments of serious irregularities in education and recruitment processes. He said that before 2017, unqualified individuals were appointed to key positions in education and recruitment commissions, putting the future of the youth at risk. The greatest injustice to the youth of Uttar Pradesh, he asserted, occurred during the Samajwadi Partys tenure.

Over the past eight years and nine months, nearly 9 lakh government jobs have been provided in the state without bribery, a record in itself. The Chief Minister recently cited the recruitment of 60,244 police personnel as an example, stating that such a large-scale and transparent recruitment drive had never been conducted before.

He noted that prior to 2017, police training capacity was limited to just 3,000 personnel, and infrastructure was grossly inadequate despite large recruitments. He added, As a result, the training period was reduced from nine months to six months, compromising quality. Emphasizing the importance of proper training, the Chief Minister said that the more rigorous the training, the more disciplined and effective the force becomes in service.

After 2017, the government significantly strengthened police training infrastructure to build a more capable and professional force. Technical and administrative systems have also been reinforced across key institutions, including the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, the Subordinate Services Selection Commission, and the Police Recruitment Board.

The Chief Minister further stated that a retired Director General of Police has recently been appointed to the Education Commission. Just as he acted decisively against organized crime, he will now act against the cheating mafia.

The Chief Minister said, Malpractices in examinations and recruitment flourished under previous governments, and it is the responsibility of the present government to eliminate them.

Quoting the principle of Paritranaya Sadhunam, Vinashaya Cha Dushkritam, to protect the righteous and punish the wrongdoers, the Chief Minister said, The government is not engaged in symbolic action but is firmly committed to systemic reform. He added that alongside infrastructure development and government employment, sustained efforts are also being made to expand other avenues of employment.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath speaks in the Vidhan Bhawan during the Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, in Lucknow on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.. Image Source: IANS/CMO

December 26 : Lucknow: On the final day of the Winter Session, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while participating in the discussion on the supplementary budget, launched a strong attack on the Samajwadi Party. He said, The schemes of previous governments were riddled with corruption, citing the JPNIC and Gomti Riverfront projects as glaring examples.

In contrast, he said, The present government has delivered major infrastructure projects such as the Purvanchal Expressway at significantly lower costs and with superior quality.

The Chief Minister stated that farmers have been assured uninterrupted electricity supply, security, and timely payments. So far, sugarcane farmers have received payments amounting to 2.92 lakh crore.

He said the policing system has been comprehensively strengthened with the implementation of the police commissionerate system, expansion of forensic laboratories and cyber police stations, and the formation of women PAC battalions. As a result, the objective of creating Safe Cities has been achieved.

Uttar Pradesh, he said, is now free from riots and lawlessness. This is the new Uttar Pradesh, governed by the rule of law, driven by rapid development, and strengthened by public trust.

Emphasising the improved law-and-order situation, the Chief Minister said, The state today offers a safe and reliable environment for investors. No criminal dares to extort money from industrialists or businessmen, and anyone attempting to do so is fully aware of the consequences. This is no longer the Uttar Pradesh where police were forced to retreat, and criminals acted with impunity. Today, the state guarantees the safety of every citizen while sending a clear and strong message to criminals.

The Chief Minister further said, The benefits of government welfare schemes have reached every section of society without discrimination. It is for this reason that the government did not hesitate to present a supplementary budget when the need arose.

He explained that a supplementary budget becomes necessary when new schemes are introduced or when provisions in the original budget prove inadequate.

He said, The original budget for the financial year 202526, presented in February, was 8,08,736 crore. In addition, a supplementary budget of 24,496.98 crore has been presented to strengthen sectors where allocations were insufficient, including expressway projects, energy, health, urban infrastructure, technical education, and women's empowerment. With this, the total budget size for 202526 stands at 8,33,233.04 crore.

Stressing the importance of outcomes, the Chief Minister said, The results of the government's policies are clearly visible today. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a major attraction for investors, with a positive image both nationally and internationally.

This transformation, he said, is the result of clear policies, swift decision-making, and effective implementation under the double-engine government. Once labelled a BIMARU state due to policy paralysis, Uttar Pradesh has undergone a complete turnaround.

Today, the state has 35 sector-specific policies based on transparent rules, not a pick-and-choose approach. As a result, Uttar Pradesh has become one of the country's most preferred destinations for investment.

Over the past years, the state has moved out of the 'BIMARU' category and established itself as a revenue-surplus state. The Chief Minister said that Uttar Pradesh now stands economically stronger than many other states, a change driven by clear intent, sound policies, and strong political will. He said the government takes pride in having freed Uttar Pradesh from the stigma of being a 'BIMARU' state.

The Chief Minister said, The government has achieved a strong balance between fiscal discipline and inclusive development. The revenue surplus reflects financial prudence, while Uttar Pradesh's continued focus on welfare defines its character as a welfare state. A zero-tolerance policy towards crime has fostered an environment of fearless enterprise, improved ease of doing business, and strengthened trust in governance.

He noted that at the time of Independence, Uttar Pradesh contributed around 14 percent to the national economy, but policies of the Congress and the Samajwadi Party reduced this share to below 8 percent.

Over the past eight and a half years, sustained reforms have raised the state's share to nearly 9.510 percent, making Uttar Pradesh the country's second-largest economy.

He added, The state's GSDP has grown from about 12.88 lakh crore during 201216 to 3536 lakh crore today. Per capita income has nearly tripled, rising from 43,000 to around 1.20 lakh. The Credit-Deposit ratio has improved from 44 percent to 6265 percent, with a target of reaching 70 percent.

He emphasized that no new taxes have been imposed during this period, and petrol and diesel prices are among the lowest in the country. These achievements, he said, are the result of plugging leakages, curbing corruption, and ensuring efficient use of public resources.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on his death anniversary, describing him as a visionary leader whose policies empowered India economically and strengthened the nation's global standing.

Rahul Gandhi also paid floral tributes to Manmohan Singh on his first death anniversary at Congress office at 24, Akbar Road, New Delhi.

Taking to social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi said, "Humble tribute to former Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh ji on his death anniversary."

He further said that Dr Singh's leadership transformed India's economy and uplifted millions.

"Through his visionary leadership, he empowered India economically. His historic efforts and bold decisions for the underprivileged and poor in the country gave India a new identity on the world stage. His humility, hard work and honesty will always be an inspiration to all of us," Rahul Gandhi said in his post.

Dr Manmohan Singh, India's 14th Prime Minister, is widely acknowledged as a distinguished economist, thinker, and scholar. He is remembered for his diligence, academic approach to governance, accessibility, and unassuming demeanour, qualities that defined his long and illustrious public career.

Born on September 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Dr Singh displayed academic excellence from an early age. He completed his matriculation from Punjab University in 1948 before embarking on a remarkable academic journey abroad.

Dr Singh earned a First Class Honours degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge in 1957 and went on to complete a D.Phil in Economics from Nuffield College, Oxford University, in 1962. His seminal book, 'India's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth', published by Clarendon Press, Oxford, in 1964, offered an early critique of India's inward-looking trade policy and reflected his deep understanding of economic development.

His academic credentials were further strengthened through his teaching assignments at Punjab University and the prestigious Delhi School of Economics. He also served briefly at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretariat, which later led to his appointment as Secretary-General of the South Commission in Geneva between 1987 and 1990.

In 1971, Dr Singh joined the Government of India as Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Commerce. He was appointed Chief Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance in 1972, marking the beginning of his influential role in shaping India's economic policies.

Over the years, Dr Singh held several key positions in public service, including Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Advisor to the Prime Minister, and Chairman of the University Grants Commission.

Dr Singh's tenure as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 proved to be a watershed moment in India's economic history. At a time of severe balance-of-payments crisis, he introduced wide-ranging economic reforms that liberalised the economy and laid the foundation for sustained growth. These reforms earned him global recognition and remain inseparably linked to his vision and leadership.

Throughout his lifetime, Dr Singh received numerous national and international honours. Among the most notable were the Padma Vibhushan in 1987, the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress in 1995, and multiple international accolades, including the Asia Money and Euro Money awards for Finance Minister of the Year. He was also conferred honorary degrees by leading universities such as Cambridge and Oxford.

Dr Singh represented India at several international forums and led delegations to major global conferences, including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Cyprus and the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in 1993.

In his political career, Dr Manmohan Singh served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1991 and as Leader of Opposition between 1998 and 2004. He was sworn in as Prime Minister on May 22, 2004, and assumed office for a second term on May 22, 2009, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, intellect, and service to the nation.
Guwahati, Dec 26 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Jyoti Bishnu Prekhyagriha, the largest auditorium in the Northeast with a seating capacity of 5,000, during his upcoming visit here on December 29, marking another major addition to the state's cultural infrastructure.

CM Sarma mentioned that the auditorium has been built in record time and named in honour of two towering icons of Assam's cultural heritage - Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha.

He described the project as a tribute to the state's rich artistic and cultural legacy and a major step towards strengthening cultural spaces in the region.

The Jyoti Bishnu Prekhyagriha has been designed to host large-scale cultural events, performances, conferences and public programmes, and is expected to become a landmark venue not only for Assam but for the entire Northeast.

Officials said the state-of-the-art auditorium will provide a dedicated platform for artists, cultural organisations and institutions, while also boosting Assam's profile as a cultural hub.

The inauguration will be one of the key events during HM Shah's Assam visit, which is expected to include a series of official engagements.

The Home Minister's visit comes close on the heels of several high-profile central initiatives in the state, reflecting the Centre's continued focus on Assam's development and integration with national growth priorities.

Chief Minister Sarma said the naming of the auditorium after Jyotiprasad Agarwala, regarded as the father of Assamese cinema and a pioneering cultural visionary, and Bishnu Prasad Rabha, a revolutionary artist, musician and thinker, symbolises Assamas deep respect for its cultural icons.

He added that the new facility will inspire future generations to connect with the state's artistic traditions.

Officials said the auditorium was constructed within a tight timeline as part of the government's push to rapidly upgrade public infrastructure.

The project aligns with the state's broader efforts to invest in cultural, educational and social assets alongside economic development.

The inauguration of the Jyoti Bishnu Prekhyagriha is expected to draw artists, cultural figures and dignitaries, underscoring Assamas renewed emphasis on preserving and promoting its cultural identity while building modern public infrastructure.
December 26 : Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while speaking in the Legislative Assembly on an international issue, strongly cornered the opposition. Condemning the incident in Bangladesh, the Chief Minister said that a Dalit Hindu youth has been killed there, yet the opposition has maintained silence. Parties that stage protests and candle marches on issues like Gaza fall quiet when Hindus and Sikhs face atrocities in Bangladesh or Pakistan. The Chief Minister described this as a result of appeasement politics and asserted that atrocities against any innocent Hindu or Dalit are unacceptable.

The Chief Minister said that a Dalit youth has been murdered in Bangladesh, but not a single word has come from the opposition, even as they shed tears over the Gaza Strip. When that youth was killed, their voices were silenced because they viewed the Dalit community merely as a vote bank. This is the reality that reflects their policy of appeasement, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. Had Bangladesh and Pakistan not been formed, Hindus would not have been burnt in this manner. If anyone attempted such acts, they would have known the consequences. This is our guarantee of security.

Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh, yet the opposition will not speak. They take out candle marches on the Gaza issue, but when Hindus are killed in Pakistan and Bangladesh, their mouths remain shut. This is their truth. A resolution condemning the Bangladesh incident should be passed, and it should come from the Leader of the Opposition. We condemn this incident.

We will show the way out to Bangladeshis and Rohingyas from the state who do not come forward to support them, because you have facilitated votes for many of them. You have also committed the sin of getting Aadhaar cards made for many of them. Keep these facts in mind. Every single matter will be screened. Very effective action will be taken.

Living in our country and committing crimes against our people, and committing atrocities against innocent Hindus and innocent Sikhs there this cannot be acceptable.
Amaravati, Dec 26 : Seven people were killed and five others were injured in two separate road accidents in Andhra Pradesh early Friday morning, police said.

Three people were killed and three others injured when a car in which they were travelling was hit by a private travel bus in Guntur district.

The accident occurred near Ankireddypalem under the limits of Nallapadu Police Station when the car driver stopped the vehicle by the roadside. The private travel bus rammed into the car from behind.

The deceased hailed from Suryapet district in Telangana. They have been identified as Venkaiah (70), Susheela (64) and Mahesh (28). The injured were admitted to a nearby hospital.

The victims were returning to Suryapet from Tirupati.

In another accident, four people were killed in Nandyal district. The accident occurred near Nallagatla in Allagadda mandal when a speeding car hit the divider and rammed into a private travel bus coming from the opposite direction.

The four people travelling in the car died on the spot, while two others were injured. The injured have been admitted to the government hospital in Nandyal.

The travel bus was heading to Puducherry from Hyderabad. All passengers were safe. The authorities made alternate travel arrangements for the bus passengers.

The deceased were all residents of Hyderabad. They have been identified as Gunde Rao, Sravan, Narasimha and Bunny. Sai and Siddharth were undergoing treatment in Nandyal hospital.

According to the police, they were returning to Hyderabad from Tirupati. Gunde Rao and others were running a catering service in the Nizampet area of Hyderabad.

Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy has expressed shock over the accidents. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to provide the best possible treatment to the accident.

The minister has advised motorists to follow rules and take all precautions to avoid accidents. He said the government would further strengthen the road safety awareness programme.

Minister for Agriculture K. Atchenaidu and Minister for Roads and Buildings B.C. Janardhan Reddy have also expressed grief over the accidents.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Security agencies are keeping a close watch on the developments in Bangladesh as the radical National Armed Reserve (NAR) is set to come up.

The unit would comprise over 8,000 radicalised youth of Bangladesh, and the aim would be to control the country by imposing the Sharia law, officials said.

The NRA is being set up to replace the police in the country. This unit will ensure the strict implementation of the Sharia law, Intelligence Bureau officials said.

This plan was set in motion by the ISI and the Pakistan army, and in the run-up to its setting up, several meetings have already taken place.

The plan by Pakistan is to have both a radical army and a police wing. The process of identifying persons in Bangladesh who have a complete Pakistan tilt and are highly radicalised has already begun, officials have learnt.

Currently, there are many within the army, including its chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who feel that Bangladesh should be run democratically. This is the reason why the ISI is trying to restructure the Army and put people who are loyal to Pakistan at the helm. Pakistan has identified Brigadier (retd) Abdullahil Aman Azmi to oversee the process.

He is a highly radicalised person and the son of the late Jamaat-e-Islami emir, Golam Azam. He has held a series of meetings with top Pakistani officials, and Indian agencies have learnt that he is likely to be given an important portfolio in Bangladesh's security architecture. Pakistan seeks to make Azmi an advisor first in the home ministry.

Once the elections are conducted, this position would cease to exist, and then the plan would be to put him in charge of the NAR, officials said.

Since Muhammad Yunus took charge, several Pakistani diplomats have moved to Bangladesh. They hold regular consultations with officials in Dhaka. One of the key figures that they have been meeting is Azmi. He is the go-between man between Dhaka and Islamabad officials, have learnt.

Meetings are held at the Banani Officersa Housing Scheme, where many Pakistani diplomats are lodged. One such meeting that was held on December 23 has come under the radar of the Indian agencies.

The meeting was held between Azmi and Pakistanas Deputy High Commissioner, Mohammad Wasim, at the same complex. This meeting signals the making of something big, officials said.

Further, meetings have also been held between top ISI officials and diplomats in Dhaka. Intelligence agencies say that these meetings point towards a sinister plot ahead of the proposed February 2026 elections.

While plans are afoot to disrupt the elections, officials said that this plan may not be successful. The aim is to run Bangladesh like how Pakistan is being governed.

While there is a "namesake" democratically elected government in power, all the control is with the Pakistan Army, headed by Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Elections would have to be held to avoid pressure from the International community, especially the United States. Even if there is a democratically elected government in power, Pakistan wants the NAR and the army to be in charge.

The NAR would eventually replace the police, while puppets of the Pakistan establishment in the Bangladesh army would oversee the running of the country.

The primary aim is to turn Bangladesh into a completely radical country. Outfits such as the ISI-backed Jamaat-e-Islami are rooting for this, and hence they need to have an NAR in place. This unit would ensure that everyone strictly adheres to radical Islam.

On the other hand, the Army would be helmed by puppets of Pakistan, officials say.

The Indian Intelligence agencies will have a lot on the plate in the days to come, as several developments are unfolding in Bangladesh. The nation remains on edge due to the fake narrative that the ISI has spread. On the other hand, the ISI is trying to infiltrate every institution and take control over the country.
Students practice Chinese martial arts at Golden Jet Myanmar, a Chinese martial arts center in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

YANGON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- With bare feet striking the foam floor in a steady rhythm, children roll, kick, and regain their balance with focused expressions far beyond their years inside a modest training hall in Myanmar. Here, Kung Fu is not just a physical exercise; it is a lesson in discipline, confidence, and perseverance.

Watching closely is U Khin Maung Nyein, 66, the founder of Golden Jet Myanmar, a Chinese martial arts center in Yangon. For 46 years, he has devoted his life to teaching Chinese martial arts, inspired by the Bruce Lee films that once captivated him as a teenager.

"At that time, Bruce Lee movies were very popular," he said. "I watched many of them and wanted to learn martial arts."

That inspiration grew into a lifelong mission. Today, U Khin Maung Nyein teaches children and adults five days a week, believing that Kung Fu builds character as much as strength.

"The foundation usually takes about one year," he explained. "If they master the foundation, the rest becomes easy."

Discipline is central to his teaching. He said martial arts help young people avoid harmful habits and instead develop consistency and self-control.

"When they learn martial arts, they don't waste their time," he said. "They become fit and healthy. Kung Fu is more than just getting healthy."

Children form the majority of his students, though he emphasized the importance of parental support. Some attend year-round, while others join only during school holidays.

Fourteen-year-old Hnin Thazin Phyo has trained at the center for nine years. What began as curiosity became a defining part of her life.

"I saw the center and became interested, so I joined," she said. "Now I feel fit and healthy."

She practices about three hours a week and has performed demonstrations at school events.

More importantly, she said Kung Fu taught her discipline and emotional strength.

"When I was young, I felt sad when I was scolded," she said. "Here, we learn discipline."

The training has changed how she moves through daily life. She can lift heavy items, climb ladders easily, and handle physical tasks with confidence. She hopes to become a martial arts teacher one day and dreams of studying in China.

"By learning Kung Fu, I can defend myself now," she said.

She admires Jackie Chan, another global symbol of Chinese martial arts. "He does everything by himself," she said. "Sometimes I try to imitate his movements."

Fifteen-year-old Ye Mahn joined the center four years ago for health reasons. "I was very small and often sick," he said. "My mom sent me to become healthy and grow my body."

Now taller and stronger, he practices five days a week, about two hours each day. Though the training is demanding, he said it brings happiness and confidence.

"Sometimes I feel tired, but I feel happy," he said. "Now I am fit and confident." His advice to friends is simple: commitment matters. "Practice any sport seriously for at least five or six months," he said. "You will see results."

Younger students echo the same mix of effort and joy. Ten-year-old Zwe Lin Htet practices three to four days a week.

"Sometimes, I feel tired, but I am happy," he said, proudly showing forward rolls to his friends.

For U Khin Maung Nyein, these small transformations are the true rewards of teaching. Through repetition, discipline, and guidance, he believes Kung Fu gives children strength in the body, focus in the mind, and confidence to face the world. 

A student practices Chinese martial arts at Golden Jet Myanmar, a Chinese martial arts center in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

Students practice Chinese martial arts at Golden Jet Myanmar, a Chinese martial arts center in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

U Khin Maung Nyein (C) instructs students at his Chinese martial arts center in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
Hyderabad, Dec 26 : Former Telangana Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief T. Prabhakar Rao, the prime accused in the phone tapping case, was released by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday.

The former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who was questioned by the SIT for two weeks after the Supreme Court had ordered him to surrender, was released from Jubilee Hills Police Station.

The SIT is scheduled to submit its report on the custodial interrogation of Rao to the Supreme Court on January 16.

It was immediately not clear if the SIT will be seeking further custody of the accused.

The SIT is believed to have questioned him on why the then Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government posted him as SIB chief even after his retirement from service. The investigators suspect that this was done with ulterior motive.

The former IPS officer was also reported to have been grilled about his frequent meetings with then minister Harish Rao. He told the investigating officials that the meetings were aimed at briefing Harish Rao on the threats from Maoists.

SIT has also recorded the statements of then Director General of Police Mahender Reddy, former intelligence chiefs Naveen Chand and Anil Kumar, then Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar.

Prabhakar Rao was allegedly reporting directly to then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR).

Prabhakar Rao surrendered before the investigating officer on December 12, a day after the Supreme Court directed him to surrender for custodial interrogation for a week.

When his police custody came to an end on December 18, the investigating authorities approached the Supreme Court seeking further extension of the custody on the ground that he was not cooperating in the probe and refusing to divulge key information.

The nine-member fresh SIT constituted by the Telangana government on December 18 questioned Prabhakar Rao.

The panel also grilled other accused a" former Task Force DCP T. Radha Kishan Rao, Additional SP Mekala Thirupathanna and a television channel owner N. Sravan Kumar.

The SIT officials also quizzed Prabhakar Rao in the presence of another accused and former DSP D. Praneeth Rao.

A relative of Prabhakar Rao, K Nanda Kumar, an accused in the 'poachgate' case in which an attempt was allegedly made to poach MLAs, and some others were also questioned by the SIT over some suspected financial transactions.

Meanwhile, intelligence chief Vijay Kumar and Hyderabad Police Commissioner C. V. Sajjanar, who is supervising the SIT, discussed further course of action. The meeting assumed significance in view of the reports that SIT may summon former Chief Minister KCR and then ministers K. T. Rama Rao and Harish Rao for questioning.

The phone tapping case first surfaced on March 10, 2024, when D. Ramesh, the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of the SIB, registered a complaint with the police, accusing Deputy Superintendent of Police D Praneeth Rao of illegal phone tapping.

On March 13, 2024, the police arrested Praneeth Rao, and further investigations revealed a large-scale surveillance operation targeting various individuals, including political opponents, businessmen, journalists, and even judges.

The police have named six accused in the case, including former SIB chief Prabhakar Rao, DSP Praneeth Rao, Additional SPs Thirupathanna and N. Bhujanga Rao and former DCP Radha Kishan Rao, besides Sravan Kumar, a television channel owner.

Prabhakar Rao has been accused of orchestrating the illegal surveillance of several prominent individuals during the BRS rule. He had allegedly constituted a special team in the SIB to tap the phones of those working against the BRS government.

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.
December 26 : Lucknow: During the discussion on the supplementary budget in the Assembly, Chief Minister Yogi highlighted the significant transformation in the state's energy, security, employment, and welfare schemes. He said, after 2017, Uttar Pradesh has not only strengthened its infrastructure and law and order but has also established itself as one of the leading states in the country in the fields of investment, start-ups, and social security.

The Chief Minister quoted, "The leader of the Opposition did not discuss the issue of energy, and perhaps that is a good thing. They are now receiving electricity, so they did not feel the need to speak on this subject, because the electricity was not regularly available in villages before. Today, if electricity is reaching the villages, it's natural that people are now satisfied".

He said, sometimes sitting next to Shivpal ji has a slight influence, but generally, you speak the truth, and the truth is before 2017, the total power generation in Uttar Pradesh was only 7,159 megawatts. Today, Uttar Pradesh alone is generating 11,595 megawatts of electricity. The new projects that are about to start generating electricity include Ghatampur, Khurja, Anpara-E, Obra-D, and Meja.

He said, these projects will provide an additional 6,541 megawatts of electricity to the state very soon. This means in the near future, Uttar Pradesh alone will produce 18,136 megawatts of electricity.

CM Yogi also added, under the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijlee Yojana' , Uttar Pradesh has achieved a solar capacity of 1 gigawatt, and in this respect, the state is among the leading states in the country. Installing solar panels on rooftops is reducing electricity costs to half of the total amount. If consumers take proper care, this scheme will prove beneficial for a long time. The government is continuously moving forward in this direction.

The Chief Minister said, the result of improved security is that there has been a historic increase in the participation of women in the workforce in the state. Before 2017, the participation of working women was only 13 percent, which has now increased to 35 to 36 percent. Due to better security arrangements, women are now working in night shifts without any hesitation, and there are no security concerns anywhere.

CM also quoted, "the government has implemented the 'Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Yojana' for the youth. I am pleased that so far, more than 1,10,000 young people have been provided with guarantee-free and interest-free loans under this scheme. Today, a strong start-up ecosystem has been established in Uttar Pradesh. The state has over 18,000 start-ups, 76 incubators, 7 Centres of Excellence, and 8 unicorns. Uttar Pradesh has also made remarkable progress in the field of employment. According to recent data by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), the unemployment rate in the state was approximately 19 percent before 2017, which has now decreased to 2.21 percent".

The Chief Minister provided information about welfare schemes, reminding everyone of the situation regarding pensions for persons with disabilities, destitute women, and the elderly. Previously, the pension was 300, and even that was incomplete, at some places, it was 750, but even that wasn't received on time.

CM said, the government is now providing an annual pension of 12,000 directly to the bank accounts of 1.06 crore families through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). In the case of scholarships, there were scams during the Samajwadi Party's tenure. Even the scholarships for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students were withheld. Today, the government has established a clear system that scholarships should be disbursed to students before Diwali, and in the remaining cases, before Republic Day. The government is working on this with priority.
December 26 : Lucknow: While participating in the discussion on the supplementary budget in the Assembly, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath outlined the roadmap for expanding healthcare services, accelerating development works, and building a developed Uttar Pradesh. He said the government's political will remains as strong as it was on day one, and that schemes are now being implemented on the ground with solid financial provisions rather than token funding.

The Chief Minister said it is important to highlight the work done by the government in the healthcare sector. The number of medical colleges in the state has now increased to 81. He mentioned that a medical college has also been established in members' constituencies, including one named after Madhav Babu. Earlier, patients referred from community health centres were sent to Gorakhpur, then to AIIMS or Lucknow, causing immense hardship to patients and their families. This system has now been ended.

Clear instructions have been issued to all medical colleges to abandon the habit of referrals and instead ensure proper treatment facilities at their own institutions. Work in this direction is already underway. This is the state's 81st medical college. Even in regions like Amethi, which remained under Congress influence for years, no medical college had been established earlier. The present government has now begun this work there. The Chief Minister thanked Minister Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh for making land available, following which the medical college in Amethi was established and classes have already begun this session.

Progress is also being made towards establishing a medical college in Ballia. The government has promptly sought the land proposal and has already arranged the required funds. A medical college will also be established in Ballia.

The Chief Minister said he would like to mention another important subject. During the previous session on 1314 August, an extensive and meaningful discussion was held in the House on the theme of Viksit BharatViksit Uttar Pradesh'. Following this discussion, consultations were held with nearly 300 intellectuals across the state, who were sent to various institutions to facilitate dialogue on the subject.

Subsequently, a portal was developed to invite suggestions from the public. The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction in stating that more than 9.8 million people have so far shared their suggestions for a developed Uttar Pradesh. He said that in line with the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India by 2047, the government is working across various sectors in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, based on the inputs received.

The Chief Minister said that the government's determination remains unchanged from day one and that work is being carried out continuously in that direction. In the supplementary demands as well, priority has been given to sectors where there was a genuine need.

The government has moved away from the policy of token funding. Earlier, for a road project worth 25 crore, only 1 lakh would be released, making execution impossible. The government has now adopted a clear policy under which 40 to 50 percent of the funds are released upfront, and the next instalment is released once 75 percent of the work is completed. This ensures uninterrupted progress of projects.

After the completion of planning and DPR processes, the implementation of projects is now being accelerated. This pace of development will be even faster during 202425 and 202526.

The Chief Minister began and concluded his address in the House with poetry. At the beginning of his speech, targeting the Samajwadi Party, he recited:

Don't talk about irrelevant things,

Tell me why the caravan was looted.

At the end of his address, appealing to the Leader of the Opposition and other members to avoid unnecessary negativity, he said that viewing every issue through the prism of caste or a narrow mindset is not in the interest of the state. Uttar Pradesh has already suffered enough in the past and must now avoid further damage.

He concluded by saying:

Though the path may hold countless challenges,

Take two steps forward first.

Every dream will come true,

Just move aheadmove ahead.

The Chief Minister stated that the government is fully committed to realising the vision of a developed Uttar Pradesh envisioned by this House and is moving forward with complete dedication.
Seoul, Dec 26 : A special counsel team on Friday sought a 10-year prison term for former President Yoon Suk Yeol over obstruction of justice and other charges related to his December 2024 imposition of martial law.

Special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team requested the sentence during the final hearing of Yoon's related trial at the Seoul Central District Court, saying the former president committed a "grave crime" by "privatizing" state institutions with the aim of concealing and justifying his criminal acts, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The request was the first sentencing recommendation to come from his four trials on martial law-related charges.

"The defendant's criminal acts seriously damaged law and order in the Republic of Korea and inflicted a large wound on the people who trusted him and chose him as president," a member of the team said.

"Even so, rather than conveying his regret or apology to the people during the trial proceedings, the defendant repeatedly argued for the legitimacy of his martial law declaration," he said.

The trial centers on charges the former president obstructed justice by blocking investigators from detaining him in January, violated the rights of nine Cabinet members who were not called to a meeting to review his martial law plan, and drafted and destroyed a revised proclamation after the decree was lifted.

In addition, the former president has been charged with ordering the distribution of press statements containing falsehoods about the declaration and the deletion of records from secure phones used by then military commanders.

By charge, the special counsel team demanded five years in prison for obstructing his detention, three years for violating Cabinet members' rights, distributing falsehoods to the foreign press and destroying phone records, and two years for drafting the revised proclamation.

"In order to repair the Constitution and legalism damaged by the defendant and prevent a repeat of power abuse crimes by the most powerful figures in the Republic of Korea's history, we must demand strict accountability," the special counsel team member said.

Yoon is also standing three other trials in connection with his failed martial law bid, including over charges he led an insurrection.

The obstruction of justice trial will be the first to conclude, and the court previously said it will likely deliver a verdict on Jan. 16, two days before Yoon's arrest is set to expire.

Yoon's lawyers had argued the verdict should be delivered after the insurrection trial concludes, but the judge dismissed the claim.

The insurrection trial is scheduled to wrap up in early January at the earliest, in which case a verdict could come around February.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kolkata, Dec 26 : A controversy has surfaced in West Bengal after the Election Commission of India (ECI) summoned the mother, brother, and brother's wife of a Trinamool Congress legislator to appear for hearing on the claims and objections on the draft voters' list despite all having names in the 2002 voters' list, the last time when the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was conducted in the state.

The said legislator, Nabin Chandra Bag from Khandaghosh Assembly constituency in East Burdwan district, has accused the ECI of deliberately sending notices for hearing to his mother and brother, on the instructions of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"I am a Trinamool Congress legislator. That is why my mother, brother, and brother's wife have been summoned for a hearing, despite all of them having names in the 2002 voters' list. This has been done deliberately to harass me and my family members. Following the summons, my mother panicked. I think that this has been done on the BJP's insistence," he said.

However, the district leadership of the BJP in East Burdwan has refuted such allegations.

"The Trinamool Congress legislator is trying to mislead people. Often, voters are summoned because of the name-spelling mismatch. Something of that sort might have happened in these cases also. Trinamool Congress came to power in West Bengal in 2011 by misleading the people of the state. Now they are again misleading the people because of the recent initiative to exclude illegal Bangladeshi voters from the list. But his attempts on this count would not be successful," said local BJP leader Mrityunjay Chandra.

Nabin Chandra Bag is a three-time legislator from Khandaghosh since 2011. However, from 2011 to 2016, he was a CPI(M) legislator. Before the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections, he joined Trinamool Congress and subsequently got elected as a ruling party candidate twice -- in 2016 and 2021.

The hearing session on the draft voters' list will start on Saturday. The final voters' list will be published on February 14, 2026. Soon after that, the ECI will announce the polling dates for the crucial Assembly polls in the state.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : There is fresh trouble brewing for Pakistan as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has decided to expand the outfit to resemble a military unit. The expansion, which has already been set in motion, is a cause of concern for Pakistan as terror attacks are bound to increase in the coming year.

Intelligence Bureau officials say that the TTP has inflicted massive damage on the Pakistan Army, and in the coming year, the hostilities are likely to double. Pakistan is already struggling to contain the TTP, and the challenges are expected to intensify in the coming year.

In the run-up to these expansion plans, the TTP has strengthened its propaganda wing. The outfit is using a lot of the online space to spruce up its propaganda against the Pakistan army. In November 2022, the TTP ended the ceasefire with Pakistan, following which attacks have gone up multi-fold in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The TTP has targeted both the army and law enforcement personnel in large numbers since the ceasefire ended in 2022. The TTP has added new provinces to its administrative control, which include Gilgit-Baltistan. Changes have been made to the military leadership with the appointment of Ehsanullah Ipi, the great-grandson of Faqir Ipi, as the head of the Southern Military Zone.

Further, the appointment of Hilal Ghazi as the head of the Central Military Zone is also another major change that the TTP has effected. The political commission would now be headed by Azmatullah Mehsud, while Maulvi Faqir would remain as a member of the commission.

Officials say that the TTP is also planning its own Air Force. The plan is under discussion, but is likely to get operational only by the end of 2026. Earlier this month, a roadside bomb killed three Pakistani police officials near the Afghan border. The incident occurred in the northwest region of KP. Pakistan was quick to blame the TTP for the attack.

Officials say that the TTP headache for Pakistan shows no signs of ending anytime soon. The TTP has big plans and is hell-bent on beating down the Pakistan establishment. Courtesy the TTP, ties between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan have soured considerably. Pakistan has, without proof, blamed the Afghan Taliban for backing the TTP and also letting them use their soil to launch attacks on Pakistan.

Pakistan army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has told the Afghan Taliban to choose between the TTP and Pakistan. The Taliban has, however, said that the TTP is Pakistanas problem, and it is Islamabad that should be dealing with the outfit.

Pakistan, on its part, has tried forging alliances between the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and the Lashkar-e-Taiba to fight against the TTP. Pakistan had hoped that this alliance would largely contain the TTP, but the outfit has no signs of slowing down. The ISKP had readily agreed to this alliance as it needed Pakistanas help to fight against the Afghan Taliban in Afghanistan.

The ISKP has been looking to dislodge the Taliban and seize control over Afghanistan, but its efforts have largely failed. While the ISKP had agreed to this alliance, many within the Lashkar-e-Taiba were unhappy with this decision.

Many within the Hafiz Saeed-founded outfit think that it would be unfair to fight against the TTP or Afghan Taliban. This explains the reason why this alliance has been a slow starter, an official said.

Pakistan watchers say that the TTP is gaining strength, much to the concern of the Pakistani army. It is a group that would be difficult for Pakistan to contain, and in the coming year, the TTP would prove to be much more lethal than what one got to witness this year.
Patna, Dec 26 : As former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi vacated the government residence at 10 Circular Road, the opposition on Friday accused the state government of pursuing personal vendetta. The ruling JD(U) and the BJP, however, maintained that the law applies equally to everyone and that due process was followed.

Reacting to the development, Purnia MP Pappu Yadav said the move reflected personal animosity in politics.

Speaking to IANS, he said, "We do not understand why personal enmity is pursued in politics. From a security perspective, that house is important. Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi lived there for a long time. No one should be forced to vacate a house because of political differences. I did not expect this from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and I still do not."

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput also criticised the government, accusing it of vendetta politics.

"The BJP-led government always indulges in politics of enmity and revenge, which is why such actions are taken," he said.

He further alleged that the move was aimed at harassing the RJD leadership.

"Despite rules, the BJP is conspiring to trouble an elderly couple. Lalu Prasad Yadav is seriously ill. This hostile approach towards the opposition reflects the BJP's policy. Through such actions, they want to weaken democracy and the Constitution," Rajput told IANS.

Responding to the allegations, JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad dismissed the claims and said there was no question of discrimination.

"Why do they need a government house? They have several properties and assets registered in the names of family members, making them one of the wealthiest families in Bihar. They can live anywhere --whether on Gola Road or elsewhere. There is no justification for retaining a government residence," he said.

Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also defended the decision, asserting that rules apply uniformly. "The law is the same for everyone. You are no longer entitled to the official residence. You have already been provided with all facilities applicable to a former Chief Minister. No one has been deprived of lawful entitlements," he said.

The process of vacating the 10 Circular Road residence of former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi in Patna has been underway for the past several days.

Even late on Thursday night, plants and household belongings were seen being shifted from the premises in a pickup van.

When asked about the destination of the items, those present at the site did not provide a clear response.

However, sources speculate that the belongings are being gradually shifted to the under-construction residence of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav at Mahua Bagh locality.

It may be recalled that on November 25, the Bihar government's Building Construction Department issued a notice to Rabri Devi, asking her to vacate the bungalow at 10 Circular Road.

Subsequently, a new government bungalow -- Number 39 on Harding Road, Patna -- was allotted to her.

The 10 Circular Road bungalow was modified to suit the family's needs, including additional rooms and a conference hall for political engagements.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, also stays in the 10 Circular Road bungalow, and the 1 Polo Road bungalow is mainly used as his office, where his close aide Sanjay Yadav stays.

According to reports, the Lalu-Rabri family is now shifting to the Mahua Bagh residence, and the newly allotted bungalow -- Number 39 on Harding Road -- will mainly be used for official work.
Tirupati, Dec 26 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday praised Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat, saying he is making a huge contribution to the national progress.

Sharing dais with Mohan Bhagwat at the inaugural session of 'Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan 2025', the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the RSS chief for his "contributions to nation building".

"I want to acknowledge the services of Mohan Bhagwat. Over several decades, he has worked across regions, making this organisation strong through his experience and dedication while remaining above political or constitutional positions," said the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief.

"Since 2009, he has overseen steady expansion of the RSS while preserving its discipline, cadre-based structure and nation-wide presence. Under his leadership, the RSS continues to strengthen voluntarism and extend grassroots service across the country," he said.

CM Naidu also noted that Bhagwat promoted public engagement and outreach by opening spaces for dialogue and understanding. "Though his speeches and interactions, he consistently speaks for social harmony, national identity and cultural cohesion. He is making a huge, valuable contribution to national progress and preserving our traditional values through discipline and continuity of services," he said.

The Chief Minister termed the event a platform where 'we speak with pride about our nation and about Bhartiyata, our civilisation ethos'.

Chandrababu Naidu also supported the RSS chief's call for every Indian family to have at least three children, saying this was important to ensure that India continues to have the demographic dividend.

He believes that if India focuses on population, it will dominate the world for centuries beyond 2047.

He also stated that if India manages its population, 20-25 crore Indians will migrate all over the world and play a crucial role in public and political governance.

CM Naidu, whose TDP is a partner in the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, also stated that India has a stable government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "People like Mohan Bhagwat Ji are preparing the ground with values and ethics," he said.

He also claimed that India alone has family values. He noted that family provides financial, health and personal security.

Exuding confidence that India will become the number one economy in the world by 2047, he stated that for this, Mohan Bhagwat is 'going on promoting, preparing without expecting any position'. "All of us have to sync with his ideology, and then it is possible," he added.

He said his request to people like Mohan Bhagwat is to think about what type of society India should have in future. "The gap between haves and have-nots has to be reduced. Every citizen should live with respect and dignity, and also have a better living standard. Then only can we say India is great," he said.

He noted that Bharatiya Vigyana Sammelan is playing a vital role in taking Indian knowledge forward as a national movement. Six such seminars have been held in different parts of the country, and Tirupati is hosting the seventh seminar.

Stating that India's knowledge is not new, he said as early as 4,500 years ago, India had demonstrated to the world the principles of urban planning and engineering.

CM Naidu said that India had been a superpower in the knowledge economy, and at one time it accounted for 40 per cent of the world's DGP. That was the golden era. Though there was a period of decline because of colonial rule and also because of economic policies, he said.

The CN pointed out that India started economic reforms in 1991, and the mid-1990s had a first-mover advantage in information technology.

Recalling the push he had given to the IT sector 25 years ago as the Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh, CM Naidu said that today Telangana has the highest per capita income and Hyderabad is the most livable city.

CM Naidu said he was now focusing on quantum computing. "Within six months first quantum computer will be operated from Amaravati, and within two years, quantum computers will be manufactured here and supplied to the world," he added.

Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh, NSA Board member G. Satheesh Reddy, Vijnana Bharati President Sekhar C. Mande and others also addressed the event.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
December 26 : Lucknow: Participating in the discussion on the supplementary budget during the winter session of the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "along with government jobs, traditional enterprises have been strengthened, giving new impetus to the MSME sector. The impact of this is clearly visible today in terms of investment, exports, and employment. Previously, no government paid attention to these products, while the current government has promoted their branding, packaging, and export".

The Chief Minister said, "the government's compassion towards the poor remains unwavering. The government stands firmly, without any discrimination, for the welfare and security of the 25 crore population and will continue to do so".

CM Yogi added, no one had paid attention to Kala Namak rice. Our government promoted its branding, packaging, and export. wherever Agriculture Minister, Surya Pratap Shahi ji goes, he gathers information about the best local food products.

He also recounted an anecdote from Varanasi, jokingly saying, Shahi ji himself is aware of traditional products, and his role in establishing Kala Namak as a special brand has been commendable.

He also took a dig at previous governments, saying that such products were neglected due to a lack of political will at that time.

CM Yogi said, every district in the state had a unique product, but due to a lack of knowledge about technology, design, market demand, and packaging, they were gradually disappearing. The government provided them with facilities, and today Uttar Pradesh has the country's largest MSME network. The state has approximately 96 lakh MSME units, which provide livelihoods for nearly 1.75 crore families. Through MSMEs, UP is exporting goods worth more than 2 lakh crore.

Uttar Pradesh has also made significant strides on the investment front. The Chief Minister also added, "so far, investment proposals worth 45 lakh crore have been received, of which more than 15 lakh crore have already been implemented on the ground. More than 700,000 young people have received direct employment. Projects worth 5 lakh crore are ready for the ground-breaking ceremony.

The Chief Minister quoted, "this is the new Uttar Pradesh of the new India. Now, the youth of the state are no longer forced to wander in search of employment. The BrahMos missile is now being manufactured in Lucknow, which is a major achievement of the Defence Manufacturing Corridor. All the young people working there are from Uttar Pradesh. ITI, polytechnic, and engineering graduates are being employment here".

Regarding welfare schemes, the Chief Minister categorically stated, the government has never distributed the benefits of schemes based on favouritism. Housing, rations, Ujjwala gas, Ayushman cards, and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund  every scheme has been implemented without discrimination. Even those poor people who were previously deprived have been included in the list.

CM Yogi also added by saying, "no constituency among the 403 assembly constituencies will be deprived of development. Every department, including the PWD, is regularly reviewed, meetings are held in the districts in the presence of MPs and the minister in charge, and reports on the progress of the schemes reach the government".

Referring to the new provisions made in the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, he said, those who have an Ayushman card should use it first, and if needed, assistance will be provided from the relief fund based on the report of the District Magistrate. Action has also been taken on complaints of incorrect billing in some hospitals.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pays floral tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of his 101st birth anniversary at his statue in Lucknow on Thursday, December 25, 2025.. Image Source: IANS/CMO

December 26 : Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary, offering flowers at his statue at Lok Bhawan. The Chief Minister also paid homage to Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and Raja Bijli Pasi on their birth anniversaries and extended Christmas greetings to the community.

CM Yogi said, The birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee is an auspicious occasion for the nation. Representing the state capital Lucknow, Atal Ji, as Prime Minister, gave the country a new vision of development and firmly placed India on the path of progress.

He noted that this year holds special significance as the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee is being celebrated nationwide with great enthusiasm. He added, To mark the occasion, educational and training institutions across the country organized a range of programs, including recitations of Atal Jis poems, discussions on his writings, and deliberations on his impactful speeches delivered through journalism, Parliament, and international forums.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Atal Jis ancestral home is in Bateshwar, Agra, while his higher education took place in Kanpur and his public life began in Balrampur. He represented Uttar Pradesh in Parliament for the longest duration. His towering personality, statesmanship, and achievements continue to inspire generations across the country.

CM Yogi said, To preserve Atal Jis legacy and ensure the continuity of his ideology, the double-engine government has constructed the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow. The site features statues of three great national leaders along with a digital museum. The statue of Syama Prasad Mukherjee conveys the message of national unity and integrity, while Pandit Deendayal Upadhyayas philosophy of Antyodaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayees ideals together provide direction for strengthening the vision of Ek BharatShreshtha Bharat with harmony and inclusiveness. This will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister.

Remembering Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the Chief Minister, Today also marks the birth anniversary of the great nationalist leader, freedom fighter, and founder of Banaras Hindu University. Malaviya Ji made invaluable contributions to the freedom struggle and gave the nation a lasting vision through the establishment of BHU in 1916. He was honoured with the Bharat Ratna for his exceptional service to the country.

The Chief Minister also paid tribute to Raja Bijli Pasi, describing him as a valiant warrior of Lucknow who challenged foreign rule to protect Indias eternal traditions. He said, The double-engine government is actively working to restore Bijli Pasis forts and to honour the legacy of all such brave warriors associated with this tradition.

Extending Christmas greetings to the Christian community, CM Yogi said, The state government is committed to ensuring that people celebrate the festival peacefully and in an atmosphere of harmony.

On the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLC Govind Narayan Shukla, and other dignitaries were present.
ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Saudi warplanes on Friday carried out airstrikes against military sites affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen's southeastern oil-rich province of Hadramout, a local security official told Xinhua.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that "several airstrikes targeted positions of the Elite Hadrami security units aligned with the STC." 
Phnom Penh, Dec 26 : Cambodian Defence Ministry's Undersecretary of State and spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said on Friday that Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped as many as 40 bombs in a border village in Banteay Meanchey province.

She said in a press briefing that the bombardment destroyed civilian houses as well as public infrastructures in Chok Chey village, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Thai military also fired artillery shells into a civilian residential area in Poipet Municipality of Banteay Meanchey province, she added.

Earlier on December 25, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had urged the full implementation of the Peace Accords amid ongoing violence between Cambodia and Thailand.

During a phone conversation with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, "Secretary Rubio reaffirmed that the United States stands ready to facilitate discussions aimed at ensuring peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand," said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

Rubio had stressed the importance of both countries fully implementing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.

The recent clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border, stemming from long-standing territorial disputes dating back to the colonial era, reignited in late May following military confrontations in border regions.

On Thursday, Thailand's military announced that border negotiations with Cambodia entered the second day, with overall clashes along the frontier showing a downward trend.

According to Thai media reports, the Secretariat meeting of the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) kicked off at around 9 am local time on the Thai side of the border in Chanthaburi province.

Around 30 Cambodian delegates attended the meeting, while Malaysian members of the ASEAN observer team in Thailand also presented.

In a press briefing held on Thursday, a Thai military spokesperson stated that the intensity of border skirmishes between the two countries has generally decreased, with exchanges of fire remaining confined to localised areas.

On October 26, during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia had signed a joint peace declaration. Just two months later, however, violence erupted again.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Islamabad, Dec 26 : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday announced that it would begin a street movement by welcoming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in Lahore and holding a public event at the Liberty Roundabout, local media reported.

PTI Punjab chief organiser Aliya Hamza Malik said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will launch a "mass protest movement" as per the instructions given by PTI founder Imran Khan. She asked PTI's ticket-holders, office-bearers, workers and lawyers in Lahore to be present at Liberty Roundabout to welcome Afridi, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported.

Aliya Hamza Malik asked PTI members to play their part in "restoring constitution, law and democracy in the country". She stated that it would be a "historic moment" to transform main boulevard of Lahore into a march to secure Imran Khan's release.

Imran Khan, who has been in prison since August, 2023, is serving a 14-year jail sentence at the Adiala jail in Rawalpindi in a 190 million corruption case and faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act linked to the protests held on May 9, 2023. Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi is also serving a seven-year sentence in the same case.

Last week, Imran Khan issued a call for nationwide protest and announced his intention to challenge the court's decision in the Toshakhana-II case in the Islamabad High Court.

His statement came after a Pakistani court on Saturday sentenced Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison in connection with the Toshakhana -II case.

The Toshakhana-II corruption case involves the purchase of an expensive jewellery set, gifted to Imran Khand by the Saudi Crown Prince during an official visit in May 2021, at a nominal price.

The verdict was pronounced by Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)'s special court during proceedings conducted at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail, where Imran Khan is imprisoned.

Under the ruling, Imran Khan was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison, receiving 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, and seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a group photograph with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and state Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya, and State BJP President Pankaj Chaudhary during the inauguration of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal national memorial and museum on the occasion of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 101st birth anniversary, in Lucknow on Thursday, December 25, 2025.. Image Source: IANS/PMO

December 26 : Lucknow: Addressing a gathering at the Rashtra Prerna Sthal on Thursday on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, The legacies of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Ji have provided India with a new national vision.

He said, Their long-cherished dreams are now being realised, a development that has filled every Indian with pride and joy. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 65-foot-tall bronze statues of Dr Mukherjee and Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, along with a digital museum.

The Chief Minister recalled that Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee had envisioned Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan for independent India, a resolve that has now become a reality.

Referring to Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya's philosophy, he said, the transformation he imagined is clearly visible today, even in the lives of the poorest sections of society. Over the past 11 years, he added, nearly 25 crore people have moved out of poverty and are now living with dignity as mainstream citizens.

Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Yogi said, It was a matter of pride that the Rashtra Prerna Sthal, the grand statues of the three towering leaders and the museum were being dedicated to the nation in Lucknow by the Prime Minister.

He described the Prime Minister as the architect of a self-reliant and modern India, the proponent of the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, and a leader committed to Antyodaya by giving concrete shape to the ideals of good governance envisioned by Atal Ji.

The Chief Minister said, The Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat taking shape today under Prime Minister Modi's leadership draws inspiration from the thoughts and ideals of Dr Mukherjee, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

CM Yogi noted that this year marks the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Recalling Atal Ji's words, Andhera Chatega, Suraj Niklega, Kamal Khilega. He said the statement reflected not just hope, but Atal Ji's unwavering faith, foresight and firm conviction in India's bright future.

He said, The vision Atal Ji offered to the nation as a poet, journalist, nationalist thinker and devoted son of India is now being witnessed in the form of renewed development and a strong cultural identity under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

On this historic occasion, he added, the nation has received the Rashtra Prerna Sthal as a lasting source of inspiration.

The Chief Minister also remembered freedom fighter and eminent educationist Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya on his birth anniversary, noting his seminal role in establishing Banaras Hindu University and recalling that his contributions were honoured with the Bharat Ratna. He further paid tribute to Maharaja Bijli Pasi, describing him as a valiant warrior whose life continues to inspire the nation.

Among those present on the occasion were Defence Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh, Governor Anandiben Patel, BJP state president and Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Rajya Sabha MP and former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Dinesh Sharma, and other dignitaries.
Lucknow: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the inauguration of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal national memorial and museum on the occasion of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 101st birth anniversary, in Lucknow on Thursday, December 25, 2025.. Image Source: IANS

December 26 : Lucknow: Addressing a gathering at the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the country's progress over the past decade had been guided by the principle of taking pride in India's leadership, heritage and values, a theme consistently emphasised by the Prime Minister.

He said, Leaders such as Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had played a decisive role in shaping independent India's sense of identity, self-respect and national purpose.

The Prime Minister dedicated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal to the nation on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The site features 65-foot bronze statues of Dr. Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Ji, along with a digital museum documenting their lives and contributions.

He congratulated Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the establishment of the site in Lucknow, describing it as an effort to institutionalise public memory around leaders who shaped India's political and social thought.

He also paid tribute to veteran sculptor Ram Sutar and Mantu Ram, who were associated with the creation of the statues.

Referring to Dr Mukherjee, the Defence Minister said his political struggle was centred on safeguarding India's unity and integrity. He noted that the abrogation of Article 370 reflected the fulfilment of Dr Mukherjee's long-standing position on Jammu and Kashmir.

On Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, he said his philosophy of Integral Humanism and Antyodaya had placed the dignity of the individual at the centre of governance. He added that welfare-oriented policies aimed at the poorest sections drew inspiration from these ideas.

The Defence Minister also recalled the contribution of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, noting his association with Lucknow and his role in shaping India's political discourse. He said Atal Ji's influence extended beyond politics to society and culture.

He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to realise the vision of India articulated by Dr Mukherjee, Pandit Upadhyaya and Atal Ji, particularly through initiatives focused on villages, farmers and marginalised communities. He added that governance reforms had strengthened delivery mechanisms and improved India's standing globally.

The event was attended by Governor Anandiben Patel, Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Rajya Sabha member and former Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, and other senior leaders.
Bangkok, Dec 26 : Thailand's Democrat Party announced on Friday that three candidates, led by party leader and former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, will run for the country's next Prime Minister in the upcoming general election.

The party unveiled its candidate line-up in a campaign video released on social media the same day. Alongside Abhisit, the candidates include two deputy party leaders: Korn Chatikavanij, a former finance minister, and Karndee Leopairote, Xinhua News Agency reported.

In the video, Abhisit emphasised that overcoming poverty in Thailand requires building a clean political system and enhancing transparency across all sectors.

Abhisit served as Thailand's Prime Minister from 2008 to 2011. After losing the 2019 general election, he resigned as Democrat Party leader and left the party in 2023. He made a political comeback in October 2025 by rejoining the party and was subsequently re-elected as its leader.

Thailand is set to hold elections for the new House of Representatives on February 8, 2026. Political parties are required to submit their prime ministerial candidates between December 28 and 31 this year, with a maximum of three candidates per party.

On December 11, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said in a social media post that he would "request to return power to the people," a remark widely interpreted as a possible hint that he intends to dissolve parliament.

On December 3, Anutin Charnvirakul outlined a plan for its security agency to shift from defensive to proactive operations by 2026, prioritising the fight against cybercrime, illicit drugs, and environmental hazards.

During a policy meeting at the Government House, Anutin, who is also the Interior Minister, told military chiefs and senior officials that the Internal Security Operations Command must modernize to address "sustainable and people-centric" security needs.

Anutin ordered an urgent crackdown on call-center gangs, online scammers, and cross-border drug trafficking. He specifically instructed the agency to upgrade its intelligence capabilities to intercept "fake news" and disinformation that threatens social stability.

Underscoring the expectation of achieving "tangible results," Anutin noted that security forces must act to resolve root causes of public hardship rather than solely reacting to incidents.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stirring call to the nation's 140 crore citizens to pledge liberation from the "mental slavery" deliberately imposed by British colonialist Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay, while commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's young sons, the Sahibzadas.

He was addressing a gathering at Bharat Mandapam on Veer Bal Diwas in the national capital. PM Modi linked the historic sacrifice to India's ongoing battle against colonial legacies that suppressed truth and diversity even after Independence.

Making a veiled attack on the previous Congress regime, PM Modi said, "Even after freedom, attempts were made to suppress such truth. Now, India has decided to come out of the mentality of slavery."

He highlighted Macaulay's conspiracy to erode India's cultural and linguistic richness, stating, "the conspiracy which Macaulay had designed, we have to come out of this mental slavery. This should be the pledge of the 140 crore citizens."

PM Modi pointed to recent developments in Parliament as a symbol of progress, where over 160 speeches were delivered in Indian languages besides English -- including 50 in Tamil, 40 in Marathi, and 25 in Bengali.

"Macaulay also tried to suppress this linguistic diversity, but our cultural diversity has become our power," he said, emphasising pride in India's multilingual heritage as a rare global phenomenon.

Recalling the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the bravery of the four Sahibzadas, the Prime Minister stressed that Veer Bal Diwas embodies the resolve to protect Indianness.

"The mentality of slavery was not allowed to be freed from 18th-century thinking. Even after Independence, attempts were made to suppress the truth," he noted, adding that celebrating this day with devotion will accelerate the Swadeshi movement and self-reliance.

As India approaches 2035 -- marking 200 years of Macaulay's education policy -- PM Modi urged complete freedom from subservient thinking. "The more we free ourselves from this mentality, the stronger our diversity becomes," he affirmed.

The event honoured young achievers with 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar', aligning with the day's theme of inspiring courage and righteousness.

PM Modi paid tributes to Mata Gujri Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose teachings continue to empower generations. His address reinforces the government's commitment to cultural rejuvenation, promoting indigenous languages and countering historical narratives that instilled inferiority. As Veer Bal Diwas gains international observance, it serves as a beacon for national pride and unity.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : The family members of the Unnao rape survivor, along with women's rights activists, on Friday staged a protest outside the Delhi High Court against the suspension of the sentence of Kuldeep Sengar, who was convicted in the Unnao rape case. The demonstrators raised slogans and expressed anger over the court's decision to grant him conditional bail.

Protesters gathered near the court premises, holding placards and chanting slogans such as "Peedit rahe asurakshit aur balatkari kare aish? Humein nahi manzoor," in support of the survivor and demanding strict action against the convicted former MLA. The protesters said the decision had "shaken public faith and sent a wrong message regarding crimes against women".

Speaking to IANS, the survivor's mother said she still had faith in the justice system and the Supreme Court.

"If the Public Prosecutor stands with me and supports my lawyer, and if the CBI Public Prosecutor also takes a firm stand, there is hope. Honestly, I do not have much faith in the CBI, but I do have faith in the Public Prosecutor. I trust the Supreme Court and will keep knocking on its doors," she said.

She further added that the bail should be cancelled and demanded the strictest punishment for the guilty.

"Any MLA, irrespective of religion or caste, who commits such a crime against a girl or a minor should be given capital punishment. That is all we want. I believe we will get justice," she said.

Social activist Yogita Bhayana also criticised the system, stating that the survivor had been failed at multiple levels.

"First, she was raped and then gang-raped by a powerful person. It was not an ordinary criminal, but someone with influence. When a powerful person is involved, the system is often manipulated. It is very unfortunate that someone like Mr Sengar, who was extremely powerful, managed to get relief," she said.

Bhayana added that activists would continue their fight for justice.

"We are seeking relief, and we should get it. If we do not get relief here, we will approach the Supreme Court," she said.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday suspended the jail sentence of Sengar.

A bench comprising Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar granted him bail, directing him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 15 lakh along with three sureties of the same amount.
Kolkata, Dec 26 : Hoteliers' associations in two districts of West Bengal, on Friday, have decided to close the doors of their hotels and lodges as a mark of protest against the recent lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment factory worker, and also over the unbridled atrocities on the minorities under the Muhammad Yunus regime.

Although the hoteliers' associations in both districts are yet to decide whether this decision will be applicable in case of Bangladeshi tourists coming to India with medical visas for treatment purposes, the majority of members of both associations are in favour of including this category of Bangladeshi tourists under this ban.

The two districts where the respective hoteliers' associations have taken this decision are Darjeeling and Malda, both in the northern sector of West Bengal and both having international borders with Bangladesh.

However, the border area in the Darjeeling district is relatively smaller than the one in the minority-dominated Malda district.

The local chambers of commerce in both these districts have welcomed the decisions of both the hoteliers' associations.

According to the Malda Hotel and Restaurant Owners' Association secretary, Krishenendu Chowdhury, the decision to refuse room allotment for Bangladeshi owners was taken unanimously by all the members of our association.

"Currently, there is not a single Bangladeshi tourist in any of the hotels in our district. We are yet to decide whether this ban will also apply to the Bangladeshi tourists coming with a medical visa for treatment purposes. We will have another round of meetings soon and take a decision on this count," Chowdhury said.

While the hoteliers' association in Malda was yet to decide, their fellow association in the Darjeeling district, christened Siliguri Hoteliers' Welfare Association, has decided to include Bangladeshi tourists coming on medical visas and students' visas under this ban.

"The manner in which the leaders in Bangladesh are making insensitive statements on the Siliguri Corridor, Chicken Neck Sector and Seven Sisters, is highly objectionable. At the same time, at the same time, unbridled atrocities on the Hindu minorities in Bangladesh have reached an extreme level," said the Association Secretary Ujjal Ghosh.

Earlier this week, the entire country erupted in protest over the brutal killing of Das and over unbridled atrocities on the minorities under the Muhammad Yunus regime.

From Delhi to Kolkata to Bhopal to Hyderabad, a wave of public anger and wrath spilt onto the streets as Hindu outfits hit the streets denouncing the targeted attack on minorities in the neighbouring nation.

The 25-year-old Hindu man, who worked in a garment factory in Bangladesh, was dragged on the streets, brutally thrashed to death by a frenzied mob, and then his lifeless body was set ablaze after being tied to a tree. He was accused of blasphemy by a co-worker, following which the murderous mob, comprising radicals and extremist elements, barged into the factory, dragged him to the streets, and killed him ruthlessly.
Mumbai, Dec 26 : Actress Zareen Khan, who is known to share an extremely close bond with her niece Aizel Khan, revealed how the little one reacts after not seeing her aunt for just a day.

The 'Veer' actress uploaded a video on her official Instagram handle where she is seen getting extremely excited after seeing Zareen. As the actress asked the little bundle of joy, "What happened to you?", she even started screaming in her sweet little voice, expressing her delight at seeing her aunt after just a gap of one day.

Wishing Aizel a belated 7-month birthday, Zareen wrote on the photo-sharing app, "This or Nothing (Red heart emoji) This is how she gets on seeing me whn she hasnat seen me for a day. (Red heart and evil eye emojis) Mera Dil , Meri Jaan , Mera Jigar , Mera Sab kuch aMeri Aizel. (Red heart emoji) Belated Happy 7 months (Sparkles emojis) (sic)."

Zareen's feed is full of such adorable moments with her niece.

In September, Zareen celebrated Aizel's 4th-month birthday by giving her little princess a foot massage.

She posted a clip on her IG of rubbing those tiny feet, giving them some much-deserved pampering.

"Today is my 4-month birthday (Baby and evil eye emoji) Getting a foot massage from my dearest pitaji @zareenkhan in exchange of cupcakes (winked eye emoji) I love getting massages from her (red heart emoji), Zareen wrote the caption.

In July, the "Housefull 2" actress shared that her sister, Sana Khan, has welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Aizel Khan.

She shared two heartwarming photos of the little munchkin on her official Instagram handle. One of the pictures showed Zareen gently holding the baby girlas tiny hand. Next was a still of Zareen lovingly cradling the little one in her arms.

Zareen captioned the post, "Love at first sight does exist...Welcome, my little niece - Aizel Khan," followed by a red heart and an evil eye emoji.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being felicitated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the inauguration of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal national memorial on the occasion of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 101st birth anniversary, in Lucknow on Thursday, December 25, 2025.. Image Source: IANS/PMO

December 26 : Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal, featuring grand statues of Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to the nation. He said that, "Rashtra Prerna Sthal symbolizes the ideology that has shown India the path of self reliance, unity, and service. The statues installed here provide continuous inspiration for nation-building. This place conveys the message that every step, every effort, and every resolution of ours should be dedicated to nation-building. The collective efforts of all will fulfil the resolve of a developed India.

Along with inaugurating the Rashtra Prerna Sthal, the Prime Minister also visited the magnificent museum built there. Addressing the gathering, he said, Uttar Pradesh is benefiting from the BJP's double-engine government. Uttar Pradesh is creating its own distinct identity in 21st-century India.

He quotes, " I am fortune for being Member of Parliament from UP. Today, I can say with great pride that the hardworking people of Uttar Pradesh are writing a new future. Earlier, UP was discussed for its poor law and order situation; today, UP is discussed for its development".

Wishing the country and the world a Merry Christmas, Prime Minister Modi said, this Christmas festival should bring happiness to everyone's lives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Uttar Pradesh, saying that today UP is rapidly emerging on the country's tourism map. The grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Kashi Vishwanath Dham are becoming symbols of Uttar Pradesh's new identity in the world. Modern constructions like the Rashtra Prerna Sthal further illuminate Uttar Pradesh's new image. The Prime Minister said that our Uttar Pradesh should achieve even greater heights as a model of good governance, prosperity, and true social justice.

Prime Minister Modi said that December 25th is a very inspiring day connected to India's history and values. It is the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya. These great men protected India's identity, unity, and pride and left an indelible mark on nation-building. He said, December 25th is also the birth anniversary of Maharaja Bijli Pasi. The famous Bijli Pasi Fort in Lucknow is a symbol of his bravery, good governance, and inclusive legacy. Prime Minister Modi recalled that in year 2000, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had issued a postage stamp in honour of Maharaja Bijli Pasi. On this auspicious occasion, the Prime Minister paid his tribute to Mahamana Malaviya, Atal Ji, and Maharaja Bijli Pasi.

Prime Minister Modi also said, Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerjee played a decisive role in maintaining India's integrity. He completely rejected the system of two constitutions, two flags, and two heads of state. After independence, the integrity of India in Jammu and Kashmir was a major challenge.

Prime Minister Modi said that the BJP is proud that its government got the opportunity to dismantle the wall of Article 370, and today the Constitution of India is fully applicable in Jammu and Kashmir. As the first Industries Minister of independent India, Dr Mookerjee laid the foundation of a self-reliant India by formulating the industrial policy.

According to Prime Minister Modi, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya envisioned Antyodaya (upliftment of the last person). He believed that the measure of India's progress should be determined by the smile on the face of the person standing in the last row. He gave the philosophy of Integral Humanism, which speaks of the development of the body, mind, intellect, and soul. The Prime Minister said that his government has implemented this philosophy on the ground. Today, efforts are being made to connect every eligible person with government schemes. This is good governance, and this is true social justice.

Prime Minister Modi said, in the past decade, crores of Indians have overcome poverty. Before 2014, only about 25 crore people were covered under social security schemes. Today, this number has increased to approximately 95 crore. Millions of poor families have received security through the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. Thousands of crores of rupees have reached needy families directly through these schemes. Earlier, bank accounts and insurance were only available to a select few; our government took the initiative to provide insurance coverage to every last person. For this, the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana was created. This ensured medical coverage of up to 2 lakh at a nominal premium. Today, more than 25 crore poor people are connected to this scheme. Similarly, the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana is running for accident insurance. Approximately 55 crore poor people are also covered under this scheme. These people could not even think about insurance before. Through these schemes, claims worth approximately 25,000 crore have reached ordinary poor families. This money proved useful to poor families during times of crisis.

Prime Minister Modi also added, in the last decade, crores of Indians have overcome poverty. Before 2014, only about 25 crore people were covered under social security schemes. Today, this number has increased to approximately 95 crore. Crores of poor families have received security through the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. Thousands of crores of rupees have reached needy families directly through these schemes. Earlier, bank accounts and insurance were only available to a select few; our government took the initiative to provide insurance coverage to the last person. For this, the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana was created. This ensured medical treatment up to Rs. 2 lakh at a nominal premium. Today, more than 25 crore poor people are connected to this scheme. Similarly, the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana is running for accident insurance. Approximately 55 crore poor people are also connected to this scheme. These people could not even think about insurance before. Through these schemes, claims worth approximately Rs. 25,000 crore have reached ordinary poor families. This money proved useful to poor families during times of crisis.

According to Prime Minister Modi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee truly implemented good governance on the ground. The foundation of digital identity, the telecom revolution, roads, and connectivity was laid during his government. He said that today India is becoming a global hub for mobile and internet, and Uttar Pradesh is playing a leading role in this. He quoted, Atal Ji truly implemented good governance on the ground. Today, there is so much discussion about digital identity; the foundation for this was laid by Atal Ji's government. The credit for the telecom revolution in India also goes to Atal Ji. It was due to his government's policies that phones and the internet became easily accessible to every household. Today, India is the country with the highest number of mobile and internet consumers in the world. Wherever Atal Ji is today, he will be happy to know that in the last 11 years, India has become the world's second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones. Uttar Pradesh is now India's number one mobile manufacturing state.

According to Prime Minister Modi, Uttar Pradesh, the state from which Atal Ji was a Member of Parliament, is today India's number one mobile manufacturing state. Atal Ji's vision for connectivity provided the initial strength to 21st-century India. The campaign to connect every village with roads was started during Atal Ji's government. The construction of the Golden Quadrilateral, a network of highways, also began at that time. Since 2000, 800,000 kilometres of roads have been built in villages under the 'Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana'. Of these, approximately 400,000 kilometres of rural roads have been built in the last 11 years. Today, expressways are being built in our country at an unprecedented pace. Our Uttar Pradesh is also establishing its identity as an expressway state. It was Atal Ji who initiated the metro in Delhi. Today, the metro network in more than 20 cities across the country is making life easier for millions of people. The legacy of good governance created by the BJP-led NDA government is being given a new dimension and expansion by the BJP's central and state governments today.

Prime Minister Modi said, for decades after independence, there was a tendency to limit history and achievements to the name of a single family. The BJP has changed this mindset. Today, the country is honouring every great man who served Mother India. The Prime Minister said that this is inclusive nationalism and this is the strong foundation of a developed India. Inspired by Atal Ji, Dr Mukherjee, and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Uttar Pradesh and the country are continuously moving forward.

He also added that dynastic politics has a distinct characteristic. It is full of insecurity. It becomes a compulsion to diminish the achievements of others for the sake of one's own generations, so that their family's stature appears greater and their political enterprise continues. This mindset gave rise to the practice of political untouchability in India. Many Prime Ministers served in independent India, but many former Prime Ministers were ignored in the museum in the capital Delhi. This situation was also changed by the BJP and the NDA. Today, when you visit Delhi, the magnificent Prime Minister's Museum welcomes you. No matter how short a Prime Minister's tenure, everyone has been given due respect and recognition. The Congress and its allies politically ostracized the BJP. But the BJP's values teach us to respect everyone. In the last 11 years, Narasimha Rao and Pranab Mukherjee were awarded the Bharat Ratna.

He said, it is our government that has honoured many leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav and Tarun Gogoi with national awards. One cannot expect this from the Congress or the Samajwadi Party. During their rule, BJP leaders only received insults.
BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Japan's new defense budget plan further reveals Japanese right-wing forces' motive to remilitarize Japan and resurrect militarism, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday.

Lin made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on Japan's approval of its record defense budget plan exceeding 9 trillion yen (about 58 billion U.S. dollars) for fiscal 2026.

"Despite recent international criticism over latest military and security developments in Japan, the Japanese side has shown no inclination to mend its conduct, and instead plans to again hike defense budget," Lin said.

Given the Japanese militarists' innumerable war crimes, Japan's military and security moves have always been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. However, since the new Japanese government took office, it has been notably accelerating military buildup, Lin said.

Japan is deviating further and further away from the path of peaceful development and moving in a dangerous direction, as evidenced by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on China's Taiwan region, which threaten the use of force against China, the remarks of a senior official of Takaichi's office calling for Japan's possession of nuclear weapons, the proposed revision of the three national security documents and the idea of altering the three non-nuclear principles, Lin said.

In recent years, Japan has removed the ban on exercising the right to collective self-defense, developed the so-called "capability to strike enemy bases," strengthened cooperation on extended deterrence, and built its frontier islands into front lines, which clearly goes beyond Japan's "exclusively defense-oriented" policy, he said.

Terms such as "self-defense" and "counterstrike" are used by Japanese right-wing forces to gloss over their attempt to breach the post-WWII international order and stipulations in Japan's Constitution, and deceive and stoke public opinion, Lin said, adding that these moves have put the international community on high alert.

Noting that the Japanese people are also victims of militarism, Lin said some in Japan pointed out that raising defense spending does not bring peace and stability.

Rallies have been held across Japan in strong protest of the Japanese government's military expansion while some scholars also note that the defense budget hike will weigh heavily on Japan's economy and eventually be borne by the ordinary people in Japan, he said.

"China will work with all peace-loving countries to push back any dangerous move designed to resurrect militarism or cultivate neo-militarism, and jointly defend the outcomes of WWII victory," the spokesperson said. 
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Developments in Bangladesh since Wednesday, making the headlines, suggest that the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus now has a plan to counter the negative image developing from widespread arson and killings.

On Wednesday, Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, Bangladesh's special assistant (Ministry of Home Affairs) to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, submitted his resignation, which was accepted and announced through a gazette notification within hours.

In a separate development, regional media reported the lynching of yet another Hindu man in Rajbari district on the same day. Police said that Amrit Mondal, also known as Samrat, was an extortionist who was allegedly attacked over claims that he was trying to collect money. There were no clear indications whether he was targeted because of his religion.

Various theories on his alleged "connections" with India and the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also began to be unearthed. Even as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday announced he has a plan for his countrymen and the country, the interim administration had rolled out a different set of its own against global condemnation.

In the first case, Chowdhury's resignation and prompt acceptance showed the administration's intentions to hold guilty people associated with the maintenance of law-and-order. In the second instance, the prompt establishment of the dark past of the deceased saved the interim government the embarrassment of facing another "targeted killing" allegation after the violent killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh a week earlier.

The killing took place amidst the unrest following the death of Osman Hadi, a well-known student leader among those leading the August movement last year against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Dipu, a 27yearold Hindu garment worker, was killed by a mob in Bhaluka after being accused of blasphemy. Reports said he was beaten brutally and had his body set on fire. The administration condemned the killing and arrested several suspects, but the incident underscored the vulnerability of minorities and the dangers of unchecked rumordriven violence in times of political unrest.

Samrat, meanwhile, was said to have been facing several criminal cases, including murder. Local reports quoted villagers that he was part of a gang and was in hiding somewhere in India after Hasina was removed from power following the August 2024 uprising.

Though it was not clear why he decided to return, and take to crime again in the current situation. Justice, however, does not lie in mob brutality.

Meanwhile, it was to oversee security measures that Chowdhury, a former Inspector General of Police (IGP), was appointed as a special assistant to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on November 10 last year.

Bangladesh newspaper The Daily Star quoted unnamed senior officials saying that he was appointed following last year's mass uprising, with the expectation that he would play a pivotal role in restoring discipline and boosting morale within law enforcement agencies, particularly the police. Those expectations were not met, they claimed, while one elaborated, "He needed to resign due to his failure to perform at the expected level and shortcomings in crisis management," the report added.
Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and state Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya, and State BJP President Pankaj Chaudhary during the inauguration of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal national memorial and museum on the occasion of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 101st birth anniversary, in Lucknow on Thursday, December 25, 2025.. Image Source: IANS/PMO

December 26 : Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, offered special praise for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. At the inauguration of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal, he noted that for decades, over 30 acres of land had been buried under mountains of garbage, which were completely cleared within the last three years. He congratulated CM Yogi, along with the workers, artisans, and planners, for successfully transforming the site.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for creating the grand Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

Under the BJP government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh received the honour associated with Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the second time.

Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Yogi government has strengthened the people's pride in their cultural and national heritage. This sense of pride was experienced for the second time in six years, as the Prime Minister once again unveiled a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the state.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's deep affection for Lucknow was well known, and throughout his political life, he consistently prioritised the city. Carrying forward this legacy, the Yogi government ensured that Atal Ji's memories were honoured with dignity.

On December 25, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 25-foot bronze statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan. Exactly six years later, on December 25, 2025, coinciding with Atal Ji's birth centenary, the Prime Minister dedicated a 65-foot bronze statue to the nation at the Rashtra Prerna Sthal.

The addresses by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reflected deep reverence for the nation, Lord Shri Ram, and revered national leaders. Prime Minister Modi and Defence Minister Singh began their speeches with the slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath resonated with public sentiment by chanting Siyavar Ramchandra Bhagwan Ki Jai.

All three leaders highlighted the contributions of Pandit Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and also paid tribute to Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya and Maharaja Bijli Pasi on their birth anniversaries, thereby acquainting the present generation with India's rich and inspiring legacy.

Rashtra Prerna Sthal(At a Glance)
Bhubaneswar, Dec 26 : Amid speculation over the party's future and leadership succession, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday asserted that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is and will remain the voice of the people of Odisha for the next 100 years.

The BJD President said this while addressing party workers and leaders during a state-level event celebrating the regional party's 29th Foundation Day at the party headquarters here on Friday.

Speaking at the event, the BJD supremo said, "Defeat and victory are the parts of Democracy. At present, some people and political parties are engaged in spreading propaganda about our party. There are rumours that the Biju Janata Dal will break apart. I want to make it clear that Biju Janata Dal is not about one or two leaders- It is a people's movement, deeply connected to Odia aspirations and pride. BJD is and will remain the voice of the people of Odisha for the next 100 years."

Addressing the gathering, Patnaik said the party is deeply connected with the identity, aspirations and self-respect of the people of Odisha.

"BJD is not just a political party; it is a people's movement. It is the party of every Odia. The hopes and dreams of 4.5 crore people are linked with the party," he said.

Calling the BJD one of India's most successful regional parties, Patnaik recalled that since 1997, the party has served Odisha, inspired by the ideals of Biju Patnaik. He said that service, self-esteem, and fight have been the 'Mantra' of BJD.

The ex-CM Patnaik asserted that the 24-year tenure of the BJD government from 2000 to 2024 was the "golden era" of Odisha's development. "We fought poverty, Starvation, infant mortality and natural calamity; we succeeded too. We gave Odisha a new identity. We have empowered mothers, increased farmers'income, introduced free healthcare under BSKY, strengthened the stateas economy, attracted investment and generated employment for youth," he said.

The BJD supremo also targeted the present BJP-led state government, raising questions over the claims of "double engine development".

"Where is the development? Farmers are not getting fertiliser, mandis are not opening, Mission Shakti mothers are suffering, and youth are in despair. In the last 18 months of the double-engine Sarkar, 18 question papers have been leaked. It appears as though there is no functioning government in the state. It is better to talk about the law-and-order situation. Crimes against women are rising, and even young girls are unsafe," Patnaik added.

Addressing the young party workers, Patnaik called them the most important assets of the regional Party. He urged the young party leaders and workers to become more active in social media and counter misinformation about the BJD.

"In politics, patience is important. I have full faith in your labour and commitment. Together we will transform today's challenge into tomorrow's opportunity and continue our effort for an empowered Odisha," the BJD president advised the youth.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday paid tributes on the occasion of 'Veer Bal Diwas' and remembered freedom fighter Shaheed Udham Singh on his birth anniversary.

In a post on X, HM Shah said that the immortal martyr Udham Singh displayed unparalleled courage and valour in avenging the countrymen who were martyred in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

He said that Udham Singh also played a leading role in spreading the flame of the Indian freedom struggle to foreign lands through the Ghadar movement.

The Union Minister said that his saga of bravery is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the youth of the country, instilling in them a deep sense of devotion to their motherland.

In a separate message, HM Shah paid tributes to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Mata Gujri and the brave Sahibzadas on 'Veer Bal Diwas', remembering their martyrdom.

In a post on X, the Union Home Minister said that the sacrifices made by Guru Gobind Singh's brave sons at a very young age for the protection of faith and country are a rare example in history.

He said that the values instilled in the Sahibzadas by Mata Gujri and Guru Gobind Singh, which sowed the seeds of protecting humanity, could not be shaken even by the inhumane torture of cruel oppressors.

HM Shah said that, to ensure that the story of the sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas reaches every generation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the observance of 'Veer Bal Diwas'.

On 'Veer Bal Diwas', I remember the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh, Mata Gujri, and the valiant Sahibzadas, and bow to them, he said.

Earlier, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also paid tributes on the occasion of 'Veer Bal Diwas'.

"On Veer Bal Diwas, we pay humble tribute to the supreme courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose unwavering faith and bravery continue to inspire the nation," he said.

Their steadfast commitment to truth, righteousness, and justice at such a young age stands as an eternal example of moral strength and selfless devotion. May their legacy guide future generations to uphold courage, compassion, and unity, he said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Srinagar, Dec 26 : Police in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Friday facilitated the safe handover of a stone sculpture recovered from the Jhelum river to the Archaeology Department for preservation and conservation, an official said.

In a statement issued here, the police said that Baramulla Police ensured the secure transfer of the stone sculpture, which was recovered from the River Jhelum, following due procedure.

According to the statement, a fisherman identified as Nazir Ahmad Latoo, son of Ghulam Mohammad Latoo and a resident of Shaltanga"Zogyar, reported to Police Station Sheeri in Baramulla that he had recovered a stone sculpture while fishing in the river.

"The sculpture was immediately brought to the notice of police authorities and kept in safe custody at Police Station Sheeri," the statement said.

"Subsequently, on December 26, 2025, following official directions from the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Jammu and Kashmir, the stone sculpture -- identified as Goddess Durga -- was formally handed over by Baramulla Police to officials of the Archaeology Wing, Srinagar, through a proper handover and takeover process," it added.

Baramulla Police reiterated its commitment to the protection of cultural heritage and urged citizens to promptly inform authorities about any discoveries of historical or archaeological importance.

It may be mentioned that during the peak of terrorism in Kashmir in the early and mid-1990s, militants destroyed numerous homes and temples belonging to the minority Kashmiri Pandit community.

In several such incidents, idols of gods and deities were removed from their historic locations and thrown into rivers or abandoned at other places.

Kashmir is home to some of the oldest Hindu temple sites, including the iconic Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ruined ninth-century Martand Sun Temple dedicated to Surya, the riverside ruins of the Avantiswami and Avantisvara temples at Awantipora, and the ancient Shiva shrine at Pandrethan.

The region also houses revered sites such as the Kheer Bhawani temple at Tullamulla and the Sharika Mata shrine at Hari Parbat, reflecting Kashmiras rich Shaivite and Vaishnavite heritage.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : A court here on Friday extended the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of two accused in the Red Fort bomb blast case that killed 11 persons and injured several others last month.

Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma allowed the NIA to probe the accused Yasir Ahmad Dar for 10 more days, while the custody of the other accused, Dr. Bilal Naseer Malla, was extended for eight days.

According to the NIA, Yasir Ahmad Dar, a resident of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, is the ninth accused to be arrested in the case.

He was arrested from New Delhi under relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

"NIA investigations have revealed Yasir's active role in the conspiracy behind the car bomb blast that rocked the national capital on November 10. An active participant in the conspiracy, he had sworn allegiance and taken an oath to carry out self-sacrificial operations," the agency had said earlier.

The NIA has also claimed that Yasir was in close contact with other accused persons in the case, including Dr. Umar Nabi, the deceased perpetrator of the bombing, and Mufti Irfan.

Dr. Bilal Naseer Malla of Baramulla, who is the eighth accused in the case, was arrested by an NIA team from Delhi on December 9.

As per the agency, he had knowingly harboured Umar Nabi by providing him logistical support and is also accused of destruction of evidence related to the terror attack.

The NIA has said that it is continuing its investigation into the larger conspiracy behind the deadly blast and is working closely with various central and state agencies to unravel all its links.

Earlier this month, the agency 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.

These were preceded by similar searches at the premises of prime accused Dr. Muzammil Shakeel Gania and Dr. Shaheen Saeed in Haryana's Faridabad.

The probe agency has said that further investigation in the case is underway.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : The Delhi Assembly's Winter Session will begin on January 5, 2026, with Lt Governor (L-G) V.K. Saxena issuing the summoning order for the sitting, an official said on Friday.

In the order, the L-G said: "In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Section 6(1) of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 (Central Act No. 1 of 1992), I hereby summon the Fourth Session (Winter Session) of the Eighth Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi to meet at the Assembly Hall, Old Secretariat, Delhi-110054, on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 2.00 p.m."

Legislative Assembly Secretary Ranjeet Singh on Friday shared a copy of the L-G's summons and informed all MLAs and officials about the date for the commencement of the Winter Session.

The session is expected to last at least till January 8 and may be extended by Speaker Vijender Gupta if the pending business so requires.

Delhi government sources said that apart from discussions on Action Taken Reports related to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports, the session may also witness deliberations on the governmentas initiatives to combat pollution.

The modalities of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy may also come up for discussion, apart from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presenting updates on Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Atal Canteens and Pink Mobility cards for women commuters travelling free on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses.

Earlier, as part of preparations for the session, Speaker Vijender Gupta reviewed the status of action taken on reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

Addressing senior officials, the Speaker said that incomplete or informal replies to audit observations were posing challenges in audit follow-up and preventing the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) from functioning efficiently.

The Speaker observed that the adoption of the Audit Para Monitoring System (APMS) in the Delhi Assembly marks a significant step towards transparency, procedural discipline and a more accountable audit follow-up mechanism.

"The APMS is now fully operational within the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and Delhi is arguably the first State Assembly in the country to implement such a comprehensive real-time audit monitoring portal," Gupta said.

During the meeting held earlier this month, the Speaker discussed challenges related to audit follow-up in detail. It was noted that many replies uploaded by departments were not in the prescribed format and therefore could not be placed before the PAC, according to a statement.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar called on Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan at the Vice President's Enclave on Friday and shared experiences related to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and Chairship of International IDEA.

Earlier in the month, CEC Kumar was in Sweden to assume the Chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

He also met the Committee on the Constitution at the Swedish Parliament and held discussions on various aspects of democracy.

Earlier, the CEC also unveiled the plaque at International IDEA Headquarters in Sweden and met Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of International IDEA.

The CEC took over the Chairship of IIDEA in the meeting of the Council of Member States of International IDEA to be held in Stockholm, Sweden.

As Chair, he will be presiding over all council meetings in 2026.

International IDEA, established in 1995, is an intergovernmental organisation committed to strengthening democratic institutions and processes across the world. With a current membership of 35 countries and the United States and Japan as Observers, the organisation promotes inclusive, resilient, and accountable democracies.

"The Chairship marks a significant milestone, reflecting global recognition of the Election Commission of India as one of the worldas most credible and innovative Election Management Bodies (EMBs)," the ECI said.

India, a founding member of IIDEA, has consistently contributed to the organisationas governance, democratic discourse and institutional initiatives.

"As Chair, the CEC will leverage the countryas unmatched experience of conducting the worldas largest elections to shape IIDEA's global agenda. The collaboration will strengthen knowledge-sharing, reinforce professional networks among EMBs, and support evidence-based global electoral reforms," the ECI said.

Being the world's largest electorate of nearly a billion electors and with well-laid-down and documented transparent electoral processes, India will endeavour to share its best practices with the EMBs across the world during the year.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Dec 26 : The year saw Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir consolidating unprecedented authority over the civilian government without staging a physical armed coup like earlier instances, yet reshaping constitutional arrangements and foreign alignments while domestic unrest and economic strain deepen.

Even as the General rose to be a Field Marshal without exhibiting any valour on the field, the country continued to spiral down, with its internal security and economy remaining fraught. Pakistan is staring at several risk factors, including political instability that could derail reform implementation, slowerthanexpected growth that undermines revenue targets, and external shocks such as commodity price spikes.

Balochistan continues to see insurgent attacks and the state's heavy-handed responses, while tensions in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and recurring clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have strained the security services and displaced communities.

The Afghan border remains a source of more instability, where trade and traffic are at a standstill since the Taliban's October 11 attack, reportedly in retaliation for Islamabad's air raids. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has also stepped up protests against the near-solitary imprisonment of its leader, Imran Khan. The overall volatility has complicated counterterrorism operations and refugee management.

Pakistan's economy, meanwhile, remains under severe pressure with stagnant growth, currency volatility, and conditional external financing limiting the state's capacity to deliver services, amplifying public discontent and constraining policy choices.

Analysts warn that militarised governance amid economic malaise risks prioritizing security spending over structural reforms that could revive investment and jobs. Reports suggest that Islamabad is falling into a debt trap with the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, most of which remain incomplete amidst major economic, security, and environmental challenges. Pakistan must meet over USD 23 billion in external debt repayments in the current fiscal year, and the central bank's estimates put total foreign debt repayments and interest at about USD 30.35 billion for the year, say media reports.

Overall, add reports that according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, the country's total debt was Pakistani Rs 76.01 trillion (approx. USD 267 billion) at the end of March this year, comprising domestic debt of Pakistani Rs 51.52 trillion (approx. USD 180 billion) and an external debt of Pakistani Rs 24.49 trillion (about USD 86 billion).

Islamabad's foreign policy has oscillated between courting the United States for security and economic engagement and China for infrastructure and strategic backing. This dual approach fuels strategic uncertainty in the region as partners compete for influence.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir met United States President Donald Trump in Washington on September 25, where photographs showed them peddling rare earth minerals, and reports claimed they had offered a port for Washington to develop.

Munir's ascent from army chief to the country's most powerful security figure has been rapid and institutionally transformative. He was elevated into a new, overarching defence role that centralized command over the army, navy, air force and the nuclear arsenal -- a shift criticised by many as concentrating unchecked power.

Legislators passed what has been widely described as the 27th Amendment, replacing previous collective command structures with a single Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) post and extending legal immunities and tenure protections for the incumbent.

Critics call the move a "constitutional coup" because it rewrote oversight mechanisms, curtailed civilian checks, and effectively insulated the military leadership from parliamentary or judicial review. Munir's consolidation combined legal change, institutional reshuffles, and public-facing narratives of national security.

The amendment reset tenures and centralized authority, while state messaging framed the reforms as necessary for stability; the result was a military apparatus with expanded autonomy and broad immunity from civilian oversight.

The General witnessed army installations and the country's terror launchpads being destroyed in May during Operation Sindoor, a highintensity crossborder confrontation launched earlier in the year. It was New Delhi's warning in response to Pakistan-trained terrorists killing 25 tourists and a local pony operator in Pahalgam on April 22.

Later reports suggest that the state has begun to rebuild the terror network, without learning a lesson from past misadventures. As the sun rises in the New Year, chances are its rays will not be able to light up much of the darker spots that Pakistan bears.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : A pack of foxnuts (Makhana) weighing about 25 grams, which used to cost $2, has doubled to $4 in recent months in the US, due to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump squeezing household budgets, a report has said.

A report from Al Jazeera said that the 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports have hit sales, with exporters to the US seeing shipments slump by as much as 40 per cent.

Indian foxnut exporters, however, have found alternate markets, it added.

The report cited Denver-based leather garment trader, originally hailing from Kolkata, saying that his monthly grocery budget rose to $900 from $500 before the pandemic, specifically mentioning price rise in foxnuts or Makhana.

"Still, amid the crisis, some are also spotting a ray of hope  Indian fox nuts are finding new, alternative markets and a growing appetite for the superfood in India," the report said.

Foxnut exporters are "seeing demand from new markets, like Spain and South Africa, driven by the Indian diaspora and awareness of the health benefits of fox nuts," it added.

India exported about 800 metric tonnes of foxnuts in 202425 to markets including Germany, China, the US and the Middle East, with the US accounting for half of those exports.

"The sector has huge opportunities, as it is still in a nascent stage and limited to Indian diaspora in international market, and we need to spread more awareness about it both domestically and abroad," the report cited Satyajit Singh, whose company, Shakti Sudha Agro Ventures, controls half of India's total exports of the health food, as saying.

The Indian government has recently announced a Makhana Board with an initial outlay of Rs 1 billion to institutionalise the value chain and provide training, quality regulation and export facilitation.

India is the largest producer of makhana in the world, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of global production, the Parliament was informed earlier this month. Bihar remains the backbone of the country's makhana output, contributing around 85 per cent of national production, with Darbhanga emerging as one of the key hubs for cultivation and processing.

IANS

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VIENTIANE, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Lao National Internet Committee convened a meeting to review its 2025 performance and set key priorities for 2026, with a focus on strengthening internet governance, enhancing cybersecurity, and combating online fraud.

The meeting was held on Thursday in the Lao capital Vientiane, and was chaired by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong, with representatives from relevant agencies in attendance, according to Lao National Radio.

The meeting reviewed a summary of 2025 activities and outlined the 2026 work plan, highlighting progress in internet management, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and the use of information and communication technology across government operations, business, and daily life. The committee also noted ongoing challenges, particularly the misuse of the internet and social media, and called for stronger measures to address them.

The meeting also marked the official launch of the Anti-Online Fraud Center, which is scheduled to begin operations on Dec. 29.

In his speech, Vilay emphasized strengthening the committee's role, enhancing coordination across ministries and provincial authorities, and reviewing existing legislation to meet current needs. He called for amendments to laws on computer crime and online information management, and the development of national strategies for telecommunications, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and others. 
Fatehgarh Sahib, Dec 26 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday paid obeisance at the historic Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, paying homage to Mata Gujri and the younger Sahibzadas -- Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh for the supreme sacrifice.

Highlighting the significance of the days of Shaheedi Sabha, CM Mann said all of Punjab observed these days as "Days of Mourning" as it was during this period that the tyrant rulers bricked alive the younger Sahibzadas of Dashmesh Pitaah.

"The entire world feels proud of this unparalleled and extraordinary sacrifice, an act not only revered by Punjabis and Indians but by humanity across the globe. Nearly 50 lakh devotees visit Fatehgarh Sahib during the Shaheedi Sabha to seek blessings at the holy shrine," the CM said.

Interacting with the media here after paying obeisance, the Chief Minister said these great sacrifices remained unmatched in human history and would continue to inspire future generations to resist tyranny, oppression, and injustice.

"Every inch of this sacred land is blessed, drawing countless devotees who come to bow before this holy place. This pious soil is a source of inspiration not only for Sikhs but for the entire human race," he said.

Referring to the sacrifice of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, CM Mann said their supreme act to uphold the human rights to "follow one's faith according to conscience stands unparalleled in human history".

"The Sikh tradition remembers this as the 'Nikkian jinda, vadde Saake', a tragedy that even after more than three centuries, continues to evoke deep pain among Sikhs worldwide," he said.

CM Mann said he prayed to the Almighty for Punjab's continued prosperity, harmony, peace, and strengthening of human values of brotherhood and goodwill. The Chief Minister said he considered himself fortunate that the Almighty blessed him with the opportunity to serve the people of the state.

Sharing details about the arrangements for the millions of devotees arriving from around the world, CM Mann said: "The Punjab government has made extensive provisions for healthcare, transport, cleanliness, and security to ensure that no devotee faces inconvenience. Making such arrangements during the Shaheedi Sabha is the government's foremost duty, which it fulfills with full dedication."

The Chief Minister also mentioned that this year the 350th Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom anniversary) of the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, is being commemorated with deep devotion and respect. He recalled that in November on the occasion of Guru's martyrdom, the government announced the designation of three Takht towns as holy cities.

"The official notification has already been issued for granting holy-city status to the walled city area of Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo, and Anandpur Sahib, thereby fulfilling a long-standing demand of 'sangat' worldwide," he added.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participates in the Kirtan Samagam program on Veer Bal Diwas and the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, in Lucknow on Friday, December 26, 2025.. Image Source: IANS/CMO

December 26 : Lucknow: At the Kirtan Samagam held on Friday to mark Veer Bal Diwas and the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, History is shaped only by those who embody sacrifice and renunciation. He said the legacy of the Sikh Gurus, who gave everything for faith, nation, and humanity, continues to guide Indias path of progress.

A Shabad Path and Kirtan Samagam were organised at the Chief Ministers residence, 5 Kalidas Marg, on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas. The Chief Minister began the programme by bowing before the Guru Granth Sahib.

He then listened to Shabad Kirtan and accounts of the immortal sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, honoured the children who recited the Kirtan with turbans and awards, and released a booklet titled Chhote Sahibzade.

He said, Observing the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Jis Sahibzadas, Baba Ajit Singh, Baba Jujhar Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh, and Baba Fateh Singh as Veer Bal Diwas is a tribute to their supreme sacrifice for faith and the nation.

He thanked the Prime Minister for giving national recognition to this day, reflecting the sentiments of the Sikh community across the country. The Chief Minister described the history of the Sikh Gurus as a unique blend of devotion and strength, noting that Guru Nanak Dev Ji spread his message across the length and breadth of India, while Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji set enduring examples through their sacrifices and commitments.

During the Kirtan Samagam, the Chief Minister paid homage to the ideals, sacrifices, and dedication of the Sikh Gurus. He noted that this year marks the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and recalled his participation in several commemorative events. He also described it as a special coincidence that, while marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji at his residence, he had the privilege of announcing December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas.

The Chief Minister said, Veer Bal Diwas is now being observed in schools, colleges, and offices across the country, and the stories of the Sahibzadas have been included in the curriculum to inspire the younger generation with the values of sacrifice and selflessness.

He highlighted the Sikh tradition of langar as a powerful symbol of social harmony, transcending caste and religion, and said Guru Gobind Singh Ji worked tirelessly to unite society.

Paying homage to Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, Mata Gujri Devi, and the Sahibzadas Baba Ajit Singh, Baba Jujhar Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, the Chief Minister said that Veer Bal Diwas is a source of inspiration for Indias youth. He assured full support from the double-engine government for events marking the 350th martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

The programme concluded with the recitation of Anand Sahib and Ardaas, after which the Chief Minister joined Ministers Swatantra Dev Singh, Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi and Aseem Arun in the langar.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Voicing its grave concern over the persistent incidents of violence targetting religious minorities - including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists - in its neighbourhood, India on Friday asserted that it is keeping a close watch on the ongoing developments in Bangladesh.

"India is closely monitoring developments and has expressed grave concern over the continued hostility of minorities, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists. We condemn the recent killing of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh and expect that the perpetrators of the crime would be brought to justice. More than 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities, including cases of killings, arson, and land grabs, have been documented by sources during the tenure of the interim government. These incidents cannot be brushed aside as mere media exaggerations or dismissed as political violence," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.

Slamming the "unremitting hostility" against minorities in Bangladesh, India also rejected the false anti-India narrative being projected in Bangladesh while reiterating that maintaining law and order and ensuring security is the responsibility of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

"We have rejected the false narrative that is being projected in Bangladesh. Maintaining law and order and security is the responsibility of the Bangladesh interim government. To portray a narrative where things in some other direction is completely false and we reject that," said Jaiswal.

On Thursday, Bangladeshi media reported the killing of another Hindu youth, identified as 29-year-old Amrit Mondal, who was allegedly lynched by a mob in the Hossaindanga area of Kalimohar Union in Bangladesh late Wednesday.

Last week, MEA stated that India continues to monitor the evolving situation in Bangladesh and conveyed strong concerns to Bangladeshi authorities regarding the attacks on minorities.

The remarks came after a 25-year-old Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was brutally killed in a mob lynching incident over false blasphemy accusations by a Muslim coworker at his factory on December 18. The mob killed Das and then hung his body from a tree before setting it on fire.

"India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh. Our officials remain in touch with the Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them our strong concerns at the attacks on minorities. We have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice," the MEA added.

Bangladesh has witnessed escalating violence against minorities, including Hindus under the Yunus-led interim government, sparking outrage among people and several human rights organisations across the globe.

Earlier on December 17, the MEA summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to convey New Delhi's strong concerns over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh.

According to the MEA, the Bangladeshi envoy's attention was drawn specifically to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka.

India outrightly rejected the false narrative sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh.

The MEA expressed concern that the Yunus-led interim government neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents.

India has also called on the Yunus-led interim government to ensure the safety of Indian missions and posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : India on Friday expressed support for democratic transition and free, fair as well as inclusive elections in Myanmar.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday that India stands for peace, stability and return of normalcy in Myanmar.

When asked about whether India has sent any observers for the elections set to be held in Myanmar, Jaiswal responded, "On Myanmar, we stand for democratic transition in the country. Elections are to be held. We support free, fair and inclusive elections in which everybody participates and India stands for peace and stability and return of normalcy in the country."

"In regard to your question about observers, I don't have an update about that. I shall come back to you," he added.

In August, the Union Election Commission announced that Myanmar will hold the first phase of the general election on December 28 and the dates for subsequent phases will be announced in due course.

The announcement came after Myanmar's State Security and Peace Commission Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, in June, said that the polls in the country will be held during December this year and January next year, Xinhua News Agency reported citing state-owned daily The Global New Light of Myanmar.

On August 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Myanmar's State Security and Peace Commission Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China's Tianjin to review bilateral ties and discuss the way forward on several aspects of bilateral cooperation.

PM Modi reiterated India's readiness to support the developmental needs of Myanmar. He noted that India attaches importance to its ties with Myanmar as part of its Neighbourhood First, Act East, and Indo-Pacific policies.

In a statement shared on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: "PM Narendra Modi met with Senior General Mr. Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of Myanmar, on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. The leaders reviewed India-Myanmar ties and discussed the way forward on several aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade, development partnership, defence and security and border management. PM reiterated India's readiness to support the developmental needs of Myanmar."

PM Modi had expressed hope that the forthcoming elections in Myanmar will be held in a fair and inclusive manner involving all stakeholders. He underlined that India supports a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process, for which peaceful dialogue and consultation are the only way forward, according to the MEA statement.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : A day after Beijing accused Washington of misrepresenting its defence policy in a recent Pentagon report, an article published by China's state-controlled news portal stressed bilateral ties "in the economic and trade sphere" and their global impact.

"International relations have never been smooth sailing. It requires wisdom and responsibility to stabilize the course and steer the overall situation amid turbulent waves," People's Daily Online observed on Friday.

"Looking back at history, the lessons are clear: For the sake of our shared responsibility and future, China and the US should and can cooperate," it added later.

The reference was made in the context of this year marking the "80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War", when "China and the US fought side by side, making significant contributions to defending peace and justice and saving human civilization during its darkest moment", the article noted.

US-China trade tensions escalated earlier this year when President Donald Trump's administration reimposed and increased tariffs on imports from Beijing, citing concerns such as trade imbalances, illicit fentanyl exports and national security issues linked to technology transfers.

China responded with reciprocal tariffs targeting key US exports, including agricultural goods, industrial machinery and rare earth minerals.

Amid global trade disruptions and economic uncertainty, diplomatic efforts led to multiple rounds of negotiations. President Trump's meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in South Korea last month did ease tensions to some extent, though without yielding a formal comprehensive trade agreement.

Referring to the meeting, the column pointed out how "head-of-state diplomacy between China and the US has played a crucial role as an anchor, calibrating the direction of bilateral relations."

On Thursday, Beijing had strongly criticised the Pentagon report, calling it one "that distorts China's defence policies", and implied that Washington should refrain from interfering in China's diplomatic engagements with other countries.

According to the US Defence Department report, China continues to prepare for a possible military confrontation with India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), even as both sides pursue diplomatic engagement to stabilise ties.

The report urged caution despite India and China announcing an agreement in October 2024 to disengage from remaining standoff points along the LAC, stating that a reduction in tensions does not reflect a change in China's long-term military posture.

China has continued to maintain its position, while New Delhi recently raised concerns over an Indian citizen born in Arunachal Pradesh being detained and allegedly harassed at Shanghai airport over the mention of her place of birth.

Beijing has also been wary of Washington pledging record arms sales to Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, and of the US National Security Strategy (NSS) document reflecting an intent to work "to align the actions of our allies and partners with our joint interest in preventing domination by any single competitor nation."

The document leaves little doubt about which country it considers the "single competitor nation".

Friday's People's Daily article is being seen as reflecting a pivot by Beijing at a time when the White House appears to be softening its stance towards India.

"Any attempt to simplify China-US relations into a narrative of 'competition' or even 'confrontation' is a deviation from and misreading of reality. Such perspectives are not only unhelpful in solving problems but also create more severe new issues for both countries and the world," the article stated.

"China-US relations not only influence the global strategic landscape but also affect the pulse of the world economy, impacting the livelihoods of people in various countries," it added, in what appeared to be a response to the NSS document, particularly its framing of competition in the Indo-Pacific region.

"When China and the US work together, the world feels reassured; if they confront each other, the world is left unnerved," the article said, in an apparent attempt to ease tensions.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : The Delhi Police Crime Branch has filed a charge sheet against Manoj Yadav alias Kaira, a key member of the crime syndicate headed by fugitive gangster Kapil Sangwan, also known as Nandu, officials said on Friday.

The action is part of an intensified crackdown on organised crime and gangster networks operating in Delhi and neighbouring states.

The chargesheet was filed after a detailed investigation by the Anti-Gang Squad (AGS) of the Crime Branch, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Harsh Indora under the supervision of Additional Commissioner of Police Mangesh Kashyap.

Manoj Yadav was arrested on October 7, 2025, in connection with FIR No. 165/24 registered at the Crime Branch police station.

He is currently lodged in judicial custody under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime (MCOC) Act. Police said Yadav was a close confidant of Kapil Sangwan and played a crucial role in the gang's extortion and violence operations.

According to investigators, Yadav supplied sensitive information about businessmen and property dealers to the syndicate, enabling extortion calls and intimidation. He also acted as a key facilitator by arranging and delivering illegal firearms to shooters involved in targeted attacks and murders.

Police said the Kapil Sangwan syndicate has evolved over the years from revenge killings and armed robberies between 2015 and 2016 to a sophisticated organised crime network involved in extortion, contract killings and targeted shootings between 2021 and 2024.

The gang allegedly generated large illegal assets through extortion rackets, coercive land dispute settlements and by maintaining shooters, logistics and safe hideouts.

Yadav, a known bad character of Jafarpur police station, was initially involved in bootlegging in the Najafgarh area before joining the gang to establish dominance. He has at least seven previous criminal cases against him, including murder and bootlegging.

He has also been linked to multiple cases, including a Gurugram land dispute intimidation case, a murder case in Paschim Vihar East where he allegedly supplied weapons to shooters, and an extortion-related case in Najafgarh.

"Further investigation of the case is still ongoing for apprehending other members of the syndicate," said DCP Harsh Indora.
Mumbai, Dec 26 : Prashant Jagtap, the former Mayor of Pune and City President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) on Friday officially joined the Congress party on Friday in the presence of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshwardhan Sapkal.

Along with him, several office-bearers of the NCP-SP from Pune also crossed over to Congress. His entry is seen as a major boost for the party ahead of the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections.

Jagtap had strongly opposed tie up between the NCP-SP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, in particular when the local party leaders had been at the forefront to forge an alliance with the Sharad Pawar faction.

NCP-SP working president Supriya Sule made efforts in vain to convince Jagtap to reconsider his decision. However, Jagtap stuck to his stand and quit the post of Pune unit chief and also the party. Jagtap had said that he would continue to be in politics to safeguard the Constitution and never compromise on secular values.

Jagtap received calls from state Congress general secretary Sachin Sawant and also from Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray. Incidentally, Jagtap was not contacted by any local leader from the Congress urging him to join the party.

Jagtap said, "The Congress is a 135-year-old party, a vast ocean that stands firm like the Himalayas despite any storm. As a progressive worker, I joined to carry forward the thoughts of Gandhi, Nehru, and Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar. My fight is against communalism and corruption, and today, only Congress can take on the BJP."

Speaking on the occasion, Sapkal stated, "The ideology of Shiva-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar and the Congress party are two sides of the same coin. Political parties operate on ideologies, and Congress is fighting this ideological battle with utmost loyalty. Today, some parties only work for power and amassing wealth through corrupt means to win elections. A drama of 'throw money and watch the show' is in full swing. The ideology of Congress is what will save the country. Prashant Jagtap has entered the vast ocean of Congress, and we welcome him."

He further added, "Congress fights for values of equality, brotherhood, and social justice. On the other side is the BJP, which holds a communal and Manuvadi mindset, aiming to keep power and religion in the hands of a select few. Some people were given everything by Congress - posts of CM, ministers, and MPs - yet they left claiming 'suffocation.' While people usually salute the rising sun, Jagtap has joined Congress specifically for an ideological struggle."

Congress Legislative Party Leader Vijay Wadettiwar remarked, "Prashant Jagtap was working with NCP (Sharad Pawar). He took a firm stand against joining communal forces and chose Congress; this is what commitment to ideology looks like. He is a leader who refuses to compromise on the values of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar. Many tried to stop him or offer deals, but he did not abandon the progressive path. With such leaders, 2029 will belong to us."

Former Minister Naseem Khan emphasised that the country currently needs to save democracy and the Constitution. He criticised the BJP for "misleading people through lies" and a "divide and rule" policy, stating that only Congress's vision can protect the nation.

Meanwhile, the Congress felicitated the winners in the Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayat elections.
Kottayam, Dec 26 : Palai in Kerala's Kottayam district on Friday etched its name in the record books when 21-year-old Diya Binu Pulikkakandam assumed office as Chairperson of the Palai Municipality, becoming the youngest municipal chairperson in the country and scripting a rare chapter in India's local governance history.

Kottayam, Dec 26 (IANS) Palai in Keralaas Kottayam district on Friday etched its name in the record books when 21-year-old Diya Binu Pulikkakandam assumed office as Chairperson of the Palai Municipality, becoming the youngest municipal chairperson in the country and scripting a rare chapter in India's local governance history.

Diyaas elevation, which came after days of intense political negotiations in a fractured municipal council, marks a decisive generational shift in the leadership of the historic town.

Her ascent is being seen not merely as a personal milestone but also as a statement on youth, resilience and political continuity.

Her rise carries a strong political subtext as well.

Diya is the daughter of former municipal chairperson Binu Pulikkakandam and the niece of councillor Biju Pulikkakandam, both seasoned figures in Palaias local political landscape.

Significantly, all three members of the Pulikkakandam family won as independents in the recent municipal elections.

For the family, Diyaas victory is widely viewed as political vindication.

In 2023, Binu Pulikkakandam was unceremoniously removed from the chairpersonas post by Kerala Congress (M) leader Jose K. Mani, triggering widespread resentment among supporters.

Two years later, the chairpersonas position has returned to the family a" this time through the next generation a" completing what many describe as a quiet yet decisive comeback.

The familyas decision to field three independent candidates had initially drawn sharp criticism and ridicule.

However, the electoral verdict decisively turned the narrative in their favour.

A BA Economics graduate from Madras Christian College, Diya entered the political fray at her fatheras urging and accepted the challenge without hesitation.

Her campaign, marked by clarity of ideas and quiet confidence, struck a chord with voters in Ward 15, where she won by a margin of 131 votes.

In a municipality where no political front secured a clear majority, post-election negotiations became inevitable.

During the talks, the Pulikkakandam family made it clear that their support would hinge on Diya being elected chairperson a" a condition that was ultimately accepted by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).

Diya now heads a municipal council that includes her father and uncle as councillors a" an unusual but constitutionally valid arrangement that has sparked both debate and admiration.

She has indicated that she intends to pursue higher education even while discharging her responsibilities as chairperson.

Politically, Diyaas elevation also delivers another setback to Jose K. Mani, whose party is the third-largest ally in the ruling Left Democratic Front.

Joseas father, the late K.M. Mani, represented the Palai Assembly constituency uninterruptedly from 1967 until his death in 2019.

After Jose joined the Left ahead of the 2020 local body elections, he lost the Palai Assembly seat in 2021 and has now seen the municipality a" long regarded as a Mani stronghold a" slip away.

For Palai, the message is unmistakable: the electorate has placed its faith in youth.

Diya Binuas response, she says, will be governance driven by vision, inclusion and long-term development.
Srinagar, Dec 26 : People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti said on Friday that since 2019, hundreds of Kashmiris have been languishing in jails.

Addressing a press conference here, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti said, "Since 2019, hundreds of our youth have been languishing in jails. Many families have approached me regarding this matter."

She alleged that the entire country is reeling under intolerance, and lynching incidents are happening.

"In 72 hours, three incidents happened. The government headed by Omar Abdullah should send a team of ministers to ensure the safety of Kashmiris outside," she said while referring to a recent incident of a Kashmiri shawl seller reportedly beaten by Bajrang Dal activists in Uttarakhand.

On the job reservation row, Mufti said that even when she was in the government, she spoke a lot about the fact that open merit should have enough opportunity.

On Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's statement alleging that he dropped the title of 'Hurriyat Chairman' from his profile on X under pressure from the authorities, she said this should not have happened when all the leadership of the Hurriyat Conference is already in jail.

Mufti disclosed that she had written a letter to the DGP and chief secretary seeking information about the undertrials lodged in jails outside Jammu and Kashmir, but said she got no response.

"I got no response. Then I went to the High Court, but their response has been negative. They are saying my PIL was politically motivated. The High Court has already held that undertrials cannot be treated as convicts. Article 21 of the Constitution says we can talk about these issues. I don't know why the Court refused my PIL," the PDP chief said.

"I remember when PSA was slapped on me, I was called daddy's daughter," she said.

She said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mentioned that "we have 3.5 lakh undertrials in different jails".

"76 per cent of prisoners are undertrials. 1206 convicts are from Kashmir who have been arrested under UAPA," she said.

"The National Conference has two MPs in Parliament, but they didn't raise this matter. The Rajya Sabha members are not doing anything. The chief minister is not talking about it. I had requested the chief minister to form a team to do an analysis, but he didn't," she alleged.

She said the PDP is committed to taking this issue to a logical conclusion. "We will not stop our fight for the rights of Kashmiris," he reiterated.
Daltonganj : , Dec 26 (IANS) Two alleged henchmen of notorious gangster Prince Khan have been arrested in Jharkhand's Palamu in connection with an extortion bid involving a ransom demand of Rs 1 crore from a gold merchant in the district's Medininagar.

Daltonganj (Jharkhand), Dec 26 (IANS) Two alleged henchmen of notorious gangster Prince Khan have been arrested in Jharkhandas Palamu in connection with an extortion bid involving a ransom demand of Rs 1 crore from a gold merchant in the district's Medininagar.

The accused allegedly demanded the ransom from Ranjit Soni, owner of Gold House, a prominent jewellery store in the city, by sending WhatsApp voice messages in the name of Prince Khan, who is believed to be operating from a Gulf country.

The messages also carried threats to kill the businessman if the money was not paid.

Palamu Superintendent of Police Reeshma Ramesh said at a press conference that this was the first instance in Medininagar where an extortion demand had been made using Prince Khanas name.

She said the victim lodged a written complaint at the city police station on December 21, following which an FIR was registered, and a special investigation team was constituted under the leadership of the Sadar SDPO.

Acting on a tip-off, the police conducted a raid late on Thursday night, December 25, at an under-construction municipal corporation building near Congress Bhavan, arresting Mohammad Nazim and Murtaza Ansari. Both are residents of Pahari Mohalla under the city police station limits.

Police recovered two country-made pistols, two live cartridges, two mobile phones, an iron pipe, a jewellery shop receipt, a car, and a motorcycle from the accused. The car was found to be registered in the name of Nazimas father.

Investigation revealed that Nazim had purchased jewellery from the same shop around seven months ago, giving him detailed knowledge of the shopas layout and operations.

During interrogation, both accused confessed to conducting regular reconnaissance of the shop. Two days ago, they had allegedly shot a video of the premises and sent it to Prince Khan.

The SP said Rs 24,000 was transferred to Nazimas account on December 22 to carry out a firing incident to create fear. The accused had planned to open fire near the shop on Thursday, but were arrested before they could execute the plan.

Police also confirmed that Mohammad Nazim has a criminal record. Further investigation is underway to trace other links in the extortion network.
China urges Japan to reflect on history of aggression

Xinhua) 16:08, December 26, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China urges Japan to face up to and do soul-searching on its history of aggression, and show repentance for militaristic crimes and respect for the victims through concrete actions, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing, after a Russian foreign ministry spokesperson recently said Japan ought to construct a memorial hall dedicated to the victims of Japanese militarism to repent for its crimes.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Harvested bell peppers to be exported to Kazakhstan are seen in Fengzhuang Village, Zhongwei City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Nov. 27, 2025. (Xinhua)

YINCHUAN, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Truck driver Tewekkul Tur recently completed another routine delivery to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. His refrigerated vehicle carried over 20 tonnes of fresh vegetables, including leeks, eggplants, celery, peppers and spinach, from an export base in Kashgar, in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The Kashgar facility, with nearly 3,000 greenhouses, sends over half of its output to Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Its deliveries are part of a growing trade trend: fresh vegetables from northwestern China are becoming increasingly popular in Central Asian markets, due to improving geographical proximity and trade facilitation.

"From January to October this year, our company exported 24,599 tonnes of fruits and vegetables in 1,183 truckloads, with a total value exceeding 140 million yuan (about 20 million U.S. dollars)," said Peng Yongjian, a manager at the Kashgar Jiangnan Agricultural and Sideline Products Wholesale Market Co., Ltd.

"We operate on a distribution model and supply directly to local supermarkets and stores. Shipments can depart in the morning and arrive by evening so that local residents can quickly enjoy fresh Chinese vegetables," Peng added.

This vegetable corridor extends beyond Xinjiang, China's gateway to Central Asia. Across the broader northwestern region, high-quality agricultural products are reaching Central Asian dining tables in growing volumes, thanks to increasingly efficient international logistics and steadily improving trade policies.

In Fengzhuang Village, Zhongwei City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, a truck laden with 22 tonnes of bell peppers recently embarked on a long journey north.

"The 'bell pepper express' starts from Zhongwei City, travels through the Horgos Port, and heads to Kazakhstan," explained Shang Jinhua, general manager of Ningxia Zhonghui Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. "The entire trip takes about 70 hours before these peppers arrive at wholesale markets in Almaty." So far this year, his company has exported over 1,000 tonnes of bell peppers to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, valued at more than 12 million yuan.

Despite its inland location, Ningxia boasts abundant sunlight, a cool climate, and significant daily temperature variation. These conditions yield cold-climate vegetables with fewer pests, lower pesticide residue, and superior quality, making the region a prime vegetable production zone.

Government policies are accelerating this export drive, with measures rolled out to support agricultural exports, including tax incentives, quality control, brand building and financial services. Customs authorities have streamlined procedures at ports, facilitating faster and smoother passage for perishable goods.

The enhanced efficiency directly supports the growth of related industries. "This year, we have exported 107 tonnes of cold-climate vegetables in 22 shipments via direct flights from Yinchuan to Dubai," said Wei Xinmin, chairman of Ningxia Xing Yun Tian Modern Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. "From our facility to stores and restaurants in Dubai, the fastest delivery takes just 36 hours."

With fruits and vegetables relatively scarce in Dubai, Chinese exporters see significant potential. "Seven Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and Oman, are in talks with us about importing vegetables," Wei added.

Customs data for Ningxia reflects this momentum. In the first ten months of the year, the region's export value reached 12.78 billion yuan, a 7.2 percent year-on-year increase. Exports of cold-climate vegetables surged 65.4 percent, while exports of beef and lamb showed strong growth of 44.4 percent.

Back in Zhongwei City, the bell pepper industry is scaling up. The Shapotou district has expanded demonstration planting to 1,000 greenhouses. Local authorities are providing targeted support for seedlings, fertilizers, technical services, and export packaging. This initiative is helping to create an integrated system for large-scale cultivation, standardized production, and strong sales.

"We operate under an integrated model that connects our company with agricultural cooperatives and local farmers through purchase orders. This approach involves over 800 villagers in bell pepper cultivation," Shang said.

At the district's bell pepper service center, farmers arrive with their harvest. Shang noted that Shapotou peppers are prized in Kazakhstan for their firmness, durability during transportation, and good taste.

The district has certified 530 mu (about 35 hectares) of vegetable bases for export and implemented a comprehensive quality traceability system to align with international standards. "We aim to build a green, organic production base, establish a long-term mechanism for export orders in facility agriculture, and help more high-quality products reach global markets," said Ding Zhijun, head of Shapotou district.

As trade links strengthen, the journey from greenhouses in northwest China to international markets is becoming shorter, ensuring that fresh, quality vegetables continue to speed onto tables across Central Asia and beyond. 

A plantation for cold-climate vegetables is pictured in Changxin Township of Helan County, Yinchuan City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, July 4, 2024. TO GO WITH "Across China: China's fresh produce finds favor in Central Asian market" (Xinhua/Liu Hai)

Shang Jinhua, general manager of Ningxia Zhonghui Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., displays bell peppers at a plantation in Fengzhuang Village, Zhongwei City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Nov. 27, 2025. TO GO WITH "Across China: China's fresh produce finds favor in Central Asian market" (Xinhua)
New Delhi, Dec 26 : India and the United States continue to remain engaged to finalise a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement (BTA), the government said on Friday.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly media briefing here that the trade deal talks between New Delhi and Washington are on. "Both governments a" the United States and India a" continue to remain engaged with a view to concluding a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement," he said.

Earlier this week, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India and the US are in the advanced stages of negotiating a bilateral trade agreement.

Goyal told journalists that India has already finalised free trade agreements with three members of the Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence alliance a" Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. The US and Canada comprise the other two members of the grouping.

Goyal's optimistic note comes against the backdrop of the talks held by Indian officials with the US delegation led by Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer in Delhi earlier this month. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal had also said earlier that India is "very close" to finalising an initial framework deal with the US aimed at lowering reciprocal tariffs.

Meanwhile, Jaiswal stated during the weekly briefing that the Indiaa"EU FTA negotiations are also progressing well.

"The last round a" the 14th round of negotiations a" was held in Brussels in October. Thereafter, a team visited India, and this month, in December, the EU Trade Commissioner was also here to discuss other outstanding issues. Both sides remain engaged, and we will see how we can take forward the ongoing discussions on the Indiaa"EU FTA," he noted.

There are reports that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will be the chief guests at Indiaas Republic Day celebrations on January 26. Their visit will coincide with the India-EU Summit, where discussions are expected to centre on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Hyderabad, Dec 26 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) on Friday criticised Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for making "derogatory" remarks against BRS President and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and cautioned that restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.

He said, "Instead of repeatedly using abusive, uncivilised and irresponsible language, the Chief Minister should answer KCR's questions."

Reacting strongly to repeated personal attacks on KCR, he said that as a son and as a party worker, it is impossible to remain silent.

"Every day they make baseless statements, one day he talks about KCR's injury and prays for his death, another day they say he is unfit. Watching this language, anyone would feel angry. If not for democracy, I would have reacted differently. But out of respect for the constitutional chair, I restrain myself," he said.

He cautioned that restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. "I, too, know how to respond strongly. I grew up in Hyderabad, and I can speak forcefully in Telugu, Hindi, Urdu and English. But I choose restraint out of respect for the office, not out of fear," KTR said.

KTR was speaking at Telangana Bhavan during a meeting organised in connection with the joining of leaders from the Serilingampally Assembly constituency.

KTR issued a strong political warning to the Chief Minister. "If you have courage, promise the people that you will implement your guarantees. We take responsibility to ensure that you are not elected even from Kodangal in the next elections. The return of KCR as Chief Minister is not far away," he asserted.

The BRS leader said Revanth Reddy's conduct has lowered the dignity of the constitutional office of the Chief Minister and "exposed his inability" to answer serious public questions.

KTR said the Chief Minister has resorted to foul language only because he has no answers to the direct and pointed questions raised by KCR.

"KCR asked simple and straightforward questions. Why has the Palamurua"Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Project been stalled? Even after the Central Government returned the DPR months ago, why has it not been resubmitted? When nearly 90 per cent of the work is already complete, why is the government unwilling to spend a little more and ensure water to Palamuru farmers?" he asked.

Unable to respond to these questions with facts, KTR alleged, Revanth Reddy is indulging in abusive rhetoric and personal attacks. "This is not leadership. This is frustration," he remarked.

KTR further said that when KCR questioned the "silence" of Congress and BJP MPs in Delhi over the "injustice" being done to Telangana in Krishna river water allocations, the Chief Minister panicked.

"Instead of fighting for Telangana's rights, he chose to divert public attention by abusing the opposition," he said.

Raising the issue of unfulfilled Congress promises, KTR asked, "What happened to the six guarantees? Where is the Rs 4,000 monthly pension, the tola of gold, the Rs 2,500 promised to women, and the assurances that were supposed to be implemented within 100 days? Two years have passed. Why has nothing been delivered?" he questioned.

He said that when the Leader of the Opposition asks legitimate questions on behalf of the people, the Chief Minister should respond with accountability, not intimidation.

KTR alleged that Revanth Reddy's anger stems from fear of exposure of alleged real estate dealings, land-related controversies and the so-called 'Future City' drama.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 26 : The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) recorded a sharp surge in liquor sales during the Christmas week, with revenues touching a record Rs 332.62 crore, according to official figures.

The Christmas week sales are calculated for the four days from December 22 to December 25, and officials said this year witnessed a significant jump compared to previous years.

Data shows a 19 per cent increase in sales over the corresponding period last year, underlining a strong festive demand.

The sharpest spike was recorded on Christmas Eve, when liquor sales alone amounted to Rs 114.45 crore.

In comparison, sales on the same day last year stood at Rs 98.98 crore, indicating a substantial year-on-year rise.

Officials attributed the surge not only to the festive season but also to improved consumer facilities introduced by BEVCO over the past year.

The corporation had expanded its premium retail infrastructure, including the launch of new premium counters aimed at offering a better purchasing experience and a wider selection of high-end products.

Premium outlets were recently opened in key centres such as Thrissur and Kozhikode, and officials said these had a positive impact on overall sales figures.

The enhanced facilities helped reduce crowding at regular outlets and encouraged higher-value purchases, contributing to the increase in revenue.

The Corporation has traditionally seen a spike in sales during festival periods such as Onam and Christmas, but this year's figures mark one of the highest Christmas week turnovers recorded by the state-run corporation.

The rise in liquor sales is expected to provide a significant boost to the State exchequer, as the corporation is a major contributor to Keralaas revenue through taxes and duties.

Liquor is sold through state-run 325 retail outlets.

Studies have shown that around 10 per cent of the 3.30 crore Kerala population are tipplers, including around three lakh women.

In 2024a"25, Kerala's liquor sales rose to Rs 19,730.66 crore, up from Rs 19,069.27 crore in 2023a"24, marking an annual growth of 3.5 per cent.
Patna, Dec 26 : Police in Bihar's Gopalganj district have foiled a major criminal plot with the arrest of a notorious liquor smuggler and the recovery of illegal firearms, officials said on Friday.

The swift action by the police has drawn attention across the region.

According to police sources, on the night of December 25, Hathua Station House Officer (SHO) Shoaib Alam received specific intelligence that notorious liquor mafia Vikas Kumar, son of Shivnath Sah and a resident of Attwa Durg village under Hathua police station limits, was planning to carry out a serious criminal act at his residence along with several accomplices.

The information also suggested that the accused was in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

Vikas Kumar is named in multiple liquor smuggling cases and was out on bail at the time. Taking the intelligence input seriously, senior officers immediately ordered action.

A special police team was constituted under the leadership of Inspector and SHO Shoaib Alam.

Despite dense fog and poor visibility, the police conducted a late-night raid at Attwa Durg village.

During the operation, Vikas Kumar was arrested on the spot, while his accomplices managed to flee by taking advantage of the weather conditions.

Police recovered a loaded country-made pistol, one live cartridge, and another country-made pistol without a magazine from the spot.

Providing details of the operation, Hathua Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Anand Mohan Gupta said credible information had been received about a gathering of criminals at the residence of the liquor smuggler.

"Acting swiftly, the police carried out the raid and successfully arrested the accused along with the recovery of illegal arms," Gupta said.

The SDPO further stated that Vikas Kumar is a well-known liquor smuggler, with several cases registered against him in Gopalganj and neighbouring Siwan district.

He has been jailed multiple times in the past for liquor-related offences, Gupta added.

Police have launched continuous raids to apprehend the absconding associates involved in the conspiracy.

Officials said timely police action prevented a potentially serious crime that could have posed a threat to public safety.

At present, the law-and-order situation in the area remains normal, though police are maintaining heightened vigilance.

The operation is being viewed as a significant success for the Gopalganj police, underscoring their proactive approach to crime prevention.
New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS Operation Sindoor was a loud message that was sent out to Pakistan to avenge the horrific Pahalgam attack. While this strike by the Indian armed forces destroyed several terror camps and headquarters, apart from launch pads, the message to Pakistan was that any act of terror would no longer be considered as cross-border. It would be considered an act of war.

On the morning of May 7, the Indian armed forces announced Operation Sindoor hit terror infrastructure both in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. Among the major infrastructure to be destroyed was the headquarters of the Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and the Lashkar-e-Taibaas top training facility in Muridke. Both terror groups and the Hizbul Mujahideen suffered immense losses both in terms of manpower and infrastructure, and are currently finding it extremely challenging to regroup.

With Operation Sindoor, India announced to the world that it had rewritten its doctrine that any act of terror would be considered an act of war. Experts say that such a response was the need of the hour. Pakistan would think twice before it carries out a strike in India, as it is aware that the response would be brutal. Such a response was needed to avenge such an audacious attack in Pahalgam carried out on April 22, in which 26 innocent lives were lost.

The idea of the ISI was to unleash the Lashkar-e-Taiba in Jammu and Kashmir to hurt the tourism industry, which has been booming since the abrogation of Article 370. Pakistan did manage to hurt the industry, but only briefly. Experts say that Operation Sindoor was not just about revenge and a strong message, but about the optics as well. The Pahalgam attack targeted only men, and they were all asked about their religion before being shot at point-blank range in front of their wives.

In the aftermath of Sindoor, two military women briefed the media. They told the media that the terror training camps were hit and how indigenously developed modern military equipment like Akash and BrahMos missiles were used. They also briefed about the real-time recordings of the attacks through modern technology.

Such briefings were important since there was a fake narrative being spread by the Pakistanis. They tried to project that this had won the duel, and it was India which suffered losses. The briefings, recordings and the proof dispelled all doubts, and Pakistanas bluff was caught. Overall, Operation Sindoor was a demonstration of Indiaas military and strategic might. It was executed through a combination of both military and non-military means. It was a multi-dimensional operation which neutralised terrorists, deterred aggression by Pakistan and also enforced Indiaas zero-tolerance policy towards terror.

What is important is that the operation maintained strategic restraint while also gaining international support. After the Pahaglam attack, India was a nation that was seething with rage. Everyone wanted a strong response against Pakistan. It was one of the toughest periods that the Narendra Modi-led government had to endure.

One big challenge was that the people wanted quick action. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted decisive action and not a rushed one. He endured the pressure and gave the Indian armed forces a free hand. The gamble paid off, and under PM Modias leadership, India firmly established that terrorism and its sponsors will be treated alike. In the aftermath of the operation, PM Modi made it clear that a fitting reply would be given to terror. India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail and terror camps being created, and it will hit back at any cost.

Further, Pakistan was told that there would be no difference between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. The PM said, terror and talks will not go together; terror and trade cannot go on together; water and blood cannot flow together.

Operation Sindoor destroyed nine terror camps and conveyed that there would be equal punishment for terrorists and their sponsors. India also displayed air defence superiority, during which the indigenous Akashteer system shot down hundreds of drones and missiles. The strikes were precise without escalation, and during the operation on May 9-10, India carried out air strikes on 11 airbases of a nuclear-armed nation.

This led to the destruction of 20 per cent of Pakistanas Air Force assets. High casualties were inflicted at the Bhoolari airbase. The strikes were coordinated and executed by tri-services -- Army, Air Force and Navy. The impact of the operation was huge. The terror infrastructures in Pakistan are scrambling for funds, and many top leaders have gone underground. The likes of Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar are not visible and are probably underground.

In their absence, the terror infrastructure is finding it hard to restart. Azhar, the man behind the Parliament attack, Pulwama strike, among others, was the worst hit. Not only did he lose infrastructure, but a significant part of his family was wiped out. The strikes claimed the lives of high-value Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmad.

All these persons were involved in the IC-814 hijacking. The biggest hit has been in recruitment. In a nutshell, Operation Sindoor not just finished terror infrastructure, but destroyed the morale of the top terror leadership.
Kolkata, Dec 26 : Bidhannagar City Police on Friday issued an arrest warrant against Raiganj Block Development Officer (BDO) Prashant Barman, who is accused in the murder of gold trader Swapan Kamilya in the Dattabad area of Salt Lake.

The arrest warrant was issued following a development in which a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, on December 22, rejected Barmanas anticipatory bail plea and directed him to surrender before the Bidhannagar Court within 72 hours.

As the 72-hour deadline for him to surrender before the Bidhannagar Court expired on Thursday, the arrest warrant was issued against him, a senior official of the Bidhannagar City Police confirmed.

On Friday, Bidhannagar City Police also approached the Bidhannagar Court seeking enforcement of the arrest warrant, which the court approved.

Kamilya was abducted on October 28 from a gold shop in Dattabad in a car fitted with a blue beacon, allegedly linked to government use.

His body was later recovered from Jatragachi in New Town.

Police registered a case of kidnapping and murder, and the victimas family accused Barman of masterminding the crime.

Investigators have arrested several associates of the BDO and seized the government vehicle allegedly used to dispose of the body.

Barman has denied the allegations and had secured anticipatory bail from the Barasat Court last month, which was later formalised by the Bidhannagar Sub-divisional Court. However, on December 22, a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, headed by Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, rejected his anticipatory bail plea.

Meanwhile, on December 24, Barman approached the Supreme Court challenging the Calcutta High Courtas order.

During the December 22 hearing, the Calcutta High Court strongly criticised the lower courtas order granting anticipatory bail. The court observed that the Barasat Court had failed to consider essential parameters required while granting bail or anticipatory bail in a murder case.

The High Court further noted that the lower court had granted bail while ignoring serious and crucial evidence on record.
Patna, Dec 26 : Amid reports of internal dissent within the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) following the Bihar Assembly elections, party supremo and former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha on Friday categorically denied any possibility of a split in the party.

Speaking to journalists in Rohtas district, Kushwaha dismissed speculation of internal discord and rejected reports suggesting a rift within the RLM.

Reacting sharply to queries about a possible division in the party, he said there was no question of any split and accused sections of the media of raising baseless issues.

"You have just arrived and started asking such questions. You people don't even have valid questions. What kind of question is this?" Kushwaha remarked.

He added that if there were any genuine issues within the party, they would be addressed appropriately.

Notably, two days earlier, when questioned about the absence of three RLM MLAs at a Litti Chokha feast organised by the party in Patna, Kushwaha had brushed aside the issue, stating that it was not worth discussing.

Once again, he reiterated that talk of a split or dissatisfaction among MLAs was unnecessary and misleading.

Kushwaha made the remarks while interacting with local residents during a programme at the Sasaram council, marking his first response to the media since reports of internal dissent surfaced.

It may be mentioned that reports of dissatisfaction among three RLM MLAs have been circulating for several days.

In addition, dozens of party workers have resigned in recent weeks, further fuelling speculation that the party could be heading towards a split.

Political observers point out that the reported resentment began after Kushwaha's wife, Snehlata, was given a ticket from the Sasaram Assembly constituency, which she won.

The discontent is said to have deepened after his son, Deepak Prakash, was made a minister, following which a series of resignations began within the party.

In an apparent effort to project unity, Kushwaha organised a Litti Chokha feast in Patna.

However, three of the party's four MLAs did not attend the event. Apart from Snehlata, the MLAs who skipped the gathering were Rameshwar Mahto, Alok Kumar and Madhav Anand.

These leaders were later seen sharing the stage with BJP leader Nitin Nabin, further intensifying speculation of a possible political realignment.

With reports of growing proximity between disgruntled RLM leaders and the BJP, the resignation wave within the Rashtriya Lok Morcha continues, even as Upendra Kushwaha maintains that his party remains united.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Industry body India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) and experts from across sectors on Friday called for faster skilling and employment reforms in 2026, saying India must move quickly to realise its potential as the world's talent capital.

With the largest youth population globally and nearly 75 per cent of its people in the working-age group, experts believe India has a major opportunity if government, industry and academia work together more closely.

"The government has already laid a strong foundation through initiatives such as the National Education Policy 2020, the Skill India Mission and schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana," experts said.

However, they stressed that implementation needs to be scaled up to meet rising demand.

"At present, just over 51 per cent of Indian youth are considered employable, while annual training capacity stands at around 4.3 million, far below the nearly 12 million people entering the workforce every year," experts explained.

Highlighting concerns in the renewable energy sector, Debmalya Sen, President of IESA, said the industry is facing a serious skill shortage.

"The sector currently has a gap of nearly 1.2 million workers, and demand is expected to rise sharply, requiring around 1.7 million skilled professionals by 2027," he noted.

Vinayak Walimbe of Customized Energy Solutions said India will need around 35 million green jobs by 2047.

"While industry-led efforts are underway, stronger government support is required, including mandatory green skills modules in technical education, industry-linked certification programmes and dedicated funding for sustainability-focused training institutes," he mentioned.

Santosh Rudrawar of Sanjay Ghodawat Group said India's retail sector, in particular, depends on empowering women, especially in rural areas.

"While government initiatives have helped, the sector now needs stronger training frameworks that prepare women for leadership roles, not just entry-level jobs," Rudrawar stated.

Naman Jain of Silverline Prestige School said that while 2025 marked progress in education and skilling reforms, a major gap still exists between theory and practical skills.

"Although 2025 laid a transformative groundwork for India's educational and skilling sector, backed by robust government initiatives, the skill gap that persists in the labour workforce demands a unique approach and reforms that prioritise skilling and upskilling," Jain added.

Vinayak V. Bhosale of Sanjay Ghodawat University said technological changes driven by artificial intelligence, robotics and automation will transform nearly 40 per cent of core job skills by 2030.
Tirupati, Dec 26 : Children should be told stories of heroes from Puranas and not about Batman, Spiderman and Superman, said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday while emphasising the need for connecting the younger generation with India's rich cultural heritage.

He said the children should be told about heroes from the Indian epics instead of Hollywood superheroes and characters like Batman, Spiderman and ironman.

Addressing the inaugural session of seventh Bharatiya Vijnan Sammelan, he urged parents and teachers and to share the stories of Puranic heroes like Ram, Krishna, Arjuna and Hanuman with children, highlighting their virtues, courage and wisdom.

He pointed out that understanding these epics helps the youth to differentiate between good and evil, instils moral values and fosters pride in India's timeless contributions to philosophy, ethics and governance.

The Chief Minister said the younger generation should also be told about 'Ram Rajya'. "We have the responsibility to tell them that Mahabharatha and Ramayana are greater than Avatar movie," he said

The Chief Minister highlighted India's civilisational knowledge heritage and its path toward scientific and technological leadership.

He was joined by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat and Union Minister of State, Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh and others.

The CM underscored the importance of preserving India's knowledge systems while advancing science and technology for the future. He stressed the need to protect and revive India's ancient knowledge traditions and expressed confidence that India would restore its historic scientific glory and continue to contribute meaningfully to global scientific progress.

Reflecting on ancient achievements, the CM referred to Indus valley civilisation's urban planning, the global spread of yoga, the foundations of Ayurveda, and renowned centres of learning such as Takshashila and Nalanda.

He recalled the contributions of great Indian thinkers including Aryabhata, Bhaskaracharya, Charaka, Dhanvantari, and Kautilya, describing them as enduring sources of inspiration.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 26 : The Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, will be visiting Odisha on a three-day official tour from December 27 to 29, according to an official statement issued on Friday.

The CEC is scheduled to visit Puri and offer prayers at the sacred Shree Jagannath Temple on December 27.

Following the visit to the 12th-century shrine, he will proceed to the famous Konark Sun Temple the same day.

The CECas itinerary also includes a visit to Heritage Village Raghurajpur, famous for the Pattachitra paintings, on December 28.

He is also scheduled to visit the Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves, and the Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

On December 29, the Chief Election Commissioner will preside over a meeting with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) at the auditorium of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, and address the gathering.

The CEC is scheduled to depart from Bhubaneswar later on Monday night. As per official sources, he will reportedly hold crucial discussions with the BLOs regarding the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which is likely to be carried out in the state very soon.

The CEC is also likely to deliberate on the recent by-election in Nuapada.

The second phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls is in 12 states and Union Territories across the country.

The states and union territories are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

It is pertinent here to mention that the Election Commission of India is undertaking an extensive house-to-house verification exercise aimed at improving the accuracy of electoral rolls under the SIR process.

The initiative is aimed at creating a clean and reliable voter database by eliminating duplicate entries and removing the names of those who are not entitled to vote.
TOKYO, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Fifteen people were injured on Friday after a man entered a factory in Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan and attacked workers with a knife while spraying an unknown liquid, local media reported.

An emergency call was received around 4:30 p.m. local time reporting that several people had been stabbed at a Yokohama rubber factory in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and that liquid had been sprayed inside the facility, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing local police and fire authorities.

According to the fire department, 15 people have been injured and are currently receiving treatment. All of them are conscious.

The police arrested a self-proclaimed 38-year-old resident of Mishima City, who is believed to be associated with the factory, at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.

According to police, the suspect was reportedly wearing what appeared to be a gas mask at the time of the attack.

Authorities are currently investigating the details of the incident. 
Chandigarh, Dec 26 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said the story of the sacrifices made by the family of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, inspires every individual each time it is read, heard or understood, as he made the greatest sacrifice in the interest of the nation.

The Chief Minister was addressing the state-level Veer Bal Diwas programme organised in Sirsa. Six lakh students from 3,450 schools participated in essay competitions conducted in Hindi, Punjabi, English and Sanskrit.

The first position was secured by Priyanka from Jind (Hindi), Charanjit Kaur from Kaithal (Punjabi), Ridhvi from Ambala (Sanskrit) and Jasleen Kaur from Ambala (English).

CM Saini stated that the government is actively working to disseminate the teachings and principles of the Sikh Gurus to the masses.

On the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, numerous programmes were organised across the state, creating a continuous wave of awareness and reverence towards sacrifice.

"His martyrdom teaches us that no matter how cruel injustice may be, it cannot divert one from the path of truth. His sacrifice represents the conscience of India and will continue to inspire future generations to walk the path of righteousness, courage and self-respect," said the Chief Minister.

He said the Veer Bal Diwas celebration is dedicated to the immortal martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh. Being present among the people on the historic land of Sirsa filled his heart with reverence and pride.

"Today the nation bows before that great legacy which safeguarded India's identity and showed humanity the path of making the supreme sacrifice for faith and truth."

CM Saini said history offers no parallel where innocent children accepted being bricked alive for the protection of faith, yet refused to bow.

"Between December 20 and 27, 1705, all members of the Guru's family sacrificed their lives within a single week for the protection of religion and the common people. This week will remain forever etched in the pages of history," he said.

He said the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas would continue to inspire generations with the spirit of patriotism.

"Keeping this in view, Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to observe their martyrdom day every year as Veer Bal Diwas," added the Chief Minister.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Dec 26 : The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) has offered major relief to lakhs of unemployed youth in Rajasthan by issuing the proposed examination calendar for 2026, even before the beginning of the New Year.

According to the schedule, the examination cycle will commence on January 11 with the Deputy Commandant Exam-2025, marking the start of a year-long series of recruitment tests.

The Commission has announced proposed dates for 16 examinations to be held between January and November 2026, while also reserving five additional dates between April and December for future recruitment exams.

Emphasising transparency and modernisation, the Commission has decided to conduct several examinations through computer-based tests. These include the Lecturer (Ayurveda Department) Exam scheduled for January 12, 2026, and the Assistant Electrical Inspector (Energy Department) Exam to be held on February 1, 2026.

RPSC highlighted that it has previously conducted 160 recruitment examinations in online mode between 2012 and 2018, reinforcing its commitment to adopting advanced and reliable examination systems.

RPSC Chairman Utkal Ranjan Sahu said that releasing the exam calendar in advance aims to provide candidates with adequate time for planned preparation.

He said that announcing exam dates along with or shortly after advertisements helps aspirants remain mentally prepared and complete their studies within a fixed timeframe.

He added that the 2025 exam calendar was followed with 100 per cent compliance, and the Commission is similarly committed to conducting the 2026 examinations in a time-bound manner.

The proposed calendar for 2026 covers a wide range of examinations, including the Assistant Engineer Combined Recruitment Main Exam from March 15 to 18, the Sub-Inspector/Platoon Commander Exam on April 5, the Veterinary Officer and Assistant Agriculture Engineer Exams on April 19, followed by the Professor and Senior Teacher examinations in May, June and July.

Exams for Junior Legal Officer, Statistics Officer, Factory and Boilers Inspectors, Assistant Director and Senior Scientific Officer, and Conservation Officer will also be conducted between July and November. Several dates in April, May, November and December have been reserved for other RPSC recruitment processes.

The Commission stated that the proposed dates will be updated based on recruitment advertisements issued from time to time, and detailed examination schedules will be released as required.

RPSC has offered a major relief to lakhs of unemployed youth in Rajasthan by issuing the proposed examination calendar for the year 2026, even before the beginning of the New Year.

According to the schedule, the examination cycle will commence on January 11 with the Deputy Commandant Exam-2025, marking the start of a year-long series of recruitment tests.

The Commission has announced proposed dates for 16 examinations to be held between January and November 2026, while also reserving five additional dates between April and December for future recruitment exams.

Emphasising transparency and modernisation, the Commission has decided to conduct several examinations through computer-based tests. These include the Lecturer (Ayurveda Department) Exam scheduled for January 12, 2026, and the Assistant Electrical Inspector (Energy Department) Exam to be held on February 1, 2026.

RPSC highlighted that it has previously conducted 160 recruitment examinations in online mode between 2012 and 2018, reinforcing its commitment to adopting advanced and reliable examination systems.

RPSC Chairman Utkal Ranjan Sahu said that releasing the exam calendar in advance aims to provide candidates with adequate time for planned preparation. He said that announcing exam dates along with or shortly after advertisements helps aspirants remain mentally prepared and complete their studies within a fixed timeframe. He added that the 2025 exam calendar was followed with 100 per cent compliance, and the Commission is similarly committed to conducting the 2026 examinations in a time-bound manner.

The proposed calendar for 2026 covers a wide range of examinations, including the Assistant Engineer Combined Recruitment Main Exam from March 15 to 18, the Sub-Inspector/Platoon Commander Exam on April 5, the Veterinary Officer and Assistant Agriculture Engineer Exams on April 19, followed by the Professor and Senior Teacher examinations in May, June and July.

Exams for Junior Legal Officer, Statistics Officer, Factory and Boilers Inspectors, Assistant Director and Senior Scientific Officer, and Conservation Officer will also be conducted between July and November.

Several dates in April, May, November and December have been reserved for other RPSC recruitment processes.

The Commission stated that the proposed dates will be updated based on recruitment advertisements issued from time to time, and detailed examination schedules will be released as required.
Bengaluru, Dec 26 : Condemning the attacks on churches reported from various cities across the country, former Prime Minister and JD-S Rajya Sabha member H.D. Deve Gowda on Friday said that such incidents were highly condemnable and stressed that India belongs to people of all religions.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Deve Gowda said: "Yesterday's attacks on churches in various cities across the country are highly condemnable acts. All of us must strongly condemn them."

"This country belongs not only to Hindus and Muslims, but to people of all religions. Strict action must be taken against those involved in such incidents. There is no question of which state has seen more attacks or fewer attacks. Whichever state it may be, action must be taken against those who attack churches," he said.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to a church, Deve Gowda said: "Yesterday, even Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a church and offered prayers. The respective state governments must take action, and the Prime Minister should pay attention to this issue."

Commenting on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's 'AHINDA' convention scheduled for January 25, Deve Gowda said the Congress party president had already made a statement on the matter, while "we are holding our convention in Hassan on January 23".

He said defining 'AHINDA' was difficult and questioned who provided reservations to women and Muslims, and who introduced reservations for the Nayaka community.

"I will not say that I identified Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and helped his political career. Let him speak. He can speak as harshly as he wants about me," Deve Gowda said. It may be noted that Siddaramaiah was once a close associate of Deve Gowda before quitting the JD-S and joining the Congress.

He recalled visiting Siddaramaiah after the death of his son and noted that Siddaramaiah's second son is a doctor and is active in politics.

"When Siddaramaiah asked me how long I would continue working at this age, I replied that after all of you have left, someone has to save this party," he said.

Deve Gowda recalled that during Siddaramaiah's first tenure as Chief Minister, it took him nearly a year to decide whether to contest the Assembly elections from Kolar or Badami. "If an AHINDA leader could not find even one constituency despite so much discussion, how much debate went on?" he asked.

It may be recalled that after his first stint as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah lost the election from the Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency, which he had traditionally represented, and won from Badami in north Karnataka by a narrow margin in 2018.

"If you were truly an AHINDA leader, you could have contested from anywhere. Ultimately, you had to choose your own son's Varuna constituency in the 2023 Assembly polls. Is this AHINDA?" Deve Gowda remarked.

Announcing party programmes, Deve Gowda said a convention would be held in Hassan on January 23, 2026. "Wherever our party has strength, it is difficult to have adjustments in district, taluk, city municipal councils and town municipalities. We will contest local body elections independently," he said.

He said a workers' meeting would be held in Bengaluru on January 18, 2026, adding that the JD(S) had conveyed to the BJP that it would contest independently in areas where it is strong. He noted that Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and JD(S) MLA H.D. Revanna had held discussions in this regard.

Deve Gowda said a programme related to Bengaluru city also needs to be organised. "The BJP has won four Lok Sabha seats in Bengaluru. Kumaraswamy and I have discussed this. Seat-sharing with the BJP in local body elections is impossible," he said.

"We have won five seats in the Maharashtra local body elections. We will have seat-sharing arrangements for the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections," he added.

He said discussions would be held on local body elections, but seat-sharing for these polls could not be discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "We will discuss seat-sharing for Assembly and Lok Sabha elections with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah," he said.

Questioning the Congress, Deve Gowda asked in which election the party had contested by using photographs of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. "If there is any such instance, show me the poster," he challenged.

He also said that the JD-S would fight together with Left parties in Kerala.

Referring to BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra, Deve Gowda said he is a youngster and is working with enthusiasm.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : The Delhi government's Transport Department and other enforcement agencies impounded 28 goods-carrying buses, seized 100 polluting buses and issued 3,970 challans to other vehicles violating emission norms in one day, an official said on Friday.

Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said in the last 24 hours, enforcement agencies inspected 4,927 vehicles, resulting in 2,390 challans by Delhi Traffic Police (PUCC), 285 challans by Transport Enforcement (PUCC), and 1,114 challans through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

He said 11 vehicles were penalised for GRAP violations by the Transport Department, while 170 GRAP-related challans were issued by Delhi Traffic Police. A total of 238 vehicles were returned after compliance.

The Transport Department has also taken stringent action against erring Pollution Under Control (PUC) centres. So far, 28 PUC centres have been placed under suspension, two centres have been cancelled, and action has been also initiated against two more centres.

In a case of alleged malpractice, a police complaint has been lodged against a PUC centre in Gokulpuri Police Station for issuing forged PUCCs.

Reinforcing Chief Minister Rekha Gupta-led Delhi governmentas citizen-centric approach, Pankaj Kumar Singh said senior transport department officials have been instructed to personally visit PUC centres across the city.

Officials have been directed to ensure that vehicle owners do not face inconvenience in obtaining PUC certificates and to report any irregularities or deficiencies directly to the Minister for immediate corrective action, he said.

"Our fight against pollution requires both strict enforcement and citizen convenience. While action against polluting vehicles will continue without compromise, I have directed senior officials to personally inspect PUC centres to ensure that people face no difficulty in obtaining certificates. Any irregularity found will be dealt with strictly. Clean air for Delhi and transparent, hassle-free services for citizens remain our top priorities," said Pankaj Kumar Singh.

Meanwhile, intensive enforcement drives were conducted at key congestion and city entry points including Kashmiri Gate, Geeta Colony and Mori Gate, focusing on goods vehicles and high-emission offenders.

The Transport Department reiterated that enforcement drives, vehicle checks, and monitoring under GRAP norms will continue rigorously in coordination with Delhi Traffic Police, ensuring both environmental protection and public convenience, as the government remains committed to delivering clean air and transparent, accountable services for the people of Delhi.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : A formal notification for reorganising Delhi's 11 districts into 13 new administrative units has been issued, along with announcement of the jurisdictions of Registrars for the existing Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs), an official said on Friday.

The official notification said, "The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), vide notification number F.223/SDM-II(HQ)/Land/ 2025/306747/285 dated 25.12.2025, has reorganised 11 districts into 13 districts effective immediately."

Earlier this month, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that the Delhi Government will establish modern, multi-departmental 'Mini Secretariats' in all 13 districts, where citizens will be able to access numerous services such as Revenue Offices, SDM, ADM, Tehsil, and Sub-Registrar Offices at a single location.

Under the new structure, the number of districts will increase from 11 to 13 and sub-divisions from 33 to 39. This will help balance the workload of officials and deliver services to citizens more quickly.

After the reorganisation, the boundaries of all 13 districts will fully align with those of the Municipal Corporation, NDMC, and the Delhi Cantonment Board, bringing clarity to governance and improving inter-departmental coordination.

The Chief Minister explained that for many years, the boundaries of revenue districts did not align with those of the Municipal Corporation zones, NDMC, and Delhi Cantonment Board.

This mismatch repeatedly caused delays in service delivery, confusion in handling complaints, difficulties in land record management, and inconsistencies across departmental jurisdictions, she said.

She added that in a metropolis like Delhi, smaller, balanced, and administratively empowered districts are necessary for improved coordination of services, quicker delivery, faster grievance redressal, and effective monitoring. With this objective, the number of districts is being increased from 11 to 13.

The Chief Minister stated that district administration is the backbone of any governance system and the closest interface between the government and citizens.

"Considering Delhi's rapidly growing population, construction activity, urban expansion, and increasing complexity of civic services, it has become essential to make the district administration more organised, effective, and accountable," she said.
Kolkata, Dec 26 : Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Friday submitted a deputation to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, demanding immediate action by the Muhammad Yunus-led caretaker government against those involved in the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment factory worker, and seeking an end to what he described as continuing atrocities against Hindu minorities in the neighbouring country.

Adhikari, accompanied by representatives of a Hindu saints' organisation, arrived at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in the afternoon. The entire premises of the Deputy High Commission and the surrounding area were placed under tight security.

After meeting senior officials of the Deputy High Commission, Adhikari interacted with media persons and said the delegation raised specific questions regarding the action taken by the Bangladesh administration against those responsible for the killing of Dipu Chandra Das.

"We questioned what steps have been taken against the killers of Dipu Chandra Das and when the continuing atrocities against minority Hindus in Bangladesh will stop. We also sought details of the measures being adopted by the Bangladesh administration to curb this menace," Adhikari said.

He added that the delegation conveyed that the Indian government would be compelled to take necessary steps if atrocities against minority Hindus in Bangladesh were not stopped immediately.

Adhikari arrived at the Deputy High Commission wearing a photograph of Das around his neck. Initially, the police present at the venue stopped the delegation, but after confirmation of the appointment, Adhikari was allowed to enter the premises along with four representatives of the Hindu saints' organisation.

Earlier this week, a demonstration was held in front of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, led by Adhikari. On that occasion, he was not granted entry into the mission and had announced at the protest site that he would return with a proper delegation on Friday. He had also stated that another protest would be organised if the delegation was denied entry.

Later, Adhikari confirmed that an appointment had been scheduled for the second half of Friday.

Earlier this week, protests erupted across several parts of the country over the killing of Das and allegations of atrocities against minorities under the Muhammad Yunus-led administration in Bangladesh.

From Delhi to Kolkata, Bhopal and Hyderabad, demonstrations were held as various Hindu organisations protested what they described as targeted attacks on minorities in the neighbouring nation.

The 25-year-old Hindu man, who worked in a garment factory in Bangladesh, was allegedly dragged onto the streets, assaulted by a mob and killed. His body was later set ablaze after being tied to a tree. He was accused of blasphemy by a co-worker, following which a mob reportedly stormed the factory, dragged him outside and attacked him.
Patna, Dec 26 : A major incident occurred during the trial of the Rohtasgarh Ropeway Project in Bihar's Rohtas district on Friday, raising serious questions over construction quality and safety standards.

The ropeway, built to facilitate access to the ancient Rohtasgarh Fort and Rohiteshwar Dham Temple, collapsed during its second trial run, just days before its scheduled inauguration.

According to information, the ropeway project had reached its final stage, and an initial trial had been conducted successfully.

However, during the second trial conducted on Friday, multiple supporting pillars collapsed, causing the ropeway cabin to plunge down the hillside.

Fortunately, no passengers were inside the cabin at the time, narrowly averting a major disaster.

The trial was being carried out in the presence of engineers and technical experts.

As soon as the empty cabin was sent from Akbarpur towards Rohtasgarh Fort, a supporting pillar collapsed after a short distance.

This triggered a chain reaction, leading to the collapse of several other pillars.

Within moments, the entire ropeway system, including the cabin and machinery, came crashing down.

Following the incident, serious concerns are being raised about the quality of construction.

Allegations of corruption linked to the project have also surfaced, as the ropeway collapsed even before completion of the trial phase.

The ropeway was scheduled to be inaugurated on New Year's Day.

Construction had been underway for nearly six years, with a total project cost of Rs 13.65 crore.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone in 2019, making the collapse particularly embarrassing for the administration.

Local residents have expressed deep disappointment, as the project was seen as a dream initiative that would significantly boost tourism and ease travel for devotees.

The ropeway was expected to reduce a seven-kilometre journey to just a few minutes, providing convenient access to the hilltop fort and temple.

The project trial was being conducted by Kolkata-based firm.

Multiple agencies were involved in different aspects of construction, including cable installation, station construction, ticket counters, and electrical systems, which are now also under scrutiny.

The ropeway is nearly 1,324 metre long and consists of five towers, including two support towers.

The section between the third and fourth towers has a steep incline of nearly 40 degrees, which was expected to be a major attraction for tourists.

The construction work began on February 12, 2020.

The empty capacity of each trolley is 250 kg, while the loaded capacity is 570 kg.

Initially, 12 trolleys were installed for trials, with plans to add more if required.

Authorities have not yet announced responsibility for the collapse, but an investigation will take place.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked widespread debate over safety, accountability, and transparency in government infrastructure projects.
Mumbai: Cong releases 'chargesheet' alleging corruption, failures in BMC administration

Mumbai, Dec 26 (IANS) The Mumbai Congress on Friday released a 'chargesheet' detailing alleged corruption and administrative failures under the Mahayuti government, which has been running the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) through an administrator for the past three years due to the absence of civic elections.

Releasing the 'chargesheet', Mumbai Congress president and Member of Parliament Varsha Gaikwad accused the ruling alliance of plundering the city's resources through appointed administrators over the past three years and nine months. She said the absence of elected representatives in the BMC had allowed the Mahayuti to function without accountability.

The chargesheet alleged depletion of financial reserves through the draining of the BMC's fixed deposits, deteriorating road conditions marked by persistent potholes and worsening traffic congestion, rising air pollution, mismanagement of solid waste, the handover of municipal schools to private entities, and the sale of public land.

It also raised questions over the transparency of the Mithi River project and several other high-budget infrastructure works.

"The Mahayuti has looted Mumbaikars through the administration. Basic facilities are non-existent today. The city is being sold off to favoured contractors and industrialists, leading to the ruin of the country's financial capital. The BMC has essentially become a 'Corrupt Mahayuti Corporation'," Gaikwad alleged.

She stressed that the upcoming BMC elections should be fought on civic issues rather than caste, religion or language.

"Mumbaikars do not want communal disputes; they want development. Our focus is on water supply, healthcare, education and public transport," she said, adding that the Congress would soon release its manifesto for Mumbai.

Responding to queries on potential alliances, Gaikwad said discussions were underway with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and other like-minded parties, and that a final decision would be taken shortly.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders indicated that the party is likely to contest the BMC elections in alliance with the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. The party has already distanced itself from the Shiv Sena-UBT following its alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led by Raj Thackeray.
Damascus, Dec 26 : As many as eight people were killed and 18 others injured after a terrorist explosion at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab district of Syria's Homs on Friday, local media reported citing Syrian Health Ministry.

The victims were taken to the Karam al-Louz Hospital in Homs for treatment, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

Interior ministry said that internal security units were sent to the site of the incident. Security personnel cordoned off the mosque while the relevant authorities started an investigation into the incident. Initial investigations have indicated that explosion was caused by explosive devices planted inside the mosque, SANA reported citing a security source.

On December 22, several people were killed and wounded in Syria's Aleppo, according to Syria's security authorities. The incident took place when a senior Turkish delegation was in Damascus for high-level talks.

According to authorities, forces affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) opened fire on joint security checkpoints after a sudden withdrawal, despite previously reached agreements, Xinhua News Agency reported. The authorities further said that a member of the Internal Security Forces, a soldier, and a several Civil Defence personnel and civilians were injured in the attack.

The SDF stated that two of its members were injured after it came under attack while on duty near the al-Shihan roundabout. It further said that a clearly marked Civil Defence pickup truck carrying four uniformed rescuers also came under fire in Aleppo. Aleppo's Health Directorate said four people were injured in the attack.

The incident occurred when a high-level Turkish delegation, comprising Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, was in Damascus to hold talks with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and senior officials to discuss bilateral ties, regional developments, and security cooperation.
Vatva : , Dec 26 (IANS) Union Labour & Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday announced that all upcoming and several existing EPFO offices are being redeveloped into modern, technology-enabled, Passport-Seva-Kendra-style single-window service centres, enabling citizens to resolve any EPF-related issue at any regional office across the country.

Inaugurating the newly constructed Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation's (EPFO) Regional Office here, the minister said that a pilot project is underway in Delhi, where, going ahead, a beneficiary would be able to get his or her issues addressed at any regional office, doing away with the need to approach a specific office that the person has been previously associated with.

He said that the step was part of a series of major reforms being undertaken by the government for strengthening EPFO services nationwide.

Dr Mandaviya further added that to enhance access for workers, especially first-time users and those unfamiliar with digital systems, the government will soon introduce the mechanism of EPF Suvidha Providers. These Suvidha Providers will be authorised facilitators to guide members in accessing benefits and resolving their issues, thereby acting as a bridge between citizens and the EPFO.

Noting that a significant volume of workers' money remains locked in inoperative accounts, Dr Mandaviya underlined that the EPFO will now undertake mission-mode KYC verification for such accounts while launching a dedicated digital platform to enable simplified claim filing and hassle-free settlement to the rightful claimant. Additionally, he stated that going ahead, India's Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) will incorporate social security protection provisions to ensure that Indian workers employed abroad are able to retain their PF contribution and access benefits even after their return to India, as seen in the case of the India-UK FTA.

The minister emphasised that the new building is not merely physical infrastructure but an "Aastha Ka Kendra", a symbol of trust. Highlighting the EPFO's role in nation-building, he noted the organisation's contribution in safeguarding the hard-earned savings of crores of workers.

"EPFO today holds a fund corpus of Rs 28 lakh crore and provides 8.25 per cent annual interest. If workers' money is with the EPFO, it carries the guarantee of the Government of India," he said. Calling the new office a "Shramik Ka Mandir," he remarked: "Only when we work with integrity, rooted in values, will we truly honour the Shram Shakti of our nation."

Dr Mandaviya stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed a transformational expansion of social security. "Before 2014, as per the ILO, India had only 19 per cent social security coverage. Today, this has risen to 64 per cent, with international organisations like the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and International Social Security Association (ISSA) commending India's progress."

"Today, 94 crore people are covered under social security protection, making India the second-largest in the world in social security coverage after China. By March 2026, India will ensure coverage for 100 crore citizens," he said. He noted that this expansion reflects the Government's unwavering commitment to a secure and dignified life for every worker."

Elaborating on reforms, he said that the EPFO is continuously evolving with simplified and technology-led processes: settlements up to Rs 5 lakh are now processed automatically, withdrawals up to 75 per cent of EPF balance are permitted with ease, account transfers have been made seamless, and EPF-related issues can now be resolved at any EPFO regional office across the country, irrespective of the member's home location.
MOSCOW, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Friday it had prevented a planned attack targeting a serviceman of the Russian Defense Ministry in the city of Stavropol.

The FSB said the suspect, living in the Krasnodar region, intended to attach an improvised explosive device with a reported yield of about 400 grams of TNT equivalent to a vehicle parked near a military unit.

According to the statement, the suspect acted on orders from the Ukrainian special services and was detained red-handed while attempting to execute the plot. The FSB did not disclose details on the targeted serviceman.

A criminal case has been opened on charges including an attempted terrorist act, as well as the manufacture and illegal handling of explosive materials, the FSB said, adding that an investigation is ongoing. 
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Coforge on Friday announced that it will acquire US-based engineering services firm Encora in a $2.35-billion all-stock deal, marking one of the largest transactions in India's IT services space.

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) Coforge on Friday announced that it will acquire US-based engineering services firm Encora in a $2.35-billion all-stock deal, marking one of the largest transactions in Indiaas IT services space.

The acquisition will be carried out through a share swap, under which Coforge will issue 93.8 million equity shares priced at Rs 1,815.91 each.

This values the non-cash transaction at around Rs 17,032 crore. After the deal, Encoraas shareholders will own about 21.25 per cent of Coforgeas expanded equity capital.

In a statement released after its board meeting, Coforge said the acquisition will create a technology services company with a combined revenue base of around $2.5 billion.

The merged entity will have a strong focus on AI-led engineering, cloud, and data services, which are expected to contribute nearly $2 billion in revenue by FY27.

The company said AI-led product engineering alone could grow to more than $1.25 billion in revenue, while cloud services may contribute about $500 million and data engineering over $250 million.

Coforge added that the combined business is expected to operate at an EBIT margin of about 14 percent after amortisation of intangibles, and the transaction is not expected to dilute earnings.

Encora, which was founded in Silicon Valley, reported consolidated revenue of $516 million in FY25 and is expected to reach $600 million in FY26. The company operates with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 19 percent.

The acquisition will be funded primarily through equity worth $1.89 billion. The remaining amount will be met through a bridge loan or a qualified institutional placement to repay Encoraas existing term loan.

Coforgeas board has approved raising up to $550 million through a QIP or other permitted routes, though the company said a QIP may not be required if alternative funding arrangements are finalised.

Coforge said the deal will significantly strengthen its business across key verticals. Its HiTech and Healthcare segments are expected to immediately scale up, with each reaching a run-rate of about $170 million after the acquisition.

Encora brings AI-led healthcare solutions across pharma, medtech, and healthtech, along with 11 large clients that each generate more than $10 million in annual revenue. This will take the combined total of such large accounts to 45.

The acquisition also expands Coforgeas delivery footprint, particularly in nearshore locations. Encora adds more than 3,100 professionals across Latin America and strengthens Coforgeas presence in the US West and Midwest. As a result, Coforgeas North America business is expected to grow by about 50 percent to over $1.4 billion.
Tripoli, Dec 26 : Pakistan's arms deal with the Libyan National Army (LNA) reflects a desperate miscalculation -- one that violates international commitments, fuels unending war in Libya, and damages Islamabad's global credibility, a report said on Friday.

By prioritising profit over peace, it warned, Pakistan risks inviting sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and ethical condemnation.

"Pakistan has reportedly inked a $4 billion arms deal with the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by the controversial warlord Khalifa Haftar. This agreement, brokered during a visit by Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, to meet with Haftar's son, Major General Saddam Haftar, includes the supply of advanced weaponry such as JF-17 fighter jets, tanks, artillery, and other military hardware," a report in 'One World Outlook' detailed.

"At face value, it marks Pakistan's largest-ever weapons export, a boon for its cash-strapped defence industry. But beneath the surface, this pact is a massive misstep, one that flouts international law, perpetuates Libya's bloody civil war, exposes Pakistan to severe backlash, and erodes the fragile architecture of global security. At a time when arms proliferation fuels endless conflicts, this deal exemplifies how short-term economic desperation can lead to long-term catastrophe," it stated.

According to the report, the most serious concern is the blatant breach of the United Nations arms embargo on Libya, imposed in 2011 following the chaos sparked by the NATO-backed overthrow of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

"This embargo, enforced by the UN Security Council, prohibits the transfer of weapons to any Libyan faction to prevent escalation in a country already fractured by rival governments, militias, and foreign meddling. The LNA, based in eastern Libya, is not the UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli; it is a renegade force that has repeatedly defied international calls for unity and disarmament. By arming Haftar's group, Pakistan is not just skirting the edges of legality; it is driving a tank through the heart of it," it mentioned.

Moreover, the report said, the deal risks damaging Pakistan's reputation and deepening its international isolation. Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir's military-led government has drawn criticism at home for prioritising defence deals over democratic reforms, with this recent agreement amplifying "accusations of adventurism".

"Internationally, it aligns Pakistan with autocratic regimes, straining ties with allies who support the UN process. Pakistan is clearly betting on the wrong horse in Libya's unsettled politics, risking being seen as a 'partisan' rather than a neutral player," it noted.
New Delhi, Dec 26 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that terrorists used 40 kg of explosives in the Red Fort car bomb blast that killed 11 persons on November 10.

The Union Home Minister was speaking on the inaugural day of a two-day 'Anti-Terror Conference' organised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) here.

In the terror attack near the Red Fort, terrorists had loaded explosives in a car, which blew up while it was being driven by a suicide bomber near a busy traffic signal facing the historic monument.

In another development related to the Red Fort explosion, a Delhi court on Friday extended the NIA custody of two accused in the Red Fort bomb blast case that killed 11 persons and injured several others last month.

Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma allowed the NIA to probe the accused Yasir Ahmad Dar for 10 more days, while the custody of the other accused, Dr Bilal Naseer Malla, was extended for eight days.

According to the NIA, Yasir Ahmad Dar, a resident of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, is the ninth accused to be arrested in the case.

He was arrested in New Delhi under relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

"NIA investigations have revealed Yasir's active role in the conspiracy behind the car bomb blast that rocked the national capital on November 10. An active participant in the conspiracy, he had sworn allegiance and taken an oath to carry out self-sacrificial operations," the anti-terror agency said.

During the anti-terror conference inaugurated by HM Shah, the Union Minister and experts focused on developing synergies among various stakeholders by establishing formal and informal channels for coordinated action against the menace of terrorism in the spirit of the 'Whole of the Government approach' and to present substantive inputs for future policy formulation.

On the first day of the conference, HM Shah led experts from operational forces and technical, legal and forensic agencies in chalking out strategies to fight terrorism.

During the conference, experts will also discuss issues impacting national security and threats emerging out of terrorism at the conference being organised by the premier anti-terror agency, the National Investigation Agency, said a statement.
Patna, Dec 26 : Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) Chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, on Friday, criticised the Bangladeshi government over incidents of violence against the Hindu community in the South Asian country, holding the interim government there directly responsible for ensuring the safety of minorities.

Union Minister Manjhi said that it is the primary duty of any government to protect its citizens, and if Hindus are feeling unsafe in Bangladesh, it reflects a failure of governance.

He emphasised that just as minorities live safely and harmoniously in India, the people and government of Bangladesh must also come forward to ensure the protection of the Hindu community.

Referring to India's position on the issue, Union Minister Manjhi said that the Indian government has taken a firm and clear stand.

He noted that India has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh and has conveyed that when a particular community is selectively targeted, the issue can no longer be treated as an internal matter.

He also appealed to the international community to exert pressure to address the situation.

Meanwhile, the Union Minister also adopted a strong stance on the liquor prohibition policy in Bihar.

While acknowledging that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's intentions behind the liquor ban were correct, Union Minister Manjhi raised serious concerns over its implementation.

He alleged that the current enforcement mechanism is primarily targeting the poor and economically weaker sections, while the real culprits remain untouched.

According to Union Minister Manjhi, more than 50 per cent of those jailed in Bihar under the liquor prohibition law belong to economically weaker sections of society.

Union Minister Manjhi urged the Bihar government, saying that the real test of the liquor ban will be when action is taken against senior officials who consume alcohol and the liquor mafia.

He said that arresting small-time offenders and highlighting statistics is self-congratulatory, while major players continue to operate freely.

Citing the Gujarat governance model, Union Minister Manjhi suggested that Bihar should adopt a more practical and effective approach to liquor prohibition.

He said that implementing the law on similar lines would help avoid unnecessary harassment of common people while still achieving the objectives of prohibition.
Washington, Dec 26 : The Middle East and Africa are emerging as key pillars as India expands its global interests and outreach amid rising trade uncertainties and renewed tariff pressures from the United States, a report said on Friday.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman reflects India's integrated strategic approach to the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Rather than treating these regions in isolation, New Delhi is responding to their geopolitical interconnection, especially in the wake of disruptions to global trade routes," a report in the US-based think tank 'Middle East Forum' detailed.

"The visit to Jordan, marking seventy-five years of diplomatic relations, is significant because it comes after a long gap and amid instability following the Gaza war. Conflict in Yemen and Sudan has destabilised the broader region, including the Red Sea littoral states," it added.

According to the report, Jordan holds significance for India as a moderate and stabilising force in a volatile Middle Eastern region. By firmly rejecting extremism and maintaining balanced diplomacy, it said, Jordan enabled India to engage in the Middle East without being drawn into the intra-regional rivalries.

PM Modi's warm welcome in Amman and his discussions with Jordan's King Abdullah II reflected the strengthening partnership.

As India continues to expand its global outreach and diversify its economic and strategic partnerships, PM Modi described his visit as "immensely productive", which had "strengthened the India-Jordan partnership across key areas such as renewable energy, water management, digital transformation, cultural exchanges, and heritage cooperation." The two countries, he said, "strongly reaffirmed their shared stand against terrorism."

"For New Delhi, engaging Jordan sends the message that Middle Eastern stability is central to India's energy security, diaspora protection, and regional strategy," the report noted.

The report emphasised that Ethiopia serves as India's gateway to Africa and, with over $200 billion of Indian trade moving through the Red Sea each year, makes regional instability, including piracy, trafficking, and recent attacks on shipping, pose a direct concern for India.

"During the visit, India and Ethiopia elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. Modi's outreach reinforces India's aspiration to consolidate its leadership of the Global South through development partnerships that prioritise transparency and capacity-building, rather than China-style debt dependency to which Ethiopia previously fell victim," it mentioned.

Oman, meanwhile, continues to be among India's most trusted partners in the Persian Gulf and plays a vital role in New Delhi's energy and maritime security.

"Indo-Oman defence and naval cooperation is extensive, with Indian naval access to ports including Duqm, enhancing India's reach in the western Indian Ocean. Oman also plays a key role in India's Link West policy, MAHASAGAR vision, and extended neighbourhood strategy," the report stated.
Itanagar, Dec 26 : The Indian Army and the Assam Rifles on Friday successfully validated the helicopter insertion of troops at Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang district, officials said, highlighting enhanced operational preparedness in the remote border area.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that as part of a joint exercise between Assam Rifles and the Indian Army, a swift heli-borne insertion of troops was successfully undertaken in the strategically significant Vijaynagar Salient on Friday.

He said that the exercise was aimed at validating rapid troop insertion capabilities and enhancing operational orientation in challenging and remote terrain.

According to Lt Col Rawat the carefully planned activity demonstrated the ability of the forces to swiftly induct acclimatized troops into a simulated operational area, reflecting preparedness to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.

Emphasis was laid on speed, coordination and precision, ensuring seamless execution under realistic conditions, he stated. "The troops displayed a high degree of professionalism, adaptability and combat readiness during the exercise," the spokesman said.

The joint drill significantly enhanced operational reach and reinforced inter-force synergy, highlighting the robust coordination and mutual understanding between Assam Rifles and the Indian Army.

Such exercises play a vital role in refining standard operating procedures, improving interoperability and strengthening collective response mechanisms in strategically sensitive regions, Lt Col Rawat stated.

Changlang District covered with picturesque hills lies in the southeastern corner of Arunachal Pradesh, is the easternmost part of India, having an international boundary with Myanmar.

In another development, the Army organised a Christmas celebration in the hills of Menchuka in Arunachal Pradesh's Shi-Yomi District on Thursday.

Lt Col Rawat said that the serene hills of Menchuka resonated with the spirit of Christmas as teachers from St. Francis de Sales (SFS) College, Aalo undertook a meaningful journey of faith, culture and community bonding facilitated by the Indian Army.

Set against the pristine Himalayan landscape, the initiative reflected the Army's enduring commitment to nurturing harmony, mutual respect and people-centric engagement in remote frontier regions under Operation Sadbhavna.

The day began with a warm festive ambience at the Menchuka market, where seasonal decorations and local interactions set the tone for celebration.

The group thereafter proceeded to the local Church, where prayers and hymns marked a solemn observance of Christmas, reinforcing values of peace, compassion and unity. Continuing the journey, visits to local Gompas added a profound cultural dimension, symbolising coexistence, tolerance and shared heritage unique to the region.

Moments of quiet reflection and interaction throughout the day fostered deeper understanding between the visiting teachers, local residents and the Indian Army personnel facilitating the programme.

The experience not only celebrated Christmas in its true spirit but also highlighted the role of the Indian Army as a bridge between communities, cultures and faiths in far-flung border areas.

The defence spokesman said that the initiative underscored the Army's holistic approach to nation-building, beyond security, by promoting cultural integration, emotional connect and trust with the local populace.

By enabling such engagements, the Indian Army continues to strengthen social bonds and reinforce the message that development, harmony and human values remain central to its presence in the frontier regions.

As Christmas was celebrated where faith meets the frontiers, the event left behind lasting impressions of warmth, goodwill and shared joy, reaffirming that unity and compassion remain the strongest foundations of national integration, Lt Col Rawat stated.

--IANS

sc/pgh
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 26 : The in-form opener Shafali Verma smashed an unbeaten 79 off 42 balls to power India Women to an eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in the third T20I of the five-match series and secure an unassailable 3-0 series lead at the Greenfield International Stadium on Friday.

After Renuka Singh Thakur's 4-21 and Deepti Sharma's 3-18 restricted Sri Lanka to 112/7, Shafali tore apart the bowling attack with a splendid display of strokeplay -- smashing 11 fours and three sixes in a blistering knock that guided India home with 6.4 overs to spare.

Despite losing her opening partner, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues to Kavisha Dilhari, Shafali dominated from the outset to ensure India got another convincing win. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed with a composed knock of 21 not out, as India got their fourth consecutive T20I series win over Sri Lanka.

Shafali started cautiously by playing three dot balls in the first over, but then unleashed a brutal assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers. Her show began by lofting and pulling Malsha Shehani for six and four, before bringing out the same shots against Nimesha Madushani for a brace of boundaries.

But India suffered a big blow when vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was trapped lbw by off-spinner Kavisha Dilhari for just one. Attempting a sweep, Smriti missed the delivery as the ball spun away and struck her front pad, with ball-tracking confirming it would crash into the leg stump.

The left-hander reviewed immediately but had to depart for another low score in the series, leaving Sri Lanka buoyant. With Jemimah struggling to time the ball after surviving an lbw appeal on her first ball, Shafali was magnificent in driving, pulling, and lofting, before getting her fifty in just 24 balls with a drive past mid-on off Malki Madara.

Kavisha returned to claim Jemimahas wicket when she attempted a sweep off a full delivery tossed up outside off-stump, but the ball took an under-edge that rattled the three sticks. With Harmanpreet getting her boundaries via leg-side shots, Shafali muscled three ruthless boundaries before finishing off the chase with a lofted four to give India another dominant victory.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 112/7 in 20 overs (Imesha Dulani 27, Hasini Perera 25; Renuka Singh Thakur 4-21, Deepti Sharma 3-18) lost to India 115/2 in 13.2 overs (Shafali Verma 79 not out, Harmanpreet Kaur 21 not out; Kavisha Dilhari 2-18) by eight wickets

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Jaipur, Dec 26 : The Kota District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered a forensic examination of Bollywood actor Salman Khan's signature in connection with a case related to a pan masala advertisement.

The court has also directed the actor to appear in person on January 20, along with relevant documents and the notary concerned.

The order was passed after the complainant, BJP leader and advocate Indramohan Singh Honey, raised objections to the authenticity of Salman Khan's signature on the power of attorney and the reply submitted before the court.

The complainant demanded a forensic verification of the signatures, alleging discrepancies. Accepting the objection, the consumer court directed that the signature be examined by a state-authorised and recognised agency or a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

The order has been issued under Section 38(9)(d) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and Section 73(2) of the Indian Evidence Act.

The court further instructed that Salman Khan must appear personally on the next date of hearing along with advocate R.C. Choubey, who had notarised the power of attorney and the reply submitted on his behalf.

Advocate Indramohan Singh Honey alleged that the documents filed on behalf of Salman Khan did not carry his authentic signature.

He claimed that the signatures on record differed from those made earlier by the actor in Jodhpur jail and during court proceedings.

Based on this, he sought a forensic examination and Salman Khan's personal appearance, which the court has now allowed. The petition was filed in the Kota Consumer Court against Salman Khan and Rajshree Pan Masala Company, alleging misleading advertising.

The complainant argued that the advertisement promotes "saffron-infused cardamom," which he claimed is misleading, as saffron cannot realistically be included in a low-cost pouch.

The petition alleges that such advertisements mislead consumers, especially youth, and contribute to serious health risks.

In his response filed on November 27, Salman Khan termed the complaint baseless, arguing that action, if any, lies only with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).

His legal team maintained that the advertisement is for silver-coated cardamom, not saffron-infused pan masala, and denied all allegations.

On December 9, Salman Khan again denied the claims, asserting that the signatures on record are genuine and match those on his PAN card and passport, and described the objections as frivolous and legally untenable.

The matter will now be heard on January 20, when the court will review the forensic examination process and further proceedings.
Jaipur, Dec 26 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma strongly criticised former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot over his statements regarding the Aravalli mountain range.

He said that the Congress government did not even spare the stones and sand of the Aravalli region.

The Chief Minister questioned who changed the definition of the Aravalli range during the years 2002-03 and 2009-10, and how many mining leases were issued in the region during that period.

He accused the Congress of spreading falsehoods and made it clear that no tampering with the Aravalli mountain range would be allowed.

Sharma said that Congress leaders do nothing but spread rumours.

Referring to the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), he said that Congress created unnecessary unrest and misinformation at the time, yet the government successfully implemented the law.

He added that leases were also provided to displaced people.

The Chief Minister further alleged that Congress leaders claim the Constitution will be changed and question the State Intelligence Report (SIR).

He asked whether they were supporting infiltrators and asserted that not a single infiltrator would be allowed to stay.

Launching a sharp attack on former Chief Minister Gehlot, Sharma said that he has become a "Twitter master" whose influence has faded.

"His magic will not work anymore. He will have to reap what he has sown," he said.

On December 24, in a decisive move to curb illegal mining and strengthen ecological protection, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has directed state governments to impose a "complete ban on the grant of any new mining leases in the Aravallis", covering the entire mountain range from Delhi to Gujarat.

The Ministry said the prohibition will apply uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape, underscoring that the objective is to "preserve the integrity of the range as a continuous geological ridge" extending from Gujarat to the National Capital Region and to bring an end to all unregulated mining activities.

Further tightening the conservation framework, the MoEF&CC has instructed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional areas and zones across the entire Aravalli range where mining must be prohibited, over and above the areas already restricted by the Centre.

The identification will be carried out based on ecological, geological and landscape-level considerations, the Ministry said.

ICFRE has also been tasked with preparing a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region.

According to the Ministry, the plan will be placed "in the public domain for wide stakeholder consultation" and will assess cumulative environmental impacts, ecological carrying capacity, conservation-critical and ecologically sensitive areas, while also outlining measures for restoration and rehabilitation.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 26 : Continuing its crackdown on corrupt public servants, the Odisha Vigilance, on Friday, conducted searches at various locations linked to state government officials -- a forester and a junior engineer -- on the charges of acquiring disproportionate assets.

The anti-corruption sleuths unearthed movable and immovable assets worth crores of rupees during the house searches at different properties belonging to Niranjan Satapathy, currently posted as Forester at Semiliguda under the Koraput Forest Division.

On the allegation of possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, simultaneous house searches were conducted on the properties of Satapathy at five locations in Bhubaneswar, Jagatsinghpur and Koraput districts.

Five teams of the state Vigilance comprising six Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), seven Inspectors, and other supporting staff conducted the search on the strength of search warrants issued by the Vigilance Court of Special Judge in Bhubaneswar.

During the search, the police officials found Satapathy and his family in possession of assets worth crores of rupees, including two multi storeyed palatial buildings in Bhubaneswar and one building at Semiliguda in Koraput, seven high value plots in Jagatsinghpur, Koraput and Bhubaneswar, gold items nearly worth 1 kg, silver ornaments weighing 250 gm, deposits worth Rs 66.42 lakh, cash worth Rs 9.28 lakh along with some foreign currencies, one four-wheeler, etc.

The Vigilance officials suspect the recovery of more assets as the house searches on properties linked to Satapathy are still on.

Similarly, the sleuths, on Friday, also searched the properties of Nihar Ranjan Sarkar, Junior Engineer in Malkangiri.

As many as four teams of Odisha Vigilance comprising four DSPs, seven Inspectors, and other supporting staff conducted the search on the strength of search warrants issued by the Vigilance Court of Special Judge at Jeypore at four places in Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts.

Sarkar and his family was found possessing one-multi storeyed building worth more than Rs 2 crore, eight valuable plots, deposits and investments in banks, insurance policies and share market worth Rs 26.78 lakh, two four-wheelers and two-wheelers each, household articles worth Rs 19.34 lakh, etc.

The anti-corruption team continues to carry out searches at properties linked to Sarkar according to the latest update.
KABUL, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has announced the release of 50 Afghan migrants from prisons in Pakistan, according to an official statement.

The statement said the migrants had been detained for periods ranging from one day to two months. After their release, they were repatriated to Afghanistan and provided with humanitarian assistance.

Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees office reported that more than 1 million Afghan migrants have returned from Pakistan since the beginning of the year. 
New Delhi, Dec 26 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has moved the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court's order suspending the life sentence and granting bail to expelled Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case.

The Special Leave Petition (SLP), filed under Article 136 of the Constitution, challenges the December 23 order passed by the Delhi High Court allowing Sengar's application for suspension of sentence during the pendency of his appeal.

It was learnt earlier that the CBI and the victim's family indicated their intention to challenge the Delhi High Court's order before the apex court.

Before the Delhi High Court, the CBI strongly opposed Sengar's plea, highlighting the seriousness of the offence and the potential risks involved.

In an order passed on Tuesday, a Division Bench of Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar of the Delhi High Court had suspended Sengar's life sentence and granted him conditional bail during the pendency of his appeal, subject to strict conditions.

Despite the grant of bail in the rape case, Sengar was unlikely to be released immediately as he is serving a separate sentence in cases linked to the death of the survivor's father.

The Unnao rape case had triggered nationwide outrage.

In December 2019, the trial court convicted Sengar of kidnapping and raping the minor girl and sentenced him to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life, along with a fine of Rs 25 lakh.

The Supreme Court had earlier transferred all cases related to the incident from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi and directed that the trial be conducted on a day-to-day basis.

Meanwhile, the family members of the Unnao rape survivor, along with women's rights activists, on Friday, held a protest outside the Delhi High Court against the suspension of Kuldeep Sengar's life sentence.

Raising slogans and holding placards, the protesters said the bail order had "shaken public faith" and sent a wrong message on crimes against women.
Cop assaulted in Bihar while intervening in fishing rights dispute. Image Source: IANS

Patna, Dec 26 : A police sub-inspector was assaulted on Friday while attempting to resolve a dispute over fishing rights in the Katra police station area of Muzaffarpur district.

The injured officer has been identified as Sub-Inspector Shrikant Singh, who is posted at Katra police station.

The incident occurred in Basant village, where a dispute had erupted over fishing rights in a local pond.

According to police, the current tender for fishing rights in the pond is held by Jitendra Sahani, a resident of Budhkara village. Earlier, the tender was in the name of Fahad Azam, who is presently the Sarpanch of Bandhpura Panchayat.

It is alleged that despite the expiry of his tender period, Sarpanch Fahad Azam and his supporters were preventing the current contractor from carrying out fishing activities in the pond.

When the dispute escalated, Jitendra Sahani approached the police seeking assistance.

On Friday, Sub-Inspector Shrikant Singh, accompanied by a police team, reached the spot to maintain law and order and facilitate lawful fishing operations.

However, during the intervention, the Sarpanch and his supporters allegedly turned aggressive and assaulted the sub-inspector.

After receiving information about the attack, additional police personnel from Katra police station rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

The injured officer was immediately shifted to a medical college hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Taking a strong stand on the incident, Muzaffarpur Senior Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar said strict action would be taken against anyone taking the law into their own hands.

He said a detailed investigation has been assigned to the Deputy Superintendent of Police, and raids are underway to arrest those involved.

"Based on available video footage, the police have identified the accused and registered a case against the Sarpanch and his supporters. Further legal proceedings are underway," Kumar said.

The incident has raised serious concerns over attacks on police personnel while they are discharging official duties, and senior officers have reiterated that such acts will not be tolerated.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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Instagram / Haley Ferguson



The Bachelor alum Haley Ferguson has announced she and husband Oula Palve are expecting their second child together.


BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's central bank on Friday said that it has revised the rules of the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) to strengthen management and better support the development of cross-border renminbi (RMB) services.

As CIPS business increases and the number of participants expands, the previous rules are no longer sufficient to meet the development and management needs of those participants, making revisions necessary, according to the People's Bank of China.

The updated rules standardize a range of activities, including account registration for participants and operating institutions, the ownership of participants' settlement funds, and the management of liquidity among participants.

They also refine the system's settlement mechanism, and clarify requirements for queue management, transaction cancellations and returns, among other business activities.

The revised rules will take effect on Feb. 1, 2026. 
While not all complaints are frivolous, experts say petitions timed close to an IPO or listing often raise concerns about mala fide intent.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

A recent Bombay high court ruling upholding market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India's nod for WeWork India Management's IPO has brought to focus the misuse of petitions that often lead to vexatious legal challenges.

A slew of IPO-bound companies this year have got into legal trouble during the launch of their share sale.

In July, an NGO moved the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) seeking to restrain Smartworks Coworking's IPO.

The tribunal dismissed the plea, observing that no valid ground had been made to stall the issue.

BlueStone Jewellery and Lifestyle, too, faced legal hurdles during its IPO process and the most recent example is that of WeWork.

The grounds cited in such petitions range from alleged disclosure lapses and disputed legal interpretations to questions around shareholder classification.

While not all complaints are frivolous, experts say petitions timed close to an IPO or listing often raise concerns about mala fide intent.

"The timing of shareholder-driven litigation or regulatory complaints is rarely accidental. More often than not, these actions surface precisely when a company is poised for a significant growth event -- such as an IPO or a major fundraise -- when the scope for disruption is the highest," said Abhiraj Arora, partner, Securities and Regulatory Practice, Saraf and Partners.

Experts said any complaint or issue raised at the time of filing a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) is the right approach as it gives the issuer as well as the regulator ample time to take remedial action.

During WeWork India's IPO in October, multiple writ petitions were filed in the Bombay high court, challenging Sebi's approval on disclosure-related grounds.

The court's scrutiny, however, revealed serious impropriety on the part of a petitioner, prompting the court to dismiss the petition and impose costs of Rs 1 lakh.

Another petition filed against the company is still pending before the court.

In an official statement, WeWork India said the last-minute petitions were aimed at derailing its IPO, noting that the petitioners were not IPO investors.

They had approached the court just a day before the issue opened, despite the draft prospectus being in the public domain for several months.

Industry participants point to corporate rivalry as a possible driver in some of these cases.

"In recent times, there has been a noticeable trend of rival firms engaging in proxy battles through front entities, often small investors. These fronts typically hold modest shareholdings, sometimes amounting to just a few thousand rupees. Yet they seek judicial intervention in matters involving significant commercial interests," said Vinay Chauhan, counsel at the Bombay high court and a securities lawyer.

"Experience shows that such petitions are sometimes orchestrated by business rivals or parties with vested interests, using shareholders as a front to advance their own agendas. Courts and regulators are increasingly alert to these tactics, ensuring that capital markets remain a forum for fair competition rather than strategic obstruction," Arora added.

Chauhan also underscored the need for systemic safeguards.

"There is a critical need to establish comprehensive frameworks to identify and deter vexatious legal tactics," he said.

"Such measures would help protect the integrity of legal and regulatory institutions from being misused under the guise of shareholder activism or related concerns."

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Passive funds have resumed gaining ground in the mutual fund (MF) industry after a slowdown in 2024, with their share of assets under management (AUM) reaching an all-time high in 2025.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

The surge has been driven largely by robust inflows into gold and silver exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Passive funds share in the overall MF AUM rose to 17.4 per cent as of November 2025, up from 16.6 per cent at the end of December 2024.

The sharp rise follows a rare dip in 2024, when active equity funds gained ground amid strong investor preference for higher-risk active equity schemes.

Smallcap, midcap, and thematic schemes had cornered the bulk of the flows in 2024.

Passive funds returning to the growth track in 2025 is a result of the subdued equity market and a sharp rally in gold and silver.

"Steady institutional participation through equity ETFs, together with rising interest in gold ETFs as tactical hedges, has reinforced the growth in passive assets," said Nehal Meshram, senior analyst, manager research, Morningstar.

According to Vishal Jain, chief executive officer (CEO) of Zerodha Fund House, the surge in investor interest in gold and silver ETFs can also be attributed to the change in taxation.

Notably, nearly half of all new ETF folios added in the last two years have been gold and silver ETFs, driven by favourable tax changes  a reduced long-term capital gains (LTCG) holding period of one year and a capped tax rate of 12.5 per cent  which have enhanced their appeal for diversification and wealth preservation, he said.

The change in taxation was announced in Budget 2024.

In addition to gold and silver ETFs, the passive AUM growth in 2025 can be attributed to long-term structural drivers.

Passive fund adoption in India in recent years has been driven by their cost efficiency, transparency, and innovative offerings, experts say. Institutional flows, especially from the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), have also contributed to the AUM growth.

Discussions around limited scope for fund managers to consistently outperforming benchmark indices, especially in the largecap space, have also added to the retail traction.

The comparatively better performance of largecap funds vis-a-vis smallcap and midcap schemes in 2025 is also a factor, considering the largecap skew of passive AUM. AUM growth depends on both net inflows and the changes in value of underlying assets.

Strong equity-market performance boosted AUM in largecap index funds and ETFs while net inflows recovered meaningfully after a slower 2024.

"Investors continue to be drawn to passive strategies due to their low costs and transparent, benchmark-linked nature, especially as many active largecap funds have struggled to consistently outperform over longer periods, Meshram said.
The new US national security strategy signals a retreat from global dominance while reaffirming continuity in India's role in Indo-Pacific security and Quad cooperation, points out former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald John Trump at the White House, February 13, 2025. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

It was reported several weeks ago that the Trump administration was working on a National Security Strategy (NSS) document that would reflect its foreign and security policy intent for the rest of the presidential tenure.

Its release was delayed as the document's propositions were contested by different constituencies, including the Maga (Make America Great Again) base, the traditional Republican Party elite, and the foreign policy and security establishment -- which continues to wield influence, though this has diminished under the administration.

The ideological imprint of the Maga constituency is clear, for example, in the brazen attacks on European allies, targeting current governments as ideological adversaries.

This is virtually a repeat of the vituperative criticism of governments of European mainstream political parties by United States Vice-President J D Vance at the Munich Security Conference in February this year.

He accused them of undermining democratic principles by suppressing right-wing political parties such as the AfD in Germany.

Europe is said to be in danger of 'civilisational erasure', particularly for not following the anti-immigration policies of the Trump administration and thus being in danger of losing its European identity.

The US' European allies are also accused of hampering the pursuit of peace in Ukraine, even though the people of Europe are said to support an end to the war.

The NSS states as a key objective the need for 're-establishing strategic stability' between Europe and Russia.

No wonder that Russia has welcomed the NSS as being aligned with its interests.

While the NSS cannot be taken as a guide to US foreign and security policy except in very broad terms, it does reflect a certain altered mindset in engaging Europe.

The notion of a coherent West has ceased to exist, confronting Europe with an existential crisis.

The NSS confirms the shift of strategic focus to the western hemisphere.

Uncontested hegemony over the western hemisphere, from the Arctic to Antarctica, branded as the 'Trump corollary' of the Monroe doctrine, is presented as key to the US remaining a front-ranking power.

This doctrine was established by President James Monroe in 1823 to exclude any European or external power from exercising influence in the Americas.

Mr Trump is claiming to resurrect that policy.

The ongoing show of massive military force against Venezuela is a demonstration of that intent.

Alongside this hemispheric shift is an explicit rejection of the objective of retaining a position of global dominance for itself; instead there is an embrace of a balance of power in other geopolitical theatres and this would include the Indo-Pacific.

'As the United States rejects the ill-fated concept of global domination for itself, we must prevent the global, and in some cases even regional dominations of others (note: making an implicit exception for itself in the western hemisphere).'

Then follows an extraordinary statement, reflecting hopes of co-opting other major powers, in managing world affairs:

'The outsize influence of larger, richer and stronger nations is a timeless truth of international relations. This reality sometimes entails working with partners to thwart ambitions that threaten our joint interests.'

This is the backdrop to the repeated calls by Mr Trump for reinstating Russia into the G-7 and inviting China into the grouping.

The NSS has no separate section on the Indo-Pacific, unlike the NSS adopted in the first Trump administration in 2017, which articulated an elaborate Indo-Pacific strategy, in which the revival of the 'Quadrilateral (US, Australia, Japan and India)' played a critical role.

Instead we have a section entitled 'Asia: Win the Economic Future, Prevent Military Confrontation'.

There is a recognition that the Indo-Pacific is 'already and will continue to be among the next century's key economic and geopolitical battlegrounds'.

The US has to compete successfully in the Indo-Pacific and for this purpose, President Trump is credited with 'building alliances and strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific that will be the bedrock of security and prosperity long into the future'.

It would be reassuring to India and its Quad partners that the NSS commits the US to 'improve commercial (and other) relations with India to encourage New Delhi to contribute to Indo-Pacific security, including through continued quadrilateral cooperation with Australia, Japan and the United States ("the Quad").'

'Moreover, we will also work to align the actions of our allies and partners with our joint interest in preventing domination by any single competitor nation.'

While China is not mentioned in this context, it is clearly the target.

However, this must be tempered by the essentially economic and technological dimension of the projected competition with China, success in which would permit more effective deterrence.

There is a reference to 'preserving military overmatch' being a priority.

This 'overmatch' is spelt out in the capacity of the US and its allies to 'deny any attempt to seize Taiwan or achieve a balance of forces so unfavourable to us as to make defending the island impossible.'

This comes close to a commitment to defend Taiwan against attack by China. The issue of North Korea is ignored as a security concern.

In general, global challenges such as terrorism, proliferation of nuclear weapons and pandemics do not find any mention.

Multilateral institutions and approaches are regarded as detractions from the exercise of national sovereignty.

What are the key takeaways from the NSS?

One, there is an explicit retreat from the US' global role but an assertion of uncontested dominance of the western hemisphere, comprising the Americas and their immediate peripheries.

Two, there is a reframing of the concept of the West, not only by imagining but actively working for a Europe that is ideologically and strategically aligned with the US; it concedes a Russian role in any European security architecture.

Three, there is an expectation of great powers, who may have adversarial relations, to be partners in managing global affairs.

This justifies the outreach to China and Russia as great powers.

Four, there is greater continuity in the approach to the Indo-Pacific and India's role in the preservation of security in this geopolitical space is reaffirmed.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
'Judges have transmitted a terrible message to citizens across the nation. All right-thinking individuals will be disturbed by what the Delhi high court judges have done.'

IMAGE: Kuldeep Singh Sengar (in white shirt), then the Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. Photograph: Nand Kumar/PTI Photo/Rediff Archives

The Delhi high court's decision on December 23, 2025 to suspend the life sentence of convicted Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case has triggered sharp criticism from the legal fraternity.

Senior Supreme Court Advocate Dushyant Dave, in an interview with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff, dissected what he terms an 'unconscionable judgment'. Dave argues that the Delhi high court's narrow interpretation of who qualifies as a 'public servant' establishes a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing powerful politicians accused of heinous crimes to escape stringent punishment.

What aspects of the Delhi high court order suspending Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence do you find most legally troubling?

There are numerous concerns. First and foremost, the judgment is legally flawed because the judges have focused exclusively on one aspect -- the term 'public servant' -- while completely overlooking the opening provision of subsection 5(c) of the POCSO Act, which begins with 'person...who is in a position of trust and responsibility.'

(Section 5 of the POCSO Act, 2012, defines circumstances under which penetrative sexual assault of a child becomes 'aggravated penetrative sexual assault,' attracting enhanced punishment of 20 years to life imprisonment.)

There are several serious concerns. Chief among them is that the judgment is legally flawed, as the judges have confined their analysis to a single element -- the expression 'public servant' -- while entirely disregarding the opening words of subsection 5(c) of the POCSO Act, which refer to a 'person... who is in a position of trust and responsibility.'

(Section 5 of the POCSO Act, 2012, sets out the conditions under which penetrative sexual assault of a child is classified as 'aggravated penetrative sexual assault,' carrying enhanced punishment ranging from 20 years' imprisonment to life.)

The same phraseology -- 'trust and responsibility' -- appears in the latter portion of the section as well. Public servants, police officers, hospital staff, and educational institution personnel are merely illustrative examples.

The critical question one must examine is whether the child reposed trust in a particular individual. If the answer is affirmative, then one must interpret this section very broadly. The judges have interpreted the provision in an exceedingly narrow and pedantic manner.

This is social legislation designed to curb offences against children, enacted pursuant to India's obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (an international treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989 to protect children's rights, to which India is a signatory).

When one considers paragraph 37 of the judgment, which concludes Sengar was not a public servant, it becomes apparent that this constitutes a grave disservice to legislative intent, to the circumstances that necessitated this law's enactment, to the prevailing situation in our country, and to the grossly gruesome facts of this particular case.

An MLA occupies an exceptionally powerful position in our democracy. Citizens place their trust in MLAs; these representatives bear responsibility for the welfare of their constituents. This child approached Sengar seeking employment -- a perfectly legitimate aspiration in today's challenging job market.

The MLA exploited that vulnerability. She approached him trusting that here was someone who might facilitate gainful employment for her.

MLAs wield considerable influence within their constituencies. In my considered opinion, an MLA functions as a trustee responsible for the welfare of all electors and residents in his area.

The Delhi high court has completely overlooked this crucial dimension. Furthermore, considering that the MLA utilised police force, that the victim's father died in police custody, and that the family's legal counsel died under suspicious circumstances, for the Delhi high court to adopt this view is nothing short of shocking. This is an unconscionable judgment.

How does this order affect not merely this survivor but all survivors confronting similar circumstances?

The Supreme Court has interpreted the term 'public servant' expansively in P V Narasimha Rao's case, holding that for purposes of the Prevention of Corruption Act (the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, is legislation designed to combat corruption amongst public officials, with Section 2(c) providing an extended definition of 'public servant'), MLAs and MPs are indeed public servants.

Therefore, the high court cannot conclude that in another piece of social legislation, an MLA does not qualify as a public servant. The Prevention of Corruption Act addresses serious offences, but sexual offences against children are far graver.

The Delhi high court ought to have exercised greater circumspection. Indeed, the Supreme Court in certain precedents has gone so far as to hold that a private bank officer also qualifies as a public servant because he holds custody of public trust and monies, and if he engages in misconduct, he may be prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

This represents the appropriate level of judicial interpretation. All such legislation must ultimately be construed to subserve the purpose for which it was enacted.

When two interpretations are plausible, one must lean towards the stricter construction, not the liberal view the judges have adopted. This is a perverse judgment that opens a Pandora's Box.

At this rate, MPs, MLAs, and other public figures discharging public functions and duties will escape accountability if they behave as this MLA has behaved.

The court relied substantially on the duration Sengar has already spent in custody. Does this consideration outweigh the gravity of a rape conviction involving a minor?

If Section 5(c) applies (Section 5(c) of POCSO deals with aggravated penetrative sexual assault when committed by a public servant, carrying minimum punishment of 20 years and potentially life imprisonment), twenty years constitutes the minimum sentence.

Life imprisonment should be the appropriate punishment. He was indeed awarded life imprisonment. The judges cannot arbitrarily declare seven years sufficient.

This has become fashionable amongst certain judges. For instance -- and I state this on record -- when the minister's (Ajay Mishra Teni, the then Union minister of state for home) son (Ashish Teni, the key accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case (2021), where farmers and a journalist were killed after being run over by a vehicle) was charged with killing several people by crushing them with his vehicle, and a journalist also perished, I was briefed by Mr Prashant Bhushan to oppose the bail application.

Judges of the Supreme Court, with Justice Surya Kant presiding, stated he had served one year in custody and should be released. I responded: By all means proceed, but then establish a legal principle that every person charged with murder is entitled to release after one year -- which was not done. That individual was released.

Meanwhile, countless individuals languish in prisons for years awaiting Supreme Court hearings. The Supreme Court lacks time to hear them. Whatever the merits, I am not commenting on those. I am addressing the manner in which matters proceed (in courts), which does not signal well for judicial independence.

Does suspending Sengar's life sentence dilute the gravity of rape conviction in law?

IMAGE: The Unnao rape case survivor speaks to the media about the Delhi high court's order suspending the sentence of 2017 Unnao rape case accused Kuldeep Singh Sengar at India Gate in New Delhi, December 23, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

The appeal was admitted in 2020. What prevented the judges from hearing the appeal substantively? If they had time to deliver a 57-page judgment on bail, they might well have adjudicated the appeal itself.

What transpires through this approach is that if the appeal had been decided, an appeal would lie to the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court would then consider the matter. Instead, the judges have taken a shortcut, which was truly unfortunate.

The appeal was admitted in 2020, yet it was never taken up for hearing on merits. If the court had the time to deliver a detailed 57-page order on the bail application, it could reasonably have considered hearing and disposing of the appeal itself.

The effect of this sequencing is significant. Had the appeal been finally decided, the aggrieved party would have had the opportunity to approach the Supreme Court, where the reasoning could have been examined in the normal appellate process.

Instead, the court issued an extensive bail order that had a substantial bearing on the case without a final adjudication.

Such an approach, particularly when the appeal had been pending for several years, is concerning from the perspective of judicial process and prioritisation. It highlights the need for greater consistency in how courts allocate time and decide matters of long-standing importance.

Suspension of sentence does not equate to acquittal, certainly. However, examining the Delhi high court's judgment reveals it has done considerable disservice to the findings recorded by the trial court (which convicted Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case).

The trial court documented damning findings against the accused (Sengar). Therefore, the Delhi high court should have exercised greater circumspection before proceeding in the fashion it has adopted.

The court imposed conditions prohibiting contact with the survivor. In reality, can such conditions genuinely protect a rape survivor from fear or pressure?

These conditions are, frankly, rather naive. The Delhi high court appears naive in believing that by imposing these conditions, the victims will be protected. Victims are demonstrably not protected.

These conditions signify nothing, in my assessment, because when individuals lodge complaints regarding violated conditions, judges actually frown upon complainants. I believe judges impose these conditions to satisfy themselves and perhaps satisfy the public that they have passed judicious orders. According to my understanding, they mean precious little.

By suspending Sengar's sentence, doesn't the court place the burden of safety back upon the survivor?

Precisely my point. It proves exceedingly difficult for victims to return and establish that conditions have been violated. Not merely economic conditions, but social conditions and actual realities must be examined.

Wealthy and powerful individuals can escape accountability for virtually anything in this country. Those lacking resources -- like the victim here -- cannot possibly withstand the pressures these individuals can exert.

They pressure everyone in their orbit: Family members, relatives, friends, employers. There is nothing they will not do to apply pressure.

Judges are naive to believe pressure cannot be applied. Once he is released, he possesses sufficient resources and means to apply pressure.

From a survivor's rights perspective, should courts be required to consider emotional and psychological safety before suspending sentences in rape cases?

Not merely emotional and psychological considerations -- though those matter -- but I would emphatically state that the Delhi high court and Supreme Court serve as custodians of citizens' fundamental rights. Therefore, the Right to Life is absolutely crucial, as is the right to dignity.

When a young minor child has been raped repeatedly -- possibly subjected to gang rape -- judges should exercise extreme circumspection regarding rights. The judges have discussed the accused's rights. The accused's rights scarcely matter in such circumstances.

It is shocking that judges invoke the fundamental rights of an accused in this context. That constitutes mockery of justice -- mockery of the Constitution.

The proper approach is the inverse. In cases such as this, one is guided solely by the victim's rights and society's rights at large, because criminal offences constitute offences against society as a whole.

What also disturbs me is that in such cases, the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) fails to defend itself adequately. Why did the CBI not engage the services of Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, who is an exceptionally capable and formidable advocate in the Delhi high court? These circumstances raise numerous questions. There are multiple wheels within wheels regarding how these matters transpire.

It proves deeply disappointing that the judiciary now adopts such approaches, which in my view do not augur well for its reputation or the respect it has commanded. I believe the judiciary is harming itself and bears responsibility for diminishing its own standing.

What message does the suspension of Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence convey to women across India regarding how the justice system treats convicted rapists?

Women will certainly feel profoundly apprehensive and disturbed. After all, women constitute nearly half our population, and we remain a feudal nation in many respects. We must protect our women.

When judges fail to protect women and instead protect the accused -- someone guilty of a heinous crime -- this represents, according to my assessment, the rarest of rare cases.

This constitutes the rarest of rare cases. Judges have transmitted a terrible message to citizens across the nation. All right-thinking individuals will be disturbed by what the Delhi high court judges have done.
'Every issue that Muslims are facing today affects Muslim women. But how come women's issues don't affect the community?'

'How does the community benefit by the practice of halala or polygamy?'

IMAGE: Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan members and sympathisers at the release of the survey Breaking the Silence. Photographs: Jyoti Punwani

85% Sunni Muslim women want polygamy to be banned, and 87% want their husbands punished for the practice, discovered a survey conducted across 7 states by the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA). Its report Breaking the Silence, released in Mumbai, breaks many myths.

Community spokesmen often cite the following grounds as valid reasons for taking a second wife: Childlessness, the first wife's ill health and her 'bad temper'. It's also said that since polygamy is allowed under Islam, both wives live happily in the same house.

The survey demolishes these myths.

Muslim women surveyed categorically state that marrying again while already being married could not be justified for any reason whatsoever. Also, none of the 2,500 women surveyed live in harmony with the other wife.

However, behind the statistics lie the voices of the affected women. The 22 case studies reproduced in the report reveal the depth of suffering brought about by the second marriage. From physical violence to emotional devastation so strong that it makes them sick, these women speak of lives destroyed by a mere whim of their husbands who justify it saying their religion permitted it.

The BMMA was one of the petitioners in the Supreme Court against triple talaq, which was struck down in 2017. Their petition had also asked for a ban on polygamy and nikah halala, but these were not taken up.

Dr Noorjehan Safia Niaz, co-founder, BMMA, speaks to Jyoti Punwani about the implications of the survey findings.

Did you expect these responses from the survey? Not just the numbers of women who want a ban on polygamy, but the depth of suffering revealed in the case studies?

We've been handling such cases for so many years, so we knew what happens to women in bigamous marriages. But we didn't have the numbers. If you want to create evidence, you have to go about it scientifically. The survey confirmed what we thought.

Is the community at large aware of this suffering and the scale of the opposition to polygamy? Individual families whose daughters have suffered would be aware, but beyond that?

What do you mean by "the community"?

Those who benefit from this practice don't want to acknowledge the woman's suffering. Which man when he beats his wife thinks of her suffering? For him, it's all about his feelings and his power over her.

If you are referring to Muslim religious institutions, they just want to maintain their hegemony over the community, no matter how bad the women's conditions may be. Things must go on as they are is their view.

Many Muslims don't even see polygamy as a major problem, saying very few Muslims marry a second time, and other communities do so more than Muslims.

It's not about scale. The issue is why a certain legislation is not applicable to a community.

A Hindu woman has the choice to approach the courts when her husband remarries. Many Hindu women may choose not to do so. That choice should be available to Muslim women. Let her not go to court. But the problem is, right now, access to such a law itself is not there.

Even if it's one woman, she needs this access. This gap between women of other communities and Muslim women should not exist. It doesn't matter which community has more men marrying again; the question is of accessibility to the law.

IMAGE: At the release of the survey report, a victim of polygamy breaks down. At left is Khatun Shaikh, one of those who conducted the survey.

Given the continuous onslaught on Muslims and their identity under this government, do you think the demand to ban polygamy should be kept aside till the atmosphere is more conducive?

"This is not the right time" -- how many times have we heard this objection! There's never ever been a right time to raise Muslim women's issues!

It's soon going to be 100 years since the first reform began in laws relating to Muslim women's rights. In 1937, the first law, the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, was passed because the community demanded that it be governed by the Shariat rather than customary practice. Inheritance rights, specially, were better in the Shariat than what was being followed as custom.

Then in 1939, Muslim women got the right to go to court for a divorce.

These were the beginnings of law reform for Muslim women. Had Partition not taken place, Muslims may have been the first community to codify their law.

The next law came only in 1985. Nothing much could happen in the years immediately after Independence because of the trauma of Partition, but from 1947 right up to 1985, nothing happened.

And what a warped law it was -- the Muslim Women's (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, passed after the Shah Bano case. The law pulled Muslim women out of a benefit they already enjoyed, that of life long maintenance on divorce. Its positive interpretation came only in 2001 (Danial Latifi vs Union of India), after the Supreme Court heard all the challenges to it.

The next law for Muslim women came only in 2019: The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, criminalising triple talaq. Look at the time span: 1985-2019.

So to those who say the time is not right because the BJP is in power, we say: What were you doing for the last almost 80 years? You had a beautiful opportunity in the Shah Bano case to make a law that would benefit Muslim women. The Central government was one you favoured (a Congress government was in power at the Centre), one which had your back.

Why did you lose that opportunity? How can you now ask Muslim women to wait for the right time?

This government has already lasted 11 years. We don't know how much longer it will survive. When will the right time come?

Again, when you say "the community" is under attack by this government, what do you mean by "the community"? Are women not central to the community?

Muslim women's issues are seen as separate from "community issues", but community issues are seen as women's issues. There can be no argument about that: Every issue that Muslims are facing today affects Muslim women. But how come women's issues don't affect the community? How does the community benefit by the practice of halala or polygamy?

We challenge this idea of community which excludes women; this binary which sees women's issues as separate from community issues.

This survey finds the mental health of the first wife seriously affected by the husband's second marriage. Is there any practical solution to that?

We specifically wanted to know, apart from issues such as maintenance, what does the woman feel in her innermost being, when her husband marries again. We found that not just was the woman's mental health affected, but that affected her children too. They stopped playing, stopped going to school, felt sad all the time...

Being a mental health professional, I know that many of the problems that adults face go back to the first 8 years of their lives. When the mother goes through helplessness, pain and anger, it spreads to her children, and this affects their entire adult life.

We are a small organisation, but to the extent of our capacity, we have started outreach on mental health since 2023. We must have reached out to 5,000 women and children. We give them practical tips: Breathing exercises, ways of changing their thought processes.

We are also creating mental health trainers and community counsellors. 24 youth have started training and we also have a small fellowship for them.

Are the women receptive? There is a stigma attached to admitting that you need help with your mental health.

Yes, when they come to our Shariat courts, after handling the legal aspect of their cases, we suggest they talk to our counsellors. They immediately retort: "Hum pagal thodi hain (we are not mad)." It takes time to convince them that it's normal to talk about their emotions with someone else.

IMAGE: Posters of the survey.

One defence of polygamy offered is that at least Islam gives the second wife the status of a wife, whereas in other religions, she's just a mistress.

If the second wife feels she will lose her status as a wife by accessing a law which prohibits polygamy, let her not use it.

The survey shows that the first wife bears most of the damage. She pays more dowry, gets less mehr, and has a lesser say in the marriage. She's normally forced to leave the marital home.

So those who defend polygamy -- are they ok with letting the second wife benefit while the first wife suffers?

Forget anything else, what about the woman's dignity? Law is not just about ensuring food and shelter. The dignity of the woman -- be it the first or the second wife -- matters.

Your petition to ban polygamy is lying unheard. Will you have to file another, with the findings of this survey?

We haven't decided anything.

First, we plan to distribute the summary of the survey within the community.

IMAGE: The survey report.

Have you engaged with the ulema and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board on this issue?

Our engagement with the ulema would need another full length interview!

Even before BMMA was founded, I've been engaging, along with other women activists, with the ulema. We even used to send cases to them. That's when we realised they are the root of the problem.

We've sat with many of them, multiple times. But we found a total reluctance to acknowledge women's problems.

This is what they told us: 'Why are you talking about the rights of women in the Koran? Only muftis who can read the Koran in Arabic are equipped to talk about this. You cover your face first before talking to us.'

On every issue that we've gone to court for, we first tried talking to them. We realised we were breaking our heads against the wall.

When we wanted to train women as qazis, we went to them first. Not possible, they said, when we knew all over the world, and even in India, there exist women qazis. So we developed our own syllabus and trained women to become qazis.

If you don't share your authority, we'll create our own. Neither the Koran nor the Constitution stops us from doing so.

We also realised that we were giving organisations such as the AIMPLB too much importance. They are just an NGO like we are. Why give them a status they don't deserve?

Only Parliament can make laws, and as citizens, Parliament is as much ours as theirs. So we directly approached Parliament and when that failed, we went to court.

At any rate, after the way the AIMPLB trolled us and dragged our personal lives into the public sphere after we approached the court to ban triple talaq, we've decided we won't stoop to engaging with them.

But we have found many unknown local maulanas very sympathetic and helpful. But they don't want any publicity.

IMAGE: Dr Noorjehan Safia Niaz, cofounder, BMMA, at the release of the polygamy survey.

The late Islamic scholar and reformist Asghar Ali Engineer had always been a guide for your work. Have there been others?

Yes, he was the only one. So many big names in progressive and feminist circles, would personally agree with us, but when it came to taking a public stand, they'd go back on their promise. Only Asghar Ali Engineer stuck publicly to the stand he took privately. And he bore the brunt for doing so.

This peacemeal reform: First a ban on triple talaq, now hopefully, a ban on polygamy, must be frustrating for you who work among women and know their problems.

It is.

What Muslims need is a comprehensive codified law, which we have prepared after wide ranging consultations with ordinary women and Islamic scholars from 2006 till 2013.

Every community in India has its own codified law, except Muslims, the third largest Muslim population in the world.

IMAGE: From left: Khatun Shaikh, senior member, BMMA, Dr Noorjehan Safia Niaz and BMMA Cofounder Zakia Soman.

Would you support the BJP's Uniform Civil Code? The ones in Uttarakhand and Assam bans polygamy.

We have 25 points specifically relating to Muslims that must be included in a Uniform Civil Code. They include positive features such as mehr, a right which must not be taken away, to negatives like child marriage, in banning which there should be no exceptions for Muslims.

But after seeing the way the UCC has been hammered down people's throats in Uttarakhand and Assam, without consultations; and the way couples in live in and inter-religious relationships have been hounded, we feel this is not the way. Any UCC must be widely debated.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
India on Friday said the "unremitting hostilities" against minorities in Bangladesh are a matter of "grave concern" as it demanded punishment for the perpetrators involved in the lynching of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh area last week.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo/Reuters

New Delhi also reacted cautiously to the return to Dhaka of Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman after 17 years, saying it should be seen in the context of India's push for ensuring free, fair and inclusive parliamentary polls in that country.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India condemned the recent killing of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das and demanded action against those involved in the killing.

"The unremitting hostilities against the minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists at the hands of extremists is a matter of grave concern."

"We condemn the recent gruesome killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh and expect that the perpetrators of the crime would be brought to justice," Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.

Bangladeshi authorities have already arrested 12 people for Das's murder.

"Over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities including cases of killings, arson and land grab have been documented by independent sources during the tenure of the interim government," Jaiswal said.

"These incidents cannot be brushed aside as mere media exaggeration or dismissed as political violence," he added.

Bangladesh has witnessed a fresh wave of unrest and political instability following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was a prominent face in last year's mass protests that forced the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government.

His killing has also triggered some fresh strain in India-Bangladesh ties as certain elements in that country sought to link New Delhi to his death.

India dismissed the charges.

"We have rejected the false narrative that has been projected in Bangladesh. The law and order situation and developments happening there is the responsibility of the government of Bangladesh. To portray a narrative where things go in another direction is completely false and we reject that," Jaiswal said.

The external affairs ministry spokesperson said India is closely following all the developments in the neighbouring country.

"India stands for strengthening our ties with the people of Bangladesh. We favour peace and stability in Bangladesh. And we stand for free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh," he said.

The parliamentary elections are slated for February 12.

On the killing of another Hindu man, Amrit Mondal alias Samrat, by a mob in Rajbari Town on Wednesday night, Jaiswal appeared to link it to deteriorating security situation and hostilities towards minorities in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh government said Mondal was accused in several serious cases, including murder and extortion and that the incident was not a communal attack.

On BNP leader Rahman's return to Bangladesh from London, Jaiswal said: "As you are aware, India supports free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh. This development should be seen in that context."

Rahman, 60, returned to Dhaka to a rousing welcome by thousands of his supporters on Thursday -- a homecoming that is expected to energise the BNP ahead of the February 12 parliamentary elections.

"India wants close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh which is rooted in the Liberation struggle and strengthened through various development and people-to-people initiatives," he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said a common ATS structure for the police force across the country and an impenetrable and strong anti-terrorism grid -- vigilant and capable of swift, result-oriented action -- are essential for "uniform preparation at every level" to counter terror attacks.

IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with Union Ministers of State Nityanand Rai and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Union home secretary Govind Mohan, at the inauguration of the Anti-Terrorism Conference 2025, in New Delhi, December 26, 2025. Photograph: @AmitShah X/ANI Photo

The home minister also said a new plan to launch "a 360-degree assault on organised crime" would be brought in the coming days, and that these databases would form a "core asset of the zero-terror policy".

Inaugurating the two-day Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025 organised by the National Investigation Agency, Shah launched two databases -- the Organised Crime Network Database and the Weapons Database for lost, looted and recovered arms -- hosted by the NIA which will be used by the law enforcement agencies across the country.

Addressing the conference, which was attended by Union Ministers of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Union home secretary, R&AW secretary, director general of NIA, and senior officers from state police forces and central agencies, Shah highlighted the links between organised criminals and terrorists.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of zero-tolerance against terrorism, the annual conference has become a platform to deal with the emerging threats, Shah said.

Actionable points emerge from this conference and the NIA, along with all related agencies from the states, works throughout the year to implement them, Shah said, according to an official statement.

"Organised crime networks initially operate for the purpose of ransom and extortion, but when their leaders flee abroad and settle there, they automatically come into contact with terrorist organisations and then use the proceeds from ransom and extortion to spread terrorism within the country," Shah said.

Under the guidance of the NIA and CBI and with the cooperation of the Intelligence Bureau and by utilising this database, every state must eliminate these threats within their jurisdiction, Shah said.

The home minister also said the database of terrorists and criminals should be made a core asset of the zero-terror policy, the statement said.

A new standard of coordination, cooperation and communication among the DGP Conference, Security Strategy Conference, N-CORD meetings, and the Anti-Terror Conference has been developed, he said.

These four pillars cannot be seen in isolation, and running through them as a common thread is the Anti-Terrorism Conference, the statement quoted Shah as saying.

"When we establish a common ATS structure across the entire country, it provides us with an opportunity for uniform preparation at every level," Shah said.

"A common ATS structure for the police forces across the country is extremely important, and the DGPs from all the states should implement it as soon as possible," he added.

The home minister also said the ATS units of all the states should get into the habit of using intelligence sharing platforms -- NIDAAN and NATGRID -- to ensure that cases are not investigated in isolation, and the invisible links among them are brought to light.

Shah said the use of NATGRID should be made mandatory in certain investigations, and the use of NIDAAN should be made mandatory in certain cases, the statement said.

The home minister also emphasised ensuring active participation in the Multi Agency Centre and the National Memory Bank.

"The common ATS structure and operational uniformity give us an advantage in prosecuting terrorists. Unless we achieve operational uniformity, we cannot make an accurate assessment of threats, make proper use of intelligence sharing, or carry out coordinated counter-actions," Shah said.

He also emphasised ensuring uniformity -- from investigation to prosecution.

Asserting that as India's economic prowess grows, threats will also increase, Shah said the preparations to ensure the country's internal security do not begin on the borders; rather, they must start many miles away.

Shah also gave a call to develop a national grid -- vigilant and capable of swift, result-oriented action -- to counter cyber and information warfare, the misuse of economic networks, and the hybrid format of terrorism.

He said that building a multi-layer security model and working with a ruthless approach against terrorism can keep us secure in the coming days, the statement said.

Everyone should move forward with the principle of 'Duty to Share' instead of 'Need to Know', the home minister said.

The central agencies and state police have made good use of technology at their levels, but technology developed in silos and data collected in silos are like a gun without bullets, the statement quoted Shah as saying.

He said it is better if all data can communicate with each other and are created using the same technology.

Shah also asked the Ministry of Home Affairs, the NIA and the IB to hold discussions to develop a seamless national-level framework for technology and data.

The database of terrorists and criminals should be made a core asset of the zero-terror policy, he said.

Shah also said he expects the director generals of police to implement the database framework in letter and spirit.

"In coming days, the country would bring a plan to launch a 360-degree assault on organised crime," Shah said.
A Hindu man was lynched in Bangladesh over alleged extortion, media reports said on Thursday, days after another man from the minority religion was lynched in the country.

IMAGE: Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad take out a protest rally against atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The incident took place on Wednesday in Rajbari town's Pangsha upazila, The Daily Star newspaper quoted police as saying.

The deceased, identified as Amrit Mondal, had allegedly formed a criminal gang and was involved in extortion and other criminal activities.

The interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus 'strongly condemned' the killing while asserting that it was not a communal attack.

On the day of the incident, Mondal was beaten up by locals when he, along with his group members, tried to extort money from a resident's house, the report said.

Upon receiving information about the incident, police rushed to the spot and rescued Mondal in a critical condition.

He was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead around 2:00 am, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Pangsha Circle) Debrata Sarkar said, according to the report.

Mondal's body was sent to Rajbari Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy, Sarkar said.

Most of his associates fled after the incident, but police arrested one man and recovered firearms from his possession.

According to the police, Mondal had at least two cases filed against him, including a murder case.

Condemning the killing, the interim government said in a statement that it 'does not support any kind of illegal activities, mass beatings or violence', the state-run BSS news agency reported.

In a statement, the government said that the incident was not a communal attack but one stemming from a violent situation arising from extortion and terrorist activities.

Legal action will be taken against everyone directly or indirectly involved in the incident, it said.

The incident comes a week after another Hindu man, Dipu Das, was lynched and his body set on fire over blasphemy allegations in Mymensingh.

Police and other law enforcement agencies have made 12 arrests in the case so far.

Das' killing sparked widespread protests by factory workers, students and rights groups in Dhaka and elsewhere in Bangladesh, and India expressed its concerns as well.

The interim government has said it would take care of Das' minor child, as well as his wife and parents.

The Hindu population in Bangladesh has been affected by a series of incidents against minority communities in the country after the ouster of then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year.
China on Friday imposed sanctions on 20 US defence firms in response to the Trump administration's approval of a record $11.1 billion arms sales package to Taiwan.

IMAGE: Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photograph: Selim Chtayti/Pool via Reuters

The foreign ministry, in a statement, warned that any attempt to provoke China on the Taiwan issue would be met with a firm response.

In response to the US announcement of large-scale arms sales to what it described as "China's Taiwan region," the ministry said Beijing has decided to take countermeasures against 20 American military-related firms and 10 senior executives who have been involved in arming Taiwan in recent years.

"The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. Anyone who attempts to cross the line and make provocations on the Taiwan question will be met with China's firm response, it said.

It urged the US to abide by the one-China principle and to "stop the dangerous moves of arming Taiwan, stop undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and stop sending wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces".

China will continue to take resolute measures to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, the statement said.

The sanctions were largely seen as symbolic, as most of the targeted US defence firms do not have business operations in China.

The proposed arms sales, which require approval by the US Congress, come amid concerns in Taipei over a potential invasion by China, which claims the self-governing island as part of its territory.

If approved, as is widely expected given strong bipartisan support for Taiwan in the US Congress, the package would surpass the $8.4 billion worth of arms sold to Taiwan during the Biden administration, the New York Times reported earlier.

The size of the proposal is likely to reassure China hawks in Washington who have grown uneasy about President Donald Trump's commitment to defending Taiwan as he seeks to cut trade and economic deals with Beijing, the report said.
SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- A South Korean special counsel indicted former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of making false statements during the presidential campaign, the special counsel team said Friday. 
After more than three decades, Gujarat has regained the status of a 'tiger-present state', with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) confirming the presence of a tiger in the state, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said on Friday.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

With this, Gujarat has now become the abode of three big cats - lion, leopard and tiger, another minister said.

As per the forest department records, tigers went extinct in Gujarat 36 years ago in 1989.

The development comes nearly a month after the Gujarat Forest Department announced that a wandering tiger has made Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary in Dahod district its new home and it has now settled there.

"After 30-plus years, Gujarat roars back onto India's tiger map. With confirmed camera-trap evidence from Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary (Dahod), the NTCA has officially reinstated Gujarat as a tiger-present state for the 2026 census," Sanghavi said in his post on platform 'X'.

"A proud moment for conservation, vigilant forest teams, and Gujarat's thriving ecosystems. Nature finds its way back, when protected right," he added.

Gujarat forest and environment minister Arjun Modhwadia said an NTCA team had recently visited the state to conduct a study and confirmed the presence of a tiger in the sanctuary.

"There was a time when tigers used to roam in Gujarat's forests. But they eventually went extinct nearly 3 decades ago. Nearly 8 months ago, our staff spotted a tiger in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary and it was later established that the big cat had settled in that forest," he said.

"A team of NTCA recently visited the state and prepared a preliminary report, which stated that Gujarat has a tiger population of one. In that report, NTCA has also suggested several steps to strengthen the ecosystem which would help in tiger conservation in the state," Modhwadia added.

According to the minister, his department has already initiated efforts to create a favourable ecosystem for the tigers.

The settling of the tiger and subsequent confirmation by the NTCA prompted Modhwadia to announce that Gujarat has become the abode of three big cats -- lion, leopard and tiger.

He said the tiger was first captured on CCTV cameras placed inside the forests of Ratanmahal in February this year and it was caught on cameras at regular intervals, which established that the feline had settled in that forest.

In November, Modhwadia said the forest department has relocated some herbivores in the forest to make sure that the tiger gets enough prey base for its survival.

In February 2019, the forest department confirmed the presence of a tiger in Lunawada tehsil of Mahisagar district. However, the hopes of revival died out when the big cat's carcass was found in the same forest area two weeks later.

Gujarat is known as the world's last abode of Asiatic lions.
The US has replaced random H-1B selection with a wage-weighted lottery and a new $100,000 fee for applications, raising uncertainty for students and junior hires.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

The year 2025 is set to mark a turning point in the United States' immigration regime, with the random H-1B visa lottery system, used for over three decades, giving way to a new weighted selection framework.

Adding to the shift, a US federal judge has upheld President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications.

Together, these changes have injected fresh uncertainty into the global talent pipeline, particularly for international students and entry-level professionals, as employers recalibrate hiring strategies around wage thresholds and local talent availability.

Industry body Nasscom in a statement said the recent changes with regards to the wage-weighted selection mechanism for H-1B visas represents a significant departure from the long-standing neutral lottery system, and raises important legal, economic and operational concerns.

'A sudden shift to a wage-weighted model would introduce uncertainty, increase compliance complexity, and disrupt long-established workforce planning, particularly for smaller and mid-sized firms that align recruitment with academic calendars, client delivery schedules, and product release cycles,' said Nasscom.

The new system, according to experts, is likely to tilt early-career hiring in favour of domestic candidates.

While this could benefit large technology companies with deeper pockets, smaller firms and startups that rely on global talent may face greater pressure.

"Companies will have to offer the highest range of wage to maximise the chances of the person being hired," Cyrus D Mehta, founder of a New York-based immigration law firm, said.

"The number of visas being issued under the H-1B category remains the same -- 65,000, and 20,000 for those with advanced degrees. However, the priority now will be given to those who pay the highest salary."

The new weighted system, Mehta said, will impact students and entry-level professionals. The latest move will benefit big tech companies which will be able to offer higher wages.

However, the US government's decision to eliminate random selection and instead prioritise higher-paid, higher-skilled foreign workers is unlikely to significantly alter the hiring strategies of Indian IT services companies, according to industry executives and immigration experts.

Late Tuesday night, the US department of homeland security amended regulations to replace the random lottery with a weighted process based on skill and wage levels.

In a press note, the DHS said the change was intended to 'better protect the wages, working conditions, and job opportunities for American workers.'

'The existing random selection process of H-1B registrations was exploited and abused by US employers who were primarily seeking to import foreign workers at lower wages than they would pay American workers,' said US Citizenship and Immigration Services Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser.

Currently, the US issues 65,000 H-1B visas annually, with an additional 20,000 reserved for advanced degree holders from US universities.

Indian firms have historically secured a large share of these visas, though many have reduced their dependence over time by increasing onshore hiring.

The lottery hasn't been eliminated, it is no longer "random", noted Poorvi Chothani, managing partner at LawQuest.

Selection will now be weighted based on the US department of labor's Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) levels.

Under the revised system, candidates offered Level 4 wages, the highest tier, will be entered into the selection pool four times, Level 3 candidates three times, Level 2 twice, and Level 1 only once.

Employers should therefore prioritise candidates whose skills and qualifications justify a Level 4 wage, said Chothani.

For large Indian IT firms, the impact is expected to be manageable.

"H-1B dependence has already declined materially," said Gaurav Vasu, founder and CEO of UnearthInsight. "Applications by top Indian IT companies fell from about 24,300 in 2022 to around 13,500 in 2024, a drop of over 40 per cent."

Vasu added that while mid-tier and smaller firms may face margin pressure, US technology giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta are unlikely to alter hiring plans, as they already pay at higher wage levels.

In his efforts to further prevent the alleged misuse of the H-1B visa process, Trump, earlier in September, mandated that a $100,000 fee accompany new H-1B visa applications.

US District Judge Beryl Howell said in a ruling on Tuesday that the move to radically increase the cost of the popular visa was lawful.

Sources in the ministry of electronics and information technology said Indian IT companies had assured the government that the impact would be minimal.

"Our preliminary assessment suggests companies remain on track with hiring plans in both India and the US," a senior official said.

Indian IT services firms have been reducing reliance on H-1B visas since Trump's first term as US president.

In a recent interview with Business Standard, TCS CEO and MD K Krithivasan said the company could "survive" without such visas.

"In FY26, we sent just 500 people from India to the US on H-1B visas... There is no dependence," he said.

Similarly, Infosys CEO Salil Parekh said during the company's second-quarter results briefing that only a minority of employees require visa sponsorship.

'We have built a large number of centres and hubs, which are focused on digital, on innovation, on technology and AI in the US. We have relationships with universities. We have a training facility there... We will work with our clients without any disruption to their services,' said Parekh.

These policy changes come even as many workers face uncertainty over H-1B renewals, with US consulates pushing interview dates back by five to six months.

Several visa holders have taken to social media to express concern after already entering the US.

"Individuals whose H-1B appointments are rescheduled to 2026 don't have many options," Chothani said.

"They will have to wait or look for something earlier when the consulates open new appointment slots. In the meantime, they should discuss remote work options with their US employer so they can continue providing services and potentially retain their H-1B status."

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Protests against attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh continued before the country's deputy high commission in Kolkata on Friday, with Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari threatening to return to the premises with "five lakh Gangsagar pilgrims" if the assaults were not brought to an immediate halt.

IMAGE: West Bengal LOP Suvendu Adhikari speaks during a protest rally against the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh, in Kolkata, December 26, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal assembly, met senior officials of the deputy high commission as part of a five-member delegation, and claimed that the diplomats had "no answer to most of his questions".

"I asked them that if the former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina granted asylum to Myanmar Rohingyas in Cox' Bazar because they were Muslims, why are the Hindus being indiscriminately targeted? If they think two crore Hindus in that country will get constantly targeted and 100 crore Hindus on this side of the border will sit and watch silently, then they are grossly mistaken," he said.

The BJP leader also launched a sharp attack on the Mamata Banerjee government over police action on protesters who demonstrated before the deputy high commission earlier this week.

"There is no difference between the police of Mumammad Yunus on that side of the border and those of Mamata Banerjee here. Both serve their masters blindly," Adhikari said, referring to the baton-charge and arrests of 19 supporters of a Hindu organisation which had breached barricades and clashed with the police in their attempt to raid the mission premises on December 23.

The police were deployed in large numbers before the deputy high commission office on Friday. Metal barricades bolted to the ground were set up which cordoned off the zone and turned it into a virtual fortress to stop protesters from reaching the premises, a sovereign Bangladeshi territory on Indian soil.

Adhikari, accompanied by a few hundred Hindu monks, threatened to return with a much larger force and storm the mission office if the attacks continued unabated.

"Monks will set up camps at Babughat on their way to the Gangasagar mela. I will return with five lakh Hindu pilgrims of Gangasagar at the beginning of next year and uproot these barricades on our march to the high commission office," he said.

Earlier in the day, activists of Hindu Sanhati, a fringe outfit, took out a rally to the mission office and submitted a six-point charter of demand to the officials.

The memorandum included demands for exemplary punishment of those involved in the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Meymenshingh on December 18 and security of minorities in Bangladesh and their religious institutions.

"We have also sought exemplary punishment for the police officials who handed Dipu Das over to the mob. The Bangladesh government should crack down on those spreading rumors against the minorities that are triggering such attacks," said Rajat Roy, an advisory committee member of Hindu Sanhati.

Meanwhile, a Kolkata court granted interim bail to 12 members of the Bangiyo Hindu Jagaran Mancha, arrested for allegedly staging a violent demonstration outside the Bangladesh mission on Tuesday, following completion of their 48-hour police remand.

The arrested agitators, including seven women, were booked under charges of attempt to murder, rioting, unlawful assembly, causing danger and obstruction in public ways, voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant alongside assaulting or using force against a public servant.

While the women were granted bail by the court on Wednesday, the men were sent to police custody for two days.

Large scale violence erupted across the neigbouring nation since December 18 -- including riots, arson, and attacks on minority Hindus, vandalism at cultural sites and targeting of a section of the media -- after news spread of the killing of Osman Hadi, a leader of the July 2024 uprising against Sheikh Hasina and a prospective candidate for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

At least two Hindu youths were lynched and houses of minorities in Bangladesh being ransacked and torched in the wake of the violence.

Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old garment factory worker, was lynched after allegations of blasphemy. His body was hung from a tree and burned in full public view on December 18 in Meymensingh district.

Six days later, on Christmas eve, 29-year-old Amrit Mondal was beaten to death by locals in Rajbari district. Bangladeshi authorities, while condemning the incident, said Mondal was a listed criminal who had entered the area to collect extortion money and clashed with residents.

In the aftermath of the July 2024 uprising, multiple reports of attacks on Hindus surfaced from across Bangladesh. These instances of violence were preceded by reports of targeting of Durga Puja pandals and desecration of temples.

In November 2024, Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and a former ISKCON monk, was arrested on charges of sedition and continues to remain imprisoned.

On Monday, the Indian government stated that over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities have been documented in Bangladesh by independent sources during the tenure of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

Condemning the murder of Das, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "The unremitting hostilities against the minorities in Bangladesh including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists are a matter of grave concern. We condemn the recent killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh and expect that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice.
A 20-year-old Indian doctoral student has been shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus in Canada, with authorities probing the case as a homicide, officials said.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: Wa Lone/Reuters

The shooting took place on Tuesday, and the Toronto police on Wednesday identified the victim as Shivank Avasthi, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Police were called to the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road at about 3.30 pm on Tuesday for a report of an injured person lying on the ground, Duty. Inspector Jeff Allington told reporters near the scene on Tuesday night.

A person walking through the woods in the area discovered the victim on a paved trail and called 911, Allington said.

When officers arrived, they found a person with a gunshot wound. That person was pronounced dead at the scene, the report added.

The police are probing the case as a homicide.

"Our immediate focus is on preserving evidence at the scene, determining what happened and notifying this individual's next of kin. Because of that, there is very little information that I am able to share with you tonight," Allington said.

Toronto police said the suspect fled the area prior to police arrival. No suspect description has been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Meanwhile, India's Consulate in Toronto expressed 'deep anguish' over the student's 'tragic death'.

'We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities,' the Consulate posted on X.

A UTSC spokesperson said the university was 'extremely saddened' to learn about the death near their campus, but did not confirm if he was a student, CP24 Television network reported.

"We cannot comment on the identity of the victim at this time," the spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday evening.

"We are grateful to our Campus Safety team, Toronto Police Service and emergency medical service personnel for their immediate response and action."

The University of Toronto Scarborough campus (UTSC) issued a safety alert advising anyone in a building to stay inside and anyone outdoors to leave the area.

In a social media post, the school said the police investigation is in the Highland Creek Valley at UTSC. It said pathways into the valley remain closed, and people are advised to avoid the valley until police reopen it.
Senior Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar leader Jayant Patil on Friday met Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai to discuss a possible alliance between the two parties for the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, with just a few days left for nomination filing to end.

IMAGE: NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, in conversation with Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray at an event in Mumbai, August 14, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

The meeting, which took place at Thackeray's residence 'Matoshree' in Bandra, lasted around two hours.

It comes two days after Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray forged an alliance for the elections to the cash-rich civic body to be held on January 15.

Talking to reporters later, Patil said his talks with the Sena-UBT chief were positive, but the two sides are yet to reach any conclusion.

The NCP-SP expects that the Maha Vikas Aghadi constituents should contest the BMC polls together for good results, the former state minister said, adding that discussions between the NCP-SP and the Congress were also on.

"Our discussion is on with the Shiv Sena-UBT, but we have not yet come to any conclusion. We are part of the MVA. Our efforts are to form an alliance with Shiv Sena-UBT (for the civic polls)," he said.

The party's stand has been that it should get the seats the undivided NCP won in 2017 in the BMC polls.

Earlier in the day, NCP-SP Mumbai unit president Rakhee Jadhav said the party expects to get 15-20 seats from its alliance partners.

According to a party leader, the undivided NCP had contested 106 BMC seats in 2017, out of the total 227, and won nine.

Recently, a leader of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP said the party was keen on contesting the Mumbai civic body polls in alliance with the Sena-UBT and the MNS rather than going with the Congress.

Last month, Congress' Mumbai unit chief Varsha Gaikwad and other leaders had met NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar to discuss a tie-up with his party, which she described as the grand old party's "natural ally".

The Congress had said it wanted to fight the Mumbai municipal elections with "like-minded parties", but did not favour the idea of joining hands with the MNS, with Gaikwad saying it cannot tie up with those who take law into their hands or indulge in intimidation.

Polling for the 227 corporator-seats in India's biggest and richest civic body -- BMC -- along with 28 other municipal corporations in the state will be held on January 15 and votes will be counted the next day.

Nomination papers can be filed till December 30.
Newly declassified documents from the United States National Security Archive have revealed that Pakistan's nuclear proliferation was a significant concern for both the US and Russia, with leaders expressing 'nervous' fears about the country's atomic stability.

Photograph: Saiyna Bashir/Reuters

Conversations between former US President George W Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed deep concerns over Pakistan's nuclear proliferation activities, with both leaders expressing that the situation made them 'nervous', particularly regarding links to Iran's nuclear programme and the A Q Khan network.

The documents, released this week by the National Security Archive following a Freedom of Information lawsuit, include verbatim records of meetings and calls between the two leaders from 2001 to 2008.

They highlight shared anxieties over Pakistan's nuclear arsenal under military ruler Pervez Musharraf.

In a key exchange during an Oval Office meeting in 2005, Putin raised evidence of Pakistani-origin uranium found in Iranian centrifuges.

He questioned Western tolerance despite Pakistan's chequered record of proliferation.

"But it's not clear what the labs (Iran) have, where they are. Cooperation with Pakistan still exists," Putin said.

Bush responded, "I talked to Musharraf about that. I told him we're worried about transfers to Iran and North Korea. They put AQ Khan in jail, and some of his buddies under house arrest. We want to know what they said. I keep reminding Musharraf of that. Either he's getting nothing, or he's not being forthcoming."

Putin highlighted worries about uranium of Pakistani origin found in Iranian centrifuges and potential links to illicit proliferation networks, noting, "As far as I understand, they found uranium of Pakistani origin in the centrifuges."

Bush acknowledged Pakistan's role in illicit transfers, expressing frustration over incomplete disclosures from Pakistani authorities, stating, "Yes, the stuff the Iranians forgot to tell the IAEA about. That's a violation."

"It was of Pakistani origin. That makes me nervous," Putin said, to which Bush replied, "It makes us nervous, too."

Meanwhile, in their meeting in 2001 in Slovenia, Putin described Pakistan bluntly, noting that the country was 'just a junta' with nuclear weapons and had 'no democracy'.

"I am concerned about Pakistan. It is just a junta with nuclear weapons. It is no democracy, yet the West makes no criticism of it. Should talk about it," Putin said.

Both leaders shared concerns about Pakistan's internal situation, political instability, and nuclear command system, fearing that technology could fall into the wrong hands.

The transcripts underscore persistent worries about Pakistan and the architect of its nuclear programme, A Q Khan, whose proliferation network supplied nuclear technology to Iran, North Korea, and Libya.

Last month, India hit out at Pakistan over reports of its alleged nuclear testing activities, as revealed by US President Donald Trump, saying such 'clandestine and illegal' conduct is consistent with Islamabad's long history of nuclear proliferation and smuggling networks.

Commenting on Trump's recent revelation that Pakistan has been secretly testing nuclear weapons, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal noted that India has consistently flagged these concerns to the international community, referring to Pakistan's record in these matters.

"Clandestine and illegal nuclear activities are in keeping with Pakistan's history, which is centred around decades of smuggling, export control violations, secret partnerships, AQ Khan network and further proliferation," the MEA spokesperson said.

"India has always drawn the attention of the international community to these aspects of Pakistan's record," he added.
Bangladesh's deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday lashed out at the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of perpetrating 'unspeakable atrocities' against non-Muslims.

IMAGE: Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina during her visit to New Delhi in June 2024. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

The 78-year-old Awami League leader also said that the current ruling group, which has seized power illegally, is setting 'horrific precedents such as burning religious minorities to death', in an apparent reference to the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh last week.

In her message on the occasion of Christmas, Hasina accused the Yunus government of interfering with the freedom of people of all religions and communities to practice their own faiths.

"In particular, it is perpetrating unspeakable atrocities against non-Muslims. It has even set horrific precedents such as burning religious minorities to death. I firmly believe that the people of Bangladesh will not allow this dark time to continue any longer," she said.

The Hindu population in Bangladesh has been affected by a series of incidents against minority communities in the country after the ouster of Hasina government in August last year. Last week, a 25-year-old Hindu worker was lynched by a mob in Mymensingh city.

On Monday, minority groups in Bangladesh held a protest in Dhaka over the interim government's failure to prevent the persecution of minorities.

Hasina hoped that Christmas would further strengthen the existing bonds of harmony and goodwill between Christians and followers of other religions in Bangladesh.

"On this festive occasion of Christmas, I wish all Christian brothers and sisters happiness, peace, and prosperity," she said.

"May darkness give way to dawn. May Bangladesh live forever," she added.
The United States on Thursday launched a 'deadly' strike against the terror organisation Islamic State in Northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump said.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump takes part in a Christmas Eve dinner in the ballroom of his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 24, 2025. Photograph: Jessica Koscielniak/Reuters

Trump, in a social media post on Truth Social, said that the strike targeted terrorists over the alleged killings of Christians.

'Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries! I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,' Trump said.

'The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper. May God bless our military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues,' the US President added.

According to the US National Counterterrorism Center, ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA) was formed in 2015 when Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIS.

The branch, as per the United States, attacks regional military targets and civilian defence forces and frequently targets government personnel, infrastructure, and Christians.

Earlier, on December 19 (local time), US and Jordanian forces carried out large-scale air strikes against the Islamic State terror group in Syria, hitting more than 70 ISIS targets with over 100 precision-guided munitions, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said the strikes were carried out overnight and described the operation as a demonstration of 'peace through strength'.

The command also released a video showing footage of the air strikes.

The operation came days after a suspected Islamic State attacker targeted a convoy of US and Syrian forces in the central Syrian town of Palmyra.
As she looked down at the Thames, she thought of the Brahmaputra. As she landed, smiling, it was clear that flying had never left her.

IMAGE: Dhira Chaliha Hazarika in the cockpit of the Tiger Moth aircraft. Photographs: Kind courtesy Dhira Chaliha/Facebook

At 85, Dhira Chaliha Hazarika returned to the cockpit this year -- reminding India how far one woman once flew ahead of her time.

Strapped into an open-cockpit Tiger Moth aircraft, wind rushing past her face as the English countryside stretched below, Dhira Chaliha Hazarika felt something she has known all her life. As the plane lifted off from the White Waltham airfield and traced the River Thames, memories come flooding back -- of green Assam, of the Brahmaputra, of a time when flying meant instinct, courage, and little else.

For Dhira Chaliha Hazarika, this is not nostalgia tourism. It is a return. More than six decades after she first flew solo, Assam's first woman pilot is back where she always belonged: In the sky.

A girl who looked up

Dhira Chaliha grew up in Assam during the years around the Second World War, when aircraft occasionally crossed the skies near the Burma front. Those fleeting shapes overhead planted a fascination that never faded.

She was not inclined to stay within prescribed limits. She climbed trees, played outdoors, and resisted the idea that curiosity and courage were reserved for boys. At home, she had a rare advantage for her time -- encouragement. Her father believed, simply and firmly, that women were capable of anything men could do.

That belief would become her runway.

Learning to fly when flying was hard

Dhira's aviation training began at Borjhar (Gauhati airport, now the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi international airport) in the late 1950s, in an era when flying demanded far more from the pilot than from the machine.

There was no GPS, no digital cockpit, and often no radio contact. Emergency landings were part of routine training. Weather judgement was a skill learned through experience and nerve.

Her instructor, a flight officer from Delhi, trained her for worst-case scenarios -- because in those days, help was not always an option.

Alone in the cockpit

Her first solo flight, from Borjhar to Tezpur in 1961, remains a defining moment. There was no radio communication. No co-pilot. Just a young woman, an aircraft, and her training.

It was exhilarating -- and terrifying.

That flight confirmed what she already suspected: She belonged in the air.

1961: When Assam saw a woman fly

In April 1961, at just 21, Dhira Chaliha earned her Pilot's A Licence, becoming Assam's first woman pilot.

The moment was quietly historic. People gathered at the airfield not for ceremony, but curiosity. An Assamese woman flying an aircraft was something they had never seen before.

She did not make speeches. She did not frame her achievement as rebellion. She simply took off -- and in doing so, expanded what women in the region could imagine for themselves.

IMAGE: Dhira Chaliha poses for a photograh with the aircraft.

The fearlessness people still talk about

Dhira's flying years produced stories that would later grow into legend.

One of the most retold involves her flying close to the pillars of the Saraighat bridge while it was still under construction -- an audacious manoeuvre that reflected absolute confidence in her skill.

There were also moments of intense technical challenge: Battling severe monsoon turbulence, holding the aircraft steady as wind and rain battered it, climbing until she reached the calm air above the storm.

These were not stunts. They were proof of command.

When life changed the flight plan

Dhira worked steadily toward a commercial pilot licence, hoping to turn her passion into a profession. But life, especially for women of her generation, often came with detours.

Marriage to Kamal Hazarika and a move to London interrupted that path. The dream of a full commercial aviation career remained unfinished.

She speaks of it without bitterness. There are no dramatic regrets -- only quiet reflections on the places she might have flown to, the routes she never charted.

What mattered more was this: She never stopped flying.

Flying on her own terms

In the UK, Dhira joined flying clubs and continued to take to the skies. One incident captures her spirit perfectly.

Arriving at a British airfield wearing a traditional mekhela chador, staff assumed the pilot must be her husband. He corrected them. It was his wife who had come to fly.

The moment needed no explanation.

Back in the sky at 85

Her 2025 Tiger Moth flight feels like a full circle. The open cockpit, the exposed wind, the landscape unfolding below -- it all echoed the simplicity of the aircraft she flew in her youth.

As she looked down at the Thames, she thought of the Brahmaputra. As she landed, smiling, it was clear that flying had never left her.

Age had only paused the journey.

IMAGE: A young Dhira.

Why Dhira Chaliha Hazarika still matters

Dhira Chaliha Hazarika's legacy is not just that she was first.

She challenged assumptions without confrontation. She showed that tradition and ambition could coexist. And she reminded us that dreams do not have expiry dates.

Her return to the cockpit at 85 resonated far beyond aviation circles. Reacting to her flight, Anand Mahindra, chairperson, Mahindra and Mahindra, posted on X: 'She deserves a place in India's Aviation Hall of Fame simply for being a trailblazer. But for flying again at 85, she belongs in a global Hall of Fame for her courage, her resilience, and her life-affirming spirit.'

Long before conversations about representation entered public discourse, Dhira Chaliha Hazarika quietly redrew the horizon.

She did not just fly aircraft. She changed the view from the ground.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
'Refusal does not invite immediate legal penalty; it invites Constitutional unease.'

Photograph: ANI on X

Justice J Nisha Banu of the Madras high court, who was transferred to the Kerala high court by a presidential order dated October 14, 2025, is yet to assume charge at her new posting.

What lends the episode an unusual edge is that the President of India has since issued a reminder directing compliance, a rare intervention in the constitutional handling of judicial transfers.

The development has revived a fundamental question: What happens when a high court judge does not comply with a transfer order issued by the President of India?

Under Article 222(1) of the Constitution, the President, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, may transfer a high court judge from one court to another.

"A transfer of a high court judge is a Constitutional exercise carried out by the President after consultation with the CJI. The judge's consent is not a Constitutional requirement," said Rishabh Gandhi, founder, Rishabh Gandhi and Advocates.

However, the legal effect of such a transfer is often misunderstood. Gandhi, a former judge, noted that the office of the judge in the parent high court does not automatically fall vacant upon the issuance of the transfer order.

"Vacation of office under Article 217(1)(c) is operationally linked to the judge entering upon office at the transferee high court, which means assuming charge there," he said.

Until that happens, the judge technically continues to hold office, but cannot function judicially.

This produces a Constitutional oddity: The transfer order is binding, yet there is no clear legal mechanism to enforce it. The Constitution provides no scope for suspension, stoppage of salary, or executive action against a judge for non-compliance.

"The only Constitutional mechanism for removal remains impeachment under Articles 124(4) and 218, which is plainly disproportionate to a dispute over transfer," Gandhi said.

The repercussions, he added, are institutional rather than punitive -- collegium engagement, reputational pressure and renewed Presidential directions.

"Refusal does not invite immediate legal penalty; it invites Constitutional unease," he said.

No penalty, but consequences may follow

Tushar Agarwal, founder and managing partner, C.L.A.P. Juris, echoed that view, noting that the Constitution does not prescribe a simple or express penalty for a judge who fails to comply with a transfer order.

"The consequences flow indirectly from Articles 217 and 222, established practice, and judicial discipline," he said.

Once issued, a transfer order is valid and binding.

"Refusal alone does not automatically qualify as misbehaviour, but continued defiance could contribute to a case of misbehaviour, depending on circumstances," Agarwal said.

A judge who does not join the transferee court cannot continue judicial work in the parent high court, and their salary and institutional standing are effectively jeopardised, he added.

Constitutional-administrative deadlock

Monika Tanna, partner at Singhania & Co, said the relationship between a judge and the State is not akin to that of employer and employee.

"There is no provision for suspension or departmental action against judges," she said.

Impeachment remains the only formal remedy, a political and extraordinary measure not intended to address routine administrative defiance.

B Shravanth Shanker, an advocate-on-record in the Supreme Court, described the situation as a "serious Constitutional and administrative deadlock".

A transfer under Article 222(1), he said, "is treated as an exigency of service and requires no consent, and once issued, it carries binding Constitutional force."

"Non-compliance directly challenges both executive authority acting under the Constitution and institutional decision-making of the judiciary through the collegium system," Shanker said.

Judicial precedent has, however, adopted a pragmatic approach to avoid a Constitutional vacuum.

Courts have held that a judge continues in office until assumption of charge at the new court, but cannot perform judicial functions at the old one.

The absence of a disciplinary mechanism means such situations are resolved through persuasion rather than enforcement.

Precedents of quiet resolution

Instances of judges resisting transfers are rare, but not without precedent. In 1996, Justice K P Dandapani of the Kerala high court was transferred to the Gujarat high court but did not join.

In a petition challenging his continuation, the Kerala high court refrained from declaring a vacancy, but held that prolonged continuation was inconsistent with Constitutional propriety. Justice Dandapani ultimately resigned.

More recently, Justice V K Tahilramani resigned in 2019 after being transferred from the Madras high court to Meghalaya, a move that drew widespread criticism from the Bar, even as the collegium stood by its decision.

According to Agarwal, the present case involving Justice Nisha Banu is unusual because of "the extended non-joining after notification, invocation of Article 217(1)(c), and the President explicitly reminding compliance".

He said it has brought "an unsettled Constitutional grey area into sharp focus".

Patience, not punishment

Experts broadly agree that the Constitution grants authority but withholds coercive tools in such situations.

"Judicial transfers are enforced less by force than by convention," Gandhi said.

"The system relies on Constitutional convention and self-discipline, not sanctions. When a judge resists a transfer, the system does not retaliate; it waits."

Or, as Shanker put it, "The Constitutional framework can be compared to a high-security vault door that only opens outwards through impeachment. The administrative staff, the collegium and the executive can only try to nudge it open through persuasion and procedure. They cannot force it without risking the very independence they are sworn to protect."

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
JERUSALEM, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it killed two Palestinian militants in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday night.

According to an IDF statement, the two crossed the "yellow line" to approach the Israeli troops, posing an immediate threat to them.

The "yellow line" marks the Israeli army's redeployment boundary under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, effective on Oct. 10.

"IDF troops in the Southern Command remain deployed in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat," the statement read.

Earlier on Thursday, Israel said its troops killed another Palestinian who crossed the "yellow line" and moved toward them.

According to Palestinian sources, the victim, identified as Sami Ahmad Abu Darabi, was killed after Israeli tanks fired several artillery shells and machine-gun rounds toward areas near the "yellow line" on the outskirts of Beit Lahia.

Israel has carried out near-daily attacks in Gaza since the fragile ceasefire took effect, during which Gaza's health authorities have reported over 400 Palestinian deaths. 
Hinsdale (N.H.) Elementary School collected over 1,600 non perishable food items and delivered them to the Hinsdale Community Food shelter. This project was a school wide effort.
BRATTLEBORO  Financial challenges at the local hospital brought concern from the community and scrutiny from regulators this year.

CEO Christopher Dougherty and CFO and Controller Laura Bruno parted ways with Brattleboro Memorial Hospital towards the end of 2025. In acting co-CEO roles are Dr. Elizabeth McLarney and Dr. Tony Blofson, and consultants are filling in for the other positions.

In November, BMH announced that Dougherty would not be returning to his position as president and CEO of BMH. He had been on a leave of absence since Oct. 3.

BMH resubmitted its fiscal year 2026 budget to the Green Mountain Care Board in the early December. The regulators had asked the hospital to do so after being skeptical of BMH's solvency.

The revised spending plan shows a projected loss in FY26 of about $14.5 million, with total operating expenses adding up to about $130 million and revenue at nearly $116 million.

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital projects big loss in new budget BRATTLEBORO  Recent government changes in how hospitals can buy and bill for medications ar

Driving the loss is "two new factors related to unfavorable changes in the costs associated with medications that go into effect in 2026," according to the hospital. Also cited by BMH is Act 55, the Vermont law passed this year capping what Vermont hospitals are allowed to bill health insurers for prescription drugs administered outside of inpatient settings at no more than 120 percent of the drugs average sales price.

With the loss of revenue and increase in costs associated with the two new factors, the hospital expects to have a negative impact on the budgets bottom line of about $5 million.

Consultants helped prepare the revised budget. The goal ultimately is to strengthen the hospital's financial foundation and ensure longevity, compliance and accountability.

"I think the financial picture in health care is challenging for everybody and it's hitting us really hard, and we are at an inflection point where it's taken on more urgency," Chloe Learey, acting chairperson of the BMH Board of Directors, said in a previous interview. "We are not closing. We are doing what we need to do with urgency and acting, I think, responsibly to turn a corner."

Activists seek staff retention as Brattleboro Memorial Hospital struggles BRATTLEBORO  Activists called for Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to keep staff as financial 

Over the summer, activists called for BMH to keep staff amid financial struggles. Six administrative positions had been cut at the hospital.

"Every one of those are painful," Dougherty said at the time. "We are trying everything to not go down that path again."

Franz Reichsman of Brattleboro, former emergency room doctor and former Select Board member, previously said BMH has "a responsibility ... to doing what's responsible for the employees and the community." He described observing "a systemic failure of the American health care system to address the needs in rural hospitals across the board."

"This is not a BMH problem," he said. "This is an American problem. And if we continue to fail to adopt a health care payment system that minimizes administrative expenses and maximizes patient care, then we're going to be facing this same problem again and again and again in this country. And the Trump budget bill that passed recently only makes things worse. People need to understand that."
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Isaac Evans-Frantz writes in his capacity as the national director of Action Corps, which campaigns for U.S. policies to save the lives of people most affected by climate disasters and violent conflict. He also serves as clerk of the Brattleboro Select Board. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
This photo taken on Dec. 26, 2025 shows a damaged ferry after a collision in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

DHAKA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least four people died, and a dozen were injured in a head-on collision between two passenger ferries amid dense fog on the Meghna River in Bangladesh's Chandpur district, about 115 km southeast of the capital Dhaka, early Friday.

Md Nazmul Islam Sarker, deputy commissioner and district magistrate in Chandpur, told Xinhua over the phone that most of the passengers were asleep when the accident occurred.

Several witnesses told local television channels that the ferries were carrying hundreds of people on board, with many stuck in cabins. 

This photo taken on Dec. 26, 2025 shows a damaged ferry after a collision in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)
Before a massive dam on the Dnieper River burst in what Ukraine says was an act of sabotage by Russian forces, the Kakhovka Reservoir was big and broad and reached a depth of up 26 meters -- a body of water so large that people living on its shores sometimes called it a sea.

The breach in June 2023, about 16 months into Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sent water levels plunging and drained much of the reservoir, which is part of the Dnieper and the front line in the war, exposing its bed in many areas and leaving it covered by shallow water in others.

Downstream from the ruined dam, the breach caused catastrophic flooding. Upstream, it abruptly exposed remnants of the past  a skull in a Nazi helmet, a boat believed to be 500 years old -- and gave rise to a riot of vegetation in soil that had been underwater for decades or more.

Now, Ukraines military says, Russian forces are using the thickening natural cover  fast-growing trees, tangled bushes, and tall reeds  to try to advance into Ukrainian-held territory south of Zaporizhzhya, Ukraines sixth-largest city and the capital of one of five regions that Russian baselessly claims as its own.

Natural Cover

In the area of the Prymorske settlement, the occupiers are trying to penetrate our flank through the former Kakhovka Reservoir, where there is lush vegetation and reeds several meters high, Ukraines Southern Defense Forces said in statement on November 6. It said Ukrainian troops were destroying them.

Prymorske is on the western shore of the former reservoir, about 30 kilometers southeast of the center of the city of Zaporizhzhya.

Two days earlier, the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, HUR, reported that special forces had discovered and eliminated an unspecified number of Russian troops near a group of former islands about 7 kilometers offshore. It said the clash took place in the gray zone -- a term for areas whether the front line is blurred.

On the overgrown reservoir bed, discovering enemy movement can be difficult.

Thickets and complex terrain on the bed, such as ravines and berms, provide natural cover, which complicates visual observation and the use of drones to monitor the entire territory. Russian troops are quite actively using landscape changes to conduct reconnaissance and sabotage operations, said Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army.

Their tactics are primarily to use the bed to bypass positions. In the gray zones, combat clashes and artillery shelling regularly occur on islands and in coastal areas, which have now become more accessible," he said, adding that both sides are actively mining drained areas, which creates additional dangers.

Strategic Importance

Russian forces turned to the reservoir bed after failing to push toward Zaporizhzhya along a route further east, Oleh Tyahnybok, a battalion commander with Ukraines 128th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, told RFE/RL in August. He was describing the situation near Kamyanske, which lies south of Prymorske at the edge of the reservoir and is held by Russian forces.

For the [Russians], this area is important even strategically, because its the shortest route to Zaporizhzhya. They tried to get to Zaporizhzhya through Orekhiv -- they did not succeed. Our troops stopped them, Tyahnybok said. Accordingly, they have accumulated a serious amount of forces in the Kamyanske direction and are now trying to break through.

Russian forces sometimes manage to crawl very effectively, imperceptibly, especially through the territory that was the Kakhovka reservoir, and now it has actually turned into impassable thickets," he said.

While the thickening vegetation shields soldiers from the sight of opposing forces on the ground, nothing can hide you from drones, Vladyslav Voloshyn, a spokesman for Ukraines Southern Defense Forces, said in a video clip from November that showed him standing amid reeds that towered over him, with taller but sparsely leaved treetops above.

The burgeoning plant life can make for tough going for soldiers on either side, Mykhaylo Mulenko, acting head of the nature protection sector of the Khortytsia National Reserve, which is on a lush river island north of the reservoir, suggested.

If you enter these thickets -- willows, poplars -- a person becomes very disoriented, because in fact the forest is very dense and it is very difficult to imagine the sides of the world, he told RFE/RL. And if you go deep into this vegetation, you lose track of where you are going, and it is very difficult to orient yourself.

While statements from both Russian and Ukrainian authorities about battlefield developments are difficult to verify, Roman Pohoriliy, co-founder of DeepState, an open-source analyst group with ties to Ukraines military, suggested that Russian forces have made little headway on the reservoir bed.

They are trying to crawl through but theyre not very successful, Pohoriliy said, adding that the reservoir bed was not their main route to Prymorske.

Accordingly, it is impossible to say that this section poses a huge threat. It is a normal section where they have tried and where they are trying, but they are not succeeding -- they are advancing more through Plavni," he added, referring to a settlement that lies between Prymorske and Kamyanske.

A Threat That 'Exists Everywhere'

Still, similar dangers exist further southwest, according to Bratchuk.

"Potentially vulnerable are the riverside areas of the Kherson and Mykolayiv regions, where the [Dnieper] and its floodplains have also undergone significant changes. The possibility of hidden crossing of water arteries and the use of complex terrain increases the risks of enemy penetration into rear areas, he said. Ukrainian military units are constantly conducting sweeps of these gray zones and islands to minimize such threats."

Pohoriliy said the threat of Russian advances exists everywhere, at any point along the more than 1,000-kilometer front line, which stretches from the northeast through the Donbas and down to the Dnieper Delta in the Kherson region.

Its necessary to monitor this and react accordingly: to know that they can sneak through and prepare to repel them -- or do nothing and fail to defend the country, he said.

Russian forces hold a substantial part of the Zaporizhzhya region and have been trying to push westward and northward toward the regional capital, which is the target of frequent Russian air attacks. A guided bomb attack badly damaged residential buildings and injured at least 26 people in the city and nearby areas, regional authorities said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin groundlessly declared in September 2022 that Ukraines Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson regions are Russian, and he has vowed that Russia will take the land it considers its own by force if it is unable to do so through diplomacy.

Adapted from the original Ukrainian article by Steve Gutterman.
A new documentary about the acclaimed Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti, detailing her outspoken support for the Women, Life, Freedom protests, has ignited a powerful reaction across Persian-language social media.

Directed by Pegah Ahangarani and broadcast on December 24 by BBC Persian, Taraneh: A Documentary offers an intimate portrait of the prominent actress, who reflects on Irans mandatory head scarf law, feminism, artistic responsibility, and the personal consequences of political dissent.

Alidoosti also discusses her arrest, imprisonment, and struggle with an autoimmune disease that sidelined her from public life for nearly a year.

Alidoosti was detained in December 2022 after months of vocal solidarity with protesters following the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody and her condemnation of the executions of demonstrators, including Mohsen Shekari. Her detention drew widespread international condemnation, and she was released on bail two and a half weeks later.

Since her release, the Salesman star has refrained from participating in Iranian cinema. In the new documentary, she appears on camera without the compulsory headscarf for the first time, declaring firmly that she will under no circumstances act while wearing a headscarf again.

Her comments on artists social responsibility and criticism of a film industry lagging behind society have resonated widely online. Many users on X hailed her as a symbol of courage and agency for Iranian women, emphasizing her persistence despite professional exile and health challenges.

Social media users praised her openness, posture, and confidence on screen, seeing in Alidoosti a reflection of the self-determined Iranian woman.

One widely shared post on X stated that Taraneh Alidoosti proved that choosing courage comes at a cost, while others hoped such bravery would one day become a habit, not an exception.

In one striking scene, the documentary shows Alidoosti swimming in a Tehran pool wearing a swimsuit -- a rare and highly symbolic act of defiance in the Islamic republic. The moment recalls her unreleased film Orca, about a female swimmer striving to break a Guinness world record, which was denied screening permission by Iranian authorities.

Reflecting on that banned film, Alidoosti says, Back then, I had to act as a swimmer who swam in clothes. But thats not acceptable anymore. People will laugh.

Prominent film journalist Mina Akbari described the documentary as a historic act of saying no. Others credited Alidoostis words for keeping the memory of the Women, Life, Freedom movement alive amid Irans ongoing political and economic crises, calling her voice wounded but unyielding.

Following the Iranian Culture Ministrys confirmation that she and several other actresses had been banned from working, Alidoosti wrote on Instagram: If Im no longer acting in your films, dont think even for a second that its your doing. I will not wear the cloth that killed my sisters for your movies.
Residents of Kyiv expressed little hope on December 26 that a potential meeting between the Ukrainian and US presidents would bring a breakthrough after nearly four years of war, even as both Washington and Moscow step up diplomatic contacts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on December 26 that he will meet with US President Donald Trump, likely over the weekend, as Washington accelerates efforts to broker a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow.

Zelenskyy announced the planned meeting on social media, saying he received a report from National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov about new contacts with US officials.

We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level - with President Trump in the near future, Zelenskyy said, adding that much could be decided before the New Year. Trump has not publicly confirmed plans for such a meeting.

In later remarks to journalists, Zelensky said he expects the meeting to take place on December 28 in Florida, where he will discuss finalizing key documents with Trump.

Speaking to Axios, Zelenskyy also suggested that if Russia agrees to a cease-fire of at least 60 days, Kyiv would be willing to put forward the plan -- potentially agreed upon with Trump this weekend -- for a national referendum.

The development comes as US, Ukrainian, and European negotiators work on a 20-point peace framework aimed at ending the war with Russia.

In his December 26 comments to reporters, Zelenskyy said the 20-point peace plan is now "90 percent ready," with teams working to complete the remaining details.

"Our goal is to make sure everything is 100% ready. It's not easy," the Ukrainian president said, adding that each meeting should "bring the desired result closer." He emphasized that Ukraine has been communicating exclusively with the United States and has not received an official reaction from Russia to the proposed framework. "

"The Americans, in turn, are communicating with the Russians. And I think we will know their official reaction in the coming days," Zelenskyy added.

The plan, unveiled by Zelensky earlier this week, includes provisions on security guarantees for Ukraine, reconstruction, and a road map to cease hostilities.

Zelensky indicated that security guarantees involve several documents that need to be discussed, while economic agreements are still at the "basic groundwork" stage.

He confirmed that sensitive issues, including the Donbas region, much of which is under Russian occupation, and the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control since 2022, will be on the agenda, along with Ukraines military force levels.

Representatives from Russia also took part in US-hosted discussions in Miami on December 2021, though the Kremlin later cautioned against viewing the talks as a breakthrough.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced on December 26 that Moscow had analyzed information provided to Russian President Vladimir Putin by his special envoy Kirill Dmitriev after talks in Miami, and that, on Putin's instructions, contacts have already taken place between Russian and US officials.

Peskov added that the sides had agreed to continue the dialogue, noting that Russia was represented by Yury Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy aide, while the White House was represented by several interlocutors.

Strikes On Odesa

Meanwhile, according to Ukrainian officials, Russia has continued to strike Ukraine in recent days, escalating attacks on the southern Odesa region.

Russian forces launched an Iskander-M missile and 99 attack drones at Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force reported.

"Today, the enemy attacked our city again," Serhiy Lysak, the head of the Odesa military administration said on December 26, adding that a drone attack hit an infrastructure facility in the city, causing a fire.

The Russian overnight strikes damaged vessels flying the flags of Slovakia, Palau, and Liberia in ports in Ukraine's Odesa and Mykolayiv regions, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba reported on Telegram.

Elsewhere, the Russian Army dropped an aerial bomb on "one of Kharkivs most important highways," the citys mayor, Ihor Terekhov reported on Telegram on December 26.

Regional Governor Oleh Synehubov later added that two people were killed and eight injured in the incident.

The Russian Army also carried out a missile strike on the central Ukrainian city of Uman in the Cherkasy region, according to the regional authorities.

Six people, including two children, were injured, and residential infrastructure was damaged, the governor of Cherkasy region, Ihor Taburets, wrote on Telegram on December 26.

A bipartisan group of US senators has condemned Russia's attacks on Ukrainian civilians during the Christmas holiday.

"We condemn Russia's brutal attacks on Kherson, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Donetsk, and Kryviy Rih waged on innocent Ukrainians," the statement released on December 25 said.

"Even for countries at war, there is a long history of Christmas cease-fires, including notably during World War I. Today's decision by Putin to launch attacks rather than hold fire is a sobering reminder for us all: Putin is a ruthless murderer who has no interest in peace and cannot be trusted," the statement added.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, delivers an important speech while chairing the criticism and self-criticism meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. The meeting was held from Dec. 25 to 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- A meeting of the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership has stressed the need for steadfast efforts to implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered an important speech while chairing the criticism and self-criticism meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, which was held from Thursday to Friday.

Members of the Political Bureau conducted criticism and self-criticism at the meeting, focusing on steadfastly implementing the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct and making consistent and sustained efforts in this regard.

Their remarks addressed key issues, including taking the lead in strengthening political loyalty, enhancing Party spirit, holding the people, the Party, and law and discipline in a reverent light, and actively shouldering responsibility in work and in Party self-governance.

Xi commented on each speech, stressing that the meeting was fruitful and strengthened the Political Bureau's cohesion and ability.

He said that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party has made notable progress in rectifying four "undesirable" work styles -- pointless formality, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance. He also said that this year, a Party-wide education campaign rolled out to implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct had achieved tangible results.

Xi urged members of the Political Bureau to play an exemplary role for the whole Party in enhancing Party consciousness and improving Party conduct.

Leading officials should be firm Marxists, devote themselves to the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and deliver performances worthy of the times, Xi said.

He instructed leading officials to remain engaged with people at the primary level, to listen to both sides, and to take the lead in curbing pointless formality.

They should act with a sense of responsibility and have the courage to take on difficult tasks and shoulder heavy responsibilities within their duties, Xi said.

Leading officials -- high-ranking ones, in particular -- should be self-disciplined, remain steadfast in implementing the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct, and willingly act in accordance with rules and regulations, he said. 

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, delivers an important speech while chairing the criticism and self-criticism meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. The meeting was held from Dec. 25 to 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
The emergency reception and orientation centre (EROC) in Ballaghaderreen should now be returned to its original use as a hotel, according to a local councillor.

The former Abbeyfield Hotel on the Sligo Road has been in operation as a refugee centre since 2017.

Next Week and Co Ltd was recently refused planning permission by Roscommon County Council for the construction of a two storey extension to the EROC to provide additional accommodation at the centre. According to the planning documents, the new accommodation would have comprised 18 new bedrooms to cater for another 120 refugees in addition to the 192 people already there.

An appeal against this decision may be made to An Coimisiun Pleanala within four weeks of the decision date.

The refusal of the proposed expansion was welcomed by local Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane who described it as the right decision.

I want to thank all those who spent their Saturday coming into my office to sign submissions I had prepared to object to this extension, she said. I delivered a large number of submissions to the council, and I am glad these were heard. Independent councillor Micheal Frain, who also campaigned against the proposal, also welcomed the news.

My point all along was there wasnt the social infrastructure or the physical infrastructure for it, he said. Hopefully, this decision can now close a door on this issue. It is almost nine years since the EROC was opened, and that model is now gone. He stressed that the town of Ballaghaderreen stood up and welcomed people fleeing the Syrian Civil War and other conflicts, but now believed that the EROC should be returned to hotel accommodation.

We are carrying out feasibility studies and research for the town and the one thing that is constantly coming up is the lack of bed nights in Ballaghaderreen, and indeed in the region, Cllr Frain continued.

The fastest growing airport in Europe, Knock, is just over the road. The people travelling there might want to stay overnight here beforehand. I am hoping that the centre in the not too distant future will revert to a hotel for the area. Durkins is at full capacity at the moment, the businesses are doing very well in Ballaghaderreen at the moment. And we need to keep on that upward trajectory.
The Hodson Bay Hotel and Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa have been named as finalists in numerous categories for the 36th Gold Medal Hotel Awards.

Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa will be looking to back up its success at last years awards, where it scooped gold in Irelands Four Star Hotel category and bronze in Irelands Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant.

The north Roscommon based hotel has received nominations in six categories this year, including the two it was successful in last year, along with Irelands Afternoon Tea Hotel, Ireland's Castle and Heritage Wedding Excellence, and Irelands Wine Experience. The hotels chef, Daniel Willimont, has also been shortlisted for Irelands Chef of the Year.

The Hodson Bay Hotel has been shortlisted in the three categories - Irelands Four Star Hotel, Irelands Four Star Hotel Spa Experience and Irelands Wine Experience.

The Hodson Bay Group is also among the finalists in Irelands Best Hotel Group.

Both hotels were selected out of 1,000 hotels nationally across 32 categories.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, January 27th next at the Galmont Hotel and Spa, Galway.
A young County Roscommon woman has become the first Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) marketing graduate to win the prestigious Lepere Elevate Award.

Molly Carleton, from Tarmonbarry, was named the Lepere Elevate Award winner at the Marketing Society of Irelands Research Excellence Awards at the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, for her final-year live digital marketing capstone project with DNG McGill.

The capstone initiative connects final-year digital marketing students from TUSs Athlone campus with industry partners, giving students invaluable hands-on experience while delivering impactful digital marketing solutions for participating organisations.

Under the mentorship of senior lecturer Louise Murray and lecturer Tom ODonoghue, students design and implement tailored strategies aligned to each companys commercial goals.

Molly, a past pupil of Mean Scoil Mhuire in Longford - received a 1,000 cash prize, while lecturer Louise Murray, who submitted the case study on Mollys behalf, received a 500 prize.

Speaking after receiving the award, Molly said: Im honoured and so delighted to have won the Lepere Elevate Award presented by the Marketing Society of Ireland. This award, honouring the late John Lepere, recognises academic excellence in marketing and celebrates future leaders in the industry.

Im proud to be the first student from Technological University of the Shannon to win this award. Its a testament to the incredible digital marketing programme at TUS and the support of the Faculty of Business and Hospitality. A special thank you to my lecturer, Louise Murray, for leading the live digital Capstone project and for her support throughout this application. Her encouragement meant so much. Thank you also to the team at DNG McGill for trusting my strategic vision  your participation was integral to the projects success.

Molly said the experience has been the highlight of my academic and professional career so far, adding that she left the ceremony inspired and excited for what comes next.

Senior lecturer Louise Murray described the award as one of the proudest moments of her teaching career. Watching Molly accept the Lepere Elevate Award in the Shelbourne was an incredibly proud moment. She stood out among strong undergraduate and postgraduate entries from universities across Ireland, demonstrating true academic excellence in marketing.

Our live digital capstone projects have grown tremendously over the past eight years. To see one of our students recognised by the Marketing Society of Ireland in this way is a powerful endorsement of our industry-led approach. While it is not the first award our students have won, this one is particularly special.

Molly is a wonderful ambassador for TUS and for her family. She epitomises what hard work, passion and focus can achieve, and she is also a genuinely great human being. We are so proud to have played a part in what will undoubtedly be a long and successful career. She also thanked the Marketing Society of Ireland, the Lepere judging panel, and colleagues across TUS who supported the submission.

The Lepere Elevate Award invites final-year undergraduate and postgraduate marketing students to showcase their applied research projects to address real-world challenges faced by commercial, social, and charitable organisations.

The award recognises the role of rigorous market research in shaping successful marketing strategies and is regarded as a national celebration of academic excellence and industry-ready talent.
I have a few umbrellas, the one that came with my current car and the one that I forgot to leave in the car I traded in, as well as a broken one that should be either fixed or dumped. But on the umbrella front, you could say Im covered. I can take care of keeping myself dry and I dont need to fall in behind a neighbour and catch a bit of his shelter on a wet day. In this household, we either keep ourselves dry, or we put up with getting wet when it rains.

As a country, we dont really believe in having a national security umbrella to keep us safe. We are more like the guy with the broken umbrella, a token gesture towards shelter but one that might not be of much use if there is a thunderstorm. We rely on the neighbours.

The war in Ukraine has changed the world security dynamic, with Russian aggression at a much higher level than even at the height of the Cold War. The blatant attempt to instal a puppet government in Ukraine by force shows the dangers of a rabid dictatorship on the borders of the EU. Already Russia is ramping up the ante, trying to goad other EU countries to retaliate. Just last week, a Russian border patrol on a hovercraft crossed into Estonia, hardly an accident since the border is clearly defined in the area where the incident took place. And during the visit of President Zelensky to Dublin, drones were launched in our direction, while Russian ships regularly anchor near the undersea cables that keep our high-tech economy running.

Yet we are in denial, holding a mistaken belief that nobody will touch us because we are neutral. Switzerland is neutral too, but with an army of 30,000 active soldiers and a well-equipped and highly trained reserve of more than 100,000 more. Roosevelt once said, speak softly, but carry a big stick, but we dont carry any stick, and we rely on our neighbours to do that for us. For how long more can that last?

I once walked from London to Liverpool, not because I didnt have the train fare, but because you see a lot more of a country when you walk through it. Near Nantwich, I spotted a sign that said secret bunker so I diverted to have a look. The secret bunker, now a museum, is a decommissioned Cold-War facility designed to house the government during a nuclear war. The inside is much the same as it always was, but the map in the old control room tells a story. It shows all the first strike targets for the nuclear missiles from the then Soviet Union, with Shannon prominent on that list.

Neutrality wont save us if war comes back to the mainland of Europe We need to be prepared, but were not.
Access to private maternity services and drug gangs in communities make the front pages of the papers on St Stephen's Day.

The Irish Times leads with women facing increasing restrictions on accessing private maternity services from next week as new rules that aim to eliminate fee-paying medicine in public hospitals come fully into effect.

The Irish Independent leads with quotes from a senior detective as he claims drug gang violence now "affecting every parish in the country."

Today's Irish Daily Mail leads with horse trainers warning the industry is under pressure due to rising costs and restricted prize money.

The Irish Daily Mirror leads with a man who was killed in an e-scooter collision in Co Waterford.

The Irish Daily Star leads with tributes from a Garda to the late Kevin Flaherty, who died in May.
The successful trial demonstrated that hybrid seed can be produced effectively under Punjab's climatic conditions even during late Kharif. File Photo.

This reliance increases seed and cultivation costs for local farmers, with prices ranging from INR 800 to INR 1,000 per kilogram.

Punjab Sees Successful First Field Trial of Hybrid Maize Seed Production



The Indian Council of Agricultural ResearchIndian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR), Ludhiana has successfully conducted its first hybrid maize seed production field trial in Punjab. Officials said that this marks a significant step towards reducing the states dependency on hybrid seed imports. The trial was carried out during the late Kharif season in a farmers field in Gajiana village, Moga district, using the hybrid variety DMRH 1308, according to ICAR-IIMR scientists.

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Punjab sources nearly all hybrid maize seed from southern states such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where seed is produced and transported to northern markets. This reliance increases seed and cultivation costs for local farmers, with prices ranging from INR 800 to INR 1,000 per kilogram in peak season.

The successful trial demonstrated that hybrid seed can be produced effectively under Punjabs climatic conditions even during late Kharif. The harvested seed can be used directly for spring cultivation, reducing storage costs. As compared to conventional maize cultivation, hybrid seed production could substantially boost farmers incomes, with potential returns of INR 2.53 lakh per hectare, about double the returns from commercial maize farming.

ICAR-IIMR Director Dr. H.S. Jat and Senior Maize Breeder Dr. Bhupender Kumar reviewed the trial results and described them as encouraging. The institute is now expanding similar trials with partners in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam, aiming to diversify hybrid seed production beyond peninsular India, researchers said.

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Source: Times of India
According to government officials, to commemorate Veer Baal Diwas, the Government of India is organising participative programmes across the country to educate people about the courage and sacrifice of these young heroes. File Photo.

The Prime Minister said that the lives and ideals of the Sahibzades continue to inspire generations.

Veer Baal Diwas 2025: PM Modi Honours Sahibzades Ultimate Sacrifice

On Friday, December 26, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Veer Baal Diwas is a day of reverence, dedicated to remembering the sacrifice of the brave Sahibzades, the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh. He highlighted that this observance honours the courage, conviction and righteousness shown by the young martyrs and their unwavering faith, rooted in the teachings of Shri Guru Gobind Singh and the steadfast belief of their grandmother, Mata Gujri Ji. According to government sources, Modis remarks were made in an official post on social media platform X on December 26, 2025, on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas.

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The Prime Minister said that the lives and ideals of the Sahibzades continue to inspire generations and that the day serves to inspire future generations through their example of supreme sacrifice.

According to government officials, to commemorate Veer Baal Diwas, the Government of India is organising participative programmes across the country to educate people about the courage and sacrifice of these young heroes. Activities planned include storytelling sessions, recitations, poster-making and essay-writing competitions to engage citizens, particularly youth, in learning about this historic legacy.

Prime Minister Modi will also address an event in New Delhi on the occasion, the official statement said.

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Source: Hindustan Times
Doctors Protest Himachal: One-day mass leave over termination of Dr. Raghav; OPD services to remain shut today

Due to the mass leave, scheduled surgeries will not take place

The termination of Dr. Raghav Nirula over allegations of assaulting a patient at IGMC Hospital in Shimla has now triggered a statewide protest by doctors. Opposing the decision, the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of IGMC has announced a one-day mass leave today. The Himachal Medical Officers Association (HMOA) and the medical college teachers body, SAMDCOT, have also come out in support of the doctors.

Due to the mass leave, OPD services will remain closed in government hospitals across the state today, and scheduled surgeries will not take place. Only emergency services will continue, which may cause inconvenience to thousands of patients seeking treatment.

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Meanwhile, a senior doctor at IGMC has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a fair and impartial inquiry into the entire matter. All eyes are now on the meeting scheduled today between the RDA and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Doctors have made it clear that if their demands are not addressed positively, the agitation may be escalated into an indefinite strike.

Also Read: Himachal doctors' protest update: Strike called off after meeting CM

State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT) General Secretary Dr. Piyush Kapila termed the governments action "unilateral", stating that completing the inquiry and taking a termination decision within just 24 hours was inappropriate. He questioned why neither the full video footage was made public nor were both sides given a chance to present their version.

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It is pertinent to note that on December 22, a video of an altercation between a doctor and a patient at IGMC Shimla went viral on social media. Following this, swift action was taken on the Chief Ministers instructions, and Dr. Raghav was dismissed from service. However, the police are also conducting a separate investigation into the incident and examining the original video footage.

The RDA has said that working without guarantees of doctors safety, dignity, and a fair inquiry at the workplace is becoming increasingly difficult. Key demands of the doctors include equal action against all those at fault, strengthening security arrangements in hospitals, and issuing clear administrative guidelines.

After Dr. Raghavs termination, the confrontation between the government and doctors continues to intensify, while the issue remains a subject of wide discussion on social media.

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(For more news apart from ED arrests Rumi Kalita in digital arrest case of Ludhiana industrialist S. P. Oswal," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Himachal doctors' protest update: Strike called off after meeting CM

In addition, revised guidelines have been issued to strengthen the security of doctors..." Sharma told media.

Himachal doctors protest update: Resident Doctors Associations (RDAs) withdrew the strike call after a meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Speaking to the media following the development, RDA IGMC Shimla President Sohil Sharma thanked the Chief Minister for his intervention and stated that the demand for revocation of the termination of Dr Raghav Narula was placed before the Chief Minister.

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We thank the Chief Minister for coming here today and listening to our grievances in detail. We conveyed our demand regarding Dr Raghav Narula, for whom an enquiry is to be conducted as assured by the Chief Minister, Sharma said.

The RDA president added that the Chief Minister also promised action against the mob that allegedly stormed into the hospital and threatened doctors.

In addition, revised guidelines have been issued to strengthen the security of doctors..." Sharma told media.

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Also Read: Doctors Protest Himachal: One-day mass leave over termination of Dr. Raghav; OPD services to remain shut today

(For more news apart from Himachal doctors protest update: Strike called off after meeting CM," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
This undated file photo shows an interior view of a prisoner of war (POW) camp barrack restored according to the real scene at the Shenyang WWII Allied Prisoners Camp Site Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua)

SHENYANG, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- A bleary-eyed man jolts awake, staring in disbelief as a neat row of fleas on his blanket stiffen their spindly legs and angle their tiny bodies toward a swaggering Japanese officer at his sharp command.

The scene comes from a hand-drawn cartoon sketched in secret by Allied prisoner of war (POW) William Wuttke more than 80 years ago during World War II (WWII). The quiet act of defiance was not meant to be funny, at least not in a carefree way, as it captured even the smallest creatures at the camp, which seemed bound by its brutal rules.

The drawing was created inside the former Mukden POW camp, which was established by the Japanese army during WWII in Shenyang, then known as Mukden, in northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Known as "oriental Auschwitz," the Mukden camp was one of the largest POW sites in Asia and notorious for its brutality. From November 1942 to August 1945, more than 2,000 Allied prisoners from the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and France were held there. Nearly 300 detainees died before Japan's surrender.

Lice and fleas were constant companions for the POWs held there, burrowing into their clothes, their bedding and their skin. Hunger gnawed. Disease spread. Sleep, when it came at all, was shallow and uneasy.

According to British Major Robert Peaty, who was a senior-ranking Allied officer held at the Mukden camp, the Japanese army had treated the Allied POWs in a "disgraceful manner." Hunger, beatings and humiliation were all part of daily life there.

Under strict Japanese rules that banned written records, several American POWs, including Wuttke, Barton Franklin Pinson and Malcolm Fortier, risked severe punishment to secretly draw cartoons documenting the war crimes at the camp.

More than eight decades later, the cartoons have reemerged as the most striking images in Comics and Bayonets, a documentary film directed jointly by American and Chinese filmmakers, bringing renewed attention to WWII's lesser-known POW camp.

Richard Anderson, the American director of the film, has visited the former site of the camp in Shenyang many times. Each visit left him shaken. The perimeter walls and barbed wire are long gone, but the grim Japanese guard towers, the towering chimney and the memorial wall engraved with the names of fallen Allied soldiers still stand.

Meanwhile, he was struck by how little the story was known in the United States.

"People know Flying Tigers and General Stillwell, but they don't know there were thousands of American, British, and other Allied POWs being held in Shenyang until the end of the war," said Anderson. "It was a story that just had to be told to the world."

That sense of urgency sparked a cross-Pacific effort. Liu Yangeng, the producer of the film, searched the archives of the museum built on the former POW camp site for information on U.S. POWs, while volunteer groups in the United States tracked down surviving former prisoners one by one.

"In 2015, Richard and I contacted more than a dozen American veterans and led a film crew to document their memories of the camp," Liu said. "Many of the former POWs were already in their twilight years."

Anderson believes the remarkable stories of POWs were never fully captured in books and soon realized they had to document their experiences on film before it was too late. "I still remember Oliver 'Red' Allen, the former POW, who passed away just a few months after we interviewed him," Anderson recalled.

"We were racing against time," Liu told Xinhua. "We traveled almost the entire length of the U.S., from the East Coast to the West."

As long-buried experiences finally came to light, many veterans found long-delayed solace. One case left a deep impression on Liu, a former POW from a small town near Boston, Massachusetts, who returned home after the war and quietly worked as a mail carrier with no one around him aware of his wartime ordeal.

"Only after we uncovered his story did the town learn what he had endured during WWII," Liu said. In the final months of his life, the veteran's hospital room was often filled with flowers sent by strangers.

In 2015, when Anderson finally located veteran John Moseley, the former POW was on his deathbed. Appearing in the film, his daughter, Kay Moseley, a lawyer, said her father, an architectural designer by profession, was also an avid artist. Some of the cartoons displayed at the POW camp museum were his work.

She said she could recognize her father's drawings even without a signature, simply by the handwriting beneath them, noting that he always wrote as neatly as a printed page. She believes his optimism helped him endure captivity. "My father remained positive. I think that's how he managed to survive three and a half years as a POW."

The optimism at the POW camp resonated deeply with the filmmakers.

"They could not protest to their Japanese captors about the treatment they received, so poking fun at their situation, by drawing cartoons using paper and pencils stolen from the factory offices, was a way for them to comically laugh at their lives and share the situation with each other. It was another way for them to resist," Anderson said.

In June 2025, Richard Anderson returned to Shenyang once again, accompanied by Steven Rodriquez, the son of former POW Gregory Rodriquez. The younger Rodriquez said that his father didn't speak much about his hell-like experience at the camp. "Before participating in this film, I knew very little about my dad's experience in the Mukden POW Camp. I had heard a few stories, but he seldom talked about what he went through."

"I escorted him several times to some of his POW reunions where he met up with some of his fellow POWS and they would talk about some of the horrific acts that the Japanese guards would inflict on not only the POWS but the Chinese people," the 72-year-old recalled.

Standing on the grounds decades later, Rodriquez described the experience as surreal. For many POW descendants like him, the site is now peaceful, the brutality gone, but the memory remains.

"It's hard to believe that such a peaceful place was once filled with hatred and horrific violence," he said, believing that their stories deserve to be remembered, not just for the suffering, but for the humanity that endured.

Looking back, the suffering, resistance and sacrifice endured by Allied POWs stand not only as irrefutable evidence of the war crimes committed by the Japanese army, but also as a testament to how Chinese troops and civilians stood shoulder to shoulder with their allies in the global fight against fascism, said Jing Shaofu, former director of the Shenyang archives. 

This undated file photo shows an exterior view of the Shenyang WWII Allied Prisoners Camp Site Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua)
The court's earlier order on December 24 had already directed the GST Council to consider lowering or even abolishing the GST on air purifiers at the earliest possible date. File Photo.

The petition urges the government to reclassify air purifiers as medical devices.

Delhi HC Pushes Centre to Cut GST on Air Purifiers Amid Rising Pollution



On Friday, the Delhi High Court asked the central government to file a detailed reply to a petition seeking a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on air purifiers. This device is now considered essential for health and survival as Delhi continues to battle hazardous air pollution.

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A vacation bench of Justices Vikas Mahajan and Vinod Kumar granted the Centre 10 days time to respond to the public interest litigation (PIL), listing the matter for further hearing on January 9, 2026.

Advocate Kapil Madan filed the PIL and challenged the 18 per cent GST currently levied on air purifiers. He argued that this high tax rate treats these life-sustaining devices as luxury items, a classification disconnected from the ground realities of Delhis air quality emergency.

The petition urges the government to reclassify air purifiers as medical devices, which would make them eligible for a lower tax slab of 5 per cent in the category of other health-oriented products. Madans plea highlights that in a city where air pollution often reaches very poor to severe categories, breathing clean indoor air isnt a luxury but a necessity for millions.

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The Centres counsel informed the court that the GST Council meeting, the statutory body that determines tax rates, must be held physically and cannot be convened via video conferencing, adding procedural complications to the pleas demands. Additional Solicitor General N. Venkataraman sought time to prepare the governments detailed reply, according to court proceedings.

The courts earlier order on December 24 had already directed the GST Council to consider lowering or even abolishing the GST on air purifiers at the earliest possible date.

According to legal experts, with air pollution in the national capital showing little sign of relief, this legal push seeks to make air purifiers more affordable and accessible, especially for vulnerable populations struggling to cope with relentless smog and rising health risks.

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Source: The Tribune




After finally being called into the treatment area, he sat briefly and then collapsed, suffering what appeared to be a cardiac arrest, according to family sources. File Photo.

Prashant began experiencing severe chest pains at work on December 22 and was taken to the hospital.

Indian-Origin Man Dies After 8-Hour Wait at Canadian Hospital, MEA Says Canada Must Take Responsibility



On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the death of a 44-year-old Canadian national of Indian origin. He said that while the individual had Indian roots, the government of Canada should take responsibility in this particular matter, according to the MEA.

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According to local reports, the victim, Prashant Sreekumar, died of a suspected cardiac arrest after waiting for more than eight hours in the emergency room of the Grey Nuns Hospital in southeast Edmonton, Canada. Prashant began experiencing severe chest pains at work on December 22 and was taken to the hospital, where staff reportedly initially told him there was nothing of significance and asked him to wait.

According to his father, despite repeated complaints, including Prashant telling him, Papa, I cannot bear the pain, the long wait continued. After finally being called into the treatment area, he sat briefly and then collapsed, suffering what appeared to be a cardiac arrest, according to family sources.

The MEA also expressed condolences over the recent shooting death of an Indian doctoral student near the University of Toronto campus, stating that officials are in touch with the family and providing assistance.

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Source: Hindustan Times




Arora said that the state has constituted 24 specialised sectoral committees, each chaired by industry leaders, to advise on the upcoming sector-specific industrial policy, which is scheduled for release in January 2026. File Photo.

The minister announced the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors Summit-2026 to further boost industrial growth.

Punjabs Big Investment Win: INR 1.5 Lakh Crore and 5 Lakh Jobs Since 2022, Says Arora



On Thursday, Industries and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora said that Punjab has secured investments around INR 1.50 lakh crore since 2022 under the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, generating more than five lakh jobs across the state.

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While addressing the media, Arora highlighted that significant investment commitments announced over the last five months reflect growing investor confidence in Punjabs industrial climate. Among the key investments are:

INR 2,600 crore from HPCL Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL),

INR 3,000 crore from Vardhman Steels,

INR 2,000 crore from the Trident Group.

Among other notable investors are:

IOL Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited (INR 1,400 crore),

Happy Forgings Limited (INR 1,000 crore),

Veerka Beverages Private Limited (INR 987 crore),

Fortis Healthcare, Mohali (INR 900 crore),

Amber Enterprises India Limited (INR 500 crore),

Infosys Limited (INR 285 crore),

Toppan Speciality Films Pvt. Ltd (INR 300400 crore).

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Arora said these investments are across different sectors, strengthening Punjabs industrial ecosystem and contributing to employment generation for the states youth.

The minister announced the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors Summit-2026 to further boost industrial growth. It will be held in Mohali from March 13 to 15, 2026. He said that the summit is expected to attract additional investors and elevate the states economic profile.

The minister also outlined administrative reforms aimed at easing the investment process. The government has introduced timelines for industrial approvals, with all clearances to be granted within 5 to 45 days. Under amendments to the Punjab Right to Business Act, 2020, eligible enterprises can commence or expand operations on a self-declaration basis, with in-principle approvals issued in 5 to 18 days. About 2,000 units have already benefited from this streamlined procedure, the minister added.

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Arora said that the state has constituted 24 specialised sectoral committees, each chaired by industry leaders, to advise on the upcoming sector-specific industrial policy, which is scheduled for release in January 2026.

According to Arora, these statements aim to position Punjab as a preferred investment destination and highlight the governments commitment to industrial development and job creation.

Source: Times of India

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Editorial: Prime Minister's church visit has a political message

Anti-Modi political constituencies are linking his church visit with the assembly elections to be held in Kerala next year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in a prayer meeting at a church in New Delhi on Thursday during the Christmas festival has become a topic of praise and discussion on social media. While his move has been praised at the social level, Hindu extremists have also expressed disappointment and unhappiness over it. Anti-Modi political constituencies are linking his church visit with the assembly elections to be held in Kerala next year. It is being said that the Prime Minister is an expert in opportunism and has chosen the path of pleasing the Christian community as part of a strategy to strengthen the BJP's good performance in the recent municipal elections in Kerala and to raise the BJP as a third party in the assembly elections next year.

Such thinking cannot be called wrong from a political prism. It is a fact that the performance of the BJP in the municipal elections in Kerala was truly remarkable. Apart from winning the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, the party won six other municipalities and won 320 more wards this time than in the previous municipal elections. The BJP's vote share of 14.76 per cent, compared to the CPM's 29.17 per cent and the Congress' 27.16 per cent, is a politically significant achievement.

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In the previous municipal elections, this percentage was 4.1. This is the reason why, despite not having a single member in the Kerala Legislative Assembly and having only one representative from that state in the Lok Sabha (Union Minister Suresh Gopi), the BJP is dreaming of playing the role of a 'kingmaker' in that southern state next year. It is also believed that a section of Kerala's Christian population, which constitutes 18.38 percent of the total population, is leaning towards the BJP and Modi saw fit to give momentum to this trend by attending the Cathedral Church of Redemption. This church (sect) that considers Catholics and Protestants to be the same has a large number of followers in Kerala.

In a context that deviates from such calculations, the Prime Minister's step is noteworthy because he considered it appropriate to go beyond the narrow theoretical and ideological circle of the Sangh Parivar. Although RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said many times that in the eyes of the Sangh, all citizens born in India and who adhere to Indian ideology are Indians, this statement has not become a part of the ideological traditions of the Sangh till date. Its affiliates, especially the Vishwa Hindu Parishad or Bajrang Dal, have made it their mission to consider Muslims and Christians as followers of foreign religions and to make them targets of discrimination and violence. This is the reason why the number of BJP legislators belonging to the Muslim community in the entire India does not even reach double digits.

The number of legislators from the Christian community is relatively high because the North-Eastern states, especially Nagaland and Mizoram, have a majority Christian population and even in Goa, it is not within the BJP's power to form a government without the support of the Christian population. That is why most BJP leaders have been avoiding speaking against the Christian community for the last several years. Mr. Modi had kept himself away from promoting the Abrahamic communities for the last 10 years. But the 2024 parliamentary results showed that elections can be won once with a purely Hindutva agenda, but not every time. The impact of the demands associated with this reality has now started to be seen.

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However, the Prime Minister's church tours and the teachings of Hazrat Jesus as a guide for creating a harmonious society is a meaningful message. It is to be hoped that he will adopt a similar approach towards the Muslim community and not remain limited to symbolism. The slogan 'Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas' will seem genuine when the perspective of BJP politicians towards this community also changes. The sooner this process starts, the better for the nation.
December 26, 2025

A roundup of local and world news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 26.12.2025, 14:00

Second day of Christmas

Orthodox, Eastern-Catholic and Roman-Catholic Christians worldwide on Friday celebrate the second day of Christmas.

On December 26, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Council of the Mother of God, one of the oldest feast days, which refers to the calling of all people to worship the Virgin Mary immediately after the birth of Jesus Christ. Symbolically, this is the day when, to honor the Mother of God, the faithful on Earth gather with all the Saints in Heaven. In rural areas of Romania, the second day of Christmas is the moment when carolers continue their visits, especially to relatives and close friends. In some villages, there is the custom of the youth band, which brings wishes of abundance and prosperity through traditional songs and folk dances. Another custom is the festive meal on the second day of Christmas. On Thursday, Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrated the Divine Liturgy of the Lords Nativity at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest. Daniel spoke to the people about faith, good deeds and a pure life, and urged them to offer gifts and signs of joy to those around them.

Roman-Catholics in Romania celebrate the feast day of Saint Stephen, one of the early martyrs of the Christian Church. At the Vatican, in his traditional Christmas Urbi et Orbi address, Pope Leo XIV deplored the situation of homeless people worldwide and the destruction caused by war. The Pontiff particularly denounced the war in Ukraine and the developments in the Gaza Strip.

Security forces deployed for the Christmas mini-holiday

Some 23,000 employees of Romanias Ministry of Internal Affairs (police officers, gendarmes, firefighters, emergency service personnel and border police) will be deployed every day during the Christmas mini-holiday, according to Interior Ministry spokesperson Monica Dajbog. An average of 2,000 traffic police officers will monitor roads that typically become congested during such periods to ensure smooth traffic flow and assist motorists. They will deploy approximately 400 radar devices to detect drivers who pose a threat to traffic participants. Monica Dajbog noted that police officers will continue operations during these days to prevent and combat illegal trade in dangerous pyrotechnic articles.

For the roughly 10,000 public events organized during this period, which could draw nearly one million people, police and gendarmes will be mobilized to prevent incidents that could affect citizens safety. Supporting citizens spending the mini-holiday in the mountains, approximately 170 mountain gendarmes will be ready to intervene daily.

Also during the Christmas mini-holiday, approximately 3,300 border police will be mobilized to protect borders, prevent cross-border crime and ensure smooth control at Romanias external borders.

Bucharest and Chisinau sign witness protection memorandum

The General Police Inspectorate of Romania and the General Police Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova signed a Memorandum in Chisinau regarding the strengthening of institutional cooperation in the field of witness protection.

The Memorandum reflects the common commitment of the two institutions to develop and strengthen witness protection mechanisms, in line with international standards and best practices, for effectively combating organized crime. In this context, the parties emphasized the need for continuous adaptation of witness protection policies and strategies to the evolution of crime, as well as the importance of aligning the Republic of Moldova with European standards in this field.

Cyprus to take over the presidency of the EU Council

Cyprus takes over the rotating presidency of the EU Council on January 1, 2026. Top priorities include European security, with an implicit focus on Ukraine, EU enlargement and especially migration, Radio Romanias Brussels correspondent reports.

Cyprus is on the front line of the migration route and will insist on implementing the European migration pact, with emphasis on shared responsibility and the protection of external borders. The new European legislation in this area will enter into force mid-year, and Cyprus is preparing the ground to make it operational, so that pressures on the continent diminish.

A second major priority is security and concerns not just the military dimension, but also energy or cybersecurity, and Cyprus will insist on collaboration with neighbors in the south of the Union and those in the Middle East, from where the EU still sources much of its oil consumption.

Health authorities issue flu alert

Medical authorities have issued an epidemiological alert in Romania after more than 11,000 cases of clinical flu were reported nationwide in the last week, nearly double compared to the previous week. Most cases were in Bucharest, Cluj (northwest), Botosani (northeast), Bihor (northwest) and Iasi (northeast). Unfortunately, the first death from flu this season has been confirmed: an 88-year-old woman from Cluj, not vaccinated against flu and with pre-existing medical conditions.

The National Center for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases (CNSCBT) urges people at high risk of severe illness to get vaccinated. The Health Ministry also recommends consulting a family physician at the onset of respiratory symptoms and avoiding crowds.

Drone attacks reported on Thursday night on Danube ports

New drone attacks were reported on Ukrainian Danube on Thursday night, and an early warning alert was also issued for people living in northern Tulcea County (southeast), warning them about the possibility of objects falling from the sky. The population was urged to protect themselves in safe spaces, away from windows. The Defense Ministry announced that on Thursday night, two F-16 aircraft from Fetesti Air Base (southeast) were scrambled to monitor airspace on the Ukrainian border, following attacks by the Russian army on Ukrainian territory, close to the Romanian border.

US attack on ISIS in Nigeria

The United States launched an attack against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump and the US military announced, claiming the group was targeting Christians in the region, Reuters reports. The US Africa Command specified that the attack was carried out in Sokoto, in coordination with Nigerian authorities, and that several ISIS militants were killed.

The attack comes after, at the end of October, president Trump warned that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria and threatened to intervene militarily in this West African country for what he considered its failure to stop violence against Christian communities.

The Nigerian government said that armed groups target both Muslims and Christians, and US claims that Christians are persecuted do not reflect the complex security situation and ignore efforts to protect religious freedom. Nevertheless, the government agreed to collaborate with the US to strengthen its forces against militant groups. The countrys population is divided between Muslims, who live mainly in the north, and Christians in the south. (VP)
December 26, 2025 UPDATE

A roundup of local and world news

December 26, 2025 UPDATE

Newsroom, 26.12.2025, 20:00

Security forces deployed for the Christmas mini-holiday

Some 23,000 employees of Romanias Ministry of Internal Affairs (police officers, gendarmes, firefighters, emergency service personnel and border police) will be deployed every day during the Christmas mini-holiday, according to Interior Ministry spokesperson Monica Dajbog. An average of 2,000 traffic police officers will monitor roads that typically become congested during such periods to ensure smooth traffic flow and assist motorists. They will deploy approximately 400 radar devices to detect drivers who pose a threat to traffic participants. Monica Dajbog noted that police officers will continue operations during these days to prevent and combat illegal trade in dangerous pyrotechnic articles.

For the roughly 10,000 public events organized during this period, which could draw nearly one million people, police and gendarmes will be mobilized to prevent incidents that could affect citizens safety. Supporting citizens spending the mini-holiday in the mountains, approximately 170 mountain gendarmes will be ready to intervene daily.

Also during the Christmas mini-holiday, approximately 3,300 border police will be mobilized to protect borders, prevent cross-border crime and ensure smooth control at Romanias external borders.

Second day of Christmas

Orthodox, Eastern-Catholic and Roman-Catholic Christians worldwide on Friday celebrate the second day of Christmas.

On December 26, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Council of the Mother of God, one of the oldest feast days, which refers to the calling of all people to worship the Virgin Mary immediately after the birth of Jesus Christ. Symbolically, this is the day when, to honor the Mother of God, the faithful on Earth gather with all the Saints in Heaven. In rural areas of Romania, the second day of Christmas is the moment when carolers continue their visits, especially to relatives and close friends. In some villages, there is the custom of the youth band, which brings wishes of abundance and prosperity through traditional songs and folk dances. Another custom is the festive meal on the second day of Christmas. On Thursday, Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrated the Divine Liturgy of the Lords Nativity at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest. Daniel spoke to the people about faith, good deeds and a pure life, and urged them to offer gifts and signs of joy to those around them.

Roman-Catholics in Romania celebrate the feast day of Saint Stephen, one of the early martyrs of the Christian Church. At the Vatican, in his traditional Christmas Urbi et Orbi address, Pope Leo XIV deplored the situation of homeless people worldwide and the destruction caused by war. The Pontiff particularly denounced the war in Ukraine and the developments in the Gaza Strip.

Health authorities issue flu alert

Medical authorities have issued an epidemiological alert in Romania after more than 11,000 cases of clinical flu were reported nationwide in the last week, nearly double compared to the previous week. Most cases were in Bucharest, Cluj (northwest), Botosani (northeast), Bihor (northwest) and Iasi (northeast). Unfortunately, the first death from flu this season has been confirmed: an 88-year-old woman from Cluj, not vaccinated against flu and with pre-existing medical conditions.

The National Center for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases (CNSCBT) urges people at high risk of severe illness to get vaccinated. The Health Ministry also recommends consulting a family physician at the onset of respiratory symptoms and avoiding crowds.

Traffic resumes temporarily on Friendship Bridge

Traffic has resumed temporarily in both directions on the Friendship Bridge, which connects Romania and Bulgaria, until January 8, 2026. Bulgarian authorities have decided to open both directions of travel for all categories of vehicles on the bridge spanning the Danube between Giurgiu and Ruse during the holiday period, the Bucharest Foreign Ministry reported.

The bridge has been undergoing major repairs on the Bulgarian side since July 2024, and the works are estimated to last two years, until the summer of next year. Measuring 2.8 km in length, the Friendship Bridge was opened to traffic in 1954. At that time, it was the largest combined road and rail bridge in Europe. It was built in two and a half years, with the interest and support of the USSR.

Higher taxes in Bucharest from 2026

In Bucharest, the General Council has recently decided on a significant increase in local taxes and fees, with those for housing set to rise by about 80%. That means, for example, for a two-room apartment, one could pay up to 500 lei (about 100 Euro), while for a three-room apartment, the tax could climb to 600 lei (about 120 Euro).

Parking fees for residential areas in Bucharest will also rise substantially in 2026. Sector local councils can approve their own procedures for granting exemptions or reductions from paying local taxes and fees, including for approving state aid schemes. At the same time, across Romania, the tax on buildings will increase by at least 70%, according to local authorities. (VP)
Indian shares were a tad lower on Friday despite firm cues from global .

The benchmark BSE Sensex was down 208 points, or 0.2 percent, at 85,200 in early trade while the broader NSE Nifty index dipped 56 points, or 0.2 percent, to 26,085.

Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance and Sun Pharma all fell around 1 percent.



IndusInd Bank was moving lower after the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) initiated a probe into the private bank over irregularities in its derivatives trading portfolio.

Vikran Engineering soared 4.4 percent on securing an EPC contract worth R. 459 crore from NTPC Renewable Energy.

KNR Constructions jumped more than 6 percent on news it will divest its entire stake in four road SPVs for a total value of Rs. 1,543.19 crore.

Ola Electric Mobility rallied 3.3 percent after it received government approval for the release of Rs. 366.78 crore in incentives under the PLI scheme for automobiles and auto components.

Castrol India climbed 2.6 percent after Motion JVCo, Stonepeak, and CPP Investment Board launched an open offer to acquire a 26 percent stake in the company.

Lenskart Solutions rose over 1 percent after its Singapore subsidiary approved an investment of KRW 3 billion (around Rs.186 million) to acquire a 29.24 percent stake in South Korea-based optical machinery company iiNeer Corp.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
ABL Bio Inc. (298380.KQ), a South Korean biotechnology company, on Friday said it has secured a total of $55 million in research and development funding from Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY).

The funding includes a $40 million upfront payment under a license, research and collaboration agreement for its Grabody platform.

The deal also includes a $15 million equity investment from Lilly.

The funding will be used to accelerate research and development of the company's core technologies, including expanding indications for the Grabody platform and advancing bispecific, dual-payload, and next-generation antibody-drug conjugate programs.

Both companies are conducting joint research and development on multiple therapeutic candidates leveraging the Grabody platform across various modalities.

The company plans to expand Grabody into high-unmet-need areas such as obesity and muscle disorders and to extend clinical development of bispecific immuno-oncology candidates into combination therapies.

In November, the company signed a license, research, and collaboration agreement for the Grabody platform with Lilly, valued at up to $2.602 billion, including the $40 million upfront payment, alongside the $15 million equity investment agreement.

ABL Bio is currently trading 5.76% higher at KRW198,400 on the Kosdaq Stock Exchange.

On Wednesday, Eli Lilly and Co had closed at $1,076.98, 5.34 cents higher on the New York Stock Exchange. In the after-market hours, the stock traded 2.42 cents higher before ending the trade at $1,079.39.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Ion Beam Applications SA (IBAB.BR,IOBCF), on Friday, said it has signed a contract with the Catholic University of Korea's Seoul St. Mary's Hospital to install a Proteus PLUS proton therapy solution in Seoul.

The company said the typical price paid by end users for a three-room Proteus PLUS system, including a multi-year maintenance contract, generally ranges from 80 million euros to 100 million euros.

Seoul St. Mary's Hospital plans to begin treating patients by the end of 2029.

The contract covers a Proteus PLUS system with three gantry treatment rooms and a multi-year service agreement, and will also include DynamicARC beam delivery capabilities once regulatory clearance is obtained.

The completed proton therapy center will span eight floors, including underground levels, with a total area of 37,851 square meters.

On Wednesday, Ion Beam Applications closed trading EUR 12.14 on the Brussels Stock Exchange.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
NANCHANG, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- For 22-year-old Zou Yu, a student in the opera class at Fuzhou Vocational Technical College in east China's Jiangxi Province, the day usually begins at 5 a.m.

Every day, she and her classmates undergo eight hours of intensive training, covering everything from basic skills and body movements to singing and stage rehearsals.

Studying the 600-year-old Kunqu Opera is by no means easy. Three years ago, she fell face-first during a back-throwing move, injuring her cheekbone and causing it to bleed.

"My parents cried and tried to persuade me to stop studying, but I remember how amazed I was when I watched 'The Peony Pavilion' for the first time," she said. "That kind of beauty is worth preserving for a lifetime."

Written in 1598, the same year as Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Tang Xianzu's "The Peony Pavilion" tells the tale of Du Liniang, a young woman from a wealthy family who falls asleep beside a peony pavilion and dreams of a romantic encounter with a young scholar named Liu Mengmei.

The 600-year-old Kunqu Opera, an elegant fusion of poetry, music, intricate costumes and graceful performance, was inscribed on UNESCO's list of World Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2001.

Such intensive training stems not only from the students' passion and love for Kunqu opera, but also from the urgency of preserving this traditional art.

"Around 2010, the opera development in Fuzhou faced a talent gap," said Wu Lan, director of the city's culture and art development center.

According to Wu, at that time, the average age of professional opera performers in the city exceeded 48, and the proportion of young actors was less than 10 percent, with many local opera genres on the verge of loss.

A turning point came in 2016 when the city launched an opera inheritance and innovation project. One of the main initiatives was the launch of opera inheritance classes at Fuzhou Vocational Technical College.

According to the city's finance bureau, from 2017 to 2024, a total of 6.8 million yuan (about 966,000 U.S. dollars) was allocated to support the opera classes and 198 young opera performers were sent to various local troupes after training at the school. Today, the proportion of young opera practitioners in Fuzhou has risen to 40 percent.

"In the past, it was always us who took the stage, but now the young people have grown up," said Tang Guangming, a national-level representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage.

In recent years, the local government has also funded free opera performances by commissioning private troupes in the city. In Linchuan District, 190 such performances were staged last year, supported by a government budget of 665,000 yuan.

Zhu Xudong's troupe is among those that have benefited from the initiative. In 2021, when Zhu's troupe began performing in the Wenchangli historic area, ticket prices kept many elderly audience members away. Thanks to local government subsidies, however, elders now bring their own chairs, and young parents bring their babies to enjoy the performances for free.

"It's like a cultural feast. The performances are so wonderful and I feel particularly good after watching the opera performances," said Cheng Wen, a local resident who often brings her two-year-old kid to watch the performances.

"My original aspiration has always been to spread and pass on the profound theatrical culture of Fuzhou," Zhu said.

In 2016, to mark the 400th anniversary of Tang Xianzu's death, Fuzhou staged a live performance titled "Dreaming of the Peony Pavilion" in the Wenchangli historic area. The ancient streets from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) served as natural settings, with 12 real locations linking the three chapters of the performance.

"Through technological innovation and immersive scene recreation, the performance creates a meaningful dialogue between ancient opera and modern aesthetics," said Li Hui, head of the performance's operation team.

Since its public performance in 2018, it has attracted more than 450,000 viewers.

"Opera is not a sunset industry. Short videos and immersive experiences can bring it closer to audiences today," said young opera practitioner Zhou Zhiqian, one of the performers who shares vlogs of their daily training to introduce the beauty of opera to more young people through new media. 
Oil edged up slightly on Friday as investors weighed Venezuela supply risks against signals of a ceasefire between Russia-Ukraine.

Benchmark Brent crude futures were up 0.1 percent at $62.29 a barrel, while WTI crude futures were up 0.2 percent at $58.46.

Both contracts were up more than $2 a barrel for the week, marking their biggest weekly gain since October.

The White House has reportedly ordered the U.S. military to focus almost exclusively on enforcing a "quarantine" of Venezuelan oil for at least the next two months.

The U.S. Coast Guard has announced the seizure of the supertanker Bella 1 after several days of pursuit in the Atlantic Ocean, underscoring Washington's increasingly aggressive enforcement posture toward sanctioned crude movements.

Elsewhere, Ukraine has widened the scope of its attacks on Russian energy assets, targeting not only crude refineries but also pipelines and other facilities.

At the same time, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has given a positive assessment of a conversation he had with U.S. envoys on how to end the drawn-out Russia-Ukraine war.

He has outlined a new 20-point peace plan, agreed by U.S. and Ukrainian envoys in Florida.

The framework allows supplemental bilateral deals between the U.S. and Ukraine that would ensure the security guarantees Kyiv wants to prevent future Russian aggression.

The deals also include a heavy developmental package to rehabilitate the war-torn nation.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
ICE-powered 2026 Staria is 5,253 mm long, which is significantly more than Hyundais current biggest electric car  the 5,060 mm long Ioniq 9

Hyundai will be showcasing a range of products and concepts at the upcoming Brussels Motor Show. A recent teaser posted by the brand has the caption  Biggest EV yet. The teaser image hints at a strong possibility of the new model being a fully electric version of the just unveiled 2026 Staria MPV. Lets check out the details.

Hyundais biggest EV  What to expect?

While the teaser image does not reveal much, the positioning of the LED DRL signature and Hyundai logo looks similar to that of Staria Electric test mule spotted earlier. The recently unveiled 2026 Hyundai Staria ICE and its electric version share the same basic design. Only EV-specific differences are there such as a closed-off grille and charging socket at the front.

The lower grille appears more refined on the EV. Headlamp housings have the same basic shape, but the ones on the ICE Staria have a blacked-out profile. It is possible that Staria EV could get a new set of alloy wheels. Other features such as powered sliding rear doors are expected to be the same.

At the rear, Staria MPV has a flat tailgate with a large windscreen, prominent roof-mounted spoiler and vertically-stacked tail lamps in pixel format. The electric Staria is expected to use a similar set of features.

Iveco eMoovy connection

Interestingly, an electric version of the Staria MPV already exists in the form of Iveco eMoovy. The Iveco eMoovy is a fully electric light commercial vehicle, developed as part of a strategic industrial partnership between Hyundai and Italy-based Iveco Group. eMoovy is available in most of the major European markets. Earlier this year, Iveco had sold its commercial vehicle business to Tata Motors.

Iveco eMoovy was launched in 2024 and its presence reveals that the Staria MPV can support electric powertrains. Battery options for Iveco eMoovy include a 63-kWh and a 76-kWh unit. With the larger battery pack, the range is 320 km (as per WLTP cycle). Variants with the smaller battery pack have a range of 265 km. Iveco eMoovy comes with a single electric motor that generates 218 PS.

Hyundai has stated that its largest EV will use state-of-the-art electric technology, which may include an advanced 800-volt architecture. This setup already exists with the eMoovy. When charged via a 350 kW DC fast charger, the eMoovy can load 100 km in just around 10 minutes. The same setup can be used with the Staria EV, benefitting family users as well as fleet operators.

Hyundai Staria India launch?

Hyundai had showcased the ICE-powered Staria at the 2025 Bharat Expo. As the luxury MPV segment is witnessing robust sales and has strong potential for future growth, it is possible that the Staria MPV could be launched in India. It could work as an alternative to the Kia Carnival. As for the electric Staria, it is unlikely to be offered here anytime soon.
by Xinhua writer Duan Minfu, Li Jun

BAGHDAD, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- In Nasiriyah, the capital city of Iraq's Dhi Qar Province, neighboring the ancient archaeological site of Ur, a modern airport is taking shape. A new control tower stands beside the aircraft parking apron, and the terminal's glass facade sparkles in the sunlight, symbolizing a blend of progress and preservation.

Covering a total floor area of about 50,000 square meters for individual building units, 700,000 square meters for airside infrastructure, the Nasiriyah International Airport project is being carried out by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).

Built to accommodate 750,000 passengers annually, the airport is set to become a key transport hub in southern Iraq once operational.

The project involves the construction of a new passenger terminal, control tower, cargo facility, and hotel, alongside the upgrading and renovation of the existing runway and aircraft apron. The Iraqi government sees the project as a "cornerstone" in rebuilding the country's aviation sector and strengthening its trade and tourism connections with neighboring countries.

Zhou Le, executive manager of the project, told Xinhua that the CSCEC is responsible for the design and construction of all airport components, including the airside area and the expressway linking the city center with the airport.

"It will be a modern and fully integrated airport to ensure smooth and safe flights," he said.

The Chinese company has upgraded the existing runway into a new 3400-meter runway capable of accommodating the takeoff and landing of wide-body aircraft for long-haul flights. The team said the long, extremely hot summers in Iraq, when temperatures often exceed 50 degrees Celsius, posed a major challenge to construction work.

The importance of the airport lies especially in its proximity to the archaeological site of ancient Ur City and the new tourism area planned around it. The airport is expected to help attract tourists from within and outside Iraq and facilitate trade, according to the local government.

Samir Latif, an Iraqi engineer working with the project, told Xinhua that the Chinese team has incorporated architectural elements inspired by the Ziggurat of Ur into the exterior design of the main terminal building.

Latif said the airport is a "turning point project" for the city's development, serving as an "important economic, tourism, and cultural gateway" expected to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has visited the site multiple times and expressed his hope that the airport will become a vital transport hub, allowing Iraq to benefit from advanced Chinese construction technologies and management expertise through such projects.

To promote know-how transfer, the Chinese team has been working closely with their local colleges as well as Iraqi universities in engineering testing and technological innovation, aiming to train local professionals and enhance Iraq's engineering capabilities.

"As participants in the Belt and Road Initiative, we are proud to offer solutions for developing Iraq's transportation and civil aviation sectors," Zhou said. 
DAMASCUS, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and 21 others wounded in an explosion at a mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs, a city in central Syria, during Friday prayers, Syrian health authorities said.

Najib al-Naasan, director of referral, ambulance and emergency services at Syria's Health Ministry, told state-run SANA news agency that the toll was a preliminary figure. He said the explosion occurred inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque, adding that emergency teams rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals.

Security and medical teams cordoned off the area as investigations began. Authorities said security measures were tightened around the area.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported the blast inside the mosque, saying it was not yet clear whether the explosion was a suicide attack. 
Scientists have confirmed the rediscovery of Moema claudiae, a rare seasonal killifish species in Bolivia that had been considered possibly extinct. The finding renews hope for protecting this unusual fish and the fragile wetland ecosystems it depends on.

The species had not been observed for more than 20 years. Its original habitat was destroyed and converted into farmland, and repeated searches over the years failed to locate any surviving individuals. As a result, Moema claudiae was classified as Critically Endangered under IUCN criteria and widely believed to be possibly extinct.

A Surviving Population Found in a Remote Pond

During a recent field expedition, researchers Heinz Arno Drawert and Thomas Otto Litz made a breakthrough. They discovered a living population of Moema claudiae in a small, temporary pond located within a fragment of forest surrounded by agricultural land.

This marks the first confirmed record of the species in more than two decades. The discovery, published in the open-access journal Nature Conservation, allowed scientists to photograph the fish alive for the first time. It also gave researchers the opportunity to observe its behavior and investigate aspects of its natural history that were previously unknown.

A Personal and Scientific Milestone

Thomas Litz, one of the study's co-authors, described the rediscovery as deeply meaningful. "For me, it is something special to have rediscovered Moema claudiae. This has shown that we now have the opportunity to preserve this species in the wild. I am all the more pleased because Prof. Wilson Costa named this species after his wife Claudia, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him especially for decades of collaboration and support."

A Global Hotspot for Seasonal Killifish Diversity

The rediscovered site turned out to be remarkable for more than just one species. In addition to Moema claudiae, researchers identified six other species of seasonal killifish in the same habitat. This makes it the most genetically diverse assemblage of seasonal killifish ever documented anywhere in the world.

The area sits at a unique ecological crossroads where the Amazon forest meets the Llanos de Moxos savannas. This transition zone appears to support exceptional biodiversity. However, widespread deforestation and expanding agriculture are rapidly reducing these habitats.

Urgent Calls for Habitat Protection

Following the discovery, scientists stressed the need for immediate conservation action. The newly identified site is currently the only known location that supports a wild population of Moema claudiae. It is also an important global center of seasonal killifish diversity.

Over the past 25 years, Bolivia has lost nearly 10 million hectares of forest, including critical wetlands. The pace of deforestation has increased sharply in recent years, putting many unique species and ecosystems at risk.

"Without rapid and effective action to curb the irrational expansion of the agricultural frontier in Bolivia's lowlands, we risk losing some of the world's most important terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and with them the irreplaceable goods and services they provide," said co-author Heinz Drawert. "We cannot hope to achieve true social and economic well-being unless we also maintain the functionality of the ecosystems that sustain it."
This video screenshot shows militants affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) near the site of airstrikes in Hadramout, Yemen, Dec. 26, 2025. Saudi warplanes on Friday carried out airstrikes on military sites affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen's southeastern oil-rich province of Hadramout, a local security official told Xinhua. Meanwhile, STC-affiliated media outlets reported that the airstrikes hit their forces in the Ghayl Bin Yamin area of Hadramout. Saudi Arabia, which backs the internationally recognized government of Yemen, has so far made no official comment on the airstrikes. (STC/Handout via Xinhua)

ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Saudi warplanes on Friday carried out airstrikes on military sites affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen's southeastern oil-rich province of Hadramout, a local security official told Xinhua.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that "several airstrikes targeted positions of the Elite Hadrami security units aligned with the STC."

He said that the strikes occurred one day after Saudi Arabia urged the STC to withdraw its forces from Hadramout, describing the airstrikes as an unprecedented move.

The strikes caused no casualties or damage to military equipment, according to the official.

Residents said that loud explosions were heard in parts of the province, while videos circulated on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from targeted areas following the air raids.

Meanwhile, STC-affiliated media outlets reported that the airstrikes hit their forces in the Ghayl Bin Yamin area of Hadramout.

Saudi Arabia, which backs the internationally recognized government of Yemen, has so far made no official comment on the airstrikes.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that recent STC troop deployments in two southern Yemeni provinces constituted an "unjustified escalation" that undermines Yemen's interests and complicates the Saudi-led efforts to restore stability.

Riyadh also announced that a joint Saudi-Emirati military delegation had arrived in Aden to coordinate with the STC on withdrawing its forces in an orderly and timely manner and transferring military camps to government-affiliated or local forces.

Tensions in Yemen escalated on Dec. 3 when STC forces took control of Hadramout following clashes with pro-government units. The STC also criticized the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) for failing to launch what it described as a serious campaign against the Houthi group.

Yemen has been mired in conflict since 2014, when Houthi forces captured Sanaa and large swathes of the north, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015.

The STC later expanded its presence into the eastern province of Al-Mahrah without reported resistance and has since recruited local forces in both provinces, despite repeated calls by the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia for de-escalation.

Formed in 2017, the STC seeks self-determination and eventual independence for southern Yemen. Despite joining the Saudi-led coalition and integrating into the PLC in 2022, the group continues to push for southern sovereignty, leading to recurring disputes over power-sharing and control of resources.

The STC has accused previous Yemeni governments of marginalizing the south politically and economically, which Yemeni authorities have rejected as they continuously stress the importance of territorial unity. 
In Laura Griffin's gripping Innocence Road, the death of Detective Leanne Everhart's father prompts her to leave her position in Dallas for the Madrone Police Department in her west Texas hometown.

Her father's death "had thrown everything into chaos," forcing Leanne to deal with "her dysfunctional family," including her mother and meth-addicted brother. Leanne knows the locals resent her for leaving Madrone, while Police Chief Jim McBride resents that she came back and he had to hire her, due to pressure to have "at least a token female, plus the weight of her father's legacy." McBride thwarts Leanne at every turn during her investigation of the murder of a Jane Doe found on a "parched patch of desert" near Madrone.

McBride also ignores that a forensic anthropologist identified the remains of four additional women found near the same place over the years. He doesn't want more attention from the horde of journalists who arrive after the high-profile murder conviction of a man named Sean Moriarty is overturned. The court ruled that Moriarty's confession was coerced by the police, who included Leanne's father.

Griffin's evocative sense of place captures the minutiae of small-town life. Leanne misses "the life-altering freedom of being able to shop for groceries without someone peering over your shoulder" that she enjoyed in Dallas.

Innocence Road maps a strong plot buoyed by powerful characters like Leanne, whose tenacious personality enhances her skills as an investigator. Leanne has a two-fold determination for justice: as she pursues her own investigation, she's driven to find out if her father was partly responsible for convicting an innocent man. --Oline H. Cogdill, freelance reviewer
Originally published in France in 2023, comics creator Marc Chalvin's Pigeons! A Fable for Our Times proves even more uncomfortably, darkly humorous in 2025. In Chalvin's urban avian universe, pigeons are plentiful--and, initially, content: "Don't we have it good here?" Their complacency makes them easy victims of Korback the crow's manipulations. A pigeon crosses the road when Korbak claims it's safe to and is mowed down by a speeding car; he's watching in glee, commenting, "It really is a miracle the species has survived." Korbak gloats to Seagull about his absolute power over the pigeons, adding, "I have to restrain myself from being cruel."

Seagull wants to educate the masses: "Can't you see that he's taking advantage of you?" Yet all attempts are quickly dismissed. When Seagull finally overhears the pigeons' disgruntled complaints ("yeah, he's always on our backs"), she strategically swoops in to say, "If you want to get rid of Korbak... we need to plan elections." Seagull tenaciously explains the need, the process, the possibilities, even inspiring a candidate from among their own. Korbak barely expresses concern: "The pigeons are immature incompetents." Seagull rallies for their agency: "The pigeons are citizens free to express their opinion." Korbak remains confident, saying, "I'll make history as the first dictator ever to be elected democratically." Let the voting commence.

Chalvin's orderly black-and-white panels mirror the looming control throughout. His simple line drawings gloriously, anthropomorphically depict meticulous expressions and unmistakable body language. Laura Bourbonnais deftly translates. Chalvin brilliantly captures history on repeat: vicious bully vs. idealistic outsider with gullible masses to control. --Terry Hong
The Week of Colors is Mexican writer Elena Garro's first--posthumous, overdue--collection in English, exquisitely translated by Megan McDowell. Over 13 stories, Garro (1916-1998) seamlessly layers reality and surreality, creating hybrid worlds where multiple timelines, monsters, and childish imaginations coexist (not always peacefully) with what seems readily visually, aurally, and intellectually recognizable.

In the disturbing titular story, the enigmatic Don Flor proudly escorts two young sisters through his home, where he imprisons women named for days of the week, assigns them vices, then tortures them to "fit [each] with the virtue that would check her vice." Sunday's vice is "lust"; he viciously violates her so she might attain "generosity." Those sisters, Eva and Leli, return in multiple stories, revealing both their privilege as "little blonde girls" and their suffering as too often being treated as the lesser gender. Moving marginalized voices into the spotlight, Garro gives voice to an indigent villager desperately seeing work in the poignant "The Cobbler from Guanajuato," and to an abused Indigenous woman hoping for safe shelter in the shocking "The Tree."

Not unlike her characters, Garro was all too familiar with being personally, societally, and creatively stifled, and particularly overshadowed and oppressed by her husband, Octavio Paz (they were married from 1937 to 1959). Contemporary novelist Alvaro Enrigue's introduction provides illuminating contextualization of Garro's own literary significance, reclaiming her as a "bold innovator" who championed oppressed voices and noting her rightful recognition as the "inventor of magical realism." Six decades since its original 1964 publication, Garro's collection should entice new generations to discover her with fresh, open eyes. --Terry Hong
Sarah Weinman (The Real Lolita; Unspeakable Acts), an avatar of literary true-crime writing, doesn't do feel-good books. But with the riveting and righteous Without Consent: A Landmark Trial and the Decades-Long Struggle to Make Spousal Rape a Crime, she leaves readers with something unexpected: a glimmer of faith in the criminal justice system.

Without Consent begins with the story of Greta Rideout, who was raped by her husband, John, in front of the Oregon couple's two-year-old daughter in 1978. At the time, only three states besides Oregon--Iowa, Delaware, and Nebraska--had laws against spousal rape; generally speaking, the idea was that marriage, as Weinman puts it, "implied a state of perpetual consent." When Rideout became the first Oregonian to bring rape charges against her spouse, she couldn't have known that the case would spark a media circus, take on an international profile, inspire a made-for-TV movie, and, per Weinman, "lead to one of the most successful activism campaigns in America."

That campaign had some setbacks alongside its legislative victories, and Weinman manages to turn each account into a taut courtroom drama. Without Consent has its share of noble warriors, among them advocates for the victims, but the true heroes are the plaintiffs, two of whom consented to interviews with Weinman that she recaps heartbreakingly here. Thanks to these and other brave women, spousal rape was a crime "to varying degrees" in all 50 states by 1993, but it was not a federal crime as Without Consent went to press, Weinman reports. --Nell Beram, author and freelance writer
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday unequivocally condemned the deadly terrorist attack on a mosque in Homs, Syria, his spokesperson said in a statement.

The attack occurred during Friday prayers at the Ali Bin Abi Talib mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs, according to the statement issued by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

Guterres reiterated that attacks against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable, stressing that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice, the statement said.

"The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of those killed and expresses his sympathy to all those injured, wishing them a prompt and full recovery," it added.

The death toll from the explosion that struck the mosque has risen to eight, Syria's health authorities said Friday. 
Writer, critic, and blogger Maria Popova (Figuring) partners with author/illustrator Sarah Jacoby (Doris) to create The Coziest Place on the Moon, a soothing, enlightening picture book that celebrates the rewards of solitude.

Re, who resembles an adorable porcupine with a golden-tinted, sky-blue dye job, wakes up one Tuesday in July "feeling like the loneliest creature on Earth." Not one to wallow, Re resolves "to go live in the coziest place on the Moon." Re lands "on the edge of the Sea of Tranquility" then walks and walks until arriving at "a perfect nook." There, Re experiences "what it feels like to be happy-alone instead of lonely." Shortly after settling, Re hears "a huff" and "a gurgle," which belong to Mi, a flaxen marsupial-like voyager who also fled Earth after "feeling like the loneliest creature." The coziest nook has plenty of space to create "two parallel tranquilities"--ideal for solitude, but also to share company whenever Re and Mi need a bit of synchronous harmony.

Popova's concluding author's note discusses the scientific reality of the eponymous "coziest place[s]"--indicating NASA's July 2022 announcement of the existence of "cylindrical pits on the Moon." Artist Jacoby harmoniously matches Popova's introspective verses with welcoming, ethereal whimsy, garbing Re in a yellow-polka-dotted orange hat and scarf for their lunar journey and packing Re's suitcase with bright balls of fuzzy yarn. Lightness abounds, from flashlights, rainbows, and, of course, starlight. This exploration of that uniquely individualized, soul-nurturing balance of time alone and time with others is an aspirational odyssey suitable for all ages. --Terry Hong
The Silver Book, Olivia Laing's eighth book, is steeped in the homosexual demimonde of 1970s Italian cinema. Its clear antifascist message is filtered through the coming-of-age story of an Englishman trying to outrun his past.

Laing's second novel (after Crudo) opens with 22-year-old art student Nicholas Wade fleeing London for Venice in 1974. He falls in with Danilo Donati, a 40-something art director meticulously designing costumes for Federico Fellini's Casanova. Nico becomes Dani's apprentice--as well as his lover. They move between Rome and Venice, also working on Pier Paolo Pasolini's Salo, a Sadeian horror-cum-satire on fascism. The behind-the-scenes details of sets, props, and meals are fascinating.

Hedonism and menace mingle. An early scene warns of the danger of cruising: Dani comes home one night drunk and with a broken nose. Haunted by what happened back in London, Nico becomes addicted to sleeping pills. He catches Pasolini's eye, while Dani sleeps with other crew members. Cinephiles may know what's coming; for others, it will be a shock when a key character is murdered for his political convictions and accused of bringing it on himself by paying young men for sex.

This novel offers the best of both worlds: the verisimilitude of true crime reportage and the intimacy of the close third person. Laing (The Trip to Echo Spring) leavens the tone with some darkly comedic moments, especially when Donald Sutherland arrives to star in Casanova. The Silver Book is an elegant and psychologically astute work from one of the most valuable cultural commentators out there. --Rebecca Foster, freelance reviewer, proofreader, and blogger at Bookish Beck
Sensex and Nifty closed marginally lower amid profit-taking in heavyweight stocks and mixed global cues.

IndusInd Bank, Ola Electric, Vodafone Idea, Adani Power, and others are in focus due to regulatory, funding, and expansion updates.

Broader markets remained weak, indicating cautious investor sentiment and stock-specific opportunities.

Indian equity markets ended marginally lower on Wednesday, December 24, as investors booked profits in select heavyweight stocks amid mixed global cues. The subdued trend reflected cautious sentiment, with market participants preferring to stay selective in the absence of strong triggers.

The benchmark Sensex slipped 116 points, or 0.14 percent, to close at 85,408.70, while the Nifty 50 declined 35 points, or 0.13 percent, ending the session at 26,142.10. Broader markets also witnessed mild weakness, with the BSE Midcap index falling 0.37 percent and the Smallcap index easing 0.14 percent.

Ajit Mishra, Senior Vice President of Research at Religare Broking, sectoral trends were mixed, with profit-taking seen in select IT, pharma, and FMCG stocks, while realty and metal stocks remained largely flat. The broader market performance suggested selective participation by investors. Market experts noted that the indices remained range-bound for the second consecutive session, indicating consolidation after the recent rally. According to, sectoral trends were mixed, with profit-taking seen in select IT, pharma, and, while realty and metal stocks remained largely flat. The broader market performance suggested selective participation by investors.

Against this backdrop, several stocks are expected to remain in focus in todays trading session due to company-specific developments.

IndusInd Bank is likely to attract attention after the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) initiated a probe into alleged irregularities in the banks derivatives trading portfolio. The lender informed stock exchanges that it has received a communication from the investigating agency. The development could weigh on investor sentiment in the near term.

Ola Electric may see movement after the company announced that it has received government approval for the release of Rs 366.78 crore under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for automobiles and auto components. The incentive approval is expected to strengthen liquidity and support future growth plans.

Vikran Engineering is also in focus after it secured an EPC contract worth Rs 459 crore from NTPC Renewable Energy. The order is for the development of a 400 MW AC grid-connected solar power project in Uttar Pradesh. The contract is expected to strengthen the companys order book and provide long-term revenue visibility.

Castrol India could see interest following reports that the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and US-based private equity firm Stonepeak plan to make an open offer to acquire up to a 26 percent stake in the company. This comes after the investors agreed to acquire Castrol India from its parent company, BP. The move is seen as positive for the companys long-term growth prospects.

Also Read: How CXOs Can Build a Culture That Turns Ideas into Value

Vodafone Idea remains under watch after the telecom operator disclosed that it has received two GST penalty orders from tax authorities in Mumbai and Bengaluru. The total potential liability exceeds Rs 83 crore, which may impact sentiment around the stock.

Lenskart Solutions announced that its Singapore subsidiary has approved an investment of KRW 3 billion, or approximately Rs 186 million, to acquire a 29.24 percent stake in South Korea-based optical machinery company iiNeer Corp. Ltd. The investment aligns with the companys strategy to strengthen its supply chain capabilities.

Adani Power is expected to remain in focus after the company raised its long-term installed capacity target to 41.87 gigawatts by FY32 and announced a capital expenditure plan of around Rs 2 lakh crore. The expansion plan is among the largest in Indias private thermal power sector.

UltraTech Cement stated that it has commissioned 1.8 million tonnes per annum of new capacity, including additions at its Dhule and Nathdwara plants, supporting its expansion strategy.

KNR Construction may see activity after announcing the divestment of its entire stake in four road SPVs to Indus Infra Trust for a total value of Rs 1,543.19 crore.

With markets consolidating, investors are likely to track these stock-specific developments closely for near-term trading opportunities.
Employees often confuse workers compensation insurance with disability insurance. They may look similar at first glance because both deal with loss of income and physical injury or illness. But the purpose, trigger points and beneficiaries of both are very different.

Understanding the difference helps organisations build the right risk protection strategy and align with compliance requirements.

What is Workers' Compensation Insurance?

Workers compensation insurance is a statutory coverage that protects employees if they suffer injury, disability or death due to a work-related accident or occupational illness. It is usually paid for by the employer.

This labour insurance coverage activates only when something happens during the course of employment. For example, an incident in the factory, a slip or fall on the shop floor, a machinery-related injury, chemical exposure, etc. The primary goal is to ensure employee compensation and employer compliance, lowering legal risk for organisations.

What is Disability Insurance?

Unlike workers compensation, disability insurance is not limited to workplace injuries. It is a personal benefit plan that replaces a portion of income if a person is unable to work due to any illness or disability, whether work-related or not. Example: prolonged illness, chronic illness condition, accident at home, etc.

It is usually a voluntary plan that an individual buys personally or is offered as part of larger employee benefits.

Key Differences Between Workers Compensation and Disability Insurance

Parameter Workers Compensation Insurance Disability Insurance Who Pays? Employer pays Usually employee pays or is offered as an optional benefit When does Payout Trigger? Only when an injury or illness is work-related Any disability, even those not related to work What Types of Conditions are Covered? Injuries on duty, occupational illness General illness or disability, regardless of cause Statutory or Voluntary Statutory under labour laws Purely voluntary/ personal financial choice

Which Labour Insurance Benefits the Employers More?

From an employers perspective, workers compensation insurance is significantly more relevant because it directly manages an employers liability towards its workforce. Disability insurance is not designed to reduce employer liability. It is designed to protect an individual's income. Workers compensation insurance protects the organisation against statutory claims, employee injury settlements and medical compensation linked to workplace injuries and legal exposure. It thereby reduces the risk of disputes, protects company finances, improves compliance posture and supports a fair workplace culture.

On the other hand, disability insurance is useful for building employee benefits, but it does not replace the legal requirement of having proper workplace risk transfer coverage. In other words, even if employees individually buy disability plans, the employer still needs workers compensation cover because that is the actual protection tool linked to the job, the employer's responsibility and compliance.

For employers, the primary business advantage lies in equipping themselves with a robust workers compensation structure that mitigates financial and legal disruptions in the event of workplace accidents. Disability insurance, although optional, may serve as a valuable add-on for employees, but it does not shield the employer from risk.

Can WC Policy and Disability Insurance Co-Exist?

Yes, WC policy and Disability insurance can co-exist, and they often do. A company may provide statutory Workers compensation and also offer disability benefits as a higher-value employee benefits add-on. Together, they ensure complete coverage, one for employee liability and the other for the employees broader financial security.

Choose a Suitable Business Insurance Strategy with TATA AIG

Smart organisations today dont look at insurance in isolation. They look at coverage outcomes. With TATA AIG, employers can strengthen their workforce protection by selecting the right workers compensation insurance plan, tailored to their industry risk, number of employees, and workplace hazards. A strong WC policy builds confidence, reduces litigation exposure and strengthens long-term workforce trust, helping companies build a safer, compliant and employee-friendly environment.
DEAR ABBY:

My son died of cancer at 33. It was heartbreaking. My daughter-in-law, Belinda, had grown distant before his death, and although they had a son through artificial insemination, I have almost never seen him. I helped with the weeding in my sons yard, but any time I came, Belinda always had the baby at the park or someplace else.

Now that my son is gone, she wont answer any phone calls or texts. We do have some contact with her family. They have asked her why she wont contact us, and she has no explanation. My theory is that Belinda was uncomfortable sharing our son, and it has transferred to the grandchildren. I say grandchildren because she used his sperm to have another child. We found out by accident that a baby girl was born. We were never notified. While I doubt this plays a big part in this, Belinda is bipolar.

As it stands, I no longer make an effort to have a relationship with my grandchildren. They are so young, and I anticipate difficulty in pursuing grandparents rights because of their ages and their mothers attitude toward us. This is painful, as they are the only part of my son that remains. I feel helpless and have pretty much blocked out the fact that I have grandchildren. Do you have any advice?

Blocked in Ohio

Dear Blocked:

What a sad letter. I do have some thoughts about your situation. The first is that because your sons sperm was used to conceive the children, you might benefit from discussing this with an attorney and asking if your state is one in which there are grandparents rights. The second is, because you are hurting, ask your doctor for a referral to a licensed family therapist to help you accept what you cannot change. You have my sympathy.
A Jersey Shore bar will not reopen its doors as its owner pursues multiple legal battles with city officials and contractors over stalled renovations.

Owner Ryan Fitzpatrick announced the closure of North Shore Bar & Kitchen in North Wildwood on the restaurants social media pages, saying efforts to reopen have failed.

After extensive efforts and sincere hope that The North Shore Bar & Kitchen might one day reopen, it has become clear that this will not occur, Fitzpatrick said in a statement.

The announcement comes as North Shore filed a lawsuit Dec. 9 against North Wildwood and its construction official, alleging contractors hired by the bar submitted fraudulent permits that were approved. A separate lawsuit against a contractor, filed in 2023, remains pending, court records show.

North Shore is the former Caseys on New York Avenue, which Fitzpatrick bought in 2018. Fitzpatrick, a banker, rebranded the Irish-themed bar with help from two friends tied to Northeast Philadelphia.

Four years later, he sought to renovate the property, adding an open-air bar and dining area on a new second floor, according to planning board records.

The latest lawsuit accuses the city and its construction office of deceit, unlawfulness and targeted attacks. It asks a judge to remove Construction Official Dan Spiegel and halt work by Plaza Drywall, one of Fitzpatricks contractors.

Fitzpatricks announcement prompted tributes on social media.

My favorite spot since you opened...great food, great staff... always a good time! one commenter wrote. You are missed!

Throughout its operation, North Shore Bar & Kitchen was run responsibly and profitably, with a strong commitment to sound business practices and community engagement, Fitzpatrick said. It is my sincere hope that the establishment made a positive impact on the patrons it served and within the broader North Shore community.

North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello did not immediately return a request by NJ Advance Media for comment.
The U.S. State Departments updated international travel page now features an interactive global advisory map showing countries listed under its higher-risk travel warning levels.

The interactive map allows travelers to click on any country to see its advisory level and the reasons behind it.

Countries are ranked using four levels of caution: Level 1, Exercise normal precautions, Level 2, Exercise increased caution (especially in higher-risk areas), Level 3, Reconsider travel, due to security risks, and Level 4, Do not travel.

The State Department updates the map daily and assigns levels based on risks such as crime, conflict, terrorism, health concerns and civil unrest.

The daily-updated tool color-codes countries by risk level and provides specific safety concerns for international travelers planning trips. Adam Gray, Associated Press

Travelers can also search for a specific country on the map to see its advisory level and the reasons behind it. Each country is color-coded by risk level: Level 1 is blue, Level 2 is yellow and Levels 3 and 4 are red.

The State Departments interactive map shows danger zones across much of the world. As of Dec. 26, 22 countries appear under the Level 4 Do Not Travel category, including Afghanistan, Belarus, Haiti and Lebanon.

The designations are based on risks such as crime, terrorism, civil unrest and other safety concerns.

Travelers can take additional steps to stay informed and protect themselves while abroad.

The State Department recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows U.S. citizens to receive alerts and make it easier for embassies or consulates to contact them in case of an emergency.

Travelers can stay informed by following the State Departments travel guidance, including updates on global events affecting travel.

The guidance offers tips for safe travel preparation, provides information on laws abroad and gives instructions for crisis situations.
A New York law passed this year that takes aim at shooting crimes and suicide requires that rifles and shotguns sold in the state come with prominent consumer warnings regarding the risk of death or suicide in homes where firearms are present.

The law, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in April 2025, requires those who sell rifles and shotguns in New York to post and distribute within their shops conspicuous warnings of the dangers of having firearms accessible in the home.

Specifically, materials must warn of the higher rates of suicide and death during domestic disputes and accidental deaths to children and others in homes where firearms are present.

The notifications must be posted at the entrances to gun shops; given to the buyers of guns, rifles and shotguns, and posted in an additional location within the store, the law states.

The law comes amid heightened anti-gun efforts by the NYPD and the Richmond County District Attorneys office, which have respectively reported historic lows in shooting incidents and high rates of domestic violence on Staten Island.

For the first 11 months of the year, New York City had the lowest number of shooting incidents and victims in recorded history, as well as the safest November on our subways outside the pandemic period, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced earlier in the month.

And in October 2025, Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said that domestic violence is a main driver of violent crime on Staten Island.

State law

The bill was introduced in the New York State Assembly by Jeffrey Dinowitz, a Democrat representing the 81st Assembly District in the Bronx. It was co-sponsored by Queens Democrats David Weprin of District 24; Catalina Cruz, of District 39, and Rebecca A. Seawright, representing Manhattans 76th District.

The required warning reads: Access to a rifle, shotgun or firearm in the home significantly increases risk of suicide, death during domestic disputes, and/or unintentional deaths to children, household members and others. If you or a loved one is experiencing distress and/or depression, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

The law requires that the notice be provided to anyone receiving a license to sell firearms, shotguns or rifles in the State of New York upon issuance of the license.

Firearms dealers in the five boroughs must hold city and federal licenses in order to legally sell guns or ammunition.

Any person, firm, or corporation found guilty of failing to post or distribute required warnings faces imprisonment of up to 15 days or $1,000 in fines, or both, the law states. Each violation will be deemed a separate offense.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Madeline Cretella knew how to make a space beautiful.

She could walk into a room and move a few things around, and all of a sudden that room looked 100 times better than it did before she had walked in just a few minutes earlier, said her daughter-in-law, Jeanne Cretella.

Cretella, an artist and a consummate volunteer, died on Dec. 16. She was 96 years old. The cause of death was complications from a fall.

Madeline Cretella. Family Photo

She was born in 1929, the middle child of seven siblings who grew up in South Beach. Her father, Nicholas Mattia, worked as a carpenter and made furniture, and her mother, Florence, managed the household.

In 1949, she married Ernest Cretella. The pair went into business together, opening a Dairy Queen franchise in Elizabeth, New Jersey, while living on Lighthouse Hill.

When Dairy Queen changed its recipe, the Cretellas decided they wanted to more on and opened up their own shop.

They were very instrumental in starting the brand Magic Fountain, Jeanne Cretella said. They felt that the product that they were able to offer through Magic Fountain was just a better product. They were committed to serving the best ice cream they could serve. They operated Magic Fountain for almost 50 years.

Cretella, who had a lifelong interest in art, began her artistic career by making sketches. She paid attention to the anatomy of the body, said her daughter, Jeannette DiChiara. She explored oils and pastels, but her favorite was sculpting.

In this photo, taken Oct. 20, 1985, Madeline Cretella sculpts a piece titled "Migration." (Advance/SILive.com | Steve Zaffarano)

Jeanne Cretella added: Her sculptures told a real story. She was a breast cancer survivor. Her artwork depicted some of the emotions that many people go through when theyre dealing with such a serious illness. A lot of her work depicted the human body, and her artwork could be a little whimsical, but she really loved classical art. Her pieces just screamed of emotion.

Cretella painted landscapes and portraits, and made jewelry. She was known for big, beautiful brooches.

She would make jewelry molds and have the moles filled with silver or gold, DiChiara said. And she was a decorator and a muralist. She used to paint murals for friends and family.

Jeanne Cretella explained: Everything she did was self-taught. Because she was such a phenomenal artist, people assumed that she had formal training, and she didnt.

Her art was exhibited on Staten Island and in Manhattan, including Borough Hall, the Newhouse Gallery, The Art Network, and Salmagundi Gallery.

She had such curiosity that if she saw anything that fancied her, she would learn how to do it, DiChiara said. There was nothing she didnt want to have her hands in.

Cretella served as president of the Staten Island Artist Federation for three years. She volunteered for United Cerebral Palsy organization and AIDS Resource Foundation for Children.

Whenever she heard of a need in the community, she was always volunteering her help, Jeanne Cretella said.

She was known for her ability to plan events and decorate spaces.

She was a great event planner from top to bottom, because she could imagine great, unique ideas for the themes, and then she knew how to carry it through and tie it all together, DiChiara said.

Jeanne Cretella added: Madeline would just get to work and design everything from the invitations to the tables and centerpieces,

She was all about family, she recalled. She was all about creating a home that everyone knew that they were welcome to at any time. There was always room at the table for whoever showed up. She was a gracious host who always made everyone feel like she had spent the entire day setting even the table, and she did it just with so much ease and grace.

Cretella was known for her holiday celebrations. She was famous for her Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes, Jeanne Cretella said. She loved entertaining, whether it was Thanksgiving celebrations or Christmas Eve or Easter egg hunts that she would do, not only for our children, but for the children in the neighborhood.

In this 1990 photo, Jeanne Cretella presents a bouquet of flowers to her mother-in-law, Woman of Achievement honoree Madeline Cretella. (Advance/SILive.com | Frank J. Johns)

In 1990, Cretella was honored with the Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement award. That was a highlight for my mother-in-law, Jeanne Cretella said. She really valued that achievement throughout her life, she spoke about it often.

For the last 10 years of her life, Cretella resided in Lincroft, New Jersey.

When she moved to her senior housing, she would regale the residents with stories, DiChiara said. She would write articles to inspire them to be more involved in the activities.

Cretella is survived by her children, Jeannette DiChiara and her husband Thomas, and Frank Cretella and his wife Jeanne; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Former President Barack Obama and his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama, made a bold statement on Christmas Day after a year of unfounded rumors that their celebrated marriage was on the rocks.

The former two-term president posted of picture of himself and the former first lady on his official X account on Dec. 25.

The photo shows Barack and Michele smiling against a backdrop of soft golden tones and sparkling holiday lights.

Merry Christmas! Michelle and I hope you have a wonderful holiday filled with light and joy. pic.twitter.com/9PANlRgHUh  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 25, 2025

Accompanying the photo, Barack Obama wrote: Merry Christmas! Michelle and I hope you have a wonderful holiday filled with light and joy.

It has been a trying year for the former First Couple

There were unfounded rumors at the beginning of 2025 that Barack Obama had had an affair with Friends superstar Jennifer Aniston.

The rumors gathered steam when Obama was spotted on his own at two high-profile events in Washington, D.C., last January: at the funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter in the U.S. Capitol and at President Donald Trumps inauguration ceremony.

Obama had also said during an interview that hed been trying to dig himself out of a hole with his wife.

Michelle for her part said that the rumors of marital strife were untrue and that she had never considered leaving her husband.

The former First Lady said that she had been taking time for herself after being in the public eye for so long while her husband was in politics.

A celebrated Marvel actor this week broke his silence about rumors that hed had an affair with Michelle Obama.
MOSCOW, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Moscow is concerned about the escalation of the military and political situation in Yemen and calls on all parties involved to exercise restraint, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Friday.

She said that Russia calls on all parties involved to seek mutually acceptable compromise solutions to the existing problems and contradictions through constructive intra-Yemeni dialogue.

Russia welcomes the joint efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates aimed at de-escalating tensions as soon as possible and stabilizing the situation in southern Yemen, Zakharova said.

"We reaffirm our readiness to continue constructive engagement in pursuit of these goals with Yemen's official authorities and all influential political forces of this friendly country, as well as with Russia's partners in the region," she added.

Saudi warplanes on Friday carried out airstrikes on military sites affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen's southeastern oil-rich province of Hadramout. Residents said that loud explosions were heard in parts of the province, while videos circulated on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from targeted areas following the air raids. 
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman tore into rival Gov. Kathy Hochul about toxic and unsafe battery energy storage system sites after a BESS facility upstate again went up in flames.

Governor Hochul is putting New Yorkers in danger, Blakeman, a GOP candidate for governor, told the New York Post.

Blakeman has proposed a statewide halt on the toxic BESS sites and said that the facilities are part of the Democratic Partys green-energy scam.

A BESS site in upstate Warwick, N.Y., on Dec. 19 burst into flames for the second time since 2023.

A fire broke out at a battery energy storage system in Warwick, N.Y. on Dec. 19, the third fire incident in the town since 2023. (Courtesy of the Town of Warwick)

Another BESS site located in the town also went on fire that year in a back-to-back episode.

Blakeman in a statement said: These fires show that her battery storage mandates are unsafe for firefighters, EMS, and families.

The Long Island lawmaker continued, Lithium-ion battery fires can escalate quickly, release toxic chemicals into the air, resist traditional firefighting methods, and place extreme demands on emergency personnel  especially when water, a standard firefighting tool, can make the blaze worse.

Said Blakeman, Before we allow any new facilities, we must ensure our first responders are fully trained, equipped, and prepared to handle not only the fire risks but also the toxic chemicals and health hazards these battery fires can release into our communities. There must be a statewide moratorium until these systems can operate safely.

The BESS sites have caused controversy in New York City after City of Yes legislation passed under Mayor Eric Adams allowed the facilities to be built in residential neighborhoods with significantly loosened regulations governing their size.

A number of BESS sites are planned for Staten Island while others have already been built, including one next to a private home on a residential block in Rosebank.
Podcaster Joe Rogan blasted President Donald Trump over a crazy plaque about former President Joe Biden that Trump has had installed in the White House.

Mediaite reported that during his Joe Rogan Experience podcast on Christmas Day, Rogan talked with comedian Shane Gillis about a Trump-created Presidential Walk of Fame in the White House.

The installation features portraits of all the nations 47 presidents, accompanied by plaques which describe their presidencies with spin from Trump.

Rogan expressed shock while reading Bidens plaque out loud on the air.

Sleepy Joe Biden was, by far, the worst President in American history. This is so crazy, Rogan said. 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.

Said Rogan, who supported Trump in last years election: This is so crazy. You shouldnt be allowed to do this. Right? It should be like, historians say, this guy was president from bup bup bah to bup bup bah.

Rogan continued with the plaque: But despite it all, President Trump would get Re-Elected in a Landslide, and SAVE AMERICA! in all caps. This is a plaque in the White House.

Rogan said: This is crazy. Somebody needs to tell him like, hey, this is not good. You cant do that, because other people could do that too and then the White House stops being the White House, and it becomes whoever is in its house, where he could just go crazy and say everybody else is a crook.

Rogan said, But the problem is it opens up the door for someone on the left to do their version of it.
A Marvel movie actor has addressed rumors that he had an affair with former First Lady Michelle Obama, the Independent reported.

In a podcast appearance, Eternals star Kumail Nanjiani said, I was so excited! My friend, our mutual friend, pulled [wife] Emily aside and was like, Hey, so I heard that Kumail and Michelle Obama are like doing it. And she was like, she wasnt even upset, but multiple people brought it up to me.

But Nanjiani definitively told So True podcast host Caleb Hearon that he has never been involved with the wife of former two-term President Barack Obama.

I have never met Michelle Obama, said The Big Sick star.

Hearon on the podcast brought up the unfounded rumors that Barack Obama, who served in the White House from 2009 to 2017, had romanced Friends superstar Jennifer Aniston.

Theres been this persistent rumor that Barack is stepping out with Jen Aniston, Hearon said, while at the same time acknowledging that he didnt know what to make of those rumors when Nanjiani asked if he believed them.

But what Im saying is, my friend Kumail, youre up there with Jen Aniston in terms of affair rumors, Hearon said.

Giving his opinion on the supposed affair partners, Nanjiani joked that the Obamas were, in both cases, slumming it.

No shade to Jen, the Only Murders in the Building performer quickly put in.

Aniston herself denied the Obama affair rumors on Jimmy Kimmels talk show, saying she was not mad at all but maintaining that the rumors were absolutely untrue.

Michelle Obama has also said that rumors of her husbands infidelity were false and that she had never considered leaving him.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump sent a Christmas greeting on Wednesday, mixing holiday wishes with sharp criticism of his political rivals, calling some of them radical left scum in a Truth Social post. He also highlighted what he said were the strong points of the nations economy under his leadership.

Trump began his message with a traditional Merry Christmas to all, but added language that drew strong reactions. He said his political opponents were trying to harm the country, but he claimed they were not succeeding.

In the same holiday message, Trump listed several issues he says show a successful year, including a strong stock market, lower crime levels and 4.3% economic growth.

Trump also said changes in areas such as border security and law enforcement were signs of progress, and he expressed pride in what he called national strength and respect around the world.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Theres no place like home for the holidays. Although, for some, a sunny beach may sound better than bearing a winter storm.

A post-Christmas clipper will quickly sweep through New York and deliver a gift of plowable snow beginning Friday evening, according to AccuWeather.

A clipper storm, as defined by the National Weather Service, is a fast-moving storm that drops into the U.S. over the Great Lakes from Alberta, Canada.

For many areas, this clipper is expected to be a mess of a storm, Peyton Simmers, a meteorologist with AccuWeather, told the Advance/SILive.com.

As of Friday morning, Simmers believes New York City will receive between 3 and 6 inches of snowfall. This is less than the snowfall amount forecast by the weather service, which foresees accumulation between 7 and 8 inches.

Snow is expected to begin around 5 p.m.

We do expect a pretty good thump of snow to come in about after sunset, a little after 7 oclock - around 7 oclock - when the heaviest snow might get started in New York City, Simmers said. Its not out of the question there could be some inch-per-hour snow rates within that band, so it could come down pretty quick and lay pretty quick in that 3-6 range that we have.

Simmers noted that it would not surprise him if the city experienced sleet pellets amid this winter system.

This National Weather Service graphic shows forecast snowfall amounts in eastern New York from Friday, Dec. 26, through Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (National Weather Service)

Generally, New York state is expected to receive between 1 and 6 inches of snow. However, AccuWeather predicts areas such as the Catskill Mountains, the northern suburbs of New York City and the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania could pick up between 6-12 inches of snow.

Areas like Syracuse, which typically takes on more snow than the city, will not be in the bullseye of this clipper, Simmers explained. In fact, the areas around Poughkeepsie look as though they will experience the worst of this snow.

The weather service foresees Poughkeepsie receiving about 8.5 inches when all is said and done.

Despite the Friday morning forecast, Simmers said that there is a tight gradient determining where the heaviest snowfall will occur.

Even a shift of like 20 miles makes a big difference in who profits and who doesnt with the big snow given how tight the gradient is going to be with this storm, added Simmers.

Although Simmers does not foresee a major shift in the storms track, he noted there could be a minor shift depending on the storms ultimate path and the high pressure to the north over southeast Canada.

If any of those are out of place by, you know, 20 to 30 miles that does make a difference, especially in New York City, Simmers explained. If this storm goes 30 miles north that can put it (the city) more into the sleet, but if it stays, you know, 20 miles south, that can put it more into the bullseye of the snow.

The storm should be over in the city by 8 a.m.

Unfortunately for snow lovers, this snow is not going to be sticking around for too terribly long, said Simmers.

Temperatures will reach into the upper 40s going into early next week and a storm on Sunday is expected to aid the melting process.
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BusinessCompaniesSpace Opinion Its not too late to cash in on the new space race

David Stevenson December 26, 2025  4:00pm 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

Elon Musk fans might soon have a new stock to fixate on: SpaceX. Over the past few weeks, news has been filtering out that Musks company might be about to launch a spectacular listing on the stock market. This image from a SpaceX livestream in August shows the 10th Starship mission splashing down in the Indian Ocean. AP Executives are reported to be selecting investment banks to run the initial public offering, which could be worth $US1.5 trillion ($2.2 trillion). Not bad given SpaceX is expected to make $US25 billion of revenue next year. According to analysts estimates, SpaceX revenues are due to hit $US48 billion by 2030 with net earnings of about $US10 billion.

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Its also an impressive valuation, given that the business was valued at just $US350 billion this time last year. Then again, with its Starlink business selling broadband packages at $99 a month, I reckon these revenue forecasts might be conservative. Related Article Opinion

Technology & democracy Silicon Valleys billionaire elite cant engineer our consent Chris Zappone Senior reporter, aviation If a stock market listing does happen, it will be a win for British fund manager Baillie Gifford, which has consistently backed Musk. Its public funds are heavily invested in SpaceX. Shares in Musks company represent around 15 per cent of the portfolio of Scottish Mortgage (where I own shares), 14 per cent of the Schiehallion fund and about 16 per cent of Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust. So, why the $US1.5 trillion valuation? Whats got investors so excited is that SpaceX is in the vanguard of three fundamental shifts in space technology, or spacetech.

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The first is its reusable rockets. Private companies have long been involved in space, but usually via long-term state contracts. SpaceX has fundamentally changed that model. Now anyone, not just governments, can hire a rocket to send something into the atmosphere. The second, and related, key change is that SpaceX has lowered the cost of space launch, which allows a quantum increase in the number of launches. That brings down the cost of doing stuff in space; be that monitoring the earth, providing connectivity via broadband or even building semiconductor fabs in space. The third more recent change is that many space tech businesses have pivoted to defence applications. The war in Ukraine is just one example.

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According to the Space Foundation, the global space economy has experienced strong growth over the past two decades, reaching $US613 billion last year. Related Article Billionaires Rich like Bill Gates: Meet the Saudi sisters wielding $75 billion in a mans world Before we get too carried away, its best to have a reality check or two. Spacetech businesses have been listed on markets for some time, and they have not always been as exciting as SpaceX. Investors might remember Inmarsat, which had a turbulent time on the British market and was delisted in December 2019 after being taken over by private equity. Its also true that many current spacetech firms listed on the sharemarket are highly valued and not exceptionally profitable.

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Take Italian firm Avio, which, as one of Europes few launch providers, is central to Europes growing space defence needs. It boasts a big order book and shares that have nearly tripled in value over the past year  but the business makes only minimal profits. Its a similar story in the US, where another fascinating business is Planet Labs, which operates the worlds largest fleet of earth observation satellites. Planet Labs now operates over 450 small satellites, capturing medium-resolution images that are processed and delivered through its cloud-based analytics platform. The shares trade at $US18 and its market cap is $US5.7 billion but the firm has only just broken even and has revenue of about $US300 million per annum. Stepping back from these examples, analysts at Panmure Liberum say listed equities in this sector have rallied by 135 per cent since a valuation trough in July 2024, while private markets had inflows of $US33 billion in 2024 and $US37 billion so far in 2025. Theres even a space ETF listed on the London market: the VanEck Space Innovators ETF, ticker JEDI (yes, really), which has risen in value by 63 per cent through to the end of November.

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Its top holdings include AST SpaceMobile, Globalstar, Viasat and Rocket Lab. Investors interested in this space could also look to more conventional defence tech firms such as Safran, which has a big space business and is solidly profitable. In Britain, Id also highlight two firms: Filtronic and Cohort, both of which trade at earth-bound valuations. Investment banks are running the numbers on an initial public offering of SpaceX which could be worth $US1.5 trillion. AP Im particularly keen on the first company, Filtronic, which is deeply involved with the space sector and manufactures high-frequency, high-reliability RF transmit and receive solutions.

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It produces an eye-watering return on capital employed. Still, most analysts expect a significant profit decline next year, which makes the stock much more expensive. That said, its links to SpaceX are deep and wide: in August, the firm received an order worth 47 million ($94 million) for its gallium Nitride product from SpaceX. Its just won another decent-sized defence contract for about 11 million and my money would be on a big US firm taking over Filtronic, confirming a long-term trend of great British tech being sold to US companies. Another firm to watch carefully is Cohort, a naval defence specialist, which, through its EM Solutions, is pushing aggressively into space tech. Ill finish with what I think is the cheapest way into the space tech sector: British investment trust Seraphim Space Investment Trust, in which I own shares ... and I have been buying more.

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This roughly 200 million venture capital fund invests in earlier-stage space tech firms and trades at a 21 per cent discount to its portfolio value, even though many of its companies are outperforming. Many of the firms in the portfolio are pivoting to defence applications and the fund has built a solid track record, but I think its shares are profoundly undervalued. The Telegraph, London 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 BusinessCompaniesAI Why the AI boom is unlike the dot-com boom David Streitfeld December 26, 2025  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

The dot-com boom, a period of wild exuberance and extreme hype that began in the mid-1990s, built the foundations for the contemporary wired world. When the internet mania turned to bust in March 2000, it made a bit of a mess. The trouble spread from Silicon Valley to the larger economy, which went into recession. More than $5 trillion in stock market value was destroyed. The unemployment rate rose to 6 per cent from 4 per cent. It was not the worst crash ever, but the hangover lasted a few years. AI is being financed and controlled by multitrillion-dollar companies like Microsoft, Google and Meta that are in no danger of going kaput. Bloomberg Now Silicon Valley is in the middle of an artificial intelligence boom that bears some obvious resemblances to the dot-com boom. Much of the rhetoric about a glorious world to come is the same. Fortunes are again being made, sometimes by the same tech people who made fortunes the first time around. Extravagant valuations are being given to companies that didnt exist yesterday. For all the similarities, however, there are many differences that could lead to a distinctly different outcome. The main one is that AI is being financed and controlled by multitrillion-dollar companies like Microsoft, Google and Meta that are in no danger of going kaput, unlike the dot-com startups that were little more than an idea and a bunch of engineers.

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Amazon is not selling less toothpaste as it shells out billions on AI data centres, and Google is not selling fewer ads as it develops foundational AI models. Related Article Opinion

Social media Good riddance to Mark Zuckerbergs $105 billion distraction The internet was a new platform in the 1990s. It took time for people to accept the idea of being online, and for technology like broadband to be put in place that allowed them to thrive there. Many business leaders, by contrast, are eager to take up AI as soon as they can. Another difference between then and now: Relatively few regulatory barriers are standing in the way of AI. The Trump administration is doing all it can to enable an AI future. The Clinton administrations big tech move in the 1990s was suing Microsoft. Yet another factor pushing against a repeat of the dot-com collapse: Worrying that things are getting out of hand is paradoxically a sign that things are not out of hand. At least, not yet.

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We get bubbles when everybody believes the price cannot go down, venture capitalist Ben Horowitz wrote in an email. The clearest sign that we are not actually in a bubble is the fact that everyone is talking about a bubble. The dot-com boom and the AI boom were both narrowly focused. Eighty per cent of venture investments in 2000 went to internet companies. This year, 64 per cent went to AI startups. The technical term for this is putting all your eggs in one basket. But the two booms have otherwise diverged in scale. The three most highly valued companies of the dot-com era were Cisco, Microsoft and Intel, all of which supplied the technology that made internet startups possible. Each was valued around $500 billion at its peak. Today, Nvidia, the chipmaker that plays a similar role for the AI boom, is valued at more than $4.5 trillion. It and other AI companies such as Amazon, Google, Meta and the privately held OpenAI are together worth more than the $17 trillion capitalisation of the entire stock market in 2000. That difference in scale is both alarming and  conversely  a comfort. The wealth and power of these AI companies are partly why Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell sees no cause for worry. These companies actually have business models and profits and that kind of thing, he said in October. So its really a different thing from the dot-com bubble.

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To a large extent, the dot-com boom was a revolution from below. People around the country packed their bags and headed to San Francisco in the hopes of striking it big, just as they did in the original gold rush 150 years before. More than 2200 dot-com companies went public between 1996 and 2001. At the time, it seemed like a lot. Related Article Opinion

AI Its a Code Red moment for the dominant AI players Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist By contrast, AI is a less populist phenomenon. OpenAI, Google, Meta and Microsoft have been engaged in a well-documented bidding war for talent, but those without expertise have little chance. There are 972,000 companies with .ai internet addresses, although it is unclear how many are viable enterprises. Horowitz, a major AI investor, worked early in his career at Netscape, which popularised the web browser in the 1990s. Netscape was the inescapable company at the centre of the dot-com boom in the same way OpenAI is now in the AI boom. But the scales they were operating at were very different. In 1996, Netscape had 90 per cent of the browser share, and we only had 50 million users, so there were 55 million people total in the internet market and roughly half of those were on dial-up, Horowitz said. At the same time, the software to build internet services was super immature and expensive, as was the corresponding hardware and the bandwidth.

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Evite, a company that did online greeting cards, had 290 engineers, he noted. As a result, many dot-com businesses did not work because the products were too expensive and the customers too few. AI is very different, Horowitz contended. The internet is a network, and its value increases as more people are added, he said. Online retailers in 1996 could reach only a small fraction of the population. Amazon now reaches just about everyone. Boom or bust, one thing is for sure: Silicon Valley will take care of itself. Not all AI products are magical or even work, Horowitz said. Its not clear that they will work before the companies providing them run out of cash. So are some valuations in the private markets out of whack? Always. Thats how I stay in business. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon.
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LifestyleLife & relationshipsReal life Opinion In praise of mediocrity  and having a go regardless Julia Baird Journalist, broadcaster, historian and author December 26, 2025  3:45pm

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One thing I will never forget on the one occasion I met Donald Trump, when he was running for president in 2016 and trying to convince The New York Times to endorse him, was the way he started one sentence: The beauty of me is  I cant remember how the sentence ended, as I was so impressed by the audacity of the way it began. Australians would never speak that way, in earnest. On one level, I admire the chutzpah. He was large and bombastic, but shrewd. Maybe we should all be aware of the beauty of ourselves, trumpet it and trumpet the beauty of others, too. This may be a struggle for the humble. Illustration by Simon Letch But lately Ive been pondering the opposite of this phrase  not the beauty of me, but the mediocrity of me. All the things I am generally pretty terrible at, but enjoy anyway. Or the things I was once bad at but have improved with time. When I spoke at a girls school speech night recently I found myself wanting to tell them to embrace being average, in a world of AI mimicry and filtered avatars.

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The rise of the robotic mind is going to make it increasingly important that we embrace messy, chaotic, human creativity. And so many kids feel the pressure to arrive in the world polished, fully formed, even perfected. Related Article Opinion

Shark debate Swimming with sharks: We do it, time after time, and Simon Nellist would not have wanted them culled Julia Baird Journalist, broadcaster, historian and author So, as we puff and pant towards the end of 2025, hands on knees, sucking in air, it might be time to remind ourselves that the great Australian tradition of having a crack is a fine one to nurture and encourage. Not because you will win or excel or even be noticed, but because joy can be found even when floating on the sea of mediocrity. Or just when starting somewhere, anywhere. Let me give you a couple of examples from my own life. A few weeks ago, I went back to my school diaries to see what I was writing about then. Turns out it was mainly boys, my friends, books, more boys and, occasionally, politics. Unfortunately, I also seemed to write a lot of poetry. I love poetry  and at the time I was particularly devoted to Judith Wright, Kenneth Slessor and Alfred Tennyson  but my own was shudderingly bad.

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There were many mentions of crystals for some reason. It was dramatic, often melancholic and also boring. A great reminder that its better to train your eyes outwards and observe the world than devote yourself primarily to analysing your own  in hindsight, quite dull  emotions. I even started feeling sorry for the boyfriends I must have tormented then. Here are a couple of fragments, to give you a taste. One poem, called Spiritual Rattle, began: Crystallised melancholy gleam/Dreams of beams/Isolate screaming feelings/Then all is silent .../Empty  grey Cheerful eh? It is actually painful, typing this out. Another gem, written when I was obsessed with William Lanes failed attempt to set up a New Australia utopia in Paraguay, was called Written on the Phone:

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Crystallised visions/A utopian future/Always beyond the reach of mans grimy fingers/A mirage perhaps/Or maybe we dont reach far enough/Our arms are too short. Related Article Opinion

Gender Why I love the company of naked women  the ones with wobbly arms and dimpled bums Julia Baird Journalist, broadcaster, historian and author Its diabolical stuff. And dont I sound like an absolute hoot? A joy bomb. When I sat down to write in my teen years I was earnest, way too serious and my work was overwritten. Still, despite the dodgy output I had always wanted to be a writer and I pressed on. I was not writing for me  or a judgmental future self that would shame me as I am doing now  I was writing for myself coz I was trying to figure stuff out. And I wrote and wrote and wrote and wrote, not because it was good but because I had to and I wanted to  diaries and letters and essays and theses, and eventually, I got better. I wrote articles then books and got them published. This happened because I started somewhere, enjoyed it and just kept going.

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A second example: I swim all the time, in the ocean. I go with different groups, on my own, with my mermaid friends, and this has become a practice which has sustained me during the roughest times. It has trained me to slow my breath, to pay close attention to the sea floor, to watch the tides and swells and moods of the waves, and taught me that daily rituals like these can make you calm and strong. I see it as part of a personal pursuit of awe, of the feeling of smallness in a vast and wondrous universe. Julia Baird: My kick doesnt seem to add much to my speed. I have written columns and books about it, made documentaries, bored people senseless with it. Everywhere I go around Australia, on the NSW South Coast and Margaret River, in Hobart, Portsea and Adelaide, people invite me to go swimming in wild and beautiful places and I never regret it when I do. But Im not a good swimmer. As with many things, my enthusiasm far outweighs my ability. Ive never won a swimming race, nor do I think I have even been placed in a final. Im pretty slow, my kick doesnt seem to add much to my speed, and while Ive worked on it, Ill never swim at the front of a pack. But I love it! It brings me infinite joy and pleasure, and I do it any chance I get. In short: who cares?

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Some have lamented that a pursuit of excellence has degraded the world of pleasure. People tend to avoid taking up hobbies, in other words, because they worry that they will be bad at them. Related Article Coronavirus pandemic Lunch with Julia Baird: author of Phosphorescence, promoter of awe So let me sound the trumpet for mediocrity this year. The worse you are at something, the better you might make others around you feel! You could even become better yourself? And if all else fails, and indeed you fail, at least youve had a thumpingly good time. Julia Baird is a journalist, author and regular columnist. Her latest book is Bright Shining: how grace changes everything. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
DAMASCUS, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army shot down hostile drones launched by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) toward military positions near the Tishreen Dam in eastern Aleppo on Friday, calling it a violation of the March 10 agreement between Damascus and the SDF, state media reported.

The drones were intercepted before reaching their targets, the state-run SANA news agency said. Separately, SDF forces targeted a checkpoint of Syria's Internal Security near al-Shihan roundabout in Aleppo, injuring one security personnel, the report added.

Mohammad Abdel Ghani, commander of Internal Security in Aleppo province, said SDF snipers deployed in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods opened fire on a checkpoint while officers were regulating civilian movement.

Abdel Ghani warned civilians to avoid conflict zones for their safety, saying authorities are working to maintain stability. He added that continued violations by the SDF would be met with "necessary measures," holding the group fully accountable for any escalation.

The SDF said its forces near the roundabout came under shelling from factions affiliated with the Damascus government and that its response was "limited."

Friday's incidents come amid heightened tensions between the Syrian government and the SDF in Aleppo and surrounding areas, following a series of armed confrontations, sniper attacks, and mutual accusations in recent weeks.

The March 10 agreement was designed as a framework for dialogue and de-escalation between Damascus and the SDF. Its stated aims were to integrate northeastern Syria's military and administrative structures into state institutions, safeguard territorial unity, and prevent further clashes.

The deal's implementation, however, has been repeatedly delayed. Damascus accuses the SDF of failing to honor its commitments and continuing unilateral military moves, while the SDF blames government-aligned forces for provoking confrontations. 
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NationalNSWBondi shooting Opinion Calls for greater Bondi police presence went unheeded The Herald's View Editorial December 27, 2025  7:13am

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In the aftermath of such a major tragedy as the attack on Bondi Beach that left 15 dead and dozens of others injured, the balance between reflection and action is a difficult one to strike. Is there any use in trying to understand how something so senseless could occur? Yes, we must. The public demands it. The grieving Jewish community deserves it. Annie, left, and Arieh, centre, mourn at the funeral of their son Dan Elkayam, a young French Jewish man who was killed in the mass shooting that targeted a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach. AP And something must change. But what should be done, and what is acceptable to do, to guarantee, to the extent one ever can, that such a tragedy never occurs again? A lingering question around the circumstances that led to the events on December 14 is to what extent the police were prepared for the attack.

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Max Maddison, Elias Visontay and Riley Walter report today that NSW Police did not heed requests by the Jewish volunteer security organisation for a stronger police presence ahead of the deadly Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration, even after the security group had deemed the event high-risk. Related Article Opinion

Political leadership Why Albanese is plain wrong on a Bondi royal commission James Massola Chief political commentator NSW Police declined to confirm the truth of the report, noting the circumstances are now subject to three separate ongoing investigations: a critical incident investigation, a criminal investigation, and a coronial inquest. In time, through the reflection prompted by these three investigations, we may come to understand how not a single police officer was permanently stationed at the event. After last Sundays vigil of reflection, this week the NSW government set its mind on taking action.

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In a recalled parliament, Premier Chris Minns pushed through his legislative package developed in response to December 14s tragedy. The omnibus bill makes it an offence to display a terrorist symbol, such as the IS flag; places significant restrictions on firearm possession; and allows the police commissioner to prevent protests occurring for up to three months after a terrorism incident, a power that NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon exercised less than 24 hours after the bill was passed. The restrictions on protest have been controversial and will be the subject of a constitutional challenge. They come after Australias antisemitism envoy called a pro-Palestine protest on the Harbour Bridge in August a warning that a tragedy like December 14 could occur. But, regardless of their ability to address antisemitism, a protest crackdown would not have addressed the Jewish communitys concerns about police complacency at the Hanukkah by the Sea event. As the Heralds chief reporter, Jordan Baker, wrote in the days after the attack, it was general duties police  the kind who usually deal with motor vehicle accidents, shoplifting and pub brawls  who found themselves responsible for stopping the deadliest attack Australia has witnessed in 30 years.

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It is essential that the planned investigations into the circumstances that led to the tragedy at Bondi determine whether police should have been better prepared to deal with the incident, especially given what is now known about concerns previously raised by the Jewish community. It is unacceptable that these concerns were not heeded. In their grief, the Jewish community deserve to know why. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.

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Exclusive NationalNSWCrime Evil tradie sexually attacked woman in Sydney home after blaming wife Perry Duffin December 27, 2025  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

A very evil Sydney electrician raped a 75-year-old in her own home after blaming his wife for not having sex with him, then called his wife to give evidence in his defence. Amol Vijay Dhumal, 45, was found guilty by jury verdict of sexual intercourse without consent, in September, after attacking the elderly woman in her Mount Colah home in 2024. A very evil tradie attacked a 75-year-old woman in her home, then asked for his wifes support in court. Edwina Pickles Dhumal was one of three subcontractors sent to the womans home to install solar panels on the morning of April 22, 2024. At the end of the day, Dhumal asked the woman: Who live with you?

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I live alone, the woman replied. Dhumal said she reminded him of his mother, and grabbed her in a bear hug, trying to kiss her. She told him to leave, and Dhumal left with his colleague. But Dhumal had to return to the home two days later to fix an issue with the power. Dhumal questioned the woman about her children, asking if they visited often.

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Im satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Dhumal asked those questions to ascertain the extent to which he would be detected raping the victim in the minutes that followed, Judge Craig Everson SC said. Dhumal said his wife never had sex with him, and grabbed the 75-year-old again, trying to drag her into the bedroom. Youve got to be kidding, the woman said. Dhumal then raped the woman in her lounge room, injuring her. The woman was too disturbed to attend court as Dhumal was sentenced last week.

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In a victim impact statement, she says she has been not living, but only existing during the 601 days since the attack. This is the most torturous tragedy of my life  Im in prison in my own home. The woman said she had always done volunteer work, and espoused the values of multiculturalism in her community. Now she had withdrawn from it all and lived in fear in the home she had lived her life and raised her children. This home is supposed to give me the security, peace and lasting good memories but now it is a horror tragic place to live, she wrote in her statement.

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I now bolt all the windows and doors and feel so alarmed that out there someone knows I live alone  and will just come in again and harm me. Dhumal asked his wife, Gauri, to write letters of support to the court despite the comments he made before the attack. Gauri appeared in the court for her husbands sentencing where she said she understood the verdict but did not want to talk about the case. My husband is loving and respectful, she told the court. Dhumal was remorseless, the court heard, and the judge said it was ludicrous to suggest he posed no risk of reoffending.

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His victim described him as that very evil person who has a very evil mind, evil heart, an evil and filthy mouth and his evil action that has inflicted this horrendous in my life. Following the attack, he told authorities the woman had lied, fabricating the sexual assault because he did not answer a phone call from her. The fact that he denies the offence and shows no remorse suggests to me that he is at risk of reoffending, at the very least because hes not able to grasp what properly involves consent, Everson said. Everson sentenced Dhumal to five years in prison. Release on parole is set at April 2030 at the earliest. Dhumal was found guilty by jury on September 24, 2025, and has since lodged an appeal. He will remain in custody, despite asking for release, until his appeal is determined. 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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NationalQueenslandExtreme weather Holiday park smashed, crane snapped as freak storm hits coast Catherine Strohfeldt December 26, 2025  9:59am 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

Holidaying families woke up in emergency accommodation on Boxing Day after a Gold Coast tourist park was evacuated in a short-lived but intense storm. The microburst storm snapped a crane and cut power to thousands of homes just after 3pm on Thursday as it hit Southport, on the northern Gold Coast. Energex said more than 15 power lines were downed, and a crane was snapped in half along Marine Parade smashing into an adjacent apartment building. Loading The destructive winds forced holidaymakers to evacuate Broadwater Tourist Park, where boats, campervans, and tents were battered and pushed across the fully booked campground.

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Guests were taken to emergency accommodation overnight. Police declared an exclusion zone around Southport, encompassing several blocks between the Gold Coast Highway and beach, from Loders Creek to the Broadwater, including the damaged crane and parts of the park. The aftermath of the microburst storm that smashed Broadwater Tourist Park on Christmas Day. Nine News On Friday morning, the park said no guests had been allowed to return to the campground, but said any arriving on Boxing Day would still be able to check in. This was something that resembled worse than anything we saw during ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, the park said on Facebook.

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With over 230 sites occupied, most guests appear to have sustained damage of some sort to marquees awnings. We are more than thankful to report no serious injuries, some worse for wear trying to secure and hold what they could in the midst of this. Police declared an emergency zone after a freak storm smashed the central Gold Coast, snapping a crane in half. Nine News Senior meteorologist Harry Clark said the cell rapidly developed and remained over Southport before petering out, although gusts up to 83 km/h were recorded at the weather bureaus Seaway station, two suburbs away. It just goes to show, even though we had a weather station fairly close by, no doubt there were stronger winds over those worst affected areas than what we reported even just a kilometre or two away, Clark said.

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On Friday morning, Queensland Police said the emergency zone remained in effect, while officers continued investigating any safety hazards on the ground. Residents in homes nearby reported flash flooding, although Clark said the region only received between 15 and 20 millimetres of rain. The Broadwater Tourist Park had been fully booked when the storm hit. Nine News Gympie had a fairly slow moving, very heavy thunderstorm over it yesterday evening. They picked up around 81 millimetres of rain in Gympie, and most of that fell in around an hour or so, Clark said. Brisbane did get around 15 to 20 millimetres in places, as well with some thunderstorms that moved through the afternoon.

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Across the Brisbane and Gold Coast region almost 6000 homes lost power, about 3800 of which were within Southport. An Energex spokesperson said standby crews were called in alongside additional backups, and the last home in Southport had power restored about 4am. 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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NationalBondi shooting Opinion This is no time for partisan rage Nick Bryant Journalist and author December 26, 2025  2:10pm

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Earlier this month, when contemplating what to write for a year-end column, I wanted to depart from the journalistic tradition of casting an eye over the past 12 months in an attempt to dissect the pivotal moments and underlying themes. The plan, instead, was to write a first draft of non-history: the things that did not happen in 2025. We are not in the midst of a global recession, or worse still, a depression. That was the fear after Donald Trumps Liberation Day tariff shock when markets plummeted before eventually rebounding in one of the strongest six-month rallies of the past 75 years. Nor have we yet seen a full-blown constitutional crisis, despite Trumps flagrant disregard for the lower federal courts and his trashing of presidential norms  for which the demolition of the East Wing of the White House became instantly metaphoric. Illustration by Jozsef Benke Here at home, the federal election did not, as was widely predicted, follow the anti-incumbency trend set in 2024 when voters had turfed out so many sitting governments. We do not have a hung parliament. Labor won easily, albeit in a loveless landslide. Peter Dutton is no longer the member for Dickson, let alone enjoying his first Christmas at Kirribilli House. AUKUS was not torpedoed. Instead, the US commander-in-chief ordered full steam ahead. Here, something else which did not happen for the first eight months of the Trump presidency, a face-to-face White House meeting, worked to Anthony Albaneses advantage. China, by announcing export restrictions on rare earth minerals, created a problem for the United States, which the Australians came shovel-ready to solve. Like the delay to the election caused by Cyclone Alfred  a non-cyclone, as it turned out, which acted as a circuit-breaker for a beleaguered government  it embellished the narrative that Albanese is an unusually lucky prime minister. That trope, I suspect, will never appear in print again.

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Now, after the horror of Bondi, when two gunmen opened fire, killing 15 people, a column about what did not happen takes on a wholly different connotation. Indeed, the things that did not happen will form the basis of the review into federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies conducted by Dennis Richardson, the security chief in the aftermath of September 11, when ASIO and the AFP established a much-envied reputation internationally for preventing Islamist mass casualty attacks. Why were clues, such as the trip Sajid and Naveed Akram made to the Philippines, missed? Why did dots go unconnected, such as Sajid Akrams arsenal of long-arm weapons and his sons alleged links with ISIS? Related Article Opinion

Bondi shooting Bondi shows us that politics is the very worst forum for us to try to stand together Waleed Aly Columnist, author and academic In the fortnight since Bondi, something else which has not happened is the recall of federal parliament. A reeling government fears Parliament House could become an ugly battlefield, where it would come under further assault. More specifically, there is the question of how a condolence motion would be dealt with in the Senate  a chamber where Pauline Hanson recently appeared wearing a burqa  which is often more toxic and prone to stunts than the House. The parliamentary tradition is for bound copies of condolence motions, and extracts from the Hansard proceedings, to be presented to relatives of those being honoured. But in this instance, would Hansard have to be redacted to expunge vituperative rhetoric? Politics has reached a nadir when recalling parliament is seen as an action best avoided. Even before the Bondi attack, inter- and intra-party politics had intersected to create an ugly multiplier effect. During the parliamentary expenses scandal, Albanese, who had been noticeably more fluent after his wedding and successful trip to Washington, was in a defensive crouch. Sussan Ley had survived the final parliamentary sitting week of the year but expected a leadership challenge in 2026. Pauline Hanson, surging in the polls and boosted by the defection of a former deputy prime minister, Barnaby Joyce, from the Nationals, had been emboldened. Rather than tailing off, the political year was still ramping up. After Bondi, everything almost immediately became politicised  funeral non-attendance, gun laws, whether to call a federal royal commission. In this fissile climate, the call from Foreign Minister Penny Wong to lower the temperature evidently sounded incendiary to opposition ears. I havent seen Penny Wong shed a single tear, yelled Ley, as she thumped the podium.

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On the morning after the massacre, I happened to be standing alongside the Liberal leader at Bondi Pavilion as she first started to hear from those affected. Arms rigid, hands clasped tight together, face almost blank, she, like all of us, seemed shell-shocked. Now, in voicing her fury so volubly, she may have strengthened her hold on the party  conservative politics has become so untethered recently, it is hard to tell  but has such a personalised attack undercut her claim for national leadership? Related Article Crime Im not scared: In the heart of Jewish Melbourne, a community reckons with hate Something she said on television the next day is also worthy of note. After speaking to the prime minister on the night of the attack, she had not had a conversation with him thereafter. Its another marker of broken bipartisanship, and how the political dialogue is being conducted in front of a thicket of microphones. In the past 25 years, I cannot recall an angrier fortnight in Australian politics. Likewise, in a quarter-century of covering terrorist strikes in North America, Europe and South Asia, Ive not seen a more vilifying political response. Here, there are contrasts to be drawn with the bipartisanship in the US immediately after 9/11 in 2001, before the Bush administrations invasion of Iraq had had such a polarising effect. As dusk faded into night that awful day, Republican and Democratic lawmakers assembled on the steps of Capitol Hill to sing God Bless America. George W. Bush, after addressing a joint session of Congress on September 20, 2021, was hugged by the then Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle, another gesture of patriotic unity. The attacks are not strictly analogous. Al-Qaeda targeted an entire country rather than a specific community. Nonetheless, the cessation of political hostilities in a city that by the turn of the century was already becoming a cesspit of hyper-partisanship was impressive. John Howard, who on 9/11 watched smoke rise over the Pentagon, experienced it first-hand.

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To watch Albanese is to be reminded of George W. Bushs response to the destruction of the Twin Towers. The then-US president struggled to find apposite words. Often, he appeared ashen-faced and overwhelmed by the immensity of the crisis. Because of his halting, almost syncopated delivery, questions were raised about his communication skills. Only when he stood atop the rubble of Ground Zero, bullhorn in hand, did Bush finally find his voice. By contrast, when Albanese returned to Bondi last Sunday for the Day of Reflection vigil, he was heckled by some in the crowd and he was not invited to utter a single word. For him, it must have felt like a day of retribution. Rather than wrapping his arms around community members  something he has done privately with victims families  he had to be enwrapped by his security detail. Because of his enforced absence from the stage, Governor-General Sam Mostyn  whose carefully weighed words and gestures have widely been judged to have met the moment  spoke on behalf of the nation. Watching a prime minister struggle to take command raises a broader question: whether the office itself has been weakened and degraded by the here-today-gone-tomorrow turmoil of the past 20 years. Over that period, there have been eight different prime ministerships, compared with just three between 1985 and 2005. During the COVID crisis, Scott Morrison was outshone by popular state premiers, such as Mark McGowan in Western Australia and Gladys Berejiklian in NSW. So much so that when The Australian Financial Review published its 2021 power index, premiers usurped the prime minister. In this moment, too, NSW Premier Chris Minns, who was cheered at the Bondi vigil, has been lionised. For the right-wing press, praising Minns has become a means of denigrating Albanese. Unfortunately, politics has entered the shouting phase when it still pays to be listening.

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Hopefully, the holiday season will be defusing. A partisan ceasefire would be welcome. Noticeable, though, is how January, traditionally a rest period, has recently become a political fighting season, with each party determined to strike early to set the tone for the year ahead. Then come the culture war tensions of Australia Day. That beachside vigil at Bondi culminated with the singing of I am, you are, we are Australian. Alas, this week will be remembered more for a cacophony of partisan rage. Nick Bryant, a regular columnist, is a former BBC correspondent and author of The Rise and Fall of Australia: How a Great Nation Lost its Way. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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Exclusive NationalVictoriaSuperannuation Family have $50m in property frozen as part of missing super scandal Sarah Danckert Updated December 26, 2025  4:13pm ,first published December 23, 2025  7:50pm 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 family of a wealthy Melbourne entrepreneur have had a near $50 million portfolio of properties frozen by a court as part of a missing superannuation scandal. Liquidators to the Shield Master Fund are suing Robert Filippini  the son of Christmas lights fanatics Tony and Matilda Filippini  alleging Robert, his wife Dimitra and their children Antonio and Matilda received many millions from the collapsed superannuation fund. A Ferrari 296 GTB in full flight. A car of the same make and model owned by a Filippini family member has been frozen by the Federal Court. The liquidators allege Robert received $158 million of the funds money to build property projects without proper contracts being in place or him being a licensed builder at the time. About $108 million of that money was then transferred by Robert into various bank accounts held by Dimitra and their children, in 2023 and 2024, liquidators allege.

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Earlier this year, the Federal Court slapped freezing orders over Robert and Dimitra Filippinis assets up to the value of $158 million as the liquidators prepare to argue the money should be repaid because it was improperly transferred out of the fund. Robert Filippini representing his security company in a social media post. Instagram The family is now appealing the freezing orders arguing they have been inappropriately applied by the court. The Shield Master Fund collapsed amid an investigation by the corporate watchdog into allegations the fund had been mismanaged and had spent large sums of peoples superannuation savings on inappropriate investments and on large payments to promoters of the fund. At the time of its collapse, Shield had nearly 6000 clients who had together moved $500 million of their superannuation into the fund.

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There is no suggestion that Dimitra Filippini or the couples children had any involvement in the management of the fund, just that they received money from Robert Filippini, who in turn had been paid large sums by the funds operator, Paul Chiodo. This included large sums of investor money being transferred to Robert Filippini for a no-budget renovation of Chiodos own $10 million inner-city pad. Related Article Exclusive

Investigations The Dubai connection that laid the seeds for a $1b superannuation disaster The freezing orders allow the court to be assured that the assets of the Filippinis are preserved while the case is before the courts. If the liquidators are unsuccessful in their case, the freezing orders will be lifted and the Filippinis will have the right to sell any of the properties. The freezing orders do not apply to the home of Tony and Matilde Filippini that was once strung with more than 100,000 Christmas lights each year. There is no suggestion Tony and Matilde were involved in their sons legal issues. Instead, the orders cover a large portfolio of family property that includes a $15 million apartment in inner-city Melbourne and a newly built five-storey home in Toorak with a rooftop pool and a basement gymnasium estimated to be worth more than $10 million.

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The familys portfolio also includes several shops in busy retail strips around the city which are also subject to the freezing orders. Fifteen vehicles belonging to family members  including four Lamborghinis, two Ferraris, a Maserati and a Jaguar  are also frozen by the court orders. The familys appeal comes after Robert Filippini unsuccessfully asked the court to stay the case brought against him and his family by liquidators, telling the court that he expected to be charged with criminal offences as part of the corporate watchdogs investigation into the collapse of the fund. Despite that claim, Robert Filippini is not currently subject to any formal action by the corporate watchdog relating to the Shield Master Fund. Nor are any members of his family. Robert Filippini has also long maintained he has been unfairly targeted by the liquidators and the corporate watchdog, insisting that the money he received was for legitimate building projects, and the paperwork delays were caused by the fund and not by him.

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Related Article White collar crime Do what you want, LOL: Boss of collapsed super fund says record keeping was inadequate He also attempted to save the fund via a rescue package, known as a deed of company arrangement, that was rejected by creditors and administrators. Robert Filippini also told the court that he made the transfers into his family members bank accounts without consulting them first. Dimitra Filippini and her children left Australia on a holiday in May 2025 and had told the court they would return in July, but are now not expected to return until May 2026. Robert has remained in Australia. The court has heard the family transferred $7.7 million from their Australian bank accounts into overseas bank accounts between January and July this year.

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The familys appeal will be heard early next year. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.

CORRECTION An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Roberts parents Tony (Antonio) and Matilde Filippini as parties to the case. The story has been updated to reflect that it is Robert and Dimitras similarly named children who are parties to the court proceedings.
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PoliticsFederalProperty development The amount that red tape is adding to the cost of new homes Brittany Busch and Shane Wright December 26, 2025  7:30pm 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

Sprawling red tape from zoning laws to local council regulations is adding up to $320,000 to the cost of building a new home, prompting the head of the Productivity Commission to call for governments to deal with the regulatory hairballs that have made Australian homes so expensive. A commission report into lifting the economys speed limit found regulation on new properties is costing home buyers up to $47.5 billion per year amid calls for burdensome regulation to be re-examined to ensure it is fit for purpose. As home prices continue to soar, state governments are facing an uphill battle to meet the federal governments target to build 1.2 million homes in five years, which is about 70,000 homes behind schedule. Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood said the red tape burden was symptomatic of the challenges across many sectors, but housing represented a crucial part of Australian life.

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Its particularly pointy when it comes to housing because it does have just such profound impacts on the broader economy and society, she said. We think there is a case that government should go to some of these areas where what I call the regulatory hairballs have developed and really take a good hard look on what regulation is needed, what you might be able to pare back and how to improve the speed of turnarounds of regulatory approvals. Red tape in the construction sector adds hundreds of thousands of dollars to the cost of new homes. Marija Ercegovac Victoria introduced sweeping planning reform in October under which residents will lose their rights to appeal against new homes and low-rise apartment developments, in a move designed to slash maximum approval times. NSW has overhauled its laws to remove steps that had already been addressed through strategic planning or through development controls, stripping out duplications that delayed applications.

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The Productivity Commissions report estimated that restrictive zoning laws were the largest regulatory cost on new homes, at between 50 per cent and 80 per cent. For units, which use less land, the greatest regulatory cost is administrative and assessment paperwork, at between 33 per cent and 36 per cent. The government costs on a home in Brisbane were about the same as a home built in Melbourne. Regulation cost the most in Sydney. Wood said safety and quality regulations were essential to ensure consumer confidence in buying a home, but the balance with ensuring home ownership was affordable had been thrown out of whack over decades of creeping regulatory requirements.

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Its a burden that sort of ratchets up, sometimes for good reasons, but often without enough consciousness of the trade-offs, and that trade-off is ultimately making houses more expensive and less easy to supply, and in a time where we have a real affordability challenge, she said. Wood said the federal government could focus on incentivising regulatory change that states oversee, such as in planning or heritage laws, rather than with housing targets  the success of which can be influenced by a range of factors not always within the states control. Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood has called for the government to review regulatory hairballs. Alex Ellinghausen Housing Industry Association chief economist Tim Reardon said his organisations modelling suggested the cost in Sydney and Melbourne, where a large portion of the population lived, was much higher. He said HIA estimated 50 per cent of the cost of a new house and land package was regulatory.

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Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said the report should be a wake-up call to the federal government, which should reassess regulations effect on growth. Related Article Exclusive

Australian economy Overgoverned, overtaxed and overcomplicated: How Australia was set up to fail The growing volume of regulation imposed by all levels of government, including through the NCC, has contributed to poor construction productivity, Wawn said. She called on the government to slash red tape by 25 per cent, and said a fundamental shift to regulatory norms was required. Setting a target to reduce red tape and having a clear agenda for regulatory reform and regulatory burden reduction as recommended by the PC is critical to supporting a sustainable and viable building and construction industry over the long term, Wawn said. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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WorldEuropeEpstein fallout Police examine new Epstein file abuse party claims involving Andrew Albert Tait December 26, 2025  1:30pm 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

UK police are examining claims of abuse in the Epstein files allegedly involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The US Department of Justice has been publishing a massive haul of emails, memos, photographs, FBI tips, interviews and court documents related to the late paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Getty Images Among the material is a heavily redacted FBI document that details claims by a 35-year-old that they were abused by a paedophile ring in Surrey  south-west of London  in the mid-1990s, when they were aged between six and eight. Concerns have been raised about the validity of claims in the Epstein files. This week, the DoJ said the files contained untrue and sensationalist claims about US President Donald Trump.

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In the FBI document, the individual claimed they were restrained on a table and tortured with electrical shocks by Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, while the then-Prince Andrew and other men allegedly watched on. They also alleged they were hit by a dark blue car that was being driven by Andrew, the former Duke of York, outside one of the alleged parties in Surrey. The individual also claimed to have been molested at Epsteins house in Florida. The allegations are not proven. Surrey Police said it could find no evidence they were reported to the force.

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Related Article Epstein fallout A million more Epstein documents suddenly turn up, sparking cover-up accusations A police spokesman said: Following a review of our systems using the limited information available to us, we can find no evidence of these allegations being reported to Surrey Police. We are therefore engaging with relevant agencies to obtain access to the redacted information. We take all reports of child abuse seriously and encourage anyone with information in relation to these allegations to report this to us. The Surrey force would not confirm what agencies it was seeking information from. The Times of London reported it would contact the FBI.

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Epstein fallout Sex toys and shotguns: What happened when Andrew invited Epstein to Sandringham The document containing the allegations was one of 11,000 published by the US department of justice on Monday. It emerged on Wednesday that more than 1 million more documents potentially related to the case have been uncovered and are expected to be published at a later point. In the FBI document, the complainants name, date of birth, phone number and address are all redacted. At the time of the alleged incidents, Andrew was still serving in the Royal Navy. He was also navigating the end of his marriage to Sarah Ferguson, with their divorce finalised in 1996.

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Related Article Epstein fallout Bombshell Epstein files: A from Balmoral asked for inappropriate friends The Epstein files include multiple unproven claims of criminality involving Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles this year over his friendship with Epstein. Files published early this week revealed that Andrew asked Maxwell to find him some inappropriate friends. In another exchange, Maxwell asked an unknown recipient whether Andrew could be set up with fun girls during a royal trip to Peru. He has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein or Maxwell.

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Andrew has been contacted for comment. Telegraph, London 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 WorldEuropeRussia-Ukraine war Russian drones, missiles pound Ukraine ahead of Zelensky-Trump meeting Andrea Shalal and Gram Slattery Updated December 29, 2025  4:57am ,first published December 27, 2025  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

Key points Overnight attack kills two, injures 46

Zelensky stops in Canada en route to meet Trump

Russian official sees turning point in talks to end fighting

Palm Beach: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump will meet in Florida on Sunday (Monday AEDT) to hammer out a plan to end the war in Ukraine, but they face major differences on crucial issues and provocations from Russian air attacks. Russia struck Kyiv and other parts of war-torn Ukraine with hundreds of missiles and drones on Saturday, knocking out power and heat in parts of the capital. Zelensky called it Russias response to the ongoing US-brokered peace efforts. Zelensky has told journalists that he plans to discuss the fate of eastern Ukraines contested Donbas region during the meeting at Trumps Florida residence, as well as the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and other topics. Moscow has repeatedly insisted that Ukraine yield all of the Donbas, even areas still under Kyivs control, and Russian officials have objected to other parts of the latest proposal, sparking doubts about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept whatever Sundays talks might produce.

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The Ukrainian president told Axios on Friday he still hoped to soften a US proposal for Ukrainian forces to withdraw completely from the Donbas. Failing that, Zelensky said the entire 20-point plan, the result of weeks of negotiations, should be put to a referendum vote. Related Article Russia-Ukraine war Zelensky agrees to troop withdrawal in new peace draft, awaits Russias response Axios said US officials viewed Zelenskys willingness to hold a referendum as a major step forward and a sign that he was no longer ruling out territorial concessions, although he said Russia would need to agree to a 60-day ceasefire to allow Ukraine to prepare for and hold such a vote. A recent poll suggests that Ukrainian voters may also reject the plan. Zelenskys in-person meeting with Trump, scheduled for 1pm, Florida time (5am Monday AEDT), follows weeks of diplomatic efforts. European allies, while at times cut out of the loop, have stepped up efforts to sketch out the contours of a post-war security guarantee for Kyiv that would be supported by the United States. Sticking points over territory

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Kyiv and Washington have agreed on many issues, and Zelensky on Friday said the 20-point plan was 90 per cent finished. But the issue of what territory, if any, would be ceded to Russia remains unresolved. While Moscow insists on getting all of the Donbas, Kyiv wants the map frozen at current battle lines. A man walks from a house destroyed in a Russian strike. AP The US, seeking a compromise, has proposed a free economic zone if Ukraine leaves the area, although it remains unclear how that zone would function in practical terms. Zelensky, whose past meetings with Trump have not always gone smoothly, worries along with his European allies that Trump could sell out Ukraine and leave European powers to foot the bill for supporting a devastated nation, after Russian forces took 12 to 17 square kilometres of its territory per day in 2025. Loading Russia controls all of Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, and since its invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago, it has taken control of about 12 per cent of its territory, including about 90 per cent of Donbas, 75 per cent of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, and slivers of the Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, according to Russian estimates.

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Putin on December 19 said he thought a peace deal should be based on conditions he set out in 2024: Ukraine withdrawing from all of the Donbas, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, and Kyiv officially renouncing its aim to join NATO. Ukrainian officials and European leaders view the war as an imperial-style land grab by Moscow and have warned that if Russia gets its way with Ukraine, it will one day attack NATO members. The 20-point plan was spun off from a Russian-led 28-point plan, which emerged from talks between US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, and which became public in November. Subsequent talks between Ukrainian officials and US negotiators have produced the more Kyiv-friendly 20-point plan. Canada, European allies rally behind Kyiv

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Saturdays air attacks showed that Putin did not want peace, Zelensky said to reporters after arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. In a brief statement with Zelensky by his side, Carney said peace requires a willing Russia. Related Article Analysis

World politics Midterms, Moscow and MAGAs main man: How 2026 will be shaped The barbarism that we saw overnight  the attack on Kyiv  shows just how important it is that we stand with Ukraine in this difficult time, Carney said, pledging $C2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) in additional economic aid to Ukraine. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who spoke with Zelensky along with other European leaders on Saturday, said on X that their shared objective remained a just and lasting peace that preserved Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, while strengthening the countrys security and defence capabilities.

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Zelensky said he would speak with European leaders again after his meeting with Trump. Reuters 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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WorldNorth AmericaUS politics JD Vance is now the undisputed heir to the MAGA throne  but at what price? Michael Koziol December 27, 2025  9:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Phoenix: When Erika Kirk, widow of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, swept on stage in a sparkly gold pantsuit to kick off Turning Point USAs annual summit, AmericaFest, she issued a determined call to arms. We are building the red wall. Arizona, Nevada, New Hampshire, she declared. Were going to ensure that President Trump has Congress for all four years. We are going to get my husbands friend JD Vance elected for [president number] 48 in the most resounding way possible. Turning Point USA chief executive Erika Kirk welcomes Vice President JD Vance at its AmericaFest summit in Phoenix this month. AP It was an early and important endorsement from a woman who, as the new chief executive of Turning Point, is now one of the most influential conservative figures in the country, and runs one of its most vital campaigning outfits. If the 2028 presidential contest hadnt begun in earnest already, Kirk fired the starters gun. Her support is no surprise  Charlie Kirk and Vance were close for years, with the murdered activist playing key roles in Vances election to the Senate in 2022 and then pushing, successfully, for Trump to choose him as vice presidential running mate in 2024. Vance, a practising Catholic convert, fits more neatly into the Turning Point world than Trump ever would.

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But the endorsement of Vance comes at a significant and potentially critical time, when the MAGA movement faces ructions over a raft of issues, particularly US support for Israel, the Epstein files, Trumps policy priorities and his backing of foreign workers and students. Candace Owens, Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson: Denounced by Ben Shapiro as charlatans. Getty / AP Erika Kirk told the crowd her murdered husband was a peacemaker and a coalition-builder; someone who was able to unite the conservative movement through a genuine commitment to open debate. [Since] he was assassinated, we saw infighting, weve seen fractures, weve seen bridges being burned that shouldnt be burnt. We saw a lot on full display, Kirk said. Indeed, the infighting resumed as soon as she left the stage. The first speaker, conservative media personality Ben Shapiro, used his speech to denounce charlatans in the MAGA movement, naming conspiracy theorist Candace Owens, ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon among them.

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These people are frauds, and they are grifters, and they do not deserve your time, Shapiro said, arguing the conservative movement was in serious danger if more people did not denounce the quacks. Carlson, speaking later that evening, fired back by implying Shapiro was defying Kirks legacy. I watched it. I laughed, he said. To hear calls for de-platforming and denouncing people at a Charlie Kirk event, Im like, What?! This is hilarious. Related Article US politics She was MAGAs favourite conspiracist. Then she dug into Charlie Kirks killing The divisions were evident throughout all four days inside the giant Phoenix Convention Centre, where some 31,000 Turning Point supporters gathered last weekend. On stage  and in the bars of Phoenix each night  the debate raged: should there be any red lines in the MAGA movement, over which you cannot step? What to do with people like Carlson who play footsies with avowed racists and antisemites such as Nick Fuentes? Or with conspiracy theorists like Owens who want to  without evidence  impugn Israel in Kirks assassination? And then, theres the bigger question. Looking ahead, who can unite the movement and preserve the winning coalition built by Trump?

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By the time Vance arrived in Phoenix to headline Turning Point, this infighting had been playing out in full public view for four days. All eyes were on how the anointed successor would respond  would he cut anyone loose, or would he embrace all-comers? He chose the latter, though without explicitly endorsing anyones views. Denouncing and cancelling was the habit of the progressive left, Vance cautioned  it was not a path down which conservatives should venture. President Trump did not build the greatest coalition in politics by running his supporters through endless, self-defeating purity tests, he said. JD Vance, then a Senate candidate, speaks alongside Donald Trump at a rally in 2022. AP We dont care if youre white or black, rich or poor, young or old, rural or urban, controversial or a little bit boring  or somewhere in between. If you love America  if you want all of us to be richer, stronger, safer and prouder  you have a home on this team.

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I didnt bring a list of conservatives to denounce or to de-platform  We build by adding, by growing, not by tearing down. Charlie Kirk was a great builder, too. He understood that any family can have its disagreements, its tough conversations. We can learn and improve and treat one another better, we can love each other despite the disagreement. No one should be doing something after Charlie Kirks death that he refused to do in life  cancelling people, Vance argued. He invited all of us here. But Kirk was resolute about people such as Fuentes. I dont align with Jew-haters, sorry, he told a young questioner before his death. Im not going to put up with Jew hatred in the conservative movement. Naturally, Vance aced the Turning Point straw poll for preferred Republican nominee, with 85 per cent of the vote. In wider polls, he commands an average of 48 per cent, well ahead of Donald Trump Jr (11 per cent) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (9.3 per cent), according to Real Clear Polling.

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Bill Galston, who holds the Ezra Zilkha Chair in governance studies at the Brookings Institution and was a deputy assistant to Democratic president Bill Clinton, said about two-thirds of Republicans identified as supporters of the MAGA movement, giving an instant advantage to the person who could claim to be the successor to Trumps creation. Charlie Kirk repudiated the anti-Jewish views of Nick Fuentes. AP Right now, JD Vance has done a much better job at that than anyone else, Galston says. Hes paid a price in doing that, however. He has refused to draw the line against antisemitism. He has repeatedly declared that the United States is and must remain a Christian nation. He has associated himself with the blood and oil wing of conservatism. Vance has, in fact, called out antisemitism. In a recent interview with British publication UnHerd, he said it had no place in the conservative movement along with any other form of ethnic hatred. He also rebuffed Fuentes and others over slurs on his Indian-American wife, second lady Usha Vance. They could eat shit, Vance said. But Vance argued people like Fuentes  a podcaster with many young fans  received outsized media attention relative to their actual importance. He said he wanted to stay focused on the Democrats and their support for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, which were more damaging.

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Galston says Vances overriding position is that the MAGA tent is a big one. Hes not going to throw anyone out of it. And that means in practice that antisemites like Nick Fuentes are acceptable dialogue partners even if one disagrees with those people, and says so forcefully. But the fact that theyre still inside the tent, in Vances view, sends an unmistakable signal. The idea of a heritage American is about as loony as anything the woke left has actually put up. Vivek Ramaswamy, former presidential contender By contrast, another presidential contender, Vivek Ramaswamy, used his Turning Point speech to deliberately call out the supposed supremacy of the heritage American, a term gaining popularity in parts of the online right (sometimes called the woke right), boosted by people like Fuentes. It denotes someone with American lineage dating back to the Revolution or earlier  the so-called blood and soil of the country  and is associated with white supremacism. The idea of a heritage American is about as loony as anything the woke left has actually put up, Ramaswamy said to some applause.

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There is no American who is more American than somebody else ... Youre either American or youre not. Related Article Analysis

World politics Midterms, Moscow and MAGAs main man: How 2026 will be shaped He said such thinking would inevitably lead someone to conclude that Trump, whose mother was a Scottish immigrant, was somehow less American than Joe Biden. In an opinion piece for The New York Times, Ramaswamy warned that if Republicans went down the same identity politics path as the Democrats  asserting that how you were born dictates whether you are greater or lesser or privileged or disadvantaged  they would face the same electoral fate. While its a long way from the kitchen-table economics that occupied most households time, this debate now shapes as a factor in determining who will become the next Republican candidate for president.

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Republican strategist Matthew Terrill, who was chief of staff to Rubios 2016 presidential campaign, said there was no doubt Erika Kirk and Turning Points endorsement of Vance mattered, but he cautioned the primary process was still far away. And it would not be a coronation. Whoever wants the nomination in 2028 is going to have to earn it, he said. President Trump is the founder of the MAGA movement. No one will ever have a relationship with the MAGA movement like Trump has had. Terrill said Republicans top priority had to be the 2026 midterms, which would require laser-like focus on the economy and what the Trump administration was doing to improve the lives of the American people. Much of 2025, including the One Big Beautiful Bill and its tax cuts, was setting the table for next year, he said. Vance helps put a face to that story, Terrill said. He came from Ohio, very humble background. That resonates with a lot of Americans out there. For him to go to places like Pennsylvania or Ohio and be that champion, that surrogate  thats important for the Republican Party. They are utilising him in a very smart way. 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.
ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi called on the Saudi-led coalition on Friday to take "necessary military measures" to protect civilians in the southeastern province of Hadramout, as tensions with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) escalate, state media reported.

Al-Alimi made the remarks following a briefing on what Yemeni officials described as hostile operations and violations by the STC that threaten the stability of the oil-rich province, the state-run Saba news agency reported, citing a Yemeni government source.

The recent escalation, the source said, violates the transitional process and undermines Saudi-Emirati mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore security.

Meanwhile, a military official within Yemen's internationally recognized government told Xinhua, on condition of anonymity, that the PLC request could trigger a new wave of Saudi airstrikes against STC forces in the coming hours.

Local Yemeni forces, backed by heavy military equipment, have been deployed along a long stretch of the border with Saudi Arabia, the official said, adding that Riyadh could "intervene militarily" if the STC insists on maintaining its presence in Hadramout.

On Friday, the STC said Saudi warplanes carried out airstrikes on its military sites in Hadramout. Residents reported loud explosions across the province, and social media videos showed smoke rising from the targeted locations. The Saudi side has not officially claimed the attacks.

Tensions in Yemen escalated on Dec. 3, when STC forces took control of Hadramout following clashes with pro-government units. The STC also criticized the PLC for failing to launch what it described as a serious campaign against the Houthi group.

Yemen has been mired in conflict since 2014, when Houthi forces captured Sanaa and large swathes of the north, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015.

The STC later expanded its presence into the eastern province of Al-Mahrah without reported resistance and has since recruited local forces in both provinces, despite repeated calls by the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia for de-escalation.

Formed in 2017, the STC seeks self-determination and eventual independence for southern Yemen. Despite joining the Saudi-led coalition and integrating into the PLC in 2022, the group continues to push for southern sovereignty, leading to recurring disputes over power-sharing and control of resources.

The STC has accused previous Yemeni governments of politically and economically marginalizing the south, a claim Yemeni authorities reject, continuously stressing the importance of territorial unity. 
Yemen separatists report Saudi air strikes in Hadramawt



Dubai, Dec 26 (AFP) Dec 26, 2025



Saudi Arabia, the main backer of Yemen's internationally-recognised government, conducted air strikes on separatist positions in Hadramawt on Friday, according to local media and the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council.

There were no immediate reports of casualties in the strikes, which came a day after Saudi Arabia urged the separatists to withdraw from Hadramawt and Mahra provinces, seized earlier this month.

The separatist advances have added pressure on regional powers Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which support rival groups within Yemen's internationally-recognised government.

The government is a patchwork of groups that includes the separatists, and is held together by shared opposition to the Iran-backed Houthis.

"The Saudi Air Force bombed positions of the Hadrami Elite Forces in Wadi Nahb in Hadramawt," the separatist-affiliated Aden Independent Channel said in a social media post, referring to a group within the separatist faction.

Saudi officials did not immediately confirm the operation.

The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) told AFP Saudi Arabia had conducted two strikes in the area.

This month, the UAE-backed STC, which seeks to revive the formerly-independent state of South Yemen expelled other government forces and their allies from large parts of the country, sparking fears of further instability.

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Myanmar junta lifts Yangon curfew ahead of elections



Yangon, Myanmar, Dec 26 (AFP) Dec 26, 2025



Myanmar's junta said on Friday it will lift a curfew imposed in Yangon since its 2021 coup, just days before the start of elections it touts as a return to normality.

The military staged a 2021 putsch ousting Myanmar's elected government and sparking massive pro-democracy protests in cities nationwide.

As security forces battled to put down the demonstrators, the junta enforced a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the largest city of Yangon, home to around seven million people.

In the years since then, the span of the curfew has shrunk incrementally -- and the junta said the remaining 1:00 am to 3:00 am lockdown would be lifted as of Saturday.

"Regional stability in Yangon region is improving now," said a statement shared by junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun.

The statement said the decision was made "in order to improve economic, social and religious matters, for the convenience of people's transportation and to improve business development".

The military crushed the protest movement, but many activists quit the cities to fight as guerillas alongside powerful ethnic minority armies which have long held sway in the nation's fringes.

The dynamic has plunged Myanmar into a civil war killing thousands, displacing more than 3.6 million and leaving half the nation in poverty, according to the United Nations.

The military took over making allegations that the government of Aung San Suu Kyi trounced their pro-military opponents by means of massive voter fraud.

But the junta has organised new elections -- starting in phases on Sunday and due to last a month -- promising they will return democracy.

Suu Kyi remains jailed, her hugely popular party dissolved and the poll is being widely criticised by democracy watchdogs as an exercise to rebrand military rule.

While the Yangon curfew was only two hours, the city's nightlife has remained gutted since the Covid-19 pandemic and the coup which continued heavy restrictions.

Taxis are hard to hail as evenings draw on and many restaurants and bars close early, even at weekends.

As the junta battles its opponents it has also enacted a conscription order to draft young men into its ranks, making them wary of being press-ganged at night.
Palestinian kills two in stabbing and ramming, Israeli police say



Jerusalem, Dec 26 (AFP) Dec 26, 2025



A Palestinian killed a man and a woman in a stabbing and car-ramming attack in northern Israel on Friday, triggering a threat from the defence minister to crack down on the assailant's village in the occupied West Bank.

The attack came a day after an Israeli military reservist dressed in civilian clothes rammed his vehicle into a Palestinian man in the West Bank, where violence has surged since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.

"Preliminary investigation indicates this was a rolling terror attack that began in the city of Beit Shean, where a pedestrian was run over," Israeli police said in a statement, adding that the victim was a 68-year-old man.

"Later, a young woman was stabbed near Road 71, and the suspect was ultimately engaged with gunfire near Maonot Junction in Afula following intervention by a civilian bystander," it said, adding that the attacker was taken to a hospital.

Both the victims succumbed to the injuries, Israel's emergency service provider Magen David Adom said in a statement.

MDA also reported that a 16-year-old teenager was slightly injured when "hit by a vehicle".

The Israeli military said the attacker had "infiltrated into Israeli territory several days ago".

Following the attack, Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to launch an operation in the village of Qabatiya in the West Bank after it emerged that the attacker came from there.

"Defence Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF to act forcefully and immediately against the village of Qabatiya, from which the murderous terrorist emerged, in order to locate and thwart every terrorist and strike the village's terror infrastructure," Katz's office said in a statement.

"Anyone who aids terrorism or sponsors and backs it will pay the full price," it added.

The military said in a separate statement that it was preparing to begin an operation in Qabatiya.



- 'Horrific killing' -



President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack.

"I wish to express my deep shock at the horrific killing spree and the combined terrorist attack in northern Israel carried out by a despicable terrorist," he said in a statement.

"Israel is committed to reinforcing and strengthening this challenging border and, of course, to bolstering the security response in the area for the full safety of the residents," Herzog added.

On Thursday, an Israeli military reservist dressed in civilian clothes had rammed his vehicle into a Palestinian man in the West Bank.

In videos on social media purporting to show that incident, the victim is seen praying on the side of a road when the soldier rams him with his vehicle.

Since the start of the war in Gaza following Hamas' attack on Israel, at least 38 people, including two foreigners, have been killed inside Israel in attacks by Palestinians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

During the same period, violence has also surged in the West Bank, a territory occupied by Israel since 1967.

Israeli troops and settlers have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, including many militants as well as dozens of civilians, according to an AFP tally based on figures from the Palestinian health ministry.

According to official Israeli figures, at least 44 Israelis, both soldiers and civilians, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or Israeli military operations in the same period in the West Bank.
Yemen separatists say Saudi strikes will not deter them



Al Mukalla, Yemen, Dec 26 (AFP) Dec 26, 2025



Yemen separatists said they would not be deterred from pursuing their objectives after air strikes they blamed on Saudi Arabia hit their positions on Friday.

Emirati-backed separatists seeking to revive the formerly independent state of South Yemen have in recent weeks made territorial gains, while regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia has warned them to pull back.

There were no immediate reports of casualties in the air strikes, which came amid a dramatic escalation in a conflict that, for more than a decade, has plunged Yemen into humanitarian catastrophe.

Recent separatist advances have added pressure on ties between regional powers Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which support rival groups within Yemen's internationally-recognised government.

On Friday, following a Saudi call on them to pull back, the separatists accused Riyadh of conducting air strikes on their positions.

A video aired on separatist-affiliated media showed a plume of smoke rising from the desert, with four-wheel white cars in the foreground.

"The Council affirms that such actions will not serve any path of understanding and will not deter the people of the South from continuing to move forward toward restoring their full rights," the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) said.

The Saudi-led coalition, which backs the government, did not immediately respond to AFP's request to confirm the strikes.



- 'Last resort' -



A Yemeni government official in Riyadh told AFP earlier this week that Saudi Arabia was considering military action against the STC as a "last resort" should efforts to persuade the group to withdraw from newly-seized territory fail.

The head of Yemen's presidential council Rashad al-Alimi met with Western ambassadors and with Saudi Arabia's defence minister and dispatched government envoys to Aden to persuade the STC to withdraw from Hadramawt and Mahra, said the official, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Earlier this month, a Saudi-Emirati military delegation visited Aden to ask the STC to return the two provinces, with Saudi deescalation efforts still ongoing, Riyadh said on Friday.

If efforts to return those areas collapse, Saudi Arabia had signalled to the Yemeni government that it could launch air strikes and deploy the so-called Nation Shield forces, a Salafist group it backs, to advance on the ground.

The air strikes followed clashes in the area on Thursday between the separatists and a tribal leader close to Saudi Arabia, which killed two separatist fighters according to the STC.

A separatist military official in Hadramawt told AFP that the tribal leader had left the country after the fighting.

The strikes also came a day after Saudi Arabia urged the separatists to withdraw from Hadramawt and Mahra provinces.

On Friday, the UAE welcomed efforts by Saudi Arabia to support security in Yemen, as the two Gulf allies sought to present a united front despite backing different sides in the fighting.

Oman, a mediator that also borders Yemen, called for "avoiding escalation... and engaging in a comprehensive political dialogue".



- 'Serious ramifications' -



UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned last week that the STC's advances raised the risk of "wider escalation and further fragmentation".

"A full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional peace and security," he said, urging parties to deescalate.

Yemen has been divided by conflict for more than a decade.

The Houthis pushed the government out of the capital Sanaa in 2014 and went on to secure control over most of the north, which includes the country's major population centres.

The Iran-backed Houthis have been at war with the government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition since 2015, in a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands of Yemenis and triggered a major humanitarian crisis.

Fighting, however, had decreased significantly since a UN-negotiated truce in 2022.

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UN urges end to arbitrary detentions in Guinea-Bissau



Geneva, Dec 26 (AFP) Dec 26, 2025



The UN rights office welcomed Friday the release of six opposition members detained since last month's coup in Guinea-Bissau but insisted all arbitrary detentions in the west African country must end.

The six people freed were close associates of Domingos Simoes Pereira, head of the PAIGC party that led Guinea-Bissau to independence from Portugal in 1974. Pereira has been in custody since the coup.

"The release on Tuesday of six opposition figures from detention in Guinea Bissau is an encouraging step," UN Human Rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan said in a statement.

"More needs to be done," he added.

"The authorities must put an end to all arbitrary detentions and all forms of intimidation, including physical attacks on human rights defenders and restrictions on freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly."

The army seized power on November 26 after ousting outgoing president Umaro Sissoco Embalo in the wake of a presidential vote.

The military suspended the electoral process and announced it was taking control of the west African country for a period of one year.

"Our office was granted access to four individuals in detention last week, which is an important step," said Kheetan.

"However, the families of a number of others detained still have no information on their fate, whereabouts or charges against them. This may amount to enforced disappearance.

"We call on responsible actors to ensure that all those detained for the exercise of their human rights are released immediately and unconditionally."

Before November's coup, Guinea-Bissau had already undergone four military takeovers and a litany of attempted insurrections since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.
Nigeria signals more strikes likely in 'joint' US operations



Lagos, Dec 26 (AFP) Dec 26, 2025



Nigeria on Friday signalled that more strikes against jihadist groups were expected after a Christmas Day bombardment by US forces against militants in the north of the country, which it said was a joint operation with its military.

The west African country faces multiple interlinked security crises, with jihadists waging an insurgency in the northeast since 2009 and armed "bandit" gangs raiding villages and staging kidnappings in the northwest.

The strikes came after Abuja and Washington were locked in a diplomatic dispute over what US President Donald Trump has characterised as the mass killing of Christians amid Nigeria's myriad armed conflicts.

A Pentagon official told AFP that "the Department of War worked with the government of Nigeria to carry out these strikes" and that they "were approved by the government of Nigeria", without saying whether Nigeria's military had been involved.

US defence officials later posted a video of what appeared to be a nighttime missile launch from the deck of a battleship flying the US flag.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's military said in a statement that its forces, "in conjunction with the United States", had conducted "precision strike operations".

Both countries said the strikes targeted militants linked to the Islamic State group, without providing details.

Washington's framing of the violence in Nigeria as amounting to Christian "persecution" is rejected by the Nigerian government and independent analysts, but has nonetheless resulted in increased security coordination.

"It's Nigeria that provided the intelligence," the country's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, told broadcaster Channels TV, saying he was on the phone with US State Secretary Marco Rubio ahead of the bombardment.

Asked if there would be more strikes, Tuggar said: "It is an ongoing thing, and we are working with the US. We are working with other countries as well."



- Targets unclear -



The Department of Defense's US Africa Command said "multiple ISIS terrorists" were killed in an attack in the northwestern state of Sokoto.

Residents in the far-flung villages of that state told AFP they were shocked by the blasts. The strikes hit multiple locations, including a town that residents said was not a militant stronghold.

Which of Nigeria's myriad, and well-documented, armed groups were targeted remains unclear.

Nigeria's jihadist groups are mostly concentrated in the northeast, but have made inroads into the northwest.

Researchers have recently linked some members of an armed group known as Lakurawa -- the main jihadist group located in Sokoto State -- to Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), which is mostly active in neighbouring Niger and Mali.

Other analysts have disputed those links, and research on Lakurawa is complicated as the term has been used to describe various armed fighters in the northwest.

"We initially thought it was (an) attack by Lakurawa," said Haruna Kallah, a resident of Jabo town.

That the explosions were in fact the result of a US strike "surprised us because this area has never been a Lakurawa enclave, and we have never had any attacks in the last two years."

Tukur Shehu, a resident of Tangaza, a neighbouring district, said two strikes targeted Warriya and Alkassim villages -- known to house Lakurawa camps, from where they launch attacks and keep hostages.



- Public opinion divided -



Public opinion on the surprise strikes was split.

"America has made its way by force in our country, to kill our people," said Sulaiman Ibrahim, an imam in Lagos.

Emmanuel Udoh, a member of the clergy at Living Faith Church, told AFP: "We are grateful with what the US has done. We are grateful with what the Nigerian government is trying to do."

While the Nigerian government has welcomed the strikes, "I think Trump would not have accepted a 'No,'" said Malik Samuel, an Abuja-based researcher for Good Governance Africa, an NGO.

Nigerian authorities are keen to be seen as cooperating with the US, Samuel told AFP, even though "both the perpetrators and the victims in the northwest are overwhelmingly Muslim".

Security analyst Brant Philip called the timing, on Christmas Day, "a symbolic start to official US operations in Nigeria", adding: "The operational results of the strikes are not significant, but much is expected soon."

Tuggar said that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu "gave the go-ahead" for the strikes.

The foreign minister added: "It must be made clear that it is a joint operation, and it is not targeting any religion nor simply in the name of one religion or the other."

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Two French crew died in crash that killed Libyan army chief



Paris, France, Dec 26 (AFP) Dec 26, 2025



Two French crew members of a Falcon 50 jet died in the crash this week in Turkey that killed Libya's armed forces chief, a French diplomatic source told AFP on Friday.

The crash, which occurred on Tuesday minutes after take-off from Ankara, killed Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Haddad, the chief of staff of Libya's army under the UN-recognised government in Tripoli, and four of his aides.

The French source said: "Two of our nationals, crew members, died in the accident".

The source did not identify the French crew members, but said that the French foreign ministry was in contact with their families and providing them assistance.

Turkish authorities on Wednesday recovered the voice recorder and the flight data recorder (black box) from the jet, which came down in the Haymana district near Ankara.

Contact was lost with the plane 42 minutes after it took off, and it made an emergency landing notification near the spot it crashed, according to Turkish authorities.

The Dassault Falcon 50 is a French-made long-range business jet. The one that went down was chartered from a Malta-based private company, Harmony Jets, which -- according to its website -- carries out maintenance in Lyon, France.

Harmony Jets declined to give information about the nationalities or identities of the crew on its plane.

Airport Haber, a Turkish site specialised in aeronautical news, said the pilot and copilot were both French, and it noted a Greek newspaper report which said there was also a cabin flight attendant who was Greek, who had joined the company two months ago.

France's BEA agency that handles civil aviation investigations said on X that it was participating in the probe into the crash launched by Turkey.

Turkey's transport minister, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, said the flight recorders would be analysed in a "neutral" country. Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said contact had been made with Germany for that to be carried out.

The Libyan armed forces chief had been in Ankara for a meeting with his Turkish counterpart.

Turkey has close ties with the UN-backed government in Tripoli that Haddad answered to, providing it with military and economic support.

But Ankara has also recently reached out to a rival administration in Libya's east, which is run by commander Khalifa Haftar.

The North African country has been divided since a NATO-backed revolt toppled and killed longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

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Dassault Aviation
NEW YORK, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- A gunman was killed and two police officers were injured in a shooting at an Edible Arrangements store near Charlotte in the U.S. state of North Carolina on Friday morning, according to local authorities.

Mint Hill Police Department said the suspect pulled out a gun and fired at police during a child custody exchange.

The man was shot and died in an exchange of gunfire, and the two officers are in critical condition, police said on social media.

The incident occurred after Mint Hill officers were called to the child custody exchange at around 10:47 a.m. local time, authorities said. 
Former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne died aged 76 in July this year just over two weeks after his Back To The Beginning farewell concert where he was reunited with his bandmates barely two miles from where they first played together more than 50 years ago.
Vecna is seemingly intent on bringing those two planes of existence together, for what feels like no reason other than High Stakes Drama, and so of course its up to our plucky team of not-quite-kids-anymore to stop him. But the plot is becoming too large and sprawling, as is the cast. Certainly too large to accommodate any newcomers: poor old Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) spends most of this season lurking on the edge of the group, looking haunted and saying almost nothing.
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In Texas, San Antonio took the biggest hit from the Department of Government Efficiency, the cost-cutting agency formerly led by Elon Musk. From January until its quiet collapse months later, DOGE canceled $3.9 billion in federal contracts statewide  nearly all of it tied to San Antonio vendors  while offering few details to support its claimed taxpayer savings. Samuel Corum/Getty Images

In Texas, one city has taken by far the biggest hits from the government cost cutting agency formerly led by Elon Musk.

From its January launch until its apparent early demise last month, the Department of Government Efficiency killed federal contracts with Texas businesses worth at least $3.9 billion  with $3.6 billion of that cut from San Antonio vendors.

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The departments estimates suggest the Texas cuts will ultimately save taxpayers more than $3.1 billion. But the math is murky and, though the agency promised transparency, it has offered few details about its calculations.

Most government contracts run for several years, which means much of the money claimed to be saved in the future hadnt actually been doled out yet. Also, a canceled contract doesnt mean the money is automatically returned to federal coffers. And sometimes the awarded contract amounts wouldnt have been spent even if the contract hadnt been cut.

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Musk left in May and, by September, DOGE had gone from killing billion-dollar deals to targeting contracts worth tens of thousands of dollars, including a Texas veterans prosthesis worth $15,289. The agency fell far short of its stated goal of cutting $2 trillion then quietly faded from the scene.

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In late November, the director of the Office of Personnel Management told Reuters that DOGE doesnt exist as the centralized entity it was when President Donald Trump tapped Musk to lead it. Despite that, Wired magazine quoted government sources suggesting the agency hasnt folded but instead had transformed and burrowed into agencies like ticks.

Here are the findings of a Hearst Newspapers review of the slashed federal contracts across Texas:

Why was San Antonio victim No. 1?

Of the total $3.1 billion in claimed savings from federal contracts in Texas, nearly 97% was from canceled contracts with San Antonio vendors.

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Most of that -- $2.9 billion -- came from cutting Family Endeavors Inc.s $3.3 billion contract to run a refugee camp for up to 3,000 unaccompanied minors in Pecos.

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Officials publicly attacked the deal as an example as a boondoggle but failed to note the government has similar deals with several other companies that were left intact.

Family Endeavors $18 million-a-month contract with the Department of the Interior called for keeping the facility ready for possible surges of migrants, but it was empty much of the time. A government spending website shows the government had spent only $346.5 million on the contract originally scheduled to run through 2028.

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DOGEs social media posts about the contract in February insinuated fraud and spawned hundreds of violent threats to the faith-based non-profit headquartered in San Antonio.

Beyond the Endeavors contract, San Antonio lost at least 35 others that DOGE estimated will save $168.8 million.

San Marcos vendors lost the third-most in the state, $20.2 million, and Austin companies ranked fifth at $8.7 million.

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DOGE killed 25 contracts with Austin companies, the third-highest tally in the state. Houston lost 22.

Biggest slashed deals?

San Antonio companies had the top two most expensive deals killed in Texas, including the Endeavors contract, which was the seventh-largest among DOGEs 13,440 killed contracts across the U.S.

The $3.3 billion Endeavors contract was 17 times the value of the second largest contract that was cut, a $194 million deal with San Antonios C2 Alaska LLC to provide administrative management and consulting to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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San Antonio-based G2S Corps $26.7 million deal providing professional support to the Center for Disease Controls Center on Birth Defects and Development Disabilities was fourth.

San Marcos Active Deployment Systems, LLCs $26.6 million deal for a Homeland Security processing center in Brownsville was fifth.

Smallest killed contracts?

A $1,681 deal with El Paso-based Management and Engineering Technologies International Inc. to provide fire specialist consultant services to Bolivia for the Department of Agriculture. That cut saved taxpayers zero dollars.

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The El Paso company lost 243 contracts, the most in the state, for an estimated savings of $272,761.

The second-smallest cut was a $4,877 contract with Austins Blue Solutions to maintain air fresheners for the Department of Treasury. DOGE said that saved taxpayers $2,251.

New Braunfels Gruene Shredding LLC also made the bottom 10 with the termination of its $9,600 deal with Homeland Security to provide shredding services. DOGE said that saved $2,900.

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Most controversial?

Beside Endeavors, DOGEs tally of a veterans prosthetic leg got the attention of Veterans Affairs secretary Doug Collins.

He blasted the San Antonio Express-News on social media for reporting DOGE cut a $15,289 purchase order with Austins Otto Bock Patient Care for a vets leg.

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Every time I think the legacy medias standards couldnt get any lower, they prove me wrong. Todays example comes from The San Antonio @ExpressNews @Brandlingle and @RicBrack, who are falsely implying that DOGE forced VA to cancel a contract for a Veterans prosthetic leg. This pic.twitter.com/uu1HDhRysP  VA Secretary Doug Collins (@SecVetAffairs) September 29, 2025

The VA had said it automatically canceled the purchase order for the prosthesis because it had been open for more than six months  but it said the purchase was quickly reauthorized and the veteran received the prosthesis in April. Its still unclear why DOGE initially claimed the savings.

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President Donald Trump announces his plans for the Golden Dome as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth listens at a May 20 news conference in the Oval Office. The Defense Department has released two lists with a combined 2,100 businesses selected as the first vendors under the program for the national ballistic and cruise missile defense system. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images An unarmed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missile launches during testing with U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. Brittany E.N. Murphy/U.S. Army Space Force Gen. Michael A. Guetlein will direct the Golden Dome project for the Pentagon. Courtesy Defense Department/Defense Department A U.S. Navy Aegis cruiser launches a missile as part of a Missile Defense Agency test of its ballistic missile defense system. Courtesy U.S. Navy/U.S. Navy

Some of the billions of dollars slated for President Donald Trumps Golden Dome missile defense system could land with Texas companies, including more than a dozen San Antonio and Austin tech firms.

Meant to protect the nation from enemy missiles, the so-called Golden Dome for America is estimated to cost between $175 billion and $542 billion, according to the government, and as much as $3.6 trillion according to outside experts.

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The experts are skeptical of the feasibility and timeline of the massive project to modernize the countrys network of sensors, satellites, command centers and anti-ballistic missiles that are always on alert. The Pentagon is upgrading the old systems and adding new technologies to help protect against ballistic, hypersonic, advanced cruise missiles, and other next-generation aerial attacks, according to Trumps executive order calling for the system.

TEXAS SPACE INDUSTRY: Texas space office trying to lure more NASA, military missions to the state

In an executive order outlining the countrys space policy, he called for prototype demonstrations of the next-generation missile defense technologies by 2028.

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The Defense Department has begun laying the groundwork for the project, releasing this month two lists with a combined 2,100 businesses selected as the first vendors under the program. They included about 20 firms based in Texas or with a major presence in the state. The San Antonio and Austin metro areas each have seven firms on the list known as the Missile Defense Agencys SHIELD, short for Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense.

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Elon Musks SpaceX is another Texas company to make the cut. It also is reportedly on the short list for a $2 billion chunk of Golden Dome money for up to 600 satellites. That part of the project hasn't yet been finalized.

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No money was awarded as part of the SHIELD deal, but the companies are now prequalified for work under the contract that could be worth up to $151 billion over 10 years.

Essentially an agreement for future work, the indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract asks vendors to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning and maximize use of digital engineering, open systems architectures, model-based systems engineering, and agile processes.

The work falls under 19 categories such as science and technology, research and development, systems engineering and cybersecurity. The San Antonio and Austin firms on the list work in fields including engineering, manufacturing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, automation and space communications.

San Antonio companies

E-Spectrum is an engineering and manufacturing business thats received nearly $3.6 million in federal small-business contracts since 2000. Its also working on a $13.4 million deal providing engineering and logistics support for a cruise missile test program.

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Forward Edge-AI uses artificial intelligence in several industries, including defense. It has developed hardware that cant be hacked by the quantum computers that the military already is testing.

Under the SHIELD contract, Forward Edge-AI will compete for task orders in multiple advanced technology areas like artificial intelligence, sensing, automation and human-machine teaming, the company said in a statement.

IPSecure is a 25-year-old cybersecurity firm thats won millions in federal contracts, including a $20 million deal for cyberspace operations at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

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M2 also has been around since 2000. It provides information technology services, including helping federal agencies design, build and maintain data centers, networking and cybersecurity.

SwRI is a nonprofit research campus that does millions in work across industries that could help the dome project including defense, security, space, electronics, automation and manufacturing.

T3i launched in 2014 and provides training services for drones and counterdrone systems, cyber operations and tactical skills. We are one of the 1,014 awardees out of the 2,463 companies that submitted proposals, it said in a statement.

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Since 1998, long before Elon Musk began putting X in his company names, X Technologies has been operating in San Antonio as a defense contractor. According to the government procurement website, the company holds deals with the Pentagon worth as much as $241 million.

Austin-area companies

CesiumAstro is a space communications tech company that raised $65 million in funding over the summer. In May, the Texas Space Commission approved a grant worth up to $10 million for the company to build a satellite factory and headquarters.

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Hypergiant uses artificial intelligence in its software that helps people in space, defense and critical infrastructure visualize data and make decisions.

Nanohmics is a research and development lab that specializes in materials and high-tech sensors. Its customer list includes the Defense Department and NASA.

Oracle, one of the worlds largest computer companies, recently inked major deals in artificial intelligence and cloud computing with OpenAI, xAI and Meta. Its also part of the $500 billion Stargate artificial intelligence project in West Texas.

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Saronic manufactures autonomous boats that range in size from 6 to 180 feet long. It was founded in 2022, has more than 250 employees and earlier this year announced a strategic partnership with defense tech firm Palantir Technologies Inc.

Slingshot Aerospace provides its customers with information about the space environment through its system that integrates trusted data, advanced analytics, and AI-powered decision tools, according to its website.

Dell Federal Systems provides hardware, software, 5G wireless and support services like implementing artificial intelligence for the government. It holds major deals with NASA, the Government Services Agency and the Pentagon.
President Donald Trump has discussed possible $2,000 stimulus-style payments tied to tariff revenue, a proposal that would need approval from Congress. NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants to pay out $2,000 stimulus checks funded in part by revenue from tariffs, though the idea has not been formally proposed to Congress.

During a Dec. 2 Cabinet meeting, Trump outlined additional ideas for distributing some of that revenue as payments to Americans beginning in 2026.

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"Next year is projected to be the largest tax refund season ever, and we're going to be giving back refunds out of the tariffs, as we have taken in literally trillions of dollars," Trump said. "We're going to be giving a nice dividend to the people in addition to reducing debt."

On Dec. 18, Trump addressed the nation and announced plans to send one-time payments of $1,776 to U.S. military service members, which he referred to as a warrior dividend. The Defense Department funded those payments, according to the Pentagon, and they were sent to about 1.45 million service members before Christmas.

However, for Americans to receive any new stimulus payment, a formal legislative process would have to take place and there is no guarantee Congress would approve such checks.

What needs to happen for Americans to get another stimulus check?

Any form of stimulus payment issued by the U.S. government must be approved by Congress.

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On Dec. 21, during an interview with CBS News' "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said stimulus checks remain a possibility for 2026.

"The deficit relative to last year is down by $600 billion and so, in the summer, I wasn't so sure that there was space for a check like that. But now I'm pretty sure that there is, and so, I would expect that in the new year, the president will bring forth a proposal to Congress to make that happen," said Hassett.

Hassett added that tariff revenue would be only one potential funding source, noting that Congress ultimately decides how federal revenue  including taxes and tariffs  is spent through the appropriations process, according to remarks reported by USA TODAY.

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Is there a fourth stimulus check coming in January?

There has been no official announcement or legislative action indicating that a fourth stimulus check will be issued in January.

Plans for tariff-funded checks could also be derailed if the Supreme Court strikes down some of Trumps tariffs. During Nov. 5 oral arguments, justices raised questions about the scope of the presidents authority to impose certain tariffs.

Lawmakers have also introduced the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, proposed by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, which would distribute tariff rebate checks funded by tariff revenue of at least $600 per person, up to $2,400 for a family of four. The bill has not advanced in Congress.

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Some economists question whether tariff revenue would be sufficient to fund large-scale payments. The nonpartisan Tax Foundation has estimated that new tariffs have raised far less revenue so far than supporters of the dividend checks have suggested, and that long-term revenue projections decline after accounting for economic effects and foreign retaliation, according to USA TODAY.

For stimulus checks to be sent, legislation must first be introduced and approved by Congress. As of now, no such legislation has been proposed or scheduled for a vote.

What is DOGE?

The Department of Government Efficiency, officially the U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization, is an initiative announced by Trump and previously led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk in a "special government employee" role. DOGEs stated mission is to reduce federal spending, streamline regulations and modernize federal technology to improve government efficiency.
Children attend class at Covington Middle School Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman

In her 10 years working with local nonprofit Seedling, Connie Howe cant remember a tougher time finding mentors.

The local organization, which has been active in the Austin area since 2006, matches adult mentors with children who have an incarcerated parent.

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But this year has proven especially difficult for recruiting volunteers, with more than 50 students waiting for a mentor, said Howe, the nonprofits chief program officer.

We're matching them as fast as they're coming through, Howe said.

Like many nonprofits across the nation, Seedling has struggled to return to pre-pandemic volunteer levels, but this fall has been particularly sparse.

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The group works in Austin, Del Valle and Hays school districts, as well as Austin Achieve Public Schools.

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Seedling mentors meet weekly with students during lunch at school to play games, talk and provide a safe space for children. The mentor continues to meet with the student for the rest of the school year after they are matched, though some mentors return to continue mentoring the same student.

Want to help?:Learn how to become a Seedling mentor

Volunteerism has declined in Texas and nationwide

Usually, by this time of year, Seedling would have matched about 170 students with mentors, Howe said. But as of Dec. 15, the nonprofit had made only 106 matches.

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Howe attributes the tough recruiting year to the economic climate, which she said can translate to a lack of job security or uncertainty about future commitments.

What that translates to for working folks is they feel a lot less job security, Howe said. They are less inclined to make this kind of a commitment because they're not sure where they're going to be in three months.

More people are also telling the organization they simply dont have the time, CEO Dan Leal said.

Seedling served about 700 students before the pandemic. In 2020, that number was cut almost in half, but grew to 506 students last year. Howe said she hopes to serve 535 students this year, but thats unlikely unless many more adults step up to mentor.

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Seedling is one of many nonprofits that rely on in-person volunteers and are struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels of support.

Texas volunteerism rate of 27.4% is slightly lower than the national average of 28.3% in 2023, according to data from AmeriCorps, a federal agency that places volunteers across the country.

Nationwide, rates of formal volunteering dropped 6.8% between 2019 and 2021, then ticked back up 5.1% between 2021 and 2023, according to the data.

But a decline in volunteerism is a decades-long trend, according to a 2023 study from the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland.

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The institute also found that 46.8% of nonprofit leaders reported recruiting volunteers was a significant problem.

Why timing matters for Central Texas students

Time is running out for Seedling.

The organization stops making new matches between students and mentors at the end of February until the start of the new school year.

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If a child does not have at least three months to meet with their mentor, not only do they not get the benefits of that relationship, but it also can have a negative impact on that student, Howe said.
Mike Kelley, who wrote a popular humor column for the American-Statesman for 20 years, has died. He was 81. American-Statesman File

Veteran Austin journalist Mike Kelley, who for 20 years wrote a humor column for the American-Statesman, died unexpectedly in his sleep Sunday at his Wimberley home. He was 81.

"He wasn't loud," said former colleague Pat Beach. "He was funny. Really, really funny. Most of all he was gracious and warm."

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Born Oct. 14, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Margret and Woodrow Kelley, he grew up in Commerce, Texas, about 65 miles northeast of Dallas. His mother taught in East Texas schools for 30 years, while his father retired as vice president of business affairs at East Texas State University.

Kelley performed many roles at the Statesman. In 1977, Editor in Chief Ray Mariotti asked Kelley to write a thrice-a-week humor column.

In a publication that looked and acted more like an ambitious big city newspaper, Kelley shared the spotlight with star columnists John Kelso and Ellie Rucker. In his typical droll fashion, Kelley penned his own third-person biographical sketch to introduce what became a longtime column.

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"For the newspaper, he has been police reporter, copy editor, city editor and rewrite man, and has done tolerably well at each," Kelley wrote about himself. "He is grateful for being Irish and for having a steady job."

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'A good guy, a very good guy.'

Kelley quietly hobnobbed with movers and shakers as well as everyday Austin folks, often at his favorite night spot, the Cedar Door.

"One memory  which I experienced multiple times  was of seeing him on the front steps of the office pacing back and forth, chain smoking while he sought inspiration or humor," said longtime colleague Zach Ryall. "I would always stop and chat for a few minutes and if, on a rare occasion, I could offer him a spark of a thought to get him rolling, he was hugely grateful. I always thought he and Kelso had the greatest jobs in the office, but also had no idea how stressful their positions were."

In a Dec. 3, 1978, column rating his own progress, "Getting the most out of every yuk," Kelley mentioned that one role model was Jeff Millar, who wrote comic strips and film criticism at the Houston Chronicle.

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While Kelso used a happy cudgel to elicit a laugh, Kelley employed a scalpel. After management canceled his regular column, Kelley moved back to more mundane reporting. Following his retirement, he withdrew from the public eye, but kept up with nephew, Chris Kelley, and some friends.

"Mike was a singular character of remarkable talent and quirky personality," said political cartoonist Ben Sargent. "He was always a funny and gracious friend, and I regret that all of us lost touch with him so many years ago."

"Mike's greatest moments came during 20 years as a columnist on the local front," wrote editor Fred Zipp when Kelley retired in 2000. "In the '80s, his subtle sarcasm and thirst for irony were the perfect foil for the self-importance of a city consumed by its real estate boom that went bust."

Before taking up the column, Kelley wrote wry, colorful stories about subjects such as a coyote hunter in Bell County and a move by a druggist to take speed off the shelves.

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"Mike was a wonderful colleague, a brilliant mind, inventive writer, and unfailingly gracious and kind," said David Frink, who worked in the newsroom from 1972 to 1984. "And funny does not do him justice. He was a quiet, well-spoken assassin with a quip, often delivered with just the hint of a smile, sometimes followed with genuine laughter.

"Mike also was a true mentor to dozens and dozens of Statesman staffers young and old," Frink continued. "He provided his direction or suggestions with a gentle touch and never hurried through them. When I first joined the paper in 1972 as a copy boy, Mike encouraged me to sit with him on the night-side copy desk and showed me how to write headlines, edit copy and begin to lay out pages. As generous with his time and experience as he was a wonderful writer and friend. There was no one like him in that newsroom."

"He had a big heart," said former colleague Janet Wilson. "He was a good guy, a very good guy. He will be missed by many."
Georgetown Police Officer J. Martinez hangs an item on a "Mitten Tree" that is decorated with mittens, gloves and hats to donate to charity. courtesy of Georgetown Police Department/Georgetown Police Department

Got mittens? It may be too hot this Christmas in Central Texas to wear them, but you can still donate them.

The Georgetown Police Department has a tree in the city's public safety building decorated with mittens, hats, gloves and scarves that will be donated to charity. Police call it the "Mitten Tree."

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Inspired by a children's book, Georgetown Police Cmdr. Renee Koog said she started the tradition at the department a few years ago of decorating a tree with winter clothing to help people during cold snaps. The book is called "The Mitten Tree," by Candace Christiansen.

"The whole idea of the book is kids needed mittens while at a bus stop and a lady in a nearby house knitted mittens and left them on a tree for the kids," Koog said. "It's the same principle here. ... It's an opportunity to give to people in our community and really there's no better thing to do."

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The police department puts up the tree after Thanksgiving, and it will remain up until Jan. 2. People can donate winter items at the Public Safety Operations and Training Center at 3500 DB Wood Road. Officers and staff have also contributed to the tree.

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Police will give the donations to the Caring Place in Georgetown. The nonprofit helps needy families and people in Georgetown, Andice, Bartlett, Florence, Granger, Jarrell, Jonah, Schwertner, Walburg, Weir, and parts of Hutto within the Georgetown school district.

"As our neighbors visit us for assistance or to shop in our food pantry, many are excited to leave with a pair of warm gloves or hats when the temperature drops," said Erin Becnel, programs and services director at The Caring Place. "Over the years, many wonderful volunteers have donated mittens and caps to us, so we are excited to receive this donation from the Georgetown Police Department to keep that support and tradition going."

Georgetown Police Chief Cory Tchida said he has read the "Mitten Tree."

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TRIPOLI, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Libyan security authorities on Thursday evening imposed a security cordon around the capital, Tripoli, as part of heightened security measures for the funeral of senior Libyan military officials, including army chief of staff Mohammed al-Haddad, local media reported.

Al-Haddad, along with four other military officials and three crew members, was killed in a plane crash south of Ankara, Turkiye.

Libya's Al-Saa'a 24 newspaper posted on social platform X that a special tasks department was deployed to "secure Greater Tripoli" and enforce a security cordon around the capital.

Arab media outlet Al-Mashhad quoted an unnamed security source as saying that the move aims to contain any potential tensions and prevent the exploitation of the plane crash "to carry out security breaches or undisciplined movements."

Videos circulated on social media showed dozens of armored vehicles moving through the streets of Tripoli after departing from a military camp in Tajoura, about 15 km east of the capital.

Citing unnamed sources, the Libyan News Agency reported that funeral prayers and military funeral ceremonies are scheduled to be held on Friday, following the completion of medical examinations and procedures to transport the victims' bodies from Turkiye.

The agency added that the ceremonies will be attended by senior local and international officials, and are expected to draw large public participation, with military officers from across Libya in attendance.

Al-Haddad was in the Turkish capital for high-level military talks before the crash on Tuesday. The Libyan Interior Ministry said on Thursday that the Turkish chief public prosecutor and a Libyan committee investigating the incident have agreed to send the aircraft's black box to Germany for technical analysis. 
Habibullah Babrakzai, 10, and his younger sister, Medina, 5, high-five as students from Grisham Middle School deliver collected gifts. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

"We have to get her the Barbie Dreamhouse," Lucy Tarno told her mother.

But the sixth-grader at Grisham Middle School wasn't asking for a Christmas present for herself. She was talking about her school's philanthropy project to collect gifts from the community for Season for Caring's Babrakzai family.

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Lucy quickly became invested in making sure 5-year-old Madina Babrakzai got that Dreamhouse.

Every day, Lucy came home from school talking about Season for Caring, said her sister Breelyn, a 10th-grader. "She was so excited to donate," Breelyn said. "It was really awesome to see her so excited about this."

When Lucy told her teacher that her family had purchased the Dreamhouse, the reaction was immediate. Her teacher cried.

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Habibullah Babrakzai, 10, embraces Season for Caring coordinator Nicole Villalpando as students from Grisham Middle School deliver gifts. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Abdullah Babrakzai, 8, smiles as students from Grisham Middle School deliver collected gifts for his family. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Maya Skaff, left, and Amelia Matheny wait outside the door to deliver the first few presents as students from Grisham Middle School. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Simone Talma Flowers, the executive director of Interfaith Action of Central Texas, speaks to students from Grisham Middle School as they prepare to deliver collected gifts to the Babrakzai family, the recipients of their holiday gift drive. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Habibullah Babrakzai, 10 and Waranga Babrakzai, 12, unwrap gifts after students from Grisham Middle School delivered them. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Holiday gifts fill the back of a U-Haul truck as students from Grisham Middle School deliver them to the Babrakzai family. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Students, teachers and volunteers from Grisham Middle School deliver collected gifts to the Babrakzai family, the recipients of their holiday gift drive. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Madina Babrakzai, 5, shows off her M necklace she received after students from Grisham Middle Schoo. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Students and volunteers from Grisham Middle School deliver collected gifts to the Babrakzai family, the recipients of their holiday gift drive. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Habibullah Babrakzai, 10, smiles as students from Grisham Middle School deliver gifts to his family. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Ikramullah Babrakzai, 15, unwraps presents after students from Grisham Middle School. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Habibullah Babrakzai, 10, looks for gifts with his name on them to unwrap as students from Grisham Middle School deliver collected gifts to his family. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Abdullah Babrakzai, 8, reacts as students from Grisham Middle School deliver gifts for his family. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Madina Babrakzai, 5, watches the pile of gifts grow as students from Grisham Middle School deliver gifts for her family. Madina was burned last December by hot tea and is still undergoing treatment. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Presents fill up the living room of the Babrakzai family as students from Grisham Middle School deliver collected gifts. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Abdullah Babrakzai, 8, smiles as students from Grisham Middle School deliver collected gifts to his family. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

It was one of the moments Grisham art teacher Kristin Goodman had hoped her school could make happen. Everyone wanted to see Madina get her big Christmas wish. Madina, who loves Barbies, was badly burned by hot water last year and is still undergoing treatments to improve her skin.

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The Babrakzai family came to the U.S. in 2023 after fleeing Afghanistan to Pakistan when the U.S. left the country in 2021. Madinas father, Raees Khan Babrakzai, had helped inspect buildings the U.S. was constructing for Afghanistans police force. After the Taliban takeover, it was no longer safe for the family to stay.

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In just two years, the Babrakzai children have gone from knowing no English and never having attended school to speaking English fluently and thriving in class.

On Tuesday, Grisham middle-schoolers and their parents carried armloads of gifts into the family's apartment.

This year, the school collected $7,255 in gift cards and about $20,000 worth of gifts. "Twenty thousand? Dang," said 8-year-old Abdullah, after helping Goodman announce the totals. It was a school record.

Since 2010, Grisham has donated more than $121,000 in gifts to Season for Caring.

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Madina Babrakzai, 5, unwraps her Barbie doll house after students from Grisham Middle School delivered them to the Babrakzai family, the recipients of their holiday gift drive, Dec. 23, 2025. Madina was burned last December by hot tea and is still undergoing treatments. Grisham Middle School has raised more than $121,000 in gifts for Season for Caring since they started participating in 2010. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

"We get some praise every time we do this on how hard we worked and how big the pile is and how amazing it is that it all came together, but really the biggest gift is to us," Goodman said.

Community and helping our neighbors, she said, "that's a huge core value for us. It gives me faith in a better world that we are able to come together and do this every year."

Students make it happen by handing out flyers in their neighborhoods, asking parents to post flyers at work, soliciting donations from businesses and turning the school into Season for Caring central, with posters and wish lists lining the walls.

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"It takes a lot for these kids to go door to door," said science teacher Erika Alderman-Macht. "They have to believe in themselves."

Students had six workdays to complete the project, including a final wrapping day when dozens stayed after school to wrap and label presents. The effort is entirely student-led  from choosing a family to designing flyers and tracking wish-list items.

"This was very fun, and I'm glad I got to do this," Lucy said. She's already thinking about next year.

Maya Skaff, right, stacks presents for Amelia Matheny to carry up as students from Grisham Middle School deliver collected gifts to the Babrakzai family, the recipients of their holiday gift drive, Dec. 23, 2025. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

At a time when refugees, especially those from Afghanistan, are being questioned about their loyalty to the U.S., Grisham Middle School wrapped its arms around one family.

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"I hope, kids, that you enjoy the gifts," Goodman said, talking to the Babrakzai children, "but more than anything, you can see how much we love you and that we are really glad you are here. ... Thank you for letting us give to you. We love you, neighbors."

The family was overwhelmed by the generosity.

"I am very appreciative to you to do this for my family," Raees Khan Babrakzai said.

So many items that had seemed like dreams just a month earlier now filled their living room: a PlayStation 5, computers and a new TV, but also clothes, shoes, backpacks and towels.

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"I am very thankful for them to bring us some gifts," said oldest son Ikramullah, 15.

While Grisham fulfilled most of the familys wish list, some needs remain. Raees Khan Babrakzai hopes to return to school to earn a masters or nursing degree. Ikramullah and his mother, Fahima, both need driving lessons, and Fahima needs English lessons. The family would also like a second car.

To learn more about the family or donate, contact Interfaith Action of Central Texas at 512-386-9145 or interfaithtexas.org.

Statesman Season for Caring logo American-Statesman

About Season for Caring

The Statesman is sharing the stories of all 12 Season for Caring families through Jan. 31. Find more stories at statesman.com/seasonforcaring.

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Donations can be made online or by using the coupon on Page 2B and mailing it to Austin Community Foundation, c/o Statesman Season for Caring, 4315 Guadalupe St., Suite 300, Austin, TX 78751. Make checks payable to Statesman Season for Caring.

Use the form below or click here:https://statesmansfc.kimbia.com/statesmanseasonforcaring
Barton Creek at Trautwein Road was among the creeks allegedly affected by pollution from wastewater plants in Central Texas, according to a 2020 report. The recent passage of Proposition 4 gives Texas a long overdue opportunity to address a problem we too often overlook: preventable pollution from failing wastewater systems, Luke Metzger and Jason Pinchback write. Lola Gomez

Texas voters last month approved Proposition 4, creating the Texas Water Fund  a multibillion dollar investment in the states future. Most of that money will help expand water supplies, a critical need in a fast-growing state.

But the enabling legislation, Senate Bill 7, also directs the Texas Water Development Board to evaluate wastewater needs, fund wastewater projects and incorporate water quality improvements into statewide planning. That gives Texas a long overdue opportunity to address a problem we too often overlook: preventable pollution from failing wastewater systems.

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Across Texas, wastewater systems fail, releasing raw or partially treated sewage into streams, beaches and groundwater. Heavy rains overwhelm treatment plants, causing emergency discharges. Cracked pipes or septic fields leak until contamination reaches surface water. Stormwater washes waste from pets and wildlife into streams. When bacteria levels spike, people get sick with stomach illnesses, ear infections, rashes and other health problems.

A trip to the beach or a favorite swimming hole shouldnt require a doctors warning to stay out of the water. Yet long-term data show fecal bacteria problems along the Gulf are worsening. A comprehensive 11-year analysis by Texas A&M, covering more than 75,000 samples from Texas most popular beaches, found contamination at one-third of beaches and half of coastal counties repeatedly exceeded health standards. More recently, an Environment Texas Research and Policy Center study found more than 90% of Texas beaches had at least one unsafe day in 2024.

These spikes are often tied to infrastructure failure. A Texas General Land Office 2022 study documented 4,864 unauthorized discharges and sewer overflows between 2012 and 2022, releasing more than 66 million gallons of untreated wastewater. Inconsistent reporting suggests the real total is higher.

And this is just the coast. The rest of Texas and the booming Interstate 35 corridor faces similar challenges, often with older infrastructure and fewer resources. If the coast can produce nearly 5,000 wastewater failures in a decade, the statewide need is far greater. According to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, fecal-indicator bacteria remain the leading cause of water-quality impairments statewide.

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A Texas 2036 analysis estimates the state will need $21 billion over the next 50 years to repair and upgrade wastewater infrastructure. Without major investment, failures will worsen as Texas grows and storms intensify.

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Heres the encouraging part: Proposition 4 gives Texas its strongest opportunity to reverse these trends. Wastewater treatment upgrades, sewer-line rehabilitation, stormwater improvements, and water-reuse projects are all eligible for funding. If the Texas Water Development Board prioritizes these investments  especially in communities with aging systems and rising health risks  Texans could see real reductions in bacteria pollution, fewer emergency discharges, and healthier rivers, bays, and people.

Proposition 4 isnt just about securing more water; its about ensuring the water we already have is clean, safe and dependable. Whether someone is turning on the tap, taking their kids swimming or going fishing, they deserve confidence that failing infrastructure wont make them sick.

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The Texas Water Development Board's decisions in the months ahead will determine whether Prop 4 fulfills that promise. By prioritizing projects that reduce bacteria pollution, prevent sewage spills, modernize wastewater treatment, and strengthen stormwater systems, the agency can deliver cleaner rivers, healthier beaches, and safer water for millions of Texans.

Voters have provided funding and direction. Now the state must follow through to ensure Texas water is safe to drink, safe to swim in, and safe for all the living things  including you and me  that make Texas home.

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RABAT, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Morocco had foiled an attempt to smuggle 8 tonnes and 196 kg of cannabis at the Mediterranean Tanger-Med port, Moroccan police said on Friday.

A joint security operation by police and customs authorities at the port led to the seizure of drugs on Thursday, which were packaged inside plastic pipes on a transport truck registered in Morocco, police said in a statement.

The driver of the truck, a Moroccan national aged 50, had been arrested and placed under investigative custody to determine all the possible links with local and international drug-trafficking networks, the statement added.

Morocco has increased its efforts to combat drug smuggling in recent years, working with European and other international partners. 
The USS Hyman G. Rickover is commissioned at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on Oct. 14, 2023. (John Narewski/U.S. Navy)



This month, a welder at a Virginia shipyard etched the keel plate of the USS Barb, the ceremonial birthing of a new submarine.

The Virginia-class fast attack submarine joins hundreds of Navy subs through history named after sea creatures. So will the next three on the construction list: the USS Tang, USS Wahoo and USS Silversides.

The names are throwbacks to an earlier time. Only one Navy submarine has been commissioned with the name of a sea creature since the USS Cavalla, named for a saltwater fish, in 1973.

Since 1862, federal law directs that the Secretary of Navy will choose the names of new ships, in consultation with the president and Congress. There are longstanding protocols: For decades, battleships were named for states, cruisers for cities and submarines for sea creatures.

But a 2012 congressional report outlining the protocols said one rule was above all others:

A secretarys discretion to make exceptions to ship-naming conventions is one of the Navys oldest ship-naming traditions, the report said.

Nowhere has the naming protocol gone through as many variations as with submarines.

A Revolutionary War-era submersible was called Turtle. The Union experimented with a submersible named Intelligent Whale during the Civil War. Sea creature names were applied to submarines through two world wars and the first two decades of the Cold War. Sailors might serve on a fearsome sea creature, such as Barracuda, Stingray or Shark. Others pulled duty on what sounded like entrees on a wharf diner menu: Trout, Bass, Tuna and Cod.

In 1959, the Navy rolled out a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. Instead of a fish, the first of its class was named the USS George Washington. The other four boomer nuclear missile boats bore the names of people from American military and wartime history: Patrick Henry, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln and, in a sign of a different time, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.

Attack subs retained fish names for another decade.

In 1969, the Navy was preparing to christen the USS Redfish when Rep. William H. Bates, a Massachusetts Republican and staunch Navy supporter, died. Navy Secretary John Chafee broke with tradition and named the attack submarine for the congressman.

What happened next drew unfavorable comment from the New York Times in 1985.

Within the next few years, down the ways slid the Glenard P. Lipscomb, ranking minority member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, the L. Mendel Rivers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and the Richard B. Russell, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and ranking majority member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

It was the beginning of a shift that saw submarines increasingly named for cities, then states, with occasional persons thrown into the mix. The Navy built 62 Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarines from 1976 to 1996, with all but one named after cities.

Adm. Hyman Rickover, the father of the nuclear Navy, accepted the politically expedient naming change. Fish dont vote, he said.

Ironically, when Rickover retired in 1984, the future USS Providence was renamed the USS Hyman G. Rickover. It was the only Los Angeles-class submarine to break the naming protocol of American cities.

The USS Seawolf fast-attack submarine makes its way through the Pacific Ocean in June 2021, along with carrier USS Carl Vinson and destroyer USS Dewey. Hovering above it is an MH-60R helicopter from the Carl Vinson. (Haydn N. Smith/U.S. Navy)



For fish-favoring traditionalists, there was hope for the future. As Cold War tensions ratcheted up in the 1980s, the Navy announced it would build more than 25 new fast-attack submarines called the Seawolf class.

The collapse of the Soviet Union and congressional efforts to cut the post-Cold War defense budget led to the Seawolf program ending with just two more submarines, with only the first, the USS Seawolf, getting a sea creature name. The second was named the USS Connecticut. The third and final, the USS Jimmy Carter, was for the 39th President, who served under Rickover as a young submarine service officer.

By the time the renewed Russian military threat had the U.S. Navy ratcheting up construction of the new Virginia-class attack submarines in the late 1990s, the fish monikers were shelved.

Of the first 30 boats of its class christened, 28 are named for states. Boats named for former Navy Secretary and U.S. Sen. John Warner, and a new submarine named for Rickover, were the exceptions.

At the end of President Donald Trumps first term, the Navy decided it was time bring back the sea creature names. Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite chose the names of four World War II submarines that had some of the highest scores for sinking enemy ships: Barb, Tang, Wahoo and Silversides.

The switch was short-lived. When President Joe Biden was elected in 2020, new Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro made a U-turn. He named a Virginia-class submarine the USS John H. Dalton, in honor of the Navy secretary under President Bill Clinton. Eight more were given place names associated with the Navy, including Potomac, Norfolk and Brooklyn.

Trumps return to the White House has not yet manifested any new trend in submarine names. But with up to two Virginia-class boats to be built each year, Navy Secretary John Phelan will have a chance to make his own mark on the ever-shifting tradition of submarine names.
Military personnel inspect the scene of the explosion at a mosque in the Gamboru market in Maiduguri on Dec. 25, 2025. An explosion ripped through a mosque in the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri and killed at least seven worshippers on Dec. 24, 2025, witnesses and security sources told AFP. (Audu Marte, AFP via Getty Images/TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  After the U.S. warned that more strikes may follow its surprise Christmas Day attack on suspected terrorist targets in Nigeria, officials in the West African nation suggested theyd be open to continued intervention.

I believe this is an ongoing thing and were working with the U.S., Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar told Channels Television Friday. Its a new phase of an old conflict.

Nigeria is coordinating the effort with the U.S., and more American attacks are expected, according to senior Nigerian officials who asked not to be identified to discuss matters that arent public.

The U.S. hasnt said anything publicly about possible further strikes, but Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth included the words, more to come in his tweet announcing the attack on Christmas Day. President Donald Trump, spending the holidays at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, reposted his announcement of the strike Friday without further comment.

While Trump ran on a platform of pulling the U.S. back from conflicts around the world, hes spent much of his first year in office on foreign policy.

Hes used force far from U.S. borders repeatedly, from attacks against alleged terrorists in Somalia, Yemen and Syria to a massive strike on Irans nuclear installations. The president has mounted a widening campaign against Venezuelas government, involving seizing oil tankers and striking boats that are allegedly ferrying drugs.

The strikes in Nigeria drew praise from some of Trumps allies, including far-right provocateur Laura Loomer, who has criticized the U.S. militarys actions in the Caribbean.

The president has called out Nigeria in recent months for what he and his supporters claimed were attacks targeting Christians.

Nigerian officials strongly rejected that characterization, saying the threat was from terrorists and part of broader unrest across that part of Africa, highlighting the political complexities around the administrations latest international military action.

Simplistic labels dont solve complex threats, Tuggar wrote on X Friday. Terrorism in Nigeria is not a religious conflict; it is a regional security threat.

He said the U.S. strikes were based on intelligence from the government in Abuja and followed a conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio spoke with Nigerias foreign minister multiple times Thursday before the attacks, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter.

There were no details on the strikes themselves  beyond a video of a missile being launched from a warship in a tweet from the Pentagon  or what damage they had done.

The attack hit the Sokoto region of northwestern Nigeria, an area where a local Catholic bishop said in October that Christians arent facing persecution. The Defense Ministry said the targets were linked to Islamic State.

Given what we know for now about the attacks, they are largely a signal for something larger, said Confidence MacHarry, a security analyst at SB Morgen Intelligence in Lagos. It is very likely that future attacks will do more damage.

The country of about 230 million people, by far the most populous in Africa, is split roughly evenly between Muslim and Christian populations and has been riven by violence for decades.

It seems as if were at the moment where the Nigerian authorities have finally realized that they cant do this thing alone, they need help, and the United States government appears more than willing to give that help, said Ebenezer Obadare, a senior fellow for Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington.

In November, Trump threatened military action if attacks continued. Shortly afterward, terrorists abducted more than 200 children from a Catholic school. They were released earlier this week, according to the government.

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Launchers for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces Type 03 surface-to-air missile, left, and Type 12 surface-to-ship missile are displayed at Camp Ishigaki on Ishigaki Island on Sept. 17, 2025. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)



TOKYO  Japans Cabinet on Friday approved another record-high defense budget for fiscal 2026 that for the first time exceeds 9 trillion yen, about $58 billion.

Japan plans 9.04 trillion yen in defense spending in fiscal 2026, the 14th consecutive year of record-breaking defense budgets. The 2026 proposal is higher by 3.8% than this years budget of approximately $55.8 billion, according to the budget document.

The spending plan, which requires final approval from the countrys legislature, maintains Japans ongoing defense buildup and its goal of committing 2% of Japans gross domestic product to defense. Japans fiscal year begins in April.

Based on the basic recognition that the security environment surrounding Japan is rapidly becoming increasingly severe, we have decided to first take measures ahead of schedule to achieve the 2% of GDP level set out in the current National Security Strategy, the defense budget plan states.

Next years budget continues to focus on core areas, such as standoff defense capabilities, unmanned defense capabilities and cross-domain operations to counter increasingly diverse, complex and advanced threats, according to the budget document.

About $6.24 billion is allocated for stand-off defense capabilities, including approximately $1.14 billion for upgraded surface-to-ship missiles, and about $192 million to acquire a scramjet-powered hypersonic weapon, a guided missile that can fly over Mach 5, making it difficult to intercept, according to the proposed budget.

It also allocates about $1.78 billion for unmanned assets, including approximately $642 million for drones capable of operating on land, in the air, and on and below the water in preparation for the Synchronized, Hybrid, Integrated and Enhanced Littoral Defense program, or SHIELD, set to launch by the end of fiscal 2027.

The budget also includes changing the name of Japan Air Self-Defense Force to Japan Air and Space Self-Defense Force, a year earlier than scheduled.

The plan also creates a section within the defense buildup planning bureau that will study the best way to organize the self-defense forces in the Pacific Ocean since military activities by surrounding countries are expanding and becoming active, according to the proposed budget.

China and North Korea are prime concerns for Japans defense establishment, but Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has focused on China particularly, most recently at a Dec. 17 press conference in Tokyo.

China is also an important neighboring country for Japan, and it is necessary to build a constructive and stable relationship, according to a transcript of her remarks posted on the Prime Ministers Office website.

That said, there are security-related concerns between Japan and China, including those related to economic security, she said.

The budget allocates about $3.73 billion for improving benefits, facilities and living conditions for self-defense personnel as the Ministry of Defense copes with recruiting difficulties.

The budget also allocates $3.67 billion to projects associated with U.S. Forces Japan, such as relocating Marines on Okinawa from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to Henoko and completing an airfield at Mageshima where U.S. pilots may train for carrier operations.

We will steadily implement the U.S. Forces realignment project, which will strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance and reduce the burden on local communities, the budget document states.
Sgt. Lamar Porter, center, sits with the Schweitzer family at their home in Nonnweiler, Germany, on Dec. 25, 2025. A member of the 16th Sustainment Brigade in Baumholder, Porter was paired with the Schweitzers through U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalzs Operation Good Cheer initiative. (Lara Korte/Stars and Stripes)



NONNWEILER, Germany  When Sgt. Lamar Porter arrived in Germany in 2023, he thought hed have to spend Christmas alone.

A member of the 16th Sustainment Brigade, Porter had just been assigned to the U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz base in rural Baumholder after a stint at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and couldnt travel home to Louisiana to be with his family.

Facing the prospect of spending a solitary holiday in his barracks, he took a chance on an Army program that matches local families with single soldiers.

Two years later, Porter, 25, just had his third Christmas go-around with Alexander and Tina Schweitzer and their two children at their home in the state of Saarland, a short distance across the border with Rheinland-Pfalz.

He celebrated by eating gingerbread cookies, playing board games and savoring the international friendship hes forged with the Schweitzers.

The first year it was a bit rough because I just got here and didnt really understand German, Porter said. They made it easy for me to be integrated into the family.

He and the Schweitzers were paired up via Operation Good Cheer, a decades-old garrison program that matches U.S. soldiers with German families during the holidays.

Its a chance for both service members and Germans to learn more about each others cultures and experience new traditions.

Sgt. Lamar Porter opens a gift from the Schweitzer family Dec. 25, 2025, at their home in Nonnweiler, Germany. It was the third Christmas that Porter spent with the family during his assignment to the Army base in Baumholder. (Lara Korte/Stars and Stripes)

Sgt. Lamar Porter is given the gift of a set of classic German board games Dec. 25, 2025, at the Schweitzer family home in Nonnweiler, Germany. Silas Schweitzer, 11, watches during the third Christmas celebration that Porter spent with the family during his assignment to the Army base in Baumholder. (Lara Korte/Stars and Stripes)



Lamar is part of the family, Alexander Schweitzer said, sitting next to his son Silas, 11, and daughter Stella, 16.

The friendship between Porter and the Schweitzers has blossomed into a year-round relationship. They visit museums and nearby towns, and Porter often invites them on base to attend American celebrations, like the Fourth of July and the recent tree-lighting ceremony at Baumholder. He has even attended family birthday parties.

On Christmas Day this year, the group went to a local restaurant for roast turkey and rahmschnitzel, a traditional German dish consisting of a pan-fried meat cutlet with mushroom cream sauce on top.

Afterward, they returned to the Schweitzers home for coffee, desserts and board games. Porter has learned a lot about German customs from the family, but the Schweitzers are interested in learning about the U.S., too.

Stella Schweitzer said she wants to travel there someday to see the Statue of Liberty and try American restaurants, particularly the bakery chain Crumbl, known for its giant cookies.

Alexander Schweitzer said hes glad his kids get the chance to speak English and see that theres more out in the world than little Saarland.

Over the decades, Operation Good Cheer has placed more than 1,000 soldiers in German homes in Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland for Christmas, said Bernd Mai, the host nation liaison at Baumholder, who also acts as the local public affairs representative for the garrison.

Mai knows of some families who hosted a service member in the 1990s and still keep in touch today.

Christmas is a very sensitive time for Germans, Mai said. Its the holiday within Germany, and opening a door during Christmas for a foreign soldier, for a foreign person, means a lot to a German family.

Since 1989, he has been helping to run the program, which started in the 1970s as a way to connect U.S. service members with the host nation and give them a sense of community outside the garrison.

Its important to bring soldiers into German families, particularly for Christmas, he said. It helps the soldier, whos mostly away from home, in a foreign country, all by himself, to bring him out of his room, try to provide him with a family spirit, with a host nation family and try to introduce him to German customs and traditions.

Back when he started, Mai said the garrison would match about 70 or 80 soldiers with 50 families. Over the years, as the U.S. footprint in Europe dwindled, that number got smaller.

This year, they matched 14 soldiers with a dozen families. and Mai hopes to attract more service members in the future. He called Porter the best ambassador for the program.

As the sun set on Christmas Day this year, Porter and the Schweitzers reflected on their time together. Porter put in a request for an extension of his tour. If its not granted, this one may end up being their last together.

To show his appreciation, he wrote the family a letter, thanking them for turning loneliness into comfort and welcoming him into their lives.

Your hospitality has been a gift, he wrote. But your friendship has been an even greater one.

Whenever Porter returns stateside, the Schweitzers plan to come visit. They hope to travel to Porters native Louisiana as well as Texas and then to Florida to visit Universal Studios.

For Christmas this year, Porter also gifted the family a battle coin, an Army token signifying the impact an individual has had on the organization.

We are very proud of you that you have had a good time here with us, Alexander Schweitzer told him. Thats the spirit of the program.
by Victor K'Onyango

For decades, Africa has been described as the continent of the future -- a phrase that captures both hope and frustration. The continent holds immense natural wealth, a young and ambitious population, and a growing consumer market. Yet, industrialization -- the true foundation of sustainable prosperity -- has often lagged behind.

The central question remains: how can Africa finally achieve its long-delayed industrial breakthrough, and which partners can help turn that vision into reality?

The traditional model of dependence on raw material exports has kept many African economies vulnerable to external shocks. When commodity prices fall, government revenues shrink, currencies depreciate and public projects stall.

The lesson is clear: Africa must move up the value chain, processing and manufacturing its own resources domestically. The road to industrialization, however, requires more than ambition; it demands infrastructure, technology transfer, reliable financing, and above all, genuine partnerships built on mutual respect.

Over the past two decades, a quiet transformation has been taking shape across the continent. Roads, railways, ports and industrial parks are emerging in places where there was once only untapped potential.

These developments are not the result of charity or aid, but of collaboration with nations and institutions that view Africa as an equal partner, not a passive recipient. Increasingly, African countries are turning toward partners who offer practical solutions and tangible results rather than conditional promises.

The most successful collaborations are those grounded in shared benefit -- trade that empowers, investments that create local jobs and infrastructure that links communities. In Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania, industrial parks and manufacturing hubs are reshaping local economies. What sets these initiatives apart is their focus on building local capacity: training African engineers, technicians and entrepreneurs who will continue the work long after the initial investments have been made.

This shift in mindset -- from aid dependency to partnership -- is perhaps the most powerful driver of Africa's industrial takeoff. Rather than seeking handouts, African nations are asserting their agency, negotiating deals that serve their own development agendas.

The partners who understand and respect this new African confidence are the ones who will thrive alongside it.

In recent years, China's engagement with Africa has been at the center of this transformation. Though often misunderstood in Western discourse, China's approach has been grounded in infrastructure-driven cooperation -- an area where Africa's needs have long been unmet. From railways connecting inland cities to coastal ports, to renewable energy projects powering industrial clusters, these initiatives have laid the groundwork for Africa's long-term growth.

More importantly, these projects embody the principle of "win-win cooperation" -- a relationship in which both sides gain through trade, technology and shared development.

While Western critics often focus on the issue of debt, such narratives overlook the bigger picture. Investment, by its nature, carries cost, but it also builds capacity. The question is not whether Africa should borrow, but whether those investments create true value that endures.

Many African leaders have learned to distinguish between loans that produce dependency and those that build self-reliance. The difference lies in whether the financing supports real industries, creates jobs and fosters skill development. On these fronts, Africa's partnerships with nations that prioritize tangible outcomes are paying off.

Ultimately, Africa's industrial future will be written by Africans, but it will also be shaped by the quality of their international partnerships. The world is watching a new generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs who are redefining what it means to engage globally.

They are looking not for lectures, but for collaboration; not for aid, but for opportunity. The partners who recognize this shift and respect Africa's aspirations will find in this continent not a charity case, but a confident co-builder of the global future.

The continent is choosing partners that deliver results, respect sovereignty and share its vision of inclusive growth. In this emerging era of cooperation, Africa's industrial takeoff is no longer a dream -- it is a process already in motion, and Africa's rise is not only inevitable, but unstoppable.

Editor's note: Victor K'Onyango is a journalist and communications consultant in Nairobi, Kenya.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.
Tony Bryant Coin Friday, 26 December 2025, 11:58 Share

One of the Costa del Sol's most established rock/pop bands has decided to rebrand in order to create the first Cool Britannia movement tribute show in the province. After eight years performing at venues along the coast, the acclaimed live band New Tricks has announced the launch of a new project, The BritPop Authority - a tribute to one of the most influential musical movements of the 1990s that was spearheaded by Pulp, Oasis, Blur and Suede.

Fronted by Pete Carter, a former bus driver (among other things) from London, the new band aims to recreate the exciting music and cultural movement that emerged in the UK during the early 1990s. BritPop produced catchy alternative rock with lyrics that emphasised national identity, with a special focus on clothing, similar to the mod movement of the 1960s. Brit Pop saw the rise of bands emerging from the independent music scene from this period and, according to Carter, it was "one of the most exciting eras in British pop music".

Born in Catford in 1965, Carter, who moved to the Costa del Sol from London 20 years ago, began singing in function bands in England in his late 20s, which, as he points out, was "quite late in life".

"I didn't realise I could sing until I went to a work Christmas party and entered a karaoke competition. I sang Achy Breaky Heart and won a bottle of whisky," he tells SUR in English, bursting into laughter.

Weaned on jazz and swing

Carter, who possesses a typical London sense of humour, grew up listening to jazz and swing because his parents were huge Frank Sinatra and Glen Miller fans, so when he first arrived in Malaga, he started performing a one-man swing show.

A huge Bowie, Rolling Stones and Batman fan, the Coin-based 60-year-old vocalist has since performed in several bands on the coast, but he eventually decided to form New Tricks with Stephen Toal, an Irish guitarist who also lives in Coin. The band recruited bass player Mark Hopkins, another British musician who has played with numerous bands on the coast, and Spanish drummer Gonzalo Rubio. Although this lineup now performs under the name of The BritPop Authority, Carter says that "it is not the end of New Tricks".

"The BritPop Authority will run alongside New Tricks, offering audiences a nostalgic yet fresh live experience. After the success of New Tricks and the revived interest in the Brit Pop era, it felt like the perfect time to put on our Gazelles and throw our bucket hats into the tribute band arena with the music we love. This isn't about putting on a silly wig, it's about great music - celebrating the energy and creativity of the Brit Pop era," he explains.

Along with his musical projects, Carter teaches English at The Academy in Coin, which is why, he says, bursting into laughter once again, there "are lots of Spanish youngsters in the town talking English with a South London accent". When not teaching, he dedicates his time to his music, especially his latest project, which he says will "capture the swagger of Oasis and the innovation of Blur".

Although the Costa del Sol is not short of tribute acts, Carter believes there is room for another.

"We decided to focus on the new project because Brit Pop was creeping into our set. There isn't another band doing this, and most of the tribute bands here focus on just one artist. This makes it difficult to attract a good crowd, because if it's Abba, for example, you'll only get fans of their music.

"The thing I'd like to get across is that if your clothing is right, you are going to feel right, so you will play right. We want to do everything right; from the way we dress to the music," he says.

The band, who can be found on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, have recently produced a promo-video and are now starting to line up concerts along the coast during the coming year. They have even designed their own logo, which is a nod to the mod era, a subculture that influenced many of the bands of the Brit Pop movement.
Anya Soares Malaga Friday, 26 December 2025, 12:04 Share

The Algarve lends itself to being a haven for those who want to escape weary routines and days spoiled by grey skies. While cities in the north like Lisbon, Porto and Guimaraes are more metropolitan - rich in cathedrals and art museums - the south of Portugal is the ideal holiday destination to unwind.

Here are three cities you must visit when taking a trip down south:

Portimao

Only a 50-minute drive from Faro airport, Portimao is a port city with a rich maritime and industrial heritage. Here, visitors become sardine enthusiasts, given that the Western Algarve region is home to the fish-canning industry, therefore trying sardines here is a must.

The vibrant promenade in Portimao's city centre is what gives the city its character, referred to by the locals as 'Casa Inglesa' (English house). It is named after the 103 year-old coffee house along the waterfront where in the 1950s and 60s, businessmen, teachers, and office workers would gather to play chess, smoke cigars and discuss politics.

Today, Casa Inglesa offers a scenic walk along the Arade river, with authentic restaurants serving traditional seafood dishes - sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines on bread), bacalhau (salted cod) and lulas grelhadas (grilled squid). However, the promenade comes alive during the summer season, where on weekends jazz bands and guitarists play in the main square; there are activities for children, such as riding go-karts and funfair rides; restaurants and bars buzz with people, and shop vendors set up their stalls, selling churros and ice cream.

Along Portimao's famous coastline, the most impressive beach is arguably Praia da Rocha, boasting limestone cliffs and golden sand, although during peak season in July and August, it gets very busy. To avoid the crowds, you can walk or drive further west to the quieter, and just as gorgeous, Praia dos Tres Castelos, named the three castles because of the beach's rocky outcrops, or Praia do Vau.

Silves

Zoom

Untouched by mass tourism, Silves is an ideal place to visit if you're looking to learn more about Portugal's cultural identity, which many assume is rooted in Catholicism. In reality, the Algarve region was part of Al-Andalus, meaning it was ruled by the Moors from the 8th to the 13th century (711AD - 1249AD). Although currently, Portugal's muslim community accounts for less than 1% of the population, and, unlike the Alhambra in Granada or the Great Mosque of Cordoba, there are not as many architectural jewels left over from that significant period.

Although notably, the Arabic influence on Portugal is evident in other ways, such as how the Moors revolutionised the country's agricultural industry - introducing new crops such as rice, pomegranates and citrus fruits - to how they shaped the language itself, where between 300-1,000 words have an Arabic origin.

Silves stands out for its monuments that showcase Islamic military architecture that enriches this quaint riverside town. Silves castle, which sits atop the highest point of the city, was Algarve's political centre. Made from red sandstone, this castle features 11 square towers and a heavily fortified gateway that protected them from attacks led by the Normans in the 9th and 10th centuries, and later was surrendered in 1249, during the Christian reconquest of Al-Andalus.

Lagos

Zoom

A trip to the Algarve cannot be planned without stopping in Lagos, which is 30 minutes away from Portimao and 45 minutes away from Albufeira (famous for its nightclub strip), by car. The city has both the golden beaches that Algarve prides itself on, as well as traditional cobblestone streets and a historical old town.

The Church of Saint Anthony is one of the main monuments in the city, unique because of its contrasting features. On the outside, it appears to be a normal church with a modest, whitewashed facade, and yet inside, the vaulted ceiling and gilded woodwork is a prime example of baroque architecture. The lower parts of the wall are decorated with 'azulejo' tiles (originally invented by the Moors), whereas the upper parts are covered with baroque-style paintings depicting the life of Saint Anthony, to which this church is dedicated.

However, the reason Lagos' population doubles during the summer season, is due to its beaches and dramatic coastal landscapes. For instance, Ponta da Piedade is a stunning sight. The name translates to 'Point of Mercy', from where wives and mothers would, from the limestone cliffs, scan the horizons and pray for their loved ones to return back home safely from their perilous sea journeys.

Nowadays, Ponta da Piedade is associated with turquoise waters, gorgeous coastal views and hidden coves, which can be easily accessed if you book a guided kayak tour.
Eugenio Cabezas Nerja Friday, 26 December 2025, 10:46 Share

A new appeal has been issued by the police and several specialised associations in Spain that are actively searching for Ruaridh Tanner, a British man who has been missing in Spain since 7 October. According to the SOS Desaparecidos missing person association, the 37-year-old man, who lives in the UK, went missing in Nerja and has not been in contact with his family since. The organisation has issued an international alert to the possibility that the missing man may be outside Spain, even in the UK.

Tanner may have disappeared along with his vehicle, a silver VW Polo - with the registration number LN64 XDT

The information released by the various missing persons associations suggests that Tanner may have disappeared along with his vehicle, a silver Volkswagen with registration number LN64 XDT, although no further information along this line or the circumstances leading up to his disappearance has been made available at this stage.

The description released by SOS Desaparecidos states that Ruaridh Tanner is 1.85 metres tall, has brown hair and has two distinctive tattoos: one of a small dog on his left calf and another of a caduceus staff on the back of his left arm, elements that could facilitate his identification.

Poster

The Erican Rescate ONG organisation is also collaborating in the sharing of information operation, which has issued its own poster that places the age of the missing person at 33 years, a discrepancy which is usual in the early stages of this type of investigation. In this case, it is also stated that the disappearance happened on 25 October and that the missing person weighs 80 kilos.

Tanner's family has publicly asked for help to find him and the various associations add that any information, however small it may seem, can be key to helping the investigation.

Anyone who can provide information about this disappearance can contact the 112 emergency services number, 061 (Guardia Civil), 091 (National Police), SOS Desaparecidos on 868 286 726 or Erican Rescate ONG on 607 118 375.
Javier Almellones Malaga Friday, 26 December 2025, 16:37 Share

Southern Spain knows what it's like to live with seismic risk ingrained in its very being. Still, some dates are just unforgettable. One of them is Christmas Day 1884 when, at 9.08pm on 25 December, just as family dinner was on the table and midnight mass was due, a violent earthquake shook the Axarquia area and the rest of inland Malaga.

The epicentre was located a few kilometres further up, in the mountain area of Arenas del Rey (Granada province), but the emotional and material impact was also deeply felt in Malaga. The tremor reached an intensity of X on the macroseismic scale, with a duration that sources put at between 10 and 20 seconds, enough to turn thousands of houses built with packed earth and poor masonry to rubble.

Estimates put the death toll at between 800 and 1,200 people, with 1,500 injured. The earthquake affected over 100 villages, towns and cities between Granada, Malaga and Almeria. The figures vary according to the different reports at the time, but all agree on one thing: it was the deadliest earthquake in modern history for the region of Andalucia.

Periana and Alcaucin

If there was one place in Malaga where the earth truly split open, it was Periana. According to historical sources, more than half of the houses were destroyed or left uninhabitable and a small hamlet within this village's borders, Guaro, literally disappeared from the map. Cracks cut through entire streets and livestock yards and corrals collapsed as though made of cardboard.

In Alcaucin, the ground opened up in the village square, splitting the village in two and damaging houses and the church. A brief, but eloquent, story has been preserved in local memory: when King Alfonso XII arrived weeks later to assess the damage for himself, a goatherd from the municipality, Jose Lucas, broke protocol, approached the monarch in tears and kissed his hand in gratitude for the help he had received, after telling him that he had lost his children, buried under the rubble. It was a humble gesture that symbolised a collective tragedy.

Zoom Canillas de Aceituno after the earthquake. Instituto Andaluz de Geofisica y Prevencion de Desastres Sismicos

Canillas de Aceituno

In Canillas de Aceituno, according to the Andalusian institute of geophysics, up to 15% of homes collapsed and 65% suffered serious damage. In Competa, Frigiliana, Benamargosa and Algarrobo, the number of collapsed buildings was also significant. In Velez-Malaga, the largest town in the worst-hit area, the earthquake damaged 1,291 homes and caused the bell tower of the church of Carmen to collapse. It was never rebuilt. The Axarquia area, so lacking in earthquake-resistant building codes and solid foundations, blindly bore the brunt of the tremors.

One human detail runs through all the accounts: open doors. Those who stayed indoors kept their main doors open, ready to run out at every aftershock. There were plenty of those too: over 100 aftershocks were recorded in the following weeks.

Many local residents slept in makeshift tents, huts, on threshing floors and in olive groves, despite the bitter cold. To make matters worse, a few days later, a record-breaking snowfall hit the area, increasing the death toll among the elderly and injured. During those days, people who had survived the earthquake then succumbed to hunger and exposure to the elements and died.

Poor communication delayed everything: it was not until 27 December that the full extent of the disaster was officially known. Then, on the 29th, when El Defensor de Granada newspaper appealed for help in the national press, in Madrid it was assumed to be an exaggerated report.

Zoom The earthquake affected almost a third of the homes in Alcaucin. Instituto Andaluz de Geofisica y Prevencion de Desastres Sismicos

The processions of fear

Panic spread along the entire eastern coast. In Nerja, according to the official chronicler Jose Adolfo Pascual, the tremors lasted 13 seconds, enough for the town to set up makeshift shelters and tents at Puerta del Mar and the Balcon de Europa, where a temporary telegraph line was also installed. There, they carried the statues of St Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Sorrows in procession to pray for protection.

In Velez-Malaga, there is a municipal record, made by the secretary and dated 21 December the following year, that documented the following: "A major earthquake occurred on 25 December at 9pm. The tremors continued for months, some persisting until July". The town lived on edge for six months.

The visit of King Alfonso XII

January 1885 provided a symbolic image for the history books: Alfonso XII visiting the most devastated areas, handing out money to the injured and launching a national fundraising campaign. A benefit concert was organised at the Teatro Real, with the participation of the Fernan Nunez duchy and the attendance of the royal family, which significantly boosted the fundraising effort.

The king's Andalusian tour produced anecdotes, moments of solace and also a popular myth. In Nerja, his visit on 20 January 1885 brought public aid and the title of "Excelentisimo" awarded to the town hall. Reality surpasses legend: the Balcon de Europa had already been named as such, although collective memory attributed it to the king during this visit.

The aid multiplied. Forty countries sent donations, totalling more than three million pesetas at the time. The Comision Regia (royal commission) managed compensation payments for more than two years, financing new homes, schools and churches. In the Axarquia, entire neighbourhoods were rebuilt - such as the Carmen district in Velez - and new settlements sprung up in Periana. With these came the first ideas for more resilient construction.

That humanitarian wave coincided with another milestone: the birth of photojournalism, with images showing for the first time across all Spain the villages and towns reduced to rubble. The catastrophe ushered in a different way of looking at disaster.

The raffle in Canillas de Albaida

The earthquake did not hit Canillas de Albaida with the same ferocity as elsewhere, but it left a deep emotional scar. Houses cracked, fear took hold and, in the early hours of the morning, the locals carried their patron saint, the Virgin of the Rosary, out in procession through the streets in an attempt to put a stop to the disaster. This popular initiative was credited with blocking the strongest aftershocks.

Since then, the village has maintained a ritual identity marked by that December: votive prayers, collective memory and a community practice that has its roots in the seismic trauma: the traditional auction or raffle. This type of funding mechanism came about in times when there was no insurance or immediate public aid and a raffle (or 'rifa') would be held to raise funds for the church and for the residents themselves. What began as a means of survival is now also a cultural landmark event.

So many decades have passed since that frightening Christmas -141 years as of this year - and the Axarquia area still carries the date buried in its DNA. Periana, Alcaucin, Velez, Nerja and Canillas de Albaida preserve some rituals and now have new streets, neighbourhoods and urban scars that were born from that historical, ground-shaking event.
Justice is slow, but it eventually prevails, much to the dismay of some. This case - a David versus Goliath in terms of administrative litigation - that is, the Malaga province municipality of Alora against the Andalusian regional government, has had a favourable outcome for this town in the Guadalhorce valley, which, rather than remaining silent as others did, demanded the return of amounts wrongly charged to it for the water levy.

This charge occurred during 2011, 2012 and 2013, years in which the Junta de Andalucia billed Alora for the infrastructure improvement levy on water treatment, known as the water canon, even though the municipality was exempt from paying it because it was already paying the discharge levy. This exemption is one of those provided for by law, as recognised by the administrative litigation chamber of Malaga, part of the high court of justice of Andalucia (TSJA), in September 2022.

In the ruling, the TSJA ordered the Junta de Andalucia to repay the council of Alora 300,852.1 euros plus interest for late payment, and also ordered it to pay the costs. On behalf of the municipality, the appeal was brought by a partner of the law firm Montero Aramburu & Gomez-Villares Atencia, specifically by Nicolas Gomez-Villares Perez-Munoz.

The Andalusian government did not agree and appealed, but now the TSJA has rejected the appeal. This only means one thing: that the judgement is final, and that the regional authority will have to accept the ruling and pay the required financial outlay.

The court rules that it is the water charge from which those who paid the discharge charge in 2011, 2012 and 2013 are exempt

In its 2022 ruling, the TSJA said that, in order to resolve the matter, it is necessary to take into account that this concerns the infrastructure improvement fee for hydraulic works of interest to the autonomous community, from which those who pay the discharge fee are exempt. Therefore, the exemption does not depend on the consumption carried out by the taxable person or service user (residents or other clients in Alora), but rather on the mere fact of the incompatibility arising from the simultaneous payment of the discharge fee and the improvement fee referred to in the appeal, the court stated. The TSJA added, There is no doubt that we are dealing with an exemption of an objective nature, which applies equally to all taxable persons to whom Alora town hall supplies water, and therefore the conditions for the exemption are met.

No grounds for appeal

Now, the special regional cassation chamber has rejected the appeal for processing because the laws in question are not autonomous or emanate from the region, norms to which the autonomous cassation appeal is constrained. Secondly, because no relevant contradiction is identified for the purposes of the cassation appeal, since, according to the supreme courts jurisprudence, the cassation appeal is aimed at contradictory judgments within the same section of the same chamber, and therefore must be dismissed. Finally, the contested judgment, the chamber states, does not establish a doctrine gravely harmful to the general interests, or one that affects a wide range of cases. The reality is that other municipalities were in the same situation and did not appeal, unlike Alora.

According to the lawyer Nicolas Gomez-Villares Perez-Munoz, The process has been very long because it first began through administrative channels, where the regional government rejected the rectification request for self-assessment. It then proceeded as an administrative litigation before the TSJA against the regional government, and finally the ruling was upheld thanks to the special chamber for autonomous appeals, which agreed with us that there was no grounds for appeal and made it clear that the regional governments collection was improper.
Lissi Birgit Nielsen, Jens Gylling and members of the Danish Club in Mijas, Anette Skou, collaborator and representatives of the Association NCD Las Lagunas Mijas.

SUR in English Mijas Friday, 26 December 2025, 12:08 | Updated 16:06h. Share

The Mijas-based Danish Club has recently donated 185 new toys to the Red Cross and the NCD association in Las Lagunas to be distributed among families with children in need for Christmas.

This project was started several years ago by Helle Tychsen of the Danish Club of Mijas.

After Helle passed away this summer, Lissi Birgit Nielsen and several members decided to continue the project in her memory, collecting money throughout the year from members and supporters to buy new toys for children of various ages.

Lissi commented, "I am very happy that we have been able to continue this project at the Danish Club, making this toy donation to the children in Mijas, and I want to thank everyone who collaborated."
Colpisa/ Agencies Alicante Friday, 26 December 2025, 11:55 Share

A violent incident has shaken the residents of Elche (Alicante) during the Christmas celebrations. It happened on the 22 December in a luxury villa in the Pinet area, when two people who apparently occupied the house illegally allegedly beat two other people to death and injured a third who were trying to prevent the assailants from entering the property.

The victims were apparently sent by the German owner of the villa to prevent them from occupying the house, something the detainees had done on previous occasions.

The two assailants, two Polish nationals with police records in Spain, then barricaded themselves in the house, and after negotiations with the Guardia Civil, they were finally arrested. The actions of the officers put an end to a high tension situation that lasted for nearly 20 hours, marked by the deployment of an extensive police operation after the discovery of the two bodies in the street and another seriously injured, according to TodoAlicante.

A neighbour alerted

The alert came late in the afternoon on the day of the Christmas raffle. A neighbour alerted the authorities after witnessing several individuals dragging two corpses through the street of the Elche district. When the first patrol of the Local Police arrived at the scene, they found three German nationals lying on the ground, two of them lifeless, and a third one seriously injured. According to sources close to the case, the neighbour told the officers that she feared for her life, convinced that the alleged killers were after her.
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's High Court on Friday ruled that former Prime Minister Najib Razak was found guilty on all charges, including four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering, in a case related to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The High Court delivered its long-awaited verdict in Najib's trial, capping more than seven years of courtroom battles. Trial judge Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah announced that the former prime minister has been found guilty on all four charges of misappropriating 1MDB funds and 21 counts of money laundering, involving more than 2.2 billion ringgit (544.15 million U.S. dollars).

Najib is already serving time at Kajang Prison in connection with a separate SRC International case. 
The software portion of AI chip development highlights the importance of early software development and system verification to keep pace with hardware advancements. By using a Shift-Left approach, teams can code and test software alongside hardware design, allowing for early issue identification and resolution. This proactive strategy accelerates time-to-market and improves the quality and reliability of the final product by ensuring seamless integration of software and hardware.

Traditional simulation-based verification methods require augmentation with hardware-assisted verification (HAV) to keep up with the sheer scale, interconnect density, and software load these systems demand. By accelerating the execution of RTL and enabling real-time interface and software validation, HAV platforms provide the throughput and insight needed to validate designs comprising billions of gates and quadrillions of verification cycles.
A business with one of the largest tax debts in the state is connected to Central New York, according to state tax records.

Global Energy Efficiency Holdings Inc. owes the state over $6 million in corporation and sales and use taxes. That was the fifth-highest tax debt in the state among businesses as of September, the most recent month with data available from the state Department of Taxation and Finance.

Some of the companys debt originated in Onondaga County, according to state records. Most of it, about $5.8 million in sales taxes, originated in the Bronx, where the company was headquartered.

Global Energy was founded in 2009. At one time, the firm employed over 130 people and had annual revenue of $13 million, according to federal court records.

The company provided energy efficiency products and focused on installation and service of lighting, refrigeration and heating and cooling upgrades to cut energy use and save its clients money.

The company filed for bankruptcy in 2016. At the time, it listed $2.2 million in assets and more than $12.6 million in liabilities.

The case was dismissed later that year.

The No. 1 business tax debt as of September was more than $13.9 million. It was owed by Alpha/Omega Building Consulting Corp. in Rockland County.

You can see the top 25 biggest business tax debts in the state in the table below. If you cant see the table, click here to open it in a new window.

The table above lists the total debt for all the businesses. That could include corporation taxes, withholding taxes, sales taxes they failed to remit to the state and other categories.

The amounts shown reflect the debts against each business when tax warrants were filed. They dont reflect interest or penalties added after warrants were filed, so the actual amounts owed could be much higher.

The numbers also dont reflect payments made after warrants were filed, so in some cases, the amounts owed could be lower than what is shown. The tax department doesnt remove a business from the list until the warrants are settled completely.

All firms on the list have had at least one warrant filed against them within 12 months of when the list was published, although in some cases, the debt has accrued over multiple years.

The list excludes some businesses, such as those that are protesting a warrant, requested a review or those actively working to resolve their debts.
A former star of The Lion King has been killed at 26 and her boyfriend has been charged with murder, according to multiple reports.

Imani Dia Smith, who played young Nala in Broadways The Lion King, died Sunday after being fatally stabbed in New Jersey, according to NBC. First responders found her with multiple stab wounds at a home in Edison, N.J., and she was taken to an area hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

USA Today reports Jordan Jackson-Small, 35, was arrested soon after without incident. The Middlesex County Prosecutors Office said he and Smith knew each other and a GoFundMe page identified Jackson-Small as Smiths boyfriend.

It was not a random act of violence, the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office said in a statement Tuesday.

Jackson-Small has been charged with first-degree Murder, second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. He was being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of his Pre-Trial detention hearing.

Smith was a child actor in The Lion King on Broadway, playing Nala, opposite Simba, between 2011 and 2012. According to Playbill, her mother is a hair stylist who has worked on theater, Broadway and television productions including The Lion King show and the film adaption of Lin-Manuel Mirandas In the Heights.

Smith leaves behind a 3-year-old son, her parents, her two younger siblings, and extended family and friends, the GoFundMe page said. More than $65,000 has been raised to help with funeral costs, crime scene cleanup, therapy for Smiths son and family, and additional expenses.

Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person. A true triple-threat performer, she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in Disneys Lion King  an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world," her family wrote.

According to USA Today, the Edison Police Department is encouraging anyone with information about Smiths death to call them at (732) 718-8064 or the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office at (732) 745-8083.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Well say it plainly: the appetizer is the tell. Its where kitchens show their personality, where chefs sneak in a little flair, and where diners decide whether theyre settling in for something special or just waiting for the main course.

Over the past year, we (Jared Paventi, Jacob Pucci, Danielle Benjamin and Charlie Miller) did not rush past that moment. From shareable plates meant for the whole table to starters we quietly hoped no one else would touch, we spent a lot of time at the front end of the menu.

These are the appetizers that stuck with us from our 2025 coverage. Every pick comes from a restaurant we actually visited this year, fork-first and fully committed. If your go-to starter didnt make the list, its not a snub. Its just a reminder that Central New York has more good food than any one year can handle.

The mixed appetizer platter with (clockwise from top) carrot yogurt dip, cacik, babaganoush, and muhammara. Hummus sits at the center. Dinner at K Kurdish Mediterranean Restaurant, Tully, N.Y. (Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com) Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gma

Address: K Kurdish Mediterranean Restaurant, 6 Elm St., Tully

From Jared Paventi: Nearly every Middle Eastern or Arabic restaurant offers some version of a mixed platter of dips served with pita. K Kurdish Mediterraneans version offers a couple of items you would expect  hummus and babaganush  and three new-to-us selections that have drawn us back to Tully. Muhammara is a savory dip made from pureed roasted red peppers and onions, crushed walnuts, and tahini sauce, and you get a bit of flavor from each element. Cacik is the Kurdish version of tzatziki, a garlicky yogurt sauce with cucumber, lemon, dill and mint. Aci Ezme  a dip made with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and olive oil  has since taken the place of the carrot yogurt on the platter. This dip made from baked carrots, olive oil, garlic and housemade strained yogurt is still available a la carte.

Coal-fired burrata affogato, a starter at Avicolli's Coal Fire, Fayetteville, N.Y. (Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com) Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gma

Address: Avicollis Coal Fire, 104 Limestone Plaza, Fayetteville

From Jared Paventi: So, you have a starter that is a cast-iron skillet full of melted cheese and tomato sauce? Here, take my money. This starter from Avicollis Coal Fire in Fayetteville feels like cheating, but there is quite a bit of complexity here. Burrata and a punchy marinara sauce full of crushed red pepper goes into the oven and comes out as a warming, gooey treat. Served with toasted bread the burrata affogato takes the creamy, milky cheese and marries it with with a spicy, tangy sauce. After exhausting our bread supply, we scraped down the pan with spoons. The road to happiness is, after all, paved with melted cheese.

Fried calamari steak at Grotto, North Syracuse, N.Y. (Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com) Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com

Address: Grotto, 101 S. Main St., N. Syracuse

From Jared Paventi: Anyone can deep fry calamari. Some restaurants even manage not to overcook it. But, how often will you get a calamari steak? The squid body is filleted, fried and sliced like a chicken cutlet. You knew the fork-tender calamari was fried, but you couldnt taste evidence of other foods having shared the oil. In fact, it wasnt greasy. Just a smashing starter from an old-school spot.

Sticky rice and chicken shumai dumplings at Su Su Dim Sum, Syracuse, N.Y. (Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com) Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com

Address: Su Su Dim Sum, 549 E. Brighton Ave., Syracuse

From Jared Paventi: Im a lover of all dumplings and have a wide definition of them. Ravioli are Italian dumplings. I grew up on them. Manti are Kurdish dumplings  youll read about those later in this series  and were a bright discovery this year. The more traditional Chinese version highlighted our visit to Susu Dim Sum on Brighton Avenue. Steamed bao dumplings were full of aggressive pork flavors in a delicate pillowy dough. A denser dough wrapped the steamed vegetable and chicken varieties, packed with distinct vegetable flavors. Shumai gave us shrimp and sticky rice wrapped in wonton. Even better, all of the dumpling wrappings were made in-house.

Davey Rickenback loads up a 250-gallon smoker named Norman with the day's chicken wings for the Brickyard Tavern and Barbecue in LaFayette. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com) (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)

Address: 2611 U.S. Route 11, LaFayette

From Charlie Miller: Yes, I know. Syracuse is one of the best wing cities in the country. You dont need a reminder. Thats exactly why these stand out.

Brickyards wings are massive and smoked for two hours, then chilled, then fried in boiling tallow until the skin crackles and the meat stays deeply smoky and rich. I watched pitmaster Davey Rickenback load 360 wings into the smoker at 7 a.m. This guy was serious about his work.

Now that the Brickyard Tavern is open, the picture is easy to imagine: a dozen of these smoky wings, a game on the TV and a steady stream of Miller Lite. Even in a wing town, these are special.

Ricotta toast at Primo Nestico's in North Syracuse. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com) (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)

Address: Primo Nesticos Bistro & Bar, 412 N. Main St., North Syracuse

From Charlie Miller: This one surprised me, and thats saying a lot. Primo Nesticos, which Marty Richardson opened in the former Nesticos just last month in North Syracuse, serves a ricotta toast built on house-made focaccia topped with lemon ricotta, roasted butternut squash, honey and pepitas.

Ill admit Im not usually a lemon-on-food guy. Fruit belongs in drinks. But this worked. The ricotta was bright without being sharp, the squash added warmth and sweetness, and the whole thing felt cozy and autumnal. What really seals it, though, is the bread. It was fresh, warm and sturdy enough to carry every bite. A strong early signal from a brand-new kitchen.

Chicken tenders at the Golden Spike Pub in East Syracuse. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)

Address: Golden Spike Pub, 411 W. Manlius St., East Syracuse

From Jared Paventi: Syracuse, we need to talk. Tullys Good Times chicken tenders are for the kids. As adults, we deserve better. We deserve hand-cut chicken breast meat, breaded to order and served with a housemade, secret-recipe honey mustard. For us, there is the Golden Spike Pub in East Syracuse. We ordered six and got nine small- to moderately-sized handmade tenders that were juicy, crunchy and tasted like chicken; not frying oil. They paired masterfully with the house honey mustard and a Utica Club.

The Ceviche Mixto Al Rocoto appetizer at Inka's in downtown Syracuse. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com) (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)

Address: Inkas, 201 S. Salina St., Syracuse

From Jared Paventi: My favorite type of seafood is raw, so news of a restaurant specializing in ceviche got me very excited (or as excited as I get these days). Ceviche isnt raw, per se, but it cooks in mixture of chili peppers and citrus juice rather than heat. The acid of this mixture, called leche de tigre, cures the seafood while imparting spice and tang. We opted for the mixto al rocoto, which featured shrimp, squid rings, octopus tentacles and cubed fish with Peruvian aji rocoto peppers for a punchy dose of spice.

From Charlie Miller: If you want a snapshot of what Inkas does best, start here. The Ceviche Mixto Al Rocoto is a vibrant, no-shortcuts mix of raw marinated fish, shrimp, octopus and scallops, all tossed with spicy peppers and soaked in leche de tigre. Its a bright, citrus-driven marinade that wakes up your entire palate.

This is classic Peruvian at its core, but theres a quiet confidence behind it that reflects what the chef is doing across the menu. Inkas leans into Peruvian fusion without losing the plot, weaving in subtle Japanese and Chinese influences while letting traditional flavors lead. This ceviche is bold, balanced and absolutely built to be shared, even if you briefly consider not doing that.

The smoked onion fondue appetizer at Stone Creek in Marcellus. The restaurant opens Monday. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com) (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)

Address: Stone Creek, 69 North St., Marcellus

From Charlie Miller: Stone Creek opened in July and has been playing to full houses ever since. This appetizer helps explain why. The smoked onion fondue is what would happen if French onion dip went to grad school: deeper, richer and indulgent.

Served with crispy roasted baby potatoes, it turns into an exercise in restraint. The potatoes are the perfect edible shovel, though we immediately wished for more. The fondue, meanwhile, seemed bottomless. Its comfort food with ambition, and thats exactly the kind of starter that makes a table slow down and stay awhile.

Tortilla chips with smoked chicken wing dip and housemade salsa at Aurora Brewing Co., Syracuse, N.Y. (Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com) Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com

Address: Aurora Brewing Co. Syracuse Taproom, 620 Ulster St., Syracuse

From Jared Paventi: We are frequent visitors to Aurora Brewing Co.s taproom on Tipperary Hill due to its relative proximity to our home and each time we visit, there is more than one table sharing smoked chicken wing dip. Served with housemade tortilla chips, this dip expertly blends pulled and chopped chicken, cream cheese, housemade ranch dressing, cayenne pepper sauce, and crumbly blue cheese for a salty, spicy snack that leaves your palete begging for the next sip of beer.

Loaded fries with bacon, cheese and onions at Amber Inn, Marietta, N.Y. (Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com) Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com

Address: Amber Inn, 2424 Otisco Valley Rd., Marietta

From Jared Paventi: I wrote 233 words about these French fries, so of course I was going to include them in my Best of 2025. Whether a side dish, starter or part of the loaded fries appetizer, Amber Inn makes some of the best in the area. Skin-on with crispy skin, the irregular cut potatoes were pillowy soft in the middle. They were hot but not too hot, salty but not too salty. These are the French fries every Ore-Ida in your freezer dreams of becoming when it grows up.

Housemade cornbread at Ruby Begonia's, Chittenango, N.Y. (Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com) Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com

Address: Ruby Begonias, 236 Genesee St., Chittenango

From Jared Paventi: The cornbread at Ruby Begonias is the type of item that tests your marriage. Who will get the last forkful of the sweet, buttery cake-like bread? Do I claim the last piece for myself, or should I lean into the spirit of chivalry and let her have it? After the first bite, she declared that she wanted this instead of a birthday cake, even with the drizzle of hot honey that added an extra layer of flavor to the dense brick of cornbread. Of course I acquiesced. Happy wife, happy life, right?

Jeon, a savory pancake filled with seafood and vegetables, from Chorong House in Syracuse. Jacob Pucci

Address: Chorong House, 1121 E. Fayette St., Syracuse

From Jacob Pucci: This giant savory pancake could easily be a meal (or two) on its own, but its perfect as a starter for a table full of hungry diners. The seafood and vegetable version, with its ample portions of kimchi, shrimp, calamari, scallions and peppers, is well worth the upcharge over the plain version. Chorong House turns 25 years old in 2026 and in my multiple trips to eat there, Ive never left without ordering a jeon to share. You shouldnt either.

Mantu, a dish of steamed dumplings filled with ground beef, onions and spices, served with a yogurt sauce and lentils. Jacob Pucci

Address: Kabul, 701 S. Crouse Ave., Suite #3

From Jacob Pucci: This Afghan restaurant was short-lived  it both opened and closed this year  but it deserves an accolade for serving excellent food during the months it was open. Mantu, a dish of spiced beef-filled dumplings topped with yogurt, stewed lentils and dried mint, was a particular standout. Its the kind of hearty dish one craves in the winter, which makes the restaurants closure feel all the more unfortunate.

Chaat Papri, a salad made with crispy wheat chips topped with chickpea and potato curry, chopped onion and tomato, pomegranate, fresh parsley and green and tamarind chutneys. Jacob Pucci

Address: Raj Saffron House, 124 Dell St., Syracuse

From Jacob Pucci: Chaat refers to a variety of snacks popular throughout India and South Asia, often sold by street vendors and small cafes. Unlike most snacks, however, which one might describe as one-note or eaten from a bag while sitting on the couch as crumbs fall between the cushions, chaat is a dazzling display of flavors and complementary textures. At Raj Saffron House, the papri chaat begins with crispy, house-made papri chips, topped with a potato and chickpea curry, chopped onion and tomato, pomegranate arils, fresh cilantro, and drizzles of yogurt and both green and tamarind chutneys. Theres a whole lot happening and it all works.

A meatball and piece of fried mozzarella from Colucci, 510 Westcott St., Syracuse. Jacob Pucci

Address: Colucci, 510 Westcott St., Syracuse

From Jacob Pucci: The meatballs, like most everything at this Westcott Street newcomer, are familiar, straightforward versions of Italian-American staples. And like most everything at Colucci, theyre excellent. These all-beef meatballs, available with a bowl of pasta, stuffed into a triangular pocket of warm bread or on their own as a starter, are fried, creating a thin, crisp exterior and tender, flavorful interior. Theyre not fancy, but theyre easily some of the best Italian meatballs youll find in Central New York.

Hummus served with warm pita bread from The Kabob House, 409 Tulip St., Liverpool. Jacob Pucci

Address: The Kabob House, 409 Tulip St., Liverpool

From Jacob Pucci: Another example of a simple dish that shines in its execution. The hummus at this Liverpool restaurant is made in-house, a velvety smooth dip thats far creamier than anything youd find at most supermarkets. A heavy helping of tahini adds a pleasant nuttiness, with fresh parsley, olive oil and a sprinkle of pleasantly tart sumac serving as garnish. I can only wish all hummus were this light and creamy, I think, as I swipe one piece of warm pita after another through the dip.

Deep Fried Pickles and Samosas at Electrik Karma in Destiny USA (Danielle Benjamin | Contributing Writer) Danielle Benjamin

Address: Electrik Karma, 306 Hiawatha Blvd. W. (Destiny USA), third Floor

From Danielle Benjamin: Although the shells were not as crispy as Id like, they had an approachable amount of heat to them with great spices. But what really made this dish shine was the side of Mama Patels apple butter sauce. It had a delightful sweetness that paired well with the heat of the samosas, and the perfect touch of cinnamon. Id go back to the restaurant just for that sauce.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- St. Josephs Health is renovating and moving its inpatient psychiatric unit, changes that aim to provide patients with more privacy, safer spaces and better access to care.

The new, two-floor facility will emphasize a therapeutic environment, with natural light, large windows and nature-inspired murals, said Meredith Price, senior vice president of acute operations at St. Joes. It will also improve the way staff can monitor patient rooms, she said.

Most importantly, the changes will allow St. Joes to admit more patients experiencing mental health crises for overnight stays.

Even though the hospital is authorized to treat 30 people at once, Price said, it typically can only accommodate 22 people at a time. Thats because the unit has just a handful of single rooms.

There are several semi-private rooms, and it does create challenges with assignment of patients and ability to fully utilize the unit, Price said.

Going forward, the unit will have far more single rooms. That means St. Joes will be able to better use all 30 beds, she said.

So, it will really create some efficiencies and the ability for us to treat more patients on the unit in a safer way, Price said.

St. Joes has the only comprehensive psychiatric emergency program in Central New York, Price said.

Often, the people who are admitted for inpatient care first arrive through the hospitals psychiatric emergency department, also known as CPEP. They come in need of treatment for conditions such as schizophrenia, depression and bi-polar diagnoses.

Once stabilized in the emergency room, some are then admitted for inpatient treatment. That includes medication, psychotherapy, group therapy, family therapy and behavior therapy. Those are the patients wholl be using the renovated space.

The $21.5 million project calls for the renovation and expansion of the first and second floors of a building known as the Clare Loeber Smith Center, according to a project plan the hospital submitted to Syracuse.

Price said the building on Union Avenue between Prospect Avenue and North Townsend Street has been empty for several years.

The renovation will address overdue upgrades, according to the project plan. That includes updates to the heating and cooling systems, the electrical and plumbing systems, windows and elevators, plus a new entrance on Union Avenue. The building facade will be renovated to mimic the look of other renovated buildings on the hospital campus, the plan states.

There wont be new parking, but new sidewalks are part of the plan.

The new interior layout also will be safer for patients and staff by offering a more centralized way for staff to supervise the area, Price said.

The current unit right now is kind of broken up into pieces, she said. It is hard to have visibility of all of the areas and the patients.

Price said she expects the additional private rooms will allow the hospital to more frequently accept patients who need to be transferred from other hospitals.

The hospital secured $16.9 million from the New York State Department of Health in 2018 for the project. Covid-19 stalled the planning process.

Price said the hospital has no plans for the building on James Street, between Lodi and Catherine streets, that will be empty once the renovation is complete.

We are assessing the longevity of the building that behavioral health services were in. So there may be some other changes down the road with that space, but nothing will be going into it at this point, she said.

Price said she expects the renovation to be completed by the end of 2027.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The Onondaga County Water Authority will spend the weekend getting ready to repair a ruptured transmission line on Monday as work crews and equipment stream in from as far as Texas.

Officials said that the water flowing into the system that feeds six towns east of the ruptured line is still equal to the usage. That means no one, for now, in those towns is likely to run out of water.

That balance still depends on businesses and residents continuing to scale back their water usage, officials said.

Right now, it looks like the situation at least has stabilized, said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. Weve had about three days in a row of net usage, where the new water being rerouted into the system is essentially whats being taken out.

Work to replace 134 feet of pipe will begin in earnest Monday. Thats when crews start pounding 40-foot-high sheets of steel into the soil to create an underground bathtub around the damaged site. The pile driver to do that work arrived today, said Jeff Brown, executive director of the water agency.

The work will extend into the week of Jan. 5, Brown said.

Schools reopen on Jan. 5 after the holiday break, but theres no talk of closing schools that week, McMahon said.

Schools are going to open up based off the conditions that we know are there today, McMahon said. If something changes, we all have the ability to pivot.

Construction equipment at the Onondaga County Water Authority's worksite at Northern Boulevard and Wheatley Road in Cicero on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025. Jon Moss | jmoss@syracuse.com

While schools use water, its much less than commercial users use, Brown said. In addition, kids in school arent using water at home like they are now while on break.

With schools in session, our residential demand will go down, he said. I think its a wash.

While the cost of the repair isnt known yet, it will be in the millions, Brown said. Drilling 36-inch-diameter holes and running 10 pumps to dewater the site will cost over $1 million by itself, he said.

Brown said OCWA has enough money in the bank to cover the cost and wont have to borrow.

The county has obtained 30,000 cases of water but is postponing a mass distribution until at least next week, McMahon said.

Across the affected towns, more businesses and leaders were taking steps to conserve water.

The Walmart in East Syracuse and the Target in Manlius are providing outdoor portable toilets for customers. The YMCAs in Manlius and Fayetteville suspended showers at their gyms, and fire departments stopped washing vehicles. Local officials were set to meet with OCWA for an update at 4:30 p.m. today.

To keep the water flowing to homes and businesses, OCWA has worked with neighboring water systems to bring extra water online. The cities of Syracuse and Oneida have each provided 800,000 gallons, and OCWA has installed temporary pumps in Otisco Lake. Brown said the agency is also planning to install about 900 feet of pipe along Fly Road and a shorter stretch along Molloy Road to bring OCWAs Lake Ontario water to DeWitt.

While the agency is pursuing temporary fixes, its gearing up to replace the main transmission line starting Monday.

Over the weekend, equipment and supplies will continue to arrive on the site at Wheatley Road, just off Northern Boulevard. Sections of iron pipe are being shipped from Alabama, sleeves and fittings are on the way from Texas, and the steel, emergency pumps and pipe adapters are being sourced within New York, OCWA said.

Some 50 to 75 people will be working on the site to complete a job in a couple of weeks that normally would take a month, according to Brown.

OCWA has been battling water leaks in the same area since at least summer, when a valve off the main transmission line leaked. That was repaired in August; in November, the first leak in the main line was found 30 feet away from the valve repair. Brown said the two were unrelated.

The agency fixed that November leak, but the main pipe sprung two more leaks nearby in December. Temporary fixes failed, and on Dec. 20, OCWA shut off the pipe, cutting off water to 27,000 users.

Those homes and businesses are in the towns of Manlius, DeWitt, Pompey, Sullivan, Lenox and Lincoln.

Staff writer Elizabeth Doran contributed to this report.
Robert Creenan, Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls, N.Y. (TNS)

As New York State looks to add more nuclear power sources, it has formed a partnership with Ontario to bring in its expertise in the field.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed an agreement Friday establishing a framework for collaboration for developing advanced nuclear technologies between the state and province, including large-scale reactors and small modular reactors.

We as leaders have to focus on reliability, sustainability, and affordability all at the same time, said Hochul during the announcement at the Albright Knox Art Gallery. We found a way and that is through nuclear energy.

The New York Power Authority and the Ontario Power Generation will share information and leverage their expertise and resources to advance technology and expertise sharing, cross-border ventures, understanding the finances and economics behind nuclear power, and developing the nuclear workforce.

This comes after Hochul visited the Robert Moses power plant this past July, announcing the states intent to build a new nuclear power plant in Upstate New York with 1 GW of capacity. The states three current plants, the James A. Fitzpatrick plant and Nine Mile Point in Oswego County and the R.E. Ginna plant in Wayne County account for 3.4 GW of power capacity and 20% of the states electricity.

Since the deadline for requests for information passed earlier this month, 23 developers have expressed interest in building the facility, with eight communities volunteering to host it. NYPA is looking to start construction by 2033.

Hochul noted in her speech that the University at Buffalo is part of the $400 million Empire AI consortium and that semiconductor company Micron is building a $100 billion facility near Syracuse. The states electricity grid is also seeing increased demand from new industrial site builds and data centers, while the current electric infrastructure is getting older.

Our ambitions are broad. Theyre exciting, but if we dont power it, it doesnt work, Hochul said. She also announced $40 million toward a new nuclear workforce training program for NYPA in partnership with universities and unions.

Ontario has three nuclear power stations, with their 16 reactors having 11.813 GW of combined capacity according to the World Nuclear Association, with a potential new facility in development in Wesleyville, Ontario. Canada is also developing the first grid-scale SMRs of any G7 country at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, located on Lake Ontario about 20 minutes from downtown Oshawa. OPG has also collaborated with the Tennessee Valley Authority on the further development of SMRs, with Ford offering to collaborate on that technology with New York State.

Ford said planned additions to Ontarios facilities would eventually lead to a combined 40 GW of nuclear capacity, enough to power 40 million homes.

Who do we want to give our energy to? Our closest friends and allies, said Ford, no matter if that goes to neighboring states New York, Michigan, or Minnesota. The future is having the energy to power the companies, power the homes, power massive data centers that take a tremendous amount of energy. Were there for you.

The states Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, passed in 2019, requires the state to reduce carbon emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, along with generating 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. However, the states recently-approved energy plan for the next 15 years still has fossil fuels in the energy-generating mix.

NYPAs renewable strategic plan, adopted earlier this month, calls for 5.5 GW of renewable energy capacity among 45 generation projects and 146 distributed storage projects.

 2025 the Niagara Gazette (Niagara Falls, N.Y.). Visit www.niagara-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Three people have been arrested with nearly three pounds of methamphetamine, according to New York State Police.

Shaheem T. Sanders and Thaj E. Sobers, both 23 years old from Schenectady, were charged on Christmas Eve for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd, a class A felony and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd, a class B felony.

Police said they stopped a vehicle around 3:03 a.m. Wednesday on the I-87 Thruway in Bethlehem for vehicle and traffic violations. Sanders was driving, police said; Sobers and a 17-year-old passenger were also in the vehicle.

Further investigation with the assistance of State Police K9 Ash discovered nearly three pounds of a substance that field tested positive for meth, police said. A large amount of U.S. currency was also found in the vehicle.

All three were arrested and transported to SP Albany for processing. Sanders and Sobers were also charged with violations of vehicle and traffic laws.

Sanders and Sobers were arraigned at the Bethlehem Town Court, where they were remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.

The 17-year-old, who was not identified, was issued an appearance ticket and released to a guardian.

Additional details were not released.

Bethlehem is located in Albany County, about 20 miles outside of Schenectady.
Twas the night before Christmas and a creature was stirring in Upstate New York, but it wasnt a mouse.

The Binghamton Fire Department says firefighters rescued a squirrel that was trapped in a dumpster on Wednesday, Christmas Eve. WBNG reports the unusual rescue began when firefighters and Binghamton Police officers were called out to a residential neighborhood after the animal got its head stuck in a small drain hole on the side of the dumpster.

Binghamton Police officers worked to stabilize the scene and initiated extrication efforts before fire personnel arrived, the fire departments official Facebook page said.

Firefighters then safely freed the squirrel with patience, care, and a very gentle touch. The small animal then made a speedy getaway, seemingly unharmed and probably a bit embarrassed.

This photo provided by the Binghamton Fire Department shows firefighters working to rescue a squirrel that was stuck in a dumpster on Dec. 24, 2025. Binghamton Fire Dept.

No matter the size of the call, were always ready to help, the Southern Tier fire departments Facebook page said. Another successful rescue, and one very relieved squirrel back to business as usual!
BANGKOK, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Democrat Party announced on Friday that three candidates, led by party leader and former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, will run for the country's next prime minister in the upcoming general election.

The party unveiled its candidate lineup in a campaign video released on social media the same day. Alongside Abhisit, the candidates include two deputy party leaders: Korn Chatikavanij, a former finance minister, and Karndee Leopairote.

In the video, Abhisit emphasized that overcoming poverty in Thailand requires building a clean political system and enhancing transparency across all sectors.

Abhisit served as Thailand's prime minister from 2008 to 2011. After losing the 2019 general election, he resigned as Democrat Party leader and left the party in 2023. He made a political comeback in October 2025 by rejoining the party and was subsequently re-elected as its leader.

Thailand is set to hold elections for the new House of Representatives on Feb. 8, 2026. Political parties are required to submit their prime ministerial candidates between Dec. 28 and 31 this year, with a maximum of three candidates per party. 
Foldable devices 2026 and modular tech trend innovations are set to redefine the smartphone market by combining flexibility with upgradability. Advances in crease-free OLED panels, swappable components, and hybrid form factors promise a new wave of consumer interest while addressing sustainability concerns. As manufacturers optimize production and reduce costs, future smartphones aim to deliver premium experiences without sacrificing durability or portability. Market projections indicate that these technologies could capture significant market share, signaling a potential shift in mainstream smartphone adoption patterns.

The increasing appeal of foldable devices and modular smartphones is driven by both innovation and practicality. Users gain larger, versatile displays without increasing pocket size, while modular designs extend device lifespans and reduce e-waste. Integration with enterprise and creative ecosystems further accelerates adoption, demonstrating that foldable and modular concepts are no longer experimental but commercially viable. By 2026, these trends could challenge traditional smartphone dominance through a combination of consumer-centric engineering and strategic pricing initiatives.

What Are Foldable Devices?

Foldable devices in 2026 are redefining smartphone design with book-style hinges that allow 360 rotation, enabling ultra-thin form factors while delivering tablet-level displays. Future smartphones incorporate UTG glass rated for 400,000 folds and feature integrated S Pen storage, challenging traditional tablet stylus solutions. The modular tech trend complements this innovation by allowing screen swaps and component repairs, reducing reliance on rigid slabs and extending device longevity. Advanced hinge mechanisms, including dual motors for auto-unfolding triggered by voice commands, create more intuitive and interactive user experiences.

Market predictions for foldable devices in 2026 are strong, targeting 15% of the premium smartphone segment. Samsung expects to sell 40 million Galaxy Z Flip7 units, while future smartphones aim for 25% cost reductions through shared hinge tooling and material innovations in tri-fold designs. Apple's iPhone Fold 2026 anticipates 30 million pre-orders, incorporating IP68-like dust and water resistance with vapor chamber seals for durability. Meanwhile, modular tech adoption accelerates with devices like the Motorola Razr Ultra Modular adding periscope lenses, enhancing camera versatility and further encouraging post-purchase upgrades.

Current Market for Modular Phones

Modular phones are gaining traction as consumers seek devices that prioritize longevity and repairability. The current market emphasizes sustainability and upgradeability, appealing to users frustrated with disposable smartphones. Modular designs now enable users to swap out key components without replacing entire devices, creating a more flexible and environmentally conscious ecosystem.

Fairphone 5 leads the trend with 12-year software updates and replaceable USB-C ports, avoiding costly motherboard repairs and extending device lifespan.

Upgradeable camera modules allow users to go from 48MP to 200MP, while foldable backplates integrate modular wireless charging coils for added convenience.

Google Project Ara successors and 2026 Pixel Modular rumors highlight magnetic processor swaps, memory upgrades, and cross-brand component standardization for ecosystem-wide compatibility.

Modular devices reduce e-waste by up to 70%, with repairable designs and standardized connectors appealing to sustainability-conscious consumers.

Post-purchase upgrades include battery, storage, and sensor swaps, allowing users to keep devices competitive without buying new models.

Challenges for Modular Tech Adoption

Despite their promise, modular devices face engineering and market adoption hurdles. Waterproofing, connectivity, and production scale remain major obstacles for widespread consumer acceptance. Companies must address these challenges while educating users on maintenance and modular benefits.

Silicone gaskets degrade after repeated battery or component swaps, compromising waterproofing compared to welded seals in traditional devices.

Modular antennas can suffer from signal integrity issues, though mmWave window cutouts help maintain 5G performance and consistent connectivity.

Supply chain fragmentation slows production scaling, with Fairphone producing 500K units annually versus Samsung's 300M monolithic flagship capacity.

Consumer trust in repairs and component reliability must increase to achieve mainstream adoption.

Cost and perceived complexity remain barriers, requiring clear communication and support to convince everyday users.

Mainstream Adoption Barriers and Drivers

For foldable and modular devices to go mainstream, both pricing strategies and technological drivers are crucial. Incentives, standardization, and enterprise integration can accelerate adoption, while AI-based durability features enhance user confidence. Understanding these barriers and drivers helps predict which devices will capture the market by 2026.

Foldable devices in 2026 see price drops to around $999 due to competitive Chinese OEM offerings, making them more accessible to consumers.

Modular tech benefits enterprise fleets, allowing seasonal swaps of components like RFID scanners or specialized sensors, extending device life.

AI durability predictions in future smartphones enable preemptive maintenance and repair scheduling, reducing unexpected failures and downtime.

Carrier subsidies and financing programs cover up to 50% of foldable device premiums, encouraging broader adoption.

Standardization initiatives, such as USB-IF certifications, ensure cross-brand compatibility, expanding the modular ecosystem and improving consumer confidence.

Enterprise adoption and education programs further drive acceptance by demonstrating real-world cost savings and sustainability advantages.

Conclusion

Foldable devices 2026 and modular tech trend innovations are poised to redefine future smartphones with flexible, upgradeable, and durable designs. Strategic advances in display technology, component modularity, and AI-assisted maintenance support both consumer convenience and environmental sustainability. By merging portability with multi-functional capabilities, hybrid ecosystems could capture 20% of the smartphone market by 2028, challenging the dominance of static slab designs. As costs decrease and durability improves, foldable and modular devices are likely to transition from niche experiments to mainstream adoption, reshaping expectations for the next generation of smartphones.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are foldable devices 2026 durable enough for daily use?

Yes, new UTG glass and advanced hinge mechanisms support up to 400,000 folds. Dual-motor hinges and reinforced materials reduce wear. Protective coatings minimize scratches. Consumer tests indicate consistent performance for multi-year usage.

2. How does the modular tech trend reduce e-waste?

Modular devices allow component swaps instead of full replacements. Standardized connectors and recyclable parts cut material waste. Battery and camera modules can be reused or upgraded. This extends device lifespans and reduces landfill contribution.

3. Will foldable devices be affordable in 2026?

Yes, competition and manufacturing improvements are reducing prices to around $999. Shared hinge tooling lowers production costs. OEMs like Samsung and Chinese brands drive price accessibility. Subsidies and trade-in programs further support affordability.

4. Can modular devices maintain water resistance?

While challenges exist, advanced gaskets and sealing techniques improve resistance. Some modular devices achieve IP68-level dust protection. Future designs incorporate mmWave antenna cutouts to prevent signal loss. Durability standards are evolving to ensure consumer confidence.
ALMATY, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Operations were officially launched at the Barkhannaya gas field in southern Kazakhstan, the country's sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna said Friday.

Gas production at the field is expected to reach about 30 million cubic meters in 2026, with peak output projected at around 65 million cubic meters by 2028, said the press service of Samruk-Kazyna, which manages strategic national assets in key sectors like oil and gas.

Exploration and gas production at the field are being carried out by Kazakhstan's national gas company QazaqGaz.

The Barkhannaya field is part of the Amangeldy group of gas-condensate fields located in the Moiynkum and Talas districts of the Zhambyl Region.

Kazakhstan's gas production totaled 62.8 billion cubic meters in the first 11 months of 2025, up 16.7 percent year on year, according to Kazakh Vice Minister of Energy Sungat Yesimkhanov. 
Heavy rain, flash floods hit California



Los Angeles, United States, Dec 25 (AFP) Dec 25, 2025



Torrential rains unleashed flash floods and warnings of debris flow across southern California's fire-scarred areas, as a series of Christmas storms pummeled the state, with downpours and high winds forecast through Friday.

Driven by an atmospheric river known as "the Pineapple Express," which moves heavy moisture from Hawaii to the US West Coast, storms were expected to dump months' worth of rain in California over a few days.

Early Thursday, the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast that southern California, including Los Angeles, the second-most populous US city, was at risk of excessive rainfall.

It warned of a "broad plume of moisture" producing heavy rain in California on Thursday.

"Numerous flash flooding events are possible. In addition, many streams may flood, potentially affecting larger rivers. The flooding may include debris flows in or near recently burned areas," the service said, referring to areas affected by wildfires.

The rain was forecast to continue through Friday, the service said.

Although there was a break in the rain in parts of southern California on Thursday before more wet weather was expected, the NWS warned that some areas could see winds with gusts of up to 55 miles per (88.5 kilometers per hour).

State authorities declared a state of emergency in several counties, including Los Angeles.

"We're not out of it yet. Rain continues to fall across LA County making roadways, waterways and flood channels extremely dangerous. Check conditions before venturing out today," Los Angeles County officials said Thursday on X.



- Rescue work -



Heavy rain began lashing Southern California Wednesday, where some communities had already seen 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) of rain in the first storm, forecasters said.

At least three people died in storm-related incidents, including a man killed by a falling tree, the Los Angeles Times reported.

In San Bernardino County, adjacent to Los Angeles, authorities told AFP they were working to divert the flow of floodwater on Thursday.

Muddy water streamed through the mountain town of Wrightwood a day earlier, trapping people in their homes, said Christopher Prater, spokesperson for the county fire department.

"Fire department personnel were out there rescuing people, assisting them from their houses, getting them to safety, also while affecting rescues from people that were stranded in their vehicles," he said Thursday, with work going on into the night.

Fire-burn scar zones, which are less able to absorb water due to vegetation being stripped from them, were under special alert -- including the coastal areas of Pacific Palisades and Malibu, both still recovering from devastating wildfires in January.

In northern California, a dangerous storm was tracked developing early Thursday morning in the San Francisco Bay Area, with an emergency alert for flash flooding issued, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Soon after noon on Thursday (2000 GMT), the NWS office in San Francisco warned that a severe thunderstorm near Santa Cruz could spawn a tornado.

The service was also predicting that a winter storm could bring heavy snowfall to the Sierra Nevada Mountains along California's eastern border.
US airlines hit by delays, New York braces for deep snow



New York, Dec 26 (AFP) Dec 26, 2025



Airlines canceled more than 1,000 US flights during the peak Christmas travel period on Friday, with severe winter storm warnings and heavy snow forecast across parts of the Midwest and northeast.

New York, the country's largest city, was set to receive up to ten inches of snow overnight, with temperatures dropping to below freezing and the chilly weather continuing into the weekend.

At least 1,191 flights had been canceled, with 3,974 delays, as of 1:00 pm US Eastern time (1800 GMT) Friday, the FlightAware website said.

The National Weather Service (NWS) predicted snowfall across the upper Great Lakes region through the day, with the storm's focus moving towards the northeast.

"Road conditions will be treacherous for those traveling back from the holiday," it warned.

New York Mayor Eric Adams said a winter storm warning was in effect, and that city crews were deployed to plow roads.

Airports in New York and Chicago were near the top of FlightAware's rankings on its "Misery Map," which tracks the spread of flight delays and cancelations.

New York area airports accounted for 785 flight cancelations, according to the website.
Two die in French Alps avalanches



Lyon, Dec 26 (AFP) Dec 26, 2025



Two people died Friday in avalanches in winter resorts in the French Alps, local authorities said, calling on skiers to be wary of changing weather conditions.

A 60-year-old mountain guide was leading a group of five other skiers when they were caught by an avalanche in an off-piste sector of the La Plagne resort in the Savoie region around midday (1100 GMT) at an altitude of 2,600 metres (8,500 feet), the Savoie prefecture said.

The guide died of cardiac arrest later Friday in hospital.

A 50-year-old woman, also in the group, was being treated for multiple injuries, while two others were lightly injured.

A second avalanche occurred hours later near the village of Valloire beneath Mount Jovet, at 2,300 metres altitude.

Four cross-country skiers were swept away by the avalanche. One of them suffered cardiac arrest and could not be resuscitated. Two others were slighty injured.

Meanwhile a 40-year-old Italian cross-country skier was seriously injured in another avalanche, near Montgenevre, the local gendarmerie said.

All the avalanches happened in areas considered to be low-risk, but weather conditions in recent days had made the situation treacherous, authorities warned.

"Low risk does not mean no risk," the Savoie gendarmerie said.
KIEV, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that he plans to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine during his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Zelensky told reporters that the meeting is scheduled to take place in the U.S. state of Florida on Sunday, according to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

He added that Ukraine intends to raise the questions of territorial issues and control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant during the talks.

According to Zelensky, the 20-point peace plan is 90 percent ready and several documents outlining security guarantees have been drafted.

Zelensky said there are four sides to the peace plan, namely, Ukraine, the United States, Russia and Europe, adding that the document can not be signed without Russia and Europe. 
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Only Fools and Horses, The Vicar of Dibley, Gavin & Stacey, Blackadder: the British TV Christmas special is an institution. These one-off episodes historically work best when slice-of-life comedy meets relatable family drama. Beloved characters coalesce outside of their typical series storylines to plan the perfect holiday, overeat, have far too much drink and usually have a happy-sad bittersweet day that reminds us of our own. Tonight, the latest series to join in with this tradition is BBC Ones Motherland spin-off Amandaland.

The shows Christmas special was a fairly last-minute addition to the BBCs slate, filmed in autumn this year, with key actors only learning about it shortly before that. Christmas specials are obviously epic, so its a real honour to do one, says actor Philippa Dunne, who stars as Anne, the fuddy-duddy mum who plays second fiddle to Lucy Punchs lead, the hoity-toity Amanda.

When we meet Amanda in the special, shes off with her extended family, including her mother (Joanna Lumley), to the house of her aunt Joan (played by Jennifer Saunders) for Christmas Day. Unfortunately, Annes travel plans are scuppered and she has to tag along to Joans celebrations, which play out in typical Amandaland style: a lot of champagne, mild sexual intrigue and mothers grasping for control.

Read our full interview with Dunne, in which she opens up about the trials of motherhood at Christmastime, and working with the Ab Fab duo, below

Were you surprised when you saw what Anne would be getting up to in this Christmas special?

For Anne to not get to spend Christmas with her family, it would have to take a disaster and it does, it takes a disaster. So poor Anne has to spend it differently, getting roped into Amandas Christmas.

open image in gallery Dunne says Anne is basically me when I was 13, starting school: awkwardness personified ( Justin Griffiths-Williams/Shutterstock )

This is the first time iconic duo Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders have worked together in many years. As a comedic actor, how did you react when you heard youd be working with them?

To say I was excited is a huge understatement. From reading the script, I thought, Right, theyre going to get somebody good to play Joan, obviously. And then when I heard that Jennifer Saunders was going to do it, I actually screamed. So I was so, so thrilled. I just thought thats such a genius idea. Being in that same room was amazing. It was just like, is any of this happening? Is this real? Yes, it is real. You know youre in very safe hands: if you don't get your stuff right, you know that theyre going to just sweep forward.

open image in gallery Saunders and Lumley reunite in the Amandaland Christmas special ( BBC )

Were you a fan of Absolutely Fabulous back in the day?

Yes  where I grew up in Ireland, I didnt have all the channels, so I couldnt watch it religiously, but whenever it was on, I was watching. I remember when it started; it was so wacky. Those two characters have always stood out to me as epic. I love how daft and silly they are. The fact that theyre together again for this wasn't lost on any of us, really.

Do you see any of yourself in Anne?

Anne is basically me when I was 13, starting school: awkwardness personified. Really wanted to fit in, really wanted people to like me, really shy, really awkward, just trying my best. I dont try that hard any more. Ive grown up. But theres definitely part of me that is Anne. That kind of lost younger girl trying to figure stuff out. Thats who I always think of when I think of Anne.

Everyone seems to know mums like her who are codependent and needy with their kids.

Yeah, we all just show off, were all vulnerable, we all need things, but we just show it in different ways. Were just doing the same thing, but in our own fashion, however it manifests. I think thats why people might relate to Anne a bit; they spot a bit of an underdog in her, and theyre rooting for her.

What was your favourite element of filming this special?

The house was done up so beautifully; it was so Christmassy, so sentimental, so cosy. It really made you think of your Christmases as a child or a teenager. It was total escapism. We were just in a Christmas bubble. And the episode itself has all that stuff that Christmas involves, which is a lot of fuss, a lot of glitter, but also family tensions. But then a lot of laughter, playing games, and fun.

Anne really enjoys some champagne in this episode, doesnt she!

A whole new world opened up to her. Joan is the ultimate hostess, so has all the best bits. She gives Anne a nice glug of French champagne and Anne is having the best day ever. Anne loves bubbly, fizzy, sparkly cold drinks  so shes made.

She has the last-minute opportunity to get home in time for Christmas with her family, but she declines it. What is her thinking there?

I think Anne is having the Christmas that she didnt know she needed, but it turns out to be one of her favourite days ever. And she might have a little bit of guilt around that going, Oh my God, why am I enjoying being away from my family? But its a gift. She gets to observe a different family and maybe thinks my family are great in comparison to all this, but she gets the day off. She doesnt have to cook. She doesn't have to clean up. She doesnt have to look after any kids. Shes having a mighty time. Joan is treating her like a queen. So its not hard for her to go, Ah, well, I guess Ill just have to stay here then.

open image in gallery Anne (Dunne) and Amanda (Punch) in Amandaland ( BBC )

As a mum yourself, what do you think is special about the whole Motherland-Amandaland franchise?

It gets key moments of child-rearing quite well  it's not a glamourised version, its a nice, sloppy, real-life bells and whistles sensory overload. Its very imperfect, very messy, very stressful and I think the show really allows you to laugh at the mess. Theyre not perfect mothers. Theyre trying their best and life is not straightforward and kids are not straightforward. But youre allowed to laugh at it together. And we can all watch and relate and that makes it easier, doesn't it?

It makes total sense that the BBC would want to do a Christmas special in particular, then, given how Christmas can be overhyped stress for many mums.

Well, thats the pressure we put on ourselves every year. Every year we go, this year its going to be amazing. But guess what? Every year its the same family stuff. Its the same pressure. Its the same stress. Its the same cost. And we dont seem to learn. We go in every year with this hope going, This year is going to be amazing! And end up scrapping with our siblings and falling out. Christmas doesn't always bring out the best in people. I think the Christmas special does tap into that really nicely.

Amandaland airs on Christmas Day at 9.15pm on BBC One
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Former Nickelodeon star Tylor Chase is receiving medical attention after a worrying video of the child actor went viral.

Chase, 36, was spotted on the streets of Riverside, California, appearing disheveled and homeless. In several clips filmed by fans, he confirmed that he was on the hit Nickelodeon series Neds Declassified School Survival Guide, playing the role of Martin from 2004-2007.

According to TMZ, the Riverside police said that they are familiar with Chase and interact with him at least once a week, offering him mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and temporary housing, which he continually declines.

In a video posted Thursday to Instagram, influencer Jake Harris shared that Chase was getting the help he needed.

Hes currently receiving medical attention to get him healthy, to get him all better and on track for rehab, Harris continued. Just know he is in good hands right now, being taken care of and hes off the streets.

open image in gallery Tylor Chase as Martin on Neds Declassified School Survival Guide ( Nickelodeon )

Harris is one of a handful of influencers and former child stars who have stepped up to help Chase after the video emerged.

Former child actor Shaun Weiss, who starred as Goldberg in The Mighty Ducks film franchise, asked fans for help finding Chase earlier in the week. After Chase was located, his former Neds Declassified School Survival Guide co-star Daniel Curtis Lee took him out for a meal and put him up in a hotel room.

After sharing the initial update on Chase, Harris shared another video to debunk reports that the former child star had left the hotel room in disarray.

This is the supposed trashed hotel room thats going viral. He did not trash the hotel, Harris wrote in an on-screen message appearing over a video of Chases room. Management was not upset. Dont believe every story you hear about Tylor.

open image in gallery 'Mighty Duck' star Shaun Weiss is looking to help former Nickelodeon child actor Tylor Chase after he appeared to be living on the streets in a recent viral video. ( shaunweiss/Instagram )

Neds Declassified star Devon Werkheiser has also spoken out about his co-stars situation, telling TMZ that Tylor was a sensitive, sweet, and kind kid. It is heartbreaking to see him this way.

I havent seen Tylor in almost 20 years since the show ended, he added, acknowledging: Anyone who has dealt with severe addiction and deep mental health issues knows its an unbelievably challenging situation if they dont want help.

Werkheiser, who led the classic teen sitcom from 2004 to 2007, expressed his hope that people would stop filming and uploading videos of Chase online for views.

My only hope is that from this exposure, someone with real understanding and resources can step in, get Tylor into treatment, and help him get back on track. We all want a happy ending, he said.
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Youve been given an ugly t-shirt and a book youve already read. But if you dont have the receipts, can you return them? Or what if someones given you a gift thats defective in some way?

Before you box up your unwanted presents and head to the shops, heres what the Australian Consumer Law  the rules on consumers rights and business responsibilities  says about asking for a return, exchange or refund under different circumstances.

Can I return gifts as change of mind without a receipt?

Australian consumer law generally doesnt require retailers to accept returns for change of mind alone.

So if you just didnt like the gift, thats not enough under the law to be able to ask for the money back.

If a business has a change of mind returns policy, they have to honour it. Otherwise, they may get in trouble for misleading conduct under the consumer law.

Australian consumer law generally doesnt require retailers to accept returns for change of mind alone. ( Getty Images )

But even for stores allowing change of mind returns, they usually have a list of exceptions, including underwear, beauty products, food and more  so check their rules.

All retailers will want to see some proof of purchase  though not necessarily the original receipt.

What are my rights if the gifts faulty?

If a product is defective, under Australian consumer law shoppers have a lot more rights than many people realise. It can help to use the phrase Australian consumer law so the retailer knows youre aware of your rights.

What you can ask for depends on whether or not theres a major failure of your basic rights under consumer law, known as consumer guarantees.

A major failure of a consumer guarantee is when the product:

is unsafe

has either one serious problem, or several smaller problems, which would have stopped a reasonable person from buying the product

is very different from the description, sample or demonstration the purchaser received before purchase

cant be used for its expected purpose and cant easily be fixed within a reasonable time.

In these cases, youre entitled to your choice of a replacement product or a full refund, if you can produce either a receipt or other proof of purchase.

For other more minor failures that can be remedied, the business only has to repair it for free within a reasonable time. It doesnt have to offer you a replacement or refund.

However, if youve caused damage to the product yourself, you may not be able to rely on the consumer guarantees.

There are exceptions to the consumer guarantees. For instance, some dont apply to goods sold by auction. And most dont apply to non-business sellers, such as private sellers on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.

What if the original packaging is missing or damaged?

If the product is faulty in one of the ways above, youre still entitled to those consumer law remedies  even if the original packaging is missing or damaged.

But if youre returning for change of mind, most retailers require the product to be in saleable condition, with packaging intact.

What counts as proof of purchase?

You need proof of purchase to establish your right to consumer guarantees, but this doesnt have to be a receipt.

Other types of proof of purchase can include:

a credit card statement

a warranty card showing the date and place of purchase

receipt number or reference number given over the phone or internet

the serial number, if this is stored in the stores computer system.

The law doesnt specify exactly what proof of purchase is sufficient. The consumer just needs to be able to reasonably prove they bought the item.

So if was a gift, youre likely to need some help from the gift-giver.

Importantly, you dont have to have an original copy: photos and photocopies also count. So if youre ever buying something expensive, take a photo of your receipt immediately. It can save you time and money later.

About the author Katharine Kemp is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law & Justice at UNSW Sydney. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Does it make a difference if it was bought online or in a shop?

For faulty products, Australian consumer law rights apply whether the gift was bought online or in a shop.

A guarantee thats especially helpful for online purchases is that goods must correspond with the description.

For example, you would be entitled to your choice of a refund or replacement if the photo advertising a suitcase showed or described a combination lock as a feature, but the one you received had no lock.

What if the store still says no?

If the products faulty, its illegal for businesses to refer to store policies or terms and conditions that deny your right to consumer guarantees  such as policies saying no refunds or exchanges on sale items.

If you think a business hasnt delivered on Australias consumer law guarantees, you may be able to ask for a repair, replacement, refund, cancellation or compensation for damages or loss.

You can read more on the process of making a complaint  starting with the business the item came from.
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A brand of gourmet milk chocolate bars has been urgently recalled due to an unlisted allergen.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration is warning customers that 112 units of Frans Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based milk chocolate bars may contain hazelnuts that were not listed on the label.

The plant-based sweet was made by Frans Chocolates, Ltd. in Seattle and was sold in 1.1 oz packages at four stores in the area. It was sold online between October 9 and December 15.

The FDA announced the recall December 20, adding that one customer has already reported having an allergic reaction from the chocolate. No other illness or death has been noted. Frans did not immediately return The Independents request for comment.

The almond milk chocolate ingredient had been tested for trace amounts of hazelnuts and tested positive, leading manufacturers to discover it had been processed on the same equipment as other products, health officials said.

open image in gallery Over 100 units of Fran's Chocolate have been recalled ahead of Christmas. ( AFP/Getty )

open image in gallery Fran's Chocolates is recalling Frans Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based because it has undeclared hazelnuts ( US Food & Drug Administration )

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnut run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product, the recall announcement said. The chocolate bar already included traces of milk, peanuts, and sesame, according to its label.

Customers who have the chocolates are urged not to consume the product and to contact the company. The bars can be returned to the store for a full refund.

Tree nuts, including hazelnuts, are some of the most common allergens. About 3.5 million people in the U.S. have a tree nut allergy.

The chocolate bars are not the only sweet treat facing a recall this festive season. Holiday bark sold at Aldi has also been recalled due to the presence of undeclared allergens in two flavors of the dessert.

Silvestri Sweets Inc. issued a voluntary recall that was expanded on December 23 after there was a packaging mix-up with the Choceur-branded Holiday Barks that switched the bags of the Cookie Butter Holiday Bark and the bags of the Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark.

That means meant that cookie butter flavor might contain undeclared pecans, while the pecan, cranberry & cinnamon flavor might contain undeclared wheat.

Aldi also recently recalled its Perfect Christmas Mozzarella Sticks in Blankets and urged customers not to eat them due to another allergy risk. The affected batch, which has a use-by date of December 15 and a barcode of 4069365328743, contained egg without the ingredient being mentioned on the label.
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The pursuit of financial savings has overtaken health improvements as the leading motivation for Britons participating in Dry January, according to a charity's latest findings.

Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind the initiative, estimates a "staggering" 17.5 million individuals plan to abstain from alcohol for the entire month.

Saving money was cited by 21 per cent as their primary driver, narrowly ahead of the 20 per cent focused on better health. Other significant motivations included weight loss (15 per cent), while 11 per cent aimed to improve their mental health and wellbeing or enhance physical fitness.

Alcohol Change UKs chief executive Dr Richard Piper said: Given the current pressure on our personal finances, were not surprised to see that saving money is the top motivator for taking a break from alcohol in January.

People are often shocked to hear estimates of what an average drinker spends on alcohol, which our research suggests is more than 62,000 over a lifetime  thats a lot of holidays, more than a brand new car or a big chunk off our mortgage.

Even on a day-to-day basis, our drinking habits add up, and we can easily find ourselves spending more money on alcohol than wed like  often without us really noticing until we step back and take a break.

In fact, many members of our community who are actively changing their relationship with alcohol report being surprised by how much money theyre saving in a short period of time, or in other words just how much they were spending on booze beforehand.

11 per cent of drinkers expressed a desire to enhance their mental health and wellbeing or boost their physical fitness ( iStock )

A total of 1.55 billion has been saved since 2018 by drinkers who used the charitys Try Dry app along with other online tools and groups to take part in Dry January, researchers found.

A closer look at figures from the app which tracks units drunk, calories and money saved while enabling drinkers to log dry days and get tips, found that drinkers also cut their alcohol consumption by 258 million units.

This is around 129 million pints of average strength beer or medium glasses of wine which amounts to approximately two units per drink.

They also avoided 16.2 billion empty calories  which is equivalent to around 80 million 200-calorie chocolate bars.

Some 31 per cent of UK drinkers said they had concerns about the long-term damage their alcohol consumption might be doing to them, a survey of 2,000 people carried out by Censuswide also found.

They also felt that alcohol may be negatively affecting their appearance, fitness, sleep and physical health and 52 per cent of drinkers said they had taken steps to manage their intake in the past year.

Public health minister Ashley Dalton said: Its fantastic that millions of people will be taking positive steps towards better health and wellbeing in the New Year.

As we work to build a healthier nation through our 10 Year Health Plan, initiatives like the Dry January challenge remind us that prevention starts with the choices we make every day, and the evidence shows it can lead to lasting changes.

Whether its improving sleep, boosting mental health or saving money, taking a break from alcohol can make a real difference to our lives.

Regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health, the NHS website states.

The number of units in a drink is based on the size of the drink and its alcohol strength.
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A fan favorite burger spot, Jack in the Box, has closed over 70 restaurants this year, with the potential for even more stores to follow in the days to come.

Earlier this year, the fast food franchise announced plans to permanently close 150 to 200 underperforming restaurants across the U.S., according to a press release. The move is part of the brands Jack on Track plan, which looked to improve the companys finances.

Jack in the Box said in April that between then and December 31, it would close 80 to 120 stores. The company has since followed through, shuttering a total of 71 restaurants as part of the Jack on Track plan.

However, as the company has yet to hit its target number of closed restaurants, more shops could shut within the next few days.

The Independent has contacted a representative for Jack in the Box for comment.

open image in gallery Jack in the Box closed 71 restaurants between April and December ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Jack in the Box said in April that it plan to close up to 120 restaurants by the end of 2025 ( Getty Images )

At the time of the April announcement, Jack in the Box was operating 2,200 locations across 22 states, most of which are located on the West Coast. California alone had 942 restaurants, making up 43 percent of the companys total.

When announcing the Jack on Track plan in the April press release, the company said that once its restaurant closure program was completed, Jack in the Box expects to deliver consistent, positive net unit growth, helped by the strong performance of new markets and tremendous whitespace opportunities.

In my time thus far as CEO, I have worked quickly with our teams to conclude that Jack in the Box operates at its best, and maximizes shareholder return potential, within a simplified and asset-light business model, Lance Tucker, Chief Executive Officer at Jack in the Box, said in a statement.

Our actions today focus on three main areas: addressing our balance sheet to accelerate cash flow and pay down debt, while preserving growth-oriented capital investments related to technology and restaurant reimage; closing underperforming restaurants to position ourselves for consistent net unit growth and competitive unit economics; and, an overall return to simplicity for the Jack in the Box business model and investor story.

The franchise was also hoping to pay off $300 million in debt in the next two years from closing these locations.

Meanwhile, Jack in the Box isnt the only chain riddled with issues.

Macys also announced plans to close 66 store locations and its iconic Fulton Street location in Brooklyn after 30 years by the end of 2025.
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The Christmas parade in a small Arizona desert town was meant to bring holiday cheer, but it ended in tragedy when a suspected drunk driver plowed into a group of spectators, killing a young child.

The fatal incident took place in Kayenta  a Navajo Nation township located about 300 miles northeast of Phoenix  on December 22, according to officials.

As locals gathered on the town streets to watch a Christmas parade, an allegedly intoxicated driver rammed into the crowd, striking four people and killing a three-year-old Navajo child, local officials said.

The driver, identified as 67-year-old Stanley Begay Jr., was arrested and charged with homicide by vehicle. He is being held in custody, and his arraignment is scheduled for January 13, 2026.

Under Navajo law, the maximum sentence allowed for someone convicted of homicide by vehicle is a year in prison and a $5,000 fine.

open image in gallery Stanley Begay Jr. is accused of driving into the crowd at a Christmas parade on Monday, killing a 3-year-old, according to Arizona officials. ( Kayenta Township )

The deceased child was identified by his family as Karson Apodaca, who they described in an online fundraiser as a joyful, loving 3-year-old who brought light to everyone around him.

This unimaginable loss has left his family heartbroken and facing challenges no one should ever have to endure, the family said.

They added that several other members of the family had been injured in the December 22 incident.

Not only did they lose their precious boy, but Karsons mom, her fiance, and his grandpa were also injured in the accident and are now on the long road to recovery, the family said.

The fundraiser says the money will be used to provide counseling and financial support for his loved ones as they heal emotionally and medically. As of Friday afternoon, the total stands at over $35,000.

To mourn the loss of life, the Kayenta community held a vigil on Christmas Eve, during which they sang carols and decorated a tree in Karsons honor, the family said.

open image in gallery "Karson was a joyful, loving 3-year-old who brought light to everyone around him," his family said. ( Gofundme.com )

open image in gallery "Not only did they lose their precious boy, but Karsons mom, her fiance, and his grandpa were also injured in the accident and are now on the long road to recovery," the family said. ( Gofundme.com )

Lucas Babycos, a lawyer licensed to practice in the Navajo Nation, told KTVK that he is hearing a lot of fear and anger about what occurred.

Under state law, a vehicular homicide conviction can carry a sentence of over 20 years, compared to the significantly lighter maximum sentence under Navajo Nation law.

I would like to see them adopt the enhanced sentencing act on the Navajo Nation, Babycos told the outlet.

In a statement, the Navajo Police Department urged people to be careful, look out for one another, and dont drink and drive.

A representative for the Navajo Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
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A man has been found dead in a shallow grave, with police believing he was killed just hours after leaving a party.

The victims body was discovered on Monday in Denton County, Texas, after a weeks-long search which began on December 2. He has been named locally as John Richardson, 24.

The Fort Worth Police Department told CBS News that 23-year-old Alexander James Nicholas has been arrested in connection with the case, after it was revealed that he had left the party with the victim.

The party was held on November 30, with the police receiving reports of the victims disappearance two days later. After suspecting foul play, they drafted in homicide detectives, which led them to Nicholas.

Officials told CBS that Nicholas had claimed that he left the victim alive at a location in Fort Worth, although evidence found by homicide detectives cast doubt on his story.

Alexander James Nicholas has been arrested for the murder of a victim in Fort Worth, after he allegedly left a party with her on November 30 ( Fort Worth PD )

The manner of the victims death has not yet been revealed, with the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office continuing its probe into the events leading to her death.

Police have yet to comment further, but reports indicate that additional arrests remain possible as their investigation continues.

A missing poster for Richardson describes the victim as having a silver hoop earring on his left ear and a tattoo on his right forearm.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call Fort Worth Police Department homicide detectives at 817-392-4338.

The Independent has contacted the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office for further comment.
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Police said a 12-year-old boy thwarted a burglary at his Long Island home this holiday season in an incident that has been likened to the classic Christmas film Home Alone.

Tristen Taylor, a seventh grader from the hamlet of Medford, was home alone Tuesday afternoon when he heard his kitchen window shatter and footsteps inside his house, according to CBS New York. Taylor was quick on his feet and escaped his home through his bedroom window.

I said, 'I have to get out the house, the quickest way possible,'" he told CBS New York.

Once outside, Taylor said he spotted a person inside his house, so he hid behind his garage and called 911, according to the outlet. "I was on the phone with them, waiting for them to get here," he said.

Officers received the call shortly before 1 p.m. and arrived at his home within three minutes, according to a press release from the Suffolk County Police Department. They found the 12-year-old uninjured.

A 12-year-old boy escaped his home and called 911 after he heard someone break into his Long Island home, police said ( Scott Olson/Getty Images )

The police department said officers found Christian Garcia, 53, inside the home and arrested him at the scene. Garcia was charged with third-degree burglary and possession of burglars tools. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday.

The Independent has contacted Garcias attorney for comment.

The incident has drawn comparisons to Home Alone, which follows eight-year-old Kevin McAllister as he fends off burglars targeting his home after his family forgot him when they left for a vacation.

Taylors grandmother, Timothea Taylor, told CBS New York the family is very proud of the 12-year-old.

"We were very proud that he was able to keep his composure and call the police as quickly as he did. Without even thinking about it, he automatically called 911," she said.

Neighbor Mike Campanella also praised Taylors quick thinking.

"I would hope my son would have done the same thing. When someone is breaking into the house, caution is to get out and call the police. You just have to be brave and call them, he told CBS New York.
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The remains of a missing Nebraska mother have been found more than a year after she disappeared as police take a person of interest into custody in the case.

Jerica Hamre was reported missing by her parents from Lincoln on July 3, 2024 after being last heard from days earlier on June 25. Hamre was 30 years old when she vanished.

Our heart breaks for Jericas family and friends who, for the last 18 months, have been searching for answers, Captain Ben Miller with the Lincoln Police Department said at a news conference Monday.

Police, along with family, friends and volunteers from the community were desperately looking for Hamre, searching near the very grounds she was ultimately found on numerous times, police said.

open image in gallery The remains of a missing Nebraska mother Jerica Hamre has been found more than a year after she disappeared as police narrow in on a person of interest in the case ( Lincoln Police Department )

The effort of searching over 1,000 square miles of timber, lakes, rivers, and farmland was daunting and never ended as the commitment to find her was unwavering, Miller said.

On December 17, the cops made a major breakthrough in Hamres case when her body was discovered on a rural farm in Furnas County, near Oxford, nearly a 3 hour drive southwest of Lincoln.

The Lincoln Police Department said a representative of the farms owners was inspecting the property for a sale when he found Hamres body in an old farm shed. Police say they do not believe Hamre has any connection to the farm or its owners.

Police believe Hamre had traveled from Lincoln towards the Oxford area, and that her body been at the farm for quite some time, Miller said.

Miller did not have information on Hamres exact cause of death but police are treating her case as a homicide.

open image in gallery On December 17, Hamre's body was discovered on a rural farm in Furnas County, near Oxford ( Lincoln Police Department )

Authorities have a person of interest in the case, who was already in custody on prior unrelated charges. Investigators do not believe the individual has any connection with the farm where Hamres body was found.

The identity of the person of interest has not been revealed and formal charges were not yet brought against the individual at the time of the press conference.

The Independent has reached out to the Lincoln Police Department for any updates in the case.

Hamres daughters have been in the care of her parents since she vanished, according to media reports.

This was not the outcome we had hoped for. We hoped that we could find Jerica alive and well and get her back to her family, Miller said. But I think there is value taken that we can get her back to her family at this point and they at least have some answers today.
PARIS, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- French police arrested a suspect after three women were injured in separate knife attacks at stations along Paris Metro Line 3 on Friday, according to local media.

French daily Le Parisien, citing police sources, reported that the three victims sustained light injuries and were treated by emergency services.

The suspect, described as a Malian-born man, escaped via another metro line before being arrested later at his home. Police sources quoted by Le Parisien said a terrorist motive had been ruled out.

Metro Line 3 has already resumed normal operations. 
A sign advertising specials at Reggie's bar, seen Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023. Madison Brooks, the 19-year-old LSU sophomore who was raped in the back of a car before being dropped off in a neighborhood near where she was fatally struck by a car on Burbank Drive about an hour later on Jan. 15 had been drinking at Reggie's before the incident, and deputies said she had a blood-alcohol level of .319, nearly four times the legal limit to drive and enough to give someone alcohol poisoning and render them unconscious.
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CultureTV & radioComedy Tyranny is booming: Jimmy Kimmel takes aim at Trump in UK Christmas message Lizzie Dearden December 26, 2025  10:00am 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

London: Jimmy Kimmel, the American late-night TV host, appeared on British television screens on Christmas Day to deliver a so-called alternative Christmas message, in which he said tyranny was booming in the United States. Kimmel was asked to give the speech on the public broadcaster Channel 4, which each year chooses a different high-profile and sometimes controversial figure to provide a counterpoint to the monarchs annual televised address. In a statement, Channel 4 said Kimmel had found himself on the front line of Americas battle over free speech. Jimmy Kimmel had a crack at the Trump administration in his Christmas message on Channel 4 in the UK. YouTube Previous speakers have included then-Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Edward Snowden, the former US intelligence contractor who disclosed mass surveillance techniques to news organisations. Kimmel joked that he knew little of the tradition, adding: I do know whats going on over here, though, and I can tell you that, from a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year. Tyranny is booming over here.

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In September, the American station ABC briefly suspended Kimmels show after comments he made about the man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In the speech on Thursday, Kimmel said US President Donald Trump wanted to shut me up because I dont adore him in the way he likes to be adored. He added that the ensuing backlash had forced executives to reinstate the show days later. Thanking the people who joined protests and posted online to support him, Kimmel said, We won, the president lost and now Im back on the air every night. Kimmel referred to the president as King Donny the Eighth and the guy who thinks he is our king, and accused the Trump administration of figuratively and literally tearing down the structures of our democracy. From the free press, to science, to medicine, to judicial independence, to the actual White House itself, we are a right mess, he added. He apologised to British viewers for any effects on their country and urged them, Dont give up on us.

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Kimmel said the United States was going through a bit of a wobble but would come around in time, and urged Britain to give us about three years in an apparent reference to the 2028 presidential election. Related Article Streaming Thought Kimmel was anti-Trump before? You should watch his show now I want you to know that were not all like him, were not all like that, Kimmel said. It may not seem like it, but we love you guys. Kimmels speech was broadcast about three hours after King Charles annual address, which urged compassion and reconciliation over division. The King celebrated the great diversity of Britain and spoke warmly of meeting people of non-Christian faiths, weeks after the Trump administration claimed Europe was facing the stark prospect of civilisational erasure because of immigration.

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NationalChina relations Opinion Im no spy, so why does ASIO think my stint in China is a black mark? Ciara Morris PhD candidate December 27, 2025  5:00am

December 27, 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

If you believe Australia needs Asia capability, then you must believe the Australian government and the wider workforce need Australians who have spent time living, studying and working in Asia. I am an Australian, with Mandarin language skills, studying a PhD in Hong Kong, researching the impact of nationalism on public perspectives of the Australia-China relationship. I was in Canberra recently to have conversations with ANU professors, think-tankers and government staff about my research. It took all of two seconds for someone to accuse me of being a spy. Ciara Morris, second from left, with Peking University classmates on the Great Wall of China in 2019. A senior political staffer, at a dinner among friends, who was meeting me for the first time, thought it was appropriate to openly question my national loyalty after learning I was interested in China. Joke or not, these all-too-frequent comments are a symptom of a wider problem: undue suspicion of Australians with China capability. I preface this by saying this feeling can be so much worse for Chinese Australians, for whom these jokes also take on a racial frame.

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I first moved to Asia in 2019 after completing my undergraduate degree in government and international relations in Sydney. I went to Beijing for my masters to learn more about China. Related Article Opinion

China relations How do we compete with Beijing when so few of us can speak Chinese? Lisa Visentin North Asia Correspondent Arriving back in Australia a year later, I was told by ASIO officers, waiting outside my home, that I would be unlikely to ever pass a security clearance to work in the Australian government given my time in China, and if I was smart, I wouldnt return. Unfortunately, this is not a unique story. Despite the threat atmosphere, I wasnt done with China. It didnt make sense to me, as an Australian, not to learn more about this massive and growing superpower to our north, our most important trading partner, a country of great social importance to our multicultural nation and also just because I found it interesting. A House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education is currently leading an inquiry into building Asia capability in Australia. This is a proposal of mammoth importance.

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As committee chair Tim Watts said: Australias future prosperity and security relies on the Asia capability of our people  the mix of cultural understanding, language facilities and regional experiences that are needed to be effective in Asia. After co-authoring the Australian Academy of Humanities 2023 report on Australias China Knowledge Capability, I assisted the academy in its submission to the inquiry. We wrote: For the last 20 years, Australias collective knowledge of Asia has developed without a co-ordinated strategy. Efforts to broaden Asia literacy and capability have been ad hoc, and initiatives have stalled as political tides have changed. A refreshed government discourse on the importance of Australian Asian capability is sorely needed. In the past month, I have attended two academic conferences, one in Shanghai and one in Melbourne, filled with established academics who have deep knowledge of China. Australian Asia capability does exist and can be found in university classrooms and think-tank offices around the country. But it is disconnected, often unacknowledged and it is untapped as a nationally strategic resource. It is also not actively cultivated, measured or nurtured to meet future expanding needs. Early-career researchers are struggling for funding and to find jobs in and outside of academia. Young Australians with Asia capability are leaving for jobs overseas.

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As a trading nation, Australias entire prosperity depends on our engagement with the world and, in particular, Asia. If we keep making cheap jokes about our own students being spies, were self-sabotaging our future. Related Article Opinion

China relations Have we seen the last head of Australian foreign affairs who speaks Mandarin? Ciara Morris PhD candidate Of course, national security is important and we absolutely need Australians legitimately protecting our nation from foreign interference. What we dont need is a culture where Australians distrust their fellow citizens purely because of time spent out of the country. We are a nation of migrants, and our collective knowledge of the world makes us stronger, not weaker. Every few years, the same story comes out: we need more Australians who have formal training in Asia. There are fantastic programs that exist to help Australians learn more about Asia, such as the National Colombo Plan for undergraduate students, and the Foundation for Australian Studies in China for postgraduate scholarships. But higher education is only one part of the story. We need a pipeline before university, and afterwards.

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We need to support our students so they want to study Asia, and we need to value professionals with Asia capability. We need to decide as a nation that we will value these Australians. We will vet everyone who applies for a government job, of course. But we will not judge people as un-Australian just for having an interest in other places. Ciara Morris is an Australian PhD candidate at the City University of Hong Kong.
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NationalBondi shooting Jihad Jack trained with terrorists. Then NSW gave him a gun permit Jordan Baker December 27, 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

In 2022, the year before alleged Bondi gunman Sajid Akram was permitted to have a gun, the NSW Firearms Registry granted a licence to one of the first men to be charged with anti-terrorism offences in Australia. His nickname was Jihad Jack. The permit, given to a man who had once shaken hands with Osama bin Laden and had fought for the Taliban, did not ring alarm bells in the NSW Police counterterrorism unit for two weeks after it was issued, and did so only because he attempted to have his licence transferred into another of his many names. The permit was not formally revoked for a full year. During his appeal, the registry argued that it shouldnt have to verify the information that it was given. Jihad Jack pictured outside the Victorian Supreme Court in 2005. Now known as Jack ORourke, he was briefly granted a firearms licence before police intervened. Shannon Morris The case shows how warning signs have been ignored or missed at the NSW Firearms Registry, and it raises questions about whether there are more people who have been approved for gun permits despite having red flags in their background. Jack ORourke, once known as Joshua Thomas, travelled from Australia to Afghanistan in 2001 to fight for the Taliban and train for jihad. He told Australian media that he met Bin Laden several times. A court would later hear that an agent for Bin Laden had approached him to act as a sleeper cell in Australia.

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Upon his return, he was found guilty of receiving funds from al-Qaeda, the extremist group behind the September 11 attacks on the US, but the conviction was overturned on appeal. He was put under a control order to protect the public from a terrorist act. It expired in 2007. Yet in late 2020, he applied for a NSW category AB firearm licence in the name of Jack ORourke Hammond. He said he wanted to hunt pests on a property owned by his wife. When the form asked if the applicant had been known by any other name, it allowed space for just one answer. He said hed also been known as Jack Thomas. He says he told registry staff verbally that hed also been known as Joseph Thomas. Sajid Akram conducting firearms training in late October 2025. NSW Police The NSW Firearms Registry decided to grant him a licence on January 11, 2022. On the same day, he emailed staff to ask that the licence be reissued under his new name, Jack ORourke, and attached documents showing that hed also been known as Jack Terrence Thomas and Joseph Thomas, which is the name under which he had been prosecuted. The police version of events, as related to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal in 2023, is that two weeks later, a counterterrorism sergeant contacted the registry. He told staff that Joseph Thomas had previously been charged with terrorism offences. The sergeant asked that his licence be revoked. Police said it was suspended the next day, and revoked a year later.

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Police also submitted to NCAT that the Firearms Registry should not have to investigate to determine the accuracy of the information provided, the written decision said. ORourkes version of events was different. He said he gave his original name on his application, which, he said, was more than enough considering the ridiculous amount of media coverage he had received, the NCAT decision said. His licence was not suspended after 15 days. It was valid on the Firearms Registry for over a year without incident. NCAT upheld the police decision, despite ORourkes protestations that he deeply regretted the mistakes of his past and was now a hard-working, happily married man. The tribunal said it was not in the public interest for someone with ORourkes background to have access to firearms. The scene of a 2018 shooting in West Pennant Hills and John Edwards, inset. Janie Barrett/LinkedIn Jihad Jacks licence approval came after another catastrophic and widely criticised decision by the NSW Firearms Registry. In January 2017, it had approved a man called John Edwards for a permit to shoot at sporting ranges. There were 18 previous incidents involving Edwards on the police database, 15 of which related to AVOs, stalking, assault allegations or so-called adverse interactions in relationships.

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The following year, Edwards shot and killed his two children. A surviving daughter told how hed spent 50 years traumatising the women and children in his life without remorse. In 2021, coroner Teresa OSullivan found that Edwards should have been refused a licence if the material available to police had been properly analysed. She also found that systemic problems in the registry are highly likely to have adversely affected the adjudication of a very significant number of recreational licence applications. Another killer who held a NSW gun permit was Nathaniel Train, who legally owned four rifles and a shotgun. His licence was suspended in August 2022, many months after he unlawfully crossed into Queensland during the 2021 COVID lockdowns amid what an inquest showed appeared to be an unravelling of his mental health. He still had some of the guns when he and his brother shot and killed three people. Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train, who were killed in a shootout that left two police officers and a neighbour dead, have been labelled Christian extremists. Train did not have a concerning record, but the case raised issues about how information flows across borders. The data held by Queensland police was out of date. At the time, many jurisdictions  including NSW  had not yet digitised its firearm registries. A 2019 auditor-generals report had also criticised the NSW registry for leaving key decisions about licence revocations to junior staff, failing to validate data, using outdated technology and being heavily reliant on manual data entry, which could be prone to errors.

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Sajid Akram applied for a NSW gun permit in 2020. Three years later, it was granted, even though he lived with his son, Naveed, who had been investigated by ASIO for his links to terrorist sympathisers in 2019 (he was not found to pose a risk). Naveed joined his father on their killing spree in Bondi on December 14, in which 15 people died and about 40 were injured. Serious questions will be asked about whether the NSW Firearms Registry investigated Akrams history; whether it had access to information from federal agencies such as ASIO  which told NSW Police that Naveed had been put on a known entity management list; whether notoriously bad relationships between NSW Police and their federal counterparts, or jurisdictional issues, had interfered with the exchange of information. Related Article Exclusive

Crime Jihad Jack, who once met Bin Laden, has gun licence revoked The three-year delay for the approval of the licence wasnt because the registry had raised flags, but rather because it was a shambles, said Police Minister Yasmin Catley. There had been serious backlogs between 2020 and 2023. It appears that it was quite normal for a licence to be issued between two to three years. Thats unacceptable. However, their systems were upgraded significantly in 2023. Since then it hasnt been my experience that weve experienced those delays. Catley has previously said that the registry had not been fully digitised until 2023. The ammunition reports remained paper-based, said one person (who works in a gun shop) on the condition of anonymity because they did not have permission to speak. At present, ammunition is registered on a paper log that can be inspected by police.

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Australians have prided themselves on world-leading gun laws instituted after the Port Arthur massacre, which banned semi-automatic weapons, tightened licensing rules and introduced a national firearms register. But many did not realise that the laws meant there were still millions of guns in circulation. A report by The Australia Institute in January this year raised the alarm. It found that while there are fewer gun owners than after the National Firearm Agreement after the Port Arthur massacre, those who have guns have more of them. NSW has the most, 1.23 million. There are two people in NSW who own more than 300 each, although they are most likely collectors whose guns have to be disabled (some collections, says Robert Linnegar from the Antique Arms Collectors Society of Australia, can be worth millions; a single Holland and Holland rifle, the type used by kings, costs upwards of $340,000). Guns collected during a previous amnesty scheme Craig Sillitoe The same report also showed support for West Australian laws introduced in 2023 to limit the number of guns owned by recreational shooters to five. The states number of firearms has been cut by a quarter. A poll showed 78 per cent support among the public. Despite this, no other government acted. Earlier this year, the Minns government in NSW was considering a plan to enshrine a right to hunt in law and to allow silencers, before backing away (a government spokesman said silencers were never on the table). Now, after 15 people died when two gunmen who legally owned six guns allegedly opened fire on a Jewish religious festival, there will be action. The NSW government will tighten gun laws and provide more resources to the registry. The new laws will ban someone from owning a gun if they or someone they live with has been investigated for terrorism offences, and most licence holders will be able to own only four guns rather than an unlimited number.

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The new laws will prevent non-citizens from owning guns, and licence terms will be reduced from five to two years to increase the frequency of reviews. Gun owners will no longer be able to appeal against the revocation of their licence in NCAT. Those with more than four guns will be able to hand them back under a firearms buyback next year. These are measures that gun safety advocates and experts have been calling for over years, says Greens MP Sue Higginson. The public seems to agree. A Herald/Age Resolve Political Monitor poll found three-quarters of Australians believed laws had to be toughened. Many thought machete crime was the worst thing we could face because guns were assumed to be rare, said pollster Jim Reed. The simple question many Australians are asking is why people in our cities need a gun at all. This story has been updated to include the NSW governments position on silencers. Get alerts on breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.
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NSW Police did not heed requests for a stronger police presence ahead of the deadly Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration, even after the Jewish communitys security group had deemed the event high-risk. Community Security Group, the volunteer-led organisation that arranges security for synagogues, Jewish schools and community events and liaises with police on behalf of Jewish organisations, determined the annual Hanukkah gathering, one of the biggest on the Sydney Jewish communitys calendar, was high-risk based on its size, location and profile. Rabbi Yossi Friedman (right) leads people in prayers at Archer Park last week. Kate Geraghty The risk assessment led CSG to ask NSW Police for multiple officers to be stationed at the December 14 celebration for its duration. Instead, junior officers roaming Bondi Beach on a broad patrol had been instructed to monitor the event intermittently, a source with knowledge of the arrangements told this masthead. The officers happened to be checking in at the event when the attack began, and were inside the barrier.

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But multiple sources with knowledge of the security arrangements with police, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the subject, confirmed CSG had deemed the event had a significant risk profile and that it had requested a stronger police presence than what was ultimately deployed at the beach ahead of the celebration. Mendy Ulman, son of Chabad Bondis chief rabbi who organised the event, described Levitan as hyper intense on all security matters. Ulman said the event was considered high risk because it was held in Archer Park every year. The locations of other Jewish community events, generally not held in public places, are held tightly by organisers and are revealed only to attendees hours before starting. He recalled that, at last years event, there were a lot more police present, and that a police car had been parked within the fences of the event and that some officers were stationed mostly at the entrance. Perhaps it would have been effective if there was actually police standing outside the barricade, but all I saw was two cops walking around inside the barricade, and CSG were outside, at the entrance, Ulman said.

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A CSG volunteer was among those injured. Lanyon has refused to answer a growing list of questions in the days since the mass shooting, including about what concerns community members and organisers raised ahead of the Hanukkah by the Sea event, what risk assessment, if any, was done, and why there were no heavily armed officers at Bondi Beach. Two junior officers, Constable Scott Dyson and Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, who had a combined 21 months of experience between them, were critically injured in the shooting. Emergency services responding to the shooting at Bondi Beach on December 14. Janie Barrett Hibbert and his partner were patrolling the park when father and son Sajid, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, started shooting at a crowd of Jewish families. Hibbert was shot in the head and the shoulder as he tried to get members of the public to safety.

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Dyson is believed to have been shot when he and his partners car was sprayed with bullets as they arrived at the park shortly after the Akrams began firing from a footbridge off Campbell Parade. NSW Police declined to comment on whether a larger police presence had been requested when contacted. The circumstances of December 14 are now subject to three separate ongoing investigations: a critical incident investigation, a criminal investigation and a coronial inquest. The spokesman deferred to Lanyons comments at a press conference on December 16, where the commissioner was asked why additional resources had not been present. That is subject to the investigation. We base our policing response on the threat that exists at the time. A lot of work is done between ourselves and the Jewish community. Bondi Beach is a large and public area. We regularly patrol that area, as we did on that day, Lanyon said. A spokeswoman for NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the minister was unaware of CSGs request being made. 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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NationalBird flu The number of infections that could make or break the next bird flu pandemic Angus Dalton December 27, 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

It could start when a farmer comes home sick in a small village in the Namakkal district of southern India, where 70 million chickens lay 60 million eggs a day. Perhaps a colleague who works on one of the regions 1600 poultry farms also falls ill with the mysterious flu. A new study has identified how many cases of bird flu would give way to an outbreak if the virus mutated to spread between humans. Michael Howard At this stage, a bird flu pandemic among humans could be contained, if those infected and their close contacts are strictly quarantined. If more than two fall ill, the risk of wider infection rears its head, according to a new modelling study that simulated what could happen if the virus mutates to spread between people.

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Once 10 people have the virus, no means of local containment, bird culling or quarantine will suffice: a widespread outbreak is all but assured. It is in the very early stages of an outbreak that control measures make the most difference, the researchers from Ashoka University in India wrote. An electron microscope image showing avian influenza virus particles (yellow). CDC via AP Once community transmission takes over, cruder public health measures such as lockdowns, compulsory masking and large-scale vaccination drives are the only options left. The researchers used real-world data and repurposed a COVID-19 simulation program to predict how an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu could flare into a pandemic.

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It took only 10 active cases to mark the threshold beyond which early containment was as effective as doing nothing, the results of the modelling study in BMC Public Health found, highlighting the slim window of opportunity authorities would have to clamp down on a human-transmissible mutation of the virus. In the real world, humans remain a dead-end host for the virus: we can catch the disease from animals but we cant easily pass it on to other people. H5N1 has hit elephant seals on Heard Island, a sub-Antarctic Australian territory, scientists confirmed in November. Matt Curnock There is no evidence the virus has gained the ability to spread from human to human, or spread through the air. These mutations may never arise, said biostatistics expert Professor Adrian Esterman from Adelaide University. The World Health Organisation says the risk to public health from bird flu is low. But the more bird flu circulates within wild and farmed mammal populations, the more likely unwanted mutations could arise.

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The problem H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b of the virus has remained best adapted to target cells in the guts of birds, but it has repeatedly leapt from waterfowl and poultry to devastate mammals including sea lions, foxes, dolphins and farmed minks. Infection between cows in the US is a major concern for those worried about a potential sustained leap into humans. Another new study in Nature confirmed newer variants of the virus are better at infecting cow cells and tissues. The better adapted they become to infect mammals, the more chances they have to infect and adapt to humans  as we saw with the 2009 swine flu pandemic, said Professor Pablo Murcia, from the MRCUniversity of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research and co-author of the research. Avian flu jumped into cattle for the first time in Texas last year. AP A mutation in a single amino acid could be enough to let the virus bind to human cells in the upper respiratory tract rather than bird guts. (One study found the virus circulating in cows can bind only weakly to human cells.)

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Other important changes would be needed to sustain human-to-human infection, including airborne transmission. Symptoms in humans can include high fever, muscle aches and conjunctivitis. There are about 1000 cases of humans becoming infected with bird flu since 2003 with a mortality rate of about 50 per cent, although this is probably overestimated because many asymptomatic cases would have gone unreported, Esterman said. At least 71 people have caught the virus in the US since the outbreak started last year, and two have died  one in January from H5N1 and another, from a different type called H5N5, in November. In May 2025, the Trump administration scrapped a $US700 million ($1.05 billion) contract awarded to Moderna to develop and clinically test its bird flu vaccine, designed to fight a potential human pandemic. But in late December, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations stepped in to fund Modernas phase 3 clinical trials of the vaccine with $US54.3 million.

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Related Article Biosecurity Could we vaccinate wild populations against the looming bird flu catastrophe? The trial will take place in the US and Britain to test the safety and efficacy of the RNA vaccine. In the event of an H5N1 influenza pandemic, Modernas Australian manufacturing facility would work to support the national response by manufacturing an approved H5N1 product, subject to regulatory authorisation and government direction, the company said in a statement. Australia remains the only continent spared from an incursion of the problem clade of the virus, which has wiped out millions of birds and other animals. The virus has, however, hit elephant seals on Heard Island, a sub-Antarctic Australian territory 4000 kilometres from Perth. The Examine newsletter explains and analyses science with a rigorous focus on the evidence. Sign up to get it each week.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the U.S. military launched a "powerful and deadly" strike on the Islamic State (IS) branch in northwestern Nigeria.

"Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!" Trump said on his Truth Social.

"The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes," Trump wrote, vowing that the United States will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper.

The U.S. Africa Command said the strike was carried out in Sokoto State in coordination with Nigerian authorities and killed multiple IS militants. In an earlier statement posted on social media X, the command said the operation had been conducted at Nigeria's request, but removed the statement later.

The strike came about a week after the United States struck over 70 suspected IS-linked targets in Syria in retaliation for the killing of two U.S. service members and an interpreter.

On Oct. 31, Trump claimed on Truth Social that thousands of Christians were being killed in Nigeria by "radical Islamists," declaring Nigeria a "country of particular concern."

Although the Nigerian government immediately rejected Trump's claims, saying that the accusations "do not reflect the situation on the ground" and vowing to fight terrorism, Trump accused the Nigerian government of not doing enough to prevent the killing of Christians.

In a post on Nov. 1, Trump threatened that the U.S. forces "may very well go into" Nigeria to "completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities."

Days later, the Economic Community of West African States described Trump's allegations that terrorist attacks in Nigeria were targeted at Christians as "false and dangerous," expressing solidarity with the region's most populous country.

With a population of over 230 million people and large reserves of crude oil, Nigeria is divided roughly in half between Christians and Muslims. With Muslims predominant in the north, violence against Christians has escalated there over the past decade as Islamist extremist groups like Boko Haram have expanded their influence, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, a New York-based think tank.

Founded in northeastern Nigeria in 2002, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the self-proclaimed Islamic State, rebranding itself as the Islamic State in the West African Province in 2015. The group has consolidated control over northeastern Nigeria and parts of Niger since 2021. 
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NationalVictoriaEducation Student council votes to self-destruct  or does it? Caroline Schelle December 26, 2025  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

A student council meeting at La Trobe University ended in chaos when a breakaway group voted to dissolve the body because of claims it wants to stifle free speech and campus democracy. The La Trobe Student Council held a meeting this month at which eight of its members supported a motion to scrap the body. La Trobe University students Tully McEwan and Xavier Dupe. Joe Armao The university set up the council in March, over opposition from the existing student union on campus. Students argued the university wanted the management-sanctioned body to rival the La Trobe Student Union, which has been at odds with the administration over multiple issues.

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A post, since removed from Instagram, shows the chaotic moment when Xavier Dupe moved the motion to dissolve the council. Another attendee at the online gathering tried to continue the meeting despite the motion. I dont recognise this motion, facilitator Kerry Ferguson told the council. The university said the council would continue with its work and was not dissolved. Erin Jonasson The university said Ferguson was an independent facilitator with expertise in governance, wellbeing and conflict management. It said she was not an employee of the university and did not a hold a role on the student council. Her LinkedIn profile lists her as a former pro-chancellor at La Trobe. According to the university, the recording uploaded to social media was made without consent and was an edited version.

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[It] has since been voluntarily removed, a La Trobe university spokesperson said in a statement. The university did not respond to a request for a copy of the meeting minutes. Related Article Exclusive

University La Trobe students revolt over Russian-style union elections The motion aired at the meeting accused university management of a coup against eight students who claim they were undemocratically excluded from attending because they refused to sign a volunteer agreement. Those students claim the agreement is a gag order. The students say that at the first council meeting in October eight councillors who campaigned against the body were excluded without notice, while six candidates who lost elections were invited to attend in their place.

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This management-engineered replacement of elected representatives is a blatant coup and exposes the councils false claim to democracy, the motion read. The students who supported the motion argue they successfully passed it with eight votes. However, those who voted for the motion were sacked from the council, according to Dupe. Management punished every student who voted for the motion by sacking us from the council, and telling students we resigned, which is a lie, he said. He is listed as resigned on the student council website. Dupe said most of those who sat on the council wanted it dissolved.

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The council no longer represents students. Its now just a PR department of the university. Related Article Updated

Education University students face expulsion over pro-Palestine protests He said the body was set up to punish the student union for pro-Palestine campaigning, and university management wanted a student organisation to rubber-stamp their cuts to courses and staff. To defend student democracy, we had no choice but to dissolve the council. Another councillor, Tully McEwan, who is also listed as resigned on the council website, said the dissolution was a win for student democracy and free speech.

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Half the council were excluded from the first meeting because we refused to sign a gag order from the university. Our decision to dissolve the council shows management that we wont be silenced so easily. Students on campus demanded the council be dissolved, she said. However, the university said in a statement that those students who refused to sign the volunteer agreement did not accept their places on the council, and were not considered active. They were invited to a December meeting. La Trobe said the council would continue with its work and was not dissolved. A small group of previously elected students have falsely claimed that the council has been dissolved. This is not true, a La Trobe spokesperson said. There were no motions or decisions made at the meeting earlier this month that were properly put forward, the spokesperson said.

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The meeting was to discuss composition of the council and there was no formal agenda. Related Article Education Melbourne Uni staffer sacked for racism, 17 students reprimanded over protests It was not a business meeting and therefore did not have a formal agenda and was not intended to consider motions or undertake deliberations, the spokesperson said. The university denied claims it was stifling free speech, or trying to replace the student union with an administration-sanctioned alternative. The university has not silenced free speech, but has ensured fairness, safety and respect for students actively participating in the student council, it said.

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It said it did not exclude or pre-vet candidates, but former student organisation office holders and those with bad academic standing are barred from the council. Some members of the Student Council chose not to sign the volunteer agreement and others resigned, the university said. The spokesperson said the university had no plans to replace the existing union, and that the council was established to expand opportunities for student engagement in academic governance, strategy development and major projects. La Trobe Student Union public affairs officer Maeve Russack said the union opposed the existence of the council because it was an undemocratic attempt to stifle the political activity of the union. Russack said the university wanted to dismiss the democratic will of the student body.

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CLARIFICATION An earlier version of this story stated that La Trobe University tried to impose a code of conduct banning criticism of Israel and the war in Gaza for university-sponsored sessions at the Bendigo Writers Festival. That was incorrect. The code of required participants to avoid language or topics that could be considered inflammatory, divisive, or disrespectful and comply with the Universities Australia definition of antisemitism.
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Opinion NationalVictoriaEditorial Water company revelation no surprise from a government with a contempt for transparency The Age's View December 27, 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

As you are washing your dishes or refilling glasses this holiday season, spare a thought for the customers of Greater Western Water (GWW) across Melbourne. It has been an unnecessarily stressful year for far too many of them. You can choose what you give people for Christmas, but households and businesses cannot choose their water retailer. So when City West Water and Western Water were merged in 2021, creating a new authority for people in the CBD, inner north, Footscray, Werribee, Sunbury and Melton, customers had no choice but to trust that billing and information handling would be integrated with a minimum of disruption. Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has provided Greater Western Water with a letter promising financial support until November next year if needed. The opposition calls it a de facto bailout. Justin McManus As The Ages reporting has shown, that trust has been betrayed. When the merged service launched the $100 million-plus upgrade of its billing system in May 2024, some people found themselves being charged for their entire apartment blocks water usage. Others discovered their bills had been sent to old postal and email addresses, compromising their privacy and potentially their safety.

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More than three-quarters of the services 600,000 customers received their bills late, while others told us they were sent text messages asking for payment of incorrect amounts. Some bills left the due date unclear. As the problems of the new system snowballed, with each bill having to be checked manually, GWW decided to pause its direct-debit facility. Some customers did not realise and have been accruing unpaid bills. The facility is yet to be restored. Related Article Water Taxpayers offer life raft after water giants $200 million IT disaster It is hardly surprising that this debacle has affected GWWs bottom line. But on the eve of Christmas, Victorian taxpayers found a most unwelcome surprise under the tree: a letter from Treasurer Jaclyn Symes promising the company financial support until November 2026. The letter was accompanied by the belated release of the companys annual report  months after that of every other provider  revealing a near $200 million operating cash loss and rising debts. In July, the independent review by Nous Group into what went wrong noted that it had made some near-term recommendations that GWW had implemented  quickly. Among these was to [develop] a proactive communications approach to better explain to the community what happened. Is this Christmas Eve release an example of the new regime?

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The timing of these revelations sums up the cynicism that permeates the conduct of government in this state. The public needs to be reassured that the sort of errors committed here wont be allowed to happen again. Sending out this sort of information in the holiday season suggests the government and GWW are more interested in ensuring that we dont notice. Sadly, we have become accustomed to this contempt for public awareness on the part of officials. It has been most obvious in the states annual Dump Day, when hundreds of reports from government agencies and departments were tabled at once in a brazen bid to confound scrutiny. Water Minister Gayle Tierney refused interview requests, with the government pointing us instead to the independent review it commissioned. Eamon Gallagher Thankfully, amendments to the Financial Management Act put forward by the Greens this year look set to end this terrible tradition. But the list of offences against transparency is a long one. It is tempting to see the way in which the Suburban Rail Loop first came into being  outside normal planning channels and without an independent cost-benefit analysis  as the archetype. The wider regime of non-disclosure agreements surrounding its construction and that of other major infrastructure projects is an extension of the problem.

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Opposition Leader Jess Wilson described Symes letter promising financial support to GWW as a de facto bailout. One has to hope that in the new year  an election year  we are not confronted with the need for an actual bailout, with all the additional uncertainty that would result. But should that end up being the case, we need a government that is prepared to front up and answer our questions, not to fob us off with talk of reviews and reports down the track. Whether thats a choice well have come November is far from clear. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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PoliticsVictoriaMillennials Opinion Doh-mographics: What Millennials want from Labor and the Coalition Kieran Rooney State political reporter December 27, 2025  5:00am

December 27, 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

Politically, I have become Homer Simpson. Thats not a comment on my waistline. Rather an acceptance that at the age of 34, Im closer to Homer than Ive ever been. Homer and Marge are now Millenials. Dependent on what season youre watching, the star of The Simpsons is either 36, 39 or 42. In other words, Homer is a Millennial. A member of the biggest generation in Australian history.

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Both of the women vying to be premier of Victoria know this is a group they need to win to triumph in the November 2026 state election. Related Article Sex & relationships From swearing off men to polyamory: How Millennials are changing the face of modern love Premier Jacinta Allan has already promised to be the leader who got Millennials into homes. When she proclaimed this in 2024, she correctly said kids who watched Bart and Lisa now had the worries of Homer and Marge. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, 35, was elevated promising to put a new generation in charge. Her leadership team, barring 76-year-old Bev McArthur, are Millennials like her. Both leaders will pledge to throw the proverbial kitchen sink at these voters. But what do Millennials actually want?

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This year, the most common age for an Australian was 34 years old. As one of those 34-year-olds, I will try to furnish Wilson and Allan with some ideas. Both Labor and the Coalition are right to talk about housing affordability as much as possible. It is the single-biggest policy failure affecting younger generations. Allan has a head start here, having spent her two years as premier working on policies ranging from building more townhouses and towers around railway activity centres to reforming planning to speed up the timelines for new homes. Wilson, who on becoming leader made housing one of her four key policy areas, will have to convince Millennial voters in 2026 that she can do better, but the path is treacherous. Government insiders believe protests against density in Melbournes east and bayside are electoral gold that can be used to tell young voters that the Coalition is the chief impediment to tackling the housing crisis. Allans team has shown it is all too happy to spur on this fight.

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Wilson has proposed axing stamp duty for first home buyers on all properties up to $1 million. Reforms on property taxes like stamp duty are in the Liberals DNA and a good area for them to try to differentiate from Labor. If she follows this path, Wilson will be pressured daily to explain how shell maintain a budget that reduces one of the states biggest sources of income. In September, demographer Simon Kuestenmacher predicted Millennials would continue to be pushed to the citys fringes for another 12 years. After this point, he said, enough Baby Boomers will have died or downsized for the middle suburbs to truly densify. Jess Wilson and Jacinta Allan. Stephen Kiprillis Party leaders would be wise in 2026 to pledge as much money as possible for hospitals, schools and transport infrastructure at the edge of Melbourne, particularly in the north and west. While traffic snarls continue to be a major issue, dont expect many with a long commute along a single-lane highway to oppose policies that encourage working from home.

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Over the same 12-year period that Kuestenmacher mentioned, he predicts Millennials will have plenty of babies. Potential political fights for 2026 and beyond will be over pressures on maternity services, hospital budgets and capacity for childcare and schools. There is one element of this predicted baby boom that is far more difficult but, if solved, could deliver some of the biggest electoral benefits. Put simply, the trade-off between your career or having kids. A major challenge for Millennials is how to handle the increasingly contradictory demands between a well-paying job, a satisfying career and starting a family. Most people in this age bracket wont make it to 9am without thinking about children. Not just if or when to have them, but how this would be achievable.

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In an environment where two incomes are needed to afford a home, discussions between couples about children have an extra tension. Who would be willing to take a job they hate but pays more or has more reasonable hours? Should you apply for a dream job if its a short-term contract or doesnt have parental leave? Yes, at its core this is a cost-of-living issue, but there is a broader challenge here about what the Australian Dream actually looks like and what we value as a society. We have for years spruiked a world where men and women can both have careers, equal pay and a family. The reality is that, during the years when you are arguably your most productive, you cannot achieve one of these goals without one person in the relationship making a major trade-off. This is a problem for workplaces around the world. There are many excellent young journalists who have left my industry because they sought a more secure lifestyle to provide for their family.

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Political offices are often dogged by brain drain as 30 and 40-year-olds disappear for a decade into the private sector. The consequence is, despite there being plenty of Millenials in the workforce, many institutions struggle to retain them and miss out on the contributions they can make. Related Article Opinion

Millennials We cant afford convertibles. So how do Millennials have a midlife crisis? James Colley Comedian, author and TV writer from Western Sydney Millennials were not the first to have this problem and wont be the last, but the size of the generation combined with the nations ageing population has made the issue more pronounced. With the weight of numbers, what better time to find a solution? Improving housing and childcare affordability will help. Governments have also made strides in areas such as parental leave and childcare, but the choice between a career and a family remains a constant anxiety for many Millennials.

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If Labor and the Coalition strategists really want to finish 2026 having won government and a generation of Homers and Marges, here is a problem begging for action. Kieran Rooney is a Victorian state political reporter at The Age. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.
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PoliticsVictoriaWater restrictions Water warning as Melburnians put on alert for restrictions Kieran Rooney December 27, 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

Melburnians are at risk of water restrictions for the first time this decade after dam levels fell in 2025 and the state recorded its lowest inflows on record from January to June. The Victorian governments water outlook for 2026 has upped its warnings across the state, including advising that there is now a chance that restrictions could be introduced for Melbourne residents over the next 12 months. Although this is listed as a rare likelihood that would occur in the event of a significant dry spell, it is the first time the risk has been flagged in the five years of outlooks since 2020-21. Authorities will spend the next 12 months trying to boost supply but have warned that Melbournes water levels recorded a steep 13.2 per cent decline in the past 12 months, or 239 billion litres less than the same time last year.

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Related Article Drought These Victorian towns have water restrictions. Remember them? Reduced rainfall in the first half of the year meant that Melbourne recorded its biggest decline in water levels since the millennium drought, an example of how quickly dry conditions can reduce storage. If dry conditions persist, storages can fall quickly. If levels drop too far, water restrictions would almost certainly be required, the citywide outlook for Melbourne said. Only 60 billion litres of inflows were recorded from January to June 2025, the lowest on record for this time of year. Water outlooks written and prepared by the Victorian government and the states water corporations, show that since 2020, the citys water supplies have been at high levels and were close to full as recently as 2023.

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But these were challenged throughout 2025 by lower rainfall and higher usage, with dams and reservoirs currently sitting at 75.1 per cent capacity for the city. In the last financial year, Melbournes four major storage facilities received 305 billion litres, well below the 30-year average, but the citys customers used 500 billion litres. Inside the Wonthaggi desalination plant. Tim Young Daily water usage rose, with 169 litres used per person compared with 163 litres the year before. The citys water authorities have encouraged Melburnians to target usage of 150 litres per person, per day. To offset these challenges, the government ordered 50 billion litres of desalinated water which has been successfully delivered.

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No restrictions are expected over summer, but Yarra Valley Water managing director Natalie Foeng said conserving water now was vital to slow the current rate of decline. Melburnians have always adapted in dry times, and we need to do that again now, she said, speaking on behalf of all Melbourne water corporations. The Thomson Dam in 2008. Craig Abraham Our storages are secure today, but this years sharp fall shows how quickly they can drop in dry conditions and when rainfall is low. By using water wisely now, we can avoid or delay restrictions and protect supplies for our growing city.

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Water The tipping point: Where does our water come from  and could it run out? A public make every drop count campaign will run over summer with households encouraged to keep to four-minute showers, only use dishwashers and washing machines when full and check taps and hoses for leaks. Permanent water saving rules already dictate that sprinklers and watering systems can only run between 6pm and 10am and hard surfaces such as driveways must not be hosed. In a separate outlook prepared for the entire state, Water Minister Gayle Tierney said there had been welcome late rain in November, but Victoria had entered summer with lower dam levels than previous years. This has increased the likelihood of urban water restrictions in 2026.

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Without the 50 billion litres of desalinated water ordered from the Victorian Desalination Plant by the Victorian government, Melbournes water storages would have continued to fall as catchments received a low winter and spring harvest, Tierney said in the document. In regional Victoria, water levels are under more strain. Across the state, dams and reservoirs are at 57 per cent capacity, a fall of 21 percentage points on the year before. Loading Due to prolonged below-average rainfall conditions experienced across most of Victoria for the second consecutive year, water restrictions are possible for some cities and towns during the December 2025 to November 2026 outlook period, the report says. However, some regional towns could see restrictions sooner than others under median, dry or worst on record scenarios.

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Mansfield, in Victorias high country, is considered likely to have water restrictions, and these could be in place within three months under a median scenario, which is in the middle of the range of possible weather conditions. Related Article Exclusive

Water Second desalination plant on the table as state responds to drought fears Water restrictions around Bright are considered possible within the next 12 months, with North East Water looking to secure additional water entitlements in the upper Ovens River to manage demand. Stage 1 water restrictions are already in place in Central Highland Waters Forest Hill system and could move to stage 2 if conditions remain dry. Government modelling says over the next decade Victoria will need an extra 95 billion litres of water each year, even with the current desalination plant running at full capacity.

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Acknowledging that there are severe risks on the horizon as Victorias population grows, the Allan government has asked a Water Security Taskforce to find long-term solutions. This includes examining the option of a second desalination plant, expanding the existing site at Wonthaggi, reviewing permanent water saving rules and increasing the use of recycled and storm water for waterways and rivers. Its important all Victorians do what they can to make every drop of water count as we head into a hot and dry time of year, Tierney said. We will continue to invest in projects that maintain high-quality, reliable and affordable drinking water supplies in Victoria.

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Property development Not possible: Data centre frenzy threatens to overwhelm Victorias power grid The Bureau of Meteorologys seasonal outlook indicates much of Victoria is likely to receive below-average rainfall from now to February while maximum temperatures are also likely to be above average for most of the state. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said the government had mismanaged Victorias water assets, contributing to the states troubling position. Victorians will be deeply concerned by the prospect of new water restrictions within the next 12 months, 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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Updated WorldAfricaIslamic State US launches strikes against Islamic State in Nigeria, Trump says Trevor Hunnicutt , Idrees Ali and Simon Lewis Updated December 26, 2025  12:58pm ,first published December 26, 2025  10:24am 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 United States has carried out airstrikes against Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria, President Donald Trump says, claiming the group had been targeting Christians in the region. Tonight, at my direction as Commander-in-Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! Trump said in a post on Truth Social. President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club earlier this week. AP I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. The US militarys Africa Command said the strike was carried out in Sokoto state at the request of the Nigerian authorities and killed multiple IS militants.

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The strike comes after Trump, in late October, began warning that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria and threatened to militarily intervene in the West African country over what he says is its failure to stop violence targeting Christian communities. Related Article Tragedy The children were still sleeping when gun-toting men on motorcycles arrived at their school Reuters reported on Monday that the US had been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November. Nigerias Foreign Ministry said the strikes were carried out as part of an ongoing security co-operation with the United States, involving intelligence-sharing and strategic co-ordination to target militant groups. This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by airstrikes in the North West, the ministry said on X.

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A video posted by the Pentagon showed at least one projectile launched from a warship. A US defence official said the strike targeted multiple militants at known Islamic State camps. War Secretary Pete Hegseth on X thanked the Nigerian government for its support and co-operation, and added: More to come ... Nigeria is battling multiple militant groups in its troubled northern region, including Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram. Several thousand people have been killed, with millions displaced from their homes since 2009, according to the United Nations. Nigerias government has said armed groups target both Muslims and Christians, and the claim that Christians face persecution does not represent the complex security situation.

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That point is echoed by conflict-monitoring groups, who say there is no evidence to suggest that Christians are being killed more than Muslims in Nigeria, whose population is roughly evenly divided between Muslims living primarily in the north and Christians in the south. In a Christmas message posted on X, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for peace especially between individuals of differing religious beliefs. Related Article Islamic State Trump pledges retaliation after three Americans are killed in Syria ambush He also said: I stand committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence. Tinubu declared a security emergency last month and ordered the army and police to begin mass recruitment to tackle worsening armed violence. That move followed attacks in multiple states where civilians were killed and kidnapped, and the mass abduction of more than 300 schoolchildren.

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Police said on Thursday that a suspected suicide bomber killed at least five people and injured 35 others in the countrys north-east, another region troubled by Islamist insurgents. The US has taken steps in recent months to punish Nigeria for its perceived failure to protect Christians. In October, Trump put Nigeria back on a list of countries the US says have violated religious freedom, and this week, Nigeria was added to the US travel ban list of countries facing partial restrictions and entry limitations. Turkey arrests dozens over suspected attacks In separate development, Turkish police launched a string of simultaneous raids detaining more than 100 suspected Islamic State members who were allegedly planning attacks on Christmas and New Years celebrations, authorities said.

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A statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutors Office said police were tipped off that the extremist group had called for action  particularly against non-Muslims  during the celebrations. The office had issued warrants for 137 suspects, of whom 115 were detained. Officers also seized many firearms, cartridges and documents during the raids. It said 124 locations were raided. The arrests come days after the US launched widespread military strikes in neighbouring Syria to eliminate Islamic State fighters and weapons sites in retaliation for an ambush blamed on the group that killed two US troops and an American civilian interpreter. Reuters, AP, Bloomberg 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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WorldMiddle EastSyrian conflict Eight killed during prayer in terrorist bombing of Syrian mosque Ghaith Alsayed and Sally Abou Aljoud December 27, 2025  9:42am 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

Idlib, Syria: A bombing at a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs during Friday prayers killed at least eight people and wounded 18 others, authorities said, as long-standing sectarian, ethnic and political fault lines continue to destabilise the country, even as large-scale fighting has subsided. Images released by Syrias state-run Arab News Agency (SANA) showed blood on the mosques carpets, holes in the walls, shattered windows and fire damage. The Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque is in Homs, Syrias third-largest city, in an area of the Wadi al-Dhahab neighbourhood dominated by the Alawite minority. Damage from the explosion inside the mosque in Homs, Syria. Syrian Arab News Agency SANA, citing a security source, said that preliminary investigations indicate that explosive devices were planted inside the mosque. Authorities were searching for the perpetrators, who have not yet been identified, and a security cordon was placed around the building, Syrias Interior Ministry said. A little-known group calling itself Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on its Telegram channel. The group previously claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in June, when a gunman opened fire and then detonated an explosive vest inside a Greek Orthodox church in Dweila, outside Damascus, which killed 25 worshippers.

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The Syrian government blamed Fridays church attack on a cell of the Islamic State group, and said IS had also planned to target a Shiite Muslim shrine. IS did not claim responsibility for the attack. The group follows an extreme interpretation of Sunni Islam and considers Shiites to be infidels. Syria recently joined the global coalition against IS and has launched a crackdown on IS cells, particularly after an attack on American forces this month that killed two service members and a civilian translator. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres unequivocally condemns the deadly terrorist attack and stressed that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The UN chief also noted Syrias commitment to combat terrorism and hold perpetrators accountable. Syria has experienced several waves of sectarian clashes since the fall of president Bashar Assad last year. Assad, himself an Alawite, fled the country to Russia. Members of his sect have been subjected to crackdowns.

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In March, an ambush carried out by Assads supporters against security forces triggered days of violence that left hundreds of people dead, most of them Alawites. Related Article Dictators Private yachts and $20,000 hotels: Online posts reveal exiled dictators life of luxury The Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and the Diaspora described the attack as a continuation of the organised extremist terrorism specifically targeting the Alawite community, and increasingly other Syrian groups as well. The council held the Syrian government fully and directly responsible for these crimes, and said these criminal acts will not go unanswered. Local officials condemned Fridays attack, saying it came within the context of repeated desperate attempts to undermine security and stability and sow chaos among the Syrian people.

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Syria reiterates its firm stance in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The Syrian information minister said in a post on X: Remnants of the former regime, IS militants and collaborators have converged on a single goal: obstructing the path of the new state by undermining stability, threatening civil peace, and eroding the shared coexistence and common destiny of Syrians throughout history. The explosion in the mosque shattered windows and caused a fire. AP The mosques deputy imam told Syrian state television that worshippers were praying when they heard a loud explosion that knocked us to the ground. Fire broke out in one corner of the mosque. Those of us who were not wounded rushed to help get the injured out. Within minutes, general security forces and the Red Crescent arrived. The explosion was huge. It shattered the mosques windows and caused a fire that burned copies of the holy Koran.

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Neighbouring countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Lebanon, also condemned the attack. The French government said it condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms. AP 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.
Broadcom's (AVGO) Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer, Mark David Brazeal, recently sold 38,281 AVGO shares valued at $12.54 million, unloading stock in the $322.29 to $345.01 per share range.

The timing of the sale is notable as it came amid growing investor skepticism about returns on massive AI infrastructure investments, even as Broadcom reported strong quarterly results that beat analyst expectations.

More News from Barchart

The semiconductor giant's stock has experienced unusual volatility despite posting impressive numbers. Broadcom delivered fourth-quarter earnings of $1.95 per share on revenue of $18.02 billion, both exceeding Wall Street forecasts.

CEO Hock Tan projected AI chip sales would double year-over-year (YoY) to $8.2 billion in the current quarter, driven by custom chips and AI networking semiconductors. The company also disclosed a massive $73 billion backlog for custom chips and data center components over the next 18 months.

www.barchart.com

Yet shares initially climbed in after-hours trading before reversing course during the earnings call, ultimately plunging around 17% over two trading sessions. Valued at a market cap of $1.65 trillion, AVGO stock is down 18% below all-time highs.

Investors are concerned about potential margin compression as Broadcom scales production. In the recent earnings call, company CFO Kirsten Spears warned that gross margins could decline for some AI chip systems.

Lets see if you should buy, sell, or hold AVGO stock at the current multiples.

Broadcom Stock Benefits From a Widening AI Moat

Broadcom CEO Hock Tan dropped a bombshell during a recent investor presentation, disclosing that his 2030 compensation incentives are tied to growing AI revenue to more than $120 billion. Comparatively, in fiscal 2025, Broadcoms AI sales were around $20 billion.

Management expects explosive growth despite recent stock weakness and insider selling activity. Tan clarified that Broadcom is laser-focused on just seven customers creating large language models and dismissed the broader enterprise market as irrelevant to the company's core AI strategy.

These hyperscalers and AI labs are engaged in a race toward super intelligence, which requires massive investments in compute infrastructure that Broadcom supplies through custom accelerator chips and advanced networking equipment.
Forest Deptts Wildlife Wing gets unified control of NNTR





Gondia Correspondent :

FINALLY, the Revenue and Forest Department of Maharashtra Government, has cleared proposal for handing over unified control of the Buffer Notified Area with the Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) management to Wildlife Wing of Forest Department. A GR to this effect, dated December 24, 2025, was issued by Uday Dhage, Special Executive Officer Revenue and Forest Department. The new system will help the NNTR management in developing the Reserve in a well planned manner, with decision being taken by one authority. NNTR is among the six tiger reserves of Maharashtra State. There are independent Field Directors to control the management of each of these tiger reserves. Soon, after its formation in December 12, 2013, need for a unified control was being felt. The proposal for the same was pending in the Mantralaya since 2018. But now the proposal has been accepted. NNTR is spread on 653.67 Sq Kms, having its boundaries from Gondia and Bhandara districts.

There were 185 buffer notified villages that includes 112 of Gondia and 73 of Bhandara district, beside 31 hamlets. After the transfer of 652.20 Sq kms buffer area with NNTR to the 653.67 Sq Kms of core forest, the total Reserve area extends to 1305.88 Sq Kms. The ranges in the forest too has increased from present 7 to 12. Speaking to The Hitavada, NNTRs Deputy Field Director Pritamsingh Kodape informed that they were seven posts of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) and equal number of Range Forest Officers (RFO), but with the rise in the number of Ranges, they will require more number of officers. Importantly couple of years back, three felines were released into NNTR under the Conservation Translocation of Tiger Project (CTTP) in two phases on May 20,2023 and on April 11, 2024, they were given the identity as NT  I , NT  II and NT  III . Of these, NT  I had moved out of the Resreve and ventured into the neighbouring Madhya Pradesh while the remaining two big cats settled in buffer area. According to Kodape, at present there is a population of around 15 to 18 tigers in NNTR and most of them were habituating in the buffer areas.

The unified control will give us more power and it will help us in controlling things in much better ways , take decision faster. With more funds and more staff, we would be able to implement better schemes to help of the villagers around buffer areas. We are already planning to develop few more tourist gates, all in buffer areas, and this will help in generating employment for the local people. Enhanced tourist amenities will also attracts more number of people to reserve, Kodape said. Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) Ravikiran Govekar, who is presently serving in Mantralaya and Chief Wildlife Warden M S Reddy (Nagpur), who has served as the NNTR as Filed Director, played key roles in getting the nod to the unified control. It may be recall that it was under Govekar that NNTR management has worked upon removing the deficiencies to come upto the 32 parameters and had notched top position in Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE), leaving TATR behind in the year 2019.

Talking to The Hitavada, Govekar said that now with the transfer of the buffer notified forest lands from territorial and FDCM, the NNTRs total area has almost doubled. The unified control will help in taking faster decisions, help in planning at the micro-level and with single policy and direct release of funds from the Government of India, things would get materialised much faster and with proper monitoring of habitat development. Altogether, its good for the NNTR and local people as well to get the unified control of the reserve, Govekar said.
Bhopalites unite to save Ayodhya Bypass trees

Staff Reporter:

A POIGNANT scene unfolded on the streets of the State capital as citizens, ranging from toddlers to senior citizens, hugged trees to protect them from the proposed 10-lane widening of the Ayodhya Bypass. The emotional protest, reminiscent of the historic Chipko Movement, comes in the wake of NGTs interim stay on the felling of 7,871 trees for the 16-km project stretch. The protest was marked by the heart-wrenching questions of children who participated in the movement. Holding onto the trunks of decades-old trees, the young protesters asked, If these trees are gone, where will we get oxygen to breathe? We wont let them be cut. The demonstrators also paid a symbolic tribute to the 1,500 trees already razed by the NHAI in recent days.

Environmentalists present at the site argued that mass deforestation within city limits is akin to ecological murder, given that these trees are 40 to 80 years old. Taking cognizance of the environmental impact, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench comprising Justice Pushpa Satyanarayana and Expert Member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi has ordered an immediate stay on any further tree felling until the next hearing on January 8. While construction activities that do not involve tree cutting may proceed, the removal of any fresh greenery is strictly prohibited. Environmental experts have proposed a middle ground, suggesting that the existing four lane road be expanded to a maximum of six lanes.

A 6-lane expansion would solve the traffic issues while saving thousands of mature trees. A 10-lane national highway passing through the heart of the city is environmentally catastrophic; such massive projects should be diverted outside city boundaries, activists noted. Experts warned that with 66% of Indian districts already battling severe pollution, Bhopal cannot afford to lose its green cover. They highlighted that rising vehicle emissions and industrial waste are already deteriorating the citys air quality. The Governments claim of planting 81,000 new saplings is a distraction.

A sapling takes decades to provide the same ecological benefits as a 50-year-old tree. Removing this greenery will lead to an increase in respiratory diseases and other health crises, a senior environmentalist cautioned. The 16-km project, spanning from Asaram Tiraaha to Ratnagiri Tiraaha, remains a point of contention between development and conservation. While NHAI prepares to present its case on January 8, the citizens of Bhopal have sent a clear message: Development is welcome, but not at the cost of the citys lungs.
Environment Minister Yadav attacks Congress over Aravalli mining claims





NEW DELHI :

UNION Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday rejected allegations levelled by the Congress that more than 90 per cent of the Aravallis will not be protected under the redefinition of the hills, saying the party is rattled because the Government has issued a total ban on mining in the Aravallis. The Congress on Thursday claimed that more than 90 per cent of the Aravallis will not be protected under the redefinition of the hills and will open them up for mining and other activities. No FSI study has been conducted saying what you are claiming. But I know the reason you are spreading these lies despite FSI issuing a categorical denial.

Maybe your environmentalist hat would be credible if you questioned your party colleague Ashok Gehlot about who destroyed the Aravallis, Yadav wrote on X responding to a post by Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh. You and your coterie are rattled because we have issued a total ban on mining in the Aravallis from Gujarat to Delhi. We will not allow you, Mr Gehlot or anyone else in your party to plunder the sacred Aravalli range ever again. Will continue to work for the restoration of what your party has ravaged, Yadav attacked. Jairam Ramesh accused the Government of launching a determined assault on ecological balance by weakening environmental protection laws and loosening pollution norms.

Under the new definition, an Aravalli Hill is a landform with an elevation of at least 100 metres above its local surrounding terrain and an Aravalli Range is a cluster of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other. After a row over the redefinition of the Aravallis, the Centre on Wednesday issued directions to States for a complete ban on granting new mining leases within the mountain range. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has also directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education to identify additional areas and zones in the entire Aravallis where mining should be prohibited over and above the areas already prohibited for mining by the Centre.

Jaipur residents hold silent protest over Aravalli protection

JAIPUR,

Dec 25 (PTI)

A LARGE number of citizens gathered at Central Park here on Thursday to express their silent protest against the Governments stance and the Supreme Courts decision regarding the Aravalli mountain range. GS Bapna, the Secretary of Bharat Seva Sansthan and former Advocate General of the State, led the protest. Holding placards to voice their concerns, participants expressed concern over the new definition and said that it will leave 90 per cent of the Aravallis without legal protection. Many park-goers also joined the protest. Bapna said that the Aravalli is a crucial mountain range, and water, forests, wildlife, tourism sites, temples, forts, and palaces depend on it.
HC asks district admn to grant conditional permission to Bajrang Dal for Shaurya Yatra

Legal Correspondent:

A SINGLE bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court comprising Justice Vishal Mishra ordered the district administration to grant conditional permission to the Bajrang Dal for Shaurya Yatra. This relief was granted in light of the Supreme Court and Madras High Court judgments. The court granted Bajrang Dal the freedom to file a fresh application before the competent authority. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and its youth wing, Bajrang Dal, organise Shaurya Yatra with an aim of promoting Hindu values, history and patriotism among youth and educating youth and rural citizens about Hindu history, culture, traditions, and Sanatan Dharma.

On the eve of Geeta Jayanti, Bajrang Dal had submitted an application to the district administration for permission to hold Shaurya Yatra on the designated route on December 4. The SDM, Adartal, rejected the application based on a police report. Advocate GP Singh argued on behalf of petitioner District Coordinator Rahul Burman. He argued that Geeta Jayanti is a Hindu festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna delivered teachings of Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra on this day.

The fundamental right to freedom of religion is guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution, and the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(e). Permission to hold a procession cannot be denied on the grounds that a law and order situation could be disturbed. Administrative officials are duty-bound to maintain law and order and simply to shirk their duties, the application for the procession has been dismissed by invoking Section 30 of the Police Act, 1961.

The High Court stated in its order that the petitioners had organised procession on December 4 and no application has been filed regarding the next date. They orally submitted that the date has been changed to December 27. No application has been placed on record along with the petition, and therefore, no direction can be issued. The petitioner is granted liberty to file an application before the competent authorities. The competent authorities may consider it in light of the aforementioned directions issued by the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court.
Indores prominent AB Road renamedafter former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee

ON THE birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Behari Vajpayee, the Indore Municipal Corporation has named the citys vital AB Road as Atal Behari Marg, paying tribute to the revered leaders legacy. The decision was taken during a meeting of the municipal corporations council and announced as part of celebrations marking Vajpayees birth centenary, observed nationwide as Good Governance Day.

The road, previously known for its Bus Rapid Transit System corridor and commonly referred to as BRTS, serves as a lifeline connecting key areas of Indore, stretching from Rau to Mangaliya through densely populated localities. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava shared the announcement on his X handle, stating that the renaming honours Vajpayee's immense contributions to the nation, his visionary ideas, and his selfless dedicated services. He described the decision, made on this day, as a symbol of deep respect and reverence for the former Prime Minister.

The announcement came during a Good Governance Conference organised by the Municipal Corporation at the Atal Parishad Auditorium. Prominent attendees included Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava and national poet Satyanarayan Sattan. Speakers at the event reminisced about former PM Vajpayees ideals, his profound sense of patriotism, and his unique stature in Indian politics, where even political opponents held him in high esteem. They highlighted how he prioritised national interest, democratic values, good governance, and development throughout his public life, principles that continue to inspire the country.

Though no longer officially a national highway, with traffic diverted through the Eastern Ring Road and Eastern Bypass to ease congestion, the route remains a crucial artery in official documents as part of the Agra-Mumbai corridor and in popular usage. As part of the days observances, a garland was offered to former PM Vajpayee's portrait at the local BJP office. The renaming of AB Road to Atal Behari Marg reflects Indores gesture of gratitude toward a statesman whose vision for a strong, developed, and united India continues to guide governance across the nation.
Kalamna Police seize 40 reels of nylon manja worth Rs 80,000





Staff Reporter :

City police continues its crackdown on sellers of nylon manja with Kalamna Police raiding a house in Memon Colony that yielded 40 reels valued at Rs 80,000. Acting on a tip-off, a team checked a housing unit in Memon Colony and during the search, the cops found some stuff in a gunny bag. On opening the same, the cops noticed nylon manja and they detained Haris Fakira (19), a resident of Pochi Colony.

The reels had labels of mono kite fighter affixed on it and maximum seizure in past also had same labels. He was booked under sections 125 and 223 of BNS, R/w secs. 5, 15 of Environment Protection Rules 1986. The police are interrogating Fakira to trace the source of nylon manja. Despite daily seizure, the cops are still not able to plug the supply gap as large quantities have already reached the city from Northern India, said the sources. The raid was effected by team comprising Assistant Police Inspector (API) Shashikant Musale, Head Constable Vishal Bhaisare, constables Nitin and Lalit.
Key Points

Alibaba's e-commerce business allows it to self-finance growth initiatives that may take years to bear fruit.

Despite operating several money-losing ventures, Alibaba trades at an earnings multiple discount to the general market.

Some of those bets -- like AI cloud hosting -- have already turned the corner of profitability.

10 stocks we like better than Alibaba Group 

Imagine being able to attempt challenging aerial feats, knowing that you have the mother of all safety nets waiting for you. When it comes to having freedom to take financial risks, the only thing better than being born a trust fund heir or a nepo baby is to be Alibaba (NYSE: BABA).

That took an unexpected turn, but as a somewhat recent Alibaba shareholder -- I've owned the Chinese e-commerce pioneer for roughly two years -- it's a point that sticks with me. Alibaba is a cash tree that generates enough dough to bankroll forward-minded bets. Why would I want to sell the stock, when it's the gift that keeps on giving?

Image source: Getty Images.

Peter, Paul, and marry

The old phrase "robbing Peter to pay Paul" isn't meant as a compliment. Using funds from one source to solve a problem elsewhere only creates a new problem. However, it's a strategy that makes perfect sense once you learn that nearly half of Alibaba's revenue accounts for more than its entire profitability.

It begins with China's Alibaba holding a dominant position in the country's online retail market. Its two core businesses, Taobao and Tmall, are different in theory. Taobao is China's largest consumer-to-consumer platform, where individuals and small businesses try to sell goods. Tmall tackles the more competitive business-to-consumer marketplace.

Most U.S. shoppers have likely never heard of Taobao or Tmall, although they may be familiar with Alibaba's AliExpress arm, which provides low-priced merchandise to deal seekers outside of China. The key point to remember here is that Taobao and Tmall form a potent one-two punch. Those two businesses accounted for 45% of Alibaba's consolidated revenue in fiscal 2025. They also combined to deliver 113% of Alibaba's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA).

Planting seeds and waiting for the harvest

With a stunning 44% adjusted EBITDA margin for the two e-commerce juggernauts combined, Alibaba has a laundry list of options. It can return money to its investors, and it does do that. Alibaba's 0.7% dividend yield is admittedly modest. The company's preferred method for returning cash to its shareholders is through stock buybacks. Alibaba has repurchased shares in 14 consecutive quarters, reducing its fully diluted share count by 13% since the end of fiscal 2021.
Plea filed in Supreme Court against suspension of Sengars jail term





UNNAO RAPE CASE

NEW DELHI :

A PLEA has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court order suspending the jail term of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The petition filed by advocates Anjale Patel and Pooja Shilpkar has sought a stay on the High Court order. They contended that the HC passed the order without considering that the trial court observed that Sengar must remain in jail for the rest of his natural life. The HC has committed a grave error in law as well as on facts in granting bail/suspension of sentence to Sengar despite his serious criminal antecedents and his established involvement in the heinous offences of rape, they said.

The High Court failed to appreciate the material evidence relied upon by the prosecution which clearly demonstrates the barbarity and brutality of the accused, coupled with his demonstrated muscle power, financial influence and criminal propensity, as evidenced from the fact that even while the victims father was under judicial custody, the accused orchestrated and executed victims father murder to silence the family and frustrate the due course of justice, the plea said. On December 23, the HC suspended the jail term of Sengar, who is serving life imprisonment in the Unnao rape case, saying he has already served seven years and five months in prison. Sengars sentence has been suspended by the high court till the pendency of his appeal challenging his conviction and sentence in the rape case. He has challenged a December 2019 trial court verdict in the case.

He will, however, remain in jail since he is also serving 10 years imprisonment in the custodial death case of the victims father and has not been granted bail in that case. Imposing several conditions, the HC directed Sengar, who kidnapped and raped the survivor when she was a minor, to furnish a personal bond of Rs 15 lakh with three sureties of the like amount. It also directed him not to come within a 5-km radius of the survivors residence in Delhi and not to threaten her or her mother. Violation of any of the conditions would lead to the cancellation of bail, the HC said. The rape case and other connected cases were transferred to Delhi from a trial court in Uttar Pradesh on the directions of the Supreme Court on August 1, 2019. Sengars appeal against his conviction in the case of the custodial death of the survivors father is also pending, where he has sought suspension of sentence on the ground that he has already spent a substantial time in jail.
There's a key transition many cryptocurrency bulls are expecting to unfold over the years and decades to come. That is, that the efficiency and low-cost nature of blockchain technology in facilitating financial transactions will lead to massive adoption, growing network effects, and immense utility both for companies and end users over the long-term.

Quick Read

Hyperliquid commands the largest market share in decentralized perpetual futures trading with sub-second finality and 200,000 transactions per second capacity.

Solana generates over $240M in monthly revenue and processes 65,000 transactions per second.

Aave operates as a leading decentralized lending protocol enabling overcollateralized borrowing for market makers.

If youre thinking about retiring or know someone who is, there are three quick questions causing many Americans to realize they can retire earlier than expected. take 5 minutes to learn more here

This surging adoption should lead to sky-high growth for a number of the world's leading decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. I'm of the view that finding crypto projects with real-world use cases to invest in over the long-haul should deliver above-average returns for investors. So, let's do that.

Here are three top DeFi cryptocurrencies I think are worth considering right now.

Hyperliquid (HYPE)

Providing a bridge from traditional finance to DeFi using its high-performance layer-1 blockchain and decentralized exchange optimized for perpetual futures trading, Hyperliquid's custom architecture delivers sub-second finality, zero fas fees for trading and up to 200,000 transactions per second. That's among the best metrics in this sector, and has led Hyperliquid to grow its market share in this competitive space to become the leader.

Thus, the fact that Hyperliquid has shot up the crypto market cap rankings to a top-25 project should be no surprise. The fact that that this project solves key pain points for crypto investors, from high costs and slow settlements to opacity, Hyperliquid enables plenty of institutional capital to flow to this project, and has been able to funnel around 99% of its revenue from trading fees back into token buy backs. Over time, I think these should improve the project's tokenomics and lead to token price upside for those who invest in this project today.

With a long-term transition toward scalable and equity-like investments, Hyperliquid stands out to me as a solid long-term bet. With millions of dollars in daily trading volume with minimal staff, one could argue this is among the best business models there is (in and outside the world of crypto). Thus, this is a top project I think long-term investors can consider right now.
Ellington Financial Inc. (NYSE:EFC  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $13.39 and traded as high as $13.98. Ellington Financial shares last traded at $13.7550, with a volume of 1,158,962 shares trading hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have commented on EFC shares. UBS Group increased their price target on shares of Ellington Financial from $12.50 to $13.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 3rd. Zacks Research cut shares of Ellington Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Ellington Financial in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $14.46.

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Ellington Financial Stock Up 0.8%

The businesss fifty day moving average price is $13.64 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.39. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.35 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a current ratio of 50.60, a quick ratio of 50.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.64.

Ellington Financial (NYSE:EFC  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported $0.53 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.09. Ellington Financial had a net margin of 89.04% and a return on equity of 14.55%. The business had revenue of $242.08 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $121.99 million. On average, equities analysts expect that Ellington Financial Inc. will post 1.38 EPS for the current year.

Ellington Financial Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of $0.13 per share. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 11.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. Ellington Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 116.42%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. CWM LLC grew its position in Ellington Financial by 67.6% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,010 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 811 shares during the last quarter. Huntington National Bank lifted its stake in shares of Ellington Financial by 134.4% in the 2nd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 2,752 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 1,578 shares during the period. Danske Bank A S purchased a new stake in shares of Ellington Financial in the third quarter valued at about $44,000. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC increased its stake in shares of Ellington Financial by 93.9% during the second quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 3,582 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $47,000 after acquiring an additional 1,735 shares during the period. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its holdings in Ellington Financial by 535.9% during the third quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 6,181 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $80,000 after purchasing an additional 5,209 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 55.62% of the companys stock.

About Ellington Financial

(Get Free Report)

Ellington Financial, Inc (NYSE: EFC) is a mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT) that focuses on generating attractive risk-adjusted returns through investments in residential and commercial mortgage-related assets. Established in 2013, the company is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management, L.P., a subsidiary of Ellington Management Group, an alternative asset management firm. EFCs core strategy centers on actively acquiring and managing agency and non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (MBS), mortgage servicing rights, residential whole loans, and other structured finance instruments, including asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS).

The company employs leverage and structured financing toolssuch as repurchase agreements and secured credit facilitiesto enhance portfolio yield while maintaining focus on risk mitigation.

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ITT Educational Services, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ESINQ  Get Free Report) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $0.00 and traded as high as $0.0001. ITT Educational Services shares last traded at $0.00, with a volume of 0 shares traded.

ITT Educational Services Price Performance

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About ITT Educational Services

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ITT Educational Services, formerly the parent company of ITT Technical Institute, was a for-profit higher education provider based in Carmel, Indiana. The company operated campus-based and online programs focused on career-oriented training across fields such as information technology, electronics, drafting and design, business management, and health sciences. ITT Educational Services aimed to prepare students for entry-level positions through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, and career services support.

Founded in 1969 as ITT Technical Institute and later spun off as a publicly traded entity in 1994, the company expanded steadily throughout the United States over several decades.

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Liontrust Asset Management PLC (LON:LIO  Get Free Report)s stock price crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 328.95 and traded as low as GBX 265.50. Liontrust Asset Management shares last traded at GBX 267, with a volume of 104,967 shares trading hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their target price on Liontrust Asset Management from GBX 270 to GBX 260 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Berenberg Bank dropped their price objective on shares of Liontrust Asset Management from GBX 340 to GBX 320 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price objective on shares of Liontrust Asset Management from GBX 290 to GBX 280 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Panmure Gordon restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 500 target price on shares of Liontrust Asset Management in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Peel Hunt reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 435 price target on shares of Liontrust Asset Management in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of GBX 359.

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Liontrust Asset Management Stock Up 0.2%

The company has a market cap of 167.41 million, a PE ratio of 13.36, a P/E/G ratio of -1.70 and a beta of 1.33. The companys 50 day moving average is GBX 282.09 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 328.52. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.48.

Liontrust Asset Management (LON:LIO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 20th. The company reported GBX 18.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Liontrust Asset Management had a net margin of 35.21% and a return on equity of 39.68%. As a group, analysts predict that Liontrust Asset Management PLC will post 69.828816 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Luke Savage purchased 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 281 per share, for a total transaction of 14,050. Insiders own 9.05% of the companys stock.

About Liontrust Asset Management

(Get Free Report)

Liontrust Asset Management Plc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm also launches equity, fixed income, , multi-asset and managed funds for its clients. It invests into the public equity and multi-asset markets across the globe. The firm was formerly known as River and Mercantile Investment Management Limited. Liontrust Asset Management Plc was founded in 1994 and is based in London, United Kingdom.

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Holcim Ltd Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:HCMLY  Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the twelve brokerages that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have issued a hold recommendation, five have assigned a buy recommendation and two have issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $16.80.

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. UBS Group upgraded shares of Holcim from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Holcim in a research note on Monday, October 27th. BNP Paribas downgraded Holcim from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $16.80 target price on the stock. in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Zacks Research raised Holcim from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 28th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Holcim in a research note on Thursday, September 4th. They set a buy rating on the stock.

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Holcim Stock Performance

About Holcim

Shares of OTCMKTS HCMLY opened at $19.64 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 1.49. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $18.19 and its 200-day moving average price is $19.17. Holcim has a twelve month low of $15.14 and a twelve month high of $30.00.

(Get Free Report)

Holcim is a global building materials and solutions company headquartered in Switzerland that produces and supplies cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, asphalt and a range of prefabricated and construction-related products and services. Its offerings are aimed at construction and infrastructure markets, serving contractors, developers, municipalities and industrial customers with materials for residential, commercial and civil engineering projects.

The company traces its modern form to the 2015 combination of Swiss cement maker Holcim and Frances Lafarge, which created one of the worlds largest building-materials groups; the combined enterprise later simplified its name to Holcim.

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Andritz (OTCMKTS:ADRZY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 278 shares, an increase of 251.9% from the November 30th total of 79 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 274 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.0 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 274 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Zacks Research raised Andritz from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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Andritz Price Performance

Shares of Andritz stock opened at $15.07 on Friday. Andritz has a 12-month low of $9.35 and a 12-month high of $16.45. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $14.98 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $14.76. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.63 and a beta of 0.96.

Andritz (OTCMKTS:ADRZY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.27. Andritz had a net margin of 5.84% and a return on equity of 20.50%. The company had revenue of $2.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.24 billion. Equities analysts expect that Andritz will post 1.1 earnings per share for the current year.

About Andritz

(Get Free Report)

Andritz AG is a global technology group based in Graz, Austria, with a history dating back to its founding in 1852. The company specializes in providing equipment, systems, and services for industrial processes across four key business areas: Hydropower, Pulp & Paper, Metals, and Separation. Through a combination of engineering expertise and in-house manufacturing, Andritz develops tailored solutions that meet the demands of energy efficiency, resource optimization, and environmental sustainability.

In its Hydropower division, Andritz designs and installs turbines, generators, and automation systems for run-of-river, reservoir and pumped storage plants.

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The United Kingdom's stock market has recently faced challenges, with the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 indices experiencing declines due to weak trade data from China, a key trading partner. In this environment of uncertainty, identifying undervalued stocks can be crucial for investors seeking potential opportunities, as these stocks may offer value despite broader market pressures.

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In The United Kingdom

Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) Vistry Group (LSE:VTY) 6.266 12.30 49% Tortilla Mexican Grill (AIM:MEX) 0.425 0.78 45.5% PageGroup (LSE:PAGE) 2.266 4.51 49.8% Motorpoint Group (LSE:MOTR) 1.34 2.67 49.8% Ibstock (LSE:IBST) 1.396 2.67 47.7% Gym Group (LSE:GYM) 1.47 2.94 49.9% Fintel (AIM:FNTL) 2.09 3.81 45.1% Fevertree Drinks (AIM:FEVR) 8.16 15.87 48.6% Anglo Asian Mining (AIM:AAZ) 2.65 5.15 48.6% Advanced Medical Solutions Group (AIM:AMS) 2.175 4.18 48%

Click here to see the full list of 57 stocks from our Undervalued UK Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener.

We'll examine a selection from our screener results.

Overview: Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc, with a market cap of 469.13 million, develops, manufactures, and distributes products for the surgical, woundcare, and wound-closure markets across the United Kingdom, Germany, Europe, the United States, and internationally.

Operations: The company's revenue is primarily derived from its surgical segment, contributing 175.23 million, and its woundcare segment, which adds 45.07 million.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 48%

Advanced Medical Solutions Group is trading at 2.18, significantly below its estimated fair value of 4.18, suggesting it may be undervalued based on cash flows. Despite a decrease in profit margins from 8.5% to 4.1%, the company's earnings are forecasted to grow significantly at 33.8% per year, outpacing the UK market's growth rate of 14.2%. Revenue growth is also expected to surpass the market average, indicating potential for future value realization.

AIM:AMS Discounted Cash Flow as at Dec 2025

Overview: GB Group plc offers identity data intelligence products and services across the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and internationally, with a market cap of 608.22 million.

Operations: The company's revenue is derived from three main segments: Identity (156.59 million), Location (86.87 million), and Global Fraud Solutions (GFS) (37.90 million).
AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:AU  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $91.12 and last traded at $90.2820, with a volume of 7232 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $89.91.

Analyst Ratings Changes

AU has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded AngloGold Ashanti from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, December 13th. Roth Capital lifted their price objective on shares of AngloGold Ashanti from $84.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of AngloGold Ashanti from $128.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of AngloGold Ashanti from $90.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings raised shares of AngloGold Ashanti from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, AngloGold Ashanti has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $86.00.

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AngloGold Ashanti Stock Up 0.1%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 2.58 and a quick ratio of 1.98. The company has a market capitalization of $37.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.04 and a beta of 0.58. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $78.62 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $64.31.

AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The mining company reported $1.32 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $2.42 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.53 billion. AngloGold Ashanti had a return on equity of 24.01% and a net margin of 26.25%. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that AngloGold Ashanti PLC will post 3.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

AngloGold Ashanti Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a dividend of $0.91 per share. This represents a $3.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.0%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 28th. AngloGold Ashantis dividend payout ratio is currently 80.18%.

Institutional Trading of AngloGold Ashanti

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of AU. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of AngloGold Ashanti in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. UMB Bank n.a. raised its position in AngloGold Ashanti by 129.0% during the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 490 shares of the mining companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 276 shares in the last quarter. Optimum Investment Advisors bought a new stake in AngloGold Ashanti during the third quarter worth $35,000. Ancora Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in AngloGold Ashanti in the third quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its position in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 33.4% in the 3rd quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 599 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 36.09% of the companys stock.

AngloGold Ashanti Company Profile

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AngloGold Ashanti is a global gold mining company engaged in the exploration, development, production, processing and sale of gold. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the companys core activities span the full mining value chain from greenfield exploration and mine development through to ore processing and rehabilitation. Gold is the primary commodity produced, with individual operations sometimes yielding other byproducts depending on local geology and processing methods.

The company was formed in 2004 through the merger of AngloGold and Ashanti Goldfields, creating a diversified international gold producer.

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Voya Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE:ACHR  Free Report) by 180.0% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 418,366 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 268,955 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in Archer Aviation were worth $4,008,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in ACHR. Man Group plc raised its holdings in shares of Archer Aviation by 13,793.3% during the second quarter. Man Group plc now owns 4,212,722 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,708,000 after buying an additional 4,182,400 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in Archer Aviation by 44.1% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 11,991,714 shares of the companys stock valued at $130,125,000 after acquiring an additional 3,671,753 shares during the period. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. raised its stake in Archer Aviation by 435.7% during the 2nd quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. now owns 3,750,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,688,000 after acquiring an additional 3,050,000 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. boosted its position in Archer Aviation by 466.5% during the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 3,650,429 shares of the companys stock worth $39,607,000 after acquiring an additional 3,006,039 shares during the period. Finally, Marex Group plc bought a new position in shares of Archer Aviation in the second quarter worth $24,699,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 59.34% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, CFO Priya Gupta sold 5,479 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $7.49, for a total transaction of $41,037.71. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 161,523 shares in the company, valued at $1,209,807.27. The trade was a 3.28% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CTO Thomas Paul Muniz sold 90,648 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.49, for a total transaction of $678,953.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief technology officer directly owned 1,397,129 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,464,496.21. This represents a 6.09% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 182,635 shares of company stock worth $1,367,936 over the last three months. 7.65% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating on shares of Archer Aviation in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Canaccord Genuity Group boosted their price target on shares of Archer Aviation from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Archer Aviation from $10.00 to $8.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on shares of Archer Aviation in a research note on Monday, December 1st. They set a neutral rating and a $11.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Archer Aviation in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell 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 $12.14.

View Our Latest Report on ACHR

Archer Aviation Stock Down 0.1%

Shares of Archer Aviation stock opened at $8.13 on Friday. Archer Aviation Inc. has a 12-month low of $5.48 and a 12-month high of $14.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.30 billion, a PE ratio of -6.45 and a beta of 3.10. The company has a quick ratio of 18.19, a current ratio of 18.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. The stocks fifty day moving average is $8.84 and its 200-day moving average is $9.79.

Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.20) earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of ($0.20). Equities analysts anticipate that Archer Aviation Inc. will post -1.32 earnings per share for the current year.

Archer Aviation Company Profile

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Archer Aviation, Inc (NYSE: ACHR) is a California-based aerospace company developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to serve as sustainable urban air mobility solutions. Founded in 2018 by Adam Goldstein and Brett Adcock, Archer focuses on the design, development and certification of zero-emissions air taxis aimed at reducing traffic congestion in densely populated metropolitan areas. The companys flagship prototypes, Maker and Midnight, have been engineered to deliver quiet, efficient short-haul flights with ranges of up to 100 miles per charge.

Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Archer operates a manufacturing facility in nearby Santa Cruz County and maintains research partnerships with automotive and energy companies, including a collaboration with Stellantis to integrate advanced battery systems.

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Bancroft Fund Ltd. (NYSE:BCV  Get Free Report)s share price traded down 0.2% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $22.17 and last traded at $22.27. 6,759 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 69% from the average session volume of 21,792 shares. The stock had previously closed at $22.31.

Bancroft Fund Price Performance

The company has a 50-day moving average price of $22.52 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $21.11.

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Bancroft Fund Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 24th will be given a $0.35 dividend. This is an increase from Bancroft Funds previous quarterly dividend of $0.32. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 24th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Bancroft Fund Company Profile

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of BCV. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its holdings in shares of Bancroft Fund by 25,710.4% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 99,628 shares of the companys stock worth $2,180,000 after acquiring an additional 99,242 shares during the last quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC boosted its position in Bancroft Fund by 245.0% during the 3rd quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC now owns 99,665 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,181,000 after acquiring an additional 70,776 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its stake in shares of Bancroft Fund by 32.8% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 285,799 shares of the companys stock worth $5,403,000 after acquiring an additional 70,606 shares in the last quarter. Bulldog Investors LLP bought a new stake in shares of Bancroft Fund in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $863,000. Finally, Shaker Financial Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Bancroft Fund in the 3rd quarter worth about $767,000. 22.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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The Bancroft Fund (NYSE:BCV) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide total return through both current income and capital appreciation. Established as a publicly traded fund, Bancroft offers investors access to a diversified portfolio of income-oriented securities, with a particular emphasis on funds that themselves invest in dividend-paying and other cash-flow assets.

To pursue its investment objective, the Fund allocates principally to shares of registered investment companies, including other closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds.

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Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited (OTCMKTS:BKKLY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 74 shares, a drop of 97.0% from the November 30th total of 2,455 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 16,603 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 16,603 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days.

Bangkok Bank Public Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:BKKLY opened at $27.74 on Friday. Bangkok Bank Public has a 12 month low of $18.70 and a 12 month high of $27.90. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $25.66 and its 200 day moving average price is $24.39.

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Bangkok Bank Public Company Profile

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Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited (OTCMKTS:BKKLY) is one of Thailands largest commercial banks, providing a full range of banking and financial services to individual, corporate and institutional clients. Since its founding in 1944 by Chin Sophonpanich, the bank has built a comprehensive suite of products that includes retail and private banking, corporate lending, trade finance, foreign exchange and treasury services.

In the corporate sector, Bangkok Bank offers working capital and term loans, structured trade and commodity finance, cash management and foreign exchange solutions designed to support both domestic companies and multinational enterprises.

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Billerud AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:BLRDF  Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 11,492 shares, a decline of 77.8% from the November 30th total of 51,677 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently  days. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently  days.

Billerud AB (publ) Stock Performance

Shares of BLRDF opened at $9.41 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $9.19 and a 200-day moving average of $9.72. Billerud AB has a 1 year low of $8.59 and a 1 year high of $11.50.

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Billerud AB (publ) Company Profile

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Billerud AB (publ) is a Sweden-based pulp and paper company specializing in sustainable packaging materials and solutions. The company produces a range of fibre-based products, including containerboard, corrugating medium, sack kraft paper and speciality paper. Through its integrated production network, Billerud AB supplies raw materials and finished solutions to customers in the consumer packaging, e-commerce, food service and industrial sectors.

The roots of Billerud AB date back to the establishment of the Gruvon mill in 1647 and the Korsnas operations in the mid-19th century.

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British Smaller Companies VCT (LON:BSV  Get Free Report) shares traded up 2% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as GBX 76 and last traded at GBX 76. 3 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 100% from the average session volume of 128,591 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 74.50.

British Smaller Companies VCT Stock Performance

The stock has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 75.25 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 75.57. The stock has a market capitalization of 269.54 million, a PE ratio of 20.82 and a beta of 0.02.

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British Smaller Companies VCT (LON:BSV  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, December 2nd. The company reported GBX 0.42 EPS for the quarter. British Smaller Companies VCT had a net margin of 66.78% and a return on equity of 3.73%.

About British Smaller Companies VCT

British Smaller Companies VCT plc is a venture capital trust specializing in investments in early stage, mid and late venture, later stage, recapitalizations, growing capital-consuming businesses, acquisition funding and business development in mature, VCT qualifying and non-qualifying unquoted and quoted companies listed on alternative investment market and ISDX. It is an evergreen fund. It seeks to invest in firms that have business services, manufacturing, industrial, healthcare, software, Information Technology, telecommunications, retail and brands.

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Shares of HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. (NYSE:HASI  Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the twelve brokerages that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $39.5556.

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on HASI shares. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital from $35.00 to $39.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on shares of HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital from $27.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Oppenheimer restated an outperform rating on shares of HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital in a research report on Monday.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on HASI

HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:HASI opened at $32.98 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $31.78 and a 200-day moving average of $29.17. HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital has a 12 month low of $21.98 and a 12 month high of $34.53. The company has a current ratio of 11.03, a quick ratio of 11.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.17 billion, a PE ratio of 14.15, a PEG ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 1.48.

HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital (NYSE:HASI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.11. HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital had a net margin of 79.69% and a return on equity of 11.97%. The business had revenue of ($37.39) million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $27.97 million. HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital has set its FY 2027 guidance at 3.150-3.150 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital will post 2.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 29th will be paid a $0.42 dividend. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.1%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 29th. HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capitals dividend payout ratio is presently 72.10%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its position in HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital by 0.9% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 45,899 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,233,000 after purchasing an additional 389 shares during the last quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund increased its stake in shares of HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital by 1.5% in the third quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 27,926 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $857,000 after buying an additional 400 shares during the period. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. raised its holdings in HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 12,499 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $336,000 after buying an additional 415 shares during the last quarter. Values Added Financial LLC boosted its position in HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. Values Added Financial LLC now owns 14,621 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $393,000 after buying an additional 439 shares during the period. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans grew its holdings in HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 89,390 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,744,000 after acquiring an additional 467 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.14% of the companys stock.

HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital Company Profile

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Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc (NYSE: HASI) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust specializing in financing and investing in climate change solutions. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, the company provides debt and equity capital to sustainable infrastructure projects across North America. Its mission is to support energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and resilient infrastructure, helping public and private sector clients reduce carbon emissions and achieve long-term environmental goals.

Hannon Armstrongs core business activities include originating and structuring loans, acquiring debt and equity interests, and managing a diversified portfolio of projects in sectors such as solar energy, wind power, energy storage, green buildings, and sustainable agriculture.

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Shares of Redwood Trust, Inc. (NYSE:RWT  Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Hold from the seven brokerages that are covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have issued a hold recommendation and four have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $6.75.

RWT has been the subject of several research reports. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Redwood Trust from $6.50 to $7.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 3rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of Redwood Trust in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $8.50 price target on shares of Redwood Trust in a research report on Friday, September 26th. Finally, Jones Trading decreased their price objective on Redwood Trust from $7.00 to $6.25 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 30th.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Redwood Trust

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Redwood Trust

Redwood Trust Stock Performance

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in Redwood Trust by 10.2% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 15,020,483 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $86,969,000 after buying an additional 1,395,675 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Redwood Trust by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,176,277 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $18,773,000 after acquiring an additional 80,206 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners raised its position in shares of Redwood Trust by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 2,750,890 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $16,117,000 after acquiring an additional 54,209 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its position in shares of Redwood Trust by 7.5% during the 3rd quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 2,148,393 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $12,439,000 after acquiring an additional 149,003 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. lifted its stake in Redwood Trust by 29.9% during the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 2,034,437 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $11,779,000 after purchasing an additional 468,720 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.34% of the companys stock.

NYSE RWT opened at $5.53 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 22.73, a current ratio of 57.77 and a quick ratio of 57.77. The company has a market cap of $699.91 million, a P/E ratio of -6.82 and a beta of 1.59. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $5.44 and a two-hundred day moving average of $5.74. Redwood Trust has a 1-year low of $4.68 and a 1-year high of $6.73.

Redwood Trust (NYSE:RWT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.20 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.16 by $0.04. Redwood Trust had a negative net margin of 8.62% and a positive return on equity of 9.19%. The business had revenue of $54.37 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $31.04 million. As a group, analysts anticipate that Redwood Trust will post 0.78 EPS for the current year.

Redwood Trust Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 23rd will be given a $0.18 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 23rd. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 13.0%. Redwood Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently -88.89%.

About Redwood Trust

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Redwood Trust, Inc (NYSE:RWT) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust specializing in the U.S. residential mortgage market. Headquartered in Mill Valley, California, the company focuses on investing in a diversified portfolio of residential mortgage assets, including whole loans, agency and non-agency mortgage-backed securities, and structured credit products.

The companys core activities encompass the acquisition, financing, and management of prime residential mortgage whole loans and mortgage-backed securities.

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Shares of CaixaBank, S.A. Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:CAIXY  Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $4.06, but opened at $3.92. CaixaBank shares last traded at $3.92, with a volume of 410 shares.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

CAIXY has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a sell rating on shares of CaixaBank in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating on shares of CaixaBank in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised CaixaBank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, September 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, CaixaBank has a consensus rating of Hold.

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CaixaBank Stock Performance

CaixaBank Company Profile

The stocks 50 day moving average is $3.66 and its two-hundred day moving average is $3.34.

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CaixaBank (OTCMKTS: CAIXY) is a major Spanish banking group that provides a broad range of financial products and services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. The companys operations encompass traditional banking activities such as deposit-taking, consumer and mortgage lending, payment and card services, and corporate banking, alongside wealth management, private banking, insurance and asset-management businesses. CaixaBank also offers investment-banking-related services and specialized financing solutions including leasing, factoring and trade finance through its group structure and subsidiaries.

The bank traces its origins to the Catalan savings bank la Caixa and has evolved into a commercial banking group through organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

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Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC (NYSEAMERICAN:CMCL  Get Free Report)s share price traded up 3.2% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $28.01 and last traded at $27.96. 47,922 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 73% from the average session volume of 176,391 shares. The stock had previously closed at $27.09.

Caledonia Mining Stock Up 3.2%

The company has a market capitalization of $537.39 million, a PE ratio of 10.85 and a beta of 0.50. The stocks fifty day moving average is $27.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $26.50. The company has a current ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02.

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Caledonia Mining Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 21st were given a dividend of $0.14 per share. This represents a $0.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 21st. Caledonia Minings dividend payout ratio is currently 116.67%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Caledonia Mining

About Caledonia Mining

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CMCL. State of Alaska Department of Revenue bought a new position in Caledonia Mining during the third quarter valued at $27,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Caledonia Mining by 6,486.2% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,910 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 1,881 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Caledonia Mining by 65.7% during the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 1,037 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 411 shares during the period. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in Caledonia Mining in the 3rd quarter worth about $50,000. Finally, Optimum Investment Advisors bought a new stake in Caledonia Mining in the 3rd quarter valued at about $54,000. Institutional investors own 31.78% of the companys stock.

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Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC is a UKdomiciled gold producer listed on the NYSE American under the ticker CMCL and on the London AIM market. The companys flagship asset is the Blanket gold mine, located near Gwanda in southwestern Zimbabwe. Blanket is a conventional underground and surface gold operation that includes a carboninleach processing plant and tailings retreatment facilities, providing a structurally diverse resource base and established production infrastructure.

Caledonia acquired the Blanket mine in 2004, adding to its long operating history that traces back to the early 20th century.

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As part of a deal that enables ChatGPT users to purchase Walmart products during chat sessions, all workers at the chain will have free access to AI training and certification programs offered by OpenAI. It's not clear what courses will be available to workers, but OpenAI currently offers a program called AI Foundations, which teaches people how to use ChatGPT in a professional context. Upon completion of coursework, participants are issued a certificate illustrating their prowess with the generative chatbot. With serious concerns about AI's impact on the job market, access to no-cost training could make Walmart more appealing to jobseekers.

In the U.S. alone, Walmart employs 1.6 million workers, while its global tally of employees is 2.1 million. When Walmart employees revealed what it's really like to work there , they cited a high employee turnover rate as one of the downsides, so it's safe to assume the store is heavily invested in employee retention. To this end, the company offers career training and resources through its Walmart Academy, and these programs are available to store employees, corporate staff, and management. In 2026, perhaps Walmart is hoping that its recent partnership with OpenAI will further incentivize staff to remain with the company for the long term.

With a focus on expansion and modernization, Walmart plans to implement a "Store of the Future" concept by updating or constructing over 100 new locations. The chain will make technological upgrades in numerous areas, including changes to how products are priced and AI training for employees. Walmart will also see a change in its executive leadership. It's not yet clear what kind of impact these modifications will have on the chain, but it does show that Walmart isn't afraid to evolve when faced with a shifting consumer landscape.

Walmart is a mixed bag when it comes to customer satisfaction. While the grocery retailer is often more affordable than its competitors , Walmart has received its fair share of critical feedback regarding the quality of its products, the large, sometimes unruly crowds that congregate in the store, and the wonky carts that make shoppers believe god has abandoned them specifically. Many people have a love-hate relationship with the chain, yet despite the criticism, Walmart is here to stay. The company even has some big developments in store for 2026 and beyond, and we've compiled the discount retailer's most ambitious goals here.

Story Continues

The chain plans to build and modernize 150 stores

Walmart store exterior in daytime - Framalicious/Shutterstock

If you've been patiently waiting for a shiny new Walmart to pop up where you live, rest assured that the chain is working on it. In April 2025, Walmart established a brand-new Supercenter in Cypress, Texas, heralding a new phase in the grocery chain's history. Walmart Supercenters are large, multi-faceted stores designed to serve consumers in high-population areas. These locations typically offer a wider range of merchandise, whereas Walmart's Discount Stores feature a scaled-back selection with a focus on pre-packaged groceries and household essentials. For example, the Supercenter in Albany, New York, the largest Walmart in America, is a massive building spanning 260,000 square feet and two floors.

Along with a spate of new Supercenters in places like Texas, California, and Utah, Walmart also has plans to build or revamp 150 stores in an effort to implement its "Store of the Future" concept. The new Cypress Supercenter and future stores are designed to focus on the needs and wants of the customer. Modernized locations will offer an extensive assortment of services, including an Auto Care Center and express delivery, and improve the shopping experience with updated amenities across multiple departments. Work is currently underway, and the rollout of new and revamped stores is set to take place over the course of several years.

CEO Doug McMillon set to retire in 2026

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon giving speech at corporate event - Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Doug McMillon, Walmart's highest-ranking executive, is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. Joining Walmart as warehouse staff in 1984, McMillon steadily rose through the ranks and was named CEO of the company in 2014. McMillon, who once warned of price increases at Walmart due to theft, will retire in January 2026, signaling the end of an era replete with growth and advancement. Walmart executive John Furner will assume the role once McMillon officially enters retirement.

Walmart's current CEO gets credit for several achievements that defined the retailer over the last decade. Under McMillon's leadership, Walmart implemented many technological advancements that helped the chain compete with e-commerce giants like Amazon. Walmart also instituted pay raises for its entry-level employees, as well as college tuition assistance programs. The company achieved its goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by one gigaton six years before the projected end date. As for financial wins, the chain has experienced a consistent uptick in revenue with McMillon at the helm, who's also lauded for keeping Walmart on track during the COVID-19 pandemic. McMillon's retirement announcement came as a surprise, and it's not fully clear what led to the CEO's decision.

New technology: more automation and digital price tags are underway

Digital price labels on shelves at Walmart - The Image Party/Shutterstock

Most consumers don't give much thought to how products end up on store shelves. However, efficient management of the supply chain is crucial to retailer success, and Walmart has instituted automated processes within its distribution networks and fulfillment centers (which are tasked with shipping online orders to customers). In addition to the existing automated locations, Walmart will break ground on another fulfillment center in 2026, which will feature technological advancements like autonomous mobile robots and streamlined storage processes. Cutting-edge equipment, such as self-driving forklifts and special sensors to help with inventory, is now being used in the chain's distribution centers.

Along with these back-end innovations, Walmart is in the process of upgrading price tags in its stores. The chain frequently offers discounts and price markdowns on its items, and the current setup requires staff to manually change prices. Instead of the paper tags you typically see when shopping for groceries, Walmart will use digital labels that can be easily updated when price changes occur. Upgraded shelf labels are currently being rolled out, and Walmart projects that they'll appear in 2,300 locations by 2026. In addition to making life easier for Walmart associates, the new labels ensure that shoppers will be privy to the most accurate prices as they navigate the store.

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Commonwealth Business Bank (OTCMKTS:CBBI  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 594 shares, an increase of 165.2% from the November 30th total of 224 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 44,921 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily volume of 44,921 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days.

Commonwealth Business Bank Stock Performance

Shares of CBBI stock opened at $11.01 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $10.79 and its 200-day moving average is $10.72. Commonwealth Business Bank has a 52 week low of $10.00 and a 52 week high of $11.65.

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Commonwealth Business Bank (OTCMKTS:CBBI  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $0.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $17.58 million for the quarter.

About Commonwealth Business Bank

CBB Bancorp, Inc operates as the holding company for Commonwealth Business Bank that provides various commercial banking products and services to individuals and businesses in the United States. It offers checking, savings, money market, and certification of deposit accounts; SBA lending; business lines of credit; business term loans; business and commercial property loans; construction loans; and credit cards. The company also provides treasury management, and mobile and online banking services, as well as title and escrow services.

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Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:DWAHY  Get Free Report)s share price gapped down before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $33.17, but opened at $31.86. Daiwa House Industry shares last traded at $33.04, with a volume of 62 shares traded.

Daiwa House Industry Price Performance

The stocks 50 day moving average is $33.93 and its two-hundred day moving average is $34.55. The stock has a market capitalization of $21.77 billion, a PE ratio of 10.03 and a beta of 0.35.

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Daiwa House Industry (OTCMKTS:DWAHY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.65 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.83 by ($0.18). The business had revenue of $8.65 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.57 billion.

About Daiwa House Industry

Daiwa House Industry Co, Ltd. is a major Japanese construction and real estate development company headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Founded in 1955, the company is best known as one of Japans largest homebuilders and a comprehensive provider of real estate solutions. Its core activities span the planning, design, construction and sale of detached houses, condominiums and rental housing, leveraging prefabrication and standardized building techniques to serve residential markets across Japan.

Beyond residential construction, Daiwa House operates broadly across commercial and industrial segments.

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Endeavour Silver Corp. (TSE:EDR  Get Free Report) (NYSE:EXK) has been assigned a consensus rating of Strong Buy from the seven brokerages that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and five have given a strong 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$13.11.

EDR has been the subject of several recent research reports. Cibc Captl Mkts upgraded Endeavour Silver from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. CIBC boosted their target price on shares of Endeavour Silver from C$14.00 to C$16.00 in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on Endeavour Silver from C$13.00 to C$15.00 in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Ventum Financial lifted their price objective on Endeavour Silver from C$9.75 to C$12.15 in a research note on Friday, September 26th. Finally, National Bankshares boosted their target price on shares of Endeavour Silver from C$18.00 to C$21.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Endeavour Silver

Endeavour Silver Trading Down 1.6%

EDR stock opened at C$13.36 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.65, a current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 2.38. The company has a market capitalization of C$3.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -40.48, a PEG ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 2.39. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of C$11.80 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$9.51. Endeavour Silver has a 1-year low of C$4.21 and a 1-year high of C$14.54.

Endeavour Silver (TSE:EDR  Get Free Report) (NYSE:EXK) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported C($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter. Endeavour Silver had a negative return on equity of 7.12% and a negative net margin of 13.04%.The business had revenue of C$198.88 million during the quarter. Research analysts anticipate that Endeavour Silver will post 0.6341991 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Rex John Mclennan sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$11.55, for a total transaction of C$115,500.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 34,800 shares in the company, valued at C$401,940. The trade was a 22.32% decrease in their position. Insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Endeavour Silver Company Profile

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Endeavour Silver Corp is a Canadian mineral company engaged in the evaluation, acquisition, exploration, development and exploitation of precious metal properties in Mexico and Chile. The company has three producing silver-gold mines in Mexico: the Guanacevi Mine in Durango, the Bolanitos Mine in Guanajuato and the El Compas Mine in Zacatecas. It also has three exploration projects in northern Chile: Aida project, Paloma project and the Cerro Marquez project.

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Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCMKTS:FMCB  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $1,144.9999 and last traded at $1,115.95, with a volume of 6 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $1,125.00.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a current ratio of 0.75 and a quick ratio of 0.75. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $1,050.25 and its 200-day simple moving average is $1,030.82. The company has a market cap of $781.17 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.53 and a beta of 0.21.

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Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCMKTS:FMCB  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The bank reported $33.92 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $62.28 million during the quarter. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp had a net margin of 30.89% and a return on equity of 15.03%.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Cuts Dividend

About Farmers & Merchants Bancorp

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 10th were issued a $0.2275 dividend. This represents a $0.91 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.1%. Farmers & Merchants Bancorps dividend payout ratio is currently 15.44%.

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Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc is a bank holding company that operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California. Headquartered in Hanford, California, the company provides a broad range of commercial and consumer banking services tailored to individuals, businesses and agricultural enterprises in the San Joaquin Valley region.

The companys core offerings include deposit products such as checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and certificates of deposit.

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Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE:CWK  Get Free Report) and Klepierre (OTCMKTS:KLPEF  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, valuation, analyst recommendations, risk, profitability and earnings.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Cushman & Wakefield and Klepierres top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Cushman & Wakefield $9.45 billion 0.40 $131.30 million $0.96 17.20 Klepierre $1.33 billion 8.36 $1.19 billion N/A N/A

Volatility and Risk

Klepierre has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Cushman & Wakefield.

Cushman & Wakefield has a beta of 1.46, meaning that its share price is 46% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Klepierre has a beta of 0.8, meaning that its share price is 20% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Cushman & Wakefield and Klepierre, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Cushman & Wakefield 0 6 5 0 2.45 Klepierre 0 2 0 1 2.67

Cushman & Wakefield presently has a consensus price target of $17.44, suggesting a potential upside of 5.63%. Given Cushman & Wakefields higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Cushman & Wakefield is more favorable than Klepierre.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

95.6% of Cushman & Wakefield shares are held by institutional investors. 0.5% of Cushman & Wakefield shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Profitability

This table compares Cushman & Wakefield and Klepierres net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Cushman & Wakefield 2.23% 14.69% 3.60% Klepierre N/A N/A N/A

Summary

Cushman & Wakefield beats Klepierre on 9 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Cushman & Wakefield

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Cushman & Wakefield Plc engages in the provision of commercial real estate services. It operates through the following geographical segments: Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Asia Pacific (APAC). The Americas segment consists of operations located in the United States, Canada and key markets in Latin America. The EMEA segment includes operations in the UK, France, Netherlands and other markets in Europe and the Middle East. The APAC segment comprises of operations in Australia, Singapore, China and other markets in the Asia Pacific region. The company was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

About Klepierre

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Klepierre SA is the European leader in shopping malls, combining property development and asset management skills. The Company's portfolio is valued at 19.3 billion at December 31, 2023, and comprises large shopping centers in more than 10 countries in Continental Europe which together host hundreds of millions of visitors per year. Klepierre SA holds a controlling stake in Steen & Strm (56.1%), Scandinavia's number one shopping center owner and manager. Klepierre SA is a French REIT (SIIC) listed on Euronext Paris and is included in the CAC Next 20 and EPRA Euro Zone Indexes. It is also included in ethical indexes, such as Euronext CAC 40 ESG, Euronext CAC SBT 1.5, MSCI Europe ESG Leaders, FTSE4Good, Euronext Vigeo Europe 120, and features in CDP's A-list. These distinctions underscore the Group's commitment to a proactive sustainable development policy and its global leadership in the fight against climate change.

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First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG  Get Free Report) (TSE:FR)s share price gapped up before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $17.21, but opened at $17.77. First Majestic Silver shares last traded at $17.0830, with a volume of 3,608,120 shares traded.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have recently issued reports on AG shares. TD Securities upgraded shares of First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. National Bank Financial raised shares of First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Sunday, October 5th. Cormark raised First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of First Majestic Silver in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut First Majestic Silver from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, November 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $17.33.

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First Majestic Silver Price Performance

The businesss 50 day moving average is $13.82 and its two-hundred day moving average is $11.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 2.96 and a current ratio of 3.38. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.55 billion, a PE ratio of 124.43 and a beta of 0.84.

First Majestic Silver (NYSE:AG  Get Free Report) (TSE:FR) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The mining company reported $0.07 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.11 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $285.10 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $429.78 million. First Majestic Silver had a net margin of 7.07% and a return on equity of 3.14%. First Majestic Silvers revenue for the quarter was up 95.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.09) earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that First Majestic Silver Corp. will post 0.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

First Majestic Silver Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th were given a $0.0052 dividend. This represents a $0.02 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.1%. This is an increase from First Majestic Silvers previous quarterly dividend of $0.00. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. First Majestic Silvers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 14.29%.

Institutional Trading of First Majestic Silver

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of AG. Tudor Investment Corp ET AL boosted its holdings in First Majestic Silver by 891.5% in the 3rd quarter. Tudor Investment Corp ET AL now owns 244,740 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $3,008,000 after purchasing an additional 220,056 shares during the period. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd raised its position in shares of First Majestic Silver by 92.0% in the third quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd now owns 21,538 shares of the mining companys stock worth $265,000 after buying an additional 10,318 shares in the last quarter. Cantor Fitzgerald L. P. bought a new stake in First Majestic Silver during the third quarter valued at $318,000. Advisory Services Network LLC purchased a new position in First Majestic Silver during the third quarter worth about $344,000. Finally, Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC increased its stake in First Majestic Silver by 15.0% in the 3rd quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 23,071 shares of the mining companys stock worth $284,000 after acquiring an additional 3,008 shares during the last quarter. 27.16% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About First Majestic Silver

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First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) engages in the production of silver from its wholly owned operations in Mexico. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, the company focuses on acquiring, developing and operating high-grade silver projects. Established in 2002, First Majestic has built a multi-mine portfolio to supply silver primarily for the global industrial and investment markets while generating by-products such as gold, lead and zinc concentrates.

First Majestics principal operations are located in the historic Mexican Silver Belt, with producing mines including La Encantada in Coahuila, Santa Elena in Sonora and La Parrilla in Durango.

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Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE:FSM  Get Free Report) (TSE:FVI)s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $10.38 and last traded at $10.1250, with a volume of 550794 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.12.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Scotiabank raised shares of Fortuna Mining from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $10.50 to $11.00 in a research note on Monday, November 24th. National Bankshares upgraded shares of Fortuna Mining from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Wall Street Zen raised Fortuna Mining from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Fortuna Mining in a report on Monday. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Fortuna Mining has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $9.50.

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Fortuna Mining Stock Up 0.5%

The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $8.94 and a 200 day moving average price of $7.95. The company has a market cap of $3.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.13 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a quick ratio of 2.73, a current ratio of 3.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11.

Fortuna Mining (NYSE:FSM  Get Free Report) (TSE:FVI) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The basic materials company reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.23 by ($0.08). Fortuna Mining had a return on equity of 12.42% and a net margin of 21.48%.The business had revenue of $246.75 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $242.19 million. Equities research analysts forecast that Fortuna Mining Corp. will post 0.51 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fortuna Mining

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Fortuna Mining by 100.0% during the second quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 4,000 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000 shares during the last quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new stake in shares of Fortuna Mining in the third quarter worth about $27,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Fortuna Mining by 126.8% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,813 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 2,691 shares during the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its position in Fortuna Mining by 96.7% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 6,116 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 3,006 shares during the period. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Fortuna Mining during the 2nd quarter valued at $42,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 33.80% of the companys stock.

About Fortuna Mining

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Fortuna Mining Corp. engages in the precious and base metal mining in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Mexico, Peru, and Cote dIvoire. It operates through Mansfield, Sanu, Sango, Cuzcatlan, Bateas, and Corporate segments. The company primarily explores for silver, lead, zinc, and gold. Its flagship project is the Seguela gold mine, which consists of approximately 62,000 hectares and is located in the Worodougou Region of the Woroba District, Cote dIvoire. The company was formerly known as Fortuna Silver Mines Inc and changed its name to Fortuna Mining Corp.

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Great Wall Motor Company Limited (OTCMKTS:GWLLY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 73 shares, a drop of 66.7% from the November 30th total of 219 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 920 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 920 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days.

Great Wall Motor Price Performance

OTCMKTS:GWLLY remained flat at $18.56 during mid-day trading on Friday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $19.52 and its 200-day simple moving average is $19.42. Great Wall Motor has a 52-week low of $13.87 and a 52-week high of $26.12.

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About Great Wall Motor

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Great Wall Motor Co, Ltd. is a Chinese automotive manufacturer headquartered in Baoding, Hebei Province. Founded in 1984, the company has evolved from a regional vehicle assembler into one of Chinas largest producers of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks. Over the decades, Great Wall Motor has invested in research and development to broaden its product portfolio and enhance its manufacturing capabilities.

The companys principal business activities include the design, development and production of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and new energy vehicles.

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Hugo Boss (OTCMKTS:BOSSY  Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 495 shares, a drop of 65.5% from the November 30th total of 1,434 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 2,919 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 2,919 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Kepler Capital Markets upgraded Hugo Boss to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold.

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Hugo Boss Price Performance

Shares of Hugo Boss stock opened at $8.70 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $3.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.08 and a beta of 0.63. The stocks 50-day moving average is $8.79 and its 200-day moving average is $9.32. Hugo Boss has a one year low of $6.92 and a one year high of $10.21.

Hugo Boss (OTCMKTS:BOSSY  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $1.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.01 billion. Hugo Boss had a return on equity of 15.59% and a net margin of 5.31%. On average, equities analysts expect that Hugo Boss will post 0.63 EPS for the current year.

Hugo Boss Company Profile

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Hugo Boss AG is a German luxury fashion group that designs, produces and distributes a broad range of apparel, accessories and footwear under its two core brands, BOSS and HUGO. The companys product portfolio spans mens and womens business wear, casual collections and athleisure, as well as fragrances, eyewear and leather goods. Hugo Boss operates through a multi-channel network that includes directly operated retail stores, e-commerce platforms and wholesale partnerships with department stores and specialty retailers.

Founded in 1924 by Hugo Ferdinand Boss and headquartered in Metzingen, Germany, the company originally produced workwear and uniforms before pivoting to high-end fashion in the latter half of the 20th century.

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Hypermarcas (OTCMKTS:HYPMY  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 16 shares, a decline of 99.9% from the November 30th total of 11,176 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 13,330 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 13,330 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Hypermarcas Price Performance

Hypermarcas stock traded down $0.15 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $4.26. 420 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 51,243. The company has a market capitalization of $2.70 billion, a PE ratio of 18.52 and a beta of 0.73. The business has a fifty day moving average of $4.54 and a 200 day moving average of $4.51. Hypermarcas has a 1-year low of $2.86 and a 1-year high of $5.18. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61.

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Hypermarcas (OTCMKTS:HYPMY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $408.83 million for the quarter. Hypermarcas had a net margin of 12.03% and a return on equity of 6.89%.

Hypermarcas Company Profile

Hypermarcas SA is a Brazil-based consumer health and pharmaceutical company whose shares trade over the counter in the United States under the symbol HYPMY. Founded in the early 2000s and headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, the company operates as a holding group for a broad portfolio of branded products in the healthcare and personal care sectors.

Through its various subsidiaries, Hypermarcas develops, manufactures and markets prescription and over-the-counter medications, alongside personal care, baby care, home care and nutritional supplement products.

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There's no good time for a business to close and lay off all its employees, but an unexpected shutdown just before Christmas hits workers extra hard.

"United States-based employers announced 71,321 layoffs in November," according to an analysis from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, found, marking a 24% increase year over year.

Challenger, Gray & Christmas is a long-standing outplacement and labor analytics firm that has tracked U.S. layoffs and hiring trends for more than three decades and is frequently cited by economists, policymakers, and major news organizations.

The practice of laying off right before the holidays fell out of fashion during the Great Recession, according to Andy Challenger, the firms chief revenue officer.

It was the trend to announce layoff plans toward the end of the year, to align with most companies fiscal year-ends. It became unpopular after the Great Recession especially, and best practice dictated layoff plans would occur at times other than the holidays, Challenger wrote.

Sometimes, however, companies have no choice, and employees of Circle Furniture, a New England chain that's more than 70 years old, learned that their company would be closing "Till further notice," according to the company's web page on Dec 23.

That made for an unexpected near Christmas Eve layoff for workers.]

This is a concept dreamed up in the fiery pits of HR and consulting hell. Anyone who has been through the experience would never do that to another human, Kelly Smith, a partner and lead consultant at brand strategy and creative agency Thinkhaus Idea Factory, wrote on LinkedIn.

Circle Furniture closes with no notice

Circle Furniture employees received word about store closures via a companywide email on Dec. 19 and got another email on Dec. 23 revealing that they are being laid off, according to a report from The Boston Globe.

With a heavy heart, circumstances have gone against the business, and we can no longer afford to continue operations; therefore, all employees are being let go, including your position, effective Dec. 23, read the layoff email.

The company's website noted the shutdown, but has the caveat that the closure may not be permanent.
Ibstock plc (OTCMKTS:IBJHF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 701,693 shares, a growth of 521.6% from the November 30th total of 112,891 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently  days. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently  days.

Ibstock Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:IBJHF remained flat at $1.70 during mid-day trading on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $1.70 and its 200 day moving average is $1.93. Ibstock has a 1-year low of $1.70 and a 1-year high of $2.06.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, UBS Group lowered Ibstock from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

About Ibstock

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Ibstock PLC, trading on the OTC Markets under the ticker IBJHF, is a leading manufacturer of clay bricks and concrete products headquartered in the United Kingdom. The company designs, produces and distributes a broad portfolio of masonry solutions for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. Its core offerings include facing bricks, engineering bricks and concrete roof tiles, complemented by energy-efficient and sustainable building materials that address modern environmental and performance standards.

With a vertically integrated manufacturing model, Ibstock operates more than 45 production facilities across the UK and North America.

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Iluka Resources Limited (OTCMKTS:ILKAY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 664 shares, an increase of 137.1% from the November 30th total of 280 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 3,052 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 3,052 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days.

Iluka Resources Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:ILKAY traded up $0.64 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $19.25. The stock had a trading volume of 309 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,221. Iluka Resources has a 12 month low of $9.08 and a 12 month high of $35.77. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $21.13 and its 200-day simple moving average is $19.42.

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About Iluka Resources

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Iluka Resources is a leading global mineral sands company with operations spanning Australia, Sierra Leone and the United States. The company specializes in the exploration, mining and processing of zircon and titanium dioxide feedstocks, including ilmenite, rutile and synthetic rutile. Ilukas products serve a broad range of end markets, notably ceramics, refractory, pigment and chemical applications, as well as emerging technology sectors requiring specialty minerals.

Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Iluka Resources operates a vertically integrated business model encompassing mine development, mineral separation and marketing to industrial customers worldwide.

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Imperial Oil Limited (NYSEAMERICAN:IMO  Get Free Report) (TSE:IMO) saw some unusual options trading activity on Friday. Stock investors purchased 20,000 put options on the stock. This is an increase of approximately 3,354% compared to the typical daily volume of 579 put options.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Raymond James Financial lowered shares of Imperial Oil from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. BMO Capital Markets downgraded Imperial Oil from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating on shares of Imperial Oil in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. TD Securities reiterated a sell rating on shares of Imperial Oil in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Zacks Research cut Imperial Oil from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and five have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $115.00.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Imperial Oil

Imperial Oil Trading Down 0.4%

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. IMG Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in Imperial Oil in the second quarter valued at $28,000. MAI Capital Management grew its holdings in shares of Imperial Oil by 2,275.0% in the 2nd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 380 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 364 shares in the last quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Imperial Oil by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 426 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 213 shares in the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC boosted its position in Imperial Oil by 64.8% during the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 430 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in shares of Imperial Oil by 737.7% during the 3rd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 511 shares of the energy companys stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 450 shares during the last quarter. 20.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Imperial Oil stock traded down $0.33 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $85.52. 56,998 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 456,307. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $92.08 and its 200-day simple moving average is $87.77. The company has a quick ratio of 1.17, a current ratio of 1.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $41.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.41 and a beta of 0.70. Imperial Oil has a fifty-two week low of $58.76 and a fifty-two week high of $101.01.

Imperial Oil Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 3rd will be paid a $0.72 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 3rd. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.4%. Imperial Oils dividend payout ratio is presently 31.26%.

Imperial Oil Company Profile

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Imperial Oil (NYSEAMERICAN: IMO) is a Canadian integrated energy company involved in the exploration, production, refining and marketing of petroleum and petrochemical products. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Imperial has operated in Canada for well over a century and is one of the countrys long-standing energy firms. The company is majority-owned by Exxon Mobil Corporation, which provides strategic and technical links to global upstream and downstream capabilities.

Imperials operations span upstream activitiesexploration and production of crude oil, natural gas and oil-sands resourcesand downstream operations including refining, manufacturing of fuels and lubricants, petrochemical products, and retail distribution.

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Rebalance LLC cut its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA  Free Report) by 61.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 11,978 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 19,349 shares during the period. Rebalance LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $1,118,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Pineridge Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Addison Advisors LLC lifted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 56.6% in the second quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 379 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. Angeles Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF during the second quarter worth about $39,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF during the second quarter valued at about $48,000. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $49,000. 79.80% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Performance

Shares of EFA stock opened at $96.41 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $69.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.84. The firms 50 day moving average price is $94.95 and its 200-day moving average price is $92.29. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has a one year low of $72.14 and a one year high of $97.42.

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Profile

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Funds investment objective is to seek investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, MSCI EAFE Index (the Index). The Index has been developed by MSCI Inc as an equity benchmark for its international stock performance. The Index includes stocks from Europe, Australasia and the Far East. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index.

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Kerry Group PLC (OTCMKTS:KRYAY  Get Free Report) saw a large drop in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 74 shares, a drop of 96.0% from the November 30th total of 1,848 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 23,794 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 23,794 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold.

Kerry Group Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:KRYAY traded down $0.24 during trading on Friday, reaching $90.38. 7,002 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 13,437. Kerry Group has a 52-week low of $87.30 and a 52-week high of $113.38. The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $91.28 and a two-hundred day moving average of $95.70.

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Kerry Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Stockholders of record on Monday, October 13th were issued a dividend of $0.4656 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 159.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 10th.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Kerry Group in a research report on Friday, September 12th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of Kerry Group in a research report on Wednesday, September 24th. Finally, UBS Group reissued a neutral rating on shares of Kerry Group in a research report on Thursday, September 25th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

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Kerry Group Company Profile

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Kerry Group (OTCMKTS:KRYAY) is a global leader in taste and nutrition solutions for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. The company develops, manufactures and supplies a broad portfolio of ingredients, flavors and integrated solutions designed to enhance taste, improve health and simplify production processes. Kerrys offerings span across dairy-based ingredients, flavors, texturizers, enzymes, probiotics and nutritional premixes, serving both industrial customers and consumer food brands.

Through its Taste & Nutrition division, Kerry provides customized flavor systems, savory and sweet taste platforms, and nutritional ingredients for applications such as snacks, bakery, dairy, beverages and meat alternatives.

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Shares of Loblaw Companies Limited (TSE:L  Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six ratings firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is C$113.50.

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on L. Desjardins raised Loblaw Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from C$62.00 to C$67.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. TD Securities raised their price target on Loblaw Companies from C$63.00 to C$65.00 in a report on Thursday, November 13th. National Bankshares lifted their price objective on shares of Loblaw Companies from C$60.00 to C$61.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. CIBC increased their price objective on shares of Loblaw Companies from C$58.50 to C$67.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of Loblaw Companies from C$57.50 to C$63.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 13th.

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Loblaw Companies Trading Down 0.2%

Loblaw Companies Cuts Dividend

Shares of TSE:L opened at C$61.45 on Tuesday. Loblaw Companies has a 52-week low of C$43.32 and a 52-week high of C$63.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 166.11, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 1.29. The company has a market capitalization of C$72.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 0.28. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of C$59.96 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$116.72.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 30th will be given a dividend of $0.1411 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. Loblaw Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.31%.

Insider Activity at Loblaw Companies

In other news, insider Kieran Barry Columb sold 40,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$59.50, for a total value of C$2,427,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 163,696 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately C$9,739,912. This represents a 19.95% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Insiders sold a total of 102,044 shares of company stock valued at $6,092,002 over the last 90 days. 53.77% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Loblaw Companies Company Profile

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Loblaw is one of Canadas largest grocery, pharmacy, and general merchandise retailers, operating the most expansive store footprint in Ontario and maintaining sizable presences in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia. Key grocery banners include Loblaw, No Frills, and Maxi, while its pharmaceutical operations are the product of its 2014 acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart. The firm carries a robust private-label assortment, with top sellers like Presidents Choice and No Name. In addition to its retail operations, Loblaw oversees a financial-services business, which provides credit card services and guaranteed investment certificates, and also operates its PC Optimum loyalty program.

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Manx Financial Group PLC (LON:MFX  Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 27.28 and traded as high as GBX 29. Manx Financial Group shares last traded at GBX 29, with a volume of 167 shares trading hands.

Manx Financial Group Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 111.71, a current ratio of 2.30 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The firm has a market cap of 35.05 million, a P/E ratio of 4.65 and a beta of 0.62. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is GBX 27.34 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 28.32.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider James Smeed acquired 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 20th. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 27 per share, with a total value of 6,750. 69.71% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Manx Financial Group Company Profile

Manx Financial Group PLC (MFG) is an AIM-quoted company (LSE: MFX.L) with subsidiaries offering a suite of financial services to retail and commercial customers, both in the Isle of Man and the UK. MFGs strategy is to combine organic growth with strategic acquisition to further augment the range of services it offers and to gain greater market share in its preferred markets.

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Maxus Realty Trust Inc. (OTCMKTS:MRTI  Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 63 shares, a drop of 66.8% from the November 30th total of 190 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 1,518 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,518 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short.

Maxus Realty Trust Stock Performance

Shares of MRTI stock remained flat at $75.00 during mid-day trading on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $89.25 million, a PE ratio of 61.98 and a beta of 0.13. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $64.66 and a 200-day moving average price of $59.88. Maxus Realty Trust has a 12-month low of $54.00 and a 12-month high of $84.97.

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Maxus Realty Trust (OTCMKTS:MRTI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 14th. The company reported $0.99 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $17.60 million during the quarter.

About Maxus Realty Trust

Maxus Realty Trust, Inc (the Trust), is structured as what is commonly referred to as an umbrella partnership REIT, or UPREIT, structure. To effect the UPREIT restructuring, the Trust formed Maxus Operating Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (MOLP), to which the Trust contributed all of its assets, in exchange for a 99.999% partnership interest in MOLP and the assumption by MOLP of all of the Trusts liabilities.

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Mirabaud & Cie SA decreased its position in Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK  Free Report) by 66.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,925 shares of the medical technology companys stock after selling 3,810 shares during the quarter. Mirabaud & Cie SAs holdings in Stryker were worth $712,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Consolidated Portfolio Review Corp boosted its position in Stryker by 4.2% during the 2nd quarter. Consolidated Portfolio Review Corp now owns 648 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $256,000 after acquiring an additional 26 shares during the last quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Stryker by 16.9% in the second quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC now owns 180 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $71,000 after purchasing an additional 26 shares in the last quarter. Sunflower Bank N.A. boosted its holdings in Stryker by 4.0% during the second quarter. Sunflower Bank N.A. now owns 696 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $275,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares during the last quarter. Pitti Group Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Stryker by 3.2% in the second quarter. Pitti Group Wealth Management LLC now owns 861 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $341,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sachetta LLC lifted its position in Stryker by 58.7% during the 2nd quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 73 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. 77.09% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts recently commented on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $435.00 price target on shares of Stryker in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Stryker in a report on Monday. Evercore ISI decreased their target price on shares of Stryker from $410.00 to $405.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. UBS Group set a $408.00 price target on shares of Stryker in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Stryker from $443.00 to $453.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $431.84.

Stryker Price Performance

Shares of SYK opened at $354.54 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average is $364.19 and its 200-day moving average is $376.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.85 and a quick ratio of 1.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $135.58 billion, a PE ratio of 46.59, a PEG ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 0.89. Stryker Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $329.16 and a fifty-two week high of $406.19.

Stryker (NYSE:SYK  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The medical technology company reported $3.19 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.13 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $6.06 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.04 billion. Stryker had a net margin of 12.07% and a return on equity of 24.07%. Strykers revenue was up 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.87 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Stryker Corporation will post 13.47 EPS for the current year.

Stryker Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a $0.88 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $3.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. This is a positive change from Strykers previous quarterly dividend of $0.84. Strykers payout ratio is currently 44.15%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Stryker news, CFO Preston Wendell Wells sold 165 shares of the businesss 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 completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 6,694 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,449,200.72. The trade was a 2.41% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CAO William E. Berry, Jr. sold 1,953 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $365.49, for a total transaction of $713,801.97. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 2,833 shares in the company, valued at $1,035,433.17. This represents a 40.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 522,118 shares of company stock worth $185,381,932 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 5.90% of the companys stock.

Stryker Profile

(Free Report)

Stryker Corporation is a global medical technology company that designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of products and services for use in hospitals, surgeons offices and other healthcare facilities. Its primary business activities span orthopedics (including joint replacement implants, trauma and extremities products), surgical equipment and operating room technologies (such as visualization, navigation and powered instruments), neurotechnology and spine solutions, and patient-handling and emergency medical equipment.

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Mitsubishi Estate Co. (OTCMKTS:MITEY  Get Free Report) shares gapped up before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $24.50, but opened at $25.49. Mitsubishi Estate shares last traded at $24.54, with a volume of 52 shares changing hands.

Mitsubishi Estate Trading Up 2.5%

The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $22.70 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $21.27. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.57 billion, a PE ratio of 23.92 and a beta of 0.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27, a current ratio of 2.09 and a quick ratio of 1.45.

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Mitsubishi Estate (OTCMKTS:MITEY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The company reported $0.04 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.18 by ($0.14). Mitsubishi Estate had a net margin of 11.67% and a return on equity of 5.47%. The firm had revenue of $2.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.74 billion. Mitsubishi Estate has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.090-1.090 EPS.

Mitsubishi Estate Company Profile

Mitsubishi Estate Co, Ltd. (OTCMKTS: MITEY) is one of Japans largest real estate developers and a core company within the Mitsubishi corporate group. Headquartered in Tokyo, the firm is best known for large-scale urban development and property leasing, including landmark office districts and mixed-use complexes in central Tokyo. Its businesses span the full real estate value chain, from land acquisition and project development to leasing, sales, property and facility management, and real estate investment management.

The companys commercial activities cover office buildings, retail and commercial facilities, residential housing, hotels and resorts, and logistics properties.

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With a heavy heart, circumstance [sic] have gone against the business and we can no longer afford to continue operations, therefore all employees are being let go including your position effective Dec. 23, read the email shared with the Globe.

The company management sent an email on Friday, Dec. 19, informing employees that all stores were closed until further notice. Then, on the morning of Dec. 23, employees received a harsh notification that they were being laid off.

Circle Furniture has closed all of its stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire after more than 70 years of operations, reported The Boston Globe .

Over the last two to three years, many furniture chains werent able to navigate these economic conditions and were forced to close their doors for good. The latest to join the group is 73-year-old Circle Furniture.

Whats more, the industry is dealing with even more difficulties in 2025, as President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs of between 10% and 50% on imports of foreign furniture and wood in October 2025, reported Financial Times .

Serious challenges for the furniture business arose in 2022. In fact, there was a dramatic reversal of fortune for many within Furniture Todays Top 100 as retailers that experienced double-digit growth in 2021 now reported red numbers for 2022 in the furniture, bedding, and accessories sales column, according to Furniture Today .

Post pandemic, things werent so good for the industry. In fact, Noble House filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Sep. 2023.

It makes perfect sense that people wanted to enrich their living area when they were forced to spend all their time there. Furniture sales boomed early during the pandemic, as people also wanted to adapt their homes into offices. Popular large-scale furniture maker Noble House saw a 48% increase in sales in 2020 and 11% in 2021, reports Retail Dive .

For example, the recreational vehicle (RV) market saw a significant boost during the pandemic, with Bloomberg even calling them Covid campers due to their sudden rise in popularity. Another industry that saw an uptick in sales at the time of the lockdowns was the furniture industry.

Businesses that thrived belonged to industries that improved peoples restricted and stressful living conditions. Some of them boomed quite unexpectedly.

Not many industries managed to thrive during the Covid pandemic. Still, in addition to drug and supplement manufacturers and mask makers, several other sectors actually benefited from the lockdowns and severe restrictions.

Story Continues

The Acton-headquartered company has eight stores and a warehouse outlet.

The email further read that employees will retain their health benefits until the end of the month.

Theres a banner on Circle Furnitures official website that clearly states All Circle Furniture Locations are CLOSED Till Further Notice, but theres nothing regarding e-commerce operations. The companys phone goes straight to voicemail.

The story of Circle Furniture: built to last

Circle Furniture was founded as a family business in 1952 by Robert Tubman. It started by opening a small shop in Putnam Circle (now Putnam Square) and expanding to seven other locations across New England.

By the mid 2000s, Circle Furniture had several stores in Massachusetts and opened additional showrooms in strategic locations. For example, in 2004 it opened its fifth store in Danvers, Massachusetts, and in 2012, the company celebrated the opening of its first downtown Boston store, according to Furniture Today.

Circle Furniture was born with the idea of offering something different in a sea of disposable and cheaply made furniture: something that is built to last. It started by selling high-quality used furniture and unfinished pieces, and then expanded its portfolio to include beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly furniture, writes Northshore Magazine.

The business was celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and transparency. Then-Co-owner Peggy Burns told the outlet in 2015 that her family prioritized local vendors, environmentally responsible materials, and lean manufacturing practices, partnering with companies like Lee Industries and Copeland Furniture to minimize waste and reduce chemical exposure.

Our goal is to help you create the room you want, Burns said. But we also focus on using the right resources. Its our responsibility to pass the planet on, and we all want there to be something left for our grandchildren.

The description on the companys About Us page says the following:

We are dedicated to providing a wide selection of unique, quality furniture with a team of talented designers to help you every step of the way. Besides sourcing expertly crafted and beautiful furniture, we take strides to be an important part of the local community both by working with local factories and supporting local charities.

Furniture chains that closed or filed for bankruptcy

Some other furniture chains and home furnishing retailers that have closed over the last few years include the following.

Outten Brothers Home Furnishings : Liquidation/closure announced in 2025 after 78 years in operation, reported TheStreet.

Badcock Home Furniture & More : Closed all of its 380 stores, according to Tallahassee Democrat.

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams : Fully closed showrooms in 2023, reported CNN.

The RoomPlace : Liquidated all 26 locations in early 2025, according to TheStreet.

American Freight Appliances & Furniture : Parent company filed Chapter 11 in 2024, shutting down all stores, reported TheStreet.

New Deal Furniture : Conducting going out of business sale, writes TheStreet.

American Signature : Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Nov. 2025, according to the official press release.

At Home : Filed for bankruptcy in June 2025, according to CBS News.

Z Gallerie: Filed for bankruptcy in 2023, reported Chain Store Age.

Why is Circle Furniture closing? Brutal times

Piper Sandler Research Analyst Peter Keith addressed attendees at Furniture Todays 2024 Leadership Conference.

Business in the furniture industry over the past two years has been absolutely brutal. While it has moderated, its still down single digits. Youve had a brutal backdrop for the year, really the past two years have been tough.

Circle Furniture has around 65 employees across administrative, accounting and retail roles. Jonathan Boyle, who has been with the company for almost four decades, was not expecting this.

They were having some financial difficulties they were trying to resolve and work around, but thats all I know, he said. Its not a great situation.

Other employees told The Boston Globe that the company made an ambitious move when its ownership changed three years ago. New owners Robert and Paula Richard opened stores in the Seaport, Portsmouth, N.H., and in Hyannis. Workers believe the Hyannis store has driven the company to the brink, with extended debt and delivery disruptions.

The new owners came with the best of intentions, said Tim Copeland, a manager at Circle Furniture's manufacturing facility in Vermont. With each store they opened, we saw an uptick in business.

Copeland noted that all of the furniture ordered before the closure will be delivered.

Circle Furniture has not filed for bankruptcy, per the report.

Employees are looking for new jobs a few days before Christmas

A number of workers told The Globe that they have already started to look for new jobs.

Burns was upset to hear the news, as she had maintained close relationships with the workers.

Its our legacy, and were so ashamed of it, she said. This was devastating. Ive reached out to people I know and were trying to help in any way we can

Burns, her husband Richard Tubman, and his brother Harold Tubman sold the business to the Richards because their children didnt want to continue the family business.

Longtime customers are shocked and disappointed

The news about Circle Furniture's closure after more than 70 years quickly reached social networks, shocking and disappointing longtime customers.

Whoa. And here I was contemplating another purchase from them because I've enjoyed my previous purchases so much, wrote user Majestic_Economy_881 on Reddit.

User TooMuchCaffeine37 seconded that thought, saying Bummer. They have great high quality stuff. Pricy, but solid.

Other users were also frustrated to hear the news about the closure, but expressed hope that the business could restructure.

Ugh, this is terrible. Their furniture is great, sized great for small spaces, and very frequently made in US too. Hope they restructure or change ownership, wrote user ShaniJean.

Some customers expressed their disappointment on Instagram where the news about Circle Furniture closure was also shared.

User michaeljclarke.photography was sad and curious to know if there will be a liquidation sale soon, while others followed up with heartbroken emojis.

Related: 91-years-old historic bar is closing permanently

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Dec 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Monarch Cement Co. (OTCMKTS:MCEM  Get Free Report) crossed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $220.28 and traded as high as $228.00. Monarch Cement shares last traded at $224.62, with a volume of 491 shares trading hands.

Monarch Cement Price Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $819.88 million, a PE ratio of 14.64 and a beta of 0.44. The companys fifty day moving average is $220.34 and its 200-day moving average is $230.31.

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Monarch Cement (OTCMKTS:MCEM  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The construction company reported $6.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $73.05 million for the quarter. Monarch Cement had a return on equity of 11.63% and a net margin of 19.60%.

Monarch Cement Company Profile

The Monarch Cement Company engages in the manufacture and sale of portland cement in the United States. The company also provides masonry cement, ready-mixed concrete, concrete products, and sundry building materials. It primarily serves contractors, ready-mixed concrete plants, concrete products plants, building materials dealers, and governmental agencies. The company sells its products principally in the State of Kansas, the State of Iowa, southeast Nebraska, western Missouri, northwest Arkansas, and northern Oklahoma.

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nVent Electric PLC (NYSE:NVT  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Buy from the ten brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $123.25.

Several equities research analysts have commented on the company. KeyCorp boosted their target price on nVent Electric from $103.00 to $114.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. UBS Group began coverage on shares of nVent Electric in a report on Thursday, November 20th. They issued a buy rating and a $128.00 price objective for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on shares of nVent Electric from $111.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Roth Capital reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $130.00 target price (up previously from $115.00) on shares of nVent Electric in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Barclays lifted their price objective on nVent Electric from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th.

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nVent Electric Price Performance

nVent Electric stock opened at $103.97 on Tuesday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $105.18 and a 200-day moving average of $92.33. The company has a current ratio of 1.57, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.64, a PEG ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.32. nVent Electric has a 1 year low of $41.71 and a 1 year high of $117.52.

nVent Electric (NYSE:NVT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.88 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.01 billion. nVent Electric had a net margin of 16.83% and a return on equity of 14.29%. The firms revenue was up 34.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.63 EPS. 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. On average, equities analysts anticipate that nVent Electric will post 3.04 EPS for the current year.

nVent Electric Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be issued a dividend of $0.21 per share. This is an increase from nVent Electrics previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. nVent Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.04%.

Insider Buying and Selling at nVent Electric

In related news, Director Greg Scheu sold 5,591 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 24th. The stock was 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 position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, insider Sara E. Zawoyski sold 115,557 shares of nVent Electric stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.78, for a total value of $13,032,518.46. Following the transaction, the insider owned 66,680 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,520,170.40. This trade represents a 63.41% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold 163,228 shares of company stock worth $18,345,001 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 1.80% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On nVent Electric

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. SVB Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of nVent Electric during the first quarter worth about $25,000. Global Trust Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in nVent Electric during the third quarter worth approximately $30,000. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in nVent Electric during the third quarter worth approximately $31,000. Trust Co. of Vermont lifted its stake in nVent Electric by 57.8% in the second quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 434 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 159 shares during the last quarter. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC boosted its holdings in shares of nVent Electric by 1,202.9% in the second quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 443 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 409 shares during the period. 90.05% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About nVent Electric

(Get Free Report)

nVent Electric PLC is a global manufacturer of electrical connection, protection and thermal management solutions. The company designs, engineers and produces a broad portfolio of products aimed at enhancing safety, reliability and performance in electrical systems across a variety of industries. Its core offerings include electrical enclosures, heat tracing systems, grounding and bonding products, cable management, and fastening solutions. nVent serves markets such as commercial and industrial construction, oil and gas, telecommunications, data centers, utilities, and renewable energy.

The companys electrical enclosures and housing solutions protect sensitive components from environmental hazards, while its Raychem brand heat tracing products provide freeze protection and temperature maintenance for critical piping and equipment.

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Outokumpu (OTCMKTS:OUTKY  Get Free Report) shares gapped up prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $2.39, but opened at $2.48. Outokumpu shares last traded at $2.48, with a volume of 362 shares changing hands.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms recently issued reports on OUTKY. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Outokumpu in a report on Friday, December 5th. Zacks Research downgraded Outokumpu from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut shares of Outokumpu from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Danske raised shares of Outokumpu to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Reduce.

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Outokumpu Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $2.35 billion, a P/E ratio of -20.67 and a beta of 0.62. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $2.33 and its 200-day moving average price is $2.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a current ratio of 1.76.

Outokumpu (OTCMKTS:OUTKY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported ($0.04) EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $1.52 billion for the quarter. Outokumpu had a negative return on equity of 2.90% and a negative net margin of 1.83%. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Outokumpu will post 0.07 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Outokumpu Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 6th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 16th were issued a dividend of $0.0343 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, October 15th. This represents a yield of 297.0%. Outokumpus dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -41.67%.

Outokumpu Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Outokumpu Oyj is a Finland-based global producer of stainless steel products and one of Europes leading stainless steel manufacturers. Headquartered in Helsinki, the company traces its roots back to mining operations established in 1910 and has, over decades, transformed into a focused stainless steel specialist. Outokumpus core business encompasses the production of high-grade stainless steel in flat and long product forms, serving a broad range of industries including automotive, construction, energy, and consumer goods.

The companys primary product portfolio includes cold-rolled and hot-rolled coils and sheets, plates, strips, bars and wire, as well as tailor-made and value-added solutions such as precision-cut blanks and welded tubes.

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Pacer Advisors Inc. reduced its position in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 25.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,809,074 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 968,813 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in EOG Resources were worth $314,953,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in EOG. Cullen Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of EOG Resources by 4.7% during the second quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLC now owns 576,470 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $68,952,000 after buying an additional 25,753 shares during the last quarter. Kiker Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in EOG Resources during the 2nd quarter valued at about $627,000. Railway Pension Investments Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 6.9% during the 2nd quarter. Railway Pension Investments Ltd now owns 449,100 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $53,717,000 after acquiring an additional 28,800 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC grew its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 9.1% in the second quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 61,742 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $7,386,000 after acquiring an additional 5,156 shares during the period. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 30.1% in the first quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 195,782 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $25,107,000 after acquiring an additional 45,295 shares during the period. 89.91% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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EOG Resources Price Performance

NYSE:EOG opened at $103.86 on Friday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $106.92 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $114.52. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 52 week low of $101.59 and a 52 week high of $138.18. The stock has a market cap of $56.35 billion, a PE ratio of 10.34, a P/E/G ratio of 7.86 and a beta of 0.49. The company has a quick ratio of 1.43, a current ratio of 1.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25.

EOG Resources Announces Dividend

EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy exploration company reported $2.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.42 by $0.29. The firm had revenue of $5.85 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.48 billion. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 19.80% and a net margin of 24.49%.The firms revenue was down 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.89 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be issued 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 40.64%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have commented on EOG. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed a strong-buy rating and issued a $153.00 target price on shares of EOG Resources in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $130.00 to $126.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Mizuho set a $134.00 price objective on shares of EOG Resources and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Barclays set a $136.00 price objective on EOG Resources and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Wolfe Research lowered their target price on EOG Resources from $139.00 to $138.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating and seventeen have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $138.93.

View Our Latest Report on EOG Resources

EOG Resources Profile

(Free Report)

EOG Resources, Inc (NYSE: EOG) is an independent exploration and production company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Tracing its corporate origins to Enron Oil & Gas Company in the late 1990s, the company established itself as a standalone E&P operator and has grown into one of the largest U.S. upstream producers. EOG focuses on the exploration, development and production of crude oil, condensate, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs).

As an upstream-focused company, EOGs core activities include geologic and geophysical exploration, drilling and completion of wells, reservoir development, and the marketing of hydrocarbon production.

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Shares of PCCW Ltd. (OTCMKTS:PCCWY  Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $7.75, but opened at $7.11. PCCW shares last traded at $7.11, with a volume of 435 shares.

PCCW Stock Performance

The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.57. The firms fifty day moving average is $7.27 and its 200-day moving average is $7.05.

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About PCCW

(Get Free Report)

PCCW Limited (OTCMKTS:PCCWY) is a Hong Kongbased technology and telecommunications company offering a broad array of connectivity, media and IT solutions. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the group traces its roots to the early 2000s restructuring of the local fixed-line incumbent and has since diversified into broadband, mobile and digital media services under various subsidiaries.

The companys consumer and enterprise businesses encompass fixed-line telephone, broadband internet access, mobile services and pay-TV.

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Precision Wealth Strategies LLC purchased a new position in shares of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 5,647 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $732,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. ProShare Advisors LLC raised its position in Oshkosh by 3.1% in the second quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 2,855 shares of the companys stock valued at $324,000 after purchasing an additional 87 shares during the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its holdings in Oshkosh by 6.0% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,763 shares of the companys stock valued at $200,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position in Oshkosh by 21.8% during the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 593 shares of the companys stock worth $67,000 after buying an additional 106 shares during the period. Whittier Trust Co. grew its holdings in Oshkosh by 69.1% during the 2nd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 279 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 114 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brighton Jones LLC grew its holdings in Oshkosh by 1.9% during the 3rd quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 6,212 shares of the companys stock worth $806,000 after acquiring an additional 114 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 92.36% of the companys stock.

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Oshkosh Trading Down 0.5%

NYSE OSK opened at $130.43 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.72, a P/E/G ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.41. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $128.01 and a 200 day simple moving average of $128.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 1.98 and a quick ratio of 0.99. Oshkosh Corporation has a one year low of $76.82 and a one year high of $144.30.

Oshkosh Announces Dividend

Oshkosh ( NYSE:OSK Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $3.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.12 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $2.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.84 billion. Oshkosh had a return on equity of 16.60% and a net margin of 6.43%.The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.93 EPS. Oshkosh has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.500-11.000 EPS. Research analysts expect that Oshkosh Corporation will post 10.96 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 17th were issued a dividend of $0.51 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.6%. Oshkoshs dividend payout ratio is currently 19.90%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have recently issued reports on OSK. KeyCorp reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Oshkosh in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Wall Street Zen raised Oshkosh from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, December 20th. Barclays initiated coverage on Oshkosh in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. They set an overweight rating and a $150.00 target price on the stock. Zacks Research cut Oshkosh from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on Oshkosh in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They issued an overweight rating and a $144.00 price objective on the stock. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $149.56.

View Our Latest Analysis on Oshkosh

Oshkosh Company Profile

(Free Report)

Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of specialty trucks, military vehicles and access equipment. The companys offerings span critical end markets, including defense, fire and emergency services, commercial construction and industrial sectors. By combining engineering expertise with advanced technologies, Oshkosh delivers solutions that enhance mobility, safety and productivity for its customers.

Founded in 1917 and headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the company has evolved from producing heavy-duty dump trucks to a diversified portfolio of products and services.

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Private Trust Co. NA lifted its holdings in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:GSIE  Free Report) by 967.7% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 37,510 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 33,997 shares during the quarter. Private Trust Co. NAs holdings in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF were worth $1,542,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Amplius Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF by 1.0% during the second quarter. Amplius Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 27,849 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,103,000 after purchasing an additional 263 shares during the last quarter. PFG Investments LLC raised its position in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 20,276 shares of the companys stock valued at $804,000 after buying an additional 272 shares in the last quarter. Perennial Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Perennial Investment Advisors LLC now owns 29,566 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,173,000 after acquiring an additional 292 shares during the last quarter. Waterloo Capital L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Waterloo Capital L.P. now owns 12,954 shares of the companys stock valued at $514,000 after acquiring an additional 306 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brighton Jones LLC grew its position in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF by 5.8% in the second quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 6,081 shares of the companys stock worth $241,000 after acquiring an additional 332 shares in the last quarter.

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Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA GSIE opened at $43.14 on Friday. Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF has a 1-year low of $31.73 and a 1-year high of $43.19. The businesss 50 day moving average is $41.78 and its two-hundred day moving average is $40.81. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.44 and a beta of 0.84.

Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF Profile

The Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (GSIE) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of stocks in developed markets outside of the US comprising four sub-indices: value, momentum, quality and low volatility. The index uses multiple factors to pick stocks, and each sub-index receives equal weight. GSIE was launched on Nov 6, 2015 and is managed by Goldman Sachs.

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Raub Brock Capital Management LP grew its position in Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 13.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 55,584 shares of the information technology services providers stock after acquiring an additional 6,779 shares during the period. Accenture comprises approximately 2.9% of Raub Brock Capital Management LPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest position. Raub Brock Capital Management LPs holdings in Accenture were worth $13,707,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of ACN. Brighton Jones LLC raised its stake in shares of Accenture by 36.2% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 18,438 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $6,486,000 after buying an additional 4,905 shares during the period. CreativeOne Wealth LLC increased its holdings in Accenture by 6.3% in the 1st quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC now owns 5,523 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,723,000 after acquiring an additional 329 shares in the last quarter. OMERS ADMINISTRATION Corp raised its position in Accenture by 0.9% during the first quarter. OMERS ADMINISTRATION Corp now owns 345,172 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $107,707,000 after acquiring an additional 2,937 shares during the period. Trexquant Investment LP purchased a new position in Accenture during the first quarter valued at $7,235,000. Finally, WPG Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Accenture in the first quarter valued at about $42,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.14% of the companys stock.

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Key Headlines Impacting Accenture

Here are the key news stories impacting Accenture this week:

Positive Sentiment: Accenture agreed to acquire Cabel Industry to boost core-banking and financial-services capabilities in Italy  expands market footprint in a high-value vertical and should help cross-sell Accentures cloud and banking services in Europe. Accenture to Acquire Cabel Industry

Accenture agreed to acquire Cabel Industry to boost core-banking and financial-services capabilities in Italy  expands market footprint in a high-value vertical and should help cross-sell Accentures cloud and banking services in Europe. Positive Sentiment: Short interest fell materially (~16.6% month-over-month) to ~11.7M shares, lowering potential near-term downside pressure from short squeezes and signaling less bearish positioning among traders. Source: market short interest data

Short interest fell materially (~16.6% month-over-month) to ~11.7M shares, lowering potential near-term downside pressure from short squeezes and signaling less bearish positioning among traders. Positive Sentiment: Analyst coverage remains constructive  ACN was given an average rating of Moderate Buy and commentators highlight Accentures growth profile and steady margin/earnings beats, supporting demand for the stock. Analysts Give Moderate Buy

Analyst coverage remains constructive  ACN was given an average rating of Moderate Buy and commentators highlight Accentures growth profile and steady margin/earnings beats, supporting demand for the stock. Positive Sentiment: Accenture is partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy on the Genesis Mission program  a strategic win that enhances its presence in public-sector and energy tech work, which can translate to longer-term contract streams. Accenture, US Dept of Energy Partner

Accenture is partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy on the Genesis Mission program  a strategic win that enhances its presence in public-sector and energy tech work, which can translate to longer-term contract streams. Neutral Sentiment: Coverage pieces and comparisons (Zacks growth case; headtohead vs. Infobird and CLPS) reiterate ACNs strengths but add little new financial information  useful for long-term conviction but less likely to move intraday price. Zacks: Strong Growth Stock

Coverage pieces and comparisons (Zacks growth case; headtohead vs. Infobird and CLPS) reiterate ACNs strengths but add little new financial information  useful for long-term conviction but less likely to move intraday price. Neutral Sentiment: Coverage of analyst Q&A from the recent Q4 earnings call highlights management commentary and investor questions  helpful for context but not signaling a material change in guidance. 5 Revealing Analyst Questions

Coverage of analyst Q&A from the recent Q4 earnings call highlights management commentary and investor questions  helpful for context but not signaling a material change in guidance. Negative Sentiment: Farther Finance Advisors trimmed its ACN holding by ~12.3% in Q3 (sold ~2,849 shares)  a small institutional reduction that could be read as minor profittaking or portfolio rebalancing, but not a broad sell signal. Farther Finance Cuts Position

Accenture Price Performance

NYSE:ACN opened at $270.08 on Friday. Accenture PLC has a one year low of $229.40 and a one year high of $398.35. The stock has a market cap of $166.26 billion, a PE ratio of 22.32, a P/E/G ratio of 2.60 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a current ratio of 1.41. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $255.21 and a 200 day moving average price of $262.79.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 18th. The information technology services provider reported $3.94 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.73 by $0.21. Accenture had a return on equity of 26.65% and a net margin of 10.76%.The company had revenue of $18.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.51 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.59 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Accenture has set its FY 2026 guidance at 13.520-13.900 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Accenture PLC will post 12.73 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Accenture Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 13th will be given a dividend of $1.63 per share. This represents a $6.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 13th. Accentures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 53.88%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Accenture from $302.00 to $290.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 26th. Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Accenture in a report on Friday, September 26th. Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on Accenture from $350.00 to $330.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock 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. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on Accenture from $235.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Accenture has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $298.29.

View Our Latest Research Report on ACN

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Accenture news, insider Manish Sharma sold 6,902 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $250.01, for a total value of $1,725,569.02. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 1,860 shares in the company, valued at $465,018.60. The trade was a 78.77% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Ryoji Sekido sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $249.47, for a total transaction of $623,675.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 1,390 shares of the companys stock, valued at $346,763.30. This represents a 64.27% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 33,319 shares of company stock valued at $8,335,225 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.02% of the companys stock.

About Accenture

(Free Report)

Accenture is a global professional services company that provides a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. The firm works with organizations across industries to design and implement business transformation programs, deploy and manage enterprise technology, optimize operations, and develop customer and digital experiences. Its offerings encompass management and technology consulting, systems integration, application and infrastructure services, cloud migration and managed services, as well as security and analytics capabilities.

The company delivers industry- and function-specific solutions, combining consulting expertise with proprietary tools, platforms and partnerships with major technology vendors.

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Regent Peak Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm acquired 2,468 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $644,000.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 26,723,774 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $6,607,453,000 after buying an additional 335,955 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 0.9% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 12,476,310 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,103,167,000 after acquiring an additional 108,919 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 1.9% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,765,540 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,670,246,000 after acquiring an additional 122,990 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in Illinois Tool Works by 12.3% in the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 3,797,055 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $938,822,000 after purchasing an additional 415,982 shares during the period. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 3,595,146 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $888,900,000 after buying an additional 80,527 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.77% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $245.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Bank of America upgraded shares of Illinois Tool Works from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and increased their price target for the company from $220.00 to $255.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Evercore ISI lowered their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $261.00 to $253.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Barclays lifted their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $243.00 to $244.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Illinois Tool Works presently has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $259.25.

Insider Buying and Selling at Illinois Tool Works

In other news, Director Pamela B. Strobel sold 1,521 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $245.25, for a total transaction of $373,025.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 39,249 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,625,817.25. The trade was a 3.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.88% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Illinois Tool Works Stock Performance

Shares of ITW stock opened at $251.95 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.53. The firm has a market capitalization of $73.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 11.22 and a beta of 1.14. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a one year low of $214.66 and a one year high of $278.13. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $248.32 and a 200 day moving average price of $253.89.

Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.81 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.72 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $4.06 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.09 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 93.26% and a net margin of 19.05%.The companys revenue was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.91 EPS. Illinois Tool Works has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.400-10.500 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 EPS for the current year.

Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a $1.61 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $6.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.6%. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is 62.46%.

Illinois Tool Works Company Profile

(Free Report)

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW) is a diversified industrial manufacturer that designs and produces a broad array of engineered products, consumables and related service solutions for industrial customers. Its offerings span engineered fastening systems, specialty components, industrial equipment, welding products, foodservice and packaging equipment, adhesives and polymer products, and test-and-measurement technologies. These products are used as critical inputs by customers across automotive, construction, electronics, foodservice, maintenance and other industrial end markets.

The company operates a decentralized business model in which independently managed businesses focus on niche product lines and close customer relationships.

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Regent Peak Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 1,993 shares of the credit services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,134,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in MA. LGT Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Mastercard during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC bought a new stake in Mastercard during the second quarter valued at about $26,000. Flaharty Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Mastercard in the first quarter worth about $27,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Mastercard during the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, Robbins Farley grew its stake in shares of Mastercard by 50.0% during the 3rd quarter. Robbins Farley now owns 54 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares during the period. 97.28% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have weighed in on MA shares. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $713.00 price target on shares of Mastercard in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Mastercard from $669.00 to $660.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 31st. Macquarie increased their target price on Mastercard from $655.00 to $660.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $640.00 to $660.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Tigress Financial boosted their target price on shares of Mastercard from $685.00 to $730.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Mastercard has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $657.48.

Mastercard Stock Performance

Mastercard stock opened at $579.38 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $555.26 and its 200-day moving average price is $565.87. The company has a quick ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40. The company has a market cap of $520.28 billion, a PE ratio of 37.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.87. Mastercard Incorporated has a twelve month low of $465.59 and a twelve month high of $601.77.

Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The credit services provider reported $4.38 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.31 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $8.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.53 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 202.03% and a net margin of 45.28%.The firms revenue was up 16.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.89 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Mastercard Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.87 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. This is a positive change from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.76. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.6%. Mastercards payout ratio is presently 19.44%.

Mastercard Profile

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated is a global payments technology company that operates a network connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. The company facilitates electronic payments and transaction processing for credit, debit and prepaid card products carrying the Mastercard brand, while also providing a range of payment-related services to issuers, acquirers and merchants. Its technology and network enable authorization, clearing and settlement of payments and support a broad set of use cases including point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile payments.

Beyond core transaction processing, Mastercard offers a suite of value-added services such as fraud and risk management, identity and authentication tools, tokenization and digital wallet support, cross-border and commercial payment solutions, and data analytics and consulting services for merchants and financial partners.

Further Reading

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PARIS, Dec 26 (Reuters) - French IT company Atos said on Friday it signed a binding agreement to sell its Latin American operations to Brazilian tech company Semantix as part of a broad restructuring plan.

The business to be sold employs about 2,800 people in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Uruguay, Atos said, without disclosing the financial details of the transaction. It expects to close the deal in the coming months.

The once-mighty French technology company completed a sweeping financial restructuring early this year after financial troubles almost toppled it in 2024.

It has since slashed 2.1 billion euros in debt, with banks and other bondholders becoming the main shareholders of the company. The turnaround plan focuses on asset sales.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro, Editing by Louise Heavens)
Sheets Smith Wealth Management increased its stake in CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS  Free Report) by 201.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 16,973 shares of the pharmacy operators stock after purchasing an additional 11,350 shares during the quarter. Sheets Smith Wealth Managements holdings in CVS Health were worth $1,280,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Symmetry Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of CVS Health by 2.5% in the third quarter. Symmetry Partners LLC now owns 5,826 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $439,000 after acquiring an additional 141 shares during the period. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of CVS Health by 72.1% during the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 339 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 142 shares during the period. HF Advisory Group LLC increased its position in shares of CVS Health by 2.9% during the 3rd quarter. HF Advisory Group LLC now owns 5,219 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $393,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. FineMark National Bank & Trust lifted its stake in shares of CVS Health by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. FineMark National Bank & Trust now owns 9,576 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $661,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the period. Finally, 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of CVS Health by 6.1% in the third quarter. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 2,736 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $206,000 after buying an additional 157 shares during the last quarter. 80.66% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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CVS Health Trading Up 1.3%

Shares of CVS opened at $79.06 on Friday. CVS Health Corporation has a 1 year low of $43.65 and a 1 year high of $85.15. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $78.97 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $72.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The firm has a market cap of $100.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 208.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.48.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

CVS Health ( NYSE:CVS Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The pharmacy operator reported $1.60 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.36 by $0.24. The company had revenue of $102.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $98.85 billion. CVS Health had a net margin of 0.12% and a return on equity of 11.45%. CVS Healths quarterly revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.09 earnings per share. CVS Health has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.550-6.650 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that CVS Health Corporation will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several research firms have weighed in on CVS. TD Cowen increased their price target on shares of CVS Health from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Truist Financial set a $100.00 target price on CVS Health in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on CVS Health from $92.00 to $98.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating on shares of CVS Health in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of CVS Health in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $94.67.

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CVS Health Profile

(Free Report)

CVS Health Corporation is a diversified healthcare company that operates a large network of retail pharmacies, pharmacy benefit management services and health care solutions. Headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the company traces its roots to the early 1960s and has grown into an integrated provider of prescription drugs, overthecounter products, clinical services and health insurance offerings. Its operating model combines retail pharmacy locations and instore clinics with broader pharmacy and health plan capabilities.

Key business activities include CVS Pharmacy retail operations, MinuteClinic walkin medical clinics and HealthHUB locations that offer expanded clinical services.

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Cranswick plc (OTCMKTS:CRWKF  Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 3,144 shares, a decrease of 63.7% from the November 30th total of 8,663 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently  days. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently  days.

Cranswick Stock Performance

CRWKF opened at C$63.99 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$63.96 and a 200-day moving average of C$63.98. Cranswick has a 52-week low of C$63.99 and a 52-week high of C$66.55.

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About Cranswick

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Cranswick plc is a UK-based food producer specializing in high-quality fresh pork and gourmet prepared meats. Headquartered in East Yorkshire, the company operates an integrated supply chain model, sourcing pigs from a network of approved farms while maintaining strict standards for animal welfare and traceability. Over several decades, Cranswick has expanded its core pork business to encompass cooked poultry and charcuterie, positioning itself as one of Britains leading suppliers of premium meat products.

The companys portfolio spans a variety of retail and foodservice offerings, including fresh sausages, back bacon, cooked hams, and artisan-style charcuterie.

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Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:GNZUF  Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 7,877,380 shares, a growth of 252.0% from the November 30th total of 2,237,980 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 25,838 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 304.9 days. Based on an average daily volume of 25,838 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 304.9 days.

Guangzhou Automobile Group Stock Performance

GNZUF traded down $0.01 on Friday, reaching $0.54. The company had a trading volume of 7,300 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,466. Guangzhou Automobile Group has a one year low of $0.30 and a one year high of $0.55. The company has a fifty day moving average of $0.45 and a 200-day moving average of $0.42.

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About Guangzhou Automobile Group

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Guangzhou Automobile Group Co, Ltd. (GAC Group) is a stateowned Chinese automaker headquartered in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. Established in 2000 with origins tracing back to vehicle manufacturing activities in the 1950s, GAC Group has grown into one of Chinas leading automotive conglomerates. The company is publicly traded on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges, and its American Depositary Shares trade over the counter under the ticker GNZUF.

GAC Groups core business encompasses the design, development, manufacture and sale of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and auto parts.

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iShares MSCI Austria ETF (NYSEARCA:EWO  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 47,970 shares, an increase of 548.4% from the November 30th total of 7,398 shares. Approximately 1.4% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 30,466 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.6 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 30,466 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.6 days. Approximately 1.4% of the shares of the company are short sold.

Institutional Trading of iShares MSCI Austria ETF

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EWO. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Austria ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Comerica Bank boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Austria ETF by 466.0% in the first quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 1,217 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 1,002 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI Austria ETF by 92.1% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 9,134 shares of the companys stock valued at $269,000 after purchasing an additional 4,380 shares in the last quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Austria ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at $300,000. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Austria ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $456,000.

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iShares MSCI Austria ETF Trading Down 0.1%

Shares of EWO stock traded down $0.02 on Friday, hitting $35.22. 2,655 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 60,095. The firms 50 day moving average is $32.49 and its two-hundred day moving average is $31.08. iShares MSCI Austria ETF has a one year low of $20.58 and a one year high of $35.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $119.75 million, a PE ratio of 11.04 and a beta of 0.93.

About iShares MSCI Austria ETF

iShares MSCI Austria Capped ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Austria IMI 25/50 Index (the Underlying Index). The Underlying Index consists of stocks traded on the Vienna Stock Exchange. The Underlying Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization weighted index with a capping methodology applied to issuer weights so that no single issuer of a component exceeds 25% of the Underlying Index weight and all issuers with weight above 5% do not exceed 50% of the Underlying Index weight.

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Makita Corp. (OTCMKTS:MKTAY  Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 15,217 shares, an increase of 269.1% from the November 30th total of 4,123 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 46,488 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 46,488 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days.

Makita Stock Down 1.4%

MKTAY traded down $0.44 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $30.08. 9,977 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 19,025. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $30.03 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $31.56. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.97 and a beta of 0.52. Makita has a one year low of $25.56 and a one year high of $39.05.

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Makita (OTCMKTS:MKTAY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $1.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.27 billion. Makita had a return on equity of 8.53% and a net margin of 10.72%. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Makita will post 1.56 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Wall Street Zen downgraded Makita from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy.

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About Makita

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Makita Corporation (OTCMKTS:MKTAY) is a global manufacturer of professional and consumer power tools headquartered in Anjo, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Founded in 1915 as an electric motor sales and repair company, it incorporated as Makita Electric Works, Ltd. in 1958 and has since expanded its product portfolio to serve both industrial and residential markets. The companys core business activities encompass the design, production and distribution of power tools, outdoor power equipment and accessories.

Makitas product lineup includes cordless and corded electric drills, drivers, saws, grinders, sanders and rotary hammers, as well as pneumatic and gasoline-powered machinery.

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Silverleafe Capital Partners LLC trimmed its holdings in iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU  Free Report) by 34.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 119,249 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 63,825 shares during the quarter. iShares Gold Trust comprises about 2.7% of Silverleafe Capital Partners LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th biggest holding. Silverleafe Capital Partners LLCs holdings in iShares Gold Trust were worth $8,678,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. Keener Financial Planning LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Gold Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. MTM Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Gold Trust in the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Private Wealth Management Group LLC grew its position in iShares Gold Trust by 290.9% during the 2nd quarter. Private Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 430 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 320 shares during the last quarter. Key Financial Inc purchased a new position in iShares Gold Trust in the second quarter worth about $28,000. Finally, Traub Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Gold Trust in the second quarter worth approximately $31,000. Institutional investors own 59.67% of the companys stock.

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More iShares Gold Trust News

Here are the key news stories impacting iShares Gold Trust this week:

iShares Gold Trust Stock Down 0.4%

About iShares Gold Trust

Shares of IAU opened at $84.34 on Friday. iShares Gold Trust has a twelve month low of $49.00 and a twelve month high of $84.71. The company has a market capitalization of $69.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.53 and a beta of 0.09. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $78.54 and a 200 day moving average of $70.50.

(Free Report)

iShares Gold Trust (the Trust) is to own gold transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust (Shares). Each Share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust. The assets of the Trust consist of gold held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust. The sponsor of the Trust is iShares Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC (the Sponsor), which is an indirect subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc The trustee of the Trust is The Bank of New York Mellon (the Trustee) and the custodian of the Trust is JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., London branch (the Custodian).

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Standard Bank Group Limited (OTCMKTS:SGBLY  Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 72,902 shares, a growth of 206.3% from the November 30th total of 23,800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 47,238 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.5 days. Based on an average trading volume of 47,238 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.5 days.

Standard Bank Group Stock Down 0.2%

Shares of SGBLY traded down $0.03 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $17.37. 14,927 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 38,147. Standard Bank Group has a 1 year low of $10.55 and a 1 year high of $17.85. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $15.70 and a 200 day moving average price of $14.30.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Investec upgraded Standard Bank Group from a sell rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 19th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Standard Bank Group in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a neutral rating for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Standard Bank Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

Standard Bank Group Company Profile

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Standard Bank Group Limited is a South African financial services conglomerate headquartered in Johannesburg, offering a comprehensive range of banking and related services. Established in 1862, the group has grown to become one of Africas largest banks, serving individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporations. Its core activities encompass personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth management, and insurance.

Within its personal and business banking division, Standard Bank provides transactional accounts, savings and deposits, mortgage lending, vehicle and asset finance, as well as payment solutions and digital banking platforms.

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Swedbank AB (OTCMKTS:SWDBY  Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Friday . Approximately 46,349 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 137% from the previous sessions volume of 19,524 shares.The stock last traded at SEK 34.90 and had previously closed at SEK 34.90.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Morgan Stanley reissued an underweight rating on shares of Swedbank in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Zacks Research raised shares of Swedbank from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Swedbank from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Barclays restated an underweight rating on shares of Swedbank in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Swedbank in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Swedbank currently has an average rating of Reduce.

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Swedbank Stock Up 0.1%

The firm has a market capitalization of $39.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.08 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.83, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a current ratio of 1.50. The businesss 50 day moving average is SEK 31.78 and its 200-day moving average is SEK 29.25.

Swedbank (OTCMKTS:SWDBY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The financial services provider reported SEK 0.79 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of SEK 0.64 by SEK 0.15. The firm had revenue of SEK 1.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of SEK 1.73 billion. Swedbank had a net margin of 26.30% and a return on equity of 15.55%. Equities analysts anticipate that Swedbank AB will post 2.34 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Swedbank Company Profile

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Swedbank AB is a major Swedish banking group headquartered in Stockholm that provides a broad range of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. The banks operations focus on traditional banking functions such as deposit-taking, lending and payment services, as well as wealth management and insurance solutions. Swedbanks franchise is centered on serving households, small and medium-sized enterprises and larger corporate customers, with an emphasis on everyday banking and long-term client relationships.

Products and services offered by Swedbank include savings and current accounts, mortgages and consumer lending, business loans and transaction banking, payment and card services, and digital banking platforms.

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Thomson Reuters Co. (TSE:TRI  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TRI) shares crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$231.59 and traded as low as C$180.92. Thomson Reuters shares last traded at C$181.76, with a volume of 104,968 shares changing hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

TRI has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Canaccord Genuity Group upgraded shares of Thomson Reuters from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Huber Research raised Thomson Reuters to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. TD Securities raised Thomson Reuters from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the stock from C$275.00 to C$285.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 28th. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Thomson Reuters from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 9th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Thomson Reuters from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Strong Buy and an average target price of C$265.80.

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Thomson Reuters Stock Down 0.3%

The company has a market capitalization of C$80.85 billion, a PE ratio of 46.72, a PEG ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.20. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 24.28. The business has a fifty day moving average of C$196.06 and a 200 day moving average of C$231.59.

Thomson Reuters (TSE:TRI  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TRI) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported C$0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Thomson Reuters had a net margin of 32.12% and a return on equity of 20.19%. The company had revenue of C$2.48 billion for the quarter. Equities research analysts anticipate that Thomson Reuters Co. will post 5.6395803 EPS for the current year.

Thomson Reuters Company Profile

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Thomson Reuters is the result of the $17.6 billion megamerger of Canadas Thomson and the United Kingdoms Reuters Group in 2008 and the 2018 carve-out of its finance and risk business, Refinitiv, in which it holds a 45% stake. In 2019, the company agreed to exchange its 45% stake in Refinitiv for a 15% stake in LSE. Since the divestiture, the company is more concentrated on selling its flagship legal data and software, WestLaw, and its tax accounting software, OneSource. In addition, the company does hold a significant investment in the publicly traded Tradeweb, which operates a fixed income exchange.

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TRX Gold Co. (NYSE:TRX  Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 0.6% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $0.9650 and last traded at $0.9590. 916,836 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 9% from the average session volume of 1,006,607 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.9532.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. HC Wainwright upped their price target on shares of TRX Gold from $1.20 to $1.40 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Roth Capital restated a buy rating and set a $1.25 price objective on shares of TRX Gold in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $1.33.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on TRX Gold

TRX Gold Stock Up 0.6%

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 0.83. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $0.73 and a 200-day simple moving average of $0.54. The firm has a market cap of $274.14 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -34.20 and a beta of 0.32.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Hillsdale Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of TRX Gold during the third quarter worth approximately $471,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its holdings in TRX Gold by 6.2% during the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 482,536 shares of the companys stock worth $301,000 after purchasing an additional 27,966 shares during the last quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC boosted its stake in TRX Gold by 50.4% in the 3rd quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 442,851 shares of the companys stock valued at $276,000 after purchasing an additional 148,330 shares during the period. Evergreen Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in TRX Gold in the 2nd quarter valued at $136,000. Finally, Strategic Planning Inc. acquired a new position in TRX Gold in the 3rd quarter valued at $205,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.06% of the companys stock.

About TRX Gold

(Get Free Report)

TRX Gold Corporation engages in the exploration, development, and production of mineral property interests in the United Republic of Tanzania. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. It holds interests in the Buckreef gold project that comprises a single Special Mining License covering an area of 16.04 square kilometers and 12 Prospecting Licenses covering 98.19 square kilometers located in north-central Tanzania. The company was formerly known as Tanzanian Gold Corporation and changed its name to TRX Gold Corporation in May 2022.

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Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via Getty From left: Philanthropists Laura and John Arnold on Oct. 9, 2018, in Houston.

NEED TO KNOW

Laura and John Arnold fell off the Forbes 400 Highest Earners list this year, having donated $2 billion to date

The couple is currently listed among the country's top 25 most generous givers, per Forbes

Both Laura and John have long been committed to philanthropy and ensuring they donate their money to worthy causes

One billionaire couple has dropped off Forbes list of the 400 richest people in America after giving away nearly half of their personal fortune through philanthropy.

In 2023, John was ranked 345th on the Forbes 400. Two years later, in 2025, the 51-year-old philanthropist was ranked at 1,265 on their list of all the country's billionaires, which put him well outside of the top 400 wealthiest individuals.

The change has been a long time coming as the Arnolds have been dedicated to donating their massive fortune for more than a decade, having donated $2 billion to date, according to the outlet, which lists them among the top 25 most generous givers in the United States. Their fortune is currently estimated to be around $2.9 billion.

Currently, the Arnolds have given away an estimated 42% of their personal fortune  and they're showing no signs of slowing down their philanthropic efforts.

John previously worked at Enron, earning $750 million for the company in 2001, the year it went bankrupt, according to Forbes.

The following year, he founded his own hedge fund, Centaurus Advisors, according to Bloomberg  but 10 years later, he announced that he would no longer manage other peoples money, per Forbes.

Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via Getty Philanthropists Laura and John Arnold, who fell off the Forbes' 400 list in 2025

Meanwhile, Laura previously worked as a mergers and acquisitions attorney at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz in New York City, according to a news release shared by Rice University after she was elected as a trustee in April 2010.

She also served as executive vice president and general counsel of Cobalt International Energy in Houston until her departure in 2006.

In 2008, John and Laura launched the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, which has since evolved into Arnold Ventures. The organization currently focuses on reforming criminal justice, higher education, health, infrastructure and public finance, according to its website.

They believe philanthropy should be transformational and should seek through innovation to solve persistent problems in society, reads a message on the organization's website.



Rick Kern/Getty John Arnold, Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Arnold Ventures, speaks on stage during The Texas Tribune Festival at Omni Hotel on September 06, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

In 2010, both John and Laura signed The Giving Pledge, which was launched that same year by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates.

In a letter announcing their commitment to giving away the majority of their fortune to charitable causes, the couple wrote that they both "view our wealth...not as an end in itself, but as an instrument to effect positive and transformative change.
Valeo S.A. (OTCMKTS:VLEEY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 129 shares, a drop of 60.7% from the November 30th total of 328 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 2,778 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily volume of 2,778 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold.

Valeo Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS VLEEY traded down $0.21 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $6.69. The company had a trading volume of 1,038 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,504. Valeo has a one year low of $3.75 and a one year high of $7.35. The firms fifty day moving average price is $6.62 and its 200-day moving average price is $6.10. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded shares of Valeo from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Valeo in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating on shares of Valeo in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Valeo in a research report on Monday, October 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold.

Valeo Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Valeo is a global automotive supplier headquartered in the Paris region, with its American depositary shares trading OTC under the symbol VLEEY. Founded in France in the early 20th century, the company has grown to serve original equipment manufacturers, automakers and the aftermarket with a comprehensive portfolio of mobility solutions. Valeos mission centers on providing innovative systems and components that enhance vehicle performance, safety and environmental sustainability.

The company operates across four main business segments.

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VanEck Israel ETF (NYSEARCA:ISRA  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 23,550 shares, an increase of 1,573.8% from the November 30th total of 1,407 shares. Currently, 1.2% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 8,397 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.8 days. Based on an average daily volume of 8,397 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.8 days. Currently, 1.2% of the companys stock are short sold.

Institutional Trading of VanEck Israel ETF

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of ISRA. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in shares of VanEck Israel ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $988,000. Citadel Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of VanEck Israel ETF during the third quarter worth about $313,000. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in shares of VanEck Israel ETF by 3.4% during the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 13,918 shares of the companys stock worth $760,000 after purchasing an additional 462 shares in the last quarter. NCM Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of VanEck Israel ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $205,000. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its position in shares of VanEck Israel ETF by 56.1% in the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,975 shares of the companys stock valued at $104,000 after purchasing an additional 710 shares during the period.

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VanEck Israel ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA ISRA opened at $60.46 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $56.92 and a two-hundred day moving average of $53.49. The company has a market capitalization of $122.73 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.88 and a beta of 1.01. VanEck Israel ETF has a 1 year low of $38.24 and a 1 year high of $60.83.

VanEck Israel ETF Company Profile

The VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the BlueStar Israel Global index. The fund tracks a cap-weighted, committee-reviewed index of Israeli and Israeli-linked companies. ISRA was launched on Jun 25, 2013 and is managed by VanEck.

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Vontobel Holding Ltd. increased its position in Transdigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG  Free Report) by 1,308.0% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 3,168 shares of the aerospace companys stock after buying an additional 2,943 shares during the quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd.s holdings in Transdigm Group were worth $4,175,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TDG. Saudi Central Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Transdigm Group in the 1st quarter valued at $30,000. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust boosted its position in Transdigm Group by 84.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust now owns 24 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 11 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its stake in shares of Transdigm Group by 1,250.0% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 27 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 25 shares during the period. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Transdigm Group during the second quarter valued at $47,000. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC increased its position in Transdigm Group by 48.3% in the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 43 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $65,000 after purchasing an additional 14 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.78% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, COO Joel Reiss sold 3,900 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,290.52, for a total transaction of $5,033,028.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 3,600 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,645,872. This represents a 52.00% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Kevin M. Stein sold 17,526 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,362.29, for a total transaction of $23,875,494.54. Following the sale, the director owned 8,158 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,113,561.82. This trade represents a 68.24% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 147,311 shares of company stock worth $197,017,517. Corporate insiders own 4.09% of the companys stock.

Transdigm Group Price Performance

Shares of Transdigm Group stock opened at $1,313.57 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $73.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.95, a P/E/G ratio of 2.90 and a beta of 0.94. Transdigm Group Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $1,183.60 and a fifty-two week high of $1,623.82. The companys 50 day moving average price is $1,318.04 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $1,381.46.

Transdigm Group (NYSE:TDG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The aerospace company reported $10.82 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $10.33 by $0.49. The firm had revenue of $2.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.40 billion. Transdigm Group had a negative return on equity of 31.91% and a net margin of 21.69%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $9.83 earnings per share. Transdigm Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 36.490-38.530 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Transdigm Group Incorporated will post 35.13 earnings per share for the current year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have commented on TDG. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Transdigm Group from $1,385.00 to $1,400.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, November 13th. BNP Paribas Exane started coverage on Transdigm Group in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. They set an outperform rating and a $1,775.00 target price for the company. BNP Paribas raised shares of Transdigm Group to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Zacks Research raised Transdigm Group from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on shares of Transdigm Group from $1,650.00 to $1,490.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, September 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,576.29.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Transdigm Group

About Transdigm Group

(Free Report)

TransDigm Group Incorporated is a designer, producer and supplier of engineered aircraft components and systems for commercial and military aerospace applications. The companys product portfolio covers a broad range of mission-critical parts and subsystems, including mechanical and electromechanical components, ignition and fuel system parts, sensors and actuators, cockpit and cabin systems, and other safety-critical hardware. TransDigm supplies original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as the aftermarket, providing spare parts, repair and overhaul services and component support throughout an assets life cycle.

TransDigms operating model places emphasis on proprietary, niche components that are difficult to replace, and the company operates through a collection of independently run subsidiaries and brands that sell specialized products.

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Voya Investment Management LLC lessened its stake in Constellation Brands Inc (NYSE:STZ  Free Report) by 23.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 30,508 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,457 shares during the quarter. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in Constellation Brands were worth $4,109,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of STZ. Rise Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 8.8% in the third quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 937 shares of the companys stock valued at $126,000 after buying an additional 76 shares during the period. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. increased its holdings in Constellation Brands by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. now owns 43,194 shares of the companys stock worth $5,817,000 after acquiring an additional 353 shares during the last quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division raised its stake in Constellation Brands by 6.1% in the 3rd quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 6,972 shares of the companys stock valued at $939,000 after acquiring an additional 398 shares during the period. Fragasso Financial Advisors Inc purchased a new stake in Constellation Brands during the third quarter valued at about $1,349,000. Finally, Ables Iannone Moore & Associates Inc. boosted its position in Constellation Brands by 3.2% during the third quarter. Ables Iannone Moore & Associates Inc. now owns 12,608 shares of the companys stock worth $1,698,000 after purchasing an additional 389 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.34% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. TD Cowen lowered their price target on shares of Constellation Brands from $180.00 to $152.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, September 4th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $205.00 to $179.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, September 3rd. Piper Sandler lowered their target price on shares of Constellation Brands from $155.00 to $135.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 21st. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on Constellation Brands from $176.00 to $160.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Constellation Brands from $170.00 to $155.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, September 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $181.96.

Constellation Brands Stock Up 0.4%

STZ opened at $139.75 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.42 and a beta of 0.46. Constellation Brands Inc has a one year low of $126.45 and a one year high of $228.89. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $136.21 and a 200-day moving average price of $150.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.54.

Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 23rd. The company reported $3.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $2.32 billion during the quarter. Constellation Brands had a return on equity of 29.82% and a net margin of 11.88%. Equities research analysts expect that Constellation Brands Inc will post 13.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Constellation Brands Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 30th were issued a dividend of $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 30th. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.9%. Constellation Brandss payout ratio is presently 59.56%.

Constellation Brands Company Profile

(Free Report)

Constellation Brands, Inc is a leading producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits, with operations spanning production, importation, marketing and distribution. The companys beverage portfolio includes a range of premium and mainstream wines and spirits alongside major imported beer brands; in the U.S. market Constellation is widely known for its role in bringing Mexican imports such as Corona and Modelo to American consumers. Constellation supplies retail, onpremise and foodservice channels and supports its brands with national sales and marketing platforms and supplychain capabilities.

The company traces its roots to the Canandaigua Wine Company, founded by Marvin Sands in 1945, and evolved through organic growth and acquisition into a diversified beverage company.

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Voya Investment Management LLC trimmed its stake in Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB  Free Report) by 87.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 56,498 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after selling 386,086 shares during the quarter. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in Albemarle were worth $4,581,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in Albemarle by 7.3% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 31,849 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $2,294,000 after purchasing an additional 2,164 shares during the last quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC raised its stake in shares of Albemarle by 6.1% in the first quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC now owns 13,165 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $948,000 after buying an additional 754 shares during the period. AlphaQuest LLC lifted its position in shares of Albemarle by 177,350.0% during the 1st quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 3,549 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $256,000 after buying an additional 3,547 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Albemarle by 54.4% during the 1st quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 727 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $52,000 after buying an additional 256 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Trexquant Investment LP bought a new position in shares of Albemarle during the 1st quarter worth $12,435,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.87% of the companys stock.

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Albemarle Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:ALB opened at $147.35 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $117.07 and a 200 day moving average of $90.49. The company has a current ratio of 2.27, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The stock has a market cap of $17.34 billion, a P/E ratio of -92.67 and a beta of 1.43. Albemarle Corporation has a 12 month low of $49.43 and a 12 month high of $150.72.

Albemarle Announces Dividend

Albemarle ( NYSE:ALB Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The specialty chemicals company reported ($0.19) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.92) by $0.73. The firm had revenue of $1.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.27 billion. Albemarle had a negative net margin of 0.43% and a positive return on equity of 0.10%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($1.55) EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Albemarle Corporation will post -0.04 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be paid a $0.405 dividend. This represents a $1.62 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 12th. Albemarles dividend payout ratio is currently -101.89%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on ALB. Bank of America restated a neutral rating and issued a $100.00 price objective (up from $95.00) on shares of Albemarle in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. HSBC boosted their price target on shares of Albemarle from $87.00 to $117.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $159.00 price target on shares of Albemarle in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of Albemarle from $136.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their target price on shares of Albemarle from $110.00 to $132.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating, eighteen have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Albemarle currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $120.21.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Albemarle

Albemarle Profile

(Free Report)

Albemarle Corporation is a leading global specialty chemicals company primarily engaged in the production and distribution of lithium, bromine, and catalysts. Its lithium segment supplies key components used in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, portable electronics, and grid storage systems. The companys bromine specialty products serve a wide range of industries, including oil and gas drilling fluids, fire safety solutions, and water treatment. In its catalysts division, Albemarle provides products for petroleum refining, chemical processing and emissions control.

Founded in 1994 as a spin-off from Ethyl Corporation, Albemarle has grown through strategic acquisitions and capacity expansions to become one of the worlds foremost chemical producers.

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Yakult Honsha Co.,Ltd. (OTCMKTS:YKLTY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 1,152 shares, a decline of 71.9% from the November 30th total of 4,098 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 4,303 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 4,303 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days.

Yakult Honsha Co.,Ltd. Price Performance

YKLTY opened at $7.84 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $7.86 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.35. Yakult Honsha Co.,Ltd. has a 12-month low of $7.02 and a 12-month high of $11.70.

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Yakult Honsha Co.,Ltd. Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Yakult Honsha Co, Ltd. is a Japanese multinational corporation best known for its flagship probiotic beverage, Yakult. Founded in 1935 by microbiologist Dr. Minoru Shirota, the company pioneered the development of the Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain, which remains at the core of its functional dairy products. Over the decades, Yakult Honsha has expanded its portfolio to include a range of fermented milk drinks, nutritional supplements, and related healthoriented foods.

A key pillar of Yakult Honshas strategy is research and development.

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Yeomans Consulting Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:BIV  Free Report) by 40.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 243,563 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 70,311 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF comprises about 6.6% of Yeomans Consulting Group Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 3rd biggest holding. Yeomans Consulting Group Inc.s holdings in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF were worth $19,020,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in BIV. VCI Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF by 5.8% in the 3rd quarter. VCI Wealth Management LLC now owns 103,277 shares of the companys stock worth $8,065,000 after purchasing an additional 5,628 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC boosted its holdings in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF by 64.2% during the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 14,866 shares of the companys stock worth $1,161,000 after buying an additional 5,810 shares in the last quarter. Gemmer Asset Management LLC grew its position in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF by 5.8% in the third quarter. Gemmer Asset Management LLC now owns 143,355 shares of the companys stock worth $11,195,000 after buying an additional 7,840 shares during the last quarter. Sagace Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF by 93.7% in the third quarter. Sagace Wealth Management LLC now owns 81,547 shares of the companys stock worth $6,368,000 after buying an additional 39,443 shares during the last quarter. Finally, World Investment Advisors increased its holdings in shares of Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF by 3.2% in the third quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 576,359 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,008,000 after buying an additional 18,010 shares in the last quarter.

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Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF Price Performance

BIV opened at $77.95 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $78.23 and a 200-day simple moving average of $77.66. Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF has a fifty-two week low of $73.72 and a fifty-two week high of $78.91.

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF Company Profile

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (the Fund) seeks to track the performance of a market-weighted bond index with an intermediate-term, dollar-weighted average maturity. The Fund employs a passive management or indexing strategy designed to track the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. 5-10 Year Government/Credit Bond Index (the Index). The Index includes all medium and larger issues of the United States Government, investment-grade corporate, and investment-grade international dollar-denominated bonds that have maturities between 5 and 10 years and are publicly issued.

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While some investors are already well versed in financial metrics (hat tip), this article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE) and why it is important. We'll use ROE to examine Nestcon Berhad (KLSE:NESTCON), by way of a worked example.

Return on equity or ROE is a key measure used to assess how efficiently a company's management is utilizing the company's capital. In other words, it is a profitability ratio which measures the rate of return on the capital provided by the company's shareholders.

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How Is ROE Calculated?

The formula for return on equity is:

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations)  Shareholders' Equity

So, based on the above formula, the ROE for Nestcon Berhad is:

3.8% = RM6.4m  RM168m (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2025).

The 'return' is the yearly profit. So, this means that for every MYR1 of its shareholder's investments, the company generates a profit of MYR0.04.

Check out our latest analysis for Nestcon Berhad

Does Nestcon Berhad Have A Good Return On Equity?

By comparing a company's ROE with its industry average, we can get a quick measure of how good it is. Importantly, this is far from a perfect measure, because companies differ significantly within the same industry classification. As is clear from the image below, Nestcon Berhad has a lower ROE than the average (9.3%) in the Construction industry.

KLSE:NESTCON Return on Equity December 26th 2025

That's not what we like to see. That being said, a low ROE is not always a bad thing, especially if the company has low leverage as this still leaves room for improvement if the company were to take on more debt. A high debt company having a low ROE is a different story altogether and a risky investment in our books. To know the 3 risks we have identified for Nestcon Berhad visit our risks dashboard for free.

Why You Should Consider Debt When Looking At ROE

Most companies need money -- from somewhere -- to grow their profits. That cash can come from issuing shares, retained earnings, or debt. In the first two cases, the ROE will capture this use of capital to grow. In the latter case, the debt used for growth will improve returns, but won't affect the total equity. In this manner the use of debt will boost ROE, even though the core economics of the business stay the same.

Nestcon Berhad's Debt And Its 3.8% ROE

It's worth noting the high use of debt by Nestcon Berhad, leading to its debt to equity ratio of 1.04. With a fairly low ROE, and significant use of debt, it's hard to get excited about this business at the moment. Debt increases risk and reduces options for the company in the future, so you generally want to see some good returns from using it.
Overpowered, held

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IMPHAL, Dec 26 : In a twist of fate, two assailants who fired at a person at Takhel Yongdon under Lamlai police station missed their target and ended up in police custody after being overpowered by locals.

According to reports received from police, the assailants who identified themselves as cadres of the KCP-MC (Progressive), admitted that they attempted to shoot one Saikhom Khogen, a local resident, on orders from their party leader, but the bullet missed.

The police further revealed that Khogen is a surrendered militant, having once been a member of an underground outfit himself.

Hearing the gunshot, locals rushed to the area, captured the two militants and handed them over to the Imphal East commandos.

A pistol was recovered from their possession.


Going deeper into observation of RSS chief Resolving differences

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Resolving differences among warring groups in Manipur will take time. This was RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat while addressing a programme held in connection with the centenary celebration of the Sangh at Kolkata on December 22. Many would take the statement of the RSS supremo as referring to the complexity of the issue at hand while to the more discerning folks this particular statement could be an implicit indication that the PR administration may linger for some more time as resolving the differences among the warring groups will take time. The RSS is not part of the Government and there is a fine dividing line between the Sangh and the BJP leadership or the BJP led Government at Delhi-this much is a given, but the profundity in the observation of Mohan Bhagwat cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand. Of particularly significance is the timing of the statement, coming as it did when the need for the return of a popularly elected Government is being increasingly voiced by the people who matter, with some having gone to the extent of predicting when a popularly elected Government is most likely to return. The when over the return of a popularly elected Government obviously falls in the realm of speculation and this is where one may need to read more into the Resolving differences among warring groups in Manipur will take time line of Mohan Bhagwat. The interesting question is whether the BJP MLAs have ever sat down together to study and prepare a roadmap, however rough it may be, that would put Manipur on the path of normalcy or not. More importantly, whether the BJP leaders in Manipur have ever deemed it fit to sit down together and explore ways to see if the recent visit of MLA Yumnam Khemchand to a relief centre opened for Kuki IDPs opened at Litan can be taken further. More importantly have the State BJP leader ever sat down with the Naga MLAs, particularly from the NPF, to see what steps may be taken up to put Manipur on road of normalcy ? Any plans or decisions taken thus may be presented to the Delhi leaders to strike home the point that there are certain things which only the elected Members can do and will do once a popular Government is reinstalled. An important homework it should be for the BJP MLAs and their allies, or else just asserting that the popularly elected Government should be reinstalled does not sound convincing or credible. Ultimately it is about working out a roadmap to normalcy and this concerns the interest of the common people and as elected Members of the Assembly this is what is expected of them. At least make the pitch for the return of a popularly elected Government sound convincing and credible, or else the call for a popular Government will sound more like a last ditch effort to hold the reins of power. And Manipur does not need this right now.

The urgency of the need to put Manipur on the track of normalcy should be clear. This is what is clearly seen in the countdown launched daily by the IDPs and COCOMI. This is what should be on the priority of the State BJP leaders and their MLAs as well, for remember the December deadline was given by the then Chief Secretary of Manipur. This is where the importance in the question, whether the BJP MLAs have ever met to study how the visit of Y Khemchand to a Kuki relief centre can be taken further. Meeting and discussing things is for Manipur and no one else and Manipur should be the top priority of all the elected MLAs. These are also questions which the leading CSOs of the State should be mulling and asking the MLAs whether they have ever met after February 13 to discuss what steps may be taken up to get the IDPs return home and get the National Highways opened. It is also important for the MLAs to see what steps may be taken up to ensure the return of the Kuki-Chin-Zo people who had fled from Imphal and the other valley districts. These are points expected from the elected leaders of the State and only then will the call for the return of a popular Govt sound logical. Will the return of a popular Govt take Manipur anywhere nearer to the understanding of normalcy is a question which everyone must raise now. It is also important for all to deeply study the implications of the line, Resolving differences among warring groups will take time.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

China is sending another clear message on Taiwan, announcing sanctions against U.S. defense companies days after Washington approved a fresh round of arms sales to the island.

Beijing said it will target 20 U.S. defense-related firms and 10 executives following more than $11 billion in U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan. The list includes Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies, and Boeing's (NYSE:BA) St. Louis operations. The sanctions freeze any assets the companies or individuals hold in China and bar Chinese businesses from dealing with them.

Several executives, including the founder of Anduril Industries, were also banned from entering the country. In practical terms, the fallout is expected to be limited, as most of the firms have little exposure to China and some were already restricted.

Still, Beijing's tone was firm. The foreign ministry called Taiwan the first red line in U.S.-China relations. even symbolic sanctions highlight how sensitive Taiwan remains and why defense names often sit at the center of geopolitical tensions.


remaining of

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The Union government on Friday opposed a plea seeking a reduction in the GST rates for air purifiers amid worsening pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.

The Centre warned the Delhi High Court that a "Pandora's box" situation might ensue if the latter were to order the GST Council to slash the tariffs on air purifiers from 18 per cent to 5 per centby re-declaring them as "medical devices".

It also said that the applicable process involved in reducing/removing the GST rate on air purifiers could only be conducted physically, not virtually, and by following due process, as per a Live Law report.

Delhi Air Pollution | #GST Council Meeting Can't Be Conducted On VC, PIL To Abolish 18% Tax On Air Purifiers 'Loaded': Centre To High Court | @nupur_0111 #AirPollution https://t.co/EPcKgg4xTb  Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) December 26, 2025

A vacation bench of Justices Vikas Mahajan and Vinod Kumarwho had heard the original plea filed in the Delhi HChas agreed to the Centre's demands for more time, directing it to file a detailed response to the petition within 10 days.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 9.

The Delhi HC on Tuesday had also asked the GST Council to convene an urgent meeting to consider the revision proposal, saying that the air pollution crisis was an "emergency".

However, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) N. Venkatraman, who is appearing for the Centre, said on Friday that it had concerns about the plea, which he termed as a "loaded petition", claiming that someone possibly wanted a "monopoly in air purifiers".

"GST council is a constitutional body. All 30 states and UTs have to agree. It involves finance minister as members. Voting has to be done only physically ... the court's concern was ... why GST should not be reduced to 5 per cent. The price range starting from 10-12k goes to 60k, it is beyond reach of common man. Why not to bring it down to a level which is in reach of common man?" he added.

The petitioner, Advocate Kapil Madan, has urged quick action, declaring that Delhi's residents would continue to suffer if action were not taken quickly. He has earlier claimed that air purifiers already were within the criteria for a 'medical device' (as per a 2020 notification from the Centre).

If you cannot provide clean air to people, the minimum you can do is reduce GST on air purifiers, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela had told the Centre's counsel.

ALSO READ | If you cant give clean air, at least cut GST: Delhi High Court pulls up Centre over 18% tax on air purifiers

Meanwhile, the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) for Delhi has said that the Air Quality Index (AQI) level for the national capital is likely to stay in the 'Very Poor' category over the next six days.

This comes after air quality marginally came down from the 'Severe' category, leading the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday to lift the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP) IV over Delhi-NCR for now.
Manappuram Finance announced on Friday that it appointed senior banker and finance professional Buvanesh Tharashankar as its Group Chief Financial Officer (Group CFO).

The companys board approved his appointment at a meeting held on December 26, 2025, based on the recommendation of its nomination, compensation, and corporate governance committee.

The Kerala-based NBFC said that Tharashankar will serve as Group CFO and be classified as Key Managerial Personnel with effect from December 26, 2025, while Bindu A. L. will continue as the companys Chief Financial Officer.

As Group CFO, Buvanesh will provide strategic financial leadership across the Manappuram Group, working with the top management to strengthen financial governance and support long-term business strategy.

The company says he will focus on improving capital efficiency, supporting sustainable value creation and ensuring strong regulatory and compliance standards as the group scales up its diversified lending businesses.

Who is Buvanesh Tharashankar?

According to the companys disclosure, Buvanesh is a Chartered Accountant with nearly three decades of experience in banking and financial services.

He was formerly the CFO of RBL Bank and Jana Small Finance Bank and spent over 26 years with Citibank in India and abroad (mostly in the Gulf region) in various leadership positions in the finance function.

His career has covered areas such as financial strategy, capital and balance sheet management, regulatory interface, governance, investor engagement and business analytics.

Manappuram Finance increases borrowing limit

The Manappuram board also approved a significant increase in the companys borrowing limit to support future growth and funding needs.

Subject to shareholder approval, the company can now borrow up to Rs 75,000 crore by way of loans and debt instruments such as debentures and bonds, with related security to be created on its movable and immovable assets as required.

More investment in subsidiary

Further, the board cleared an additional equity investment of up to Rs 250 crore in its subsidiary Asirvad Micro Finance Limited (AMFL) to support its capex and working capital needs.

This cash infusion, at a price of Rs 51 per share, is expected to marginally raise Manappurams stake in AMFL from 98.31 per cent to up to 98.56 per cent, and reflects the groups focus on scaling its microfinance, gold loan and MSME lending franchise, the company stated.

Despite the announcements, Manappuram Finance stock was trading more or less flat (up 0.15-0.19 per cent) on Friday at the NSE.
The Pakistan International Airlines has been sold to a consortium of investors led by Arif Habib Limited, a securities brokerage house based in Karachi, along with the participation of industrial group Fatima Fertiliser and AKD group, a local conglomerate.

The ceremony to privatise the loss-making airline company was held in Islamabad, where Arif emerged as the highest bidder, offering Rs 115 billion for the airline. Lucky Cement had offered Rs 105.5 billion, and Airblue offered Rs 26.5 billion.

The government had announced that the reference price was Rs 100 billion after the first round of bidding.

Pakistan International Airlines  PIA  after more than a decade of delays, political resistance, and failed attempts, has finally been privatised. In a rare fully transparent, live-broadcast open auction, Arif Habib Consortium acquired 75% stake in PIA for Rs 135 billion, edging pic.twitter.com/MIjiXXLihq  Profit (@Profitpk) December 24, 2025

Both Arif Habib and Lucky Cement competed fiercely to win the airlines, until the former offered Rs 135 and went unchallenged.

The aggressive auction process had emerged successful after it found its buyer. The Shebaz Sharif government had been trying to sell the airline since last year.

Who is Arif Habib?

Arif Habib is an industrialist and stock trader. He was born in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1953. Habib built his business empire after he entered the brokerage business in 1970. The Arif Habib Corporation Limited is now a multibillion-dollar conglomerate. The group's operations span financial services, chemicals, cement, steel, real estate, and energy sectors. The company also oversees Fatima Fertiliser, Ayesha Steel Mills, and Javed Corporation.

According to a Bloomberg report, Arif Habibs parents were originally from Bantva, Gujarat, India. His family had migrated to the newly created Pakistan in 1948. In 1970, Arif Habib said that his elder brother purchased a trading license on the stock exchange and at the age of 17, he dropped out of school to join his brother in the trading business.

Under the PIA purchase, 75 per cent of the shares under the sale will go to the Arif Habib group immediately, and the remaining 25 will have to be bought within 90 days.

92.5 per cent of the proceeds the from the sale will be reinvested in the airline under this agreement. The Airf Habib group will have to invest an additional Rs 80 billion into the airline in the next five years.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Friday, underscored the importance of strengthening Indias counter-terror framework through uniformity, coordination, and technology-driven intelligence sharing, calling for a common Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) structure across all states. Speaking at the inauguration of 'Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025 in New Delhi, he outlined a roadmap to enhance preparedness, improve inter-agency cooperation, and ensure a more effective response to emerging and complex security threats.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

Shah stressed the need for a common ATS structure for the police force across the country and asked the Director Generals of Police from the states to implement it as soon as possible. He said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has worked very hard to come up with a common ATS structure and has sent it to the police forces of the states.

The home minister noted that when a common ATS structure is established across the entire country, it provides an opportunity for uniform preparation at every level.

He said all states ATS units should regularly use the National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco-Offenders (NIDAAN) and the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), as using these during investigations ensures that cases are not examined in isolation and helps uncover hidden links between them. He emphasised that NATGRID should be made mandatory for certain types of investigations, and NIDAAN should be mandatory for specific categories of cases.

ALSO READ: Indian Army changes social media policy, but with a catch: All you need to know

The home minister also said that active participation in the Multi-Agency Centre and the National Memory Bank must be ensured. According to him, a common ATS structure and operational uniformity provide a strong advantage in prosecuting terrorists. Without operational uniformity, it is not possible to accurately assess threats, effectively share intelligence, or carry out coordinated counteractions. He stressed the need to maintain uniformity from investigation through prosecution and counter-action.

The home minister further said that to address cyber and information warfare, the misuse of economic networks, and the hybrid nature of terrorism, a strong national grid-based mechanism is requiredone that is alert and capable of quick, result-oriented action. He noted that such objectives can be achieved only through platforms like these conferences. He added that developing a multi-layered security model and adopting a tough approach against terrorism are essential to remain secure in the future.

He said that all agencies should move forward with the principle of 'Duty to Share' rather than 'Need to Know.' While central agencies and state police have effectively used technology at their own levels, he pointed out that technology and data developed in silos are ineffective, like a gun without bullets. He said it would be better if all data systems could communicate with one another and were built using common technology. For this purpose, he suggested that the Ministry of Home Affairs, NIA, and IB hold discussions to create a seamless national-level framework for technology and data, and support states in strengthening it.

Hailing the Jammu and Kashmir Police for carrying out an excellent investigation into the explosion case linked to Delhi, Shah said three tonnes of explosives were recovered before they could be used, and the entire group involved in planning the plot was arrested before the Delhi blast could occur. He said that the investigation of the entire network was conducted very effectively by all agencies involved.
Investors trading commodities, such as oil, have been in high demand. Jeri Clausing/AP

Hedge funds that trade commodities struggled in 2025.

Big-name managers with exposure to energy or agriculture trades, such as Citadel, trailed peers.

However, hedge funds are still flocking to the space, seeking to diversify from stock and fixed-income trades.

All strategies mix good days and bumper years with bad days and market-lagging returns. For commodities traders in 2025, it was more of the latter.

Conflict in the Middle East caused volatility in oil prices. President Donald Trump's tariff policies, and their uneven implementation, led to fluctuations in the prices of crops, such as soybeans. The growing use of data centers by artificial intelligence giants has changed the outlook for electricity demand so drastically that even top investors in the space are unsure what the future holds.

As a result, commodity traders trailed most other asset classes.

The average commodity hedge fund was up just 2.2% through November, according to hedge fund research firm PivotalPath, which is significantly below the overall industry average of 10.7%. Pierre Andurand's eponymous fund, one of the most prominent commodities managers in the world, suffered huge losses on trades related to cocoa, Bloomberg reported, with drawdowns of more than 50% in the first half of the year.

Citadel, which has set itself apart from its multistrategy peers with its natural gas traders and overall commodities unit, has lagged its rivals in its flagship fund for most of the year, a rarity for the most profitable fund in industry history. Millennium's commodities branch, led by former Goldman executive Anthony Dewell, lost several senior PMs this year, Business Insider previously reported, though the unit's returns this year are unknown.

But it's still an area where rivals are planning to expand, and where Citadel and Millennium continue to build up.

As assets swell at multistrategy firms, which typically have roots in quant, equities, or fixed-income trading, the need to expand into additional asset classes increases. Commodities trading, especially the trading of physical assets that require a buyer to actually receive, hold, and transport a good, was once reserved for specialist funds that competed with trading desks at big banks and energy houses like BP and Shell.

Now, "physical commodities will be the biggest diversification play in 2026 as both larger firms and start-ups hunt for alpha that quant approaches cannot easily access," a report from industry data firm With Intelligence reads.

Steve Cohen has told backers of his Point72 that the firm may expand into commodities soon, several people familiar with the manager tell Business Insider. The firm declined to comment. Balyasny has offices in a Danish port city, where it trades physical commodities, and Jain Global had 13% of its risk allocated to commodity trades as of mid-year.
China is attempting to capitalise on the reduced tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to stabilise bilateral relations between the two countries and prevent the deepening of US-India ties, a report by the US Department of War claimed.

According to the recently released 'Annual report to Congress: Military and security developments involving the People's Republic of China 2025', "India probably remains skeptical of Chinas actions and motives" in this regard.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

The report referred to a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in October 2024. "The Xi-Modi meeting marked the onset of monthly high-level engagements between the two countries, where parties discussed border management and next steps for the bilateral relationship, including direct flights, visa facilitation, and the exchange of academics and journalists."

It further said, "China probably seeks to capitalise on decreased tension along the LAC to stabilise bilateral relations and prevent the deepening of US-India ties; however, India probably remains skeptical of Chinas actions and motives. Continued mutual distrust and other irritants almost certainly limit the bilateral relationship."

ALSO READ: China's 'civilian' ship hiding missiles? How containerised weapon systems could give PLAN hidden superpower

The report did not go down well with Beijing, which claimed that the Pentagon report distorts China's defence policy, sows discord between China and other countries, and aims at finding a pretext for the US to maintain its military supremacy.

"We stand ready to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, and properly handle differences with India, and advance a sound and stable bilateral relationship, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang was quoted as saying.

On the references to the Line of Actual Control in the US report, Lin said, The boundary question is a matter between China and India, and the current border situation between the two countries is generally stable with smooth communication channels. China opposes the relevant countrys groundless and irresponsible comments."

On China-Pakistan ties

The report also highlighted the cooperation between China and Pakistan in sectors such as defence and space, adding that Beijing "likely also considered" setting up a base in Pakistan.

As of May 2025, China delivered 20 units of J-10C their only J-10C exportsto Pakistan as part of two previous orders totaling 36 since 2020, the report said.
IAF Chief A.P. Singh confirms a big win in Operation Sindoor. Six Pakistani aircraft were shot down in May. Five were fighter jets. One was a large AWACS plane. It was hit from 300 km away. The S-400 missile system was used. #operationsindoor #pakistan #india pic.twitter.com/Cu0bNwXXte  THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) August 9, 2025

India's S-400 air defence systems demonstrated their dominance during 'Operation Sindoor', leaving Pakistan with no answer. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) lost its Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capabilities to its precision before the batteries, reportedly stationed at forward bases like Adampur, covered nearly the entirety of Pakistani airspace  forcing their fighter pilots to operate much further west. The S-400 was also used alongside the Akash and BrahMos systems to take out the ballistic missiles launched by Pakistan.

ALSO READ | Airborne early warning explained: Why PAF fighter jets become sitting ducks if AWACS is downed by India

Thus, the Russian air defence systems remain central to India's capability to defend its territories during conflicts. India is reportedly in the middle of a project to successfully safeguard these systems from enemy radars. The S-400 emanates significant radar and thermal signatures, which can be identified by SAR satellites operated by the enemy. Its surveillance and engagement radars  along with the transporter-erector-launchers mounted on large 88 vehicle chassis  are all vulnerable to precision strikes. The best way to deal with the threat caused by S-400s is to take them out before the long-range interceptors can be launched. Thus, it is pivotal that India finds a way to hide its radar and thermal signatures from SAR satellites orbiting the Earth.

ALSO READ | India should take note as Chinese miracle missile dares Pakistan to take out IAF refuellers, AWACS: Report

According to reports, S-400s cannot escape the surveillance of SAR satellites even if they are covered by standard camouflage nets. Even the mobility of the S-400 systems cannot guarantee absolute protection as frequent satellite passes happen every 60 to 90 minutes. This means movement must be ensured every hour or so, which may not be possible when things get complicated at the borders, the report added.

What are Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites?

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an advanced radar imaging technology that is capable of generating high-resolution images while airborne. SAR can operate from aircraft, drones, or satellites and can produce foolproof output 24/7, irrespective of weather conditions.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

Synthetic Aperture Radar sends out microwave radar signals and measures the echoes that bounce back from the Earths surface. The improved image resolution is credited to the synthetic aperture simulated by the satellite's motion, which acts as a very large antenna. Since they use radar waves, they are capable of seeing through clouds, smoke, rain, and fog, and do not depend on sunlight for output.

How SAR satellites work?

SAR can reveal terrain features, including mountains, rivers, and roads, alongside military infrastructure like buildings, trenches, bridges, airstrips, and convoys on the move. Therefore, enemy analysts can compare two images of the same location over two periods of time using SAR technology. If an area that previously showed nothing but trees and dust suddenly shows several bright metallic spots, it indicates that a mobile unit like an S-400 has moved into that position.

ALSO READ | India's Russia-made S-400 air defence system superior to US Patriot system?

Once a target is hit based on inputs from SAR satellites, they can also confirm whether targets were destroyed and detect if repairs or redeployments are under way, in addition to judging the intensity of the damage suffered. Since radar waves interact differently with metal, dug soil, or hidden structures, even fake targets set up to mislead enemies can be exposed, reports said.

Since the 88 vehicle chassis and other components of the air defence system are made of heavy metal, it creates a very bright "return" on a SAR image, as radar waves bounce off metal differently than they do off trees or soil. Specifically, if a SAR satellite spots an S-400 battery on the ground, its coordinates can be relayed within hours, making it prone to precision attacks. While the S-400 is mobile and can relocate quickly, frequent satellite passes (every 60 to 90 minutes) make it difficult to remain hidden for long periods.
The Australian wilderness becomes the battleground for Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton in filmmaker Baltasar Kormakur's upcoming Netflix original action-adventure Apex. The makers have released the first teaser.

The streamer has announced an official streaming date of April 24, 2026. The film also features Eric Bana in an integral role.

Theron plays a grieving woman who happens to be an adrenaline junkie seeking to distract herself with some adventure in the wilderness. However, she realises that she may have to deal with a far bigger challenge: a serial killer.

Working in the rugged, beautiful terrains of Australia with three of the worlds most talented, dedicated actors in Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton, and Eric Bana is such a joy  even as I put them through the [ringer] in this unique survivor story, Kormakur told Netflix last year.

The film was shot in New South Wales, Australia, at the rugged Blue Mountains mountain range. Kormakur, for whom the filming experience was challenging, expressed his gratitude to the people of New South Wales for their encouraging cooperation.

For a film like Apex  where the elements and the terrain are characters that loom just as large as the movie stars battling in it  no other country in the world could have taken the place of Australia as our primary location. The unrivaled landscape, studio facilities, and talented crews in New South Wales have been a boon to this production. I want to thank the people of NSW, the NSW government, and the Australian Governments Location Offset for all the support weve received in making this journey possible.
This year saw a bunch of interesting films and shows from filmmakers both new and seasoned. We witnessed the debut of several first-time filmmakers and actors, all with their unique gifts. Armed with a wealth of experience in other technical areas, some proved their remarkable potential for direction through their nuanced and skilful approach to the material. Meanwhile, some actors brought out different, unexplored sides of themselves, while others offered a fresh take on their familiar, popular roles. The yearly roundup:

Ponman (JioHotstar)

Written by GR Indugopan and Justin Mathew, Ponman marked the directorial debut of production designer Jothish Shankar, who has worked in films such as Kumbalangi Nights, Bramayugam, and Android Kunjappan. The film proved that all the knowledge and expertise Jothish gained working with some of contemporary Malayalam cinema's most sensible and game-changing filmmakers eventually worked in his favour. It's one of those rare films where not even one second is dull or boredom-inducing. Every character has a purpose, a clear reason for doing what they do, and their share of vulnerabilities. Everyone is answerable to someone. Full review here

Rekhachithram (SonyLIV)

This Asif Ali-starrer appeals to the hardcore film lovers in all of us, and, in doing so, gets you to admire the inventiveness with which director Jofin T Chacko weaves together all the pieces of the puzzle into a simple, coherent investigation story. It gets you strongly invested in the victim's story because, after all, you're looking at the story of someone who is a cinephile just like you. You want to find out what happened to her. You want to find out how she fell in love with movies. And you want Asif Ali's efficient cop to apprehend the culprits. Full review here

Ronth (JioHotstar)

One of Shahi's strong qualities as a writer and filmmaker is his design of the dynamic between different characters, in this case, a senior cop, Yohannan, played by Dileesh Pothan, and a younger cop, Dinanath (Roshan Mathew). These two men make an unlikely pair  you could even assume it's a toxic working relationship  but you also know they'll have each other's backs when the situation demands it, a belief that gets tested in the third act. The film suggests that these are human beings just like us, with all inherent shortcomings, and if we were placed in the same circumstances, we might have done the same thing. Ronth boasts the career-best performances of Dileesh and Roshan. Full review here

Thudarum (JioHotstar)

With Tharun Moorthy's Thudarum, we went in expecting a certain kind of film, only to realise later that the filmmaker behind Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka had other plans. Thudarum was marketed as a feel-good family drama, but the film took everyone by surprise, in a good way. It was made to please Mohanlal fans, and it delivered in spades. It more than made up for the disappointment caused by L2: Empuraan. And, of course, there was noted ad filmmaker Prakash Varma's scene-stealing performance as 'George sir'. Full review here

Kerala Crime Files: Season 2 (JioHotstar)

This show demands your complete, undivided attention. Writer Bahul Ramesh ("Kishkindha Kaandam") conjures up multiple plot strands so cleverly and economically that even missing a piece of dialogue, a glimpse, or any other little detail might meddle with your grasp of how everything ties together. Bahul's writing invites comparisons to Christopher Nolan's in terms of not steering clear of spoonfeeding the audience and trusting them to figure everything out without relying on constant exposition. It would be wise to do what Aju Varghese, who reprises his character from the first season, says during a crucial point: "Focus, focus..." Full review here

Padakkalam (JioHotstar)

A mind-bending body-swapping fantasy comedy that draws judiciously from comic books and pop culture, Padakkalam is bolstered by its charming array of actors of two different age groups. Not all of its jokes land, but when some do, they bring the house down. Manu Swaraj's directorial debut creates the effect of watching a group of friends playing a fun game, only here, it becomes a race against time to... get back to one's original bodies before the proverbial s*** hits the fan.

Ouseppinte Osiyathu (Prime Video)

Featuring exceptional performances from National award winner Vijayaraghavan ("Pookkaalam", "Kishkindha Kaandam"), Dileesh Pothan ("Ronth", "Rifle Club") and Kalabhavan Shajohn ("Aattam", "Drishyam"), the film revolves around the stifling circumstances in an affluent but dysfunctional patriarchal household in the wake of an unexpected crime. While not perfect, it's bolstered by convincingly evocative and layered performances from Pothan (as a man burdened by too many things) and Shajohn (who plays a different kind of 'George sir'). Kani Kusruti is cast against type as a discerning cop investigating the case.

Moonwalk (JioHotstar)

Do you know how to 'wave', bro? Debutant Vinod AK's film is another example of a coming-of-age drama that stands out with its fresh narrative approach, travelling back to that time of electrifying synth and funk tracks, break dance, Michael Jackson  the time when music used to be fresh and original and not something repetitive and template-based like today. It's a tale where music becomes an act of rebellion, the stage a catalyst for transformation. Oh, and it takes you back to those days when playing a VHS tape correctly posed its own challenges.

Alappuzha Gymkhana (SonyLIV)

Alappuzha Gymkhana evokes the vibe  yes, this is very much a 'vibe movie'  of a Pixar film, or one of those Into the Spider-Verse films. Khalid has made a film you would normally associate with a filmmaker like Richard Linklater. The kind of film that's built around interesting faces, characters, and conversations. The two Linklater films that immediately sprang to mind while watching the amusing camaraderie of these characters are Dazed and Confused and its spiritual sequel, Everybody Wants Some! The very thought of a Malayali filmmaker finally doing this (can we add Girish AD to the list, too?) brings joy. Full review here

Officer on Duty (Netflix)

The directors of all three films written by Shahi Kabir have their own style and intentions, which can be said of the director of Officer on Duty, too. Jithu Ashraf's approach leans more towards the commercial side. The fight sequences work so well because the bad guys (and gals) are built up as such deplorable figures that, irrespective of the usual cliches associated with drug-snorting villains, we have nothing but contempt for every single one of them. And after one hell of an intense, surprise-laden roller coaster ride, the necessary catharsis is delivered. Sure, it's not flawless  some scenes make one question their logic  but it didn't matter, because it was so satisfying to see the trauma-driven antihero delivering the necessary catharsis. Full review here

Thalavara (Prime Video)

Arjun Ashokan delivers a career-best performance, anchoring a fresh, contemporary take on "Beauty and the Beast": an unconventional hero's journey  or, rather, the unconventional journey to becoming a hero who defies conventions. It's a film that pulsates with a genuine heart. It has a set of actors who keep things simple. And in this age of failed 'pan-Indian' big-budget masala entertainers that try to compensate for their lack of a soul with star appearances, a film like Thalavara comes along like a breath of fresh air. Full review here

The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang (SonyLIV)

Malayalam cinema's equivalent of a Gangs of Wasseypur, Vada Chennai, or City of God featuring some of the best talents in the independent film scene. Written and directed by Krishand, it's a story that spans decades, plays around with the timeline in inventive ways, and reveals unexpected developments that offer fresh perspectives on several events. It doesn't give all the answers, but it has enough layers and finesse in its technical departments to warrant multiple revisits. Bring on Season 2, please. Full review here

Avihitham (JioHotstar)

Its yet another case of taking the smallest idea and doing fabulous things with it, something Malayalam cinema has been praised for doing for a while. When everyone else is trying hard to find excitement in the big ideas, Avihitham, from filmmaker Senna Hegde, finds it in the simplest things, like someone discovering that two neighbours are having an affair. The cast is filled with faces both familiar and otherwise, actors with convincing dynamics, which works greatly in the films favour. It features a host of key players blessed with natural acting abilities who effortlessly slip into their roles. Full review here

Dies Irae (JioHotstar)

With Dies Irae, filmmaker Rahul Sadasivan ("Bhoothakalam", "Bramayugam") once again proves the maxim that you can create maximum scares with a minimalist and formalist approach. There is an excellent attempt at misdirection in the film's early portions. Just when you think you're watching something familiar, the rug (or bedsheet) is pulled from under you. In terms of the measure of dread it evokes, it comes closer to veritable excursions in the genre from contemporary Korean cinema such as The Wailing and Exhuma. Full review here

Ithiri Neram

A filmmaker usually known for film festival-friendly films, Prasanth Vijay steps into the midstream space with a film thats accessible to everyone, not just the ones who like to boast about getting experimental films while sipping wine at parties. The very fact that Roshan Mathew and Zarin Shihab are the lead actors in this should be sufficient to those who believe in serious, unadulterated cinema led by serious, unadulterated performers who behave like real people with genuine feelings. Ithiri Neram combines the sensibilities of two generations of Malayalam cinema, resulting in a profoundly moving outcome. Full review here

Eko

Made by the writer-director duo behind Kishkindha Kaandam, Eko jumps between different eras and multiple perspectives, drawing an intriguing, near-mystical picture of legends whose dubious escapades span decades, with far-reaching ramifications. It gives the storytelling a Latin American flair. Eko demonstrates that when the individuals themselves suggest many colourful backstories, one doesn't need to look to lofty spectacle to embellish them. The performances are exceptional across the board. This is economical storytelling at its best  a two-hour film with the weight of a three-hour film, supremely confident about telling its story without taking an extra hour. Full review here

Victoria

Filmmaker Sivaranjini J's Victoria is a day in the life episode, mostly set inside the confines of a beauty parlour run by a woman who likes to make Instagram reels. The place, we later see, becomes a venue for a "group therapy" session for its titular character and the women, of varying age groups, who go there for different procedures. Led by an exceptional lead performance from Meenakshi Jayan, the film doesn't run in real-time, but the time jumps are rarely felt; it condenses several hours of activity in a way that makes it seem like everything is happening in the aforementioned duration. Full review here

Kalamkaval

Mammootty's incredible chameleonic abilities are once again put to great use in a thriller that takes many interesting detours along the way. Directed by Jithin K. Jose, Kalamkaval marks the arrival of another promising filmmaker. playing a man who is bad to women, for various twisted reasons, is not fresh territory for him, from films like Kariyila Kaattu Pole to the most recent Rorschach. But the beauty of Kalamkaval and, in turn, Mammootty, is that it can make you feel like the man is playing an evil man for the first time. I always say that some of the greatest performances are those that make you feel possessed by not the actor playing the character, but the character itself. Full review here

Pharma (JioHotstar)

The eight-episode medical whistleblower drama, directed by PR Arun, follows the complex moral journey of a medical representative through a fairly compelling non-linear narrative. As a morally grey character overpowered, once he has found success, by the hard-hitting realisation that he chose the wrong profession  or, rather, the wrong side of the same profession  Nivin conveys the inner turmoil with a basic measure of sincerity that it demands. It helps that the series features some of the adept actors in the industry, such as Shruti Ramachandran, Rajit Kapur, and Narain. Out of these, it's the Nivin-Shruti dynamic that stands out the most. Full review here

Sarvam Maya

The Akhil Sathyan directorial is loaded with feel-good vibes. It's not for someone seeking a dark and gritty movie where the protagonist grapples with the effects of a major traumatic event or conflict. Yes, the protagonist (Nivin Pauly) has experienced a painful past event, but its not the extremely heavy sort. If you go in expecting the kind of cinema made by the same man who made Paachuvum Athbudha Vilakkum (starring Fahadh Faasil), you are most likely to come away feeling pleased. Full review here
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh and urged authorities to take necessary action to bring perpetrators to justice.

Addressing presspersons during the weekly briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed concern over the hostilities against Minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh. "Continuing hostilities against minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists, is a matter of grave concern," he said. Jaiswal condemned the killing of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, Bangladesh and said India "expects perpetrators to be brought to justice."

Jaiswal noted over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities have been documented in Bangladesh by independent sources during the tenure of the interim government. "Incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh cannot be brushed aside as media exaggeration or dismissed as political violence," he said.

Reacting to recent changes in US H1B visa guidelines, Jaiswal highlighted that India has raised its concerns to the US side. He added that several representations were received by the ministry from Indian nationals regarding challenges in rescheduling their visa appointments. "We have flagged these issues and our concerns to the US side, both here in New Delhi and in Washington, DC. Several people have been stranded for an extended period, which has caused a lot of hardships to the families as well as their children's education. The government of India remains actively engaged with the US side to minimise the disruptions caused to our nationals," he added.
A delegation led by West Bengal Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari met senior officials of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission on Friday. The delegation urged Bangladeshi officials to take necessary measures to end alleged atrocities on minorities in the neighbouring country.

A large group of protesters gathered outside the Deputy High Commission's office demanding measures to stop atrocities against minorities in the neighbouring country. Briefing reporters after meeting Bangladeshi officials, Adhikari claimed that Deputy High Commission officials had avoided meeting him since Monday and agreed to the interaction only after he warned of staging a large protest outside the office.

Adhikari said he sought details regarding charges against Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu youth allegedly lynched by a mob in Mymensingh over an alleged anti-Islam post on Facebook. Adhikari also said he sought information on compensation provided to the victim's family.

The Bangladeshi Hindu youth was allegedly assaulted after being taken out of police custody, and was falsely accused of writing that post as he owned a basic mobile phone, Adhikari said.

Adhikari said he also raised the issue of continued detention of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, and charged he had remained in jail without justification. Adhikari also questioned why Hindus were being beaten up and their houses burnt.

Adhikari also targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and charged that she "turned the Bengal police into her personal force".
The seat-sharing talks between BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena have hit a roadblock, with the latter demanding 100 of the 227 seats for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election.

The election to BMC and 28 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra is set to take place on January 15 and results will be declared the next day. After the Mahayuti governments success in the recent municipal council elections, both BJP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena are in aggressive mode. The ruling alliance bagged 207 posts of municipal presidents and 4,422 seats in the municipal council and nagar panchayat polls.

BJP was initially willing to give just 52 seats to its ally. However, Shiv Sena told the saffron party that they had interviewed candidates for all 227 seats, hinting that if a respectable seat-sharing deal was not offered, it was willing to go on its own.

Meanwhile, after Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray announced their alliance for the BMC polls, BJP went on the backfoot and decided to give more seats to Shiv Sena.

Twenty years after a bitter Raj Thackeray quit the undivided Shiv Sena over differences with Uddhav Thackeray and formed the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the cousins announced their alliance on December 24. The BJP is now worried whether Marathi voters will be swayed by the emotional appeal made by the Thackerays.

Uddhav Thackeray has been telling his cadre to spread the message  Chukal Tar Sampal  among voters that if they make the mistake of voting for BJP candidates, the Marathi people would lose their control over Mumbai once the BJP wins.

BJP has now offered 70 seats to Shiv Sena, but Shindes party is firm on its demand for 100 seats.

Meanwhile, the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) are yet to resolve the deadlock over a couple of seats for the BMC polls as both parties enjoy influence in those areas of the city, a PTI report said.

Bhandup and Vikhroli in the eastern suburbs are the areas where both Uddhav Thackeray's Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's MNS have a strong presence.

In the last BMC polls in 2017, the then undivided Shiv Sena had won in 84 of the city's 227 wards, followed by the BJP (82). The MNS had bagged seven seats.

(With inputs from Dnyanesh V. Jathar)
Signalling an uncompromising reform agenda, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday declared a decisive push to cut judicial pendency, placing mediation at the centre of court functioning and promising structural fixes for cases that have choked the justice system for decades. Even as he brushed aside social media trolling of judges, the CJI warned that personal attacks threaten the morale of the lower judiciary and must stop.

Justice Kant said his tenure would focus on identifying and unclogging categories of cases that have paralysed courts for years.

The CJI was in Goa as the chief guest at the conference and also led a 2-km walkathon to generate public awareness about mediation as an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

Pendency is not an abstract number. It represents real human suffering, Justice Kant said, underlining that his administration would take the fight against pendency to its logical conclusion.

Mediation as cornerstone of reform

Placing mediation at the centre of judicial reform, the CJI said consensual dispute resolution was no longer optional but essential for the survival of the justice delivery system. He noted that a large volume of litigation did not require prolonged adversarial trials and could be resolved through dialogue-driven processes.

Mediation offers dignity, speed and finality. We want to institutionalise it, normalise it and make it the first instinct rather than the last resort, he said, adding that judicial time must be reserved for cases involving complex constitutional or legal questions.

Mediation is being accepted as successful and cost-effective. It is a win-win situation for both parties as it is a settlement, Justice Kant said, stressing that the process is entirely voluntary and party-driven. No mediator imposes anything. It is only what the parties desire and agree to, he added.

He noted that growing awareness had already yielded tangible results, with high courts and district courts increasingly identifying suitable cases for mediation. Once people are sensitised, they become conscious of the fact that mediation is a successful tool. This leads to good results, and this has actually happened, he said.

Calling mediation an ongoing and evolving process, the CJI emphasised that it was not limited to pending cases alone. It will continue for old cases, fresh cases, and even at the pre-litigation stage before a dispute reaches the court, Justice Kant said.

Identifying cases clogging the system

Justice Kant said the Supreme Court, in coordination with high courts, would identify categories of disputes that disproportionately clog dockets and design targeted solutions for them. Among the top priorities, he flagged pending cheque dishonour cases, land acquisition disputes and taxation matters.

These categories account for an enormous chunk of litigation. If we address them structurally, the ripple effect across the judiciary will be transformative, he said.

Cheque bounce cases alone run into lakhs across trial courts and appellate forums, while land acquisition and tax disputes often remain unresolved for decades, entangling citizens, businesses and the state in endless litigation.

Big reforms in Supreme Court functioning

Signalling significant administrative changes, the CJI said big reforms were already underway in the functioning of the Supreme Court. One of the most visible changes, he said, was the introduction of greater predictability in listing of matters.

For the first time, lawyers broadly know when their matter is likely to come up. This predictability brings discipline, reduces anxiety and improves efficiency, Justice Kant said, calling it a small but critical step towards systemic rationalisation.

On social media attacks and trolling of judges

Responding to a question on social media attacks on judges particularly in the context of him being trolled over his earlier comments on Rohingya refugees, the CJI struck a measured but firm note.

We are not bothered about trolling, he said. Judges are trained judicial minds. Constructive criticism of judgments is always welcome and healthy in a democracy.

However, he drew a clear line between criticism of judicial reasoning and personal attacks on judges. Personal attacks should be avoided. They do not serve any democratic purpose, Justice Kant said.

Importantly, he cautioned that while Supreme Court and high court judges may be resilient to online abuse, such attacks have a damaging impact lower down the judicial hierarchy.

Judges of the Supreme Court and high courts are tough, trained minds and are not easily demoralised. But constant personal attacks can deeply demoralise judges in the subordinate judiciary, he warned, calling for greater public responsibility in digital discourse.
An Udaipur-based firm named GKM IT recently went viral for its 'Women Friendly' rating after its founder and CEO Jeetesh Sisodia was arrested on Friday for allegedly raping his female co-worker in a moving car.

According to the company website, which was down as of 5 PM on Friday, GKM IT was rated 4.7/5 for its women-centric policiesa cruel bit of irony that is slowly going viraland 4.1/5 for being 'Employee Centric'.

A screengrab of the GKM IT website, which has been down since 5 PM IST on Friday

On Glassdoor, the company boasts a 4.8/5 approval ratingincluding a 99 per cent separate approval rating for Sisodiawith mostly five-star individual reviews, and just four one-star reviews.

The police said on Friday that Sisodia was among three arrested in connection with the gang-rape case, including an executive head at the IT firm, Shilpa Sirohi, and Sirohi's husband, Gaurav, as per a News18 report.

The incident reportedly took place after a birthday party that Sisodia, the main accused, hosted on December 20which the victim attended.

Despite feeling intoxicated towards the end of the birthday party, at which point several people there offered to drop her home, Sirohi allegedly coaxed the employee to join an after-party.

For that, the employee was led to a car with Sisodia and Gaurav in it. During the journey, the accused trio allegedly stopped at a shop to buy something that the employee claimed was given to her, which made her lose consciousness.

A while later, she claimed she briefly regained consciousness to find herself being gang-raped by the trio, despite her feeble attempts to resist.

The employee added that she was finally dropped at her residence much later on, at which time she regained consciousness properly.

Feeling severe pain and weakness, she underwent a medical examination at a private hospital, which confirmed sexual assault, after which she approached the police.

This medical evidence, in addition to dashcam footage from the car in which the heinous crime allegedly took place, is said to be an important part of the case she registered against the trio at the Sukher Police Station in Udaipur.

The accused were produced before a court and sent on four-day police remand, Udaipur Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal had said on Thursday.
The Uddhav Thackeray faction is perceived as the "real Shiv Sena" by double the number of Marathi-speaking voters than those that believe the same for the Eknath Shinde-led faction, a Mumbai-based survey revealed on Thursday.

The new surveyreleased weeks ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on January 15, 2026was conducted by Ascendia Strategies between December 17 and 24.

The survey saw 45 per cent of the 'Marathi Manus' respondents identify the Shiv Sena (UBT) as the "real Shiv Sena", in comparison to 22 per cent who felt that it was the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, as per a Moneycontrol report.

While these resultsespecially the 52 per cent backing the idea of a unified Senaindicates that this idea still resonated emotionally with Mumbai's voters, it is yet to be seen whether the Shiv Sena (UBT) can perform at the 2026 BMC elections.

In fact, the party failed to make a dent in the local body elections held earlier this month, which were swept up by the ruling Mahayuti alliance partiesthe BJP, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCPthat mostly contested separately, with local equations resulting in cross-party arrangements at times.

The BJP won 2,431 seats30-50 per cent of the seats in most regionsthe Shinde faction won 1,025, and the NCP won 966, according to data from the State Election Commission (SEC).

Notably, though the poll does show the Mumbai voter base's confusion between nostalgia for a unified Sena and political legitimacy, uncertainty over the 'Shiv Sena legacy' is also on the rise, as 24 per cent were unable to say which faction represented the "real Shiv Sena".

#WATCH | Mumbai | Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis says, "The true face and character of Uddhav Thackeray and his army 'UBT' has been revealed by whom they handed over the state to in their greed for power. If they ally (in coalition) with people who engage in pic.twitter.com/iCnUrsZaYK  ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2025

Both Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde on Wednesday attacked Uddhav Thackeray over this, saying that it was this uncertainty and failed development that had "thrown (the brothers) out" of the electionswhich they claimed would happen again in the upcoming BMC elections.
Costco takes a slow and steady approach to running its business. Because keeping its members happy drives its success, the chain's leaders watch its membership numbers, and if renewals and new signups stay steady, they can keep making small adjustments to keep things on course.

The chain's model is very simple.

"Costco's success lies in its membership-based business model, which generates a reliable revenue stream and fosters strong customer loyalty. Members pay an annual fee to access Costco's warehouses, where they can purchase goods at significant discounts. This model not only ensures a steady inflow of revenues but also creates a sense of exclusivity and value among its members," according to Zacks.com.

Membership fees produce a steady source of revenue for the chain, allowing it to lock in profits while offering a smaller markup on many items compared to its traditional retail rivals.

"Costco relies on membership fees to drive most of its revenue and help keep merchandise prices low," CNBC reported.

It's a model that clearly works as the chain has continued to grow its membership while also posting three records in the first quarter, CFO Gary Millerchip said during the Q1 earnings call.

Costco sets 3 records

The struggling U.S. economy has been good for Costco.

High prices and an economic slowdown work to Costcos advantage, Krieg Tidemann, an assistant professor of economics at Niagara University, told Cheapism.

More households may be induced to purchase a Costco membership and purchase most of their goods from the retailer, especially if prices remain high and pose considerable financial strain on consumers disposable income and savings, Tidemann said.

The chain has seen its sales climb.

"Net sales for the first quarter increased 8.2%, to $65.98 billion from $60.99 billion last year," it shared in its first-quarter earnings release.

Millerchip also shared some information that highlights how well the chain has been performing.

"Before we take a closer look at core merchandising results for Q1, here are a few fun facts about the holiday selling season so far," he said during the earnings call.

Costco's U.S. food court set a daily record on Halloween, selling 358,000 whole pizzas, an increase of 31% versus last year.

Black Friday was a record-breaking day for Costco's U.S. e-business, generating over $250 million in nonfood orders.

The warehouse club's U.S. bakery also set a record in the three days leading up to Thanksgiving, selling 4.5 million pies. That's over 7,000 pies per warehouse over a three-day period.

Costco operates warehouses that are more basic than many retail stores.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

Costco shows steady growth

"Excluding the membership fee increase and FX, membership income grew 7.3% year over year. This was driven by continued growth in our membership base and increased upgrades from Gold Star to Executive Membership," Millerchip said during the call.

The company continues to show success at growing its $130 Executive memberships. Those memberships cost twice as much as the traditional Gold Star membership, but come with 2% cash back on most purchases up to $1,250.

"At Q1 end, we had 39.7 million paid executive memberships, up 9.1% versus last year. We ended the quarter with 81.4 million total paid members, up 5.2% versus last year and 105.9 million cardholders, up 5.1% year over year. In terms of renewal rates, at Q1 end, our US and Canada renewal rate was 92.2%. And the worldwide rate came in at 89.7%," he added.

Those numbers represent a slight decline in the worldwide renewal rate.

"This slight decline was due to the factors we discussed last quarter and reflects new online members growing as a percentage of our total base renewing at a slightly lower rate than warehouse sign-ups," Millerchip said.

More Retail:

He also noted that the decline was less than anticipated due to some early success with targeted communications to expiring members.

"Our goal is to continue to improve renewal rates by improving engagement with members who signed up digitally. Although for the reasons previously shared, we may still see a slight decline in the overall renewal rate over the next few quarters," the CFO added.

Costco is well-positioned for a struggling economy

Bernstein analysts named Amazon, Walmart, and Costco as best positioned to ride a macro storm" due in part to the revenue they generate from membership lock-in, Investopedia reported.

Their focus on value and consumer staples could also help them take market share if macro conditions worsen, Bernstein added.

As a former, and likely future, Costco member (based on moving back next summer to an area that has a Costco), I'm a believer in the idea that the chain benefits from a struggling economy.

Even though we're doing fine in my household, in a time of economic caution, I think it's likely I will use Costco for more purchases, especially bigger-ticket items.

Costco's margins, however, could dip based on consumer needs.

Motley Fool Senior Analyst Bill Mann told Cheapism that during the worst of the 2008-2009 financial crisis, Costcos revenues and profitability dropped.

These drops happened in a period of time when guest visits remained strong, but the mix of products skewed more toward food and away from big-ticket items, and as a result overall revenue per visit dropped, Mann said, adding that those same conditions are most likely in place today.

Related: Kohls defends Kohls Cash, a program that boosts repeat shopping

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Dec 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A group of protesters staged a demonstration outside the Dehi High Court, standing against its decision to grant conditional bail to former BJP MP and Unnao rape convict Kuldeep Singh Sengar.

Police officials at the scene intervened, attempting to disperse the protesters, announcing, "Demonstrating here is prohibited. It is illegal. Legal action may be taken against you. If you want to protest, go to Jantar Mantar."

#WATCH | People protest outside the Delhi High Court against their ruling of conditional bail to Unnao rape case convict Kuldeep Singh Sengar. pic.twitter.com/ie827rzAeT  ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2025

Protesters at the scene demand stricter actions against Sengar. They also questioned the Delhi High Court's decision to let out a convicted rapist.

One protestor who spoke to ANI asked,  On what grounds was Kulldeep Sengar granted bail, when it was declared that he had committed rapes and murders? If a life sentence was given to him, then why is he out? We demand that the rapist should go behind bars so women feel safe."

Women's activist Yogita Bhayana, who was also part of the protests, said, "Women across India are deeply hurt that the sentence of a rapist has been overturned. This happened in this very court. So, we will seek justice from the same place where the injustice occurred."

#WATCH | Delhi | 2017 Unnao rape case | As people stage a protest outside the Delhi High Court against their ruling of conditional bail to convict Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the Police announce, "Demonstrating here is prohibited. It is illegal. Legal action may be taken against you. pic.twitter.com/WnvboYkF7M  ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2025

The protests have come after the Unnao rape survivor and her family themselves attempted a protest over the suspension of the jail term.

On Thursday, visuals of the survivor and her mother being dragged out by police personnel from India Gate went viral on social media, causing massive outrage. The mother and daughter had demanded that the court overturn its ruling in a sit down protest.

The victim's mother expressed strong objection to the decision by the court, saying, His bail should be rejected... We will knock on the doors of the Supreme Court. We have lost faith in the high court... If we don't get justice in the Supreme Court, we will go to another country... The person guilty of my husband's murder should be hanged immediately.

The Unnao rape survivor who is currently a Delhi resident, said that she felt extremely unsafe" after learning of the bail conditions granted to Sengar. She also spoke of past incidents to highlight her concerns. He is a powerful man. He would get his men to do his dirty work for him. When my car met with an accident in which two of my relatives and my lawyer died in 2019, Sengar didnt do it himself. His henchmen did. Now that he is out, we are all unsafe, she said.

Sengar was handed a life imprisonment sentence for the rape of the then minor victim from Uttar Pradesh, Unnao, in 2017.
The Unnao rape victim's mother said on Friday that she would move the Supreme Court against the relief granted to the convict Kuldeep Sengar earlier this week. The victim's mother protested outside the Delhi High Court, condemning the suspension of the life term of Sengar in the case.

Activists from the All India Democratic Women's Association, along with activist Yogita Bhayana and the survivor's mother, protested outside the Delhi High Court, demanding cancellation of the bail granted to Sengar in the case.

"I am not blaming the entire high court, but only the two judges whose decision has shattered our trust. This is an injustice towards our family. We will approach the Supreme Court, as I have faith in it," the survivor's mother told PTI.

The mother said judges who heard the matter earlier had delivered justice to the family, but the accused had now been granted bail. Hundreds took part in the protest in solidarity with the victim. The protesters also targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre over the bail granted to Sengar.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday ordered the release of Sengar, who is serving a life term in the case, on bail pending the disposal of his appeal against his conviction by a trial court in December 2019. The Court directed that the former BJP MLA shall not come within a five-kilometre radius of the victim's residence or threaten the rape survivor or her mother, and said any violation of the conditions would automatically lead to the cancellation of his bail.

One of the protesters said, "This is not a coincidence that the bail was granted just two days before court holidays. This is a planned move. The citizens of this country are not foolish. Till how long will they continue to deceive us?"

Though granted bail, Sengar will remain in prison as he is also serving a 10-year sentence in connection with the custodial death of the survivor's father and has not been granted bail in that case.
A statement by Congress leader Mohsin Khan has kicked up a new political storm in Assam, with the BJP reportedly alleging that the 'Grand Old Party' has become the ideological successor of the Muslim League.

The trouble began when Khan, a known face of the Congress student wing NSUI, demanded that 48 seats should be reserved for the minority Miya Muslims in the Assam Assembly. The ruling BJP was quick to cry foul, claiming this is a serious conspiracy against indigenous communities and a dangerous promotion of Islamist extremist politics in the state.

READ HERE | Why India summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner over Seven Sisters remark

BJP reacts

It was Assam BJP spokesperson Kamal Kumar Medhi who then accused the Congress of abandoning its nationalist legacy to become the ideological successor of the Muslim League, Jansatta said in a report. Kamal reportedly pointed out that neither the Assam Pradesh Congress nor the national leadership of the NSUI has condemned Mohsin Khans statement or distanced itself from it, describing their silence as tacit approval.

The BJP leader claimed that while Congress icons such as Gopinath Bordoloi had fought attempts to merge Assam with Pakistan, the contemporary party is walking a different path. Kamal Kumar added that Mohsin Khan's words were irresponsible and deeply alarming, given that they came at a time when Islamist extremist forces were attempting to establish political dominance in neighbouring Bangladesh, the Jansatta report said. These fundamentalist groups in Dhaka were harbouring hostile intentions against the entire Northeast of India, he reportedly added.

READ HERE | The old man and his fetish: The cartographic obsession of Muhammad Yunus and its strategic consequences

Under party president Gaurav Gogoi, the Assam BJP spokesperson claimed, the Assam Congress was trying to weaken indigenous Assamese society. He alleged that Gogois close associates within the Congress have supported this demand and that the party has given it ideological backing. According to the Hindi daily, the spokesperson said that several Congress leaders, including Rakibul Hussain, had earlier spoken in favour of reserving Assembly seats for Miya Muslims. He also mentioned past demands by Miya Muslim leaders for the formation of Miyaland (a separate Miya autonomous council) and a Miya museum at Kalakshetra.

Who are Miya Muslims?

Miya Muslims are a Bengali-speaking Muslim community in Assam whose ancestors migrated from what is now Bangladesh (formerly East Bengal) over many decades  especially during British colonial rule. The Partition and the Bangladesh Liberation War also witnessed two further tides of migration to Assam. The community is reportedly concentrated in Lower and Central Assam districts such as Barpeta, Dhubri, and Goalpara. The Assam Assembly has 126 seats in total.

The Indian National Congress has not yet issued an official response to the BJPs allegations, multiple media reports said.
Twenty-nine-year-old Haidar Ali Ashraf Ali and 34-year-old Fatima Gofar Shaikh will now serve just days in jail, fined Rs 500 each, before being deported to Bangladesh. Their crime: entering and staying in India without valid passports.

A Navi Mumbai court earlier this month convicted the two Bangladeshi nationals for violating Rule 5 of The Passport (Entry Into India) Rules, 1950, by residing in India without valid papers. The prosecution had also alleged forgery of identity documents, but agencies reported that Additional Sessions Judge (Belapur) C.V. Marathe threw out that claim.

According to reports, Additional Public Prosecutor Sandhya Mhatre said that the two were arrested in January this year from Koprigaon, Sector 26, with one of them allegedly producing a forged Aadhaar card during the investigation.

The prosecution also pressed that such illegal stay posed potential threats to the safety and security of India.

However, the defence reportedly argued that the two Bangladeshi nations were illiterate and poor, and they came to India in search of means of livelihood, not with any ill intention.

The court agreed that the two had no criminal antecedents and that it was not the prosecution's case that the accused were involved in any anti-social activities after entering India without valid documents.

After finding them guilty of violating the passport rules, the court handed them each an 11-month sentence and a Rs 500 fine. However, they have been in custody since January 14, 2025. The court granted a setoff for the time already served, i.e., 10 months and 27 days as on the order date.

The court then directed the Navi Mumbai police chief to arrange for the two to be deported to Bangladesh via the Bangladesh Embassy.

[With inputs from agencies]
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-nation trip to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman, aimed at strengthening Indias bilateral engagement with these countries. While the trip was hailed for how India reviewed and expanded cooperation with West Asian nations across a range of sectors, it also had a not-so-subtle geopolitical angle to it.

Experts believe that at the heart of Modis visit to West Asia is the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC). This tour, they say, was a strategic snub to Turkey, a close ally of Indias arch foe, Pakistan. Indias relations with Turkey hit rock bottom after Ankara openly supported Pakistan in Operation Sindhoor. The country has since signed defence and trade deals with Pakistan, creating a robust strategic partnership often termed the "Turkey-Pakistan axis." This has strained India-Turkey relations.

Now, Modis visit to West Asia was seen as an attempt to form a triangle with Oman on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, Jordan at the crossroads of West Asia, and Ethiopia anchoring the Horn of Africa.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

The corridor, a viable alternative to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is proposed to have two main intermodal routes: an eastern corridor connecting India with the Arabian Gulf, and a northern route through Israel to Europe. Countries such as Greece and Jordan are essential to the functioning of the corridor.

The plan is that energy and goods from India would be offloaded in the UAE, trans-shipped by rail or trucked by ground through Saudi Arabia, and across Jordan to Israels Haifa port. From there, they would go out towards Europe. This trade route would bypass Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey adversaries of the Western world and India.

It is in this context that Modis visit assumes significance. It is expected that both Oman and Jordan will play a key role in giving shape to the project. The hints were already there. King Abdullah of Jordan, in his address to the India-Jordan Business Council during the Prime Ministers visit, did mention IMEC. His reference underscores the fact that IMEC is not forgotten and was a prominent part of the agenda.

Just days later, Israel hosted a meeting of Mediterranean states, Greece and Cyprus. The meeting focused on building the infrastructure that will position the Port of Haifa in Israel as the western gateway to Europe, the Port of Piraeus as Europes entry point, and the Port of Limassol in Cyprus as a transit hub. Both Greece and Cyprus have a history of deep-seated conflict.

Turkey has already expressed anger at being left out of the corridor. It has since been trying to undercut IMEC and prevent trade from going through Israel to Greece and Cyprus. It calls its exclusion from IMEC a combination of political estrangement and strategic rivalry, but did acknowledge that IMEC serves Indias strategic interests and will boost New Delhis global standing as a connectivity actor, strengthen its hand in negotiating trade and energy deals. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also openly criticized IMEC for deliberately excluding Ankara and has instead advanced the "Development Road" initiative, proposing a rival corridor that connects the Gulf to Europe through Iraq and Turkey.

Expert also sees Indias choice of a western trade route through Jordan and Israel as part of IMEC as a deliberate strategic distancing from regional axes, mainly Turkey.
The split within the alliance fighting the Houthis movement in Yemen appears to have worsened, raising fears of a new conflict on top of the countrys long civil war. The crisis began after the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group backed by the United Arab Emirates, took control of two large and important eastern governorates, putting the STC on a collision course with Saudi Arabia and could end up helping the Iran-backed Houthis.

Earlier this month, STC forces carried out a fast military operation and seized the governorates of Hadramout and al-Mahra. Hadramout is rich in oil, while al-Mahra borders Oman and includes key land and sea routes. Together they make up almost 50 per cent of Yemens total land area. They also contain the countrys biggest oil reserves and several important ports.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

During the advance, STC fighters took over military bases, government offices and oil facilities. In many places, they met little resistance from troops loyal to Yemens Internationally Recognised Government. This showed how weak and divided the governments forces have become after years of war.

 Tensions in Yemen  are escalating rapidly



Around 20,000 Saudi-backed  National Shield Forces (NSF) are now gathering on Yemens border, as the UAE-backed  separatist STC faces pressure to withdraw from major territorial gains made in the oil-rich Hadramaut province. 1/ pic.twitter.com/sYw0mgx07B  Rich Tedd   (@AfriMEOSINT) December 20, 2025

The STC is led by Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who wants to restore an independent South Yemen. South Yemen existed as a separate state from 1967 until it united with the north in 1990. Although al-Zubaidi is officially a member of Yemens Presidential Leadership Council, his forces often act on their own and ignore orders from the central government.

The STC leaders defended their actions by saying they were trying to stop security threats in the east. They accused the Muslim Brotherhood-linked Islah party and al-Qaeda of increasing their influence in the area. They also said that controlling local oil and gas resources was vital for the southern independence cause. By taking Hadramout and al-Mahra, the STC has now extended its control across almost all of the territory that once made up South Yemen, bringing it closer to its long-term goal of breaking away.

Saudi Arabia reacted angrily. On Christmas morning, the Saudi Foreign Ministry released a statement calling the STC operation an unjustified escalation that harmed the Yemeni people. Riyadh demanded that STC forces withdraw immediately and hand over the captured bases and territory to the National Shield Forces, a militia created and supported by Saudi Arabia.

Hadramout is especially important to Saudi Arabia because it shares a long border with the kingdom, stretching about 700km, and there are family ties between people on both sides of the border. When the STC refused to pull back, Saudi Arabia began moving large numbers of troops towards the border areas of al-Wadeeah and al-Abr. Reports suggest around 20,000 soldiers were deployed, including well-paid fighters from the National Shield Forces.

There have also been reports that Saudi Arabia threatened to carry out air strikes on STC positions if they did not withdraw. At the same time, Riyadh pulled its troops out of Aden, Yemens temporary capital and an STC stronghold, aiming to isolate the STC.

The brewing crisis marks the growing discord between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the two main backers of anti-Houthi forces. The UAE has given the STC strong military and financial backing. Emirati officials reportedly only spoke about reducing tensions after the STC had already completed its takeover.

These rivalries are not limited to Yemen. In Sudan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE support opposing sides in another brutal civil war. Some analysts believe the STC move in eastern Yemen may have had quiet approval from Abu Dhabi as a way to gain leverage over Riyadh, especially after disagreements linked to Sudan and competition for investment from the United States.

Local reactions in Hadramout have been mixed. The region has its own strong identity and has not traditionally supported the STC. Some residents favour independence, but others worry about the STC rule and prefer either more autonomy within a united Yemen or a federal system. There have been reports that parts of the population see the STC advance as an invasion, with claims of expulsions of northerners and human rights abuses.

The Internationally Recognised Government has been further weakened by the crisis. It already struggles to provide basic services or stabilise the collapsing currency. President Rashad al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, has been unable to stop his authority from shrinking. Many National Shield units reportedly collapsed or withdrew during the initial STC advance.

This civil strife has come as a big relief for the Houthis, which controls Sanaa and much of northern Yemen. It could give it a chance to target areas like Marib or escalate attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Such attacks have already disrupted global trade.

The United States is now under pressure to help calm the situation between its two key Gulf allies. Saudi Arabia has asked Washington for help in easing the crisis. US officials are expected to speak with both Saudi and Emirati leaders to prevent direct conflict between their partners. Meanwhile, the STC is trying to win US support by presenting itself as a force against terrorism and by showing interest in joining the Abraham Accords.
China on Thursday lashed out at a recent Pentagon (now: 'Department of War') report that claimed Beijing was slowly polarising India away from the US by improving ties, while also boosting defence cooperation with Pakistan.

"China firmly opposes the report," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters, as per an IANS report.

"The Pentagon's report distorts China's defence policy, sows discord between China and other countries, and aims at finding a pretext for the US to maintain its military supremacy," he added.

He had been responding to a question about the US reportspecifically if China sought to "capitalise" on reduced border tensions with India to "prevent the deepening of US-India ties".

Pentagon's annual report to US Congress on China says, 'China probably seeks to capitalize on decreased tension along the LAC to stabilize bilateral relations and prevent the deepening of U.S.-India ties' pic.twitter.com/UVthfFfCW8  Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 24, 2025

The report, recently submitted to Congress, had pointed out that Chinas claim over Arunachal Pradesh was a part of Beijings stated core interestswhich include Taiwan and major maritime disputesin its long-term national strategy.

The report also pointed out that Beijing continues to co-produce the JF-17 fighter aircraft with Pakistan, which remains one of the only buyers of the Chinese J-10 multirole combat aircraft.

Alleging that China supplied armed drones and naval vessels to Pakistan and several other countries, the report flagged Islamabad's $3 billion purchase of eight Yuan-class submarines.

The US report also claimed that China was likely considering Pakistan as a potential location for future PLA military logistics facilities.

However, China has said that its bilateral relationship with India was already perceived by Beijing as "strategic" and "long-term".

"The boundary question is a matter between China and India and the current border situation ... is generally stable with smooth communication channels ... we object to any country passing judgements about this issue," he added.

India's ties with China majorly thawed after high-level meetings at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) earlier this year, leading to direct flights resuming between the two countries.

ALSO READ | Modi-Xi bonhomie paves way for restarting India-China air services, flights to resume by late October

This came after steps to improve bilateral ties and resolve border tensions were taken after Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS 2024 Summit in Kazan, Russiathe first since a deadly 2020 border clash.

Yet, just last month, New Delhi issued a strong statement saying that Arunachal Pradesh was an integral and inalienable part of India.

Our response to media queries on statements made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry

 https://t.co/3JUnXjIBLc pic.twitter.com/DjEdy7TmTK  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 25, 2025

This reaction came after a woman from Arunachal Pradesh, Prema Wangjom Thongdok, was allegedly detained at Shanghai airport for 18 hours after Chinese authorities refused to recognise her Indian passport.
After US President Donald Trump announced that the US forces conducted deadly airstrikes against Islamic State terrorists in northwestern Nigeria, the Nigerian Federal Government issued a statement on the US action, acknowledging that the strikes did respect Nigerias sovereignty and international law.

The statement read: Nigeria remains engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address terrorism and violent extremism, following air strikes on terrorist targets in the North West.

It added that the US attacks were in line with established international practice and bilateral understandings. This cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security, the statement from the Federal Government said.

It added that all counter terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.

WATCH: Footage shows the U.S. conducting airstrikes in northwest Nigeria on Christmas night, targeting ISIS militants accused of killing Christians. The operation was described as decisive, with a warning that further strikes would follow if the violence continues. pic.twitter.com/7q9E5UPN4r  Fox News (@FoxNews) December 26, 2025  BREAKING America is staying engagedand expanding its reach. Minutes ago, Donald J. Trump announced that, under his direct orders, the United States Air Force carried out large-scale airstrikes against Islamic State militants operating in Northern Nigeria, who for years pic.twitter.com/wFi4e9cL1t  Ruger Stocking    (@rugerstocking) December 25, 2025

On the attacks against Christians in the country, the Federal Government said the terrorist violence against any group remains unacceptable.

After the attack, Trump stated that he had previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay. And tonight, there was, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

Though he did not give additional details, Trump said the American military was capable of executing the numerous perfect strikes. As per reports, over a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired from a naval ship in the Gulf of Guinea, targeting insurgents in two ISIS camps in the northwestern state of Sokoto. This comes after Trump had threatened to go into Nigeria guns a-blazing over what he said was a failure to stop violence targeting Christian communities.

There were reports of Christians being attacked by several Muslim groups, such as Boko Haram, Fulani, and Islamic State West Africa Province, in Nigeria. Over 16.2 million Christians across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa have been displaced, and many are kidnapped, sexually assaulted, or have their homes and churches burned. Nigerias population of 230 million people is split roughly evenly between Christians and Muslims.
US far-right journalist Matt Forney suggested a bizarre solution to save Indians from racist attacks: "Deport Every Indian".

In an X post that was later deleted, Forney warned that hatred against Indians will reach a boiling point in 2026, with people from the community singled out for violence, their businesses vandalised, and their temples subjected to bombings and mass shootings.

He went on to claim that "the perpetrators will be black, Latino or Pakistani, not white, which will lead the media to cover up hate crimes they would otherwise eagerly blame on MAGA and Trump, like how the 'anti-Asian' hate crimes at the beginning of COVID were shushed up when it was discovered that blacks, not whites, were assaulting Asians."

Forney then maintained that he wants peace in America and deplore all violence. "And there is only one way to stop it. For their own safety, we must DEI: Deport Every Indian."

Who is Matt Forney?

Matt Forney, who is known for his racist remarks, is based in New York. He targeted Indian American communities through his blogs. One of them was titled, '5 Reasons Why You Should Not Date Indian Girls'. His works appeared in The Peach and Misery Tourism in the past. In 2018, he established the Terror House Press, an independent literary publisher, where he served as chief editor till 2024.

In November, was fired by The Blaze for making anti-Indian remarks on social media. He was covering Indian affairs and H-1B visas at The Blaze. "I have been let go from THE BLAZE. My Tweeting was cited as 'concern[ing]'. I was not given specific examples of Tweets that they were 'concerned' about, and THE BLAZE had reached out to me BECAUSE of my Tweeting in the first place," Forney wrote on X.

Forney on November 4 said Kruti Patel Goyal, the new CEO of Etsy, was "unqualified" and called for deportation of Indians. "Yet another unqualified Indian takes over an American company. And I guarantee her first action will be to fire every American and replace them with other Indians, either directly or via bodyshops. DEI: Deport Every Indian."
In a shocking incident, a 20-year-old student was found dead in Canadas Toronto on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a manhunt. The deceased student has been identified as Shivank Avasthi, a doctoral student. His death was confirmed by the Indian Embassy, which said it was in touch with the bereaved family and the local authorities.

Avasthis body was found near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus (UTSC), according to the Toronto police. A statement by law enforcement said officers were called to the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus around 3:30 pm local time.

We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr. Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending  IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) December 25, 2025

On arrival, they found a person with a gunshot wound, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Suspects fled

Avasthis body was discovered by a person who was walking through a wooded area. He called the police after finding the injured student on the paved trail. Police said the suspect (suspects) fled the area before the police arrived. No suspect description has been released at this time.

Though the shooting incident triggered fear of an active shooter initially, with the U of T Scarborough campus issuing a lockdown. People on campus were told to shelter in place, or, if they were outdoors, to leave the area immediately to seek safe shelter. The shelter-in-place order was then fully cancelled at 6:30 p.m after the police declared that there was no information to suggest that there was any immediate risk to public safety on the campus. "So as far as I know, we were never operating under the suspicion that there was an active shooter," a senior police official told reporters.

Allington said detectives are working to determine the victim's last movements. There are challenges because the wooded area has no security cameras. However, the lack of debris nearby made it easier to identify evidence. When we work our way backwards from that, that may help us develop a suspect," he added.

Embassy statement

In a statement on X, the Consulate General of India in Toronto said it was providing necessary assistance to his family. "We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus," it said.

"The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities," it added.
Dan Ives, a well-respected tech analyst for investment bank Wedbush, recently predicted that a formal, AI-oriented alliance between Apple (AAPL) and Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL) would be announced in 2026 and enable AAPLs market capitalization to reach $5 trillion next year, versus its current level of slightly over $4 trillion.

While such a formal partnership could very well be unveiled in 2026, evidence strongly indicates that the alliance would not come close to boosting Apples market capitalization by nearly 25%. Indeed, its difficult to envision a scenario in which a formal partnership between AAPL and GOOG would boost AAPL stock much at all. As a result, I would not recommend that investors buy the companys shares based on Ives prediction.

More News from Barchart

About AAPL Stock

Primarily due to the iPhones popularity and its high gross margins, Apple is one of the most profitable companies in the world. In the 12 months that ended in September, it generated income of $112 billion. Consequently, its market capitalization, which stands at about $4.04 trillion, is huge.

On the other hand, AAPL stock has lagged many of its Big Tech peers in recent years. In the last 12 months, the shares are up only about 7%, while they have gained 42% in the last two years. Conversely, GOOG, for example, has jumped about 60% in the last year and roughly 121% in the last two years.

One issue weighing on AAPL stock is the companys inability so far to generate a great deal of revenue from the AI revolution.

AAPLs top line increased 8% last quarter versus the same period a year earlier to $102.5 billion, and it has a trailing price-earnings ratio of 36.3 times.

www.barchart.com

Why a Potential Partnership With GOOG Probably Wont Move the Needle Much for AAPL Stock

Ives indicated that AAPLs market capitalization would be lifted by almost 25% by charging subscription fees for its AI offering. But Microsofts (MSFT) experience with its AI assistant, CoPilot, for which it charges some users subscription fees, strongly indicates that Ives vision is unrealistic. Specifically, in a post updated last month, Business of Apps reported that Microsoft Copilot had 33 million active users across Windows, app and website. Moreover, the website believes that MSFTs entire AI business generated about $400 million direct revenue in 2024.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islamis Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Friday declared that the organisation is open for alliance with any political party if it agrees to three conditions. The Ameer said Jamaat-e-Islami wants:

the government to be corruption-free,

it must not patronise the corrupt and no political intervention in judicial processes

equal justice to all at all levels of society

In addition, there must be a commitment to implement all reform recommendations, Shafiqur Rahman said in Dhaka while addressing the central members conference of Jamaats student organisation, Islami Chhatra Shibir. He was the chief guest at the BangladeshChina Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, Prothom Alo said in a report.

Today, I joined the Member Conference of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir and shared my key points on our national vision. Students have expressed their trust through student union elections, and that trust must be honored with respect for differing opinions and democratic pic.twitter.com/AKWPpMHO3J  Dr. Shafiqur Rahman (@Drsr_Official) December 26, 2025

Shafiqur Rahman reportedly said that for the past 54 years, pens were snatched from students. He said tender-hearted students had been misled and weapons had been placed in their hands. Educational institutions had turned into mini cantonments. There had been no guarantee of womens honour or of students lives and careers. He said that dark chapter has begun to fade, but the dark shadow has not yet been fully lifted from the nation. Until this dark shadow is eliminated, Chhatra Shibir must continue its struggle.

Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat wants to build an education system under which no one would remain unemployed after completing their studies. In this context, he said many people talk in terms of numbers, claiming they will provide employment to so many crores or lakhs of youths. He asked what would happen to the rest. Some say they would give allowances to the remainder. However, he said they neither want to see nor hear of the countrys youth accepting unemployment allowances from anyone. They want to turn everyones hands into the hands of builders of the nation and want to put work into everyones hands.

Jamaats Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said that there is a conspiracy to stop the march of the Chhatra Shibir and the anti-hegemonic Islamic masses. A group is trying to mislead the nation through lies and propaganda and push it backward once again, the Prothom Alo report said. He added that the nation will never believe such falsehoods.

Mia Golam Parwar reportedly added that the rival forces have labelled Shibir as anti-independence, as throat-cutters, and as a secret organisation, but have been unable to prove these allegations. He said the people rejected them in student union elections at four public universities, and that the public has never been misled by their claims.

During the peak of the student-led "Anti-Discrimination Student Movement" protests, the Sheikh Hasina government issued an executive order banning Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, under the countrys Anti-Terrorism Act. It is also noteworthy that the country's High Court in 2013 had declared Jamaats registration with the Election Commission illegal because its constitution violated the secular principles of the Bangladesh constitution. This prevented them from contesting elections using their party name or symbol.

The general election in Bangladesh is officially scheduled to be held on 12 February 2026.
The Muhammad Yunus-led government on Thursday condemned the brutal death of Amrit Mondal (alias Samrat), a Hindu man lynched in Bangladesh on Wednesday, but also said it was "not a communal attack at all".

Mondal is the second Hindu man to die from mob lynching after the murder of Dipu Chandra Das just days ago.

In this case, however, Yunus's press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, calls the lynching "violent" and "tragic", but also says that it arose from "extortion and terrorist activities".

Calling the 29-year-old a "top terrorist", the statement claimed that a police investigation revealed Mondal and a few members from his gang, the 'Samrat Bahini', had gone to Rajbari to demand chanda (a type of religious extortion) from a local, Shahidul Islam.

This quickly turned into a clash that escalated into the mob lynching that eventually killed Mondal, Alam wrote.

"He was previously accused of multiple serious cases including murder and extortion cases ... These cases also had an arrest warrant against him," the statement added.

The police also arrested Mohammed Selim, another of his gang members, with a foreign pistol and one pipe gun, while the other members managed to flee.

The Yunus government has also called out a "particular segment" for "trying to present the incident as a communal attack by bringing forward the religious identity of the victim".

Calling this "confusing" and "provocative", the statement said that legal action would be taken against those directly or indirectly involved in the lynching.

As for Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu factory worker who was beaten and burnt by a mob at Mymensingh over allegedly making questionable remarks against Prophet Muhammad, the official government statement only condoled the death, calling it a "heinous criminal act", and saying that 12 people had been arrested in connection with the case.

Updated



Education Adviser visits Dipu Chandra Dass family



Mymensingh, December 23, 2025: The Office of the Chief Adviser has expressed its profound sorrow over the killing of factory worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and extended its deepest condolences to his family.



On pic.twitter.com/8Egz4Ntco2  Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) December 23, 2025

However, the statement omitted the fact that there was no evidence Das had even made such remarks at allneither on social media, nor in publicaccording to Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, had been beaten to death and burnt by a #Bangladeshi mob on Thursday over alleged remarks against #prophetmuhammad. #Bangladeshnews #osmanhadi #trendingnewshttps://t.co/CmYO7oDlZx  THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) December 21, 2025

Later reports even claimed that it had been a workplace dispute that had escalated into the mob lynching, and that the allegedly blasphemous remarks were based on word-of-mouth rumours.
Several analysts have recently updated their ratings and price targets for Hubbell (NYSE: HUBB):

12/21/2025  Hubbell was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating.

12/15/2025  Hubbell is now covered by analysts at Evercore ISI. They set an outperform rating and a $575.00 price target on the stock.

12/15/2025  Hubbell is now covered by analysts at Evercore ISI. They set an outperform rating and a $575.00 price target on the stock.

12/13/2025  Hubbell was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating.

12/12/2025  Hubbell had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at UBS Group AG. They now have a $450.00 price target on the stock.

11/20/2025  Hubbell is now covered by analysts at UBS Group AG. They set a neutral rating and a $450.00 price target on the stock.

11/2/2025  Hubbell was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating.

10/29/2025  Hubbell had its price target raised by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $490.00 to $500.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

10/29/2025  Hubbell had its price target raised by analysts at Barclays PLC from $431.00 to $456.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

Hubbell Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th were given a dividend of $1.42 per share. This represents a $5.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 28th. This is a positive change from Hubbells previous quarterly dividend of $1.32. Hubbells payout ratio is currently 35.24%.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, insider Mark Eugene Mikes sold 2,470 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $466.50, for a total value of $1,152,255.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 4,785 shares in the company, valued at $2,232,202.50. This trade represents a 34.05% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director John F. Malloy purchased 435 shares of Hubbell stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $429.24 per share, with a total value of $186,719.40. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 19,085 shares in the company, valued at $8,192,045.40. This trade represents a 2.33% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. 0.66% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBB) is an industrial manufacturer and distributor of electrical and electronic products serving a range of end markets including commercial and residential construction, industrial, and utility customers. Founded in 1888 by Harvey Hubbell, the company has a long history in electrical innovation and product development and is headquartered in Connecticut. Hubbell designs, manufactures and sells components and systems that enable the distribution and control of electrical power and provide lighting solutions for indoor and outdoor environments.

The companys offerings span a broad portfolio of products used by contractors, utilities, original equipment manufacturers and facility owners.

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Shares of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. (OTCMKTS:CCORF  Get Free Report) crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $8.17 and traded as high as $8.57. Canaccord Genuity Group shares last traded at $8.57, with a volume of 100 shares.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, TD Securities reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Canaccord Genuity Group in a report on Monday, November 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Buy.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on CCORF

Canaccord Genuity Group Price Performance

Canaccord Genuity Group Company Profile

The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $8.20 and a 200-day moving average price of $7.76.

(Get Free Report)

Canaccord Genuity Group (OTCMKTS: CCORF) is a global, full-service investment bank and financial services firm providing a range of advisory, financing, research and sales and trading services. The companys primary business activities include equity and debt underwriting, mergers and acquisitions advisory, institutional brokerage, and wealth management. Through its integrated platform, Canaccord Genuity serves corporate, institutional and high-net-worth clients with customized capital markets solutions and strategic advice.

Founded in Vancouver in 1950, the firm has grown through a combination of organic expansion and targeted acquisitions, including the 2010 merger with Genuity Capital Markets, which bolstered its corporate finance capabilities.

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Shares of Valhi, Inc. (NYSE:VHI  Get Free Report) crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $15.31 and traded as low as $11.65. Valhi shares last traded at $11.88, with a volume of 10,027 shares traded.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Valhi in a report on Monday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Sell and a consensus price target of $12.00.

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View Our Latest Analysis on VHI

Valhi Trading Down 0.2%

The firm has a market cap of $333.11 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.39 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a quick ratio of 1.76, a current ratio of 3.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $13.12 and a 200-day moving average price of $15.28.

Valhi (NYSE:VHI  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The basic materials company reported ($0.33) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.83 by ($1.16). Valhi had a net margin of 0.89% and a return on equity of 2.22%. The firm had revenue of $503.50 million during the quarter.

Valhi Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Friday, November 21st were issued a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 21st. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.7%. Valhis dividend payout ratio is currently 50.00%.

Institutional Trading of Valhi

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in VHI. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in Valhi during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Valhi by 3.6% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 56,110 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $907,000 after purchasing an additional 1,933 shares during the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC lifted its position in Valhi by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 144,202 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $2,343,000 after purchasing an additional 2,753 shares during the last quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Valhi by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC now owns 237,729 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $3,863,000 after purchasing an additional 2,753 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in Valhi by 133.9% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,867 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $79,000 after purchasing an additional 2,786 shares during the last quarter. 3.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Valhi Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Valhi, Inc is a diversified holding company incorporated in Delaware in 1987 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Through its three wholly owned subsidiariesKronos Worldwide, CompX International and NL IndustriesValhi participates in the manufacture and distribution of chemical and security products for industrial, commercial and consumer markets.

Kronos Worldwide is a leading independent producer of titanium dioxide pigment, a white powder that enhances brightness and opacity in paints, coatings, plastics, paper and other applications.

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A number of firms have modified their ratings and price targets on shares of AGCO (NYSE: AGCO) recently:

12/22/2025  AGCO had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/19/2025  AGCO was downgraded by analysts at Barclays PLC from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating. They now have a $93.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $116.00.

12/19/2025  AGCO had its price target lowered by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $127.00 to $123.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

12/15/2025  AGCO had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/3/2025  AGCO had its price target raised by analysts at Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc. from $123.00 to $128.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

12/1/2025  AGCO had its hold (c-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/25/2025  AGCO had its hold (c-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/13/2025  AGCO is now covered by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company. They set an equal weight rating and a $114.00 price target on the stock.

11/13/2025  AGCO had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/13/2025  AGCO is now covered by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company. They set an equal weight rating and a $114.00 price target on the stock.

11/3/2025  AGCO had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc.. They now have a $123.00 price target on the stock.

11/3/2025  AGCO had its price target lowered by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $120.00 to $115.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

11/3/2025  AGCO had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation. They now have a $123.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $142.00.

AGCO Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a dividend of $0.29 per share. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. AGCOs dividend payout ratio is 23.06%.

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Insider Transactions at AGCO

In other AGCO news, SVP Kelvin Eugene Bennett sold 250 shares of AGCO stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.28, for a total transaction of $26,070.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 17,130 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,786,316.40. This trade represents a 1.44% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 16.60% of the companys stock.

AGCO Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision farming solutions. Headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, the company markets a diverse portfolio of well-known brands, including Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Challenger, Valtra and GSI, serving farmers and producers in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Through an extensive dealer network, AGCO provides equipment tailored to a broad range of crop and livestock operations.

The companys product offerings span tractors, combine harvesters, hay and forage tools, application equipment, seeding and tillage implements, as well as grain storage and protein solutions.

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Victoria Gold Corp (CVE:VIT  Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$8.30 and traded as low as C$8.22. Victoria Gold shares last traded at C$8.30, with a volume of 136,122 shares trading hands.

Victoria Gold Trading Down 1.5%

The companys 50-day moving average price is C$8.30 and its 200-day moving average price is C$8.30. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 96.76. The firm has a market cap of C$474.98 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -13.34.

Victoria Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Victoria Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, evaluation, and exploration of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. Its principal property is 100% owned Dublin Gulch property, which hosts the Eagle Gold deposit covering an area of approximately 555 square kilometers located in central Yukon, Canada. The company was formerly known as Victoria Resource Corporation and changed its name to Victoria Gold Corp. in July 2008. Victoria Gold Corp.

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Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Ingram Micro (NYSE: INGM) in the last few weeks:

12/22/2025  Ingram Micro had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/22/2025  Ingram Micro had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada. They now have a $24.00 price target on the stock.

12/17/2025  Ingram Micro had its price target lowered by analysts at Morgan Stanley from $23.00 to $21.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

12/15/2025  Ingram Micro had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/15/2025  Ingram Micro had its underweight rating reaffirmed by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co.. They now have a $24.00 price target on the stock.

12/8/2025  Ingram Micro had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/1/2025  Ingram Micro had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/25/2025  Ingram Micro had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/19/2025  Ingram Micro had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/13/2025  Ingram Micro had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

Ingram Micro Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 24th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th were paid a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. This is a positive change from Ingram Micros previous quarterly dividend of $0.08. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. Ingram Micros payout ratio is 26.02%.

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Ingram Micro, headquartered in Irvine, California, is a global technology distributor and supply chain services provider. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker INGM, the company connects leading technology manufacturers, cloud providers and channel partners through an integrated portfolio of products and services. Ingram Micros end-to-end solutions span product distribution, cloud enablement, e-commerce, logistics and lifecycle management, enabling customers of all sizes to bring new technology to market efficiently.

The companys offerings are organized across several core areas.

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Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (LON:RR  Get Free Report) insider Helen McCabe sold 1,927 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 1,164, for a total value of 22,430.28.

Helen McCabe also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, October 27th, Helen McCabe sold 2,874 shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc stock. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 1,133, for a total value of 32,562.42.

On Tuesday, October 7th, Helen McCabe acquired 13 shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 1,152 per share, with a total value of 149.76.

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Stock Down 0.9%

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc stock opened at GBX 1,149.50 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is GBX 1,111.47 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 1,065.23. The company has a market cap of 98.59 billion, a PE ratio of 41.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.55 and a beta of 1.82. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc has a twelve month low of GBX 196.45 and a twelve month high of GBX 537.20.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on RR shares. Citigroup upped their price objective on Rolls-Royce Holdings plc from GBX 641 to GBX 1,101 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, August 29th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating on shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Finally, Berenberg Bank upgraded Rolls-Royce Holdings plc to a hold rating and increased their price target for the company from GBX 240 to GBX 1,080 in a report on Monday, October 20th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 1,161.50.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Company Profile

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Rolls-Royce Holdings plc develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for air, sea, and land in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Civil Aerospace, Defence, Power Systems, and New Markets. The Civil Aerospace segment develops, manufactures, markets, and sells aero engines for large commercial aircraft, regional jet, and business aviation markets, as well as provides aftermarket services. The Defence segment is involved in the development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of military aero engines, naval engines, and submarine nuclear power plants, as well as offers aftermarket services.

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Winnebago Industries (NYSE:WGO  Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by DA Davidson from $38.00 to $40.00 in a research report report published on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the RV manufacturers stock.

A number of other analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Truist Financial lifted their price target on Winnebago Industries from $36.00 to $46.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of Winnebago Industries from $48.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday. KeyCorp reissued a sector weight rating on shares of Winnebago Industries in a report on Monday. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Winnebago Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 22nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Winnebago Industries in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Winnebago Industries has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $42.40.

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Winnebago Industries Stock Down 0.5%

WGO opened at $42.59 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $37.35 and a 200-day moving average price of $34.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.27 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 2.69 and a quick ratio of 1.25. Winnebago Industries has a one year low of $28.00 and a one year high of $50.81.

Winnebago Industries (NYSE:WGO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, December 19th. The RV manufacturer reported $0.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.26. Winnebago Industries had a return on equity of 4.83% and a net margin of 1.27%.The company had revenue of $702.70 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $628.51 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($0.03) earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Winnebago Industries has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.100-2.800 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Winnebago Industries will post 3.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Winnebago Industries Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 14th will be issued a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 14th. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.3%. Winnebago Industriess payout ratio is currently 109.38%.

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Michael J. Happe sold 7,105 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.38, for a total transaction of $294,004.90. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 347,501 shares in the company, valued at $14,379,591.38. This represents a 2.00% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Sara E. Armbruster purchased 2,700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, October 24th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $40.27 per share, for a total transaction of $108,729.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 14,426 shares in the company, valued at approximately $580,935.02. This trade represents a 23.03% increase in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Corporate insiders own 4.88% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Winnebago Industries

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc. grew its holdings in Winnebago Industries by 111.2% in the 3rd quarter. Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc. now owns 680,199 shares of the RV manufacturers stock worth $22,746,000 after acquiring an additional 358,100 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Winnebago Industries by 1.6% during the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 580,256 shares of the RV manufacturers stock worth $19,996,000 after purchasing an additional 8,922 shares during the period. Alliancebernstein L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of Winnebago Industries by 9.1% during the second quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 564,941 shares of the RV manufacturers stock worth $16,383,000 after purchasing an additional 47,137 shares during the period. UBS Group AG grew its stake in shares of Winnebago Industries by 75.8% in the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 417,015 shares of the RV manufacturers stock worth $13,945,000 after purchasing an additional 179,853 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Voloridge Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in Winnebago Industries by 61.9% during the 3rd quarter. Voloridge Investment Management LLC now owns 331,000 shares of the RV manufacturers stock valued at $11,069,000 after purchasing an additional 126,537 shares during the period.

About Winnebago Industries

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Winnebago Industries, Inc is a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles (RVs) and specialty vehicles, headquartered in Forest City, Iowa. Since its founding in 1958, the company has gained recognition for its motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth-wheel products under the Winnebago and Grand Design brands. Its portfolio also includes towable RVs, camper vans and commercial vehicles tailored for healthcare, government and mobile retail applications.

In addition to vehicle production, Winnebago Industries maintains an extensive dealer and service network across the United States and Canada, supplemented by parts distribution centers and customer support resources.

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The European Union (EU) is ready to implement DAC8 for crypto tax transparency. What is DAC8, you ask? The Directive on Administrative Cooperation is a comprehensive directive that will fundamentally change how crypto transactions are monitored and taxed.

DAC8 was adopted by the council of EU in October 2023. Now, starting 1 January 2026, crypto exchanges will be required to collect and report detailed user and transaction data to national tax authorities. However, companies have been granted six months, until 1 July 2026, to achieve full compliance. But will DAC8 be successful in closing critical gaps in crypto tax reporting? Or is it another crackdown on crypto?

To prevent tax evasion, DAC8 is meant to provide tax authorities with visibility over crypto holdings and transfers similar to what they currently have for traditional bank accounts and securities.

DISCOVER: 16+ New and Upcoming Binance Listings in 2025

Binance, Coinbase, Kraken Must Comply With EUs DAC8

All EU crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) will have to ensure reporting systems, customer due diligence procedures and internal controls by 1 July 2026.

Critically, DAC8 applies not only to UE headquartered firms but also any global platform serving EU residents. This basically means that the likes of Binance, Coinbase, Kraken must comply with DAC8. For individual users, DAC8 affects all EU tax residents.

And what information must be reported? The directive covers all reportable crypto-assets, including those used for payments or investments in BTC, ETH or other crypto. However, CBDCs and specific e-money tokens have been excluded from DAC8s scope.

DAC8s most powerful enforcement mechanisms is the automatic exchange of information between EU member states.

With 75 jurisdictions worldwide committing to the OECDs Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework, similar reporting requirements are likely to emerge in other parts of the world.

EXPLORE: Best Meme Coin ICOs to Invest in 2025

Investors Criticise EU Crypto Tax Reporting Rules

One X user called Matty said, Abusive DAC8 regulations are coming up in 5 days. If youre a European citizen and using a Web3 bank based in a EU jurisdiction, rotate to privacy and to non-EU Web3 banks and crypto services.

Another investor took to X to say, DAC8 is another dystopian regulation and spying mechanism to affect EU residents.

X user BrianEMcGrath said, The regulatory clarity everyone wanted is visibilityfor them. Took 15 years, but the state finally has its hooks in starting Jan 1, 2026.
KB Home (NYSE:KBH  Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $67.00 to $62.00 in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods currently has a market perform rating on the construction companys stock.

A number of other brokerages have also recently weighed in on KBH. UBS Group restated a buy rating on shares of KB Home in a report on Friday, December 19th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of KB Home in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays cut their price objective on KB Home from $71.00 to $62.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday. Zacks Research upgraded KB Home from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 5th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on KB Home from $63.00 to $53.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, September 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $64.09.

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KB Home Stock Up 1.7%

NYSE:KBH opened at $57.80 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $61.86 and its 200 day moving average price is $60.14. KB Home has a 52-week low of $48.90 and a 52-week high of $72.64. The firm has a market cap of $3.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.77, a PEG ratio of 2.34 and a beta of 1.40.

KB Home (NYSE:KBH  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 18th. The construction company reported $1.92 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.79 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $1.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.66 billion. KB Home had a net margin of 6.88% and a return on equity of 11.40%. KB Homes revenue was down 15.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.52 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that KB Home will post 8.42 EPS for the current year.

KB Home Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 13th were issued a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 13th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.7%. KB Homes dividend payout ratio is presently 20.37%.

Insider Activity at KB Home

In other news, EVP Albert Z. Praw sold 20,284 shares of KB Home stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.08, for a total transaction of $1,218,662.72. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 104,062 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,252,044.96. The trade was a 16.31% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 3.89% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On KB Home

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Fulcrum Asset Management LLP acquired a new position in shares of KB Home in the 3rd quarter valued at about $36,000. BNP PARIBAS ASSET MANAGEMENT Holding S.A. acquired a new stake in shares of KB Home during the second quarter worth approximately $44,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its position in KB Home by 44.4% during the third quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 781 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 240 shares in the last quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. increased its stake in KB Home by 2,848.4% in the 3rd quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 914 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $58,000 after buying an additional 883 shares during the period. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in KB Home in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $59,000. 96.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

More KB Home News

Here are the key news stories impacting KB Home this week:

KB Home Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

KB Home is an American homebuilding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1957, it was among the first homebuilders to go public, offering investors access to one of the nations largest residential construction platforms. The company is structured to serve a broad spectrum of homebuyers, with a particular focus on first-time, first move-up and active adult segments. As a public company trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol KBH, KB Home draws on decades of experience in land acquisition, construction and community planning.

At its core, KB Home designs and constructs single-family detached and attached homes, townhomes and condominium units.

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Shares of Zealand Pharma A/S (OTCMKTS:ZLDPF  Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Strong Buy from the eight ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a strong buy rating to the company.

ZLDPF has been the topic of a number of research reports. Zacks Research upgraded Zealand Pharma A/S from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, September 15th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of Zealand Pharma A/S in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, BTIG Research raised Zealand Pharma A/S to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th.

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Zealand Pharma A/S Stock Performance

Shares of ZLDPF stock opened at $77.05 on Tuesday. Zealand Pharma A/S has a 1-year low of $49.98 and a 1-year high of $110.00. The firm has a market cap of $5.47 billion, a PE ratio of 5.54 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a 50-day moving average of $76.45 and a two-hundred day moving average of $68.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a current ratio of 14.10 and a quick ratio of 14.10.

Zealand Pharma A/S (OTCMKTS:ZLDPF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported ($0.90) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($1.11) by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $7.76 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.54 million. Zealand Pharma A/S had a net margin of 71.79% and a return on equity of 55.76%. On average, analysts predict that Zealand Pharma A/S will post -2.19 EPS for the current year.

Zealand Pharma A/S Company Profile

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Zealand Pharma A/S is a Denmark?based biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, design and development of peptide?based therapeutics. Utilizing proprietary peptide engineering platforms, the company focuses on metabolic and endocrine disorders, including diabetes and rare gastrointestinal diseases. Zealand employs a rational design approach to optimize stability, selectivity and dosing profiles of its candidates, aiming to improve patient outcomes where current treatment options are limited.

Among the most advanced assets in Zealands pipeline is dasiglucagon, a stable glucagon analog designed for the emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia.

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Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE:CCS  Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Hold from the six brokerages that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have given a hold recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $71.3333.

A number of research analysts recently commented on CCS shares. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Century Communities from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Century Communities in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed an underweight rating and issued a $56.00 price target on shares of Century Communities in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Century Communities from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 26th.

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Institutional Trading of Century Communities

Century Communities Price Performance

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Penserra Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Century Communities by 34.9% during the second quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 4,565 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $257,000 after purchasing an additional 1,180 shares during the period. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. boosted its stake in Century Communities by 26.6% during the second quarter. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. now owns 1,341,781 shares of the construction companys stock worth $75,569,000 after buying an additional 282,133 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in Century Communities by 9.6% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 63,659 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $4,272,000 after buying an additional 5,600 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in Century Communities in the 2nd quarter valued at $582,000. Finally, Jump Financial LLC raised its stake in shares of Century Communities by 109.7% in the 1st quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 14,188 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $952,000 after buying an additional 7,421 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.54% of the companys stock.

Shares of NYSE:CCS opened at $59.01 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day moving average is $61.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $61.21. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.61 and a beta of 1.53. The company has a current ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. Century Communities has a 52 week low of $50.42 and a 52 week high of $81.10.

Century Communities (NYSE:CCS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The construction company reported $1.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.86 by $0.66. Century Communities had a return on equity of 9.36% and a net margin of 5.16%.The firm had revenue of $980.28 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $906.10 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.77 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Century Communities will post 11.07 earnings per share for the current year.

Century Communities Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 26th were paid a $0.29 dividend. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 26th. Century Communitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 16.93%.

About Century Communities

(Get Free Report)

Century Communities, Inc is a national homebuilder and land developer headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. The company is engaged in the acquisition, development, construction and sale of single- and multi-family residential homes, offering a range of floor plans and design options to homebuyers. In addition to its core homebuilding activities, Century Communities provides ancillary services such as mortgage financing, title and closing services, and insurance products through its wholly owned subsidiaries, aiming to deliver a comprehensive homebuying experience.

Founded in 2009, Century Communities rapidly expanded through both organic growth and strategic land acquisitions, positioning itself in high-growth markets across the United States.

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Shares of Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the fourteen research firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, two have issued a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $172.2222.

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the company. Argus set a $172.00 price objective on Atmos Energy in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. Bank of America reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $185.00 price target (up from $182.00) on shares of Atmos Energy in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and issued a $172.00 price objective (down from $182.00) on shares of Atmos Energy in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Atmos Energy in a research note on Monday. Finally, UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Atmos Energy from $159.00 to $174.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th.

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Atmos Energy Trading Up 0.2%

Atmos Energy stock opened at $168.40 on Tuesday. Atmos Energy has a one year low of $136.16 and a one year high of $180.65. The companys fifty day moving average price is $172.90 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $165.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.77 and a quick ratio of 0.65. The company has a market capitalization of $27.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.48, a PEG ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 0.75.

Atmos Energy (NYSE:ATO  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The utilities provider reported $1.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $737.48 million during the quarter. Atmos Energy had a return on equity of 9.07% and a net margin of 25.49%. On average, analysts forecast that Atmos Energy will post 7.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Atmos Energy Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 8th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 24th were issued a $1.00 dividend. This is a boost from Atmos Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.87. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 24th. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. Atmos Energys payout ratio is presently 53.40%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Sean Donohue sold 450 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $171.15, for a total value of $77,017.50. Following the sale, the director owned 877 shares of the companys stock, valued at $150,098.55. The trade was a 33.91% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.48% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Atmos Energy in the 3rd quarter valued at about $25,000. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Atmos Energy during the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Atmos Energy by 105.4% in the third quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 191 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares in the last quarter. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Atmos Energy in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Brooklyn Investment Group lifted its holdings in Atmos Energy by 141.2% during the 1st quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 234 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 137 shares in the last quarter. 90.17% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Atmos Energy

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Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) is a U.S.-based natural-gas utility that primarily focuses on the regulated distribution of natural gas. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company operates through local distribution systems to deliver natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial and electric generation customers. Atmoss core activities include pipeline operations, gas distribution, system maintenance and reliability programs designed to ensure safe and continuous service to its customers.

The companys services encompass gas delivery, system integrity and maintenance, storage and transmission connections, and customer-facing programs such as billing, conservation initiatives and energy-efficiency offerings.

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Shares of Robert Half Inc. (NYSE:RHI  Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Reduce from the ten brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Five analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have issued a hold recommendation and one has assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $32.2222.

RHI has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Robert W. Baird set a $22.00 price objective on Robert Half in a research report on Friday, December 5th. UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of Robert Half from $30.00 to $27.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Robert Half from $45.00 to $36.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their target price on shares of Robert Half from $31.00 to $27.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of Robert Half in a research note on Monday.

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Robert Half Stock Up 1.0%

Shares of Robert Half stock opened at $27.54 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $2.79 billion, a PE ratio of 17.88 and a beta of 0.85. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $27.47 and a 200 day simple moving average of $34.22. Robert Half has a 12 month low of $25.22 and a 12 month high of $72.31.

Robert Half (NYSE:RHI  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The business services provider reported $0.43 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.43. Robert Half had a return on equity of 11.76% and a net margin of 2.85%.The firm had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.36 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.64 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. Robert Half has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.250-0.350 EPS. Analysts expect that Robert Half will post 2.48 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Robert Half Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th were paid a $0.59 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.6%. Robert Halfs payout ratio is presently 153.25%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Robert Half

In other news, Director Dirk A. Kempthorne sold 6,505 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.87, for a total transaction of $187,799.35. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 11,712 shares of the companys stock, valued at $338,125.44. This trade represents a 35.71% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 3.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Quarry LP lifted its position in Robert Half by 540.8% during the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 487 shares of the business services providers stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 411 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Robert Half in the second quarter valued at about $34,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd increased its position in shares of Robert Half by 927.7% in the second quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 853 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 770 shares during the last quarter. Danske Bank A S bought a new stake in Robert Half during the third quarter worth about $37,000. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its position in Robert Half by 952.4% during the third quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,105 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 92.41% of the companys stock.

About Robert Half

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Robert Half International Inc, founded in 1948 by Robert Half, is a global professional staffing and consulting firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California. As a pioneer in specialized staffing, the company has built a reputation for matching skilled professionals with leading organizations across a range of industries. Robert Halfs shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker RHI, reflecting its position as one of the longest?standing and best?known firms in the staffing sector.

The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including temporary staffing, permanent placement, and consulting solutions.

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Shares of Endesa S.A.  Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:ELEZY  Get Free Report) have received a consensus recommendation of Reduce from the seven analysts that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation and four have given a hold recommendation to the company.

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on ELEZY. Kepler Capital Markets lowered Endesa from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Zacks Research cut shares of Endesa from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, September 17th. HSBC downgraded shares of Endesa to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Hsbc Global Res downgraded shares of Endesa from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating on shares of Endesa in a research note on Thursday, October 30th.

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Endesa Stock Performance

About Endesa

Endesa stock opened at $18.73 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $18.02 and its two-hundred day moving average is $16.41. Endesa has a 1-year low of $10.38 and a 1-year high of $18.95.

(Get Free Report)

Endesa, SA is one of the leading electric utility companies in Spain, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The companys core activities include the generation, distribution and supply of electricity, along with the sale of natural gas. Endesa operates a diverse energy portfolio encompassing hydroelectric, nuclear, coal-fired and renewable power plants, reflecting a strategic commitment to decarbonization and the integration of green energy sources.

In electricity generation, Endesa manages an extensive network of power stations across Spain and Portugal, leveraging its scale to optimize production costs and ensure grid reliability.

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Swedbank AB increased its stake in United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS  Free Report) by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 337,300 shares of the transportation companys stock after acquiring an additional 13,619 shares during the period. Swedbank ABs holdings in United Parcel Service were worth $28,175,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Cornerstone Wealth Group LLC grew its stake in shares of United Parcel Service by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Cornerstone Wealth Group LLC now owns 2,557 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $258,000 after buying an additional 97 shares during the period. Bangor Savings Bank boosted its holdings in United Parcel Service by 1.9% in the second quarter. Bangor Savings Bank now owns 5,413 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $546,000 after acquiring an additional 101 shares during the last quarter. First Dallas Securities Inc. grew its position in United Parcel Service by 0.9% during the first quarter. First Dallas Securities Inc. now owns 11,421 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,256,000 after acquiring an additional 102 shares during the period. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC increased its stake in United Parcel Service by 3.4% during the first quarter. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,185 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $350,000 after acquiring an additional 104 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wright Investors Service Inc. raised its holdings in shares of United Parcel Service by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Wright Investors Service Inc. now owns 7,861 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $793,000 after purchasing an additional 104 shares during the period. 60.26% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms recently commented on UPS. Citigroup raised their price target on shares of United Parcel Service from $112.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating and issued a $96.00 target price (down previously from $125.00) on shares of United Parcel Service in a research note on Friday, September 19th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of United Parcel Service from $91.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group raised their price objective on United Parcel Service from $110.00 to $113.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded United Parcel Service from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, United Parcel Service presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $110.09.

United Parcel Service Stock Up 0.4%

Shares of NYSE:UPS opened at $100.58 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $85.33 billion, a PE ratio of 15.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $95.27 and a 200 day simple moving average of $92.91. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50. United Parcel Service, Inc. has a 12-month low of $82.00 and a 12-month high of $136.99.

United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The transportation company reported $1.74 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.31 by $0.43. The firm had revenue of $21.42 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.94 billion. United Parcel Service had a net margin of 6.15% and a return on equity of 40.07%. The firms revenue was down 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.76 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that United Parcel Service, Inc. will post 7.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

United Parcel Service Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 4th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were paid a $1.64 dividend. This represents a $6.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.5%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. United Parcel Services dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 101.39%.

About United Parcel Service

(Free Report)

United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS) is a global package delivery and supply chain management company that provides a broad range of transportation, logistics and e-commerce services. Its core business centers on small-package delivery and last-mile distribution for business and individual customers, supported by a network of ground transportation, air cargo operations (UPS Airlines) and sorting facilities. In addition to parcel delivery, UPS offers freight transportation, contract logistics, warehousing, customs brokerage and reverse-logistics solutions designed to support domestic and international commerce.

The company traces its roots to 1907 when it began as a small messenger service in the United States and later evolved into the United Parcel Service.

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Swedbank AB boosted its stake in shares of Hershey Company (The) (NYSE:HSY  Free Report) by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 145,529 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,660 shares during the quarter. Swedbank AB owned 0.07% of Hershey worth $27,221,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH purchased a new position in shares of Hershey during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Hershey during the second quarter valued at $31,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC increased its holdings in Hershey by 46.3% in the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 199 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in Hershey in the second quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, Fourth Dimension Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of Hershey in the second quarter worth about $39,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.96% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Hershey

In other Hershey news, CFO Steven E. Voskuil sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $188.51, for a total value of $282,765.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 53,819 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,145,419.69. This represents a 2.71% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Kirk Tanner bought 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $185.46 per share, for a total transaction of $370,920.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer directly owned 47,860 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,876,115.60. This represents a 4.36% increase in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last quarter, insiders sold 6,000 shares of company stock valued at $1,102,725. Corporate insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock.

Hershey Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:HSY opened at $184.65 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Hershey Company has a 1 year low of $140.13 and a 1 year high of $199.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $37.44 billion, a PE ratio of 27.60 and a beta of 0.19. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $180.94 and its 200-day moving average price is $180.83.

Hershey (NYSE:HSY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.30 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.24. Hershey had a return on equity of 32.08% and a net margin of 11.84%.The firm had revenue of $3.18 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.11 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.34 EPS. The firms revenue was up 6.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Hershey has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.900-6.000 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Hershey Company will post 6.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hershey Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were given a dividend of $1.37 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $5.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.0%. Hersheys payout ratio is presently 81.91%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on HSY shares. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Hershey in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. DA Davidson lowered their price target on Hershey from $188.00 to $185.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 10th. UBS Group cut their price objective on Hershey from $205.00 to $190.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Argus upgraded Hershey to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Barclays set a $188.00 price target on shares of Hershey in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $184.95.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on HSY

Hershey Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading North American chocolatier and snack manufacturer headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The company develops, produces and markets a wide range of confectionery and snack products for retail, foodservice and international customers. Hersheys business spans manufacturing, branded product marketing, packaging and distribution across grocery, convenience, mass merchant and e-commerce channels.

Hersheys product portfolio centers on chocolate and sugar confectionery, including core brands such as Hersheys, Reeses, Hersheys Kisses and Twizzlers, alongside non-chocolate snacks and confectionery brands.

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Swedbank AB boosted its position in shares of Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC  Free Report) by 95.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 127,383 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 62,257 shares during the quarter. Swedbank AB owned about 0.14% of Tenet Healthcare worth $25,864,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of THC. Chung Wu Investment Group LLC purchased a new stake in Tenet Healthcare in the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Trust Co. of Vermont purchased a new stake in shares of Tenet Healthcare in the 3rd quarter valued at $41,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired a new stake in shares of Tenet Healthcare in the second quarter worth $35,000. SVB Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Tenet Healthcare during the first quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd raised its stake in shares of Tenet Healthcare by 2,227.3% during the 2nd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 256 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 245 shares during the last quarter. 95.44% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Tenet Healthcare Trading Down 0.5%

Shares of Tenet Healthcare stock opened at $197.77 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.71, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27. Tenet Healthcare Corporation has a twelve month low of $109.82 and a twelve month high of $222.82. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.38 billion, a PE ratio of 13.56, a P/E/G ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.44. The firms 50-day moving average price is $203.21 and its 200 day moving average price is $187.00.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Tenet Healthcare ( NYSE:THC Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $3.70 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.33 by $0.37. The business had revenue of $5.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.26 billion. Tenet Healthcare had a return on equity of 25.11% and a net margin of 6.49%.The businesss revenue was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.93 earnings per share. Tenet Healthcare has set its FY 2025 guidance at 15.930-16.26 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Tenet Healthcare Corporation will post 12.24 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of brokerages have issued reports on THC. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Tenet Healthcare in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $224.00 price target for the company. Guggenheim raised their price target on shares of Tenet Healthcare from $238.00 to $257.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Tenet Healthcare from $238.00 to $260.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Tenet Healthcare from $200.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, KeyCorp upped their price target on Tenet Healthcare from $205.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $231.81.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Tenet Healthcare

In other news, Director Nadja West sold 2,178 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on 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 sale, the director owned 28,480 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,623,945.60. This represents a 7.10% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider R. Scott Ramsey sold 13,322 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $205.11, for a total transaction of $2,732,475.42. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 45,500 shares of company stock worth $9,247,071. Company insiders own 0.81% of the companys stock.

Tenet Healthcare Profile

(Free Report)

Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) is a diversified American healthcare services company that owns and operates acute care hospitals and a broad range of outpatient facilities. Its portfolio includes general acute-care hospitals, specialty hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care and diagnostic imaging centers, and other ancillary service locations. Tenets operations are oriented around delivering inpatient and outpatient clinical care across multiple medical specialties, with an emphasis on surgical services, emergency care, and advanced diagnostics.

In addition to facility-based care, Tenet provides integrated services designed to support clinical operations and improve patient access and care coordination.

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QSM Asset Management Ltd bought a new stake in Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE:RIO  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 174,700 shares of the mining companys stock, valued at approximately $11,509,000. Rio Tinto comprises approximately 8.2% of QSM Asset Management Ltds portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest holding.

Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Rio Tinto by 22.9% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 100,669 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $6,048,000 after purchasing an additional 18,781 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its position in shares of Rio Tinto by 17.7% in the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 729,088 shares of the mining companys stock worth $43,832,000 after buying an additional 109,594 shares during the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its stake in shares of Rio Tinto by 13.0% during the 1st quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 49,913 shares of the mining companys stock worth $2,999,000 after acquiring an additional 5,724 shares in the last quarter. Jump Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of Rio Tinto during the 1st quarter worth about $1,118,000. Finally, Ieq Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Rio Tinto by 5.8% during the 1st quarter. Ieq Capital LLC now owns 6,589 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $396,000 after acquiring an additional 363 shares during the last quarter. 19.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Citigroup restated a hold rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a report on Monday, November 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Argus upped their price objective on shares of Rio Tinto from $70.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Rio Tinto from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research report on Monday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Rio Tinto has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $79.00.

Rio Tinto Trading Up 0.3%

Shares of Rio Tinto stock opened at $81.20 on Friday. Rio Tinto PLC has a 1 year low of $51.67 and a 1 year high of $81.17. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $72.64 and its 200-day simple moving average is $65.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.53.

Rio Tinto Profile

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Rio Tinto is a global mining and metals company that explores for, mines, processes and markets a wide range of commodities. Its principal products include iron ore, aluminum, copper, diamonds and various other minerals and industrial materials. The companys activities span the full value chain from exploration and project development to mining, processing, smelting and refining, supplying raw materials to industries such as steelmaking, automotive, packaging, electronics and construction.

The origins of Rio Tinto date back to mining operations in the Rio Tinto region of Spain in the 19th century, and the group has since grown into a multinational enterprise.

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A small EU nation is set to enforce one of Europes strictest crypto crackdowns, warning that hundreds of unlicensed digital asset firms could face fines, website blocks, and even prison time starting next week.

The central bank has made it clear that any platform continuing to onboard users or handle crypto without proper MiCA authorization after December 31 will be considered illegal.

Lithuania Draws a Hard Line on Crypto Starting January 1

The Bank of Lithuania, which oversees the countrys crypto sector, has urged all service providers to secure licenses immediately. While over 370 firms are officially registered in the nation, only around 120 are actively operating and reporting revenues.

Alarmingly, fewer than 10%, or roughly 30 companies, have applied for MiCA licenses so far. This leaves dozens of active firms and hundreds of registered entities exposed to enforcement.

A transitional period, during which crypto exchanges, wallet operators, and other service providers can obtain authorization, expires at the end of 2025.

After the deadline, Lietuvos Bankas has stated it will take stringent action against non-compliant firms, including fines, blocking websites, and pursuing criminal liability under national law. Violations could carry prison terms of up to four years.

Dalia Juskeviciene, head of the Central Banks Investment Services and Undertakings Supervision Division, emphasized the importance of orderly shutdowns for firms that do not plan to continue operations.

Participants of the crypto-asset services market that do not plan to continue their operations should not delay and launch active communication campaigns to ensure that all of their clients are properly and timely informed of the winding down, local media reported, citing Dalia.

Customers must be provided with clear guidance on transferring fiat and digital assets to other custodians or self-hosted wallets before services are discontinued.

The crackdown positions the Baltic state as a strict gateway for MiCA-compliant operations rather than a permissive crypto hub.

Authorities have warned that enforcement will go beyond targeting active platforms. Instead, it will target registered entities that maintain websites, accounts, or custody services.

This approach ensures the regulator can protect investors and maintain transparency and integrity in the market.

Europe Tightens the Reins as MiCA Enforcement Moves from Theory to Action

The looming enforcement follows a broader trend of regulatory tightening across Europe. MiCA rules, which establish licensing requirements and investor safeguards, are now moving from theory to practice.
Trium Capital LLP increased its stake in NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE  Free Report) by 102.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 18,000 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 9,103 shares during the period. NextEra Energy makes up approximately 0.5% of Trium Capital LLPs portfolio, making the stock its 24th biggest holding. Trium Capital LLPs holdings in NextEra Energy were worth $1,359,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Activest Wealth Management increased its holdings in shares of NextEra Energy by 79.7% in the 2nd quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 354 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 157 shares during the last quarter. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. bought a new position in NextEra Energy in the second quarter valued at $25,000. Goodman Advisory Group LLC bought a new position in NextEra Energy in the second quarter valued at $25,000. 1 North Wealth Services LLC purchased a new stake in NextEra Energy during the first quarter valued at about $26,000. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in NextEra Energy by 200.0% during the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 386 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 772 shares during the last quarter. 78.72% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on NextEra Energy from $94.00 to $97.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. TD Cowen started coverage on NextEra Energy in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $98.00 target price for the company. Barclays set a $88.00 price target on shares of NextEra Energy and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Evercore ISI reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $93.00 price objective on shares of NextEra Energy in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $96.00 target price (up previously from $84.00) on shares of NextEra Energy in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $91.56.

Insider Transactions at NextEra Energy

In other NextEra Energy news, CEO Armando Pimentel, Jr. sold 145,140 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.91, for a total transaction of $12,178,697.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 162,693 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,651,569.63. This represents a 47.15% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Charles E. Sieving sold 11,336 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.00, for a total value of $906,880.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 167,481 shares in the company, valued at $13,398,480. This trade represents a 6.34% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

NextEra Energy Stock Performance

NYSE:NEE opened at $80.17 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 0.55. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $61.72 and a fifty-two week high of $87.53. The firm has a market cap of $166.96 billion, a PE ratio of 25.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 0.74. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $83.04 and a 200-day moving average price of $77.21.

NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $1.13 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.04 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $7.97 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.13 billion. NextEra Energy had a net margin of 24.72% and a return on equity of 12.42%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.03 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.68 earnings per share for the current year.

NextEra Energy Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 21st were paid a dividend of $0.5665 per share. This represents a $2.27 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 21st. NextEra Energys dividend payout ratio is 72.29%.

About NextEra Energy

(Free Report)

NextEra Energy, Inc (NYSE: NEE), headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, is a leading clean energy company with both regulated utility operations and competitive renewable generation businesses. The companys principal operating subsidiaries include Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a regulated electric utility serving customers in Florida, and NextEra Energy Resources, which develops, constructs, owns and operates a large portfolio of wind, solar and energy storage projects. Together these businesses provide electricity supply, transmission and distribution services as well as utility-scale renewable generation and related services.

NextEras activities cover the full lifecycle of power assets, from project development and construction to operation, maintenance and asset optimization.

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Trium Capital LLP acquired a new position in Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:WTS  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 2,599 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $726,000.

Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in Watts Water Technologies by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 31,552 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $6,434,000 after purchasing an additional 1,441 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Watts Water Technologies by 210.6% during the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 57,901 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $11,807,000 after purchasing an additional 39,260 shares in the last quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec bought a new stake in shares of Watts Water Technologies during the 1st quarter valued at about $2,590,000. Eisler Capital Management Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of Watts Water Technologies during the first quarter valued at about $250,000. Finally, Trexquant Investment LP raised its stake in Watts Water Technologies by 746.3% in the first quarter. Trexquant Investment LP now owns 31,905 shares of the technology companys stock worth $6,506,000 after buying an additional 28,135 shares in the last quarter. 95.02% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Watts Water Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of Watts Water Technologies stock opened at $283.75 on Friday. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $177.59 and a 1 year high of $287.89. The firms 50-day moving average is $275.37 and its 200 day moving average is $268.59. The stock has a market cap of $9.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.28, a PEG ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a current ratio of 2.83 and a quick ratio of 1.84.

Watts Water Technologies Dividend Announcement

Watts Water Technologies ( NYSE:WTS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The technology company reported $2.50 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.29 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $611.70 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $576.20 million. Watts Water Technologies had a net margin of 13.79% and a return on equity of 18.31%. Watts Water Technologiess revenue was up 12.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.03 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Watts Water Technologies, Inc. will post 9.08 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were issued a $0.52 dividend. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. Watts Water Technologiess payout ratio is presently 21.47%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. Wall Street Zen downgraded Watts Water Technologies from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, December 13th. Barclays upped their price target on Watts Water Technologies from $287.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b+) rating on shares of Watts Water Technologies in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on shares of Watts Water Technologies in a report on Friday, December 12th. They set a hold rating and a $300.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Watts Water Technologies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $279.25.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Watts Water Technologies

Insider Activity at Watts Water Technologies

In other Watts Water Technologies news, major shareholder Timothy P. Horne sold 6,994 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $278.65, for a total transaction of $1,948,878.10. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 23,006 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,410,621.90. This trade represents a 23.31% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Virginia A. Halloran sold 605 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $276.78, for a total value of $167,451.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 13,412 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,712,173.36. This represents a 4.32% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 15,605 shares of company stock worth $4,296,387 over the last ninety days. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Watts Water Technologies

(Free Report)

Watts Water Technologies, Inc is a global manufacturer and distributor of flow control products and solutions designed to ensure the safe, efficient delivery and use of water. Founded in 1874 and headquartered in North Andover, Massachusetts, the company has built a reputation for engineering innovation in residential, commercial and industrial plumbing, heating, cooling and water treatment systems. Watts operates through a comprehensive portfolio of brands and product lines that address application-specific requirements in water safety, pressure regulation, flow control and filtration.

The companys product offerings span backflow preventers, pressure reducing valves, relief valves and steam traps, as well as hydronic balancing and temperature control devices for heating systems.

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Trium Capital LLP boosted its stake in shares of TopBuild Corp. (NYSE:BLD  Free Report) by 79.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,906 shares of the construction companys stock after buying an additional 2,174 shares during the quarter. TopBuild makes up approximately 0.7% of Trium Capital LLPs portfolio, making the stock its 17th biggest position. Trium Capital LLPs holdings in TopBuild were worth $1,918,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. increased its position in TopBuild by 10.2% during the 2nd quarter. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. now owns 302,416 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $97,904,000 after purchasing an additional 27,898 shares during the period. Liontrust Investment Partners LLP lifted its position in shares of TopBuild by 24.8% in the 2nd quarter. Liontrust Investment Partners LLP now owns 376,396 shares of the construction companys stock worth $121,854,000 after purchasing an additional 74,695 shares during the period. Boston Partners boosted its stake in shares of TopBuild by 102.2% in the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 774,161 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $250,872,000 after purchasing an additional 391,299 shares during the last quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of TopBuild during the second quarter worth $189,000. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in TopBuild by 6.4% during the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 35,036 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $11,342,000 after acquiring an additional 2,094 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.67% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at TopBuild

In other TopBuild news, VP Luis Francisco Machado sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $450.40, for a total value of $450,400.00. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 9,349 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,210,789.60. This trade represents a 9.66% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.43% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

BLD has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Vertical Research started coverage on TopBuild in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. They issued a buy rating and a $517.96 price objective for the company. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on TopBuild in a research note on Monday, November 17th. They set an overweight rating and a $500.00 target price for the company. DA Davidson reissued a buy rating and issued a $485.00 price target on shares of TopBuild in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on TopBuild from $518.00 to $536.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their price objective on shares of TopBuild from $370.00 to $390.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, TopBuild has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $437.06.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on TopBuild

TopBuild Trading Up 0.3%

Shares of TopBuild stock opened at $428.13 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.02 billion, a PE ratio of 21.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.14 and a beta of 1.67. TopBuild Corp. has a 52 week low of $266.26 and a 52 week high of $461.49. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $432.38 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $402.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 2.45 and a current ratio of 2.90.

TopBuild (NYSE:BLD  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The construction company reported $5.36 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.22 by $0.14. TopBuild had a return on equity of 27.10% and a net margin of 10.84%.The company had revenue of $1.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.38 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $5.68 earnings per share. TopBuilds revenue for the quarter was up 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that TopBuild Corp. will post 20.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

TopBuild Profile

(Free Report)

TopBuild Corp. (NYSE: BLD) is a leading installer and distributor of insulation and building material products serving primarily the U.S. construction market. Headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, the company was formed in 2011 as a spin-off from ABF Freight System and has since grown through a combination of organic expansion and targeted acquisitions. TopBuilds core mission is to enhance energy efficiency and comfort in new residential and light commercial construction projects by providing comprehensive insulation solutions and related services.

The company operates through two main segments.

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VCI Wealth Management LLC trimmed its stake in Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU  Free Report) by 51.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 8,888 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 9,276 shares during the quarter. VCI Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Prudential Financial were worth $922,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in PRU. AlphaQuest LLC raised its stake in Prudential Financial by 12,250.0% in the 1st quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 247 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 245 shares during the last quarter. Darwin Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Prudential Financial during the second quarter worth about $36,000. AlphaCore Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Prudential Financial in the second quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Prudential Financial by 4,600.0% during the second quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 376 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 368 shares during the period. Finally, Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Prudential Financial during the second quarter worth approximately $51,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 56.83% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Prudential Financial

In other news, EVP Caroline Feeney sold 6,555 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.28, for a total transaction of $762,215.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 22,523 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,618,974.44. This represents a 22.54% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Chairman Charles F. Lowrey sold 48,164 shares of Prudential Financial stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.39, for a total transaction of $5,172,331.96. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman owned 165,564 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,779,917.96. This trade represents a 22.54% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 62,719 shares of company stock valued at $6,796,067 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

PRU has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Prudential Financial in a research note on Monday. Mizuho initiated coverage on shares of Prudential Financial in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. They issued a neutral rating and a $125.00 target price on the stock. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Prudential Financial from $117.00 to $118.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Prudential Financial from $120.00 to $117.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wolfe Research assumed coverage on shares of Prudential Financial in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. They issued a peer perform rating on the stock. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $118.00.

View Our Latest Research Report on Prudential Financial

Prudential Financial Stock Performance

Prudential Financial stock opened at $114.55 on Friday. Prudential Financial, Inc. has a 12-month low of $90.38 and a 12-month high of $123.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.16 and a quick ratio of 0.16. The company has a market capitalization of $40.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.97. The firms fifty day moving average price is $108.06 and its 200 day moving average price is $106.07.

Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 15th. The financial services provider reported $3.58 earnings per share for the quarter. Prudential Financial had a return on equity of 16.60% and a net margin of 4.65%.The company had revenue of $8.35 billion during the quarter. On average, research analysts forecast that Prudential Financial, Inc. will post 14.36 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Prudential Financial Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 18th were issued a dividend of $1.35 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 18th. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.7%. Prudential Financials payout ratio is currently 74.18%.

Prudential Financial Profile

(Free Report)

Prudential Financial, Inc, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, is a diversified financial services company with roots dating to 1875. The firm provides a range of insurance, retirement and investment products aimed at helping individual and institutional clients manage risk, accumulate and protect wealth, and plan for retirement. Prudentials long history in life insurance and related financial services has positioned it as a major participant in the U.S. insurance market and a provider of services to a broad client base.

Prudentials core business activities include individual life insurance, annuities, retirement solutions and group insurance products for employers.

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Horst & Graben Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF (BATS:EVUS  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 25,204 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $793,000. Horst & Graben Wealth Management LLC owned 3.32% of iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in EVUS. CWM LLC purchased a new position in iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF in the third quarter valued at about $3,436,000. SageView Advisory Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,658,000. Sharkey Howes & Javer bought a new stake in shares of iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $759,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. purchased a new position in iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $390,000. Finally, World Investment Advisors bought a new position in iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF during the third quarter valued at $239,000.

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iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF Price Performance

BATS:EVUS opened at $32.36 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $24.59 million, a P/E ratio of 19.19 and a beta of 0.86. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $31.67 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $30.96. iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF has a 1 year low of $25.85 and a 1 year high of $31.11.

iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF Profile

The iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF (EVUS) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund is a passively managed fund that tracks an index of US value stocks with certain environmental, social, and governance criteria. The fund aims to maximize its ESG exposure. EVUS was launched on Jan 31, 2023 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Trium Capital LLP decreased its holdings in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (NYSEARCA:EWY  Free Report) by 45.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 204,365 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 170,367 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF accounts for approximately 6.4% of Trium Capital LLPs holdings, making the stock its 6th biggest position. Trium Capital LLP owned approximately 0.29% of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF worth $16,370,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of EWY. Banque Transatlantique SA bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $25,000. CWM LLC lifted its position in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 328.8% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 596 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 457 shares during the period. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF in the second quarter worth approximately $76,000. Private Wealth Management Group LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 83.3% in the 2nd quarter. Private Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 1,320 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $95,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the period. Finally, FLP Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $103,000. Institutional investors own 49.22% of the companys stock.

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iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Trading Up 2.0%

Shares of EWY opened at $94.60 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $92.81 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $80.96. The firm has a market cap of $6.83 billion, a PE ratio of 10.35 and a beta of 1.22. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF has a 1-year low of $48.49 and a 1-year high of $100.79.

About iShares MSCI South Korea ETF

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. The Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization weighted index with a capping methodology applied to issuer weights so that no issuer of a component exceeds 25% of the Index weight and all issuers with weight above 5% do not exceed 50% of the Index weight.

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Rebalance LLC grew its holdings in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:VNQ  Free Report) by 2.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 582,765 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 13,937 shares during the period. Vanguard Real Estate ETF makes up 3.2% of Rebalance LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest holding. Rebalance LLCs holdings in Vanguard Real Estate ETF were worth $53,276,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of VNQ. Sovereign Financial Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Sovereign Financial Group Inc. now owns 6,212 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $553,000 after acquiring an additional 114 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Vermont grew its holdings in Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 1.4% in the third quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 7,985 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $730,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares during the period. Wedmont Private Capital increased its stake in Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 0.3% in the second quarter. Wedmont Private Capital now owns 34,291 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,058,000 after purchasing an additional 115 shares in the last quarter. Bartlett & CO. Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 0.6% in the second quarter. Bartlett & CO. Wealth Management LLC now owns 18,569 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,654,000 after purchasing an additional 117 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wiser Advisor Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 1.2% during the second quarter. Wiser Advisor Group LLC now owns 9,593 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $854,000 after purchasing an additional 117 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 60.03% of the companys stock.

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Vanguard Real Estate ETF Price Performance

VNQ stock opened at $88.76 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average is $89.88 and its 200-day moving average is $90.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $33.48 billion, a PE ratio of 35.58 and a beta of 1.03. Vanguard Real Estate ETF has a 1 year low of $76.92 and a 1 year high of $94.95.

About Vanguard Real Estate ETF

Vanguard REIT ETF (the Fund) is an open-end investment company. The Fund invests in stocks issued by real estate investment trusts (REITs), companies that purchase office buildings, hotels, and other real property. It tracks the return of the MSCI US RIT Index, a gauge of real estate stocks. The Vanguard Group, Inc provides investment advisory services to the Fund.

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Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd. (NYSE:MHNC  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 7,194 shares, an increase of 1,265.1% from the November 30th total of 527 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 6,467 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.1 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 6,467 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.1 days.

Maiden Holdings North America Trading Up 0.1%

Shares of Maiden Holdings North America stock opened at $15.77 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $16.91 and a 200 day moving average of $17.19. Maiden Holdings North America has a fifty-two week low of $14.85 and a fifty-two week high of $18.54.

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Maiden Holdings North America Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Saturday, November 15th were issued a dividend of $0.4844 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $1.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 12.3%.

Maiden Holdings North America Ltd. (NYSE: MHNC) is a specialty property and casualty reinsurer headquartered in Wilton, Connecticut. As a subsidiary of Bermuda-based Maiden Holdings, Ltd., the company provides treaty and facultative reinsurance solutions for primary insurers. Since its founding in 2007, Maiden Holdings North America has developed underwriting capabilities in property catastrophe, casualty, agriculture, surety and mortgage reinsurance, targeting niche segments where disciplined risk selection and tailored coverage can drive value.

The companys product offerings include multi-year and annual treaty contracts, facultative reinsurance for individual risks, and run-off and legacy portfolio management services.

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Highland Capital Management LLC cut its holdings in Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC  Free Report) by 23.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 127,328 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 38,241 shares during the period. Highland Capital Management LLCs holdings in Truist Financial were worth $5,821,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Truist Financial in the first quarter valued at $25,000. Aspect Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Truist Financial by 71.5% during the 2nd quarter. Aspect Partners LLC now owns 643 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 268 shares during the period. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Truist Financial during the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in Truist Financial by 1,189.5% in the 2nd quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 735 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 678 shares during the period. Finally, Ramirez Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in Truist Financial by 60.0% in the 2nd quarter. Ramirez Asset Management Inc. now owns 800 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. 71.28% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at Truist Financial

In related news, Director K. David Jr. Boyer sold 5,160 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.45, for a total value of $239,682.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 10,153 shares of the companys stock, valued at $471,606.85. This represents a 33.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have weighed in on TFC. TD Cowen raised shares of Truist Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $55.00 target price for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Truist Financial in a research report on Monday. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Truist Financial from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on Truist Financial from $49.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Baird R W lowered Truist Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $49.93.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Truist Financial

Truist Financial Price Performance

TFC stock opened at $50.74 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $46.32 and its two-hundred day moving average is $44.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $64.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.64, a P/E/G ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.90. Truist Financial Corporation has a 1 year low of $33.56 and a 1 year high of $50.86.

Truist Financial (NYSE:TFC  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The insurance provider reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.99 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $5.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.20 billion. Truist Financial had a net margin of 16.84% and a return on equity of 8.73%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.97 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that Truist Financial Corporation will post 4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Truist Financial declared that its board has approved a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, December 16th that allows the company to repurchase $10.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the insurance provider to reacquire up to 15.7% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are often an indication that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued.

Truist Financial Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th were given a dividend of $0.52 per share. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. Truist Financials payout ratio is 55.91%.

Truist Financial Profile

(Free Report)

Truist Financial Corporation is an American bank holding company that provides a broad range of financial services through its primary subsidiary, Truist Bank, and other operating units. The company offers traditional retail banking products and services such as deposit accounts, consumer and residential mortgage lending, and credit and debit card services. Truist also serves commercial clients with middle-market and corporate lending, treasury and payment solutions, and specialty finance products.

Beyond core banking, Truist operates wealth management, asset management, insurance and capital markets businesses.

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iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (TSE:XBB  Get Free Report)s stock price were up 0.1% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$28.29 and last traded at C$28.28. Approximately 83,460 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 48% from the average daily volume of 161,102 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$28.25.

iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF Stock Performance

The companys fifty day moving average price is C$28.44 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$28.27.

About iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF

(Get Free Report)

The investment objective of the Fund is to provide income by replicating, to the extent possible, the performance of the FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index the Index, net of expenses. To achieve its investment objective the fund uses an indexing strategy to achieve its investment objective. Under this strategy, the Fund seeks to replicate the performance of the Index, net of expenses, by employing, directly or indirectly, through investment in one or more exchange-traded funds managed by BlackRock Canada or an affiliate and or through the use of derivatives, a replicating strategy or sampling strategy.

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The excitement for the European startup market was hard to ignore at the annual Slush conference in Helsinki last month. But the actual data on the state of the regions venture market shows a different reality.

The upshot: The European market has not recovered from the global venture capital reset that occurred in 2022 and 2023. But there is evidence it is on the cusp of a turnaround, including Klarnas recent exit and the regions homegrown AI startups garnering attention from local investors and beyond.

More from Yahoo Scout Why is Klarna's exit significant for European markets? What evidence suggests Europe's venture market is recovering? What's driving the European venture capital fundraising decline? How are U.S. investors changing European startup dynamics?

Investors poured 43.7 billion ($52.3 billion) into European startups in 2025 across 7,743 deals through the third quarter, according to PitchBook data. That means the yearly total is on pace to match  not exceed  the 62.1 billion invested in 2024 and 62.3 billion in 2023.

In comparison, U.S. venture deal volume in 2025 had already surpassed 2022, 2023, and 2024 by the end of the third quarter, according to PitchBook data.

Deal recovery isnt Europes biggest problem, though  its VC firm fundraising. Through Q3 2025, European VC firms raised a mere 8.3 billion ($9.7 billion), which puts Europe on track for its lowest overall fundraising yearly total in a decade.

Fundraising, LP to GP, is definitely the weakest area within Europe, Navina Rajan, a senior analyst at PitchBook, told TechCrunch. Were on track for around 50% to 60% decline in the first nine months of this year. A lot of that is made up now by emerging managers versus experienced firms, and the mega funds that closed last year havent repeated this year.

While Rajan doesnt share the same fever that oozed out of attendees at Slush, she pointed to a few positive data points that suggest the European market is turning around.

For one, the participation of U.S. investors in European startup deals is back on the rise. Rajan said that figure dipped to a low in 2023 when U.S.-based VCs participated in just 19% of European venture deals. It has been steadily on the rise since, she said.

They seem pretty optimistic on the European market, Rajan said. Just from an entry point of view, because you think about valuations, especially within AI tech and in the U.S., its just impossible to get in now, whereas, if youre in Europe and your multiples are lower, and youre new as an investor, it just provides a better entry point for perhaps similar tech.

Swedish vibe-coding startup Lovable is one example of this shift. Vibe-coding companies have raised a lot of VC money in the United States. But U.S. investors also clearly love Lovable. The company just announced a new $330 million Series B round that was both led by and participated in by a slew of U.S.-based VCs, including Salesforce Ventures, CapitalG, and Menlo Ventures, among others.
Santander Bank Polska S.A. (OTCMKTS:BKZHF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 5,996 shares, a decrease of 85.2% from the November 30th total of 40,541 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently ? days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently ? days.

Santander Bank Polska Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS BKZHF opened at $45.48 on Friday. Santander Bank Polska has a 1-year low of $45.48 and a 1-year high of $48.04. The company has a 50-day moving average of $45.48 and a two-hundred day moving average of $45.48.

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Santander Bank Polska Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Santander Bank Polska SA is one of Polands leading banks, offering a full range of financial services to individual, corporate and institutional clients. The bank traces its origins to the 2001 merger of Bank Zachodni and Wielkopolski Bank Rozwoju, and it became part of the global Santander Group in 2011. Headquartered in Warsaw, Santander Bank Polska operates an extensive network of branches and digital platforms throughout the country.

The banks core activities include retail banking, corporate banking and private banking.

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ZWJ Investment Counsel Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 1.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 259,243 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 3,454 shares during the period. Chevron accounts for about 1.4% of ZWJ Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 28th largest holding. ZWJ Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in Chevron were worth $40,258,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors raised its position in shares of Chevron by 13.4% during the 3rd quarter. Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors now owns 2,457 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $382,000 after acquiring an additional 291 shares in the last quarter. Ballew Advisors Inc increased its stake in Chevron by 20.1% in the third quarter. Ballew Advisors Inc now owns 5,797 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $883,000 after purchasing an additional 971 shares during the last quarter. HRC Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Chevron during the third quarter worth approximately $201,000. Pure Portfolios Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Chevron by 6.1% in the 3rd quarter. Pure Portfolios Holdings LLC now owns 3,491 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $542,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Chevron by 19.3% in the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 38,296 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $5,947,000 after buying an additional 6,208 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 72.42% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Chevron

In related news, Director John B. Hess sold 275,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.75, for a total value of $41,456,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 1,128,045 shares in the company, valued at $170,052,783.75. This trade represents a 19.60% 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. 0.21% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Chevron Stock Down 0.0%

Chevron stock opened at $150.50 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $152.18 and a two-hundred day moving average of $152.70. Chevron Corporation has a twelve month low of $132.04 and a twelve month high of $168.96. The stock has a market capitalization of $303.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.17, a PEG ratio of 9.03 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19.

Chevron (NYSE:CVX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The oil and gas company reported $1.85 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.71 by $0.14. Chevron had a return on equity of 8.74% and a net margin of 6.57%.The business had revenue of $48.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $46.99 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.48 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 earnings per share for the current year.

Chevron Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 18th were paid a $1.71 dividend. This represents a $6.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 18th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 96.20%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on shares of Chevron from $171.00 to $169.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Barclays decreased their target price on Chevron from $160.00 to $158.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Zacks Research raised Chevron from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday. Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $160.00 price objective (down previously from $170.00) on shares of Chevron in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res raised Chevron from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $166.00.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Chevron

Chevron Company Profile

(Free Report)

Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) is an American multinational energy company engaged in virtually all aspects of the oil and gas industry. As an integrated energy firm, Chevrons core activities include upstream oil and natural gas exploration and production, midstream transportation and storage, downstream refining and marketing of fuels and lubricants, and petrochemical manufacturing through joint ventures and subsidiaries. The company markets fuels under brands such as Chevron, Texaco and Caltex and supplies a range of products and services to retail customers, industrial users and commercial fleets worldwide.

Chevron traces its corporate lineage to the early petroleum companies that eventually became Standard Oil of California and has evolved through significant mergers and restructurings, including the acquisitions of Gulf Oil and Texaco.

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Vontobel Holding Ltd. lifted its stake in The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 29.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 37,286 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 8,497 shares during the quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $3,560,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. RMG Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab during the second quarter worth $27,000. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 97.9% during the first quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 386 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 191 shares in the last quarter. Activest Wealth Management boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 6,650.0% during the first quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 405 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 399 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hoese & Co LLP grew its stake in 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 purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. 84.38% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 3,072 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.00, for a total value of $301,056.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 11,923 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,168,454. This trade represents a 20.49% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible 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 transaction of $299,122.65. Following the transaction, 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 position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Company insiders own 6.30% of the companys stock.

Charles Schwab Stock Performance

NYSE:SCHW opened at $101.73 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $180.77 billion, a PE ratio of 23.82, a PEG ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.96. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a 1 year low of $65.88 and a 1 year high of $102.11. 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 firms fifty day simple moving average is $94.80 and its 200 day simple moving average is $94.09.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.25 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $6.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.93 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 35.93% and a return on equity of 21.02%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 26.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.71 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 EPS for the current year.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a $0.27 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 25.29%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

SCHW has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Charles Schwab from $119.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Piper Sandler reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and set a $110.00 price target on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Friday, October 17th. BMO Capital Markets started coverage on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. They issued an outperform rating and a $110.00 price objective for the company. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $114.00 price objective on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Friday, October 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $108.84.

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About Charles Schwab

(Free Report)

Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) is a diversified financial services firm that provides brokerage, banking, wealth management and advisory services to individual investors, independent investment advisors and institutional clients. Its primary offerings include retail brokerage accounts, online trading platforms, Schwab-branded mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), retirement plan services, custodial services for independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), and banking products through Charles Schwab Bank.

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Whitaker Myers Wealth Managers LTD. raised its holdings in shares of Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET  Free Report) by 141.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 18,156 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 10,640 shares during the period. Arista Networks accounts for about 0.6% of Whitaker Myers Wealth Managers LTD.s holdings, making the stock its 24th largest holding. Whitaker Myers Wealth Managers LTD.s holdings in Arista Networks were worth $2,645,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bare Financial Services Inc raised its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 2,118.2% during the second quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 244 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 233 shares in the last quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc increased its position in Arista Networks by 56.7% during the 3rd quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 199 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 72 shares during the period. Saudi Central Bank purchased a new position in Arista Networks during the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. REAP Financial Group LLC raised its holdings in Arista Networks by 108.0% in the 2nd quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 337 shares of the technology companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Finally, eCIO Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Arista Networks in the 1st quarter worth about $36,000. 82.47% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Arista Networks Trading Down 0.1%

Arista Networks stock opened at $131.13 on Friday. Arista Networks, Inc. has a 12 month low of $59.43 and a 12 month high of $164.94. The company has a market capitalization of $165.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 49.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 1.41. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $135.23 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $128.70.

Insider Activity

Arista Networks ( NYSE:ANET Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The technology company reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $2.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.26 billion. Arista Networks had a return on equity of 30.28% and a net margin of 39.73%.The companys revenue was up 27.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.40 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 2.2 EPS for the current year.

In other news, Director Charles H. Giancarlo sold 8,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $128.09, for a total transaction of $1,024,720.00. Following the sale, the director owned 25,784 shares in the company, valued at $3,302,672.56. This represents a 23.68% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Kelly Bodnar Battles sold 422 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.15, for a total transaction of $49,437.30. Following the sale, the director directly owned 8,980 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,052,007. This trade represents a 4.49% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 216,464 shares of company stock valued at $28,598,588 in the last quarter. 3.39% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on ANET shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Arista Networks from $150.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, September 12th. BNP Paribas upgraded Arista Networks from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, September 25th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Arista Networks from $150.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, September 12th. William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Arista Networks in a research note on Friday, September 12th. Finally, Zacks Research cut Arista Networks from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Seventeen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $163.56.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Arista Networks

Arista Networks Profile

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Arista Networks, Inc is a technology company that designs and sells cloud networking solutions for large-scale data centers and enterprise environments. The company is best known for its high-performance switching and routing platforms, which are used to build scalable, low-latency networks for cloud service providers, internet companies, financial services, telecommunications, and enterprise IT. Aristas offerings emphasize programmability, automation and telemetry to support modern, software-driven network architectures.

Central to Aristas product portfolio is its Extensible Operating System (EOS), a modular network operating system that provides consistent programmability, stateful control and advanced visibility across the companys hardware platforms.

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Chinasoft International Limited (OTCMKTS:CFTLF  Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 294,699 shares, a decline of 74.7% from the November 30th total of 1,162,697 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 772 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 381.7 days. Based on an average trading volume of 772 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 381.7 days.

Chinasoft International Stock Performance

OTCMKTS:CFTLF opened at $0.65 on Friday. Chinasoft International has a 12 month low of $0.63 and a 12 month high of $0.84. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $0.72 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $0.72.

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Chinasoft International Company Profile

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Chinasoft International is a Shenzhen-based provider of end-to-end information technology services and digital solutions. The company specializes in IT consulting, enterprise application development and maintenance, software testing and quality assurance, geographic information systems (GIS) and custom software engineering. Chinasoft serves clients across industries such as finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare and public sector organizations, helping them modernize legacy systems, build cloud-native applications and harness data analytics and artificial intelligence to drive business insights.

Founded in 2000 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2006, Chinasoft International has expanded its service portfolio to encompass digital transformation initiatives, including cloud migration, big data management, IoT platform development and cybersecurity solutions.

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Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Debenhams and Davide Campari-Milanos top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Debenhams $3.07 billion 0.00 -$621.24 million ($2.02) 0.00 Davide Campari-Milano $2.06 billion 5.50 $345.41 million $0.26 37.88

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Davide Campari-Milano has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Debenhams. Debenhams is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Davide Campari-Milano, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Dividends

Risk and Volatility

Debenhams pays an annual dividend of $0.02 per share and has a dividend yield of 200.0%. Davide Campari-Milano pays an annual dividend of $0.04 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.4%. Debenhams pays out -1.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Davide Campari-Milano pays out 15.4% 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. Debenhams is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Debenhams has a beta of -0.62, indicating that its share price is 162% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Davide Campari-Milano has a beta of 0.95, indicating that its share price is 5% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares Debenhams and Davide Campari-Milanos net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Debenhams N/A N/A N/A Davide Campari-Milano N/A N/A N/A

Summary

Davide Campari-Milano beats Debenhams on 5 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Debenhams

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Debenhams plc, through its subsidiaries, operates and franchises a range of department stores in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Denmark, and internationally. It provides women's wear, men's wear, kids wear, and lingerie, as well as beauty, home, furniture, gift and toy, electrical, Christmas, and others products. The company's brands primarily include The Collection, Mantaray, Maine New England, and Red Herring. It is also involved in online retailing business; and the operation of in-store cafes and restaurants. The company owns and operates 240 department stores in approximately 90 countries. Debenhams plc was founded in 1778 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

About Davide Campari-Milano

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Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and trades in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. Its product portfolio includes aperitifs, vodka, whisky, tequila, rum, gin, liqueurs, sparkling and still wines, and ready to drink products under approximately 50 brands. The company was founded in 1860 and is headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy. Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. is a subsidiary of Alicros S.p.A.

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Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $151.86 and last traded at $150.9960, with a volume of 11584 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $148.13.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on SCCO. Citigroup restated a sell rating and issued a $108.00 price objective (up previously from $89.10) on shares of Southern Copper in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Southern Copper in a research report on Monday. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a sell rating and issued a $115.00 price objective (up previously from $89.00) on shares of Southern Copper in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Itau BBA Securities lowered shares of Southern Copper from a market perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $126.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Monday. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $138.00 price objective on Southern Copper and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and five have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Southern Copper currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $123.85.

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Southern Copper Stock Up 1.7%

The company has a market capitalization of $122.35 billion, a PE ratio of 31.58, a P/E/G ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a current ratio of 4.52, a quick ratio of 3.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The stocks fifty day moving average is $136.22 and its two-hundred day moving average is $115.30.

Southern Copper (NYSE:SCCO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The basic materials company reported $1.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.26 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $3.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.05 billion. Southern Copper had a net margin of 30.98% and a return on equity of 38.74%. As a group, analysts predict that Southern Copper Corporation will post 4.66 EPS for the current year.

Southern Copper Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 12th were issued a $0.90 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 12th. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. Southern Coppers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 75.47%.

Insider Transactions at Southern Copper

In other Southern Copper news, Director Bonilla Luis Miguel Palomino sold 400 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $139.00, for a total transaction of $55,600.00. Following the sale, the director owned 1,265 shares in the company, valued at $175,835. This represents a 24.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 948 shares of company stock worth $131,130. Insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Southern Copper

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of SCCO. Legal & General Group Plc raised its stake in Southern Copper by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 941,712 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $95,273,000 after acquiring an additional 38,856 shares during the last quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB increased its holdings in shares of Southern Copper by 6.5% in the second quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 140,489 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $14,326,000 after purchasing an additional 8,531 shares during the period. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Southern Copper by 82.5% in the second quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 5,085 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $514,000 after purchasing an additional 2,298 shares during the last quarter. Edgestream Partners L.P. purchased a new stake in Southern Copper in the second quarter valued at approximately $5,436,000. Finally, Capital Advisors Inc. OK increased its holdings in Southern Copper by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Advisors Inc. OK now owns 277,035 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $28,028,000 after buying an additional 3,449 shares during the period. 7.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Southern Copper

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Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE: SCCO) is a large, integrated copper producer whose operations span the full value chain from exploration and mining to smelting, refining and the sale of copper and other metal products. The company produces a range of copper products including copper concentrate and refined cathodes, and recovers valuable byproducts such as molybdenum, silver and zinc. Southern Copper concentrates on high-volume, long-life assets designed to support steady production and processing capabilities.

Southern Coppers operations are concentrated in Peru and Mexico, where it owns and operates multiple large-scale mining and processing facilities.

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BHP Group Limited Sponsored ADR (NYSE:BHP  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Friday . The company traded as high as $61.32 and last traded at $61.5090, with a volume of 6063 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $60.87.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have weighed in on BHP. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of BHP Group in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research raised BHP Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $48.50.

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BHP Group Stock Performance

Institutional Investors Weigh In On BHP Group

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 1.46 and a quick ratio of 1.11. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $56.80 and a 200 day moving average of $54.12.

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Caldwell Trust Co purchased a new position in BHP Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. Hilltop National Bank acquired a new position in BHP Group in the second quarter valued at about $32,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC lifted its holdings in shares of BHP Group by 3,040.9% in the 3rd quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 691 shares of the mining companys stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 669 shares during the last quarter. JFS Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of BHP Group by 68.9% during the third quarter. JFS Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 696 shares of the mining companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 284 shares during the period. Finally, Ameriflex Group Inc. grew its position in BHP Group by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 718 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 359 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 3.79% of the companys stock.

About BHP Group

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BHP Group is an Anglo-Australian natural resources company engaged principally in the exploration, development, production and marketing of commodities. Its core businesses include the extraction and processing of iron ore, copper, metallurgical and thermal coal, nickel and other minerals. BHP operates large-scale mining and processing assets and supplies raw materials used across steelmaking, energy and industrial supply chains.

The company has a global operating footprint with significant assets and projects in Australia and the Americas, and commercial activities that serve customers worldwide.

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Northann Corp. (NYSE:NCL  Get Free Report) shares shot up 64% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $0.34 and last traded at $0.2810. 307,511,018 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 15,605% from the average session volume of 1,958,094 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.1713.

Northann Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 0.19 and a current ratio of 0.53. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $0.44 and a 200 day moving average price of $0.99. The company has a market capitalization of $7.23 million, a PE ratio of -1.59 and a beta of 0.24.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Northann

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Northann stock. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Northann Corp. (NYSE:NCL  Free Report) by 81.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 179,915 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 80,689 shares during the quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.19% of Northann worth $29,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Institutional investors own 0.34% of the companys stock.

About Northann

Northann Corp. engages in the manufacture, wholesale, and retail of the 3D printed vinyl flooring panels and other decorative panels in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers its products under the Benchwick brand name. Northann Corp. was founded in 2013 and is based in Elk Grove, California.

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Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria S.A. (NYSE:BBVA  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $23.45 and last traded at $23.3040, with a volume of 24304 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $23.32.

Analyst Ratings Changes

BBVA has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b+) rating on shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria in a report on Monday. Zacks Research cut Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, December 20th. Finally, Morgan Stanley began coverage on Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. They set an equal weight rating on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria Stock Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $136.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 0.83. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $21.28 and a 200 day moving average price of $18.64.

Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The bank reported $0.49 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $10.59 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.47 billion. Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria had a return on equity of 17.07% and a net margin of 28.58%. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria S.A. will post 1.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 24th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 6th were paid a $0.3736 dividend. This represents a yield of 361.0%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 6th. Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentarias dividend payout ratio is currently 31.41%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 28.0% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 9,288,196 shares of the banks stock worth $142,760,000 after acquiring an additional 2,034,318 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its holdings in Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 10.2% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 10,941,273 shares of the banks stock worth $149,020,000 after purchasing an additional 1,014,305 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 17.1% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,375,294 shares of the banks stock worth $67,247,000 after buying an additional 637,519 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its position in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 23.4% in the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 3,248,176 shares of the banks stock valued at $62,527,000 after purchasing an additional 615,985 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Millennium Management LLC boosted its position in Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 373.4% during the third quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 768,243 shares of the banks stock valued at $14,789,000 after buying an additional 605,947 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 2.96% of the companys stock.

About Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria

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Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA) is a Spanish multinational financial services group headquartered in Bilbao, Spain. The bank traces its roots to several historic regional banks and was formed through a series of mergers that consolidated its position as one of Spains largest banking groups. BBVA operates as a universal bank offering a broad range of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients.

BBVAs core businesses include retail and commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, private banking and wealth management, asset management, and insurance.

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Former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison has been moved out of prison less than halfway through her two-year sentence, according to Business Insider.

The former chief of the FTX sister trading company and ex-girlfriend of disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was moved out of the Danbury Federal Correctional Institution in Connecticut to community confinement on Oct. 16, BI reported on Dec. 16, citing a Federal Bureau of Prisons spokesperson.

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Ellison remains in federal custody but is now either in home detention or in a halfway house, BOP spokesperson Randilee Giamusso was quoted as saying.

Giamusso, however, reportedly declined to comment on the reason for Ellisons transfer.

The BOP did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Benzinga.

Ellison pleaded guilty in December 2022 to conspiracy and fraud charges for her role in FTXs collapse and testified against Bankman-Frieds 2023 trial. She described how Alameda used FTX customer deposits to stay afloat, which was instrumental to Bankman-Frieds conviction.

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Ellisons lawyers sought to get her no jail time in exchange for her cooperation but failed. She was sentenced to two years in prison in September 2024. She reported to prison in November 2024 to begin her sentence, but online records now indicate she will be released next month, about nine months early.

Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison and is appealing the ruling.

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This article FTX's Caroline Ellison Moved Out Of Prison Less Than 11 Months Into Sentence: What's Going On? originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:DIFTY  Get Free Report) shares gapped down before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $4.82, but opened at $4.62. Daito Trust Construction shares last traded at $4.62, with a volume of 287 shares traded.

Daito Trust Construction Stock Performance

The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $4.79 and a 200 day moving average price of $17.83.

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About Daito Trust Construction

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Daito Trust Construction Co, Ltd. (OTCMKTS: DIFTY) is a Japan-based construction and real estate services firm specializing in the development and management of rental residential properties, commercial facilities and related infrastructure. The company provides end-to-end solutions that span site acquisition, architectural design, construction, leasing support and ongoing property administration. Leveraging a vertically integrated model, Daito Trust Construction aims to streamline project delivery and optimize operational efficiency for landlords and tenants alike.

In its core rental housing segment, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including property management, tenant recruitment, rent collection and routine facility maintenance.

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Shares of Sandvik AB (OTCMKTS:SDVKY  Get Free Report) rose 2.8% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $33.25 and last traded at $33.25. Approximately 239 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 100% from the average daily volume of 49,243 shares. The stock had previously closed at $32.36.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Sandvik in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Barclays reissued an overweight rating on shares of Sandvik in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Pareto Securities lowered Sandvik from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, October 5th. Rothschild Redb upgraded Sandvik from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Sandvik in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy.

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Sandvik Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $40.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.52. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $30.60 and a 200 day simple moving average of $27.10. The company has a current ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40.

Sandvik (OTCMKTS:SDVKY  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, October 20th. The industrial products company reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.32 by ($0.02). Sandvik had a net margin of 12.24% and a return on equity of 16.30%. The company had revenue of $3.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $29.69 billion. On average, analysts expect that Sandvik AB will post 1.27 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sandvik

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SDVKY. Salomon & Ludwin LLC grew its holdings in shares of Sandvik by 3,795.5% in the third quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 857 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 835 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in Sandvik by 24.8% in the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 7,406 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $208,000 after purchasing an additional 1,473 shares during the period. Yousif Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Sandvik by 15.9% during the 2nd quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 22,037 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $502,000 after purchasing an additional 3,030 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers boosted its holdings in shares of Sandvik by 13.9% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 37,269 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $788,000 after buying an additional 4,562 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 0.74% of the companys stock.

Sandvik Company Profile

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Sandvik (OTCMKTS: SDVKY) is a global engineering group headquartered in Sandviken, Sweden, with roots dating back to 1862 when it was founded by Goran Fredrik Goransson. The company designs, manufactures and services advanced products and solutions for the mining and construction industries, metalworking and material technology markets. Sandvik serves customers worldwide with a broad portfolio of industrial products, equipment and aftermarket services.

Sandviks core activities span three broad areas: metal-cutting and machining solutions, mining and rock excavation equipment, and specialty materials and components.

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Shares of Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA (OTCMKTS:USNZY  Get Free Report) were up 2.9% on Friday . The company traded as high as $1.08 and last traded at $1.08. Approximately 3,300 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 95% from the average daily volume of 62,175 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.05.

Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Stock Up 2.9%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 4.21 and a quick ratio of 2.64. The stock has a market capitalization of $591.64 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.20 and a beta of 1.34. The firms fifty day moving average is $1.05 and its 200-day moving average is $0.92.

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Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais (OTCMKTS:USNZY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The basic materials company reported $0.01 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.01) by $0.02. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais had a negative net margin of 12.91% and a positive return on equity of 1.22%. The company had revenue of $1.23 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.20 billion. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA will post 0.09 earnings per share for the current year.

Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Company Profile

Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA (OTCMKTS: USNZY), widely known as Usiminas, is one of Brazils leading integrated steel producers. The company operates across the full steel value chain, from iron ore mining to the manufacture and distribution of flat steel products. Its portfolio includes hot- and cold-rolled coils, coated sheets, tin plates, plates and tubular products, which serve a broad array of end markets such as construction, automotive, packaging, machinery and energy.

Founded in the mid-1950s through a partnership between Brazilian and international investors, Usiminas is headquartered in Belo Horizonte and maintains its principal steelmaking facilities in Ipatinga, Minas Gerais, as well as secondary operations in Cubatao (Sao Paulo) and Santa Cruz.

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Ping An Insurance Co. of China Ltd. (OTCMKTS:PNGAY  Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Friday . Approximately 246,970 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 31% from the previous sessions volume of 188,603 shares.The stock last traded at $17.3290 and had previously closed at $17.05.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Zacks Research upgraded Ping An Insurance Co. of China from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Ping An Insurance Co. of China has an average rating of Strong Buy.

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Ping An Insurance Co. of China Stock Up 1.7%

The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $15.22 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $14.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.48 and a quick ratio of 0.49. The firm has a market cap of $157.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.14 and a beta of 0.26.

Ping An Insurance Co. of China (OTCMKTS:PNGAY  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.99 EPS for the quarter. Ping An Insurance Co. of China had a return on equity of 10.48% and a net margin of 11.89%.The business had revenue of $49.63 billion during the quarter. As a group, research analysts forecast that Ping An Insurance Co. of China Ltd. will post 2.12 earnings per share for the current year.

Ping An Insurance Co. of China Company Profile

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Ping An Insurance Company of China, Ltd., commonly known as Ping An, is a diversified financial services conglomerate headquartered in Shenzhen, China. Founded in 1988 as one of the countrys first joint-stock insurance companies, Ping An has developed broad capabilities across life insurance, property and casualty insurance, health insurance and annuity products. The company serves individual and corporate customers with a range of protection and savings products, including life policies, auto and property coverage, commercial insurance solutions and retirement-oriented offerings.

Beyond traditional insurance underwriting, Ping An operates an integrated financial services platform that includes retail and corporate banking, asset and wealth management, securities brokerage and investment services.

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Eagleford Energy Inc. (OTCMKTS:GRUSF  Get Free Report) saw a large drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 32,154 shares, a drop of 64.7% from the November 30th total of 90,974 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 567,128 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 567,128 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold.

Eagleford Energy Stock Down 5.5%

GRUSF traded down $0.03 during trading on Friday, reaching $0.45. The stock had a trading volume of 34,319 shares, compared to its average volume of 196,750. The stocks 50 day moving average is $0.35 and its two-hundred day moving average is $0.39. The company has a current ratio of 4.78, a quick ratio of 3.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The company has a market capitalization of $94.40 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.68. Eagleford Energy has a one year low of $0.28 and a one year high of $0.68.

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Eagleford Energy (OTCMKTS:GRUSF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 11th. The company reported $0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $5.36 million during the quarter. Eagleford Energy had a net margin of 31.81% and a return on equity of 28.90%.

About Eagleford Energy

Grown Rogue International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells cannabis products in the United States. It offers a range of cultivars for consumers, such as indicas, sativas, and hybrids; strain-specific prepackaged flowers; and pre-roll pack products, as well as provides consulting services. The company sells its products through direct-to-retail delivery and third-party delivery, wholesalers, and processors. Grown Rogue International Inc is headquartered in Medford, Oregon.

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Dole PLC (NYSE:DOLE  Get Free Report)s share price crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $13.95 and traded as high as $15.13. Dole shares last traded at $15.25, with a volume of 239,572 shares changing hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have commented on DOLE. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Dole from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, December 13th. Stephens initiated coverage on shares of Dole in a research note on Friday, September 12th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $16.00 price target for the company. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Dole in a report on Monday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $16.00.

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Dole Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $1.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 100.50, a P/E/G ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.64. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $14.08 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $13.95. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60.

Dole (NYSE:DOLE  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by ($0.01). Dole had a return on equity of 7.98% and a net margin of 0.17%.The business had revenue of $2.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.25 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.19 EPS. Doles quarterly revenue was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that Dole PLC will post 1.19 EPS for the current year.

Dole Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 9th will be given a $0.085 dividend. This represents a $0.34 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 9th. Doles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 226.67%.

Dole declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase plan on Monday, November 10th that permits the company to buyback $100.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to repurchase up to 8.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of DOLE. Quantbot Technologies LP lifted its position in Dole by 175.6% during the first quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 7,977 shares of the companys stock valued at $115,000 after purchasing an additional 5,083 shares during the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC bought a new position in shares of Dole during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $246,000. Jump Financial LLC raised its holdings in Dole by 311.8% during the 1st quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 80,084 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,157,000 after buying an additional 60,638 shares during the period. State of Wyoming lifted its position in Dole by 4.2% in the first quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 28,570 shares of the companys stock worth $413,000 after buying an additional 1,142 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Magnetar Financial LLC boosted its stake in Dole by 28.3% during the first quarter. Magnetar Financial LLC now owns 51,250 shares of the companys stock worth $741,000 after buying an additional 11,305 shares during the period.

Dole Company Profile

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Dole plc is a global producer, marketer and distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables. The companys product range includes bananas, pineapples, berries, grapes, salads and a variety of other fresh and packaged produce, sold under the Dole brand and through private-label arrangements. Doles operations span the full fresh-produce value chain, from farming and sourcing to packing, ripening, cold?chain logistics and wholesale and retail distribution, supporting both retail grocery and foodservice customers.

The company traces its commercial heritage to the early 20th century Hawaiian pineapple business founded by James Dole and has evolved through subsequent corporate restructurings and combinations.

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Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE:EC  Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $9.26 and traded as high as $9.66. Ecopetrol shares last traded at $9.6150, with a volume of 917,884 shares.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have recently commented on EC. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Ecopetrol in a research report on Monday. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $8.70 price objective on shares of Ecopetrol in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of Ecopetrol from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Ecopetrol currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $10.73.

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Ecopetrol Trading Up 0.1%

Institutional Trading of Ecopetrol

The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $9.65 and its 200 day simple moving average is $9.26. The company has a market cap of $19.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.34 and a beta of 0.68.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EC. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd increased its position in Ecopetrol by 0.4% during the third quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 253,797 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,337,000 after purchasing an additional 1,100 shares during the last quarter. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC lifted its holdings in Ecopetrol by 7.1% in the third quarter. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC now owns 21,180 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $195,000 after acquiring an additional 1,400 shares during the last quarter. St. Louis Financial Planners Asset Management LLC grew its position in Ecopetrol by 11.3% in the third quarter. St. Louis Financial Planners Asset Management LLC now owns 19,494 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $180,000 after acquiring an additional 1,986 shares during the period. Sowell Financial Services LLC increased its stake in Ecopetrol by 21.8% during the third quarter. Sowell Financial Services LLC now owns 13,968 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $129,000 after acquiring an additional 2,500 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Ecopetrol during the second quarter worth $25,000.

Ecopetrol Company Profile

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Ecopetrol SA (NYSE: EC) is Colombias state-controlled integrated oil and gas company and the countrys largest oil producer. The companys operations span the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the hydrocarbon value chain, including exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, refining of petroleum products, transportation and storage via pipeline networks, and the marketing and sale of fuels and petrochemical feedstocks. Ecopetrol serves domestic demand in Colombia and maintains a portfolio of international investments and partnerships across the Americas.

In upstream activities, Ecopetrol focuses on exploration and development of onshore and offshore fields to sustain and grow hydrocarbon production.

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GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (OTCMKTS:ICLTF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 7,004 shares, a decline of 68.2% from the November 30th total of 22,051 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 12,114 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.6 days. Based on an average daily volume of 12,114 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.6 days.

GreenFirst Forest Products Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:ICLTF traded down C$0.03 on Friday, reaching C$1.22. 42,247 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,589. GreenFirst Forest Products has a twelve month low of C$1.15 and a twelve month high of C$4.00. The company has a fifty day moving average of C$1.41 and a 200-day moving average of C$1.94.

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About GreenFirst Forest Products

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GreenFirst Forest Products Inc (OTCMKTS: ICLTF) is a Canadian integrated forest products company that specializes in the production of high-yield wood fibre. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, the company owns and operates two chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) mills located in Baie-Comeau, Quebec and Grand Falls, New Brunswick. GreenFirst converts spruce, fir and pine logs and chips into CTMP, a versatile pulp product prized for its strength, bulk and brightness.

GreenFirsts core producthigh-yield pulpis used primarily as a reinforcing and bulk-enhancing fibre in tissue and towel papers, folding boxboard and printing and writing papers.

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Frederick County Bancorp (MD) (OTCMKTS:FCBI  Get Free Report) shares crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $36.00 and traded as low as $36.00. Frederick County Bancorp (MD) shares last traded at $36.00, with a volume of 600 shares changing hands.

Frederick County Bancorp (MD) Stock Performance

The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $36.00 and its 200 day simple moving average is $36.00. The firm has a market cap of $57.85 million, a P/E ratio of 25.35 and a beta of 0.34.

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About Frederick County Bancorp (MD)

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Frederick County Bancorp (OTCMKTS: FCBI) is the bank holding company for The Frederick County Bank, a community-based financial institution headquartered in Frederick, Maryland. Through its subsidiary, the company delivers a comprehensive suite of deposit and lending services tailored to individuals, families and businesses. Its core offerings include checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, mortgage and home equity loans, commercial real estate financing and consumer lending products.

In addition to traditional deposit and loan services, Frederick County Bancorp supports its customers with digital banking tools, online bill payment, mobile deposit capture and treasury management solutions.

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Celsius, Canadian Solar, and Canadian Natural Resources are the three Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are shares of companies incorporated in Canada or listed on Canadian exchanges (primarily the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange) that represent ownership in those firms and entitle investors to dividends and voting rights. They offer exposure to the Canadian economyoften concentrated in financials, energy, materials and miningare priced in Canadian dollars, and carry country- and commodity-related risks and regulatory factors investors should consider. 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 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 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

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A caller from Roanoke, Virginia, told "The Ramsey Show" that she is working two jobs while carrying $258,000 in student loan debt at age 59. LaRhonda said her primary job pays about $60,000 a year and that she also has a mortgage. She asked whether there was any way to make the student loan balance "go away."

"Good Lord," personal finance expert Dave Ramsey said after confirming her age.

Three Degrees And A Growing Balance

LaRhonda told the hosts about her educational background. She said she holds three degrees: a bachelor's degree in multidisciplinary studies focused on criminal justice and religion, a master's degree in accounting, and a master's degree in divinity with a focus on theology and homiletics.

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She said that much of the debt came from the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, which she took out to pay for her son's college education.

A Career That Took A Different Turn

With that context, Ramsey asked why someone with a master's degree in accounting was earning about $60,000 a year. LaRhonda said accounting jobs she explored in her area paid less than her current position.

When co-host George Kamel asked whether she was working in accounting, LaRhonda said she was not. She said she works in logistics as a logistics specialist at Volvo Trucks.

Kamel questioned how her degrees were being used and said her current role was in logistics rather than accounting or divinity. Ramsey added that accounting skills can apply in logistics but said her multidisciplinary criminal justice degree was not part of her work.

Referring to her age and loan balance, Ramsey said the numbers were "disturbing" and told her she had "not monetized your knowledge base very well."

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The Income Gap Comes Into Focus

The discussion then shifted to income. Ramsey said the debt itself was not the main issue and that the figures do not work at her current income level. He said many people with a master's degree in accounting earn six figures, often starting between $100,000 and $125,000, and said moving into higher-paying roles would be required.

"I'd like you to be at 120 heading towards 220," Ramsey said. He added that Roanoke is "not a backward town" and said the area could support higher-paying roles. He also said supply chain positions generally pay more than $60,000.
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EPP  Get Free Report) saw unusually-high trading volume on Friday . Approximately 631,947 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 80% from the previous sessions volume of 350,183 shares.The stock last traded at $51.4150 and had previously closed at $51.25.

iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF Stock Up 0.3%

The company has a market cap of $1.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.02 and a beta of 0.85. The firms 50-day moving average price is $50.92 and its 200-day moving average price is $50.68.

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Institutional Trading of iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of EPP. ABC Arbitrage SA raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF by 24.2% in the second quarter. ABC Arbitrage SA now owns 15,541 shares of the companys stock worth $767,000 after buying an additional 3,031 shares in the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $5,637,000. Amundi grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 188,625 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,258,000 after purchasing an additional 6,000 shares during the last quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF in the first quarter worth about $7,185,000. Finally, SBI Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its position in iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF by 6.2% in the second quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 6,167 shares of the companys stock valued at $304,000 after purchasing an additional 358 shares during the last quarter. 74.75% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF

iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ET (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Pacific ex-Japan Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded securities in the aggregate in the Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Singapore markets, as measured by the MSCI Pacific ex-Japan Index (the Index). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities that collectively has an investment profile similar to the underlying index.

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Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF (NYSEARCA:GMNY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 7,398 shares, a growth of 195.1% from the November 30th total of 2,507 shares. Currently, 1.5% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 3,949 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.9 days. Based on an average daily volume of 3,949 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.9 days. Currently, 1.5% of the companys shares are sold short.

Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF Trading Up 0.0%

Shares of NYSEARCA GMNY traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $50.03. The company had a trading volume of 128 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,704. Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF has a 52 week low of $47.36 and a 52 week high of $50.51. The businesss 50-day moving average is $49.97 and its 200-day moving average is $49.40.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $13,676,000. Magnus Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at $736,000. Finally, Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF in the 3rd quarter worth $296,000.

About Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF

The Goldman Sachs Dynamic New York Municipal Income ETF (GMNY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund seeks a high level of current income by investing in municipal securities exempt from federal and New York state income tax. The actively managed fund mainly holds investment grade bonds with a two- to eight-year duration. GMNY was launched on Jul 23, 2024 and is issued by Goldman Sachs.

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Mitchells & Butlers Plc (OTCMKTS:MBPFF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,633 shares, a decrease of 97.9% from the November 30th total of 127,782 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 351 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 7.5 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 351 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 7.5 days.

Mitchells & Butlers Stock Performance

Shares of Mitchells & Butlers stock remained flat at $3.25 on Friday. Mitchells & Butlers has a 52 week low of $2.95 and a 52 week high of $3.45. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $3.41 and its 200 day simple moving average is $3.47. The company has a quick ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51.

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About Mitchells & Butlers

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Mitchells & Butlers plc is one of the United Kingdoms leading operators of managed pubs, bars and restaurants, trading under a portfolio of well-known brands. The companys venues serve a broad spectrum of customers, from casual diners at family-friendly outlets to guests seeking premium steakhouse and craft bar experiences. Its core business activities encompass site management, menu development, beverage sourcing and hospitality operations across its estate.

The companys brand portfolio includes names such as All Bar One, Toby Carvery, Harvester, Miller & Carter, Sizzling Pubs and Vintage Inns, among others.

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KBR (NYSE:KBR  Get Free Report) and Arcadis (OTCMKTS:ARCAY  Get Free Report) are both mid-cap construction companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, valuation, dividends, analyst recommendations, earnings, profitability and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares KBR and Arcadis net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets KBR 4.71% 35.14% 7.63% Arcadis N/A N/A N/A

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares KBR and Arcadiss revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio KBR $7.74 billion 0.66 $375.00 million $2.91 13.83 Arcadis $4.20 billion 0.88 $262.95 million N/A N/A

KBR has higher revenue and earnings than Arcadis.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current recommendations for KBR and Arcadis, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score KBR 0 7 5 0 2.42 Arcadis 0 1 0 0 2.00

KBR presently has a consensus target price of $58.00, suggesting a potential upside of 44.14%. Given KBRs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe KBR is more favorable than Arcadis.

Volatility & Risk

KBR has a beta of 0.54, indicating that its stock price is 46% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Arcadis has a beta of 0.45, indicating that its stock price is 55% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Dividends

KBR pays an annual dividend of $0.66 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.6%. Arcadis pays an annual dividend of $0.96 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.3%. KBR pays out 22.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. KBR has increased its dividend for 6 consecutive years.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

97.0% of KBR shares are held by institutional investors. 1.1% of KBR shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.0% of Arcadis shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

KBR beats Arcadis on 12 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About KBR

(Get Free Report)

KBR, Inc. provides scientific, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and commercial customers worldwide. It operates through Government Solutions and Sustainable Technology Solutions segments. The Government Solutions segment offers life-cycle support solutions to defense, intelligence, space, aviation, and other programs and missions for military and other government agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Its services cover research and development, advanced prototyping, acquisition support, systems engineering, cyber analytics, space domain awareness, test and evaluation, systems integration and program management, global supply chain management, and operations readiness and support, as well as command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services. This segment also provides various professional advisory services to the defense, renewable energy, and critical infrastructure sectors. The Sustainable Technology Solutions segment operates portfolio of various proprietary process technologies for ammonia/syngas, chemical/petrochemicals, clean refining, and circular process/circular economy solutions. This segment also provides synergistic services, including advisory and consulting focused on broad-based energy transition and net-zero carbon emission solutions; high-end engineering, design and program management centered around decarbonization, energy efficiency, environmental impact and asset optimization; and digitally-enabled operating and monitoring solutions. KBR, Inc. was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

About Arcadis

(Get Free Report)

Arcadis NV offers design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets in The Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through Places, Mobility, Resilience, and Intelligence segments. The company offers architectural and urbanism services; and asset management services, such as asset management strategy and planning, asset management decision making and operational optimization, life cycle planning and asset management systems, asset information/condition assessment, risk and review, organization and people, and asset management/O&M. It also provides business advisory services, including asset strategy and performance, business transformation and resiliency, investment and finance, operations and maintenance, and technology and information; contract solutions; cost and commercial management services; and design and engineering solutions for highways, railways, bridges, tunnels, power utilities, water utilities, ports and waterways, geotechnics, architecture, and structures, as well as building mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. In addition, the company offers digital environmental health safety and sustainability, environmental restoration, and project management solutions. Further, it provides mobility solutions for connected highways, intelligent rail and transit, integrated airports, and new mobility; places solutions; resilience solutions, such as energy transition, climate adaption, water optimization, enviro socio permitting, sustainable advisory, environmental restoration, and sustainable operations; and water supply and treatment, distribution, resource management, and industrial water and wastewater services. The company was formerly known as Heidemij NV and changed its name to Arcadis N.V. in October 1997. Arcadis NV was founded in 1888 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

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iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF (NYSEARCA:VEGI  Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 7,303 shares, a growth of 162.1% from the November 30th total of 2,786 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 8,501 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.9 days. Based on an average daily volume of 8,501 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.9 days. Approximately 0.3% of the companys stock are sold short.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF during the second quarter worth about $2,304,000. Red Tortoise LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $981,000. OLD Mission Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $297,000. BNP Paribas grew its stake in iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF by 5.6% during the 2nd quarter. BNP Paribas now owns 13,007 shares of the companys stock worth $524,000 after buying an additional 685 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CX Institutional increased its position in iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF by 126.5% during the third quarter. CX Institutional now owns 974 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 544 shares during the period.

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iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:VEGI traded up $0.02 during trading on Friday, hitting $38.83. 33,835 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 16,231. The firms 50 day moving average price is $39.00 and its 200-day moving average price is $39.74. iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF has a 12-month low of $33.13 and a 12-month high of $41.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $85.43 million, a P/E ratio of 18.90 and a beta of 0.81.

About iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF

The iShares MSCI Global Agriculture Producers ETF (VEGI) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in stocks based on a particular theme. The fund tracks a market-cap-weighted index of companies that are sensitive to agricultural commodity prices. VEGI was launched on Jan 31, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

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iShares MSCI Thailand ETF (NYSEARCA:THD  Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 212,827 shares, a growth of 167.7% from the November 30th total of 79,510 shares. Approximately 6.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 86,463 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.5 days. Based on an average daily volume of 86,463 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.5 days. Approximately 6.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

iShares MSCI Thailand ETF Price Performance

Shares of THD traded down $0.42 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $60.85. 11,296 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 76,491. The company has a market capitalization of $216.02 million, a PE ratio of 13.16 and a beta of 0.61. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $59.82 and a 200-day simple moving average of $57.65. iShares MSCI Thailand ETF has a one year low of $45.23 and a one year high of $62.16.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares MSCI Thailand ETF

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Millburn Ridgefield LLC DE boosted its stake in iShares MSCI Thailand ETF by 9.8% in the 2nd quarter. Millburn Ridgefield LLC DE now owns 75,645 shares of the companys stock worth $3,818,000 after purchasing an additional 6,746 shares during the period. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC raised its position in iShares MSCI Thailand ETF by 9.8% during the second quarter. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC now owns 75,645 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,818,000 after buying an additional 6,746 shares during the period. Nan Fung Trinity HK Ltd. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Thailand ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $11,174,000. Strs Ohio acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Thailand ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $316,000. Finally, Point72 Europe London LLP acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Thailand ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $4,375,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.20% of the companys stock.

iShares MSCI Thailand ETF Company Profile

The iShares MSCI Thailand ETF (THD) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Thailand IMI 25-50 index, a market-cap-weighted index of the Thai equity market. THD was launched on Mar 26, 2008 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) is one of the best high volume stocks to buy right now. On November 25, CIBC raised the firms price target on Hecla Mining to $16.50 from $15 and maintained a Neutral rating on the shares. This sentiment followed the exploration update by the company. After pausing Nevada production in 2019 to address cost and operational issues, Heclas recent exploration success changed the narrative. The firm believes that the company can now use its standing infrastructure to resume operations more affordably.

On November 24, Hecla Mining announced a high-grade gold discovery at its Midas Project in Nevada. First-pass drilling on the two-mile Pogo Trend yielded visible gold, returning 0.95 oz/ton gold over 2.2 feet, including a high-grade intercept of 6.42 oz/ton gold. The company also successfully traced the Sinter Vein across a 750-foot fault offset, confirming the system remains open for expansion. Because Midas already features a permitted 1,200 tpd mill and tailings facility, these discoveries offer a low-capital path to restarting production.

Is Hecla Mining (HL) One of the Best High Volume Stocks to Buy Right Now?

Additionally, the Aurora Project in Nevada received federal FAST-41 Transparency status to expedite permitting. A final decision is expected by January 2026, which would allow Hecla to begin drill testing high-priority targets later that year. The project includes a 600 tpd mill and historical underground production grades of 2.24 oz/ton gold, further strengthening the companys Nevada pipeline.

Across its other districts, Hecla reported continued success in expanding known mineralization. At Keno Hill in the Yukon, a potential new ore shoot at the Bermingham Deposit returned 40.4 oz/ton silver over 12.5 feet, confirming that high-grade mineralization extends deep below current reserves. Meanwhile, at Greens Creek in Alaska, drilling extended the Gallagher zone by 550 feet and the Northern 200 South zone by 150 feet. Both areas remain open, supporting Hecla Minings long-term objectives for mine life extension.

Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL), together with its subsidiaries, provides precious and base metals in the US, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China.

While we acknowledge the potential of HL 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.
Aftermath roundup and a reminder regarding the "momentum" of this artsy district that rejected pro-sports investment and now struggles to overcome rising violence.

Check the latest . . .

"According to Kansas City police dispatch, police received a call just after 4 p.m. Thursday for a shooting at 19th and Main streets. No suspect description or arrests have been announced at this time. Police were talking to witnesses to gather more information."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

1 person in critical condition after shooting in Crossroads Arts District One person is in critical condition after a shooting in the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City, Missouri, on Christmas afternoon.

Developing . . .
Here's our TKC bias but given only with an open mind and in hopes of smarter feedback . . .

At this crossroads in local history, we need someone to offer a vision of Kansas City AFTER pro-sports. Clinging to the Royals now seems desperate, costly and without the courage to realize that our community can thrive without losing money for the sake of corporate branding.

More importantly, the 18th & Vine District Royals Stadium idea is DUMB and has no confidence outside of urban political circles.

In fairness . . .

Here's a peek at the mayor's pitch that was politely ignored over Christmas . . .

"Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas discussed another stadium site at 18th and Troost, located just west of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) headquarters. If the team was willing to stay in the city in 2031, one unclear thing is whether the Royals would agree to a vote of the people, whether that be the voters of KCMO or the voters of Jackson County."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Fox4KC: Kansas City, Missouri, pivots to focus on KC Royals ballpark

Developing . . .
Right now we want to share the aftermath of a deadly shooting over "stuff" on the day after holiday celebration . . . Unofficially, this might put the local homicide count at #136 which is a number about 8 killings lower than last year at this time in this era of unprecedented violence in KCMO history.

Check the report police are sharing with media . . .

Homicide 7400 blk of Chestnut

This morning, just after 9:15 AM, patrol officers were dispatched to the 7400 block of Chestnut on a reported disturbance. While en route the call was upgraded to a shooting.



As officers arrived they located two adult males in the street, suffering from gunshot wounds. KCFD EMS arrived simultaneously and performed life saving measures. Both victims were pronounced deceased on scene.



This is being investigated as a homicide. The preliminary investigation has revealed that there was a dispute over property, just prior to shots being fired and the victims being struck. Detectives have located several witnesses and will continue to canvass the area for additional witnesses or surveillance footage. Crime scene personnel are processing the scene for any available physical evidence.



If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.



We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency.

###########

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Police investigating after at least 1 found dead after South Kansas City shooting Police are investigating after at least 1 person was found dead after a shooting in South Kansas City.

Dispute leads to deadly shooting with two killed in south Kansas City At least one person died in a Friday morning shooting that Kansas City police were called around 9:15 at 74th and Chestnut.

Developing . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Turkic Investment Fund (TIF) is considering the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) as one of the potential projects for investment, General Director of the Fund Ramil Babayev told Trend in an exclusive interview.

"In practical terms, in the medium term, we will pursue investment opportunities along transportation infrastructure that connect our member states to global markets. Among such initiatives, which can potentially yield into the projects for TIFs participation: ChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan railway, Zangezur Corridor (TRIPP), and other projects enhancing the capacity of the Middle Corridor, supporting regional prosperity through investing in multimodal transportation, are strategic corridors of interest for TIF," he said.

Babayev noted that the Fund remains committed to supporting building a greener future and will consider investments in renewable energy generation, storage, and transportation initiatives within the region.

The decision to establish the Turkic Investment Fund was made on November 11, 2022, at the 9th Summit of the Turkic Council. The members of the fund are Azerbaijan, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan. The goal of the fund is to promote the economic development of the member states of the Turkic Council by expanding regional trade and supporting economic activity.

The Board of Governors of the Turkic Investment Fund has set the deadline for the start of project financing by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

On August 8, during a meeting in Washington with the participation of the President of the United States, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, signed a joint declaration. One of the provisions of the document includes the launch of TRIPP to unblock regional communications
Azerbaijan sheds light on UnionPay card transaction volume in country

UnionPay card transactions in Azerbaijan saw a significant decline by the end of November 2025, with a sharp decrease in both the number of transactions and total transaction volume, according to Central Bank data.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. The results of a study on mine victims in Azerbaijan have been presented and discussed at an event held at the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF) on December 26, Trend reports.

The discussion focused on the outcomes of the project titled Mine and Unexploded Ordnance Incidents and Support for Mitigating Their Impact, implemented by the Mine Victims Association of Azerbaijan Public Union. Opening the event with introductory remarks, the Public Union's Chairman Rey Karimoglu provided detailed information about the project, noting that its main objective was to collect and analyze data related to mine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) incidents during the Karabakh war and the post-conflict period, as well as to assess the social needs of those affected.

Our organization successfully implemented this project last year in 11 districts and cities, including Fuzuli, Beylagan, Aghdam, Aghjabadi, Barda, Tartar, Goranboy, Naftalan, Baku, Sumgayit, and Absheron. During the project, we met with 960 people and conducted surveys. Within this framework, we identified mine and UXO victims across these districts and cities and studied their needs. The collected data were analyzed and compiled into a comprehensive report, which was presented to the NGO Support Agency, ministries, and relevant state bodies. The report was also shared with representatives of embassies and international organizations operating in our country, he said.

Karimoglu added that this year the project was carried out in 8 districts and cities, including Gazakh, Tovuz, Aghstafa, Shamkir, Goygol, Dashkasan, Gadabay, and the city of Ganja. He noted that surveys were conducted using internationally recognized IMSMA questionnaires. Although more than 400 mine victims were initially estimated, 373 individuals were successfully surveyed.

We plan to use the collected data to develop effective programs aimed at preventing and reducing the harm caused by mines and UXO to human life and health, as well as improving the social conditions of victims. These efforts will contribute to mitigating the consequences of mine and UXO incidents and enhancing the well-being of those affected. I would like to emphasize that throughout the implementation of the project, we took into account the priorities defined by the Azerbaijani state and the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), he stated.

Karimoglu also recalled that similar nationwide work was last carried out under the leadership of ANAMA in 20042005, with the participation of IEPF and several other non-governmental organizations.

Since then, many years have passed. Some victims have passed away, and their needs have changed. Moreover, since that period, Azerbaijan has experienced the April clashes, the Patriotic War, and anti-terror operations. Many people have suffered from mines and UXO. According to official data provided by ANAMA, from 1991 to late 2025, the number of mine victims exceeded 3,400, including 362 children and 38 women. From November 2020 to December 25, 2025, the number of mine victims reached 415, of whom 71 were killed, and 344 were injured, he said.

During the event, IEPF President Umud Mirzayev spoke about the importance of the project, emphasizing that initiatives aimed at reducing the mine and UXO threat contribute not only to the protection of individuals who have suffered physical injuries but also to the overall safety and well-being of society. He stressed that protecting the rights of mine victims, ensuring their social rehabilitation, and facilitating their reintegration into society are essential conditions for long-term peace and stability.

Representatives from ANAMA, the Social Research Center, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations collectively emphasized the critical relevance of the project, particularly in addressing mine victim rehabilitation, psychological and social support, and public awareness initiatives. Speakers underscored the persistent and significant threat posed by landmines, stressing the necessity for coordinated and comprehensive action in this domain.

Zaur Ibrahimli, a member of the Supervisory Board of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations, also delivered remarks, offering a positive evaluation of the project's final report. In addition, members of the Public Council under ANAMA were present at the event.

The project, which received financial backing from the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of Azerbaijan, was highlighted for its contribution to addressing the ongoing mine threat. Furthermore, the research report will be translated into English and shared with international organizations to foster broader cooperation and awareness.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. The Azerbaijani Center for the Analysis of International Relations (CAIR) will issue articles against supporters of Ruben Vardanyan and others, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CAIR Farid Shafiyev said at a press conference held today, Trend reports.

He posits that certain external publications are disseminating misleading narratives suggesting that the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia purportedly aligns with Azerbaijan's strategic interests.



Shafiyev articulated that the aforementioned proponents implicitly concede that their assertions lack objectivity.

The Azerbaijani Center for the Analysis of International Relations is a Baku-based think tank established in 2019 by presidential decree, focusing on providing strategic insights, policy recommendations, and research on global and regional affairs, particularly Azerbaijan's foreign policy, security, and post-conflict reconstruction in the South Caucasus, acting as an expert body for Azerbaijani government bodies and promoting Azerbaijan's agenda internationally.

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Hong Kong is emerging as a neutral hub bridging the technological strengths of East and West while leveraging its robust education and financial systems to drive the next wave of artificial intelligence transformation in businesses, according to PwC executives.

As companies worldwide pushed to move AI from isolated experiments to capabilities deployed at scale, not just to solve problems but to unlock new revenue opportunities, Hong Kong was "wellpositioned" to harness the technology's potential, said Joe Atkinson, chief AI officer at PwC Global.

"Hong Kong serves as a powerful connector, bringing together capabilities from around the world to address business challenges in industrial AI and supply chains," he said in an interview with the Post earlier this month. "Its education system, financial institutions and business environment all play an important role in driving AI transformation."

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.

With AI promising increases in efficiency and productivity, as well as driving innovation, creativity and scientific discovery, the city could become a research and development hub that combines the strengths of East and West, according to Vishy Narayanan, digital and AI leader at PwC Asia-Pacific, in the same interview.

The HKMA has begun facilitating real-value transactions using tokenised deposits and digital assets under a controlled pilot programme. Photo: Jelly Tse alt=The HKMA has begun facilitating real-value transactions using tokenised deposits and digital assets under a controlled pilot programme. Photo: Jelly Tse>

China has surged alongside the US, European Union and Japan in the global AI race, propelled by breakthroughs such as DeepSeek's low-cost, highly efficient models, as well as national backing, according to a recent report by think tank Deep Knowledge Group.

Hong Kong, leveraging its proximity to mainland China and support from Beijing, was positioned as an international hub for AI-driven innovation, said King Au King-lun, executive director of the city's Financial Services Development Council (FSDC), which contributed to the report.

Hong Kong's AI sector included 500 organisations, 290 companies and 183 investors active in finance, healthcare and government services, according to another study by Deep Knowledge Group, the Artificial Intelligence Association of Hong Kong and FSDC. The sector was supported by 27 key innovation hubs that included universities, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, HKAI Lab and Cyberport, home to more than 1,800 digital tech companies.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a press conference on the results of the year, Trend reports.

At the press conference, the foreign minister answered questions from media representatives.

The minister noted that, first and foremost, Azerbaijan continues to successfully pursue its independent and pragmatic foreign policy, protecting national interests, strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms, and enhancing its international reputation.

He noted that 2025 marked the 5th anniversary of Azerbaijan's victory and restoration of territorial integrity, and that this year, historic opportunities were used to establish stable peace in the region. At the summit in Washington, the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia initialed a draft joint declaration and peace agreement, and an agreement was reached on the TRIPP project, which will ensure unhindered communication between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan.

Bayramov emphasized that Azerbaijan actively participated in multilateral cooperation, diplomatic mediation, and international economic, climate, and humanitarian activities. In 2025, within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Economic Cooperation Organization, and the D-8, important events were held, strategic centers were established, and important results were achieved for regional peace, security, and prosperity.

He also touched upon bilateral relations with foreign countries and other issues.

The full text of Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov's speech at the year-end press conference can be read at this link.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Significant progress was made in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia in 2025, said the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, Trend reports.

Speaking at a press conference dedicated to the results of the year, Bayramov stated that Azerbaijan has become recognized worldwide as a country that initiates peace.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Tensions have marked relations between Azerbaijan and Russia over the past year following the downing of an AZAL plane, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference dedicated to the results of 2025, Trend reports.

Despite the incident, Bayramov noted that mutual dialogue and contacts between the two countries have continued.

During the meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Heads of State Council in Dushanbe on October 9, relations moved in a positive direction after the Russian side acknowledged the plane incident, the minister said.

According to him, in addition, the Russian Investigative Committee's decision to close the criminal case against AZAL raises very serious questions.

"The Russian Investigative Committee sent a letter to Azerbaijan in connection with the investigation of the AZAL plane crash. The letter contained points that surprised us greatly. The main issue was that the letter already mentioned that the criminal case had been closed. Undoubtedly, such a step raises very serious questions for us. The relevant authority sent a response to the letter.

Azerbaijan expects the Russian side to fulfill its obligations in connection with the crash of the AZAL aircraft. Yesterday was the anniversary of the plane crash. I express my condolences to the families of those who died in the tragedy. The fact that the plane was shot down was acknowledged by Russia some time later, and it was announced that compensation would be paid. This was a very important statement. We also expect this process to be fully implemented," Bairamov added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Washington holds great value for bilateral ties, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference on the results of 2025,Trend reports.

The minister emphasized that actions taken in line with the foreign policy course set by President Aliyev have a systematic character.

This year, positive dynamics have accompanied U.S.-Azerbaijan relations. Continuity is particularly important. Relations on both bilateral and multilateral bases, as well as our leadership in international organizations where we take the initiative, will continue, he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Azerbaijan is building peace through real actions, not just words, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.

"Long-standing conflict, confrontation, and mistrust in the South Caucasus have significantly limited the regions development potential. Recent developments, however, indicate that Azerbaijan is taking consistent and pragmatic steps to ensure regional stability and lasting peace. These steps are reflected not only in political statements but also in tangible humanitarian and economic initiatives," he said.

One of the most notable recent developments, according to Garayev, is Azerbaijan facilitating the transit of grain from Russia and Kazakhstan to Armenia through its territory.

Two grain shipments from Russia and one from Kazakhstan have already reached Armenia via Azerbaijan. This is significant not only economically but also politically and humanitarily. It opens communication lines in the region and ensures mutual benefits. Baku has repeatedly stated that opening transport and trade routes serves the interests of the entire region, not just one country. The unhindered transit of strategic products like grain is a practical confirmation of this position, he said.

Garayev also highlighted Azerbaijans recent start of fuel deliveries to Armenia.

Energy cooperation is a sensitive and strategic field. By exporting fuel to Armenia, Azerbaijan clearly demonstrates that it prioritizes collaboration over confrontation. Importantly, all these initiatives are undertaken unilaterally, without requiring reciprocal political will or constructive engagement from the other side. Bakus main priorities are long-term peace, regional stability, and economic integration, he added.

The analyst emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly noted the emergence of new realities in the South Caucasus, which should be based on cooperation, mutual respect, and international law.

Post-war, Azerbaijan has prioritized reconstruction and integration. Extensive development is underway in liberated territories, shaping the future economic map of the region. Unfortunately, some political circles in Armenia continue to pursue revanchist rhetoric and live in the past, which harms both Armenian society and regional prospects. These positions isolate Armenia from regional projects and deepen economic isolation, he explained.

Garayev noted that Azerbaijans grain transit and fuel deliveries show that rational cooperation, rather than hostility, is the guiding principle. These actions have a direct positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the Armenian population, he said.

He also criticized certain European actors for attempting to hinder these processes.

For example, the European Parliaments recent resolution against Azerbaijan and the EU-Armenia Strategic Agenda demonstrate that Brussels has moved away from a neutral mediator role, taking a one-sided political stance. Terminology, selective facts, and misrepresentations in these documents serve to legitimize Armenias political narrative rather than promote peace, he said.

Garayev further pointed out that claims in these documents about forcibly displaced Armenians and released prisoners do not align with reality. International organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, confirm that individuals left voluntarily, and post-war detainees are not prisoners of war but individuals held for specific crimes under Azerbaijani law.

He warned that European documents often ignore Azerbaijans territorial integrity and post-2020 realities, providing political cover for Armenias non-constructive stance. Expanding monitoring missions while overlooking Armenias regional obligations undermines the peace process. Against this backdrop, Azerbaijans initiatives on grain transit, fuel supply, and opening communication lines clearly demonstrate that real peace is built through concrete, responsible actions, not declarations.

Every initiative by Azerbaijan highlights its humanitarian responsibility and regional leadership. These measures are significant not only bilaterally but also within a broader geopolitical context. Today, Azerbaijan is a key hub for East-West and North-South transport corridors. This status provides opportunities but also responsibilities, and Azerbaijan proves it is a reliable partner as a transit country. The question remains: who is taking real steps toward peace? Facts show that Azerbaijan advances the peace agenda through practical action. Grain transit, fuel supply, and open communication lines are all part of Bakus strategic vision. Armenia faces a choice: cling to revanchist illusions or accept the emerging new realities and pursue cooperation. History shows the latter is both more rational and promising, Garayev said.

He concluded that Azerbaijans actions demonstrate that peace is indispensable and materializes through real economic and humanitarian collaboration.

Baku clearly shows that peace is built through tangible initiatives, not just documents. The future of the region depends on this approach, and Azerbaijan is ready to play a leading role, already demonstrating this with concrete steps, he added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Washington holds great value for bilateral ties, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference on the results of 2025, Trend reports.

The minister emphasized that actions taken in line with the foreign policy course set by President Aliyev have a systematic character.

This year, positive dynamics have accompanied U.S.-Azerbaijan relations. Continuity is particularly important. Relations on both bilateral and multilateral bases, as well as our leadership in international organizations where we take the initiative, will continue, he added.

Bayramov also emphasized that during the Washington meeting, an agreement was reached regarding the suspension of the 907th amendment.

We consider maintaining this amendment unnecessary. Concrete steps must be taken for its complete abolition, the minister added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Azerbaijan has consistently supported Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated at a press conference reviewing the countrys foreign policy achievements, Trend reports.

Every countrys relations with its partners are unique, and Azerbaijans diplomatic stance on these matters has always been clear, Bayramov said, emphasizing the systematic approach of President Ilham Aliyevs foreign policy.

The minister noted that the Russia-Ukraine conflict entered a critical phase in 2014 and escalated into open warfare in 2024. Despite these tensions, Azerbaijan has maintained balanced relations with both countries.

Azerbaijan has always supported Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty, and we have stated this openly. Any tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia were not caused by the Ukraine war but by the tragic accident involving an AZAL (Azerbaijan Airlines) aircraft, he added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. 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, appointed for December 26, has been postponed, Trend reports.

The reason for this is that the defendant's defense attorney, Emil Babishov, appealed to the court and requested a postponement of the trial due to his health problems.

The court considered the lawyer's appeal.

The next court hearing has been scheduled for December 30.

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.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Turkiye has always acted in coordination with Azerbaijan in its relations with Armenia, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference reviewing the results of 2025, Trend reports.

The minister noted that the Turkish side had contacts with Azerbaijan regarding the existence of flights from Turkiye to Armenia months ago.

"This is not news to us. We were aware of this before it was made public. Hakan Fidan also said that Azerbaijani-Turkish relations are linked to Azerbaijani-Armenian relations. Azerbaijani-Turkish relations are unparalleled. Historical ties, friendship and relations between the leaders of the two countries are the basis of this," he explained.

According to him, this activity continues in a coordinated manner even after the 44-day Second Karabakh War.

"Turkiye is a brotherly state and ally for Azerbaijan," the minister added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Talks are underway for visa-free travel for ordinary passport holders, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference reviewing the results of 2025, Trend reports.

According to him, work continues to simplify the visa regime for the comfortable travel of Azerbaijani citizens.

Bayramov noted that, based on the principle of reciprocity and taking into account all elements, an increase is observed in the list of these countries.

"Currently, talks are underway with five countries to exempt persons holding ordinary passports from visas. The issue of simplified travel permits for our citizens is being analyzed, and based on the principle of reciprocity, an increase in the number of these countries is observed, taking into account all elements.

Visa-free travel has been introduced for our citizens to Albania, Serbia, the UAE, Qatar, Morocco, and China. We have signed 10 agreements to exempt holders of diplomatic and service passports from visas in 2025," he added.

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Key Insights

Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, DCC's stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions

The top 18 shareholders own 51% of the company

Analyst forecasts along with ownership data serve to give a strong idea about prospects for a business

Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit.

If you want to know who really controls DCC plc (LON:DCC), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 65% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

As a result, institutional investors endured the highest losses last week after market cap fell by UK200m. This set of investors may especially be concerned about the current loss, which adds to a one-year loss of 4.5% for shareholders. Also referred to as "smart money", institutions have a lot of sway over how a stock's price moves. As a result, if the downtrend continues, institutions may face pressures to sell DCC, which might have negative implications on individual investors.

In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of DCC.

Check out our latest analysis for DCC

LSE:DCC Ownership Breakdown December 26th 2025

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About DCC?

Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices.

We can see that DCC does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at DCC's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

LSE:DCC Earnings and Revenue Growth December 26th 2025

Since institutional investors own more than half the issued stock, the board will likely have to pay attention to their preferences. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in DCC. The Vanguard Group, Inc. is currently the company's largest shareholder with 5.7% of shares outstanding. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 5.3% and 5.0%, of the shares outstanding, respectively.

Looking at the shareholder registry, we can see that 51% of the ownership is controlled by the top 18 shareholders, meaning that no single shareholder has a majority interest in the ownership.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. I hope Armenia considers Russian control over the railway system when assuming obligations under the Transport and Regional Infrastructure Partnership Project (TRIPP), Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference dedicated to the year-end results, Trend reports.

He added that Armenias position is that the railway to be constructed under TRIPP will not be linked to Russia.

"The logic behind this is that the TRIPP project did not exist when the contract between Russia and Armenia was signed," he explained.

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Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. The new composition of the Board of Trustees of the Mortgage and Credit Guarantee Fund has been approved, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, the following composition of the board of trustees has been approved:

Deputy Minister of Finance

Deputy Minister of Economy

Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population

Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan

Head of the Economic Policy Issues Sector of the Department of Economic Policy and Industrial Issues of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Russia's data on AZAL plane damage astonished Azerbaijan, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference reviewing the results of 2025, Trend reports.

According to him, at a meeting in Dushanbe, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that, based on the latest information, there was a Ukrainian UAV on Russian territory and that the reason for the downing of the plane was that its debris damaged the AZAL plane as a result of a missile explosion.

The minister added that in recent days, a letter signed by the head of the Russian Investigative Committee was presented to Azerbaijan. This letter was a serious surprise for Azerbaijan.

Bayramov also noted that he shared Bastrykin's opinion on the termination of the criminal case in this case.

On 25 December 2024, an Embraer 190 passenger aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines en route from Baku to Grozny under flight number J2-8243 was subjected to external physical and technical interference. After losing control in Russian airspace, the aircraft was redirected toward Aktau, Kazakhstan, where it made an emergency landing. Of the 67 people on board, 38 lost their lives, while 29 passengers survived.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. The issue of providing 20 million manat ($11.8 million) in financial support to Azerbaijan from the European Peace Facility (EPF) has been raised, the Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference reviewing the results of 2025, Trend reports.

The minister noted that there is no decision on this.

"If such assistance is provided to Armenia, it is important that this assistance is also provided to Azerbaijan," he explained.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. The proposal to hold the next round of 3+3 format meetings in Azerbaijan and then Armenia has not been accepted, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov told Trend during a press conference reviewing the year.

Bayramov noted that the suggestion was first made following the last meeting in Turkey in 2024.

For certain reasons, consensus was not reached, and the proposal was not included in the final document. Our proposal remains valid. The creation of the 3+3 format dates back to the period after the Second Karabakh War, he said.

The minister added that it gives the impression that the main topic within this format should be the Azerbaijan-Armenia issue.

The issue between Azerbaijan and Armenia has largely been resolved. Direct dialogue exists between the two countries. Treating it as the main agenda is incorrect and does not reflect current realities. Such a meeting can take place only regularly, with prior agreement, and taking into account the interests of all participating states. We do not oppose holding such a meeting, Bayramov emphasized.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Azerbaijan has released hundreds of individuals who were classified as prisoners of war (POWs), the country's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference reviewing the results of 2025, Trend reports.

According to Bayramov, Azerbaijan has taken a highly humanitarian approach. Following counter-terrorism operations, more than 10,000 individuals who had fought against Azerbaijan with weapons were allowed to leave the country without facing criminal liability.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of IDEA Public Union, met with elderly citizens at the Yasha Center in Icherisheher, Baku, Trend reports.

At the center, elderly citizens engage in various activities, including handicrafts, decorative and applied arts, as well as participate in educational and cultural events.

Leyla Aliyeva had a conversation with the elderly citizens; heard poems recited by them, as well as viewed the samples crafted by the elderly people. She was also briefed on the future activities of the Center.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. In President Ilham Aliyev's calendar, there are no plans for an upcoming meeting in Armenia, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference reviewing the results of 2025, Trend reports.

The format of the European Political Union is quite new.

According to the minister, the invitation to participate in it is addressed to the heads of state.

According to the information I have, President Ilham Aliyev is not planning a meeting in Armenia in May 2026. More detailed information can be provided by the Presidential Administration, he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Azerbaijan's relations with European countries continued through bilateral dialogue, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference on the results of 2025, Trend reports.

He noted that relations with China and Vietnam also reached a new level during the year.

"Azerbaijan's diplomatic contacts regarding the situation in the Middle East and Gaza have been continued," the minister added.

The minister noted that, following a 13-year hiatus, the embassy in Syria has been restored. He also highlighted that legislation has been adopted to open an embassy in Bahrain.

15:26

Azerbaijan's relations with European countries continued through bilateral dialogue, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference on the results of 2025, Trend reports.

He noted that relations with China and Vietnam also reached a new level during the year.

"Azerbaijan's diplomatic contacts regarding the situation in the Middle East and Gaza have been continued," the minister added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. When the request for the sale of oil products to Armenia was received from the other side, the tariff offered to the Georgian side during the initial negotiations was very high, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference reviewing the years developments, Trend reports.

The minister noted that the proposal raised specific questions for Azerbaijan, as it did not align with current practices.

As soon as the Georgian leadership became aware of the issue, it took it under control. The situation changed radically, the tariff issue has now been resolved, and the companies have reached a pricing agreement, Bayramov said.

16:49

When the request for the sale of oil products to Armenia was received from the other side, the tariff offered to the Georgian side during the initial negotiations was very high, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference reviewing the years developments, Trend reports.

The minister noted that the proposal raised specific questions for Azerbaijan, as it did not align with current practices.

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GUANGZHOU, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Conference on High-Quality Development of Low-Altitude Economy in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) convened in south China's Guangzhou city Thursday, gathering government officials, industry leaders and academics to chart a course for innovation-driven growth.

Low-altitude economy, a strategic emerging cluster, represents a pivotal frontier for technological advancement and economic diversification. The GBA, with its robust industrial ecosystem and cross-border synergies, is poised to lead this charge.

Guangdong Province, the core engine of the GBA, is a hub in China's low-altitude landscape. Data from the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission reveals that the province hosts over 15,000 low-altitude industry chain enterprises, 30 percent of China's total, including global leaders like EHang and DJI. In 2024, Guangdong produced 6.94 million civilian drones, accounting for 95 percent of China's consumer-grade and 54 percent of the industrial-grade market shares.

The conference yielded substantial collaboration outcomes, with cities including Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou and Zhuhai inking agreements spanning government-enterprise partnerships, research alliances and operational innovations. These steps aim to forge a networked industrial ecology, accelerating the integration of low-altitude applications.

Zhang Hu, executive vice governor of Guangdong, emphasized the GBA's readiness for robust growth of the low-altitude economy, noting that the region boasts an exceptional innovation environment, world-class business conditions, and a mature industrial system.

Hong Kong is leveraging its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework. In March, the city launched a "regulatory sandbox" for low-altitude projects, enabling controlled testing of technologies and infrastructure.

Michael Wong, deputy financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and head of its low-altitude economy task force, said, "As an international financial, shipping and trade hub, Hong Kong will fully utilize its role as a super-connector to collaborate with Guangzhou and other GBA cities in advancing high-quality development of the low-altitude economy."

Macao has also established a dedicated task force for the development of the low-altitude economy.

"Low-altitude economy is a national strategic industry and a new engine for GBA integration," Tai Kin Ip, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region government, said, adding that Macao will strengthen cooperation with fellow cities to contribute to high-quality development of the sector.

A 2025 blue book on GBA low-altitude industry released by China Economic Information Service highlights the need for synergy among Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai as core hubs, coupled with deeper integration with Hong Kong and Macao.
A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model .

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Americas Gold and Silver Corporation ( TSE:USA ) as an investment opportunity by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

Story continues

The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.8%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 7.2%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$133m (1 + 2.8%)  (7.2% 2.8%) = US$3.1b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$3.1b ( 1 + 7.2%)10= US$1.5b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$2.3b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of CA$8.0, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 24% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

TSX:USA Discounted Cash Flow December 26th 2025

Important Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Americas Gold and Silver as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.2%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.064. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

See our latest analysis for Americas Gold and Silver

SWOT Analysis for Americas Gold and Silver

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

Shareholders have been diluted in the past year.

Opportunity

Expected to breakeven next year.

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Has less than 3 years of cash runway based on current free cash flow.

Looking Ahead:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Americas Gold and Silver, we've put together three relevant aspects you should assess:

Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Americas Gold and Silver , and understanding these should be part of your investment process. Future Earnings: How does USA's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the TSX every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. The main planning conference of the Shield of Peace 2026 exercise, to be held with the participation of a group of servicemen from the Azerbaijan Army and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces, was held in Baku on December 25, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

At the event organized at the Ministry of Defense, the military delegations of both countries engaged in extensive discussions on the objectives of the exercise to be held in the UAE in February 2026, the activities to be carried out in successive phases, and other related issues.

Briefings were delivered on the tasks to be executed during the Shield of Peace 2026 exercise, and questions of mutual interest were addressed.

Within the framework of the UAE delegation's visit to Azerbaijan, delegates visited several military units of the Azerbaijan Army. The guests were provided with detailed information on the conditions established at the military units and the training levels of the servicemen.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of IDEA Public Union, met with the creative team of the ANIMAFILM Studio, Trend reports.

Leyla Aliyeva had a conversation with the studio staff, exploring the development of animation art in Azerbaijan. Rashid Aghamaliyev, Director of the ANIMAFILM Studio, Elchin Hami Akhundov, honored culture worker, holder of the individual presidential pension, as well as the studio staff attended the meeting.

Leyla Aliyeva wathched the latest animated films produced by the studio, including the "Earth and Moon short animated film - a joint production of the Azerbaijani and Uzbek animators, as well as the Porridge Monster short animated film  a joint production of the Azerbaijani, Polish, and German animators.

Additionally, Leyla Aliyeva watched the initial versions of the first two episodes of the Isi and Piti childrens animated series, the latest project of the ANIMAFILM Studio.

Leyla Aliyeva got acquainted with the first two episodes of the new children's animated series "Isi v Piti", which has been started to be produced by "ANIMAFILM Studio".
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 27. Another Childrens Art Festival, jointly organized by Azerbaijans Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Science and Education, and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation wrapped up with the awarding ceremony on December 26, Trend reports.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Alena Aliyeva attended the ceremony.

The event participants were first briefed on the festival.

Having been held since 2023, at the initiative of Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, the festival aims to instill national and spiritual values in the youth, preserve and perpetuate traditional art forms, and cultivate young people loyal to their state and Motherland.

The Children's Art Festival serves not only as a competition, but also as a broad creative platform aiming at developing children, contributing to the formation of their teamwork, stage culture, creative approach, and self-expression skills.

Kicking off this March, the 2025 edition saw over 27,000 applications, highlighting the growing interest in art among children.

A total of 512 winners were selected across 19 individual and 5 collective nominations.

Addressing the event, Adil Karimli, Azerbaijani Minister of Culture, noted that providing a state support for revealing the young personnel and young talents is one of the key directions of the cultural policy implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. According to him, under the leadership of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation is implementing numerous projects aimed at unearthing young talents, supporting their education, and their personal development.

Afterwards, Leyla Aliyeva congratulated the winners, wishing them success.

The event proceeded with the concert program performed by the winners of the festival.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. A New Year celebration was held at the Orphanage No. 1 in Baku, Trend reports.

The event took place at the institution operating with the support of the Ministry of Health.

During the celebration, the little ones took center stage, showcasing a medley of dance routines and skits that brought the house down.

New Year-related traditional fairytale figures also participated in the festive program. At the end of the event, New Year gifts were distributed to the children.

Speaking at the event, the head doctor of the orphanage, Durdana Budagova, highlighted that President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, and the Foundations Vice President, Leyla Aliyeva, always keep the activities of orphanages under their attention and care.

According to her, this continuous support plays a key role in improving the quality of work done in orphanages.

The head doctor emphasized that the staff members at the orphanage deeply understand their responsibilities and carry out their professional duties with great dedication and selflessness.

She also pointed out that based on a decree by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the salaries of the staff working at the No. 1 Orphanage have been raised by 1.53 times. According to her, this decision is a clear example of President Ilham Aliyevs high value placed on the social sector, especially on the work of specialists who work with children.

The head doctor expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and relevant organizations for their attention and support to the orphanage.

In conclusion, Budagova congratulated the staff members and children on December 31stWorld Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Yearwishing them a healthy and happy future.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. As of January 1, 2026, all foreign nationals entering Georgia will be required to hold valid medical insurance covering the entire duration of their stay in the country, Trend reports via AZAL.

The requirement applies to all foreign visitors entering Georgia for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Azerbaijans national air carrier, AZAL, advises passengers planning to travel to Georgia on or after January 1, 2026, to take the new requirements into account when preparing for their trip and to arrange medical insurance prior to departure.

Under the established regulations, foreign nationals must have medical and accident insurance policy valid for the entire period of stay in Georgia, from the date of entry until the date of departure. The minimum insurance coverage must be GEL 30,000.

Insurance may be issued by Georgian or foreign insurance companies. The policy may be presented in electronic or paper form and must be issued in Georgian or English.

The insurance policy must contain the following mandatory information:

Parties to the insurance contract;

Covered territory;

Subject matter of the insurance;

Commencement and expiration dates of the insurance coverage;

Insured risks;

Amount of the insurance sum (limits);

Amount of the insurance premium;

Place and terms of payment.

This new requirement is introduced in accordance with Georgias Law on Tourism. The Resolution of the Government of Georgia On Approval of the Rules and Conditions for Mandatory Health and Accident Insurance for Tourists Entering Georgia will enter into force on 1 January 2026.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. The mine issue has remained a top priority for Azerbaijan since November 2020, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said during a press conference reviewing the years developments, Trend reports.

The minister noted that mine maps, accurate to only twenty-five percent, were handed over to Azerbaijan eight months after the conflict ended.

"We will continue to insist on resolving this issue. The other side claims it has given everything it possesses. The situation with mines remains critical. Already, there have been over 415 mine victims, including 71 fatalities. The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) is expanding its cooperation with international organizations. In 2020-2023, attempts to establish a second contact line, illegal transportation of ammunition through the Lachin corridor, and the planting of mines in Azerbaijani territories continued," he said.

Bayramov emphasized that resolving the mine problem in the short term does not seem realistic.

"Citizens should avoid entering liberated areas where the risk of landmines is high," he added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. An event was held at the Azerbaijan House in the Turkish city of Igdir on the occasion of December 31World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day, the State Committee on Work with Diaspora told Trend.

The event was attended by Consul General of Azerbaijan in Kars Zamin Aliyev, Rector of Igdir University, Professor Ekrem Gurel, Editor-in-Chief of the "Yesil Igdr" newspaper Jabbar Sktas, representatives of the local community, youth and media representatives.

First, the dear memory of the martyrs was commemorated with a minute of silence, and then the national anthems of both countries were played.

Head of the Igdir Azerbaijan House Ziya Zakir Acar emphasized the importance of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day, noting that the Azerbaijani people have preserved their national identity, language, and culture despite the difficulties they have faced throughout history. He said that Azerbaijani-Turkish relations are built on the principle of "one nation, two states" and that this brotherhood is unshakable.

Speaking at the event, Zamin Aliyev and Jabbar Sktas emphasized the special importance of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day in diaspora activities and congratulated the Azerbaijani people on this significant day.

In the artistic part, students performed Azerbaijani folk songs accompanied by Mehriban Mammadaliyeva, a teacher at the Faculty of Music of Igdir University.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of IDEA Public Union, a festive celebration was held for children living in Yevlakh, on the eve of the New Year, Trend reports.

During the celebration, bicycles and safety equipment were distributed among 30 children of different age groups.

At the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, a wide range of large-scale projects addressing humanitarian, educational, medical, social, environmental, and other critical areas are systematically executed in both Azerbaijan and numerous countries worldwide. A key focus of these initiatives is organizing events in orphanages, boarding schools, and for children in need of medical care and treatment, particularly during festive seasons. These events are consistently organized to bring joy to children who have been deprived of parental care and are especially vulnerable, ensuring they can partake in the holiday spirit and experience moments of joy and comfort.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. AzerGold CJSC and Azerkhalcha OJSC organized a presentation ceremony for the Endangered Species  new-generation silver coin series and silk and wool blended carpets woven by using 3D technology.

The unveiled products were dedicated to the endangered fauna species.

The event, titled Rare Gems  The Harmony of Silk and Silver was attended by representatives of state bodies, MPs, foreign country ambassadors to Azerbaijan, cultural and public figures, NGO representatives, and media members.

Zakir Ibrahimov, Chairman of the Executive Board of AzerGold CJSC, talked about the state policy implemented for the protection of biodiversity in Azerbaijan, and emphasized that wildlife protection is one of the priority areas at the state policy level.

The Chairman particularly highlighted the activities of the IDEA Public Union, emphasizing that the projects implemented by the organization bring new life to endangered fauna species and instill hope for nature.

Z. Ibrahimov underscored the invaluable role of Leyla Aliyeva, Founder and Head of the IDEA Public Union, in the successful realization of these initiatives, noting that her dedicated efforts served as the primary source of inspiration for the implementation of the new project.

The Chairman also stressed that the state company prioritizes environmental requirements not only during the exploitation of mineral deposits but across all areas of its operations. Within the framework of its social initiatives, the protection of biological diversity occupies a special place. In this regard, it was noted that the new coincarpet collection is likewise aimed at promoting the conservation of rare fauna species and raising public awareness of the importance of biodiversity.

In his turn, Emin Mammadov, Chairman of the Directors Board of Azerkhalcha OJSC and Honoured Art Worker, stated that the wool and silk blended carpets woven by using 3D technology aesthetically and artistically convey the joint message of AzerGold CJSC and Azerkhalcha OJSC on the protection of wildlife. It was highlighted that the two companies joint initiative is dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the inclusion of Azerbaijans traditional carpet weaving art in UNESCOs Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which was achieved through the endeavour and support of Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Chairman stated that the primary mission of Azerkhalcha OJSC is to preserve the centuries-old traditions of carpet weaving and to ensure the continued development of this unique art form. Emin Mammadov also provided a brief overview of the history of various Karabakh carpets showcased at the exhibition and informed the event participants about the future plans and key objectives of Azerkhalcha OJSC.

It should be noted that each of the three coin samples depicting endangered fauna species in the collectionthe gazelle, the leopard, and the bezoar goatare listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The new-generation silver coins were produced in a 2-ounce format from high-quality silver, featuring a three-dimensional design and manufactured using Smart minting technology, which is regarded as one of the most advanced production solutions in the field of numismatics.

The event was followed by a video presentation, reflecting the products created by the two national brands, as well as the applied production technologies. At the end of the ceremony, participants had the opportunity to view the new collections, along with other coins and bullions, and various types of carpets.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. The hearing of the open court session in the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia  Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others  accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and rules of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on December 26, Trend reports.

The court hearing at the Baku Military Court was held under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). Each of the defendants was provided with an interpreter in a language they understand, as well as defense lawyers.

The hearing was attended by the defendants, their defense counsels, some of the victims, their legal successors, and representatives, as well as prosecutors representing the state prosecution.

Presiding Judge Aghayev stated that the court hearing was continuing with the defendants final statements.

During the hearing, defendant Davit Ishkhanyan delivered his final statement.

In his address, the defendant stated that he did not agree with the charges brought against him, presenting his counterarguments in response to the statements from state prosecution.

Ishkhanyan claimed he was not involved in forced displacement of the population, illegal resettlement, planting of landmines, planning and preparing a war of aggression, genocide, extermination of the population, persecution, violation of the laws and customs of warfare, enslavement, deprivation of liberty contrary to international law, torture, intentional murder, being part of the criminal organization, illegal transportation of ammunition, as well as other crimes.

Touching upon the Garakand helicopter tragedy on November 20, 1991, the accused claimed the explosion of the Azerbaijani helicopter with the high-level officials on board was a helicopter crash.

Ishkhanyan further responded to the prosecution claim regarding the Azerbaijani captives, saying he had not interacted with them.

I plead not guilty, I have not committed any crime, he concluded.

Presiding judge Zeynal Aghayev announced that the final statements from the accused had concluded. The presiding judge approached the parties (the state prosecution and the defense) asking whether they would submit a draft decision. The parties indicated they would not submit a draft decision.

Subsequently, the presiding judge announced the conclusion of the court proceedings.

Following this, the court adjourned for deliberations. The court will issue its verdict after the deliberations.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state - including the aforementioned criminal association - on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.
A Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing must be submitted by individuals with full corporate authority. Filings by unauthorized parties can be challenged, and courts often disagree on how such restrictions in organizational or loan documents are enforced.

The question of who has the authority to file bankruptcy isnt just a legal technicality. It can directly affect creditors ability to recover funds and shoppers confidence in the companys ongoing operations.

"Courts disagree over whether provisions in a borrower's organizational documents or loan agreements designed to restrict or prevent the borrower from filing for bankruptcy are enforceable as a matter of federal public policy or applicable non-bankruptcy law," JonesDay shared.

There is, however, a precedent for bankruptcy courts to throw out cases when they are filed without the proper board members signing off.

In one recent case, "the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois granted a lender's motion to dismiss a chapter 11 filing by a special purpose limited liability company because an independent director appointed by an agent of the lender did not consent to the filing, as was required in the loan agreement and the debtor's LLC agreement."

According to the court, "the requirement for the director's consent to a bankruptcy filing violated neither federal public policy nor applicable non-bankruptcy law because the director had explicit fiduciary duties to the debtor and its creditors."

While it's not the same legal situation, a New Jersey judge has thrown out a Dec. 17 Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing for Ashley Stewart, Inc., a New Jersey-based plus-size womens apparel retailer.

Ashley Stewart has its bankruptcy invalidated

Ashley Stewart, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 protection on Dec. 17 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.

The filing was authorized by a newly reconstituted board to challenge a disputed November 2025 UCC Article 9 foreclosure sale of the companys assets to G Ashley Inc., an entity allegedly controlled by former insider management, Bondoro reported.

Ashley Stewart, Inc. reports $10 million to $50 million in assets and $50 million to $100 million in liabilities.

The filing indicates that there will be funds available for distribution to unsecured creditors.

The case number is 25-23314.

Similar to past cases where bankruptcy filings were dismissed for lack of board authorization, the judges ruling against Ashley Stewart reinforces that proper corporate approval is critical before seeking Chapter 11 protection.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Uzbekistan has the potential to be a key partner in Central Asia for Europe, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar told Trend.

"On transport Uzbekistan has the potential to be a key partner in Central Asia for Europe through the construction of new road and rail infrastructure, which we are supporting," the ambassador noted.

He recalled that, within initiatives aimed at developing transport infrastructure in Central Asia, the EU and Uzbekistan agreed to attract financing from the European Investment Bank of up to 100 million euros, backed by an EU guarantee of six million euros, for the implementation of the Nukus highway development project.

"The upgrade of the A380 highway, one of the countrys main transport arteries, is expected to strengthen regional trade and streamline transport flows with neighboring states within a modernized, expanded, and strengthened TCTC transport network that will link Central Asia with the South Caucasus, Turkiye and Europe," Klaar emphasized.

In addition, he said that the EU, together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, will finance a pre-feasibility study on the construction of a motor road and a railroad linking Uchkuduk in central Uzbekistan with Kyzylorda in the south of central Kazakhstan.

"Once implemented, these infrastructure projects will significantly increase transport, logistics, and economic and trade options of the Central Asian region and Uzbekistan first of all. We hope that Uzbekistan will actively participate in and own these development projects to benefit from the increased number of geoeconomic options that will arise as a consequence," he added.

The Nukus highway development project is part of the larger initiative to modernize the A380 "Guzar-Bukhara-Nukus-Beyneu" highway, a key segment of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Corridor 2 trade route in Uzbekistan. Supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the project aims to reconstruct and widen highway sections using climate-resilient materials, enhance connectivity to European markets, improve transportation safety and efficiency with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems, and promote economic growth by reducing travel time and operational costs while increasing transit freight volume and service facilities along the road.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 26. Kazakhstans Ministry of Energy, with the support of KazMunayGas (KMG), has held a working meeting on the implementation of the Roadmap for the Digitalization of Petroleum Product Circulation, focusing on the use of artificial intelligence to improve fuel market management, Trend reports via the ministry.

The meeting, held at KazMunayGas headquarters, examined digital tools designed to forecast petroleum product deficits and surpluses. Participants were presented with the capabilities of the KMG.AIAN AI assistant, which allows the creation of fuel balance models and analysis of regional supply dynamics.

The event was attended by Advisor to the Prime Minister Yermek Marzhikpayev, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Finance and other relevant organizations. Discussions also covered the current progress of the Roadmap and priority areas for further digital transformation of petroleum product circulation.

Special attention was paid to integrating information systems across government agencies and strengthening interdepartmental coordination. According to participants, these measures are intended to increase transparency, improve decision-making, and enhance the overall efficiency of fuel balance management.

The meeting concluded with the identification of next steps for implementing the Roadmap and expanding digital solutions for accounting and monitoring petroleum products, with the aim of ensuring stability in the domestic fuel market.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 26. Uzbekistans Fergana region authorities discussed the implementation of promising projects planned in cooperation with Chinese companies, Trend reports via the Fergana Regional Administration.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between Fergana Region Governor Khayrullo Bozorov and a delegation led by Yuan Hong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chinas Sichuan Xidian Power Construction Co., Ltd

During the talks, company representatives, drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the energy sector, emphasized that high efficiency can be achieved through the introduction of modern technologies and digital solutions.

The head of the region underscored the importance of continuing cooperation based on specific and results-oriented projects. Following the meeting, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Earlier, a delegation from Uzbekistans Andijan region struck a deal with Sichuan Power Transmission & Transformation Construction to kick off a $500 million investment project. This venture promises to bring a 200-megawatt hydroelectric power plant to life and give existing substations a much-needed facelift.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 26. The 14th meeting of the Trade Facilitation Council was held in Bishkek, bringing together representatives of government agencies, the business community, and international development partners, Trend reports via the press service of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the results of the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Council Action Plan for 2025-2027 for 2025 and outlined strategic priorities and key areas for further work on trade facilitation in Kyrgyzstan. Particular attention was paid to digitalization, strengthened interagency coordination, and the development of regional cooperation.

During the event, a multimedia presentation was delivered showcasing the implementation of an electronic queuing framework at border crossing nodes within Kyrgyzstan. The framework is designed to optimize visibility, streamline latency, and elevate the operational environment for stakeholders engaged in international economic endeavors.

The meeting also addressed key achievements and current challenges in the field of trade facilitation. Reports were presented by the State Customs Service under the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan on progress in digitalization and trade facilitation; the Ministry of Transport and Communications on creating favorable conditions for international road transport; and the Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Action Plan for 20252027.

Special attention was given to phytosanitary control issues. A corresponding report was delivered by the Department of Chemicalization, Plant Protection, and Quarantine of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan. In addition, the State Enterprise Single Window Center under the State Customs Service reported on its activities in 2025 within the framework of trade facilitation.

Furthermore, the Deputy Project Manager of GIZ presented regional initiatives aimed at facilitating trade through enhanced cooperation among National Trade Facilitation Committees in Central Asian countries, as well as their implementation in Kyrgyzstan.

Participants noted that the TFC meeting clearly demonstrated the importance of constructive dialogue and partnership between government bodies, the business community, and international organizations, contributing to trade facilitation, the development of regional cooperation, and the enhancement of Kyrgyzstans competitiveness in Central Asia.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), to be held in Baku in 2026, will mark a significant milestone in the global urban development agenda, Media Relations Manager for the WUF13 Operational Company, Eldar Rasulov, told reporters during their visit to the company's headquarters, Trend reports.

He emphasized that the session will serve as a pivotal international convergence, facilitating a comprehensive discourse on sustainable urban development, fostering knowledge transfer, and disseminating exemplary methodologies.

"The forum will be held for the first time in the Caspian and the South Caucasus regions. About 10,000 international delegates are expected, with the total number of participants reaching around 30,000 people. Unlike previous WUF forums, this event will involve a large number of heads of state and government. The forum will organize 40 main sessions and 350 partner events. Key forum events will be provided with simultaneous translation into eight languages, including sign language," said Rasulov.

According to him, in preparation for the 13th session of the forum, the WUF13 Operational Company began its activities on June 30, 2025. A comprehensive range of tasks was completed in a short period, including institutional preparation, spatial infrastructure planning, operational management, transportation, marketing, and communications.

"The formation of a professional team is one of the key priorities for the successful execution of such a large-scale event. Currently, a working team of about 300 people has been formed. Most of the hired staff are professionals with experience in organizing international events," Rasulov explained.

He pointed out that volunteers play an important role in the successful conduct of the forum. For this purpose, a Volunteer Center was created, and 16,000 applications were recorded during registration. A total of 2,500 volunteers who successfully completed training will be involved in various aspects of the forum's activities.

"The Baku Olympic Stadium was chosen as the venue for the event, where infrastructure preparation is underway to accommodate the scale of the forum. Construction work has already begun. Special attention is being given to sustainable development principles, and the event is planned to be conducted in accordance with the ISO 20121 standard," he added.

Rasulov also said that conference halls and other infrastructure with a total area of 92,000 square meters will be organized at the stadium.

"An exhibition called 'Urban Expo' will be organized as part of the forum, covering an area of 35,000 square meters. Countries, cities, municipalities, regional bodies, UN organizations, academic institutes, international financial and civil organizations, foundations, and private companies will be able to participate," he noted.

He also emphasized that special attention will be given to transportation issues to ensure access for participants to the event venue.

"A General Transport Transfer Centers Plan has been developed, with 11 transport hubs identified. Work continues on mapping routes between Heydar Aliyev International Airport, hotels, the city center, and the Baku Olympic Stadium," he announced.

In addition, Rasulov stressed that security issues will be a key focus during the event.

He highlighted that hosting the forum is seen as a continuation of Azerbaijan's high organizational and operational potential, developed through international events held over the past decade.

"In particular, the processes related to hosting COP29, which involved tens of thousands of participants, hundreds of official delegations, and international media, demonstrated the country's high readiness in logistics, security, transportation, volunteer programs, accreditation, and media operations. This experience has created a strong institutional foundation for the successful hosting of WUF13," Rasulov concluded.

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Photo: The official website of the President of Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 26. Uzbekistan has signed new investment agreements with foreign partners worth $140 billion this year, said President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his address to the Oliy Majlis and the multinational people of Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

Next year, we plan to attract $50 billion in foreign investment, the head of state said.

President Mirziyoyev noted that a favorable business environment, demographic growth, and a strong focus on human capital development make Uzbekistan one of the most attractive destinations for investors.

Every dollar of investment should primarily contribute to the transfer of advanced technologies, the production of high value-added goods for external markets, improved efficiency in the use of energy, water, land, and other natural resources, as well as the training of local workers to operate new technologies and the growth of labor productivity, he said.

The president articulated that strategic investors are currently allocated land parcels at prevailing market valuations for project execution, whereas in scenarios necessitating alterations in land classification, remuneration for land conversion can be structured in installments spanning a duration of up to 10 years.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Flood protection works are set to begin in Shukurbeili village of Azerbaijans Jabrayil district, Trend reports.

Under the project, flood protection measures will be implemented for a residential area designed for 1,042 families, with the first phase covering 635 households. The planned works include the construction of a drainage network, retaining walls, bridges, and a stormwater sewer system.

The Social Development Fund of Forced Displaced Persons of the Republic of Azerbaijan has already launched the relevant procedures for the implementation of the project. According to the fund, the total cost of the works is estimated at 7.14 million manat ($4.20 million).

Shukurbeili village faces high flood risk due to its location, where post-conflict reconstruction efforts are underway. The region, situated in the Lesser Caucasus, is prone to sudden floods and mudflows from mountain rivers. The Azerbaijani government is implementing flood-resilient infrastructure to protect Jabrayil from floodwaters originating from nearby mountains and valleys. Azerbaijan exhibits a high flood risk, particularly in lowland areas like Aran, where major rivers can overflow. The ongoing reconstruction incorporates disaster risk reduction and resilient city planning, reflecting the region's natural hazards, with engineering works aimed at reducing vulnerability for returning residents.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 26. Uzbekistan plans to increase gold production to 175 tons by 2030, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said during his address to the Oliy Majlis and the multinational people of Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

At the Navoi gold mines, a $320 million mining project will be launched, enabling the additional processing of 2 million tons of ore, the head of state said.

President Mirziyoyev unveiled a pivotal initiative targeting the mining and metallurgy sector, aimed at optimizing resource extraction and enhancing metallurgical processes.

At the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, construction will begin on a new metallurgical complex worth $2.7 billion, with an annual capacity of 300,000 tons of cathode copper.

In addition, fertilizer production will be launched at the Samarkand Khimiya plant, with planned annual output of 370,000 tons of phosphate fertilizers and 540,000 tons of compound fertilizers, supported by $381 million in investment, the president noted.

He elaborated that a chemical manufacturing facility in the Kashkadarya region is slated for development, backed by a capital infusion of $200 million.

The facility will enable the annual production of 50,000 tons of alkylbenzene used in household chemicals, polymers, and synthetic fuels, President Mirziyoyev concluded.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 26. Uzbekistans total exports are expected to reach $40 billion in 2026, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said during his address to the Oliy Majlis and the multinational people of Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

The share of finished and semi-finished products in total exports will exceed 55%, the head of state said.

President Mirziyoyev also highlighted that innovative initiatives valued at $4.5 billion are poised for deployment in the chemical sector in 2026.

At the same time, projects totaling $3 billion each will be implemented in the mining and metallurgical, oil and gas, automotive, textile, and construction sectors. In addition, $2 billion worth of projects are planned in the electric power sector, while $800 million will be invested in the pharmaceutical industry, the president added.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 26. Uzbekistans services sector grew by nearly 15% this year, reaching $82 billion, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said during his address to the Oliy Majlis and the multinational people of Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

To stimulate demand for services, 85 trillion soums ($7.0 billion) in loans and 9 trillion soums ($745 million) in subsidies will be allocated to the sector in 2026. In particular, 7 trillion soums ($580 million) from the state budget will be directed toward educational services, the head of state said.

President Mirziyoyev also noted that over the next five years, Uzbekistan plans to double the number of foreign tourists and increase the volume of tourism services to $20 billion.

To achieve this goal, special attention will be paid to the development of tourism infrastructure, he said.

The president stated that in Samarkand, modern walkways and bridges will be built to connect the Bibi-Khanym complex, Registan Square, the Amir Temur Mausoleum, the Ulugh Beg Observatory, Shah-i-Zinda, and the Afrasiab Museum.

In Shahrisabz, the first stage of the large Gelon tourist complex will be launched. In the Pap district, the Arashan Mountain tourist zone will be created for recreation. Ichan-Kala in Khiva will be transformed into an immersive, living, and smart museum city, while a major tourist route along archaeological sites will be developed in Khorezm and Karakalpakstan, President Mirziyoyev stressed.

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South Koreas LG Energy Solution has agreed to divest factory building assets at its Ohio electric vehicle battery joint venture to Honda Development and Manufacturing of America.

In a transaction valued at Won4.22tn ($2.85bn) according to a regulatory filing, the deal covers the building and related infrastructure owned by subsidiary L-H Battery Company.

The deal excludes the land and production equipment.

LG Energy Solution said the move is aimed at improving operational efficiency within the joint venture.

Based on an exchange rate of Won1,478.90 to the US dollar at the contract date, the disposal equates to a converted value of $2.85bn.

The company noted that the final consideration could be revised following due diligence and any subsequent exchange-rate adjustments.

Completion of the deal is targeted for 28 February 2026.

The assets being sold account for roughly 7% of LG Energy Solutions consolidated total assets, which stood at Won60.31tn at the end of 2024.

The Ohio facility forms part of a $4.4bn battery manufacturing joint venture announced in 2022 between Honda Motor and LG Energy Solution.

As reported by The Korea Herald, under the revised arrangement, the joint venture will continue operating at the site through a lease agreement, with no changes planned to production schedules or operational strategy.

The sale-and-leaseback structure is intended to reduce capital burdens by cutting construction-related costs.

It represents the largest portion of total investment, and to improve liquidity tied up in fixed assets amid a global slowdown in electric vehicle demand and the phasing out of US consumer EV subsidies.

Battery manufacturing at the Ohio plant is expected to begin next year to support Hondas North American electric vehicle line-up, with provisions allowing for a potential expansion into energy storage system applications.

Earlier this month, LG Energy Solution disclosed in a regulatory filing that Ford Motor Company has notified it of the cancellation of their Won9.6tn battery supply agreement, which was signed in October last year.

The contract covered the supply of 109 GWh of nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries from LG Energy Solutions Polish plant between 2026 and 2032, intended primarily for use in Fords light commercial vehicles.

"LG Energy Solution to sell Ohio battery plant building to Honda for $2.85bn" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 26. The share of the shadow economy in Uzbekistan has been reduced from 4550% to 28%, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said during his address to the Oliy Majlis and the multinational people of Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

To further strengthen efforts in this area, all public services and utility payments, as well as transactions related to fuel, alcohol, tobacco products, automobile trade, and real estate, will be fully transferred to cashless payment systems starting in 2026, the head of state said.

President Mirziyoyev also stated that during the conduct of 17 types of inspections, including tax, customs, sanitary and epidemiological, standards compliance, quarantine, construction supervision, and fire safety inspections, among others, the mandatory use of external surveillance cameras will be introduced to ensure transparency and accountability.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Russia's Gazprom has taken a major step toward the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, following agreements reached with Chinese partners, CEO Alexey Miller said at the companys annual meeting, Trend reports via Gazprom.

These agreements are legally binding and represent a pivotal milestone in the commencement of what is poised to be the worlds largest gas investment project, Miller remarked.

He conveyed his assurance that the pipeline would not only be completed on schedule but potentially ahead of it, emphasizing the high standards of quality that would underpin its construction. He further highlighted Gazprom's deep expertise in executing large-scale energy infrastructure projects as a key factor in its success.

The Power of Siberia 2 stands as one of the most ambitious energy infrastructure endeavors of the decade, with the potential to dramatically alter the flow of natural gas across the Eurasian continent. At its heart, the initiative involves the creation of a vast pipeline designed to transport up to 50 bcm of gas annually from Russias Yamal Peninsula, historically the source of energy supplies to Europe, directly to northern China. Spanning nearly 2,600 kilometers and traversing Mongolia via the part of the Power of Siberia-2 project (Power of Siberia-2 Gas Pipeline), this pipeline will serve as the central physical conduit for Russias strategic shift toward the East.

The strategic rationale behind this project is closely linked to the significant transformation occurring within global energy markets. In the wake of losing the European market, Russia has sought to integrate its Western Siberian gas reserves with Chinas rapidly growing demand for energy. Upon full operationalization, this pipeline, alongside the existing Power of Siberia 1 and the Far Eastern route, could facilitate the delivery of up to 100 bcm of gas annually to China by the mid-2030s. This would meet approximately 20% of Chinas projected total gas consumption, thereby reducing Beijing's dependency on maritime LNG imports from Western markets.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 26. In April 2026, Ashgabat will host the Turkmen-China Business Forum and Exhibition with participation of businesses from both countries, Trend reports via the Turkmen Logistics Association (TLA).

The upcoming event will be organized by Talvas Yoly JSC and Oguz Forum & Expo, with support from TLA. The organizers are committed to ensuring the comprehensive execution of the forum, encompassing the business program, exhibition displays, and facilitating B2B and B2G meetings.

TLA members will benefit from a 10% discount on registration fees, a measure designed to support Turkmen logistics companies and enhance their visibility in the international market.

Previously, the III Turkmen-China Scientific and Innovation Forum was held on November 26, 2024, at the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. This forum focused on the integration of innovations and new technologies into production processes. Turkmen and Chinese scientists presented proposals for the implementation of cutting-edge advancements across various sectors, including nanotechnology, biology, and agriculture. The event witnessed robust participation from scientists, researchers, and academic faculty, with notable contributions from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Turkiye targets to achieve a free trade agreement with Azerbaijan based on mutual concessions and creating broader opportunities, the Chief Trade Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Azerbaijan, Gulizar Yavas, said at an event held in Baku today on the topic "Access to the Turkish market: export, legal, and practical aspects," Trend reports.

She noted that, overall, the energy sector accounts for a large part of the approximately $8 billion trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

"As the Turkish side, our desire is that the existing bilateral relations, alliances, and brotherly ties between our countries be realistically reflected in trade and investments.

The main task of both offices is to develop cooperation in this area, and all our responsibilities continue in this direction. Currently, there is no free trade agreement between Turkiye and Azerbaijan. Although discussions are ongoing, there is a preferential trade agreement that is currently in force. Within the framework of this agreement, the list, which initially included 30 products, was later expanded to 50 products. The main part of the list is agricultural products. The demands of the Azerbaijani side were also focused mainly on agricultural products. Moreover, some industrial products were also included in the list.

Within the framework of the special agreement on Karabakh, there is a separate list of products that can be imported by Turkiye with unilateral concessions, tax reductions, or zero customs duties. Since this is a special agreement, it is impossible to find it in open sources," she explained.

Besides, she recalled that the 12th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye was held in Baku.

"A 110-item action plan was signed at that meeting. This plan, in addition to covering the work done in the previous period, also defines the goals for the next year. It envisages cooperation directions and specific measures in energy, education, trade, and other fields.

This means that as cooperation between the two countries expands in transport, energy, and other fields, it is expected to have a positive impact on trade turnover because this cooperation also covers raw material supplies, investments, and trade in services. Trade is no longer limited to goods, but trade in goods and services is considered together," Yavas noted.

The embassy official emphasized the very high interest in Azerbaijan from Turkiye.

"Since I took office, we have received 12 business delegations in just five months. One of them was a delegation from the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO). Approximately 70 percent of Turkish production is carried out by these industrialists. Last month, they visited Azerbaijan with a delegation of about 150. This group brought together Turkiye's largest investors, industrialists, exporters, and importers.

Many of them said that they were visiting the Azerbaijani market for the first time. This also shows that Azerbaijan is becoming an increasingly attractive market. As the interest of Turkish businessmen increases, it's inevitable that Azerbaijani entrepreneurs will also increase their interest in cooperation with Turkiye because these relations should be based on long-term and sustainable cooperation, not short-term purchases and sales.

Our offices are trying to support entrepreneurs from both countries in establishing these relations and solving existing problems. We consider it important to create joint mechanisms for this purpose. On December 1, this issue was also discussed at the meeting with Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov, and the establishment of a technical working group was proposed. The goal is both to develop bilateral investment and trade relations and, if necessary, to explore opportunities for joint cooperation in third countries," she announced.

Yavas noted that, according to observations, Azerbaijan's production and export potential, especially in the agricultural sector, coincides with the areas that Turkiye protects the most.

"In terms of industrial products, price competition with China remains a serious problem for both Azerbaijan and Turkiye. For this reason, it is sometimes difficult to obtain any price advantage in mutual trade. Turkiye has a Customs Union agreement with the European Union, and within this framework, customs duties on many products for 27 countries have been zeroed. This means that products entering the Turkish market from Azerbaijan have to compete with products from those countries under zero duties. At the same time, Turkiye also has numerous free trade agreements with Egypt, Morocco, and other countries.

Our goal is to achieve a free trade agreement with Azerbaijan based on mutual concessions and creating broader opportunities.

Such accords provide a more expansive array of advantages compared to preferential trade pacts. However, there are a number of issues that sectors and government agencies of both countries must agree on for this.

The initial discussions began in 2024 and moved to the technical phase in 2025. If the main negotiations begin in 2026, it will be possible to achieve significant progress in this long-term process. There are serious concessions unilaterally offered by Turkiye, especially regarding the reconstructed regions, including Karabakh. Significant advantages have been created for the export of products produced in Karabakh to the Turkish market," she concluded.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Azerbaijan and the United Nations discussed green energy, fair energy transition, and energy efficiency, and the preparation of the Roadmap for Azerbaijan on Sustainable Development Goal 7 with Azerbaijan and the UN, the Azerbaijani Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"We met with Vladanka Andreeva, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the completion of her diplomatic mission in our country. We exchanged views on green energy, a just energy transition, and energy efficiency; the development of the Roadmap for Azerbaijan on Sustainable Development Goal 7; and the eighty-second session of UNESCAP planned to be held in Baku in April next year," he added.

UN Goal 7, or Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), aims to ensure access to affordable and sustainable energy for all by 2030. It emphasizes universal access, increased renewable energy sources, improved energy efficiency, and heightened investment in clean energy, particularly in developing nations.

Key aspects include guaranteeing access to electricity and clean cooking fuels, significantly increasing the share of renewable energy, doubling energy efficiency improvements, and promoting technology and investment in clean energy infrastructure. This goal is crucial for health, education, economic growth, and addressing climate change through the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 26. Gazprom is in talks with Kazakhstan regarding the construction of gas transportation infrastructure and the supply of natural gas to the northeastern regions of the country, Alexey Miller, CEO of Gazprom, announced during a meeting on the preliminary results of the year, Trend reports via Gazprom

According to Miller, Russian gas deliveries to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan increased by 20% in 2025.

"We continue to develop our cooperation with the Central Asian countries. At the Eastern Economic Forum, we signed an agreement to increase gas supplies to Kazakhstan in 2025-2026," Miller said.

He also emphasized Gazprom's plans for further expanding gas deliveries to Central Asia, aiming for long-term collaboration in response to the growing demand for gas in the region.

In the medium term, Miller noted, Russian gas will be in high demand in Central Asia, and Gazprom has already begun ramping up supplies at an accelerated pace.

In November 2023, Gazprom and the Government of Kazakhstan signed an Agreement on Strategic Cooperation to solidify their energy partnership.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 26. The launch of the project for the installation of the Trans-Caspian Fiber Optic Cable Project along the bottom of the Caspian Sea is planned for the third quarter of 2026, Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, Zhaslan Madiyev, told journalists, Trend reports.

According to him, the projects implementation will significantly reduce signal delay, improving internet transit between the countries. Madiyev also noted that applications from foreign countries are already being received to connect to the line for internet traffic transmission.

It should be recalled that leading telecommunications companies from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, "Azertelecom" and "Kazakhtelecom," signed a memorandum of strategic partnership for the installation of the fiber-optic communication line along the Caspian Sea floor at an international forum in Astana in September 2022.

The project is part of the larger "Digital Silk Way" initiative, which aims to create a digital telecommunications corridor between Europe and Asia.

The main underwater cable route will stretch from Aktau to Azerbaijan's Siyazan, covering more than 340 kilometers. A backup channel, about 330 kilometers long, will be laid from Kazakhstans port of Kuryk to Buzovna, located near Baku.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are scheduled to hold a conference call with European leaders on Saturday, December 27, Trend reports.

Bilateral talks between Trump and Zelenskyy are set for the following day, December 28, in the US state of Florida.

Officials note that over the past two weeks, Washington has achieved "more progress" in negotiations with Russia and Ukraine than since the start of the year.
A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model .

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Ancom Nylex Berhad ( KLSE:ANCOMNY ) as an investment opportunity by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine.

Story Continues

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.7%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.9%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM69m (1 + 3.7%)  (9.9% 3.7%) = RM1.2b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM1.2b ( 1 + 9.9%)10= RM448m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is RM833m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM0.9, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

KLSE:ANCOMNY Discounted Cash Flow December 25th 2025

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Ancom Nylex Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.038. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

See our latest analysis for Ancom Nylex Berhad

SWOT Analysis for Ancom Nylex Berhad

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Chemicals market.

Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market.

Threat

Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Looking Ahead:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Ancom Nylex Berhad, there are three further factors you should look at:

Financial Health: Does ANCOMNY have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does ANCOMNY's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the KLSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
In December, Russia recruited 150 foreign nationals from 25 countries to fight in the war against Ukraine. A further 200 foreigners are reportedly preparing to join the Russian army.

This was stated by Oleh Ivashchenko, Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports, citing the intelligence services press office.

According to the report, the primary sources of recruitment are countries of the post-Soviet space and the Global South, including Belarus, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Cuba, Kenya, and China.

The primary motivations for foreign recruits are financial compensation, simplified access to citizenship, and amnesty for individuals with prior convictions.

Moscow deliberately exploits economic instability in poorer countries and limited legal migration pathways, turning these factors into instruments of control and pressure. The presence of citizens from China, Cuba, or African countries is actively used in propaganda narratives as supposed evidence of support from the non-Western world,  Ivashchenko emphasized.

According to the head of Ukrainian intelligence, the recruitment of foreigners carries a precise political dimension: Moscow seeks to portray the war as a conflict extending far beyond a bilateral confrontation.

As previously reported, in a comment to Ukrinform, Oleh Aleksandrov, an officer of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, stated that Russia is recruiting former Afghan military personnel, including special forces and intelligence fighters, to participate in the war against Ukraine.

Photo: Center for Countering Disinformation
Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets overnight on December 26 following a new attack by Russian drones on Ukrainian ports in the Odesa region.

The Romanian Ministry of National Defense reported this, Ukrinform said, citing NewsMaker.

The aircraft monitored the airspace near the border with Ukraine, while residents of the northern part of Tulcea County were alerted by Romanian authorities via the RO-Alert system.

On the night of December 2526, at 01:05, two F-16 fighter jets from the 86th Air Base in Fetesti took off to monitor the air situation in the border area with Ukraine, in the north of Tulcea County. The Ministry of National Defenses air surveillance system detected groups of drones sent by the Russian Federation toward Ukrainian ports on the Danube, the statement said.

According to Romanias defense ministry, the drones did not violate Romanian airspace.

The fighter jets returned to their air base at 03:15, ministry officials said.

As reported by Ukrinform, Ukrainian air defenses neutralized 73 out of 99 drones launched by Russia against Ukraine starting in the evening of December 25. A ballistic missile strike and hits by 26 attack UAVs were recorded.

As a result of the Russian attack on sea ports in the Odesa region, vessels flying the flags of Slovakia and the Republic of Palau, as well as grain elevators and warehouses, were damaged.

Photo: Fortele Aeriene Romane
A Russian attack on seaports in Ukraines Odesa region damaged a ship flying the Slovak flag, Slovakia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

That is according to The Slovak Spectator, as sited by Ukrinform.

The Ministry reported that at the time of the attack, there were no people on board the Slovak-flagged vessel, named Majestic.

The ship was operated exclusively by Ukrainian citizens, and currently, no Slovak citizens are on board or working on the vessel, the Ministry added.

The Ministry further noted that the Majestic was docked in the port and was not seaworthy due to damage sustained during previous Russian airstrikes.

The situation is being closely monitored in cooperation with the Slovak Embassy in Kyiv. Slovak legal entities or individuals will be provided assistance if requested.

Ukrainian officials stated that the Russian attack targeted the city of Odesa as well as the Odesa and Izmail districts, damaging energy and port infrastructure in the region. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified strikes on Ukraines key export ports and transport links.

According to Ukrinform, the Russian attacks on the Odesa region seaports have damaged ships flying the flags of Slovakia and the Republic of Palau, as well as grain elevators and warehouses.
President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff, where a number of issues were discussed, namely countering Russian Shahed drone attacks, Ukraine's deep strikes, and Ukraine's Drone Line.

Zelensky stated this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.

"I held a Staff meeting. The focus was on all drone-related issues, including countering Russian Shahed drone strikes, our Drone Line, and deep strikes," he emphasized.

Zelensky said that there is currently information indicating that the Russians are trying to bypass Ukrainian interceptor defense positions via the territory of neighboring Belarus.

"Risky for Belarus. We saw steps involving Oreshnik, and we now see assistance with Shahed drones. Regrettably, Belarus is surrendering its sovereignty to Russia's aggressive ambitions," he wrote.

Citing Ukrainian intelligence data, he said that equipment used in strikes against Ukraine is being deployed in Belarusian settlements near the border, including on residential buildings. "Antennas and other equipment helping to guide Shahed drones toward targets in our western regions are literally put on the roofs of ordinary five-story apartment blocks. This is an absolute disregard for human life, and Minsk must stop playing these games. We will inform our partners and prepare joint responses," he assured.

Read also: Poland intercepts Russian reconnaissance aircraft over Baltic Sea

Zelensky noted that the Staff meeting also discussed in detail the issue of financing the production of interceptors and the supply structure to the troops. "There is criticism coming directly from units regarding the distribution of drones. I instructed the First Deputy Prime Minister, together with the Minister of Defense and Unmanned Systems Forces command, to modernize the drone distribution system so that more units can be supplied with the necessary number of drones," he said.

In addition, ahead of the next Staff meeting, the head of state instructed the General Staff together with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine to work out changes to Ukraine's air defense strategy and present what additional steps are needed to give Ukrainian units more capabilities both in protecting infrastructure and in defending frontline positions.

As Ukrinform previously reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree introducing Yevhen Ostrianskyi, First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, into the personal composition of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff.
Poland scrambled fighter jets to intercept a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea and also recorded the intrusion of aerial balloons into its airspace from Belarus.

PAP stated this in an article, citing the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces, Ukrinform reports.

It is noted that Polish fighter jets intercepted, visually identified, and escorted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft that was flying near the borders of the airspace of the Republic of Poland.

In addition, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces reported that during the night it recorded the intrusion of objects into Polish airspace from the direction of Belarus.

"After conducting a detailed analysis, it was determined that these were most likely smuggling balloons moving in accordance with the direction and speed of the wind. The flight of all objects was continuously monitored by radar systems," the Operational Command said. It added that, for security reasons, part of the airspace over the Podlaskie region was temporarily closed to civilian air traffic.

Read also: Poland scrambles fighter jets amid Russian air attack on Ukraine

As Ukrinform reported, on the morning of December 23 Poland placed its air defense systems on heightened readiness, including scrambling fighter jets to protect the country's airspace due to a Russian attack on Ukraine.

Photo: Ministry of National Defense
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine held the first meeting of a working group tasked with preparing legislative proposals on the specifics of conducting elections during a special period. Among other goals, the group plans to develop mechanisms to counter Russian interference in the electoral process.

Cases of such interference have been widely observed during elections in Georgia and Romania. In Ukraines case, these risks are expected to be much higher, said Olena Shuliak, Deputy Head of the Working Group, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on State Building, Local Governance, Regional and Urban Development, in an interview with Ukrinform.

According to Shuliak, on December 26, the first in a series of planned meetings of the special working group took place to prepare comprehensive legislative proposals on the organization and conduct of elections during a special period and/or post-war elections in Ukraine. One of the tasks is to assess the readiness of electoral infrastructure for such elections, as well as to develop legal mechanisms to prevent possible illegal interference in the electoral process.

Shuliak emphasized that this includes interference from Russia, as international experience, particularly in Georgia and Romania, shows that Russia may employ cyberattacks, voter bribery, candidate discrediting, and funding of loyal politicians on a large scale.

"There will be massive disinformation and various measures aimed at dividing society. There will be attempts to discredit and financially support pro-Russian groups or politicians and their teams. Therefore, we need to understand the measures we will implement in this area. I think its important to study the latest experiences from Georgia and Romania, as we have seen the consequences. We understand that in Ukraine, these cases will be much more numerous, and we will work to ensure that no pro-Russian media or individuals can influence our electoral processes," Shuliak said.

She also noted that according to an audit on the security situation for conducting safe post-war elections, carried out by the Civic Network OPORA, the readiness of communities in terms of electoral infrastructure is very low.

"Within the audit conducted in OctoberNovember this year, 11 communities were surveyed, most of which are de-occupied, border, or in the combat zone. These include Kramatorsk, Kherson, Nikopol, Novomykolaivka, Velykopysarivka, Olevsk, and Snovsk. According to the results, only three out of the 11 communities could potentially meet the basic criteria for physical security after the end of martial law," Shuliak said.

The data shows that none of the surveyed communities has 100% coverage of polling stations with shelters within a 500-meter radius. In addition, in frontline and de-occupied communities, over 50% of electoral infrastructure buildings are destroyed or damaged. In most communities, alert systems do not cover the entire population, and in some cases, they operate only in central settlements.

"Moreover, there are issues with the limited capacity of Central Election Commission members, as well as problems related to electricity supply, shelters, alert systems, and more. This is a huge set of indicators that need to be checked to assess the organizational capacity of each community. This will serve as a basis and guidance for our decision-making and understanding of processes directly in each community," Shuliak concluded.

Read also: CEC resumes operation of State Voter Register

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that if the ratification of a peace agreement between Ukraine, the U.S., Russia, and Europe, if signed, requires a nationwide referendum, presidential election could be held alongside it. This could happen 60 to 90 days after the agreement is signed.

The Central Election Commission has reported that elections in Ukraine can only take place under corresponding peaceful conditions. Legislative changes are also needed to account for the specifics of post-war elections or elections after the active phase of hostilities ends.

Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk signed a decree to establish a working group to prepare a draft law on conducting elections during wartime. The group will include representatives from all parliamentary factions and groups, as well as civil society experts and CEC representatives.
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AMU in shock after ABK School Teacher's brutal murder

The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is in shock after the brutal murder of ABK Union School teacher Rao Danish Ali Wednesday December 24, 2025

[Aligarh Police officials visited the AMU Campus after the shootout. (Inset) Rao Danish Ali.]

Aligarh Muslim University: The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is in shock after the brutal murder of ABK Union School teacher Rao Danish Ali Wednesday December 24, 2025.

The 45-year-old Computer Teacher was shot dead during a late evening walk inside the Aligarh Muslim University campus.

Danish Ali was attacked near the Maulana Azad Library area while walking with friends. He was rushed to the universitys Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital but succumbed to his injuries, Senior Superintendent of Police Aligarh Neeraj Kumar Jadaun said.

The shooters escaped immediately after firing.

A dedicated teacher

In a statement released to media, the Aligarh Muslim University expressed profound shock and anguish over the tragic murder of Danish Rao.

The University community stands united in grief and condemns this heinous act in the strongest possible terms, the university said.

AMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon while expressing her condolences called Danish Ali a dedicated teacher and a loss for whole university.

The loss of a dedicated teacher in such a brutal manner is deeply distressing. It is a loss for the University, she said.

On behalf of the entire AMU fraternity, I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family. We share their grief and assure them of our fullest support in this moment of irreparable loss, she added.

Security tightened

The AMU VC emphasized that the safety and security of all members of the University remain a paramount concern.

In this regard, the university has initiated a comprehensive review of existing security arrangements, which is currently underway in close consultation with the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).

A high-level meeting has been scheduled for Saturday to reassess and strengthen all security measures across the campus, ensuring that every necessary step is taken afresh to prevent such incidents in the future.

The University administration reiterates its firm commitment to creating and sustaining a safe, secure, and peaceful academic environment for students, teachers, staff, and residents of the campus.

AMU will continue to work closely with civil and police authorities to uphold safety, law, and order, and to restore a sense of confidence and security within the University community, the university said.

Assailants came on motorcycle

According to eyewitnesses, there were two assailants who came on a motorcycle. One of the eyewitnesses, Imran, who was walking alongside Ali, said one shooter threatened Danish Rao before opening fire.

You dont know me yet, now you will, the shooter said, Imran told Police.

Aligarh SSP Jadaun said the family believed the attackers may have been known to the victim.

Danish Ali had completed his education at the AMU and joined the ABK High School as a Computer Teacher in 2015. He had also served as Captain of the universitys Horse Riding Club and regularly visited the library canteen area.



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While the city did not see any snow on Christmas Day, both NYC and much of the state are currently under snowstorm warning from the evening of Dec. 26 and into Saturday morning as some areas could see up to 10 inches of snow and all three of the major NYC airports brace for heavy disruption.

Singapore Airlines, which currently operates the longest commercial flight in the world to New York from Singapore at just over 19 hours, has preemptively canceled its flights going from and into John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) on Friday as well as flights to JFK from Frankfurt International (FRA) on Friday and to and from Newark Liberty (EWR) from Singapore on Saturday.

Singapore Airlines calls off six flights, travelers to be put "on alternative flights"

The airline added that more flights could be affected as it continues to monitor the weather in the coming days.

"Customers affected by the flight cancellations will be reaccommodated on alternative flights or can seek a full refund of the unused portion of their ticket," Singapore Airlines said in a statement.

Related: Airline shuts down after losing license, last flights canceled

Customers booked on those flights can also preemptively initiate a refund on the Singapore Airlines website; travelers on any flight booked with the airline in the coming days are encouraged to check the status of their flight right up to the moment they head to the airport to avoid an unnecessary trip.

The exact flights affected include SQ23 leaving JFK at 10:05 p.m. on Dec. 26, SQ24 leaving SIN at 12:10 p.m. on Dec. 26, SQ25 leaving JFK at 8:15 p.m. on Dec. 26, SQ26 leaving FRA at 8:35 a.m. on Dec. 26, SQ21 leaving EWR at 5:45 p.m. on Dec. 27, and SQ22 leaving SIN at 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 27.

Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific also canceled its Dec. 26 flight CX 840 to JFK from Hong Kong Airport (HKG) while waiving rebooking and refund charges for passengers on any of its flights between Dec. 25 and 28 whose fare class would otherwise not allow for it. Travel changed through this weather-related waiver needs to be completed before Jan. 31.

The 19-hour Singapore Airlines flight between SIN and JFK is currently the longest in the world.Image source: Veronika Bondarenko  Image source: Veronika Bondarenko

Korean Air, Eva Air also cancel flights to JFK

Korean Air and Taiwan's Eva Air have both also canceled their Friday flights to JFK.

"We suggest you regularly check the status of your flight through our website," the latter airline said in a statement. "Please contact your local EVA Air office or an airport office for updated information concerning delayed flights."

More Travel News:

Flight data from Newark, JFK and LaGuardia currently shows that over 400 international flights into NYC were canceled for Friday while the latter two airports are the most heavily affected.

"As New Yorkers continue to celebrate the holidays and prepare to celebrate the new year, they should also prepare for hazardous travel conditions Friday into Saturday," the office of New York Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. "Avoid driving if possible, give yourself extra travel time on public transit, and stay alert to changing conditions."

Related: Iconic Mandarin Oriental owner files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Dec 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Nigeria denies persecution of Christians after US missile attack

Donald Trump said the US missiles on Christmas Day attacked 'terrorists' targeting Christians in Nigeria even as the Giant of Africa denied persecution of Christians in the country as claimed by the U.S. President

Donald Trump said the US missiles on Christmas Day attacked 'terrorists' targeting Christians in Nigeria even as the Giant of Africa denied persecution of Christians in the country as claimed by the U.S. President.

While confirming the U.S. missile attack in Northwest Nigeria, the local government dismissed Trumps assertions, saying armed groups target both Muslim and Christian communities in the country.

The Nigerian government also said the US claims that Christians face persecution do not represent a complex security situation involving ethnic, economic, and resource conflicts rather than solely religious genocide.

The Nigerian government also said the U.S. military action ignores efforts by Nigerian to safeguard religious freedom.

Trump orders Nigeria bombing

The missile attack on Nigeria was confirmed by Donald Trump on his Truth Social account.

Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The strikes reportedly involved over a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a U.S. Navy ship in the Gulf of Guinea, with some reports mentioning possible drone involvement from bases in Ghana.

The U.S. Department of Defense later released video footage showing a missile launch from a vessel.

Nigerian region targeted by the US military

Neither Trump nor the U.S. Department of Defense provided details of the specific region attacked by the American forces.

Some reports however said the U.S. missiles targeted northwest Nigeria's Sokoto State, near the border with Niger which is a predominantly Muslim state, and analysts note that most victims of violence in northern Nigeria are Muslims.

With a population of over 230 million people, Nigeria is perceived as a Muslim majority country. However, the Nigeria population is evenly split between Christians and Muslims.

As per the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 2024 survey, the population of Muslims and Christians in Nigeria is roughly 46% each whereas the remaining 8% are followers of traditional religions.

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Mark Cuban Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Mark Cuban said new graduates should set their sights on working in small to medium businesses.

The billionaire said new grads can help SMBs adopt AI agents, something big companies don't need them for.

Agentic AI has been one of the biggest topics in tech this year.

Mark Cuban has advice for new graduates: Aim for the small companies.

In an X post on Wednesday, the billionaire investor and former "Shark Tank" star said that new graduates should seek jobs in small to medium-sized businesses, because that's where they can add the most value.

Cuban said new grads can teach SMBs "how to use agents to optimize processes they couldn't take the time or afford to do manually."

"Big companies don't need new grads for this," he said. "Entrepreneurial companies will love the value you add."

He said job hunters should be aware that AI agents are where new grads can add "immediate value in ways the companies didn't know they needed."

AI agents are virtual assistants that can complete tasks autonomously, from start to finish, without requiring user prompts.

Companies have doubled down on AI agents this year. A study of more than 400 companies by software engineering management service Jellyfish said that agentic AI adoption in these companies had risen from 50% in December 2024 to 82% in May.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in January, "The age of agentic AI is here," and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman likened AI agents to junior employees.

Morgan Stanley said in a November note that it expects AI shopping agents to add $115 billion to the US e-commerce industry by 2030.

Cuban's comments come during a challenging time for new graduates, who are entering a market with a low number of open roles.

California-based employment company Handshake reported in May that job postings on its platform were down 15% compared to the previous year, and the number of applications per posting had increased by 30%.

Handshake said that of all the full-time job applications it had received from new graduates, more than a third went to companies with 250 employees or fewer.

And small companies are also trying to attract Gen Z graduates with something they value: the ability to work from home. Workplace researchers told Business Insider in July that these companies are offering flexible work arrangements to compete with big companies for top talent.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The University of Oklahoma has announced the removal of graduate teaching assistant Mel Curth from instructional duties following an investigation into arbitrary grading in the university's essay controversy. The decision, made public on 22 December 2025, stems from a student's claim of religious discrimination after receiving a zero on a psychology essay that cited the Bible to argue against multiple genders.

The case has attracted national attention, sparking debates on academic freedom and free speech. Samantha Fulnecky, the student involved, had her grade appeal upheld, with the assignment excluded from her final mark.

The Disputed Essay in the OU Controversy

The assignment required a 650-word response to an academic article on gender typicality and bullying in middle school students. Fulnecky submitted a 630-word piece asserting that there are only two genders as God created us, and describing societal acceptance of multiple genders as 'demonic' and severely harms American youth.

Curth, who is transgender, awarded zero points, noting it failed to address the prompt, relied on personal ideology rather than empirical evidence, and was offensive. 'To call an entire group of people 'demonic' is highly offensive, especially a minoritized population,' Curth wrote in her feedback.

A second instructor confirmed the grade, and Fulnecky, unaware of Curth's gender identity due to the online class, claimed the mark violated her religious freedoms. The controversy gained traction when Turning Point USA shared the essay, amassing 40 million views in less than a week.

Investigation and Decision

The university launched a grade appeal and discrimination investigation in late November. By early December, the appeal resulted in the assignmentworth 25 pointsand another not counting towards Fulnecky's grade, ensuring no academic harm. Curth was placed on administrative leave on 30 November.

The Provost and Dean reviewed Curth's prior grading patterns and statements, concluding the grading was arbitrary for this paper. The discrimination claim was investigated and concluded, though findings remain confidential.

In its statement, the university emphasised: 'We are committed to teaching students how to think, not what to think.' Curth's attorney, Brittany Stewart, said her client denies arbitrary behaviour and is considering an appeal.

Reactions from Campus and Beyond

The case sparked protests on campus, with hundreds rallying for Curth's reinstatement on 5 December. Another instructor faced scrutiny for offering credit for attending a pro-Curth protest. Conservative figures, including Governor Kevin Stitt and Ryan Walters, called for action, with Walters dubbing Fulnecky 'an American hero.'

The OU AAUP chapter demanded transparency and protections against political interference. On X, the AF Post reported the university's confirmation of arbitrary grading and removal.

The University of Oklahoma confirms that transsexual graduate teaching assistant Mel Curth graded Samantha Fulneckys psychology paper [arbitrarily] and has been removed from teaching positions at the university.



OU has not released findings on whether Fulneckys religious pic.twitter.com/jFzI0oqW8L  AF Post (@AFpost) December 23, 2025

As of 23 December 2025, Curth remains on leave pending potential appeal, while the university continues discussions with faculty on grading standards amid the ongoing University of Oklahoma essay controversy. The incident highlights tensions between academic rigour and free expression in US higher education, with no further actions announced yet.

Breaking News: The University of Oklahoma has announced that graduate instructor Mel Curth will no longer teach at the university of Oklahoma after she gave Samantha Fulnecky a zero on a final essay for citing the Bible pic.twitter.com/MiA8tkh9CH  The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) December 23, 2025

The scandal echoes a 9th Circuit Court ruling earlier this month, where a University of Washington professor's First Amendment rights were upheld after punishment for mocking land acknowledgments. The news had proliferated across platforms, as evidenced by X posts from The Calvin Coolidge Project detailing the removal and Bible citation, which quickly amassed over 15,000 views and prompted widespread commentary on balancing faith-based views with scientific coursework in modern curricula.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
Mercedes-Benz on Thursday said it completed the acquisition of a 3 per cent stake, worth 1.34 billion yuan (US$191 million), in motorcycle maker-turned-autonomous driving systems developer Chongqing Qianli Technology, three months after the deal was first announced.

The transaction involved Mercedes-Benz Digital Technology, the German carmaker's tech unit, and Shanghai-listed Lifan Holdings, which transferred 135.6 million shares of Qianli at 9.87 yuan per share.

Before the transaction, Lifan Holdings - once China's top motorcycle maker - held more than 5 per cent of Qianli's shares. After closing the deal, Mercedes-Benz became Qianli's fifth largest stakeholder.

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.

According to the terms of the deal, the transfer of the shares "will not lead to changes in the controlling shareholders and actual controllers of the company, and will not affect the offer for acquisition".

Mercedes-Benz said it was committed to not reducing its shareholding in Qianli for at least 12 months.

The acquisition underscored efforts by Mercedes-Benz to deepen its ties and strategic collaborations in the world's largest car market.

Chongqing Qianli Technology headquarters. Photo: Handout alt=Chongqing Qianli Technology headquarters. Photo: Handout>

Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and Volvo last month became the first foreign carmakers approved to deploy artificial intelligence chatbots in their vehicles in China, which marked a potential acceleration of Beijing's vetting process for AI services.

The Cyberspace Administration of China's Beijing branch registered the "Mercedes-Benz virtual assistant" as a generative AI service at about the same time when the regulator's Shanghai branch approved Tesla Shanghai's xBot service and Volvo's local chatbot Xiao Wo.

In the past few months, Mercedes-Benz has also invested in a number of China's rising AI companies.

Founded in 1992 as a motorcycle manufacturer, Lifan Holdings later broadened its operations to include automobile components. Its investors included a private equity fund supported by Chinese carmaker Geely and the municipal government of Chongqing.

Lifan Holdings chairman Yin Qi co-founded and previously served as CEO at Chinese AI firm Megvii, which is backed by Alibaba Group Holding. Hangzhou-based Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.
Meloni to Chigi Staff: 2025 Was Tough, 2026 Will Be Much Worse

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni delivered an unusually stark year-end message to the civil servants working at Palazzo Chigi, telling them that while 2025 has been a difficult year, 2026 is likely to be even harder.

Speaking on 23 December 2025 during the annual Christmas greetings for staff, Meloni struck a candid tone. She thanked employees for their work over the past year, called them a family and urged them to rest during the holidays, not simply to enjoy the break, but to prepare for what she described as a much more challenging year ahead.

The past year has been tough for all of us, but dont worry because next year will be even worse, she said, urging colleagues to recharge before returning to work.

Her message stood out from traditional festive speeches because of its blunt forecast. Rather than emphasizing improved prospects or congratulating her administrations achievements, Meloni focused on the difficulties she anticipates in the months to come.

Context and Implications

Italy has faced economic pressures in 2025, including sluggish growth, high public debt, and ongoing debates over budget priorities, all of which contribute to uncertainty about the near future. Analysts say these structural challenges could make domestic governance and policy-making more difficult in 2026. (Multiple outlets summarized her remarks and the broader environment following the speech.)

Critics and observers viewed Melonis remarks in different ways:

Some saw them as darkly humorous realism  a way of preparing her team and the wider public for political and economic turbulence ahead.

Others interpreted the tone as reflective of deeper concerns within the government about fiscal constraints and geopolitical pressures.

Whatever the intent, the speech marked one of the more unusual year-end messages from an Italian prime minister in recent years: a mix of personal appreciation for her staff and a stark warning about the months ahead.

What Comes Next

Melonis party and government will enter 2026 needing to address both domestic challenges  from public finances to voter confidence  and broader European dynamics, including economic conditions across the EU and security concerns. How this message resonates with public servants and the wider Italian population could influence political dynamics as the government moves into a new year.
Giulia Tofana: Inside the Poison Network That Shocked 17th-Century Italy

In the history of European crime, few names are as unsettling as Giulia Tofana. Active in southern Italy and Rome in the mid-1600s, Tofana became infamous as the alleged mastermind behind Aqua Tofana, a poison linked to dozens, possibly hundreds, of deaths. Her story sits at the intersection of crime, gender, and power in early modern Italy.

A discreet poison with deadly consequences

Aqua Tofana was described by contemporary sources as a colourless, tasteless liquid that could be administered in small doses over time. Its effects mimicked natural illness, making detection difficult in an era without modern forensic science. According to court records and later chronicles, the poison was sold primarily to women seeking to kill their husbands.

Historians still debate whether Tofana herself invented the formula. What is clearer is that her name became shorthand for the substance, suggesting a central role in its distribution and notoriety.

A network hidden in plain sight

Rather than operating alone, Tofana allegedly ran a small network of women in Naples, Palermo and Rome. Some sources describe the operation as semi-clandestine but socially embedded, with poison sometimes disguised as cosmetics or devotional items.

The clients, according to trial testimonies, were mostly married women with limited legal recourse. Divorce was virtually impossible, and women had few protections against violent or coercive husbands. For some, poison became a grim form of escape.

Authorities later claimed that more than 600 men died as a result of Aqua Tofana. That figure is widely considered exaggerated, but even conservative estimates suggest the scale was significant.

Arrest and execution

The operation unraveled in 1659, when a woman reportedly confessed to poisoning her husband and identified Tofana as her supplier. Tofana was arrested in Rome, tried, and publicly executed by hanging.

As with many early modern trials, the records are incomplete and shaped by confession, coercion and moral panic. Still, her execution marked the end of what authorities described as one of the most dangerous poison networks of the period.

Between myth and history

Over time, Giulia Tofanas story has drifted into legend. She has been portrayed as everything from a cold-blooded serial killer to a proto-feminist figure operating in a brutally unequal society. Most historians today reject these extremes, instead viewing her as a criminal actor shaped by the rigid social structures of her time.

What remains undeniable is the fear her name inspired. For centuries, Aqua Tofana lingered in the European imagination as a symbol of invisible, domestic dangerproof that some of the most lethal threats in history were not fought on battlefields, but slipped quietly into a glass of wine.

Giulia Tofanas legacy endures not because of what she represented, but because of what her story reveals: how power, desperation and secrecy can combine to deadly effect, especially when justice and choice are in short supply.
A unique and historic event is set to take place at the oldest intact operating lighthouse in the world this New Years Day.

At 1pm on January 1, the 800-year-old Hook Lighthouse in County Wexford will host the Dunbrody Archers for a traditional Arrow ceremony, reviving a centuries-old custom.

The Dunbrody Archers will be joined by Cllr John Dwyer, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of New Ross Council, to perform the Arrow ceremony.

This ancient tradition dates back to 1687, when the Mayor and corporation of New Ross Town Council asserted their authority over the tower and surrounding waters by travelling to Hook Head and shooting an arrow into the sea from the lighthouse.

During the ceremony, biodegradable arrows will be cast into the sea by the Cathaoirleach and the archers, symbolising the Port Authoritys jurisdiction over the estuary.

Members of the public are warmly invited to witness this evocative and free historical event at 1pm on New Years Day.

Larry Colgan, General Manager at Hook Lighthouse, commented: Hook Lighthouse is not only a beacon guiding ships safely along Irelands southern coast, but also a remarkable living link to our maritime history. This Arrow ceremony connects us to centuries of tradition, reminding us of the lighthouses vital role in local heritage and community. Were delighted to welcome visitors to experience this special event and the rich stories that make Hook so unique.

The Hook Lighthouse tour offers visitors the chance to climb 115 steps to the top of the tower, where stunning views and immersive holograms illustrate the lighthouses history and the wider Hook area. Originally, fires lit by monks in the 5th century warned ships of the perilous waters, a legacy continued through the lighthouses enduring presence.

Visitors are advised that the Hook Lighthouse Visitor Centre and Cafe will close on December 19th at 2 pm, reopening on December 26th at 10 am, and will remain open throughout the holiday season.

For more information on events and to plan your visit, visit www.hookheritage.ie.
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Two more teenagers have been charged following an investigation into the stabbing death of a 19-year-old in Aubin Grove on Wednesday night.

The teenage victim died after being discovered with stab wounds on a street in Perths southern suburbs on Christmas Eve.

A 19-year-old male has been charged with one count of murder, one count of deprivation of liberty and one count of aggravated armed robbery. A 17-year-old male has also been charged with the same list of offences.

The latest update follows the arrest of another 18-year-old who was charged with murder and faced Perth Magistrates Court on Friday where he spoke only to confirm he understood the charges before him.

A WA Police spokesman said the investigation is continuing and detectives urge anyone who was in the area of Talisker Gate around the time of the incident to contact CrimeStoppers.
HAYAH Insurance Company P.J.S.C., with a market cap of AED298 million, operates in the health and life insurance sectors. Despite being debt-free, the company is currently unprofitable with a negative Return on Equity of -1.7%. Its short-term assets significantly exceed liabilities, providing financial stability despite recent earnings challenges. The company's cash runway extends over three years even as free cash flow shrinks by 16.2% annually. Recent earnings reports indicate a net loss for the first nine months of 2025, contrasting with prior profits, highlighting volatility typical of penny stocks in this region's market landscape.

Operations: The company generates revenue from its Life segment, contributing AED79.05 million, and its Medical segment, adding AED31.67 million.

Overview: HAYAH Insurance Company P.J.S.C. offers health and life insurance solutions in the United Arab Emirates and internationally, with a market cap of AED298 million.

As the year draws to a close, Middle Eastern stock markets have faced challenges, with most Gulf indices declining due to lower oil prices impacting investor sentiment. Despite these broader market pressures, penny stocks remain an intriguing area for investors seeking opportunities in smaller or newer companies. Although the term "penny stocks" may seem outdated, these investments can still offer value and growth potential when backed by strong financials.

Story Continues

ADX:HAYAH Debt to Equity History and Analysis as at Dec 2025

Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: 

Overview: Big Tech 50 R&D-Limited Partnership focuses on investing in technology companies in Israel and has a market cap of 16.77 million.

Operations: Big Tech 50 R&D-Limited Partnership reported a revenue segment of Blank Checks amounting to -$2.08 million.

Market Cap: 16.77M

Big Tech 50 R&D-Limited Partnership, with a market cap of 16.77 million, is pre-revenue and operates debt-free with no significant liabilities. Despite this financial stability, the company remains unprofitable and has seen its losses increase by 35.8% annually over the past five years. The firm maintains a cash runway exceeding three years based on current free cash flow trends, yet its dividend yield of 28.07% is unsustainable given earnings constraints. While volatility has decreased from 10% to 4%, the lack of revenue growth and negative Return on Equity (-19.13%) underscore challenges typical in penny stocks within this sector.

TASE:BIGT Debt to Equity History and Analysis as at Dec 2025

Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: 

Overview: SavorEat Ltd. is a company that produces cellulose-based meat substitutes designed to mimic the eating experience of real meat, with a market cap of 4.81 million.

Operations: SavorEat Ltd. has not reported any revenue segments.

Market Cap: 4.81M

SavorEat Ltd., with a market cap of 4.81 million, is pre-revenue and currently unprofitable, facing increased losses at 2.5% annually over the past five years. The company operates without debt and has no long-term liabilities, but its cash runway is less than a year based on current free cash flow trends. Short-term assets of 6.2 million cover short-term liabilities of 840,000, yet the lack of significant revenue streams presents challenges typical for penny stocks in this sector. The board's average tenure is 5.9 years, providing some stability amidst financial uncertainties.

TASE:SVRT-M Debt to Equity History and Analysis as at Dec 2025

Taking Advantage

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include ADX:HAYAH TASE:BIGT and TASE:SVRT-M.

This article was originally published by Simply Wall St.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
When you arrive at the Solas Visitor Centre, or Solas - Scealta an Atlantaigh, in Eachleim and enter the main viewing room, four life-size figures of young men stare back at you. Clad almost uniformly in crew-necked jumpers, faces not smiling but not sad, three with hands comfortably behind backs, one arms folded to his front, an air of acceptance mixed with confidence stare back at you. A transformation takes place. You become the watched not the watcher.

Who are those young men?

They are four Inishkea islanders. Im guessing that the crew neck geansais worn by the men may have reflected the whaling station company that was based on the island in the early years of the twentieth century. The names are Tuirleach O Raghallaigh, Sean Mag Fhionnachtaigh, Micheal O Mhuineachain and Padraig Mag Fhionnachtaigh. All four were drowned on October 29th, 1927, along with six more of their comrades.

Solas and its excellent team have to be complimented for the work they do. In two years time a century will have passed since the Inishkea sea tragedy but Solas, amongst other projects, has become the repository and centre of what that tragedy actually did, its impact on the island and its impact on the area surrounding Blacksod Bay. The four young men staring down at you from the monochrome print are connected to you via their place on that wall in the viewing room. In essence they remain timeless, a reminder to us all of their sacrifice, yet eternity.

Solas is an appropriate repository for the young men looking down at you. Inishkea Islands, the site of their birth, lays due west of Solas. A two-mile direct line from the monochrome picture lies the shore where John and Anthony Meenaghan, two of the survivors, were washed ashore alive on Glosh Beach. From there they made their way to Paddy Conaltys pub in Eachleim where they raised the alarm. Conaltys pub is about two hundred metres from Solas and Teach John Joe stands next to it today. The beach from Glosh to Tirrane and the nearby sand dunes were the receptive sites for the other bodies washed up almost a hundred years ago.

Having the good fortune as a child to have grown up amid the people who came from Inishkea, the faces of the four young men are reflected in many of their descendants that I know to this day. Almost uncannily so.

My own link to island life is via my grandmother who lived in a parallel world up in Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal. Born on an island and only coming ashore at eighteen, speaking only Irish, seeing two of her brothers perish at sea and a third lost with the belt of a spade over a disputed stone wall boundary, the majesty and pain of island life lies deep within my psyche. I understand Synges telling Yeats what he loved about the Aran Islands was all that had edge, all that is salt in the mouth, all that is rough to the hand, all that heightens the emotions by contest, all that stings into life the sense of tragedy. That is the Inishkeas too.

Before the War of Independence, many of the then poets, painters, dreamers and revolutionaries such as de Valera, Collins, Keating, Yeats and Pearse saw the islands off our coasts as the last remaining repositories of what the Gael encompassed. Much of it was a genuine effort to recapture the past, some of it was romantic twaddle and unreal. Ireland was/is an island off Europe, separated by the British mainland. Ireland the island has itself an orbit of islands, its own satellites. Tim Robinson cartographer and historian stated: Islands, by their very definition, beg the question of beginnings. Never more than todays uncertain world is Robinsons quote more apt.

However, after the War of Independence came the poisonous Civil War. Eamon de Valera and indeed Collins saw a new reality. The islands and their lore, language and ancient people would have to soldier on alone. The heart of a nation had to be fought for first. de Valera, having helped start the Civil War in 1922, then waited, not recognising the Dail until 1928 when Sean Lemass declared Fianna Fail is a slightly constitutional party... but before anything we are a republican party as they finally took their seats in Dail Eireann.

Nation building and power shattered the rose tinted views of poetic and dreamy ancient Ireland off our coasts. We agree that island life was abandoned early in the nascent Free State but it started with the ripping up of the rail links to the margins. The lines to Gaoth Dobhair, Killala, West Clare, Valentia in Kerry and Clifden in Galway amongst many others were firstly abandoned. Cut the arterial links and the flowers will wither on the vine.

Diarmaid Ferriters excellent book, On The Edge, about Irelands islands quoted Sean MacGrath, an official in the Land Commission on reports of distress in Achill island circa 1925: As much as has been done in that way to better Achill for the islanders as can be done... on the other hand it should be the aim of a native government to even up conditions all over the area of its jurisdiction and put an end to any drain on the Exchequer... it is plain that the island and the surrounding districts is an undue drain on the resources of Co Mayo and of the Saorstat.

The dry and cold words of MacGrath reflected government thinking. Even up conditions was achieved by essentially abandoning the western seaboard in favour of east of the Shannon. By the early 1940s, the de Valera government itself executed some of its own former comrades from the War of Independence.

That radical political - and some might aver, pragmatic shift - rendered issues like island life, ancient lore, language and the ideals espoused by Synge, Yeats and Lady Gregory in the ditch. A terrible beauty had been born but parts of it were already abandoned. That was then and this was now... reality some might say as the West bled its finest youth to emigration to help even up the rest of the new nation.

The loss of its young life blood in the Inishkea Disaster was the islands demise. In early 1931, the evacuation of the two islands started and was completed by 1934. Again referencing Ferriters book, the cost of the operation of moving to the mainland came to 13,000. The Land Commission who oversaw the move then washed their hands of the islanders now on the mainland. Bluntly put, the islanders werent given enough land to make a living but still now depended more than ever on the island to fish from, graze cattle and sheep. Ferriters account notes dryly that the islanders were left, literally, neither here nor there. Apt and true.

Into the lacuna of survival came reality. The Celts last great march westward, in this case America, was epitomised by the Inishkea islanders seeking work in the Boston and New York areas of the USA along with the usual migration to Scotland and England. Places like Holyoke and Springfield, Mass, along with the Bronx in New York and Charlestown and South Boston. In turn, they set up home there and for many of the early generation, island life and Inishkea was to the forefront. Amongst Our Own, by local author Tomas Ban O Raghallaigh, is essential reading in understanding the Inishkeas.

Tomas Bans parents were islanders as were/are most of his his relations and his ability to connect all the dots necessary to understand the islands past and present is essential reading for anyone interested in the jewel Inishkea is. Tomas links the connections between the island, the mainland and the Americas and UK in a comprehensive manner.

Tomas gives us a picture of the iron will of its people. An earlier writer, Scottish novelist Innes Shand, circa 1884, and quoted by Ferriter described the Inishkea thus: Where people form an independent state of their own and must be pretty near heathens. They acknowledge no landlord... pay no rates... elect their own monarch... they have an idol they regularly worship and propitiate before their boats put to sea.

Shand didnt understand the islanders. The idol they worshiped was a simple old religious icon. The islanders knew the idol would stay loyal to the island, the priests and officials wouldnt. The idol bridged that gap between pagan Ireland and St Patricks Christianity. It took the rest of the nation another century at least to catch up with the islanders prescient judgement of temporal and pastoral man. They early on realised that the direct line to the Man Above was often the best.

Despite the savage toll the October 1927 disaster took on the islanders, French archaeologist Francoise Henry stated a decade later in 1937 about the Inishkea fishermen: Those men of Inishkea are the first in Ireland that I have seen put fishing ahead of everything.

A further decade later, in 1946, she noted: This dying island. The sea gnaws at it, breaking the granite slabs, throwing them back on top of the cliffs, devouring the sand whenever it can reach it. The wind wears it away little by little removing the dunes. The rabbits undermine it... the sheep gnaw it away.

But Madame Henry was wrong. The islands survived in a different way. Pat Rua Reilly, a 1927 survivor, in a 1990 interview stated on being asked how the families of the drowned sea men got on, replied: They got on all right, they had to bear it out.

Stoic, solid and soulful, Pat Ruas words are the image of the man himself, an image I saw first hand from my own grandmother. Acceptance and faith. Onwards.

The islands today have a new lease of life. The original islanders descendants still fish the area around the islands. I see them steaming towards the fish banks as early as five oclock on a summers morning. Others ply their trade with taking tourists out, giving them an adventure combining the islands history with the seas a round them, replete with dolphins, seals and sharks.

The islands now link with Solas and the lighthouse and Blacksod pier - a combined effort at revitalising the area. The future is bright. Roots long laid down by Irish language college Uisce has seen many of its past pupils return and settle in the area and use the skills they received down there to good effect. From surf schools, island tourism, spreading the language and citing the islands as the jewel in the centre, a tide has been turned in the lower Erris peninsula.

The four young men, monochrome and silent, watch over proceedings at Solas, their present home connecting them with their past. And if youre lucky and the sun is setting on a late October evening, if you look closely from Tarmon Hill and pick out the Inishkea Islands lying in the declining red sunset you might just pick out the high water mark of its peak on shore beneath the once white-washed little cottages before that fateful storm of October 1927 changed its life forever.
Nvidia (NVDA) is back in the news as it is reported that the company is planning to resume the shipment of its H200 AI chips as early as the middle of February, subject to approval by the U.S. government. As reported by Reuters, Nvidia has informed its customers in China of its plan to ship between 5,000 and 10,000 units of its H200 modules, comprising between 40,000 and 80,000 chips, before the Lunar New Year festival.

This would represent the first significant opening of U.S. exports of advanced AI chips to China since the restrictions were enacted under the previous administration. The trigger for this development came courtesy of the current administrations move by President Donald Trump, announcing the possibility of allowing exports on payment of a 25% charge, pending an inter-agency review that may take place in the coming weeks. However, nothing is certain at this point, and delays are always possible.

More News from Barchart

For investors, the important thing isnt whether H200 shipment volumes will register meaningfully this quarter, which they probably wont, but rather whether this is a sign of a return toward normalcy regarding Nvidias China exposure.

About Nvidia Stock

Nvidia develops leading-class GPUs and comprehensive AI computing solutions that range from data centers to gaming, autonomous cars, and visualization technologies. Founded in Santa Clara, California, Nvidia has evolved as the most critical infrastructure player within the AI ecosystem worldwide, boasting a market capitalization of approximately $4.46 trillion.

Within the previous 12 months, the NVDA stock has been very elusive yet upward-trending, fluctuating between a 52-week low of $86.62 and a high of $212.19. The stock is recently trending around $187, having surpassed the S&P 500 ($SPX) by over 40% within the previous year.

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Valuations remain high but not completely decoupled from fundamentals. Nvidia is now trading around 41 times forward price-earnings multiples, with a price-sales multiple of around 33.7 times. These are levels that are completely unprecedented for most companies, but Nvidia can command this premium on an underlying basis of 55.9% profit margins, 99% return on equity, and a structurally scarce supply of AI hardware.
Nvidia recently struck a $20 billion deal to acquire the brains of a fierce rival, marking its biggest move to date in the AI arms race. However, the massive chip manufacturer may soon have to respond to more difficult inquiries about the future of its chips.

CEO Jensen Huang offered further detail in an internal email obtained by CNBC.

The move comes as Nvidia is getting more attention in Asia. Megaspeed International, a fast-growing Singapore-based importer of Nvidia chips, is being looked into for possibly smuggling banned H100 and H200 chips into China, according to a recent Bloomberg report.

The world's most valuable chipmaker is now stuck between two extremes: It has to deal with rising geopolitical threats and regulatory difficulties in one of its hottest regions while still dominating AI infrastructure around the world.

Nvidia plays offense on AI and now must defend its supply chain.Photo by I-HWA CHENG on Getty Images  Photo by I-HWA CHENG on Getty Images

Nvidia buys brainpower, not branding, in record-breaking Groq deal

Groq, a nine-year-old firm started by former Google TPU engineers, was never for sale  at least not in public. But Nvidia came in with a $20 billion deal that includes licensing Groq's cutting-edge AI inference technology and bringing on its top leaders, such as CEO Jonathan Ross.

Sources informed CNBC that Nvidia is really buying all of Groq's assets, except for a small GroqCloud firm, even though Groq called the purchase a "non-exclusive licensing agreement."

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This is Nvidia's biggest deal ever in terms of money. The price of $20 billion is over three times what Groq was worth in its most recent investment round, which was $6.9 billion.

It also beats Nvidia's previous record, the $7 billion purchase of Mellanox in 2019, by a wide margin.

Key takeaways on Nvidia-Groq deal:

Nvidia now controls Groqs high-speed inference chip designs, allowing tighter integration into its broader AI platform.

Groqs leadership, including Ross and president Sunny Madra, will join Nvidias leadership team.

The remaining GroqCloud unit will continue operating independently, led by its CFO.

This aggressive move is like Nvidia's smaller but similar AI acquisition in September, when it spent $900 million for chip IP and key staff from Enfabrica.

U.S. authorities zero in on Nvidia's Southeast Asian partner

As Nvidia continues to lead in AI, it is being caught up in the sticky politics of the semiconductor supply chain.

Megaspeed International, which used to be a small part of a Chinese gaming company, is now Nvidia's biggest customer in Southeast Asia. But U.S. investigators are now looking into the company because it may have smuggled prohibited AI chips into China.
Nvidias (NVDA) licensing deal with chip startup Groq (GROQ.PVT) shows how the tech giant is leveraging its massive cash pile to sustain its preeminence in the AI market.

Nvidia this week said it struck a non-exclusive deal with Groq to license its technology and hired the startups founder and CEO Jonathan Ross, its president, and other employees. CNBC reported the agreement to be worth $20 billion, marking Nvidias largest-ever deal. (The company declined a request for comment on the figure.)

More from Yahoo Scout How do Groq's LPUs compare to Nvidia's GPUs? Why are analysts questioning the $20 billion valuation? What is Nvidia's broader AI investment strategy? What makes Nvidia's Groq deal strategically significant?

Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon said in a note to clients Thursday that the Nvidia-Groq deal appears strategic in nature for NVDA as they leverage their increasingly powerful balance sheet to maintain dominance in key areas. Nvidias cash inflow climbed more than 30% from the previous year to $22 billion in its most recent quarter.

"This transaction is ... essentially an acquisition of Groq without being labeled one (to avoid the regulators' scrutiny)," added Hedgeye Risk Management analysts in a note Friday.

The move is just the latest in a string of AI deals by Nvidia, the worlds first $5 trillion company. The chipmakers investments in AI firms span the entire market, ranging from large language model developers such as OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) and xAI (XAAI.PVT) to neoclouds like Lambda (LAMD.PVT) and CoreWeave (CRWV), which specialize in AI services and compete with its Big Tech customers.

Nvidia has also invested in chipmakers Intel (INTC) and Enfabrica. The company made a failed attempt around 2020 to acquire British chip architecture designer Arm (ARM).

Nvidias wide-ranging investments  many of them in its own customers  have led to accusations that its involved in circular financing schemes reminiscent of the dot-com bubble. The company has vehemently denied those claims.

Groq, meanwhile, was looking to become one of Nvidias rivals.

Founded in 2016, Groq makes LPUs (language processing units) geared toward AI inferencing and marketed as alternatives to Nvidia's GPUs (graphics processing units).

Training AI models involves teaching a model to learn patterns from large amounts of data, while "inferencing" refers to using that trained model to generate outputs. Both processes demand massive computing power from AI chips.

While Nvidia easily dominates the chip market for AI training, some analysts argue that Nvidia could soon see greater competition in the inference space. Thats because custom chips like Google's (GOOG) TPUs (tensor processing units)  and arguably Groqs chips called LPUs (language processing units)  may be better suited for certain tasks. LPUs, for instance, are faster and more energy efficient when used for certain models, utilizing a type of memory technology called SRAM within the chips. On the other hand, Nvidia GPUs rely on off-chip HBM made by companies like Micron (MU) and Samsung (005930.KS).
PETRONAS LNG, a subsidiary of PETRONAS, has signed a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with CNOOC Gas and Power Singapore Trading & Marketing.

Under the agreement, PETRONAS LNG will deliver one million tonnes per year (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

This deal represents a significant milestone in the companies long-standing collaboration, strengthening energy ties amid Asias changing gas landscape.

It is intended to bolster Chinas economic development and advance its clean energy objectives, including the Dual Carbon goals.

Chinas targets are to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060.

PETRONAS LNG marketing and trading vice-president Shamsairi Ibrahim said: This agreement marks an elevation of our relationship with CNOOC, advancing our shared commitment to energy security and a lower carbon future.

Beyond supplying LNG, it reflects the continued development of our long-term partnership. PETRONAS remains committed to delivering reliable and cleaner LNG solutions, working with partners to advance shared energy transition goals.

As Asia intensifies its shift toward cleaner energy, PETRONAS will keep supplying LNG from its established portfolio, bolstering its regional footprint and aiding the move toward lowercarbon energy solutions.

Earlier in November, Petronas, via Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM), formalised several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with international partners during the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference 2025.

These collaborations will focus on advancing seismic imaging methods and integrating AI and machine learning, supported by high-performance computing.

The MoUs involve partners such as Beicip-Franlab, ConocoPhillips, Eliis, Microsoft, PTTEP, Shell, SLB, and TotalEnergies.

According to Petronas, integrating agentic AI and dynamic modelling will facilitate real-time data analysis, ongoing forecasting and decisive action in operations.

"PETRONAS signs sale and purchase agreement with CNOOC" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Nicki Minaj has deactivated her Instagram account after a surprise appearance at a major event for conservative organizing machine Turning Point USA.

The people of the internet noticed that the Anaconda rappers Instagram had gone dark on Wednesday, just days after she buddied up with rising Republican celebrity Erika Kirk, the widow of late activist and Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk, on the final day of the organizations four-day AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday.

Buzz: Brigitte Bardot, 1960s Sultry Movie Star Turned Animal Rights Activist, Dies At 91

During the conversation, Minaj told Kirk she had the utmost respect and admiration for President Donald Trump, saying, I dont know if he even knows this, but hes given so many people hope.

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Though her Instagram is still offline, she remains active on X, where she shared Christmas wishes along with a post that said, Angels bow before him. Heaven & Earth adore him. What a mighty God we serve, on Friday.

Nicki Minaj has deactivated her Instagram just days after her surprise appearance on Turning Point USA's AmericaFest conference on Sunday, pictured here. Caylo Seals via Getty Images

Minaj told rising Republican star Erika Kirk she had "the utmost respect and admiration" for President Donald Trump during the event. Caylo Seals via Getty Images

While reps for Minaj did not immediately respond to HuffPosts questions about her Instagram exit, the rap diva did address backlash over her new support for the president while talking to Kirk.

Asked how she felt about political blowback from people within her industry, the Super Bass rapper simply said, I didnt notice.

Buzz: Rob Reiner Confided In Michael Douglas About Son Nicks Struggles Before His Death

Minaj, who is better known for her feuds with fellow music-makers like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion and Taylor Swift than her politics, began publicly revealing her allegiance to Trump in November when she shared a video from the official White House TikTok lauding his anti-trans and anti-immigration policies, which featured her track Va Va Voom as backing.

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She officially aligned herself with the president after he vowed to protect Christians in Nigeria from mass slaughter by Islamic terrorists, later speaking about this issue on his administrations behalf at a United Nations event on Nov. 18.

The rapper spoke on the Trump administration's behalf during a Nov. 18 United Nations panel on "Combatting Religious Violence and the Killing of Christians in Nigeria." ANGELA WEISS via Getty Images

The Nigerian government has contested claims of targeted religious persecution, saying armed jihadists have been waging a campaign of violence on people across the West African nation, regardless of background or belief.

Minaj hasnt always had nice things to say about the president. During a 2020 interview, she said his term-one policy of separating migrant children from their guardians didnt make her eager to jump on the Donald Trump bandwagon.

That is what really raised my eyebrows, said the Trinidadian-born star, who in 2018 said she was an illegal immigrant when she moved to the U.S. as a child. That is what made me go, Something about this doesnt sit right in my spirit.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
US-based Picard Medical has entered into a definitive agreement to privately place senior secured notes totalling up to $50m, maturing in 2028, along with warrants for common stock purchase.

The transaction will see WestPark Capital act as sole placement agent.

The company plans to initially issue $15m in principal amount of notes at the time of closing, with the option to fund up to another $35m principal amount in one or more tranches, subject to specified conditions.

These notes will represent senior secured obligations for Picard Medical.

Net proceeds from the financing are intended for use as working capital and for general corporate purposes.

Picard Medical is the parent company of SynCardia Systems, a Tucson, Arizonabased entity that commercialises, develops, and manufactures the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart (STAH).

This implantable system fully replaces the function of a failing or failed human heart and is the only artificial heart to have received approval from both Health Canada and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The STAH remains the only commercially available artificial heart in Canada and the US.

With over 2,100 STAH implants conducted at hospitals in 27 countries, the system is said to be the most widely used and extensively studied artificial heart globally.

In April 2023, Picard Medical signed a definitive agreement to merge with Altitude Acquisition (ALTU), a special-purpose acquisition company. The deal estimated an enterprise value of $480m for Picard Medical.

The move paved the way for Picard Medical to become publicly listed. All equity holders of the company rolled 100% of their existing equity holdings into the new combined public company.

"Picard Medical enters agreement for $50m senior secured notes" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




Bonnie Blue has once again landed in hot water with the Indonesian authorities after the OnyFans star was seen insulting the Southeast Asian nations flag, which has since gone viral. The clip was filmed in front of Jakartas embassy in London after Blue was deported from Bali earlier this month, after she landed in legal trouble over filming adult content.

Indonesia lodges complaint against Bonnie Blue

Bonnie Blue has seen her share of trouble with the authorities over the past months after she was detained in Indonesia after being accused of making adult content in violation of the countrys laws. She was eventually fined and deported from Bali.

The controversial OnlyFans star hit back at the country with another controversial display.

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In a clip that has since gone viral, Blue, whose real name is Tia Billinger, can be seen in front of Jakartas embassy in London. She is holding a red-and-white flag surrounded by a group of masked men. Yes, I got arrested in Bali, and so for my last time, I came to the embassy so they could watch in person, she says in the video before pinning the flag at the back of her dress and dragging it around.

She made some more controversial comments in the video, provocatively speaking about Indonesia and its flag.

The move ignited an angry reaction from the authorities and people of Indonesia.

Indonesia, which has already banned Bonnie Blue for 10 years, lodged a formal complaint with the UKs foreign ministry and police over the incident (via SCMP).

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This is hardly the first controversy that Bonnie Blue has been involved in. Before the controversy in Indonesia, Blue was already banned from Australia. This was after she announced her plans to film adult content with barely legal boys during the Schoolies Week.

She was also declared a prohibited immigrant in Fiji after she attempted to film her content there.

Originally reported by Sourav Chakraborty on Mandatory.

The post OnlyFans Bonnie Blue Finds Herself in Trouble With Indonesia appeared first on Reality Tea.
Bonnie Blue has once again landed in hot water with the Indonesian authorities after the OnyFans star was seen insulting the Southeast Asian nations flag, which has since gone viral. The clip was filmed in front of Jakartas embassy in London after Blue was deported from Bali earlier this month, after she landed in legal trouble over filming adult content.

Indonesia lodges complaint against Bonnie Blue

Bonnie Blue has seen her share of trouble with the authorities over the past months after she was detained in Indonesia after being accused of making adult content in violation of the countrys laws. She was eventually fined and deported from Bali.

The controversial OnlyFans star hit back at the country with another controversial display.

Advertisement Advertisement

In a clip that has since gone viral, Blue, whose real name is Tia Billinger, can be seen in front of Jakartas embassy in London. She is holding a red-and-white flag surrounded by a group of masked men. Yes, I got arrested in Bali, and so for my last time, I came to the embassy so they could watch in person, she says in the video before pinning the flag at the back of her dress and dragging it around.

She made some more controversial comments in the video, provocatively speaking about Indonesia and its flag.

The move ignited an angry reaction from the authorities and people of Indonesia.

Indonesia, which has already banned Bonnie Blue for 10 years, lodged a formal complaint with the UKs foreign ministry and police over the incident (via SCMP).

Advertisement Advertisement

This is hardly the first controversy that Bonnie Blue has been involved in. Before the controversy in Indonesia, Blue was already banned from Australia. This was after she announced her plans to film adult content with barely legal boys during the Schoolies Week.

She was also declared a prohibited immigrant in Fiji after she attempted to film her content there.

The post OnlyFans Bonnie Blue Lands in New Trouble With Indonesia Amid Arrest appeared first on Mandatory.
Its been a tough year for Meghan King. And shes not afraid to admit it. The Real Housewives of Orange County alum shared a cryptic message on her social media about her challenging year after losing custody of her kids to her ex-husband Jim Edmonds.

Meghan King expands on tough year as she navigates the holidays without her kids

Photo Credit: Meghan King/Instagram

Meghan shared a popular meme on her Instagram stories last week. The meme said, It was a tough year, but at least I didnt buy a Labubu.

She additionally captioned the post Butttttt a bunch of super-rare stuff happened (just saying). Meghan added the shrug emoji almost as if she is resigned to the challenges shes facing now.

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The social media post comes just weeks after Meghan and Jim reached a custody agreement for their children. Before this, things were already rough with the former couples split. Meghan temporarily lost custody of the kids after giving one of the twins, Hayes, unprescribed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication.

An insider told Page Six that Hayes has not been diagnosed with ADHD. The outlet also shared that Jim and his current wife, Kortnie Edmonds, were contacted by Child Protective Services (CPS) and flew from Tennessee to the children in Missouri.

The former couple decided that Meghan will only visit their three children, Aspen and twins Heart and Hayes, for a few weeks every summer. They will live in Tennessee full-time. Meghan did see her children for the holidays.

Meghan and Jim were married in 2014 and finalized their divorce in 2021.

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After the custody agreement, Meghan took to her IG to share the cryptic meme and message. She followed this with another message thanking the universe.

This morning the universe reminded me that maybe I dont need to disguise the cracks, Meghan wrote on Friday, December 12. Maybe instead I can fill them with color and purpose. Thank you, universe.

The Real Housewives of Orange County streams on Peacock.

TELL US  DO YOU THINK THINGS WILL BE BETTER FOR THE CHILDREN NOW IN TENNESSEE? WOULD YOU WANT TO SEE MEGHAN BACK ON RHOC NOW THAT SHES IRONED OUT HER LEGAL ISSUES?

The post RHOC Alum Meghan King Shares Vague Holiday Message After Losing Custody of Children appeared first on Reality Tea.
After having a "Hannah Montana summer" in Wisconsin, Bachelor Nation's Hannah Godwin came back to town for a Hallmark movie Christmas.

Godwin and her husband, Dylan Barbour  the two met on "Bachelor in Paradise"  are Green Lake regulars. While Barbour grew up in Orange County, California, his family has had a lake house in GL for a while, Godwin explained in a 2024 TikTok.

Godwin typically gives glimpses into her and Barbour's Wisconsin trips to her massive social media following. And this time would be no exception.

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Godwin compiled several video clips of the family's festive set-up that looked straight from a movie set, including a stunning tablescape, a row of matching red and white stockings hung above a stone fireplace, greenery punctuated with big red bows, an ornament-filled tree with beautifully wrapped presents next to it, and the glistening lake.

It was giving "Ralph Lauren Christmas" with plaid accents, a teddy bear pillow and even a "Barbour's Coffee" mug that looked just like the Ralph's Coffee ones.

"pinching myself because I just woke up in a hallmark movie ," Godwin wrote over the video, set to the moving "Maestro" by Hans Zimmer from the 2006 rom-com, "The Holiday."

"Thankful for someone with your reach romanticizing Wisconsin!! Its the best place! ," a TikTok user commented.

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"Omg did you have to leave your big job in the city to save Dylans small town Christmas tree farm?!," an Instagram user asked.

"EXACTLY," Godwin responded.

When it came time to open presents, Godwin did her own spin on the trending Anthropologie rock prank, which she shared in another video.

If you're not familiar with the prank: Essentially, a significant other acts all excited that they got their hands on an a decorative rock from Anthro  usually, at a steep price  and shows their partner. The partner is typically confused as to why their S/O paid so much for ... a rock.

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On Christmas Eve, Godwin and choreographer Alexa Moffett searched high and low for the perfect rock, then practiced having Moffett gift it to Godwin, Godwin shared on her Instagram Story. Ultimately, they decided it may be better if they just improvised.

As Godwin opened the rock  for real this time  with her hubby sitting next to her, she really sold the performance.

"Shut up. No. My heart's actually beating so fast," Godwin said, adding that she had been on the waitlist for it.

"I actually want to cry," she said. "You're so thoughtful."

Barbour grinned in disbelief.

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"I don't understand," he said as Godwin got up to hug Moffett.

"This is too much," Godwin said, noting that the rock was even in the color she wanted, letting out an excited shriek.

"Are you guys messing with me? Barbour asked. "Is this a joke? It's got to be a joke."

"And, scene," Godwin said, revealing it was indeed.

"I had to look at everyones reactions I was blown away," Barbour commented on his wife's video. Though, he noted that this happening wasn't "out of the realm of reality."

As far as real gifts go, Godwin gave her followers a peek. While Barbour "is not the best at hiding secrets for gifts," he was "soooo excited" about the group's monogrammed Ralph Lauren robes, Godwin shared on her Insta Story.

More about Hannah Godwin and Dylan Barbour

Godwin appeared on Season 23 of "The Bachelor," and Barbour was on Season 15 of "The Bachelorette." In 2019, the two went on "Bachelor in Paradise," which features former "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" contestants, and ended up getting engaged during the show's season finale.

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Not long after the couple's 2023 Wisconsin getaway, they tied the knot in a "dreamlike" wedding at the Chateau de Villette in Condecourt, France.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 'The Bachelor's' Hannah Godwin has Hallmark movie Christmas in Wisconsin
Note: This story contains spoilers from Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2.

Eight is back  and so is actress Linnea Berthelsen.

Exactly eight (ha) years after appearing in Stranger Things 2, Berthelsen returns to the hit Netflix sci-fi series as Kali Prasad. The newly-released Stranger Things 5 Volume 2 teases a big role for Eight in the shows finale.

But who is the actress behind this character, and what is Eights overall role in Stranger Things' past and future? Read on to find out.

Who is Linnea Berthelsen?

Linnea Berthelsen is a relatively unknown actor who has gained recognition for her role in Stranger Things. Born in India and raised in in Denmark, Berthelsen started her career by appearing in a number of short films including Mirrors, Teenland and Natskygge.

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In 2017, Berthelsen gained recognition for her role in Stranger Things as Elevens sister, Kali Prasad (also known as Eight). Berthelsen appeared in three episodes of Stranger Things' second season, including the infamous episode The Lost Sister.

Outside of Stranger Things, Berthelsen hasnt appeared in much. The actress, did, however, star in four episodes of the sci-fi series Devs. Devs was created, written and directed by Alex Garland, whose cinematic credits include 28 Days Later, Ex Machina, Annihilation, Civil War and, soon, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Berthelsen appeared in the acclaimed series, about a software engineer investigating the mysterious death of her boyfriend, as Jen, the coworker and companion of the shows main character, Lily.

Who is Eight?

Kali Prasad is a sister of Elevens, with both having been essentially raised by Dr. Martin Brenner as test subjects at Hawkins Lab. While Eleven developed telekinetic and telepathic abilities, Eights powers give her the ability to cause hallucinations and psychic manipulations.

Before being taken to Hawkins Lab, the Rainbow Room and a life of experimentation, Kali grew up in London, where she was abducted at the age of 5. Eventually, Kali escaped the lab, joining up with a gang to kill the people who ruined her life.

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Kalis past became the center of the Stranger Things 2 episode The Lost Sister, where Eleven joins up with the gang and (as Hopper points out in Stranger Things 5 Volume 2) learns the word bitchin. The episode was controversial for being a massive diversion from the main storyline of the shows second season.

What is Eights role in Stranger Things 5?

Throughout the first volume of Stranger Things 5, Hopper and Eleven attempted to break into a room in the Upside Down where they thought Vecna was being held by the military. In the military base, they discover that who they thought would be Vecna is actually Eight, held captive by Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton) and her team. Its the first time that Kali (and Linnea Berthelsen) has appeared in the show since Stranger Things 2.

Eleven and Hopper bring Kali with them out of the Upside Down, with Hopper and Kali butting heads over Elevens role in the world to come. After being abducted by the military for a second time, Kali remains aggressive and vindictive, attempting to enlist Eleven to help her stop their activities for good.

In the penultimate episode of Stranger Things (and the final episode of the fifth seasons second volume), Kali makes a plan with Eleven that involves the two of them sacrificing themselves when they destroy the Upside Down. This, Kali surmises, would keep the military and government from ever being able to create more superpowered children, as losing both Henry Creel and Eleven would destroy their two most powerful entities.

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Its unclear what role Kali will play in the final episode, though it seems clear that she has no intention of allowing Eleven to live if it means putting more children in danger. This will likely lead to a confrontation between Kali and Hopper, whose sole goal this season has been keeping Eleven safe and alive.

Fans will have to wait until New Years Eve to see if Hopper is on a fools errand in the final episode of Stranger Things.

The post Who Is Linnea Berthelsen? Meet the Stranger Things Actor Behind Kali/Eight appeared first on TheWrap.
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Credit: Hasan Baglar

These are the 10 most captivating award-winning photographs of 2025, showcasing the very best in wildlife, macro, landscape, astrophotography, food photography and more.

Discover the visuals that amazed judges, from erupting volcanoes to awe-inspiring galaxies, and the gear and stories behind these photo contest winners from the last year

The Long Shadow  Christopher Harrison

Discover the full story here | Credit: Christopher Harrison, British Photography Awards 2025

British Photography Awards Drone category

Drone Photo Awards Nature category

Gear: DJI Air 2S

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Christopher Harrison's The Long Shadow is one of 2025's most celebrated drone images. Shot with a DJI Air 2S, this photograph captures a solitary tree casting a long shadow across misty Oxfordshire fields at sunrise. The dramatic light cloud inversion and aerial perspective showcase why Harrison secured top honors in both competitions.

Tauhi  Miesa Grobbelaar

Read the full story behind the still here | Credit: Miesa Grobbelaar /TNC 2025 Oceania Photo Contest

Oceania Photo Contest Grand Prize + People & Nature category

Miesa Grobbelaar's Tauhi captures a dramatic moment underwater as a diver frees a humpback whale entangled in a rusted chain. This nature photograph combines tension, emotion and human-nature connection, highlighting both the vulnerability of marine life and the courage of those protecting it.

Last Fireworks  Alex Wides

Epson International Pano Awards Open Photographer of the Year + Nature/Landscape category

Gear: Sony A7 IV + fisheye lens

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Alex Wides' Last Fireworks is a breathtaking 360 desert panorama, captured at sunset using a Sony A7 IV and fisheye lens. This panoramic photograph combines vibrant skies, dramatic rock formations and meticulous multi-exposure stitching to create an immersive landscape experience.

Danlock  Hasan Baglar

Read the full story here | Credit: Hasan Baglar

Cewe Photo Award Grand Prize + Close-up/ Macro category

Gear: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV + 100mm macro lens

Hasan Baglar's Danlock captures two praying mantises seemingly dancing in perfect sync, celebrating the beauty and intimacy of wildlife up close. This macro photograph combines precision, patience and a rare natural moment to win the world's biggest photography competition.

The Andromeda Core  Weitang Liang, Qi Yang & Chuhong Yu

Get more information and discover more winning images here | Credit: Weitang Liang, Qi Yang, Chuhong Yu

ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year (Royal Observatory Greenwich) Overall Winner



Gear: PlaneWave Instruments CDK20 telescope, Baader LRGB and Chroma H-alpha filters, PlaneWave Instruments L500 mount, Moravian Instruments C3-61000 Pro camera



The Andromeda Core reveals the galaxy's intricate central structure in stunning detail. Captured with a long focal-length telescope and multiple long exposures totaling 38 hours, this astrophotography showcases swirling gas clouds and sparkling stars above Nerpio, Spain.

The Anthropocene Illusion  Zed Nelson

Discover the full story and more winners here | Credit:  Zed Nelson, United Kingdom, Winner, Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, Sony World Photography Awards 2025

Sony World Photography Awards Professional Competition + Wildlife & Nature category

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Zed Nelson's The Anthropocene Illusion examines the fractured relationship between humans and wildlife, capturing a chimpanzee with the painted enclosure of Shanghai Wild Animal Park.

Beating 419,820 entries from 206 countries, this photograph not only earned top honors but also drew global attention to the fragile balance between humans and wildlife, sparking conversation about conservation and our role in the natural world.

The Elderly Having Delicious Food  Xiaoling Li

More information and category winners here | Credit: Xiaoling Li/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem Bimi Broccolini

World Food Photography Awards Overall Winner

Xiaoling Li's image celebrates friendship, joy and the simple pleasures of food, showing five elderly women in Sichuan Province, China, sharing rolls and laughter in colorful attire. The composition and vibrant colors beautifully convey cultural tradition and communal connection.

Ancient Rivals  Amith Eshel

Read the story behind the still and more about the gear here | Credit: Amit Eshel, Nature inFocus Photography Awards 2025

Nature inFocus Photography Awards Animal Behavior category

Gear: Canon EOS R5, RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

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Amit Eshel's Ancient Rivals captures an Arctic wolf stalking a herd of musk oxen on Ellesmere Island, Canada. The wolf's intense focus and the herd's protective formation tells a dramatic story of predator-prey dynamics in the Arctic wilderness. This image combines timing, composition and deep knowledge of wildlife behavior to win recognition for its gripping depiction of survival in extreme conditions.

Etna's Paroxysm  Gianluca Gianferrari

Get more details about this awarded shot here | Credit: Gianluca Gianferrari

Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award Grand Prize

Gianluca Gianferrari's Etna's Paroxysm captures glowing lapilli erupting from Mount Etna, Sicily, against a snow-covered landscape. The dramatic contrast between molten fire and icy terrain, combined with perfect timing and composition, transforms a volcanic eruption into a vivid, almost painterly spectacle.

This powerful image earned him the world's richest photography prize, highlighting nature's unpredictable beauty and elemental force.

Fishing in Raining Season  Kyaw Zay Yar Lin

Explore more about the story and gear here | Credit: Kyaw Zay Yar Lin, Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year 2025

Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year (Royal Meteorological Society) Mobile category

Gear: Xiaomi camera phone



Kyaw Zay Yar Lin's Fishing in Raining Season captures two Inle Lake fishermen navigating a sudden monsoon storm in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, in Southeast Asia. Their traditional single-leg, single-oar technique was frozen in vivid detail.

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Against splashing water and torrential rain, this striking photo demonstrates the power of mobile photography, combining timing, skill, and modern technology. It showcases how smartphones can rival traditional cameras in capturing dramatic moments.

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Browse the best professional cameras, the best camera for beginners, the best mirrorless camera and the best DSLRs.

Looking for competitions to enter? Here are 10 photo contests now open for entries from December to May.
Northern Europe is often praised for its order, efficiency, and dramatic landscapes, but Southern Europe consistently delivers experiences that feel warmer, richer, and more deeply human. From sun-soaked coastlines and historic cities to relaxed daily rhythms and vibrant food cultures, the southern part of the continent offers a lifestyle that many travelers find more inviting.

While Northern Europe can feel reserved and expensive, Southern Europe tends to be more open, social, and affordable, making it easier to connect with both places and people. Long meals, late evenings, and outdoor living define the culture, encouraging visitors to slow down and truly enjoy their surroundings. The climate alone makes a compelling case, with more sunshine, longer summers, and milder winters. For many travelers, Southern Europe simply feels more alive.

Beyond weather and scenery, Southern Europe excels in cultural depth, everyday pleasures, and emotional warmth. Ancient ruins sit beside lively cafes, while centuries-old traditions continue to shape daily life in visible and meaningful ways. Food is not rushed but celebrated, turning every meal into an experience rather than a necessity.

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Locals often prioritize relationships, leisure, and joy over rigid schedules, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and human. Art, music, and history are woven into ordinary streets rather than confined to museums. These qualities make Southern Europe a destination that consistently outshines the North for travelers seeking richness, connection, and soul.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

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The Amalfi Coast combines dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and colorful villages that feel carved into the landscape itself. Coastal towns like Positano and Ravello offer breathtaking views that change with every step and every hour of sunlight.

The Mediterranean climate allows visitors to enjoy outdoor cafes, seaside walks, and boat trips for most of the year. Fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and locally grown lemons define a cuisine rooted in tradition and simplicity. Unlike many northern coastal regions, the Amalfi Coast feels vibrant and social rather than quiet and reserved. Every moment here feels cinematic, warm, and deeply sensory.

Life along the Amalfi Coast moves at a relaxed yet joyful pace that encourages visitors to slow down. Locals value long lunches, family gatherings, and evening strolls through narrow streets. The regions history is visible everywhere, from ancient churches to Roman ruins overlooking the sea. Small beaches and hidden coves provide intimate experiences rather than crowded tourist scenes.

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Art, music, and craftsmanship remain part of everyday life rather than tourist attractions alone. Compared to Northern Europes cooler and more restrained destinations, the Amalfi Coast feels emotionally rich and endlessly inviting.

Seville, Spain

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Seville is a city defined by warmth, color, and a deep sense of cultural pride. Its historic center is filled with Moorish architecture, orange-lined streets, and lively plazas that encourage social life outdoors. Flamenco music and dance are not performances for tourists but living traditions rooted in everyday culture. The citys climate allows for late dinners, long evenings, and vibrant nightlife well into the early hours. Tapas culture turns eating into a social ritual rather than a scheduled event. Compared to Northern European capitals, Seville feels more expressive, passionate, and alive.

Daily life in Seville revolves around human connection rather than efficiency. Locals gather in plazas, cafes, and family homes, prioritizing conversation and presence. Historic landmarks like the Alcazar and Seville Cathedral coexist naturally with daily routines. Spring festivals such as Semana Santa and Feria de Abril showcase community, tradition, and joy on a grand scale. The citys affordability makes it accessible without sacrificing quality of life. Sevilles warmth, both climatic and emotional, consistently outshines the cooler, quieter cities of the north.

Lisbon, Portugal

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Lisbons hills, river views, and pastel-colored buildings create a city that feels both historic and effortlessly charming. Sunlight reflects off tiled facades, giving the city a golden glow that defines its atmosphere. Neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto invite slow exploration through winding streets and hidden viewpoints. Seafood-based cuisine, fresh pastries, and strong coffee are central to daily life. The Atlantic climate provides mild winters and long, pleasant summers. Lisbon feels welcoming and relaxed compared to many northern capitals.

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The citys culture values music, storytelling, and nostalgia, most famously expressed through fado songs. Locals take time to enjoy meals, conversations, and riverside walks. Historic trams and viewpoints blend function with romance rather than efficiency alone. Lisbon offers excellent value, making high quality of life accessible to visitors and residents alike. The pace encourages reflection rather than constant productivity. Against Northern Europes often formal atmosphere, Lisbon feels warm, soulful, and deeply human.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

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Dubrovniks medieval walls and Adriatic setting create one of Europes most striking coastal cities. The contrast between ancient stone streets and clear blue water is visually unforgettable. Walking through the old town feels like stepping into living history rather than a preserved museum. The Mediterranean climate allows outdoor dining and swimming for much of the year. Fresh seafood and regional wines anchor the local culinary culture. Compared to colder northern cities, Dubrovnik feels sun-lit and emotionally rich.

Life in Dubrovnik balances history with everyday enjoyment. Locals swim near ancient walls and gather in small cafes after work. The citys slower rhythm encourages lingering rather than rushing. Cultural festivals and music events reflect a strong sense of local identity. Even crowded seasons maintain a sense of beauty and warmth. Dubrovniks blend of history, climate, and lifestyle consistently outperforms Northern Europes more reserved destinations.

Athens, Greece

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Athens offers a rare combination of ancient civilization and modern Mediterranean life. The Acropolis rises above a city full of cafes, markets, and neighborhoods buzzing with daily activity. Warm weather supports outdoor living, from rooftop dining to evening walks. Greek cuisine emphasizes sharing, simplicity, and fresh ingredients. History is not distant but part of everyday surroundings. Compared to Northern Europes structured cities, Athens feels layered, expressive, and alive.

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Athenians value social interaction and long conversations over rigid schedules. Cultural life extends beyond museums into music, theater, and street life. The citys affordability allows visitors to experience richness without excessive cost. Coastal areas nearby add beaches and sea breezes to urban life. Athens blends intellectual depth with relaxed Mediterranean rhythm. This balance gives it a vibrancy rarely matched in the north.

Barcelona, Spain

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Barcelona combines architecture, beaches, and culture into one dynamic urban experience. Gaudis buildings give the city a playful, artistic identity rarely found in Northern Europe. The Mediterranean climate allows beach days alongside city exploration. Food culture emphasizes sharing, variety, and pleasure rather than formality. Neighborhoods feel social and lived-in rather than strictly functional. Barcelonas energy feels creative rather than restrained.

Daily life revolves around public spaces, markets, and community interaction. Locals gather for long lunches and late dinners. Cultural festivals bring entire neighborhoods together in celebration. The city encourages walking, wandering, and discovery. Compared to Northern Europes reserved cities, Barcelona feels emotionally open and inspiring. It rewards curiosity and presence rather than punctuality alone.

Florence, Italy

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Florence is a living museum where art and history shape everyday life. Renaissance architecture defines the cityscape, creating beauty at every turn. Warm weather supports outdoor dining and evening strolls along the Arno River. Italian cuisine here is simple, seasonal, and deeply satisfying. Life feels centered on enjoyment rather than speed. Compared to Northern Europe, Florence feels intimate and soulful.

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Residents value craftsmanship, tradition, and quality over efficiency. Small workshops and family-run businesses remain central to the economy. Art is part of daily awareness, not confined to galleries alone. The pace encourages appreciation and reflection. Florence invites emotional engagement rather than passive observation. This depth makes it endlessly rewarding.

Nice, France

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Nice blends Mediterranean warmth with French elegance, creating a lifestyle that feels both refined and relaxed. The citys palm-lined Promenade des Anglais offers daily views of turquoise water and sunlit skies. Unlike many Northern European cities, Nice encourages outdoor living through cafes, markets, and seaside walks. The climate allows residents and visitors to enjoy fresh air and sunshine most of the year. Local cuisine focuses on fresh ingredients, olive oil, and seafood rather than heavy, cold-weather meals. The overall atmosphere feels lighter, more social, and more emotionally open than destinations farther north.

Life in Nice revolves around balance rather than efficiency alone. Locals prioritize long lunches, casual conversations, and unhurried evenings by the sea. Art and culture are integrated into daily life instead of reserved for formal institutions. The city feels sophisticated without being stiff or distant. Neighborhoods maintain a strong sense of community and local identity. Compared to Northern Europes reserved tone, Nice offers warmth in both climate and character.

Sicily, Italy

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Sicily delivers a powerful mix of dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and deeply rooted traditions. Volcanoes, beaches, and historic towns exist side by side, creating constant visual and cultural contrast. The islands warm climate supports outdoor living and social gatherings year-round. Sicilian cuisine reflects centuries of influence, emphasizing bold flavors and local ingredients. Daily life feels expressive rather than restrained, with strong emotional and cultural identity. Compared to Northern Europe, Sicily feels raw, passionate, and unmistakably alive.

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Life in Sicily places family, food, and tradition at the center of daily routines. Time is flexible, allowing moments to unfold naturally rather than on strict schedules. Local markets feel personal and communal instead of transactional. History is visible everywhere, not separated from modern life. Conversations are lively and deeply human. This emotional richness consistently sets Sicily apart from the cooler, more reserved north.

Porto, Portugal

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Portos historic streets and riverside setting create a city filled with warmth and character. The Douro River defines daily life, offering scenic walks and social gathering points. Sunlight reflects off colorful buildings, giving the city a welcoming glow. Portos food and wine culture emphasizes tradition, comfort, and shared experiences. The climate is mild, encouraging year-round outdoor activity. Compared to Northern Europe, Porto feels more relaxed and emotionally accessible.

Life in Porto moves at a thoughtful, unhurried pace. Locals value conversation, long meals, and connection over productivity alone. Architecture tells stories rather than striving for modern perfection. The city feels authentic rather than curated. Affordability enhances quality of life without sacrificing culture. Portos warmth and depth make it more inviting than many northern cities.

Valencia, Spain

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Valencia combines Mediterranean beaches with historic streets and modern creativity. The city enjoys abundant sunshine that naturally supports outdoor living. Food culture centers on fresh produce, shared meals, and local tradition. Neighborhoods feel lively without being overwhelming. Public spaces encourage social interaction rather than isolation. Compared to Northern Europe, Valencia feels lighter, friendlier, and more human-scaled.

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Daily life in Valencia balances work and leisure with ease. Locals gather in parks, plazas, and markets throughout the day. Cultural festivals animate the streets without disrupting everyday rhythm. The city remains affordable while offering high quality of life. Green spaces support relaxation and reflection. Valencia consistently delivers warmth, accessibility, and joy that northern cities often lack.

Naples, Italy

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Naples is intense, energetic, and deeply authentic in a way few cities can match. The streets are alive with conversation, food, and movement at all hours. Warm weather encourages constant outdoor interaction and social life. Neapolitan cuisine is simple, bold, and emotionally satisfying. History exists everywhere, woven into daily routines. Compared to Northern Europe, Naples feels unapologetically human and expressive.

Life in Naples prioritizes emotion, family, and presence over order. Streets act as shared living spaces rather than mere transit routes. Traditions remain strong and visible across generations. Art and history are lived, not observed from a distance. The city thrives on personality rather than perfection. This raw energy makes Naples unforgettable compared to more reserved northern destinations.

Crete, Greece

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Crete offers a powerful combination of beaches, mountains, and ancient culture. The islands climate supports outdoor living for most of the year. Food is based on local ingredients, tradition, and simplicity. Villages maintain strong community bonds and hospitality. Life moves at a calm and natural rhythm. Compared to Northern Europe, Crete feels grounded, warm, and deeply connected to nature.

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Daily life on Crete emphasizes family, land, and tradition. Nature is not an escape but part of everyday experience. History feels accessible rather than distant or formal. The pace encourages reflection and balance. Social life remains central and welcoming. Crete offers emotional richness that northern destinations often lack.

Malta

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Malta combines Mediterranean sunshine with layers of ancient history. The sea shapes daily routines, from meals to movement. Outdoor life dominates social interaction throughout the year. Cuisine reflects diverse influences while remaining deeply local. Streets feel lively and intimate rather than reserved. Compared to Northern Europe, Malta feels warmer and more personal.

Life in Malta values connection and tradition over speed. History is visible everywhere, not confined to museums. Communities remain close-knit and socially active. The climate supports a relaxed daily rhythm. Conversations unfold slowly and naturally. Malta consistently delivers warmth, depth, and accessibility beyond what the north offers.

Sardinia, Italy

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Sardinia offers pristine coastlines and deeply rooted traditions. The island feels timeless and unhurried. Food culture emphasizes local produce and simplicity. Nature plays a central role in daily life. Communities remain closely connected. Compared to Northern Europe, Sardinia feels calm, authentic, and emotionally rich.

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Life in Sardinia values longevity, balance, and outdoor living. Locals prioritize quality of life over constant productivity. Landscapes encourage reflection and calm. Traditions remain strong across generations. The pace allows space for connection. Sardinias depth makes it far more rewarding than northern destinations.

Andalusia, Spain

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Andalusia is defined by sunshine, history, and expressive culture. White villages and Moorish architecture shape its identity. Flamenco and festivals remain part of everyday life. Food culture is social and joyful. Outdoor living dominates daily routines. Compared to Northern Europe, Andalusia feels passionate and open.

Life here values celebration and human connection. History remains alive rather than preserved at a distance. Evenings stretch late into warm nights. Towns feel welcoming and deeply social. The rhythm encourages enjoyment rather than urgency. Andalusias warmth surpasses the north in every sense.

Corsica, France

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Corsica blends rugged mountains with Mediterranean coastline. Nature feels powerful and close at all times. Food reflects strong regional pride. Life moves at a measured, intentional pace. Traditions remain deeply rooted. Compared to Northern Europe, Corsica feels raw and alive.

Daily routines center on family and landscape. Coastal towns encourage slow, reflective living. History feels personal rather than institutional. Outdoor life is constant and natural. The island values independence and balance. Corsica offers emotional depth rarely found in the north.

Montenegro Coast

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Montenegros coast combines dramatic mountains with clear Adriatic waters. Historic towns feel intimate rather than overdeveloped. The climate supports long summers and relaxed days. Food is simple, fresh, and local. Life unfolds without constant urgency. Compared to Northern Europe, Montenegro feels open and welcoming.

Community life remains strong and visible. Nature dominates the experience rather than infrastructure. Affordability enhances comfort and accessibility. History blends seamlessly with modern life. The pace encourages presence and appreciation. Montenegros coast consistently outshines colder northern alternatives.

Puglia, Italy

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Puglias white towns and olive groves create a calm and grounded atmosphere. The region feels authentic and unhurried. Cuisine focuses on tradition and local ingredients. Outdoor living defines daily routines. Communities remain close and social. Compared to Northern Europe, Puglia feels deeply human.

Life in Puglia values simplicity and connection. Landscapes encourage reflection and stillness. History feels accessible and lived-in. The pace allows meaningful moments to unfold. Quality matters more than speed. Puglia delivers warmth and depth that northern destinations rarely match.
5 Places Where the Top 1% Love to Vacation for the Holidays

According to the Forbes Research 2025 Mass Affluent Survey, 59% of wealthy people with investable assets between $200,000 and $2 million considered travel a sign of success. Respondents reported that travel was their second-highest expense costing $1,228 a month.

To look into some of the destinations that they flock to for vacations, such as winter holidays, GOBankingRates consulted luxury travel experts who helped determine where wealthy travelers spend their winter holidays. These are the popular destinations the top one percent prefers for their winter holidays.

Read More: 5 Ways To Travel Like a Millionaire Without Spending Like One

Find Out: 6 Safe Accounts Proven To Grow Your Money Up To 13x Faster

Turks & Caicos

For travelers seeking sun and total privacy during the holidays, Turks & Caicos remains a top choice, said Willie Fernandez, the chief sales and marketing officer at Rental Escapes.

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For those looking to get away during the Christmas holidays, full private island rentals are often sought, allowing guests to take over an entire island with multiple villas, full staff, private beaches, yacht docks, and curated holiday programming.

Fernandez noted that guests traveling during the Christmas holidays can enjoy festive beachfront dinners, decorated living spaces, and holiday celebrations amid the warm Caribbean breeze.

When it comes to prices, wealthy guests pay a premium to travel during the Christmas holidays, spending anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000 for a one-week stay at a luxury villa or on a private island.

Paris, France

Paris continues to reign supreme, with New Years at the legendary Hotel de Crillon topping our list of bespoke holiday experiences, remarked Richard Krieger, a travel expert and director at Sky Vacations.

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Throughout the trip, the wealthy guests have curated private-access museum touring, exclusive shopping appointments, and a chartered luxury dinner cruise on the Seine.

The dinner cruise begins at $8,800 for 10 guests, but the wealthy travelers will splurge for a stay at the Suite Duc de Crillon in the Hotel de Crillon, where the average cost is $11,800 per night. When it comes to activities, the wealthy will spend $600 for a New Years Eve dinner and wine pairing at Nonos by Paul Pairet.

Lisbon, Portugal

Krieger shared that the top 1% will spend their days during the winter holidays exploring the citys festive charm, from the Lisbon Christmas Market to Wonderland Lisboa. Some will indulge in private port and wine tastings featuring rare vintages, priced at $750 per guest.

When it comes to accommodations, the ultra-wealthy choose the citys most prestigious address, the Almada Negreiros Suite at the Four Seasons, where rooms start at $21,000 per night.

Athens, Greece

Surprising to some but increasingly beloved by global elites, Athens has emerged as a captivating holiday destination with its mild December climate, radiant light, and vibrant cultural scene drawing sophisticated travelers in record numbers, remarked Krieger.

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He found that wealthy travelers who prefer a milder climate will gravitate towards this part of Europe for their winter escape.

When it comes to tourist attractions, Krieger noted that one experience rises above all, and its a private, before-hours visit to the Acropolis, which starts at around $6,500 for up to five guests. Wealthy travelers who pay for this option can spend two hours alone at this ancient site.

As for accommodations, the wealthy will stay at the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne, where the Royal Suite costs $20,000 per night. Those who are looking to celebrate New Years Eve will spend $700 for dining at Tudor Hall.

Monaco & Monte Carlo

LaDell Carter, the lead luxury lifestyle travel designer and founder at Royal Expression Travels, pointed out that the top one percent will visit Monaco and Monte Carlo for a glamorous holiday experience because the region turns into a winter wonderland as of Dec. 5. She added, Visitors stroll down red-carpeted streets, surrounded by twinkling lights, listen to the roar of engines of the boats docked in the harbor, and visit a sophisticated winter market designed for families.

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Wealthy travelers will arrive in Monaco via a 7-minute private helicopter flight from Nice Airport, which costs approximately $2,000. For activities, holiday dining usually takes place at the Buddha Bar, others sip hot chocolate in the lobby of the Fairmont, and some may relax with spa treatments at the Guerlain Spa at Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo. The rich guests will book the Carre dOr Suite at Hotel Metropole, where rooms start at around $8,500 per night.

Carter emphasized that the common thread among wealthy travelers is the depth of the experience, not the cost or status, but instead how thoughtfully it was crafted to meet their unique preferences.

For our clients, the holidays are not about where others go; its about selecting environments that are deliberate, cinematic, and uniquely their own, she explained.

The wealthy travelers spend a significant amount on unique winter holiday escapes, as they also face a premium due to holiday-related demand surges.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Places Where the Top 1% Love To Vacation for the Holidays
For many travelers, a vacation feels incomplete without their dog. Hiking through towering forests, splashing in clear lakes or relaxing at a scenic overlook just feels better when your furry best friend is at your side. Luckily, there are plenty of dog-friendly national parks across North America where your pup can join the adventure.

These parks not only welcome dogs, but also offer pet-friendly trails, campgrounds and even beach areas. From the sun-soaked desert landscapes of Arizona to the rugged coastal cliffs of Canada, you can explore nature without leaving your pet behind. Whether you prefer epic road trips or weekend getaways, the following destinations promise unforgettable memories for you and your four-legged travel buddy.

Acadia National Park  Bar Harbor, Maine

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Acadia National Park is a paradise for dogs and their owners. Nearly 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads welcome leashed pets. The parks coastal scenerygranite cliffs, ocean views and wildflower meadows  offers plenty of photo-worthy moments. Jordan Pond Path and the Ocean Path are perfect for scenic walks with minimal elevation gain.

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Bar Harbor makes a great base for exploring Acadia, and dog-friendly patios serve fresh lobster rolls, while local ice cream shops even offer pup cups. In summer, the parks cool breezes make long walks pleasant, while fall brings a kaleidoscope of foliage. Several Bar Harbor inns provide dog beds, water bowls and treats, so your pet feels as welcome as you do.

Shenandoah National Park  Luray, Virginia

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Shenandoah National Park boasts over 500 miles of trails, and most are open to leashed dogs, making it a favorite among dog-friendly national parks. Scenic Skyline Drive winds through the park for 105 miles, offering incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pullouts along the drive let you and your dog stretch your legs while enjoying panoramic vistas.

Popular hikes include the easy Stony Man Trail and the longer Rose River Loop with waterfalls and shaded paths. The parks campgrounds welcome pets. The nearby town of Luray offers pet-friendly cabins, farm stays and even vineyards where dogs can sit in outdoor tasting areas. Shenandoahs spring wildflowers and crisp autumn weather make it a year-round destination for canine explorers.

Grand Canyon National Park  Tusayan, Arizona

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While dogs cannot go below the rim in Grand Canyon National Park, they are welcome on the 13-mile Rim Trail and in developed areas along the South Rim. The Rim Trails mostly flat terrain means you can take in sweeping canyon views without an intense workout, making it great for older dogs.

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The parks Pet Kennel is handy if you want to explore more challenging trails without your dog. In Tusayan, which is only a few miles from the Grand Canyon, pet-friendly hotels often provide shaded outdoor areas and easy access to walking paths. Morning and evening visits are best for cooler temperatures. There are several picnic spots where you and your pup can watch the sunset over one of the most famous landscapes in the world.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park  Brecksville, Ohio

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Located between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a green escape filled with more than 110 miles of trails. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a favorite among dog owners for its wide, flat route through forest and along the Cuyahoga River.

Brandywine Falls, a 65-foot waterfall, is accessible via a short walk on a dog-friendly boardwalk. The parks mix of meadows, wetlands and woodlands means new scents and sights for your dog at every turn. Then, in the nearby city of Brecksville, breweries often welcome dogs on patios. There are also several cozy inns with fenced outdoor areas for off-leash play after a day of exploring.

Glacier National Park  West Glacier, Montana

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Glacier National Park has stricter pet rules inside the park, but the surrounding Flathead National Forest and Glacier View Ranger District offer miles of dog-friendly hiking. Scenic drives along Going-to-the-Sun Road let you experience glacier-carved valleys and alpine lakes without leaving your dog behind.

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West Glacier has several pet-friendly cabins and lodges, many with easy access to lakes and rivers. Summer visits are best for wildflower meadows, while fall offers fewer crowds and cooler weather for hiking. If you stick to developed areas, Glaciers jaw-dropping scenery ensures both you and your pup have an unforgettable trip.

Yosemite National Park  Mariposa, California

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Yosemite National Park allows dogs on paved paths, including those near Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. The iconic Tunnel View lookout is easily accessible and provides one of the parks most famous panoramas.

The area of Mariposa offers pet-friendly lodging and easy access to Yosemites main attractions. Early morning is the best time to explore before the crowds arrive. In addition to that, the Merced River picnic areas are a relaxing spot to enjoy lunch while your pup lounges in the shade. Yosemite Valleys mix of waterfalls, meadows and towering cliffs makes even a short walk an awe-inspiring experience.

Which National Parks In Canada Allow Dogs?

While owners may assume their canine companion will be welcomed wherever they are, some national parks arent ideal for four-legged friends. It is very important to check whether you are visiting dog-friendly national parks. For that reason, Canadas Banff and Cape Breton Highlands National Parks are top choices for dog owners. Banff offers mountain views, lakes and year-round activities. Cape Breton Highlands has scenic coastal trails and plenty of campgrounds. Both parks require dogs to be leashed at all times for safety.

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While other Canadian parks allow dogs, rules vary. Always check park websites before you visit. Pet-friendly accommodations in nearby towns can make planning easy though. Heres what else to know about the top two dog-friendly national parks in Canada that give you the chance to share the beauty of the wild spaces with your furry best friend.

Banff National Park  Alberta, Canada

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Banff National Park is one of Canadas most beautiful destinations and a highlight in any list of dog-friendly national parks. Dogs can join you on many trails, including Tunnel Mountain, Fenland Trail and Bow River. The crisp mountain air and turquoise lakes make for spectacular walks year-round.

The town of Banff has patios where your dog can sit with you while you enjoy a craft beer or fresh-baked pastries. In winter, snowshoeing on pet-friendly trails is a magical experience. Dog-friendly hotels here often provide dog beds, food bowls and even welcome packages with local treats.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park  Nova Scotia, Canada

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Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a coastal gem that combines rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and forested highlands. Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails there, including the popular Skyline Trail with its sweeping Gulf of St. Lawrence views.

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Cabot Trail drives are a must with scenic pullouts perfect for quick walks and photo ops. Many inns in Cheticamp and Ingonish welcome pets with some offering special pet guest packages with treats and maps to local dog parks. Summer brings cool ocean breezes, while autumn transforms the park into a sea of red and gold leaves.

Leash Requirements In Dog-Friendly National Parks

Most dog-friendly national parks in the United States and Canada require leashes no longer than six feet. This protects wildlife and keeps your dog safe, per Canadas park guidelines. Leashes also ensure that dogs dont disturb other visitors or fragile ecosystems. Even in open areas, like beaches or dunes, leashes are usually required. Some parks have pet relief areas where you can take breaks. However, dog owners should expect to keep an eye on their companion at all times. Its also important to note that travelers should always bring waste bags to clean up after your dog. Following leash rules keeps these parks open to pets.

Dog-Friendly Amenities

Many dog-friendly national parks offer water stations, shaded picnic areas and designated trails. Some even have dog wash stations near campgrounds to keep four-legged friends clean after their adventure. Visitor centers often provide maps with pet-friendly routes too. In some parks, kennels are available for when you want to explore areas that are less dog-friendly. Nearby towns usually have dog parks, grooming services and pet supply stores. Planning ahead helps you take full advantage of these amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which national park is most dog-friendly?

Acadia National Park in Maine is often considered the most dog-friendly, per Bring Fido. It has nearly all trails and carriage roads open to leashed pets. It also has nearby dog-friendly lodging.

Is Yellowstone dog-friendly?

Yellowstone has strict pet rules, according to the National Park Services website. Dogs are allowed in developed areas, parking lots and within 100 feet of roads, but not on trails or boardwalks.

Are dogs allowed at the Grand Canyon?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the South Rim Trail and in developed areas. They must be leashed and a kennel is available for longer hikes, per the National Park Service.







The post 8 Dog-Friendly National Parks To Enjoy With Your Furry Best Friend appeared first on Travel Noire.
Frustrated consumers often turn to Channel 2 Consumer Investigator Justin Gray when they cant get help after fraud on their bank accounts.

But Gray spoke to a Stone Mountain couple who wanted to share the steps they took to fight fraud themselves.

I said, Jim, we have got to get online and look at this, said Debbie Stanhouse.

She says she is meticulous about regularly watching the family checking account and noticed something out of the ordinary: (I) noticed two transactions totaling $5,040 less in our checking account that we had not done.

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Those transactions were at an art gallery in Naples, Florida. The Stanhouses later learned they were in-person purchases, but they were in Stone Mountain at the time, a more than eight-hour drive away.

We even called the gallery in Naples, and they said that didnt happen here, Debbie Stanhouse said.

After an investigation, their bank, Wells Fargo, told the Stanhouses their claim was denied, that there were no irregularities.

We were really shocked when that came back and we thought, you know, what are we going to do now? Debbie Stanhouse

Thats the point where many people turn to Channel 2 Action News.

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The Stanhouses have watched some of those stories.

They saw Gail Basss fight with Truist over StubHub tickets she didnt purchase.

I have enough money in my account that if I wanted to buy concert tickets, I dont have to get Truist to pay for them, she said.

Police even told Trevis Scott to call Gray over a fraudulent Best Buy purchase.

The detective was telling me there was a similar story on WSB a couple of weeks ago you may want to reach out to them so Im here today, Scott said.

But Jim Stanhouse is a financial planner himself, and they went through some of the steps Gray suggests on their own.

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They requested the investigative file and filed a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The Stanhouses also placed spending limits and set purchase alerts for their debit card.

Who has time to do this? You know, in this everyday life, this is a lot, Jim Stanhouse said.

But after what they estimate to be more than 40 hours of work, the Stanhouses did get the decision reversed and their money back:

We are pleased we were able to resolve this issue for our customer. We conducted a thorough review and completed our investigation and claim decision after reviewing additional information. Wells Fargo

Ive told all my clients about my adventure to help them, you know hopefully avoid it in the future, Jim Stanhouse said.

A lot of people, you know, if this happens to them, theyre gonna give up along the way, he said.

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Jim Stanhouse even typed up lessons learned he wanted to share, including setting up withdraw limits and, most importantly, dont ever give up until your bank does the right thing.

Tips:

Monitor account activity and consider using your banks mobile app.

Report suspicious transactions or activity immediately.

If youre waiting for a new card in the mail, track its delivery and contact your bank immediately if its delayed, lost or stolen.

Activate account alerts including transaction and limit notifications

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Store visits across the UK high street were down 13pc year-on-year on Dec 23 - Reuters

Struggling discount chain Poundland is preparing to call on millions of pounds in emergency financing to combat a worrying slump in trading.

The retailer will soon begin drawing down on a 30m overdraft granted by its previous owners, Pepco.

The Polish company agreed to provide the capital in a last-ditch deal to offload the business to new investors.

The chain was rescued in the summer by distressed investment specialist Gordon Brothers as part of a court-sanctioned restructuring plan that paved the way for it to close scores of loss-making stores.

It reported that the Boston-based investment firm acquired Poundland for 1, a deal that protected most of the 16,000 staff employed across 825 UK stores.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pepco agreed to provide its former subsidiary with substantial funds, including an immediate 30m loan and a separate 30m debt tranche in the form of an overdraft.

Gordon Brothers subsequently shut two of Poundlands warehouses and 68 of its worst-performing stores in a push to boost the retailers profitability, putting more than 2,000 jobs at risk.

However, Poundlands struggles have intensified amid a broader slump in festive sales across the sector.

New figures from Sensormatic show that store visits across the UK high street were down 13pc year-on-year on Dec 23, typically one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Retailers are also now anticipating a further drop in sales in January, according to a survey from the Confederation of British Industry, which revealed bosses expectations are at their weakest level since March 2021.

Gordon Brothers informed Pepco of its wish to draw down on the credit facility in recent weeks as trading fell short of forecasts, creating a liquidity crunch.

Poundland plans to access the emergency funding in two stages, drawing down its first instalment in January before reaccessing it later this year.

Pepco is understood to have initially resisted the request, raising fresh concerns about Poundlands survival prospects.

However, an agreement was reached at a board meeting, alleviating concerns about its immediate future.

A phalanx of advisers has overseen the proposals. Gordon Brothers drafted in a team of forensic accountants from AlixPartners to carefully monitor Poundlands cash flow shortly after taking over in July.

Poundlands board has enlisted its own specialist corporate financiers from FRP Advisory to observe performance.

The budget chain is on track to close around 130 stores by next February under the restructuring plan implemented by Gordon Brothers.
The Maldives isnt just a destination, its a meditation in blue. A constellation of coral atolls scattered across the Indian Ocean, it trades in impossible turquoise waters, whispering palms, and sunsets that spill gold over glassy lagoons. But like any great natural paradise, it comes in seasons with moods, some sunnier than others, some wild with marine life, and others so quiet youll swear the universe paused just for you. The best time to visit isnt a date on a calendar, its the feeling you want when you step off the seaplane and into paradise.

Overwater villas and turquoise lagoons define the Maldives, where seasonality shapes everything from sea conditions to travel prices.Photo by Jennvmy_ on Unsplash (Photo by Jennvmy_ on Unsplash)

Dry season: clear skies, calm seas, and pictureperfect days (NovApr)

Imagine mornings where the sea is glass and the horizon barely moves, where snorkel masks lift to reveal kaleidoscopic coral and schools of fish shimmering like confetti. Thats the dry season in the Maldives, shaped by the northeast monsoon. From roughly November through April, rainfall is minimal, humidity is lower, and sunshine feels like it was dialed in just for vacation photos. Visibility beneath the surface can exceed 30 meters, making this the prime window for divers and snorkelers craving pristine underwater panoramas.

For honeymooners and firsttime island dreamers, this is the classic postcard, with gentle breezes, turquoise water lapping against soft white sand, and long, calm boat rides between atolls. February and March are often the most reliably sunny months, with tropical warmth in the high 20s to low 30s Celsius (8088F) and minimal rain.

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But paradise has its price. This is peak season, resorts, each a private island unto itself, fill up early, seaplane transfers book quickly, and prices climb as high as the meridian sun. Book well in advance if you want a villa over the water and unbroken days of sunshine.

Fuel your wanderlust with our top travel storiesjoin our newsletter today.

Wet season (monsoon): lush landscapes, rich marine life, and value (MayOct)

If you close your eyes and say Maldives, you probably picture sunshine. But the rainy season, driven by the southwest monsoon, reveals a different kind of tropical beauty, with emerald reefs, dramatic cloudscapes, and ocean life at its most electric. Between May and October, short tropical showers weave with sunny intervals, and although rains are more frequent and winds stronger, they rarely last all day.

Underwater, this is when the seas bloom. The southwest monsoon stirs plankton into the channels and dropoffs, attracting great rays and gentle whale sharks in magnificent numbers, particularly around places like Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where filter feeders gather in seasonal feasts.

Related: U.S. reissues travel advisory for popular upscale travel destination: Here's what to do if you've already booked a flight

Visibility can be a bit lower in these months, still excellent for encounters but sometimes murkier around the richest feeding grounds, yet the magic lies in the marine spectacle itself. Currents become stronger and life more dynamic, a siren call for advanced divers.

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This is also value season. Resorts often drop rates by up to 50% compared with peak months, and fewer guests mean beaches feel almost private. If your idea of perfect includes solitude as much as sunshine, schedule here, and dont forget a quickdry jacket for evening strolls under tropical skies.

Shoulder months and a travelers cheat sheet

Between these two main moods sit the shoulder periods, April and late November. These transitional months often give you the best of both worlds, with lingering dry season sunshine and the beginnings of offpeak pricing, or the tail end of the monsoon with clearer skies and warm seas.

Heres a quick travelplanners breakdown:

JanuaryMarch: Prime sunshine. Best for beach days, calm seas, and underwater visibility that makes photographers swoon.

April & Late November: Sweet spot. Fewer crowds and still mostly good weather, perfect for budgetsavvy travelers who want great conditions without peak prices.

MayOctober: Wild ocean season. Lush landscapes, big marine life, lower prices, and a softer kind of tropical beauty.

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Regardless of when you go, youll find warmth yearround, with daytime temperatures usually hovering between about 2731C (8188F).

Must-visit islands and resorts in the Maldives

1. North Male Atoll

Just a 1520 minute speedboat from Male International Airport, North Male Atoll is perfect for travelers wanting instant tropical immersion. Resorts like Baros, Gili Lankanfushi, and Cinnamon Dhonveli feature overwater villas, house reefs for snorkeling, and some of the best dive schools in the country. If you want calm lagoons, sunset cruises, and proximity to Male for a day trip into local markets, this atoll delivers.

2. Baa Atoll

Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, famous for its seasonal plankton blooms that draw hundreds of manta rays between May and November. Resorts like Soneva Jani and Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru offer private island experiences with curated dive trips directly to Hanifaru Bay. Night dives here can reveal octopuses and sleeping reef sharks, while above water, secluded beaches make you feel like the only person alive.

Related: If you're booking a 2026 Hawaiian vacation this is the best (and worst) time to go

3. Ari Atoll

Ari Atoll is where youll find large pelagics, from whale sharks to schools of hammerhead sharks. Popular dive sites include Maaya Thila, Rangali Madivaru, and Kuda Rah Thila. Resorts like Constance Moofushi and Vilamendhoo Island Resort provide dive packages for advanced divers. Even snorkelers can see manta rays during certain months.

4. South Male Atoll & Vaavu Atoll

For surfers, Vaavu Atoll and parts of South Male Atoll offer some of the best reef breaks. Resorts here are smaller and more intimate, often accessible only by seaplane or overnight stay, creating privacy unmatched in the northern atolls. Snorkeling is quieter and some of the channels are prime for spotting eagle rays and napoleon wrasse.

Tips every traveler should know before going

Packing for paradise

Light, airy clothes are essential, but bring a quickdry layer for sudden showers in the wet season. Reefsafe sunscreen and biodegradable products help protect this fragile ecosystem, while reef shoes and snorkeling gear make ocean access easier and more enjoyable.

Transfers and timing

Most international flights touch down in Male, after which youll board a seaplane or speedboat to your island stay. These transfers depend on daylight and sea conditions, so coordinate closely with your resort or host, especially during the wet months when seas can be choppier.

Beyond beaches

Dont just sunbathe. Visit local islands to feel the rhythm of Maldivian culture, sample fresh fish curries and coconut delicacies, and watch fishermen mend nets at dusk. The Maldives isnt only luxury villas, its also community and tradition woven into life on coral atolls.

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In the Maldives, no time of year is wrong, just different. If you crave sunshine and glassy water, aim for the dry months. If you dream of manta rays gliding in planktonrich seas and quieter beaches without the crowds, the wet season might be your paradise. Either way, the sky, sea, and sand are waiting.

Get the latest travel inspiration and news delivered straight to your inbox.

This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
I have the kind of husband who doesnt ask questions  not even when six giant cans of infant formula show up at our house on Halloween even though we dont have a baby. Without raising an eyebrow, he carried the bags in and went back to making sourdough pretzels.

If he had asked, I would have stated that I was done waiting for someone to do something about the government shutdown and the millions of people who were at risk of not receiving the SNAP benefits they need in November because of it.

Elphaba Mode activated.

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The school that our children attend has a high population of food-insecure families. The local food bank sets up tables in the schools parking lot once a month. When two federal judges ordered Trump to continue food assistance programs last Friday, I breathed a sigh of relief for our neighborhood.

Until I read further. Appeals? Disruptions? Oh. This is not the good news were waiting for. Bureaucracy is fun like that.

The school resource officer immediately sent out an email assuring families that the school would continue to provide breakfast and lunch every day for every student. All I could think was, But what about the babies?

So I bought half a dozen giant cans of formula and posted in all of my local Facebook groups that whoever needed them could find them on my front porch. Since food scarcity can be embarrassing, I even gave them an alibi: Come trick or treating on my street, the cans will be at this house number.

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Two days later, the formula was still there. I checked Facebook for comments on my posts and looked through my DMs  anything to indicate that someone in need was reaching out. They werent. I checked the news every hour to see if the SNAP snafu had been resolved. It hadnt been.

I was determined to find the family that needed this formula for their baby. I Googled free infant formula and found a website that paired families who had extra formula with families who needed it. The closest match for the formula I bought was in Georgia. Im in California. The shipping alone would take three days and cost more than the formula. I Googled food banks where I might donate the formula. They preferred to take monetary donations. Why was this so hard?

Then I remembered that I had broken the first rule of helping: I had decided what people needed instead of asking what they needed.

The worst part was, I knew better.

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In 2006, on a disaster relief assignment following Hurricane Katrina, my teams job was to sort through a warehouse packed floor to ceiling with boxes of donated items that were mostly useless. In one particularly thoughtless black garbage bag, I found a single shoe and a moth-eaten sweater that had food dried on it. Six months after the hurricane struck land, these donations were still sitting there, helping no one. Ironically, dealing with all this junk was taking resources away from assisting the survivors.

Ernesto Sirolli, who gave the famous TED talk Want to Help Someone? Shut Up and Listen! once said, When we show up and tell people what they need, thats not philanthropy. Its imperialism.

Embarrassingly, the only people who responded to my Facebook posts were other neighbors who didnt need formula, saying, God bless you! Youre so good! In trying to be Elphaba, I had accidentally pulled a Glinda  even though I knew better. Why do we do this?

I think it goes like this. When many Americans see a problem, they spring into action. We want to help. But without enough context for how to help, we end up reverting to the etiquette for the next closest thing  gifting. In gifting etiquette, you are expected to predict what the recipient wants. In return, the recipient is expected to be thankful regardless of whether you got it right because its the thought that counts.

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Unfortunately, thats why you sometimes hear people get huffy when a homeless person turns down their generous offer of a food item or meal they dont like. If they were really hungry, theyd be grateful for anything. Furthermore, no one acknowledged my thoughtfulness. Zero stars.

Helping is not like gifting. When babies are hungry, its not the thought that counts.

After I finished thunking my own forehead six times (one for each can of Parents Choice Advanced Id bought), I returned the formula and sent the money to the local food bank like I should have done in the first place. They already serve families who experience food insecurity and therefore know what items those families are asking for  AND the money goes further due to nonprofit discounts and matching grants.

When I returned the formula, the person at customer service asked, Was there anything wrong with it?

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No, Im just bad at helping. Im getting better.

My husband still hasnt asked what that was all about.

Emma Fulenwider is a writer and self-proclaimed book junkie. As such, she is a literary agent, contest judge for Writers Digest, reader for the Black Fork Review and founded the Birren Center anthology series. She is pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing from Ashland University and in 2024 released a satirical childrens book, The Very Busy Writer, which Kirkus called a relatable read for writers. Emma lives in California.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost in November 2025.

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The landscapes of British Columbia are known for their beauty. Swaying meadows frame soaring rocky peaks and sparkling lakes, bursting vibrant green in the warmer months and thickly blanketed with snow come wintertime. A fairytale spot to visit is Whistler, Canada's storybook village tucked in the Pacific Coast Mountains. Equally as picturesque is Pemberton, a sleepy village packed with rural charm just a short drive north of Whistler. Backed by sweeping mountain slopes and a serene lake amidst the Canadian wilderness, Pemberton feels like an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cutting through the landscape is the Lillooet River, which separates Pemberton from the jagged mountain ridges to the north, while Pemberton Creek and the shores of One Mile Lake anchor the town to the south. Hiking trails crisscross the countryside, and the Sea to Sky Highway leading out of town brings travelers to Nairn Falls Provincial Park. Paddling, swimming, and waterfront relaxation await at One Mile Lake Park, while hikers can head out onto backcountry trails ranging from breezy lakeside strolls to challenging treks that bring you to panoramic views from the summit of nearby peaks.

After the day's adventures, Pemberton's quiet streets beckon for rest and a good meal. Travelers who enjoy a spot of sightseeing can also spend time at the Pemberton & District Museum, which is open seasonally. Resembling a rustic log cabin and surrounded by shady pines, the museum is packed with artifacts and lifelike dioramas that tell the story of Pemberton Valley's early industry and agriculture. A handful of charming local eateries in the village offer exhausted explorers a delicious bite of everything from Brooklyn-style pizza to hearty burgers. Roughly two hours by car north of Vancouver, a trip to Pemberton will be a great escape for travelers seeking solitude in breathtaking backcountry landscapes.

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Read more: The Rick Steves-Approved Checklist To Always Do Before Vacation

Explore the backcountry landscapes around Pemberton

Boardwalk on One Mile Lake in Pemberton, British Columbia - Gordon Montgomery/Shutterstock

If relaxing is what you had in mind, then head down to One Mile Lake Park. Shaggy pine trees frame the towering mountains in the distance, which are reflected back on the lake when the surface is calm. A pier stretches out across the water, making it easy to cannonball into the depths for a refreshing swim. A boardwalk bobs serenely nearby, joining up with the leisurely trail skirting the edge of the lake. Campers in the area might even wake up to tendrils of mist enveloping the lake in the early morning. A previous visitor shared in a Google review how much of a "charming spot" it is to experience the outdoors.

From the lake, make your way to Nairn Falls Provincial Park for more breathtaking views. A rugged trail through the dramatic slopes of the valley leads hikers along scenic woodlands, past jagged crags and mossy boulders, all the way up to an observation deck at the top of Nairn Falls, which tumbles majestically into the river below. In wintertime, the snowy landscape looks otherworldly. The trail is still manageable, but previous hikers have recommended spiked boots for safety on the powdery surface.

Find more breathtaking mountain views at Strawberry Point Recreation Site, situated about 30 minutes east of town. Stretched along the edge of the Lillooet Lake, the dramatic slopes rising up over the horizon create a memorable backdrop for photos. A slice of powdery beach curves along the shoreline, where the shade of leafy trees offers respite after sunbathing. Splash and paddle in the water, and stick around to watch the sunset glowing behind the ridges of the mountains. Head back to Pemberton at the end of the day to refuel for your next adventures.

Where to stay and places to eat while visiting Pemberton

Mountain landscape around Pemberton, British Columbia - Damon Huynh/Shutterstock

Extend your time in Pemberton to soak up the stunning landscape. Book a night at the Pemberton Valley Lodge, a sprawling chalet set against sweeping slopes, called the "best place to stay in town" in one Google review. Head to the heated pool and hot tub after a day out exploring, or stop by the hotel cafe to sip a few drinks. Boasting almost a full five stars on Google (at the time of writing) is the Greenwood Country Inn, offering a bed for the night and breakfast in the morning. The Pemberton Hotel is another option, situated at the center of the village with easy access to local watering holes. If you're flying in, the closest major airport is Vancouver International Airport, located about a 2.5-hour drive south of Pemberton.

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Once there, head to the Town Square Restaurant for a hearty meal amidst friendly surroundings. Serving up juicy burgers and healthy wraps, expect generous portions. Don't forget to order a side of poutine, a must-try while you're in Canada. Meanwhile, tucked within what looks like a Wild West saloon is the Pony Restaurant, highly-rated on Tripadvisor. Guests can enjoy locally-sourced gourmet dishes within the quaint interiors, or dine on the terrace with great views of the mountains. Gooey mac 'n' cheese and chicken parmesan can be found at the Mile One Eating House, a favorite with locals, while the Blackbird Bakery will satisfy all your sweet cravings.

If you're visiting in the wintertime, don't miss a few ski runs at Whistler Blackcomb, one of North America's busiest ski resorts, just 30 minutes south of Pemberton. Meanwhile, travelers from out of town who are heading back to Vancouver should consider a detour at Steveston, a fishing village with lively festivals.

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Read the original article on Islands.




This is the second installment of a two-part series exploring the varieties of tamales Houston has to offer. You can read the first part here.

Our world tour of tamales across Houston continues.

This month, the peak tamales season in Texas and across Latin America, I've been obsessed with exploring the tamal taxonomy (and yes, the singular of tamales is tamal, not tamale), hunting down and tasting six varieties from five different countries to tell you about them. Earlier this week, we discussed the tamales Houstonians know by heart, a variant from Veracruz and a hefty Nicaraguan nacatamal that would leave the average Texan confused.

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MORE: Our guide to Houston's best tamales

They were all delicious, of course, but we have a ways to go if we want to understand just how much this classic dish that we Houstonians devour by the dozens during the holidays can be adapted and reinvented across cultures.

We left off in Nicaragua, so let's move on to the gateway of South America.

IV. Colombian tamales tolimense

South, south and more south we go until we reach the highlands of Colombia.

This dish, pictured at the top of this story, originates in Tolima, a province in the Andes that produces some of the world's most delicious foods. The tamales tolimense are among the signatures, and these were sold to me by a woman in Spring Branch who's from Ibague, Tolima's capital, and began selling tamales here at the urging of her church congregation.

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Structurally, the banana leaf-wrapped tamal tolimense resembles a large green soup dumpling. Tied into a dense bundle, it contains pork, chicken, rice, carrots, potatoes, peas and egg.

In a way, the tamal tolimense feels like a return to balance.

It shares the heft and depth of flavor found in both the Veracruz-style tamal and the Nicaraguan nacatamal, but its construction differs. Tightly wrapped and carefully assembled, it holds together in a way the larger banana-leaf tamales don't. The masa acts as a binding agent for everything inside, making it all, despite its size and weight, portable again.

V. Venezuelan hallacas

Venezuelan hallacas are photographed in Houston, Monday, Dec 15, 2025. (Kirk Sides/Houston Chronicle)





Hold on, they're doing what in Venezuela? And what do they call them?

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Onward we go to Colombia's eastern neighbor, where we find a tamal-like dish called an hallaca (ah-yah-kah). These I bought from a recently arrived Venezuelan woman near Cypress, who said she began selling hallacas this year for some extra cash.

Here's why I include them: Hallacas are built around a corn-based dough, wrapped in banana leaves, tied and steamed/boiled, then eaten almost exclusively during the holidays.

The resemblance is obvious, right?

Well, open one up, and you'll see the differences immediately. This masa is more orange in color, and inside it's packed with pork, beef and chicken, plus olives, capers, raisins, bell peppers and onions. I'm not a fan of olives, but this kind of works.

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Among the tamales, the hallaca stands alone for its complexity and contradictions.

VI. Puerto Rican pasteles

Puerto Rican pasteles are photographed in Houston, Monday, Dec 15, 2025. (Kirk Sides/Houston Chronicle)





The final entry comes simultaneously from the Caribbean and from north of Greenspoint, sold by a woman from San Juan who now prepares pasteles (that's what the Puerto Ricans call their tamal-like dish) for the holidays.

They arrived wrapped in a banana leaf and, surprisingly, parchment paper, and were filled with chicken and yuca (a root and Latin American staple food), plantains, sofrito (an essential cooking base in Caribbean cuisine), olives and more.

They pass easily for tamales until you cut into one. The dough used in pasteles isn't masa in the usual sense but a mixture of roots and plantains, heavier and smoother than the corn-based tamales we've tried so far.

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(And they pair well with coquito, a festive - and by that, I mean boozy - Puerto Rican drink that this vendor offered me a taste of. It's like horchata and eggnog had a tropical baby.)

Uncharted territory

There are more varieties out there than the ones I had the privilege of buying and trying. Countries like Guatemala, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Brazil and even the United States have their own tamales or similar dishes. Ever heard of the Mississippi Delta-style tamal? Or what about the dessert-like Brazilian pamonha?

Here's my point in all of this: Whatever you call these dishes - tamales, nacatamales, hallacas, pasteles - none of them are casual food.

Yes, it's easy to buy four dozen for your company's Christmas party at an H-E-B counter, but when you meet the people from whose culture these dishes derive, the people who labor to feed their entire families with a batch, you feel much closer to the heart of these dishes. Each of them, no matter the specifics of the recipe, take time, planning and more than a little physical labor.

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What makes Houston remarkable is not just that these traditions exist here, but that they're accessible to anyone curious enough to seek them out. Through apartment kitchens and garage setups, you can taste how different cultures solve the same problem of how to feed people well and meaningfully.

That this level of care is extended beyond family, in exchange for a bit of cash and a brief conversation, is no small thing. It's one of the best ways Houston shows you what it's really made of.

What is your Houston question?

This article originally published at What chasing tamales across Houston taught me about care, labor and how the city feeds itself.
The emergence of superyachts  yachts that measure over 100 feet  has taken the general public by storm.

While these watercraft can be a source of outrage for both those who see them as overconsumption embodied or excessive producers of dirty fuels for environmentalists, a new trend may offer some nuance.

An article in Forbes covers the luxury yacht expedition company, EYOS Expeditions, which is taking people to hard-to-access places. That is, for the right price.

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The article explains how superyachts' infrastructure allows them to go to places cruise ships can't, as they don't require fuel docks or ports. This allows EYOS to take customers to places like Antarctica or Papua New Guinea.

Over the last twelve years, EYOS has grown into a luxury travel option beyond CEO Ben Lyons's dreams. "It's such a bizarre world to suddenly find yourself in," Lyons told Forbes.

The trade-off for choosing this luxury option is a rather stark one. According to the U.S. News and World Report, a week-long cruise to Alaska, for example, costs an average of $500 to $4,000 per customer.

Though EYOS expeditions are more private, with about 14 people per trip, they cost a whopping $28,000 per day, or $196,000 for a week.

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Superyachts cause tons of backlash online. From Jeff Bezos to Mark Zuckerberg, they can be seen as the peak of wealth and how the 1% disproportionately contribute to climate issues.

These EYOS ships come with the same heavy use of fuel that any superyacht does, and their average customer, it can be assumed, likely doesn't match the average person's income bracket. Still, the company has some upsides compared to fully private yacht travel.

Instead of owning or building a new superyacht, someone with the means could take one of these expeditions. Though it's a small benefit, the Guardian reported that a single, fully equipped superyacht produces 7,738 tons of carbon pollution yearly. So any decrease in the amount of these ships is a relative win for the planet.

Another move by EYOS that differs from typical superyacht activity is that one of the luxury vessels, Solace, is spending the winter in the Caribbean, where it has been donated to researchers studying humpback whales.

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Though it might be easy for most of us to avoid an environmentally problematic yacht ride, anyone can choose low-impact travel options to help the planet.

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.




One homeowner discovered that navigating the permitting process was one of the most frustrating parts of installing solar panels.

What's happening?

The Dublin, Ohio, homeowner explained in Reddit's r/solar that they were considering installing solar panels on their roof. However, at the time of their post several years ago, Dublin was debating whether to classify solar as an "accessory structure" like a swimming pool or deck.

While the city eventually adopted language that permits "[solar] equipment to the front when it promotes the greatest efficiency of energy production," the poster said Dublin required them to file for a "variance" because their house had a street-facing roof.

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They shared a photo showing a set of gorgeous trees blocking the view of their house from the street, meaning no one would see the supposedly "ugly" panels anyway.

"Sounds exactly like our HOA," a Reddit user commiserated. "I jumped through so many hoops."

Photo Credit: Reddit

Why are rules blocking solar panels concerning?

This Redditor wanted to install solar for one of the most popular reasons around: to protect themselves against rising energy prices and slash their utility bills.

If that sounds enticing, TCD's Solar Explorer can help you understand your options and save money on installations (up to $10,000).

They also felt good about the potential to reduce their carbon impact. When transforming sunlight into energy, solar panels produce zero toxic air pollution.

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"It's just irritating that when trying to do something both economically sensible and environmentally friendly that the city would meddle," they vented.

What's being done about this?

Many states have laws protecting your right to solar, even if you live in a homeowners association.

While navigating every nuance may feel daunting, TCD's Solar Explorer is a great resource to connect with vetted providers who can guide you through the process.

You can find $0-down subscription leasing plans, such as Palmetto's LightReach, that can reduce your utility rates by up to 20%. EnergySage, another Solar Explorer partner, curates competitive bids that could save you a ton on solar installations.

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You can drive utility costs even lower by pairing solar with energy-efficient electric appliances, like a heat pump. It's easy to find the right heat pump for your home and budget with TCD's HVAC Explorer.

You could unlock another $5,000 in rewards with Palmetto's free Home app when making upgrades.

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.
JetBlue, which currently offers its highest-end Mint service with lie-flat seats on select long-haul routes, plans to introduce a domestic first classstyle product on aircraft that do not have Mint beginning in 2026.

While the airline is yet to release details, CEO Joanna Geraghty told The Wall Street Journal the seats would be in the style of traditional first-class seats.

But do Mint aircraft count as first class? It depends on how travelers define it.

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JetBlue doesnt have first class in the traditional sense, but the airline says its premium offerings are designed to cover much of that territory.

The New York-based carrier officially rolled out its revamped EvenMore ticket bundle across its network earlier this year, expanding perks beyond extra legroom as airlines compete more aggressively for higher-spending leisure travelers.

JetBlue President Marty St. George said in a statement that customers are increasingly looking for unique experiences, and the airline is responding by packaging comfort, priority services and amenities into a more elevated option without abandoning its low-cost roots.

JetBlue is retiring this plane. After a two-decade run, I went on its last flight.

JetBlue is getting ready to get into the lounge game, and USA TODAY got a first look at its first-ever lounge, BlueHouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Here's the entrance. Click through the gallery to see more. A wider view of the bar on the first floor of BlueHouse. One of the communal seating areas on the second floor. The art throughout BlueHouse New York is meant to evoke the city and its vibes. A row of secluded work stations on the second floor. One of the social areas on the second floor. The lighting above the pod changes color based on the time of day. The elevator is meant to evoke a pre-war NYC building. Don't forget to check your mail. The ceiling of the main floor bar area is meant as a JetBlue destination-inspired homage to the main concourse at Grand Central Terminal. The bar on the first floor of BlueHouse JFK. Signage outside BlueHouse. Even the bathroom wallpaper is New York-y. Each first flor unisex lavatory features a funny sign. Take a look at JetBlue's first-ever lounge BlueHouse 1 of 13 JetBlue is getting ready to get into the lounge game, and USA TODAY got a first look at its first-ever lounge, BlueHouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Here's the entrance. Click through the gallery to see more.

The EvenMore bundle includes extra-legroom seating, early boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, priority security access at select airports, premium snacks, free headphones on request, and up to three complimentary alcoholic drinks. JetBlue has long sold extra-legroom seats, but the new branding formally bundles those perks into one premium product.

What's JetBlue's current premium option?

Travelers searching for first class may already be familiar with JetBlue Mint, the airlines top-tier offering on select routes.

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Mint, available on all transatlantic flights and certain coast-to-coast routes, features lie-flat seats or private suites with direct aisle access, large seatback screens, premium dining and cocktails, amenity kits and priority airport services. The front-row Mint Studio includes extra space, a guest seat and the largest TV currently offered on a U.S. airline, according to JetBlue.

JetBlue's original Mint business class seating

While Mint delivers many hallmarks of international business class  including fully flat beds and curated meals  its not available across JetBlues entire network.

JetBlues approach mirrors a broader industry trend. Carriers like Spirit and Frontier have also rolled out premium bundles and are testing first-class-style seating on select aircraft, betting that travelers will pay more for comfort even on shorter flights.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is JetBlue Mint first class? What the airlines new plans mean
New Mexicans are invited to start 2026 with outdoor adventure, fresh air and perhaps a bracing dip.

New Mexico State Parks will host First Day Hikes and Polar Plunges across its 35 parks on Jan. 1, 2026. The annual events are part of a nationwide tradition encouraging people to begin the year with movement and time outdoors.

"New Mexico's landscapes inspire resilience and adventure, and there's no better way to begin the year than by experiencing them firsthand," Toby Velasquez, New Mexico State Parks director, said in the announcement.

Participants at Eagle Nest State Parks 2024 Polar Plunge.

Where to hike and take a polar plunge in New Mexico on New Years Day 2026

Guided hikes and Polar Plunges are planned at several state parks, with options suitable for a wide range of abilities. Knowledgeable guides are expected to lead participants through scenic trails, sharing information about local wildlife, habitats and history.

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Brantley Lake 11 a.m. to noon: First Day Hike

Cerrillos Hills 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: First Day Hike

Eagle Nest Lake noon to 3 p.m.: Polar Plunge and Polar Stomp

Elephant Butte Lake 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: First Day Hike

Living Desert 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: First Day Hike

Oliver Lee 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.: First Day Hikes

Rio Grande Nature Center 10 a.m. to noon: New Year's Day Nature Walk

Storrie Lake 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Polar Bear Plunge

Sugarite Canyon 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: First Day Hike-Lakeside Snow Stomp

Sumner Lake 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: First Day Hike

Why First Day Hikes are a New Mexico New Years tradition

Outdoor recreation has long been part of life in New Mexico, where families have gathered on trails, lakes, and mesas for generations, according to the announcement. The tradition of starting the year outside reflects this shared connection to place, from desert foothills to alpine forests.

"These traditions remind us that our parks are more than destinations," Velasquez said. "Theyre part of who we are as New Mexicans, nuestra gente, nuestras familias, y nuestra historia. We invite everyone to join us, take care of these places and make new memories for the new year ahead."

What to wear and bring for First Day Hikes and Polar Plunges

Participants are encouraged to dress in layers, bring water and prepare for winter conditions. For those planning to take a Polar Plunge, quick-dry clothing and a warm post-dip setup are recommended.

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This story was created by reporter Andy Dossett, ADossett@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 Las Cruces Sun-News: Where to hike and take a polar plunge in New Mexico 2026
All self-respecting Christmas stories start in one of two places: Bethlehem or the North Pole.

The former is firm favourite if the Almighty is featured in the narrative; the Arctic Pole is the preferred option when Santa Claus is the name in the frame. He is alleged to live there.

For this impromptu Autocar Christmas tour, we were going to have to fit the whole thing into a single November day. A trip to the Middle East was out of the question and Bethlehem a definite no-no. The North Pole might not sound so easy, either, but luckily there are several North Poles, mainly drinking establishments, conveniently located in London. Google can be so helpful.

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Our destination decision was made even more obvious by the fact that our chosen transport was to be the recently launched Hyundai Santa Fe, a plug-in hybrid version of the Korean maker's biggest and most imposing soft-roader. It was the only car we could find, sold in the UK, with a truly Christmas-oriented name.

My job was to ride shotgun with my Autocar colleague Sam Phillips, who came up with the idea of connecting a disparate collection of around-London locations with Christmassy names in a day-long journey. He found the places, laid out the route, chose the car and elected to do most of the driving.

Funnily enough, this idea isn't quite as frivolous as it may sound. Sam and I are both keen devotees of amateur motorsport (he and his dad do classic trials in a quick and capable Subaru-powered car), and he soon explained that this day's exploit was akin to a "scatter rally", popular with car clubs, in which entrants find obscure locations and are required to note even more obscure details about them. Those with the most right answers win. Thinking of this as a Christmas-themed two-bloke scatter rally suddenly gave it legs.

Having originally decided to start at the North Pole (a well-used black-painted cocktail bar in one of the less imposing parts of Greenwich), we changed the route at the last minute to begin at the deliciously named Chestnut Avenue, close to Autocars Twickenham nerve centre. We arrived at about 8am: Chestnut Avenue is the official name of the long road that bisects Bushy Park, King Henry VIIIs 1000-acre deer park just over the road from Hampton Court Palace.

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We found on this visit that Chestnut Avenue has recently been blocked to through traffic (yet another meaningless move by the Anti-Destination Leaguers who run London), so we contented ourselves with driving umpteen times around the picturesque central pond, admiring the platoons of resident Canada geese and inspecting a couple of huge and noisy deer beneath nearby trees that one little kid in a pushchair insisted loudly to his mum were reindeer. We looked closely, but there wasn't a red nose to be seen.

The Hyundais nav system predicted a 90-minute journey across lower London to Greenwich to our next stop, the North Pole. It was the part of the journey we were least relishing, but the tall, comfortable and soft-riding SUV (a bit too soft-riding out of town, as it would emerge) was pretty much ideal transport for the job.

We made better than expected progress, and suddenly a tag on the nav screen bizarrely read: North Pole 7 minutes. Not something you see every day. The North Pole turned out to be a big, somewhat forbidding building on a corner site abutting a main road, and of course it was closed and barred when we arrived because it was one of those places that comes alive at midnight. Seeing our interest, a local resident helpfully told us there had been a knifing nearby the other year.

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When I peered in the window a black-clad young bloke, polishing glasses inside, reacted to what must have been a peculiar sight  a fat old bloke in a Christmas hat  and came to the door. I explained what we were doing and asked if it had snowed much lately, to which he replied no and banged the door shut.

Im probably not going back. On the way to our next sensitively chosen destination  Turkey Street, Enfield, on Londons northerly outskirts  the all-battery range of our Hyundai PHEV ran out (it will do an impressive 30-35 miles in suburban running) and it started to rain. But we were already out of the worst of Londons traffic and buoyed by decent progress.

Turkey Street turned out to be an unexceptional suburban street, until we drove the length of it and found a bonus overground railway station  called Turkey Street, of course  with lots of surrounding cars, passengers bustling back and forth and all the shops and the signage you could want for the pictures we wanted to take.

Wed been wearing our infernal, pre-seasonal Santa hats for several hours by now, feeling damned stupid doing it. But they did give us a chance to study the varied reactions of our fellow humans when confronted with apparently inexplicable scenes.

My job in Turkey Street was to stand on the pavement, hat on, while Sam drove by in the Hyundai. Many people walked by while we did it. Some saw the camera and smiled with us, knowing there was a joke in there somewhere and not minding that they didnt quite get it. Others just saw something very peculiar going on and were unsmilingly desperate not to be involved. They walked fast. I wondered, in a reverse situation, which tack Id have taken....

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Leaving Turkey Street meant we had stops left. First, a destination you could never omit from a story like this: Santa Pod, the famous and venerable headquarters for drag racing competition in this country just half a dozen miles from Milton Keynes.

Even though I don't go there often, Santa Pod is a favourite of mine, so focused and dynamic. This time it looked particularly healthy, with well-kept office buildings, a large contingent of highly appropriate Ford Mustang V8s outside them, and a vast and neatly mown car park for punters when they come. The staff inside were friendly and obliging, instantly 'getting' our mission and letting us do what we wanted for the camera.

The truly impressive part of Santa Pod is the start line and burnout pad where the fastest, loudest nitro-fuelled behemoths pause to do burnouts before tossing off a 300mph, five-second standing quarter mile. That black, sticky expanse, running arrow-straight away from you towards a vanishing point (and flanked by bleachers that look almost too close to the action), makes an awe-inspiring view even when the whole place is dead quiet.

We reverently parked the Hyundai on the starting pad for a while to absorb the atmosphere, then it was back to the office to collect forthcoming event details to fuel our very firm intention to see the action here next year.

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By now it was early afternoon in declining light, so time for the final stop. Then we'd end this crazy (pre) Yuletide sojourn at the perfectly named Christmas Common, near Watlington on the western edge of the Chiltern Hills.

Christmas Common is one of those leafy, achingly beautiful and discreetly prosperous rural Oxfordshire destinations, a spread-out village surrounded by stunning countryside and randomly punctuated with trees. As soon as you get near the place, however, you're made aware that the residents are dedicated to keeping their home as it is. There are plenty of somewhat peremptory road signs that discourage you from spoiling the serenity. Pause in a lay-by and half a dozen sets of local eyes will have noted it.

We stopped amid all that beauty anyway, with the lowering sunlight enhancing the colours of our end-of-journey pictures. Soon it became clear we had stopped beside, quite by chance, a field with a little stable at one end, and its permanent residents were a pair of well-fed, well-kept donkeys.

As we clicked away, a woman arrived on foot to feed them, clearly part of her afternoon routine. In our business you get used to 'just what are you up to?' enquiries in lovely locations, but not this time. This lovely lady would have been perfectly willing to bring one of her donkeys  a Christmas animal, she asserted, if ever there was one  into our pictures had it not been for the fact that one of the pair was ill with colic, and it would have wanted to leave its recovery stall if she had moved the other one.

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We had to make do with no donkeys in the end, but enjoyed a consoling assurance from this nice lady that she'd have helped us if she could. Which was fine: as people always say at this time of the year, it was the thought that counted.

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A TikTok video is showing viewers a refreshing path to off-grid living  one that doesn't require buying property or going it alone.

In the video, river (@a.river.dreaming) walks through her everyday setup on a rural compound, where she lives in a cozy yurt, cooks in an outdoor kitchen, and shares the land with her dog and a close-knit community.

She explains that she spent a decade living in a major city before realizing she could build a simpler, more sustainable life in a place where she already felt connected.

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"I pay rent here, but I only pay $500 a month, which is cheaper than I paid for rent anywhere in my entire life," she says in the video. That lower cost of living allowed her to finally "live within [her] means" and pay off roughly $15,000 in credit card debt.

Crucially, none of it required owning land. Instead, she joined a friend's family community after years of volunteering on the farm, expecting nothing in return.

When she later went through a divorce, she was invited to move out and build a life there. "Sometimes it's not about saving up enough money to buy the land," she explained. "Sometimes it's about figuring out who already has  acres, and connecting with them."

Her story highlights a growing trend: people finding stability, affordability, and purpose through communal or shared-land living.

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Off-grid setups typically use less resources and consume far less energy than conventional housing  helping support a cooler, cleaner future.

Her experience is part of a wider trend of people finding creative ways to live simply and sustainably.

One artist on a remote Caribbean island has shared how they rely on rainwater stored in large cisterns to stay resilient through long dry seasons, while a couple living in a converted school bus have shown how an efficient mini-split system helps them stay comfortable using far less power. These examples highlight how many people are rethinking what's possible outside traditional housing.

Commenters were all in.

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"This is the coolest thing ever," one person wrote.

"I'm doing the same thing  I would be on the streets if I didn't live here," another TikTok user shared.

One commenter summed up the spirit of the clip simply: "It's the best ever!!"

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.
As most Gulf markets experience a downturn due to lower oil prices, investors are carefully navigating the region's financial landscape in search of resilient opportunities. In this environment, identifying stocks with strong fundamentals and growth potential becomes crucial, as they can offer stability amidst broader market fluctuations.

Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In The Middle East

Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating Qassim Cement NA 4.02% -11.40%  Baazeem Trading 10.02% -1.27% -1.66%  Sure Global Tech NA 10.11% 15.42%  MOBI Industry 18.09% 6.66% 22.02%  Nofoth Food Products NA 15.49% 26.47%  Saudi Azm for Communication and Information Technology 3.26% 17.17% 23.30%  Najran Cement 14.49% -4.20% -30.16%  Etihad GO Telecom 0.85% 38.36% 57.78%  National Environmental Recycling 69.43% 43.47% 32.77%  Birikim Varlik Yonetim Anonim Sirketi 59.38% 42.42% 36.01% 

Click here to see the full list of 180 stocks from our Middle Eastern Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener.

We'll examine a selection from our screener results.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Amanat Holdings PJSC is an investment company that focuses on the education and healthcare sectors in the United Arab Emirates and internationally, with a market capitalization of AED3.15 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its investments in the education and healthcare sectors, with AED495.94 million coming from education and AED380.40 million from healthcare.

Amanat Holdings PJSC, a small cap entity in the Middle East, has shown significant financial growth over the past year with earnings jumping 330.2%, outpacing the Diversified Financial industrys 15.4%. The company's net income for Q3 2025 was AED29.22 million, a turnaround from a net loss of AED11.11 million in the same period last year. Despite an increase in debt to equity ratio from 2.8% to 10.9% over five years, Amanat's free cash flow remains strong at AED103 million as of September 2025, indicating robust operational efficiency and effective financial management amidst industry challenges.

DFM:AMANAT Debt to Equity as at Dec 2025

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Gedik Yatirim Menkul Degerler A.S. is an investment banking company operating in Turkey and internationally, with a market capitalization of TRY11.23 billion.
Need some family fun during winter break and beyond? If you need a cure for cabin fever after being snowed in and an Ohio winter day trip isn't in the cards, here are some suggestions of fun places in Ohio for you and your family to enjoy, whether you're in Columbus, Cincinnati or the Akron-Canton area.

Family activities in Columbus to keep you busy Christmas break

Cincinnati family-friendly activities to consider for winter break

Breakout: An escape room where you look for clues around the room that will lead you to the end of the game.

Topgolf: The Cincinnati-area location of the golf game chain is located at 9568 Water Front Drive inWest Chester Township.

Krohn Conservatory: Botanical gardens, featuring festive holiday lights during the winter season.

Activate: An active gaming facility where players jump, climb, and problem-solve between challenges.

Cincinnati Museum Center: An all-day experience for all ages, with three museums in one, including a history museum, a childrens museum, and a museum of natural history.

Nova Adventure Park: A family entertainment center with a trampoline park, arcade, rope course and many more activities for all ages.

Contemporary Arts Center: A large art museum, including a creativity center for kids to explore.

Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights: LED holiday lights display throughout the zoo, and many animal exhibits are open for viewing.

Newport Aquarium: Vibrant aquarium in Northern Kentucky with an array of aquatic wildlife, with the seasonal Scuba Santas Water Wonderland of holiday lights.

Sandbox Virtual Reality: A virtual reality experience with full-body motion capture and high-quality haptics for an immersive experience.

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Additionally, Cincinnati is currently having some of the biggest Christmas light shows around the city during the holiday season. You can find out more here.

Holiday break family activities in Akron and Cleveland

Akron Christmas lights: The Wadsworth Griswold House brings a famous scene from "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" to life with one of the best Christmas light displays in Ohio. Also, don't miss the many daytime and nighttime Deck the Halls tours at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, the historic home of Goodyear Tire & Rubber co-founder F.A. Seiberling.

Topgolf: You can find the Akron location at 600 Swartz Road. There are also locations in Avon (35343 Chester Road) and Independence (5820 Rockside Woods Blvd. N).

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: Winter lights display all throughout the zoo, and many animal exhibits are open for viewing.

Escapology: An escape room in Solon where you look for clues around the room that will lead you to the end of the game.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium: Clevelands aquarium has over 5,000 creatures and safe and fun ways to interact with the wildlife.

Cleveland Botanical Garden: Botanical gardens, featuring a festive holiday lights display during the winter season.

Sandbox Virtual Reality : A virtual reality experience with full-body motion capture and high-quality haptics for an immersive experience.

Kringles Inventionasium: An interactive engineering activity center, turning your kids toy dreams to reality, with their seasonal Christmas experience with a real life Santa and his elves.

Castle Noel: Keep the Christmas spirit alive at Castle Noel. The all-year Christmas museum in Medina features real props from your favorite Christmas movies and evolving exhibits.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Family fun activities in Ohio during the holidays? Check out this list
Photo: Heritage Images/Getty Images

In the trailer for The Testament of Ann Leethe Amanda Seyfried drama in theaters nowyoull see much of what you might expect from a film about early American religion. Theres spirited devotional dancing, god-fearing testimony, a transatlantic journey, andwait, was that a wood lathe? Watch the actual film, and youll clock plenty of camera pans to long peg rails, sometimes holding upside-down wood chairs, in spartan worship halls emblazoned with a tree of life. The film tells the story of Shakerismthe separatist Christian sect founded by Ann Lee in the mid-18th century. But its also, surprisingly, the origin story of one of Americas most beloved craft movements.

Among lovers of Americana and antiques, Shaker furniture is well-known (and highly collected) for its elegant simplicity of form, craftsmanship, and ability to blend seamlessly with other eras of design. Youll find Shaker cabinet as a standard off-the-shelf option at big-box stores like Home Depot; but today, that nomenclature is often removed from the reality of Shakerism as a sect of Christianity in Americas early days. Looking back on their origins, belief system, progressive ideals, and history of production reveals a remarkable chapter that many continue to learn from today. The mythology around the Shakers is so rich, says Mea Hoffman, a curator at Vitra Design Museum in Germany, which recently co-organized the exhibition Shakers: A World in the Making with the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia. (The Shaker Museum, designed by AD100 Hall of Fame firm Selldorf Architects and currently being built in Chatham, New York, loaned most of the shows objects.) Thats part of the intrigue, and why we keep looking back at this history.

TTAL_SG_00012_v2 Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Courtesy of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia

While living in Manchester, England, Ann Leea member of a breakaway sect of Protestantsgained notoriety for her apocalyptic proselytizing, and faced arrest for disrupting local order. While in prison, she experienced godly visions that would form the foundational tenets of Shakerism: celibacy, communal living, and confession of sin. Seeking religious freedom, Lee fled England with a small group of acolytes in 1774. Landing in New York, they established the United Society of Believers in Christs Second Appearingthe formal name of Shakerism, so called for the ecstatic trembling of its followers during worship. (Early Shakers also perceived Ann Lee as the second coming of Christan idea modern-day Shakers no longer believe.) Though Mother Ann, as she was known, passed away just 10 years later, Shakerism continued under the watch of Father James Whittaker, and later, Father Joseph Meacham, who founded the Shaker community of New Lebanon a short distance from where Mother Ann had put down roots in Niskayuna (later Watervliet, now Colonie) in New Yorks Hudson Valley.

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They felt the need to separate themselves from the everyday world and establish rigid boundaries, both physical and ideological, for their communities to thrive, explains Sarah Margolis-Pineo, a curator and collections specialist of American craft and design. Their strict spiritual code was inseparable from daily life. Foundational Shaker beliefs, such as celibacy and gender equality, were incompatible with the outside world, so Lees followers built their own. By the mid-19th century, there were more than 20 Shaker villages spread across the Eastern United States, ranging as far south as Florida. At its peak, there were more than 6,000 Shakers in the US. These villages were not self-sufficient; to survive, they needed income. Though their economies were initially agricultural, the Shakers quickly embraced industry, developing furniture, brooms, herbal tinctures, and other goods to support their livelihoods. Shakers were pretty hardcore capitalists, and when they saw an opportunity to make money, they went for it, says Margolis-Pineo. New Lebanonlater renamed Mount Lebanonbecame the center of Shaker furniture production, setting standards for material output across the different communities.

Photo: Vitra Design Museum / Alex Lesage / Courtesy of Shaker Museum, Chatham, New York

Photo: Vitra Design Museum / Alex Lesage / Courtesy of Shaker Museum, Chatham, New York

Those standards were high, emphasizing perfection of craft and form. Beauty came from the principles of harmony and utility, notes Margolis-Pineo. But dont mistake the Shakers for Luddites, the anti-technology activists that emerged in the early 19th century: Seeking opportunities to enhance their output, Shakers were early adopters of technology and standardized production. (They were innovative in areas outside of furniture, too, inventing the seed packet in 1790.) The Shakers progressive social beliefs informed their approaches to production: While work fell along gendered lines (men produced the furniture and women did the finishing), feminine and masculine tasks were considered equally important. Hoffman points to an example of a work in the Shakers exhibition, a shoe elevatordesigned for a sister with a shorter legas an example of how the groups innovations intersected with their beliefs. [It] allowed her to be productive, she says. Its care and productivity that comes together.

Shaker chair making workshop at Hancock Shaker Village Photo: John Greim/Getty Images

Knowledge of Shaker craft proliferated through a network of mentorship, bringing wider-scale adoption of the communities forms. In 1876, the Shakers put their wares on a national stage when they displayed furniture, rugs, and even washing machines at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Chairs in particular sold well for the Shakers, and the communities began producing them in sizes 0 through 7a marker collectors can still find imprinted on chairbacks. Customers could request desired seating materials, woven or slat backs, cushioning, and color. The Mount Lebanon factory trademarked the Shaker Chair nomenclature and included an embossed seal on the blades of rockers. Brooms, baskets, and boxes were also popular Shaker goods. But for all the success the sect had in industry, it couldnt hold. By the turn of the 20th century, the communities populations were dwindlingin large part due to their foundational belief in celibacy and dependence on new convertsand lacked the numbers to support production.

Bedroom, Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill or Shakertown, Kentucky Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge/Getty Images

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Eventually, the number of Shakers dwindled down to just a handful of believers; today, only three remain. (That number is recently up from two, as they acquired a new convert, Sister April Baxter, just this past year.) Todays practitioners live together in Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Gloucester, Maine. And while actual Shaker production may not exist in the way it did more than a century ago, the community now acts as a promoter of contemporary craft in Shaker-adjacent traditions. (Margolis-Pineowho was the curator at the Hancock Shaker Village, one of a number of living museums dedicated to the sects historyis a fan of the Shaker villages gift shops, and likes their herbal blends for pizza.)

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village at New Glouster, in total 1700 acres and 17 structures, has been reco Photo: Doug Jones/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

Shaker made benches fill the room at the Meeting House at the Shaker Village in Sabbathday Lake. Photo: John Ewing/Portland Press Herald/Getty Images

Hoffman explains that despite the severe decline in Shaker adherents, a genuine interest in the movements social and entrepreneurial practices keeps itand its material culturecompelling to contemporary audiences. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Shaker design continues to resonate with many contemporary creatives for its underlying values such as intentionality, ethical design, sustainability, and a commitment to community and equity, she says. Their message of care, crafting with purpose, and building goods that endure for generations is more timely than ever.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

More Great Stories From AD
Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa

The hotel's five-star amenities make it a challenge to leave the property and explore the city: an airy new spa, an outdoor and indoor pool, several great restaurants, and a sleek, well-stocked pool bar.

The interior design blends classic French touches with over 150 artworks by local artists.

The rooms are large and light-splashed, with parquet floors and plush beds (including pillow menus), and some have spacious terraces overlooking the pool, and further off, the sea.

Georgina Viou, a Benin native and Michelin-starred chef, conceived the menu at LAmi, the hotels upscale French brasserie with prime seasonal ingredients from regional producers.

Arriving at Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa at night has a cinematic quality. Set within a sprawling natural park, the hotel slowly emerges from the dark, its illuminated rooms stacked like glowing blocks, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer a glimpse of the elegant spaces within. The entrance, marked by soaring bone-white porte-cocheres, heightens the drama, with a touch of art deco glamour.

Inside the hotel, which opened in September 2024, the mood is decidedly luxe: towering ceilings, contemporary light fixtures suspended like a hailstorm frozen in time, and custom gilded shelves displaying objets dart by local artisans. The lobby is strikingly bright, day or night.

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The welcome here is attentive and rooted in local culture. Kwabo, a word of welcome in Fon, one of Benins major languages, sets the tone. Its warm, respectful, and omnipresent, much like the hotel staff themselves.



Ioanna Dias Photography/Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa Interior of the hotel lobby. Interior of the hotel lobby.

The hotels location is idealjust five minutes from Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport and near the Embassy district. At the Sofitel, you have the impression of being in the city but also at a seaside resort," says Juliette Peron, the hotel's general manager. Its a fitting description of a destination straddling the rhythm of a modern city and the legacy of an ancient culture.

Benin is a good first destination for people visiting West Africa, she adds. It has a rich culture and historyits the home of Vodou. And that cultural resonance extends beyond its borders. Even American blues music echoes this heritage, with roots that can be traced back to West Africa.

Below, my review of Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa.

The Rooms

At Sofitel Cotonou, a standard room is anything but austere. Each of the 198 accommodations includes a private balcony, a plush Sofitel MyBed, rain showers, Diptyque amenities, and views of either the city or the sea. At the top end, the five duplex suites feature separate living rooms and private pools.

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The interiors pair French refinement with local design accents: think Haussmannian touches like blonde parquet flooring and elegant mouldings, offset by decor in bold splashes of turquoise, royal purple, and burnt sienna.

While entry-level guest rooms start at a generous 430 square feet, the largestan expansive 2,150-square-foot Presidential Suiteincludes a separate dining room, making it ideal for families or groups looking to gather in style.

Rooms also feature stocked minibars and Nespresso machines.

Food and Drink

Ioanna Dias Photography/Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa The Asian fusion restaurant Byblos. The Asian fusion restaurant Byblos.

The food and drink options at Sofitel Cotonou cater to every craving, whether its a mood or a flavor.

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The poolside bar and restaurant, Corniche, comes alive on evenings and weekends. Its menu spans French classics like sole meuniere with English-style potatoes to crowd-pleasers like wagyu smash burger with cheddar and bacon. The bar pours a full slate of cocktails, including the signature Benin sunseta blend of premium tequila, grapefruit cream, orgeat syrup, and fresh ginger.

Inside, Vivo offers a globe-trotting menu that touches down in the Middle East, India, Africa, and France. Options range from pate en croute and lamb kofta to dal tadka and a smoked tomahawk steak, seasoned with salt from nearby Ouidah. During my visit, I opted for a generously spiced chicken tagine with juicy black olives and crisp, buttery bread, paired with a glass of Koelenberg sauvignon blanc from South Africa.

At the heart of the lobby, a commanding horseshoe-shaped bar doubles as a social hub, ideal for an aperitif, digestif, or a nightcap with friends. Here, guests can order bites from the 24/7 room service menu.

The crown jewel, though, is LAmi with a menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Georgiana Viou. Diners can choose between two tasting menus or order a la carte. Viou, who was born in Benin and is now based in France, focuses on classical French techniques with prime local ingredients.

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I started my meal with leeks prepared two waysbarely pickled and lightly breaded, then fried to a golden crisp, revealing a sweet, tender vegetable. The risotto, flavored with pesto made from African basil, had an al dente bite and a nice crunch from fried sunflower seeds. For my main, the red carp was delicately sauteed and served with black olive stuffing and smooth carrot puree.

Lastly, guests can also dine in their room. The room service menu features comfort food with Beninese twists, like a chicken club sandwich with local squash.

Activities and Experiences

Ioanna Dias Photography/Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa Lounge chairs and private cabana around the main pool. Lounge chairs and private cabana around the main pool.

For travelers looking to work up a sweat, Sofitel Cotonou offers plenty of options. You can swim laps in either the indoor or outdoor pool (unless, of course, you have your own private pool in a duplex suite). The modern gym is well-equipped with treadmills, rowing machines, elliptical trainers, free weights, yoga mats, and more. Towels, bottled water, and apples are on hand, and staff are ever present if you need assistance. You can continue your wellness routine in the sauna and traditional hammam.

Beyond the hotel grounds, Sofitels concierge team connects guests with local guides for tours and excursions. A top recommendation is a day trip to Ouidah, a coastal city with a rich history, which was once the major hub of the West African slave trade. There, guides bring essential historical context to sites such as the "Door of No Return" memorial arch and Temple of the Pythons.

The Spa

Sofitel Spa Signature by Kos Paris, a luxe Parisian natural skincare brand, offers a full menu of treatments to recharge the body and mind.

Start with a full-body exfoliating scrub, followed by a tension-melting massage. Or opt for the Oil Ceremony, where layers of delicately scented oils are massaged into the skin in a soothing ritual. The hotel's signature Legend facial, inspired by the Japanese facial kobido massage, blends traditional techniques with modern skincare for a natural glow.

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The spa boasts over 10,000 square feet and features warm wood tones, high ceilings, and a minimalist aesthetic that creates a calming atmosphere. In addition to treatment rooms, theres a sauna, a traditional hammam, and a serene indoor pool for relaxation before or after treatments.

Family-friendly Offerings

Ioanna Dias Photography/Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa Guests can enjoy the tennis courts. Guests can enjoy the tennis courts.

Sofitel Cotonou makes traveling with children a little more convenient with its Family Escapade by Le Petit Prince package. It includes a second, adjoining guest room at half price, complete with kid-friendly amenities. The hotel also includes late checkout with the package.

Also of interest to parents, the spa has a dedicated kids space, the Kids Villa, with attentive caretakers, so parents can relax knowing their little ones are being entertained and well cared for.



Location

Ioanna Dias Photography/Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa Exterior of the Dome at night. Exterior of the Dome at night.

Located in the heart of Benins economic capital, the hotel is near the Embassy district and many local points of interest: the Esplanade des Amazones monument, Dantokpa Market, the historic town of Ouidah, and the floating village of Ganvie.

Book Now

The hotel is part of Accor's ALL loyalty program. Members enjoy benefits, including status points for each stay, exclusive access to food and cultural events, early arrival and late check-out (based on availability), airport lounge and luggage services, a dedicated members desk, and access to the hotel's Club Millesime lounge. Members can also take advantage of the family program and book adjoining rooms at half price.



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Nightly rates at Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa start from $310.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.



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A 12-year-old boy is being hailed as a hero after he thwarted a burglary at his home in Medford, New York, on Tuesday, his family said.

Tristin Taylors quick actions led to the arrest of a suspect within minutes of the break-in, CNN affiliate WCBS reported.

The burglary happened when Tristin was home alone, and he heard glass breaking from the kitchen.

Unlike the holiday movie, there were no traps or pranks.

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Realizing a stranger was inside the house and going room to room, he quickly decided to escape through a ground floor window and called 911 while hiding behind the garage.

Tristin said, I heard glass breaking, which prompted him to flee. He recalled, I said I have to get out the house, and chose the quickest escape route through the window.

Suffolk County police arrived on the scene in under 3 minutes and apprehended the accused burglar, who now faces charges.

Tristins family praised his prompt actions and ability to remain calm.

He is our little hero, said Timothea Taylor, Tristins grandmother, expressed immense pride.

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She added, We were very proud that he was able to keep his composure and call the police as quickly as he did, basically without even thinking about it he automatically called 911.

Tristins sister, Dominique, reflected on her brothers brave choice, admitting, No I would have just hid, and praised his instincts during the frightening situation.

The familys neighbor, Mike Campanella, commented on Tristins heroism, stating, I would hope my son would have done the same thing. When someone is breaking into the house, the caution is to get out and then call the police.

The suspect who broke into Tristins home pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Wednesday. Authorities have not released further details on the suspects identity or background.

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The Oregon Supreme Court on Dec. 22 ordered the release of two incarcerated people convicted of crimes in Marion County who were rearrested months after the Department of Corrections recalculated and shortened their sentences and initially released them.

The court also ruled a third prisoner convicted of a crime in Washington County, Jose Arellano-Sanchez, should be released.

The ruling is likely to impact more than a dozen other cases.

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The DOC in July began manually reviewing 11,000 sentences, resulting in the release of at least 40 people and sentence reductions for another 350, immediately following an Oregon Supreme Court ruling on credit for time served.

At least nine people with Marion County convictions were released and another 29 saw their sentences reduced.

In November, the DOC changed course after reevaluating the Supreme Court case and issued at least 20 warrants to rearrest those who it said it had released early. Four Marion County cases, including Thomas Allen and Natalia Hernandez, were among those DOC determined should not have been released.

Both filed petitions seeking their release after being rearrested, and the Supreme Court granted the petitions, finding the DOC had improperly relied on a law allowing them to issue warrants for those who had "escaped" from custody.

Two people with Marion County convictions have been rereleased from state prison amid ongoing uncertainty about an Oregon Supreme Court ruling.

Oregon Supreme Court ruling granted credit for time served in Marion County case

The initial July Oregon Supreme Court ruling came from an argument by criminal defendant Abraham Torres-Lopez.

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Torres-Lopez was arrested in 2019 on warrants from both Clackamas and Marion counties. He spent 82 days in Clackamas County Jail before being sentenced on the Clackamas case for identity theft and fleeing a police officer. He was then transferred to Marion County Jail for an additional 43 days before being sentenced on the Marion case for a probation violation.

Torres-Lopez ultimately was ordered to serve five years in prison and given credit for the 125 days served presentence on both cases.

But the DOC, which is responsible for calculating the sentences delivered by judges, determined he was only eligible for 82 days for credit for time served on the first case and none on the second, which ultimately amounted to no time credit because the shorter sentence ran concurrent with a longer one.

The Supreme Court ruled he should have been given the full credit in both cases because the sentencing court had "expressly ordered" it. The Supreme Court did not, however, rule on what constitutes "expressly ordered," because there was no dispute among the parties in the Torres-Lopez case about the court's intent.

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Following guidance from the Department of Justice, the DOC initially interpreted this judgment by reevaluating cases involving individuals who were "expressly ordered" to receive time credit. In some cases, this meant individuals who received consecutive sentences on multiple charges were given time credit on each of the charges, essentially giving more time than had actually been served.

In November, the DOJ changed its guidance and the DOC instead applied credit only a single time across consecutive sentences.

Marion County defendants sought release after rearrest

Allen, of Salem, was serving a 15-year sentence on 2012 charges of raping and sexually abusing a child.

He was scheduled to be released in August 2027. When DOC recalculated his sentence, it determined his release date was Dec. 21, 2020. Allen was released in August. On Nov. 24, he was rearrested.

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Hernandez, of Salem, was serving nearly four years on charges including attempted murder. She was scheduled to be released in October 2026.

DOC recalculated her release date to be 530 days earlier in April 2025 and she was released in August. On Nov. 24, she received a call informing her of a warrant for her rearrest and she turned herself into the Marion County Jail on Nov. 25.

Both filed petitions for a writ of habeas corpus, asking the Supreme Court to find their imprisonment unlawful.

Oregon Supreme Court rules DOC lacked legal basis for rearrest

Allen, Hernandez and Arellano-Sanchez argued the DOC had properly released them in August and had violated their constitutional rights by rearresting them.

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The state argued it had erred when it released them and because it "lacked authority" to release them when it did, they were on "constructive escape" status. Because it deemed them to have "escaped," it said it had authority to rearrest them.

The Supreme Court said that although the law considers "escape" to broadly encompass "unlawful departure," these circumstances did not qualify.

"It would strain the meaning of 'unlawful departure' to apply that term to a scenario where DOC makes a deliberate decision to release a person based on its application of the law to the undisputed facts, and later simply revises its view of the law," the Supreme Court said in its ruling.

The Supreme Court also advised trial courts to be cautious in their wording around giving time credit going forward and clearly specify their intent.

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Marion County deputy district attorney Brendan Murphy declined to comment on the specific cases.

"The broader implications of the ruling suggest that a court, not DOC, should determine whether DOCs re-recalculation of credit time served credits is correct," he said. "Therefore, we will be filing motions for a corrected judgement in any case where DOC has calculated an offenders sentence different than what we believe was the courts intent. Practically, that means that we will be asking for some offenders to return to custody and complete their lawful sentence."

Murphy said there are at least four cases where the DA's office will be seeking the offender's return to custody.

Bobbin Singh, executive director of the Oregon Justice Resource Center, whose attorneys represented both Allen and Hernandez, said the ruling makes clear that others who were rearrested should similarly be released.

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"It is profoundly obscene and incredibly offensive to the Oregon Supreme Court and all of these individuals that they still remain in custody; there is nothing, legally, preventing their release," he said. "... Every moment these individuals are in ODOC custody was a continuation of an illegal incarceration."

DOC communications manager Harvey Matthews confirmed Allen, Hernandez and Arellano-Sanchez were released at about 8 p.m. Dec. 24.

Isabel Funk covers breaking news and public safety for the Statesman Journal. Funk can be reached at ifunk@statesmanjournal.com or on X at @isabeldfunk

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon Supreme Court orders release of 2 Marion County inmates
A woman was killed and her mother and sister were injured in a two-alarm house fire that broke out early Friday in West Orange, New Jersey.

Fire crews responded to a two-story house on Westwood Drive just before 5 a.m. after reports of a fire.

According to police, three female residents were transported to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.

One of them, identified as 36-year-old Chinwe Obi, was pronounced dead. Her mother and sister are being treated for smoke inhalation.

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The cause remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

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Dec. 25Several notable contested criminal cases came to conclusions with a few surprises in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas during 2025, as the year also witnessed the deaths of two convicted killers and three criminal homicides in the southern half of the county, which are expected to generate much interest in the new year.

January: John "Johnny" Rabbitz Jr., 44, a staff sergeant for the U.S. Army, died from three gunshot wounds after being shot when he opened the front door of his home in Sugarloaf Township. Former state police trooper William Hunter Snyder, 28, of Milton, was charged in the fatal shooting.

February: Judge Michael T. Vough, after a bench trial, convicted Joseph Alan Sarmiento, 40, of third-degree murder but mentally ill in the beating death of Helena Johnson, 38, inside a Hazle Township motel in June 2001. Sarmiento's lawyers, John Donovan and Cheryl Sobeski-Reedy, had long argued Sarmiento is mentally ill.

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March: Judge David W. Lupas sentenced Kadeen K. Carruth, 21, and Yuamir S. Grayson, 28, to 15 to 30 years in prison on third-degree murder charges for the ambush shooting death of Elijah Rivers, 22, on North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, on Jan. 30, 2023. A third defendant, Brianna Marie Knight, 29, was sentenced to 12 to 15 years for her role in the shooting.

April: The body of Jessica Ann Lockwood, 39, was found along Club 40 Road, Hazleton, when firefighters extinguished a blaze initially believed to be a mannequin on fire. An arrest warrant charging Terence Ray, 56, with Lockwood's death was issued, resulting in Ray being apprehended at a hotel in Westchester County, N.Y., on May 7.

May: After many delays over two years due to her mental health, Lisa Starruick-Smalls, 62, pled guilty to third-degree murder but mentally ill in the fire-related death of her husband, Wilbert K. Smalls, 74, inside their Kingston apartment on Jan. 4, 2023. Starruick-Smalls was sentenced by Judge Vough to 20 to 40 years in state prison.

June: Convicted double killer Henry Christopher Stubbs III, 61, died inside his jail cell at the State Correctional Institution at Huntington where he was serving two consecutive life terms after being convicted in one of the most barbaric murders imaginable, the strangulation deaths of Elena Herring, 33, and her 6-year-old daughter, Viktoria Ivanova, inside a Wilkes-Barre residence on Stark Street on Dec. 7, 2001. Kindergarten classmates of Ivanova planted a tree in her memory outside Kistler Elementary School on Old River Road in Wilkes-Barre.

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July: Convicted child rapist Reynal Santana, 29, was all smiles after Judge Vough sentenced him to 30 to 60 years in state prison. A jury convicted Santana of raping a girl for nearly 10 years in the Hazleton area.

July: Contested by his attorneys for years, Jafet De Jesus Rodriguez, 45, was sentenced by Judge Vough to life in prison without parole after a jury convicted him in the shooting death of Ashokkumar Patel inside a food mart in Hazleton on Dec. 12, 2020.

August: Details, as alleged in search warrants and court records, of how 13-year-old Jacob Delgadillo died can be described as appalling in a case that may proceed to a death penalty prosecution. The boy's adopted father, Cesar A. Delgadillo, 39, was charged in the teen's death as his wife, Virginia Yar Delgadillo, 34, was charged with child endangerment.

September: Luis Angel Soto Madera, 56, took a chance with a jury trial and was acquitted on felony aggravated assault charges related to a shooting inside a Sambourne Street, Wilkes-Barre, residence on June 20, 2023. Madera pleaded guilty, withdrew his guilty plea, and opted for the jury trial that worked in his favor. He was represented by Attorney James J. Scanlon.

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October: After years of turbulent court proceedings involving homicide suspect Frangel Garcia Andujar, 23, who was accused in the shooting death of Stanley Jimson, 17, on March 6, 2022, Judge Vough declared a mistrial when a supporter of Andujar took pictures of the jury. Andujar subsequently pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison.

November: The Times Leader broke the story that convicted mass murderer George Banks, 83, died of natural causes in the State Correctional Institution at Phoenix on Nov. 2. Banks was convicted in the killings of 13 people, including his own children, in Wilkes-Barre and Jenkins Township, on Sept. 25, 1982.

This is the second of a series of year-in-review stories that will run in the Times Leader heading into the new year.

Reach Ed Lewis at 570-991-6116 or on Twitter @TLEdLewis.
Dec. 26 (UPI) -- A bombing struck the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs, Syria, on Friday killing six people and injuring 21.

Ambulances rushed victims from the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood during Friday prayers as security forces sealed off the area and began an investigation.

Syria's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the terrorist explosion.

Though no group officially claimed responsibility, online posts linked the attack to the extremist faction Ansar al-Sunna.

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Ansar al-Sunna previously threatened Alawite-majority regions in Homs, Tartus and Latakia.

The explosion followed weeks of unrest in Homs including the recent killing of a Bedouin couple that fueled sectarian tension and led to curfews across the city.

Authorities intensified security nationwide for Christmas celebrations with operations continuing against Islamic State cells around Damascus and other areas.
Were getting our first look at how Florida lawmakers plan to regulate AI in the upcoming legislative session.

A newly filed bill includes user protections, parental controls, and new causes of action to bring suit against those who use AI in nefarious ways.

In a new conference in early December, Governor Ron DeSantis called on the legislature to implement an AI Bill of Rights.

He argued that while the technology has great benefits and uses, its misuse can cause serious damage.

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We have a responsibility to make sure that were creating sufficient guardrails, said DeSantis.

DeSantis highlighted the story of Megan Garcia, an Orlando woman whose son took his own life after becoming obsessed with an AI chatbot.

Our son told various chatbots that he wanted to die by suicide. He told those chatbots explicitly, but there werent any mechanisms to protect him, said Garcia.

Now, State Senator Tom Leek (R-St. Augustine) has followed through on the Governors request, filing a bill that largely delivers on many of the Governors proposals.

His bill gives parents the right to limit, control, and supervise their childrens use of AI and prohibits AI companies from selling user data.

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It also allows people to sue if AI is used to slander them or if their name, image, or likeness is stolen through the use of AI.

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But the states effort could come with some risks after President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this month.

That order directs federal agencies to block funding to states that attempt to impose their own AI regulations and encourages them to challenge state AI laws in court.

I saw what the administration said when it comes to child safety, each state can have their own laws, said AI expert Dr. Patrick Dicks.

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Dicks opposes state-led efforts to regulate AI.

Instead, he wants to see uniform federal regulations.

If you have everybody doing their own thing, theres going to be a major conflict. Conflicts lead to stagnated growth, they lead to money loss, said Dicks.

The Governor has also called for restrictions on hyperscale data centers used for AI computing.

Leeks bill does not include those proposals, but a separate bill addressing those issues is expected to be filed.

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Dec. 25New Mexico's seven-day waiting period for most gun purchases is dead for now, after the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals opted against a rehearing of the case by the full court.Lawyers for the state had asked for the "en banc" review after a three-judge panel of the Denver-based federal appeals court found the 2024 law unconstitutional in August.While the state decides what to do next, the dissent in the Dec. 22 ruling warned the appeals decision that stands creates a conflict with a prior appeals decision.And, wrote Appeals Court Judge Richard E.N. Federico, "it discards the exceptionally important public safety issues that surround New Mexico's firearms regulation."The New Mexico Legislature enacted the Waiting Period Act, which required a "cooling off" period for firearm purchases amid "high state-wide rates of gun violence," Federico wrote .The bill, signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, generally required firearms sellers to wait seven calendar days before transferring a firearm to a buyer.

"We're disappointed in the court's ruling because we believe the seven-day waiting period is entirely constitutional, and we're still weighing our options," said Michael Coleman, director of communications for the Governor's Office, in an email Wednesday.Appeals Judge Federico wrote in his dissent that the New Mexico law seeks to reduce impulsive gun violence and suicides, and also aims to close a perceived loophole in federal law that sometimes permits a purchaser to acquire a gun without completing a background check if the process takes more than three days.But the three-judge panel decision finding the law unconstitutional "prevents New Mexico from vindicating those purposes by its chosen aims," the judge wrote.Even though the full court might agree with the three-judge panel, "New Mexico's stated, uncontradicted, and indisputable interest in the public safety and health of its citizens warrants a closer look before we extinguish it," wrote Federico, who is from Kansas.

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This appears to be the first time the 10th Circuit court has ever struck down a firearms statute for violating the Second Amendment, he wrote."Even setting aside the immediate public safety consequences in New Mexico. (The Ortega ruling in August) will have widespread ramifications for courts in this circuit that must wrestle with Second Amendment challenges," Federico stated, in a dissent that included Judge Nancy Moritz, also of Kansas.A panel of the 10th Circuit in 2024 upheld a Colorado statute that set the minimum age for the sale and purchase of firearms within the state at 21 years old. Now, the New Mexico ruling endangers the outcome in the Colorado case, which had no notice or opportunity to participate in the "cooling off" case. And it makes it difficult to predict how other district courts and the 10th Circuit will rule on similar questions of law, Federico wrote.

The territorial jurisdiction of the 10th Circuit includes Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, plus those portions of the Yellowstone National Park extending into Montana and Idaho. Coleman, representing Lujan-Grisham's office, told the Journal, "New Mexico's law was narrowly tailored and included exceptions for the transfer of firearms among immediate family members and for those with concealed carry permits. The court's decision raises more questions than it answers, including if waiting periods are constitutional at all. Certainly, the future of any waiting period to buy a firearm is now in question."The day after the New Mexico "cooling off" period took effect in 2024, two residents filed an appeal in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque challenging its constitutionality. At the time, U.S. District Judge James Browning ruled in favor of the state, finding no constitutional barriers to the waiting period. The plaintiffs, who included Samuel Ortega, were represented by attorneys including those who work for the National Rifle Association. Efforts to reach them for comment on Wednesday weren't successful. In appealing Browning's ruling, the attorneys stated there was a critical distinction between the New Mexico and Colorado laws.In the Colorado case, the appeals court agreed that the state may ban the sale of firearms to 18-to-20-year-olds, "on the theory that young adults are especially susceptible to impulsivity." But New Mexico's law was deemed unconstitutional in that it was an "'across-the-board' waiting period that applied to all members of the general public, even if they pass a background check instantly," wrote the attorney for Ortega and others.Appeals Judge Federico also cautioned that the decision against a rehearing "relies too heavily" on the possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court will grant a review in a pending petition for certiorari involving whether Florida's law banning 18-to-20-year-olds violates the Second Amendment.He added that the Supreme Court might defer the issue "for percolation in the lower courts."Given the decision not to hold a rehearing in New Mexico, if the Supreme Court doesn't take up the Florida case, "our jurisprudence will be left in a state of unremedied confusion, with little to no path for correction, at least not in the near term." Federico said even though there was an internal process by which the Dec. 22 ruling denying a rehearing was circulated to appeals judges, it "does not substitute for en banc review in a case of such magnitude and complexity."
We recently published 10 Stocks on Jim Cramers Radar. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer's radar.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) factored into the discussion after Cramer discussed Carnival Corporations earnings report. In mid-December, Jefferies lowered the firms share price target to $275 from $286 and kept a Buy rating on the shares. The upgrade came after Wells Fargo had initiated coverage on December 1st and set a $320 share price target. The bank explained that it believes Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) benefits from a strong return on invested capital, earnings growth, and yield. For the ROIC, Wells Fargo believes that the cruise company can cross the 20% threshold, particularly due to operating parameters such as cost controls and operating algorithms. Cramer has discussed Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) several times in 2025 as well. For instance, on November 17th, he commented that the firm might have come down too much. Earlier, he remarked that the cruise ship sector appeared to have lost its luster. In this appearance, he commented that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) appeared to not be as great as peer firm Carnival Cruise or Disneys cruise business:

Royal Caribbean (RCL)'s "Not Been as Good," Says Jim Cramer

Royals not been as good.

While we acknowledge the potential of RCL as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, 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.
American states have a vast range of speed limits, and we may soon have our very own version of the Autobahn. Again. With some caveats. Arizona state Rep. Nick Kupper recently introduced House Bill 2059, known as the Reasonable and Prudent Interstate Driving (RAPID) Act.

This would give the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) the authority to basically do away with speed limits for non-commercial vehicles, but only on very specific stretches of rural interstates  during daylight hours. Kupper said his proposal came to him while on a lengthy road trip. If you've ever found yourself on a vast stretch of bleak open road zigzagging through the country, it can make anyone want to zip across as fast as possible.

However, the proposal would mandate an 80 mph maximum speed limit at night and keep all existing laws regarding unsafe or reckless driving. ADOT would first be required to conduct engineering studies, assess the impacts higher speeds might have on current roadway design standards, and research past safety records before approving any "derestricted" speed zone. Furthermore, it would need to work with Arizona's Department of Public Safety to carry out enforcement efforts plus conduct annual safety audits. And yes, drivers with lead feet who abuse their need for speed will face stricter civil penalties.

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The bill lays out a one-year pilot program that would take place on portions of Interstate 8 (I-8), a major east-west freeway well-known for its miles and miles of desert. Heavily traveled by both tourists and commercial traffic, it connects San Diego, California, to Casa Grande, Arizona, and is an integral part of the Southwest's highway infrastructure.

Read more: 5 Benefits Of Switching To Wider Tires On Your Daily Driver

Changes to Arizona interstates may be coming

Vehicles on I-40 somewhere in the desert of Arizona. - Arne Huckelheim - CC BY 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Remember that we mentioned this was yet another attempt at an American Autobahn? Well, between 1995 and 1999, Montana tried using "reasonable and prudent speed limits" (RPSLs) on both its federal and state rural highways outside of urban areas. Technically, there were no numerically based maximum speed limits. Instead, the state relied on drivers to determine what was a "reasonable and prudent" speed. In reality, though, the State Patrol enforced a 90 mph limit.

These roads became cleverly known as the Montanabahn, and here's the interesting part of that whole experiment: Montana's Legislative Audit Division found that during those four years, the state recorded its lowest fatality rate. As average speeds increased, crash and fatality rates for each vehicle mile traveled oddly went down, and were actually similar to numbers in nearby states without RPSLs in place. It also found that the use of seatbelts combined with driver's behavior had a "greater effect on safety outcomes than posted speed limits alone."

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Kupper used Montana's findings to bolster his proposal and says they prove that increasing speed limits in certain areas can be done without sacrificing safety. "When rules are clear and focused on driver behavior, states can let safe highways operate as they were designed to operate," Kupper said. If the pilot program is authorized and proves successful, other interstate highways near rural areas (defined as those with less than 50,000 residents) might also become Arizonabahns, including stretches of Interstates 10, 17, 19, 40, and I-15. Arizona isn't the only state looking to raise its speed limits, either.

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Atlanta police are looking for help from the public to solve a 30-year-old mans homicide.

Investigators with the Atlanta Police Departments Homicide Unit said police responded Dec. 8 near a home at 3971 Cornell Blvd. SW.

They found Darryl Long, 30, dead at the scene with a gunshot wound at about 5:52 a.m.

Darryl Long, 30, was found shot to death earlier this month.

Investigators continue to investigate Longs death. They ask for anyone with any information on this case to contact the Atlanta Police Departments Homicide Unit directly at (404) 546-4235 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.

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Persons do not have to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $5,000 for the arrest and indictment of the suspect.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously:

Call the Crime Stoppers Georgia tip line at 404-577-8477

Visit www.stopcrimeatl.org

Use the P3 app

Text CSGA to 738477

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Boaters who stake their ways of life and in some cases livelihoods in the Lake Worth Lagoon are preparing for a possible legal fight with Palm Beach.

Several boat owners whose vessels are either moored or anchored in the lagoon, which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway, between Palm Beach and West Palm Beach recently told the Palm Beach Daily News that they are considering options to fight the town's recently implemented anchoring rules.

They also said enforcement of mooring laws the town began in August as part of Palm Beach's Lake Worth Lagoon Management Plan punishes Palm Beach County residents who otherwise might not have a place to keep their vessels.

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"We have problems with some of the boats that are out here, as well as the town does," said Elie Edmondson, chair of the Palm Beach Sailing Club's Waterfront Committee.

The Town Council on Nov. 12 approved the new rules that say that no vessel may anchor overnight for more than 30 days within a consecutive six-month period in waters where Palm Beach has jurisdiction. The new rules also set standards to limit which vessels can moor within the town's waters and where they are allowed to do so, including in marinas and designated mooring fields and at private residential docks.

A town police officer went to the Palm Beach Sailing Club in West Palm Beach in early December to caution the club and its members that beginning Jan. 1, Palm Beach will begin to tow boats from the Lake Worth Lagoon to Martin County, said several people familiar with the conversation.

The news left many of the club's members shaken, and the club's directors questioning how it will survive if its members are forced to go elsewhere, Edmondson said.

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One boater said that the issue isn't about Palm Beach versus boaters. "It's the difference between responsible people and irresponsible people," he said.

The sailing club hopes to find middle ground that will allow it to create its own mooring field in the lagoon, Edmondson said. It's a step they hope Palm Beach wouldn't challenge.

A boat is moored in the Lake Worth Lagoon between Palm Beach and West Palm Beach on Dec. 4.

Town to offer 'grace' for boaters

Jan. 1 "is not a hard date for us," said Palm Beach Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Ogrodnick. For each boat that is towed, Palm Beach has to use a commercially licensed and insured towing salvage company, he said.

Since 2000, Florida's population has grown substantially. More than 1 million vessels are registered in the Sunshine State with 37,905 in Palm Beach County as of 2024, the most recent data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which is responsible for managing boat titles and registrations in the state.

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"Most vessel owners and boat owners have to pay for storage," Ogrodnick said. "Florida's waterways are public waterways, and there's just not enough space to let someone just plop down and plunk a vessel in the water for free."

In the lagoon, there are two types of ways boat owners secure their vessels to the waterway's floor. A mooring is installed into the channel floor and then secured by chains to the bow of a boat. The chains are shorter than the chain attached to an anchor, which provides more leeway for a boat to move with the currents.

Palm Beach Fire Rescue Lt. James Weber, back, and police officer Ryan Burgoon remove an unpermitted mooring north of the Flagler Bridge near Palm Beach August 26, 2025.

While state law historically prohibited moorings from being installed without a permit, some of the moorings in the lagoon have been there for decades. Only one mooring currently in the lagoon has a permit, the town has said.

The town is also concerned about the effects of derelict vessels, or boats that break free from anchors or moorings and sink or get pushed into the seawall, Ogrodnick said.

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"As much as we appreciate the vessel owners and their complaints, they also have to see the facts that we have to bear to the public," he said. "We're just trying to be fair. And again, we are extending as much grace as possible."

The town's position is that changes have to be made, he said, noting that he doesn't believe the rules are Draconian or unfair. "We've given plenty of public notice. We're letting people know what's going on, and we're doing our best to clean up our environment," Ogrodnick said.

Palm Beach officials will continue educating boat owners and enforcement will begin "on or about the first," he said.

The town is going to try to extend grace to boaters and give people an opportunity that if they have a mechanical issue or experience an emergency where they may not be able to move their boat out of the area quickly enough, police will have the discretion to work with them, Ogrodnick said.

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"It's not like they're going to come back and their boat's going to be gone," he said.

The Palm Beach Sailing Club in West Palm Beach has about 170 members, 45 of which keep their boats in the Lake Worth Lagoon. The club's leaders say recent rules and enforcement for anchoring and mooring in the lagoon passed by Palm Beach pose an existential threat to the club.

Boaters worry state law could force out many

But that's exactly what boaters are concerned about, said Marty Minari, a Loxahatchee resident who keeps his boat on a mooring in the lagoon.

Minari organized a Change.org petition and launched a Gofundme online fundraiser to help pay for legal representation to challenge Palm Beach's new ordinance. The petition, titled "Protect Florida's Anchoring Rights - Keep the Water Open to All Families," had 808 signatures as of Dec. 18. The fundraiser has brought in $6,560 as of the same date.

He and a group of sailing club members and other boaters have retained an attorney, whom Minari declined to name.

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"They've been saying these are all illegal moorings," Minari said of Palm Beach. "And technically they are 100% correct. But it's always been allowed, since the 1950s."

Until this year, Palm Beach was unable to regulate how long boats could anchor in its waters.

While there are derelict boats in the Lake Worth Lagoon between West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, many more are expensive, well-maintained vessels, the club's leaders said.

That changed with HB 481, which was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in May. It removed state rules that kept local governments from making their own rules for anchoring. Now, officials in counties with a population of 1.5 million or higher  Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Hillsborough  are able to more tightly regulate vessels in bodies of water within their jurisdiction.

As a result, a patchwork of enforcement is forming in the lagoon in Palm Beach County, several boaters said.

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Palm Beach, Boca Raton and North Palm Beach have put anchoring rules in place under the new law. Others are considering similar measures.

Minari said the group plans may include challenging the state law. "They love to collect their taxes," he said of state lawmakers. "They love to collect their registrations."

The boaters in the lagoon relied on those statutes to invest in their boats, Minari said, noting that when he bought his current vessel in 2012, he paid more than $25,000 in taxes to the state.

He agreed with others who said they want to rid the lagoon of derelict boats just as much as the town. "We readily admit they're out there," he said.

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Town officials have said the state's process to remove derelict boats is labyrinthine, costly and time-consuming. The new rules will allow Palm Beach officials to act faster to remove boats that pose a threat to the environment and other boaters, they said.

Could new mooring field offer solution?

The Palm Beach Sailing Club is proposing a mooring field in the Lake Worth Lagoon. The club would provide the state and federally required services at its location on North Flagler Drive.

The area between Palm Beach's North End and the West Palm Beach area that is thick with condo towers and yacht docks also is home to the nonprofit Palm Beach Sailing Club. With about 170 members, the club is in a prime spot along West Palm Beach's shoreline, as evidenced by the frequent calls received by club leadership with offers to buy the 3.4-acre property at 4600 N. Flagler Dr.

A threat to the mooring field is a threat to the sailing club, which until recently had two moorings in the lagoon, Edmondson said. Palm Beach Police cut one of the moorings as part of its enforcement, he said.

In an attempt to find a solution and prevent the club from losing members, the Palm Beach Sailing Club hopes to build its own mooring field in the lagoon.

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The sailing club's proposal includes 86 moorings across roughly 98 acres from just south of the club and proceeding north in rows that allow for 150-foot mooring areas with buffers between them, plans show. Another area of about 58 acres on the north side of the mooring field would be set aside for environmental monitoring and recovery, according to the plans.

A boat rests in the Lake Worth Lagoon between Palm Beach and West Palm Beach on Dec. 12.

The club would provide all of the upland services required by the state and federal governments, Edmondson said. Aerial photos included in a club presentation about the mooring field show the difference in seagrass damage between a boat that is moored and one that is anchored. The wide sweep of an anchored vessel destroys more seagrass, while a moored vessel has a much small effect on the channel floor, the photos show.

The Palm Beach Sailing Club's mooring field proposal has earned the support of Americas Great Loop Cruisers Association and the Boat Owners Association of the United States, according to letters from those groups. The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County sent a letter in support of a managed mooring field to the town before it's Nov. 12 council meeting.

The Palm Beach Sailing Club was poised to apply for the mooring field several years ago but put its plans on hold until a similar proposal by Riviera Beach was reviewed by state and federal agencies, Edmondson said. The state this year denied that city's proposal for a mooring field south of Peanut Island, after major pushback from Palm Beach.

Town officials in the past have said the town does not have the resources to start its own mooring field. Edmondson believes the town and club could work together to find a solution. To move forward with an application to the state, the club wants the town's support.

"We want to work with them," Edmondson said. "This would be good for us both."

Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Boaters mull legal challenge to Palm Beach anchoring, mooring rules
The body of a missing doctor was found in an Ohio pond on Christmas Day.

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The body of Cletus Iwuagwu, 71, was reported on Thursday from a pond in Lucas County, according to CBS affiliate WTOL in Toledo.

He initially reported missing on Nov. 25.

People who were walking in the Stone Oak area in Lucas County reported seeing the body in the pond, according to the Lucas County Sheriffs Office.

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A drone was deployed, and firefighters assisted in retrieving Iwuagwus body, WTOL said.

The Lucas County Coroners Office said on its website that it identified the body as Cletus Iwuagwu.

A spokesperson said that an autopsy will be performed on Friday.

The cause and manner of death remain under investigation.

No foul play is currently suspected, the coroners office said.

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Boise State Professor Scott Yenor, known for his comments calling independent women meddlesome and quarrelsome and advocating against feminism, has stirred up controversy on a national scale again.

Yenor has joined The Heritage Foundation, a strong influence in Republican politics  prompting at least one call for corporate donors to boycott the organization.

Yenor is the foundations director of the B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies, according to The Heritage Foundations website. The foundation is the right-wing think tank behind Project 2025, a blueprint that called for eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, restricting the right to abortion and reproductive freedoms and initiating mass deportations. President Donald Trumps administration has followed many of its ideas.

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Yenor is still teaching at Boise State. During the fall semester, he taught classical political thought and American political thought. In the spring, he is scheduled to teach modern political thought and constitutional law, university spokesperson Stephany Galbreaith told the Idaho Statesman.

In recent weeks, Yenors hire at The Heritage Foundation has spurred pushback. The National Organization for Women called for corporations to stop backing The Heritage Foundation and said the organization doubled down on misogyny with its hire. Corporations that support the foundation, it said, are enabling hate and bigotry. The organization cited Coors, ExxonMobil and Walmart. According to a fact check on Snopes, the corporations have in the past contributed, usually through their private foundations.

The call came after The Atlantic published an article questioning whether The Heritage Foundation supports discrimination against women based on Yenors hire and the ideas he has long voiced.

The article cited several of Yenors viewpoints, including a post on the Claremont Institutes website calling for the overturning of the 1996 Supreme Court ruling that found Virginia Military Institute was in violation of the Fourteenth Amendments equal protection clause by only allowing males. In the paper, Yenor argued that institutions designed to promote manly honor or womanly grace couldnt survive under the ruling.

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Private male-only clubs will, by their nature, discriminate. A business that would like to support traditional family life by hiring only male heads of households, or by paying a family wage, will discriminate. A national government that prevents women from serving in combat will discriminate, he wrote. He also said governments should be able to prepare men for leadership and responsible provision, while preparing women for domestic management and family care.

On X, Genevieve Wood, the vice president of development for The Heritage Foundation, called the Atlantic piece invalid and disingenuous and said people at the foundation can discuss a variety of topics without it being cast as Heritage policy. 

Recently, The Heritage Foundation has seen a host of people leave after the foundations president defended an interview Tucker Carlson conducted with Nick Fuentes, a white nationalist, according to national media reports. The foundation also developed priorities that include policies to restore the nuclear family to the center of American life. The foundation asserts every child deserves to be born to a married mother and father and calls for reducing the demand and supply for abortion.

Since joining The Heritage Foundation, Yenor has written several posts on its website including one that he co-authored calling for U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to grill the birth control pill, which he said fosters hook-up culture, delayed marriage, and the destruction of the nuclear family. He called out the secretary for being relatively silent on oral contraceptives.

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Yenor has long been a divisive figure in Boise.

In 2021, during the National Conservatism Conference in Orlando, Florida, he railed against feminism, saying it teaches young boys and girls that they are motivated by much the same things and want much the same things.

Thus girls are told to become as independent as boys are said to be, he said. They are more medicated, meddlesome and quarrelsome than women need to be. He said young men should inspire women to be happy with feminine goals like homemaking and having children, and said women shouldnt be recruited into engineering, medical school or law.

The comments went viral and hundreds of people protested at Boise State to fight for equality and a womans place in every industry and career. In 2024, he spoke on campus in a talk put on by Turning Point USAs Boise State chapter.
BROCKTON  A mentor who worked in Brockton Public Schools pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of child pornography and sharing obscene material with a minor.

Brockton Police say they arrested Chauncey Marquis Holcombe, 27, at his Randolph home on Dec. 23. He is also charged with witness intimidation. Police began investigating allegations of "inappropriate online communications with a juvenile" that allegedly happened over the summer, Brockton Police said in a Friday, Dec. 26 statement. Court records say the alleged incidents took place on April 1.

"The investigation began after school officials received a tip and reported their concerns to Brockton School Police, who then notified the Brockton Police Departments Criminal Investigation Division. Detectives determined the alleged conduct occurred off school grounds and outside school hours," Brockton Police said in the Dec. 26 statement.

Mentor pleads 'not guilty'

Holcombe pleaded not guilty at his Dec. 23 arraignment in Brockton District Court to one count each of possession of child pornography, disseminating obscene matter to a minor and witness/juror/police/court official intimidation, according to court records.

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Holcombe made bail on $1,000 cash. He must not abuse or harass the alleged victim and can't step foot in Brockton, including the Brockton YMCA, according to a bail order by Judge Michelle Fentress and a spokesperson at the Brockton District Court clerk's office. Holcombe is due back in court for a pre-trial hearing on Feb. 25, 2026.

The Enterprise could not immediately reach Holcombes defense attorney Evan M. Paul for comment. A voicemail was left on his office phone on the afternoon of Dec. 26.

Scathing audit Brockton officials slammed over schools' deficit scandal

Superintendent urges families to talk about online safety

Brockton Superintendent Priya Tahiliani sent this message to parents and guardians on Tuesday, Dec. 23:

To the BPS community: I am writing to make you aware that a Brockton Public Schools staff member, who has served as a mentor at several schools in the district, was recently placed on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of inappropriate interactions with students. We have engaged directly with the students and families who we know to be most impacted by these allegations. The Brockton Public Schools have initiated an independent investigation into the allegations, and we are cooperating fully with the Brockton Police Department as it conducts its own investigation. The safety and well-being of our students will always be our primary concern. I encourage families to engage in open communication with their children and to review/supervise their electronic devices and online activities. I also want to encourage anyone who has any concerns or information that they believe is important to please share with their school leaders, guidance counselors, and/or the police. As an added resource, I would like to share this information that may be helpful in facilitating conversations with your children about this topic. Sincerely,Dr. Priya TahilianiSuperintendent of Schools

Whitman-Hanson budget crisis Whitman-Hanson committee silent amid superintendent's ongoing absence

Schools confirm person arrested worked for BPS

City payroll records show a Chauncey M. Holcombe worked in the Brockton Public Schools as a mentor. He was hired Feb. 28, 2022. In the most recent full calendar year, he made $36,082 working for BPS.

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Brockton's police log lists that on Dec. 16, School Police Officer Rendy Jean-Louis received a call at the high school. The resulting investigation led to the Dec. 23 arrest of Chauncey Marquis Holcombe.

Brockton Public Schools confirmed Friday afternoon, Dec. 26 that Holcombe is the school employee on leave.

A man with the same name and address as the person arrested is the director of a limited liability company called L.E.A.P. Innovations, according to corporation records from the Secretary of State. The company's goal is listed as "to help as many kids in the world as possible, also to educate them on the opportunities that they have in the world and bring them to the highest level possible."

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton schools mentor arrested on child pornography charges
A security checkpoint at Baltimore-Washington International Airport has resumed screenings after temporarily suspending them pending a police investigation into an unattended bag, the airport said Friday afternoon.

Law enforcement investigation of an unattended bag determined there is no threat, the airport posted on social media at 4:20 p.m.

In addition to suspending screenings at checkpoint D/E, the airport had temporarily closed the inbound road to the terminal. The road is now reopened, BWI said. Light rail service to and from the airport that had been suspended due to the investigation resumed as well, according to the Maryland Transit Administration.

Several security checkpoints were similarly shut down Monday for another law enforcement investigation.

Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@baltsun.com, 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks.
A strong storm system that brought relentless winds, rain and snowfall to California this week was expected to ease Friday, but there was still a risk of high surf along the coast, flash flooding near Los Angeles and avalanches in the Sierra Nevada.



Waves near the San Francisco Bay Area could reach up to 25 feet Friday, parts of Southern California were at risk of flooding, and avalanches could hit the Lake Tahoe area, officials warned. Residents were told to be ready to evacuate the mountain town of Wrightwood, about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, because of mudslides.

"It's not going to take a whole lot to create some hazards on the highways," Mike Wofford, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Los Angeles, told The Associated Press. "Still not quite out of the woods, but for the most part, the worst is over."

Atmospheric rivers carried massive plumes of moisture from the tropics during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. The storms were blamed for at least two deaths earlier in the week. Some 70,000 homes and businesses had no power overnight, according to Find Energy.

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Firefighters rescued over 100 people Thursday in L.A. County, with one helicopter pulling 21 people from stranded cars, officials said. The LAPD also responded to more than 350 traffic collisions, the L.A. mayor's office said.



The system brought the wettest Christmas season to downtown L.A. in 54 years, the weather service said. The area recorded 3 inches of rain in three days, while the mountain areas saw up to 12 inches, Wofford said.

Davey Schneider walks on the roof of his storm-damaged home on Dec. 25, 2025, in Wrightwood, Calif. / Credit: William Liang / AP (William Liang / AP)

In Wrightwood, a 5,000-resident mountain town, the roads turned into rivers when relentless rains came down Wednesday, residents said. On Friday, cars were still buried up to their windows in rocks, debris and thick mud.

With more rain on the way, more than 150 firefighters were stationed in the area, said San Bernardino County Fire spokesman Shawn Millerick.



"We're ready," he said. "It's all hands on deck at this point."

A car is buried in mud in Wrightwood, Calif. on Dec. 25, 2025 after a series of storms. / Credit: William Liang / AP

In Northern California, two Mammoth Mountain ski patrollers were caught in an avalanche while doing avalanche mitigation work Friday morning, before the resort opened. One of the patrollers sustained serious injuries, and the other ski patroller was being evaluated for possible broken bones, according to resort officials.

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A falling tree killed a San Diego man Wednesday, fire officials confirmed to the CBS affiliate there, KFMB-TV. Farther north, a Sacramento sheriff's deputy died in what appeared to be a weather-related crash.



Areas along the coast, including Malibu, were under a flood watch until Friday afternoon, and wind and flood advisories were issued for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.



Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches, with even more in the mountains, Wofford said.



Gov. Gavin Newsom declared emergencies in six counties to allow state assistance.



The state deployed resources and first responders to several coastal and Southern California counties, and the California National Guard was on standby.

New poll shows how Americans' sentiments on Trump changed in 2025

Boy goes viral after sharing his bird mimicking talent with the world

Returning unwanted gifts may now come with fees
Moscow Exchange and St. Petersburg Exchange have confirmed readiness to launch regulated crypto trading once Russias legislative framework takes effect by mid-2026.

According to local reports, the exchanges announcements came following the Bank of Russias December 23 release of a regulatory concept that sets July 1, 2026, as the deadline for developing comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation.

Moscow Exchange stated it is actively working on solutions to service the cryptocurrency market, while St. Petersburg Exchange emphasized it already possesses the necessary technological infrastructure for trading and settlements.

From Resistance to Regulated Markets

Russias path toward crypto regulation began gaining momentum in mid-2024, when the Ministry of Finance first proposed allowing qualified investors to trade digital currencies on licensed exchanges.

Anatoly Aksakov, head of the State Duma Financial Market Committee, said at the time that major exchanges were already actively involved in developing the cryptocurrency market and organizing the necessary infrastructure.

The regulatory framework divides market access between qualified and non-qualified investors under sharply different conditions.

Non-qualified investors will be limited to purchasing liquid cryptocurrencies from a defined list after passing mandatory knowledge tests, with annual purchases capped at 300,000 rubles (approximately $3,800) through a single intermediary.

Qualified investors face no volume restrictions but must demonstrate understanding of crypto risks through testing, though they will be barred from purchasing anonymous tokens that conceal transaction data.

Despite the forthcoming trading infrastructure, Russian authorities maintain their ban on using cryptocurrencies for domestic payments.

State Duma Committee Chairman Anatoly Aksakov reinforced this position on December 17, declaring that cryptocurrencies will never become money within our country and can only function as investment instruments, with all domestic payments required in rubles.

The Bank of Russia originally called for a total ban on crypto exchanges and token trading, but Western sanctions prompted a policy shift.

Mining Boom Drives Economic Integration

Russias crypto ecosystem has expanded dramatically beyond trading speculation.

The country recorded $376.3 billion in received crypto transactions between July 2024 and June 2025, surpassing the United Kingdoms $273.2 billion and making Russia Europes largest crypto market by transaction volume, according to Chainalysis data.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) says that a car crashed into a coffee shop in Gorst after the driver had a medical emergency.

The crash didnt just completely level the coffee stand, but also knocked down power lines and possibly triggered a sewage spill.

WSP says four people, including two children, were in the car at the time of the crash.

Everyone in the car was transported to a nearby hospital.

The Washington State Department of Ecology has been notified.
The blast site on Keaka Drive looks almost ordinary again.

Nearly one year after a massive illegal fireworks explosion tore through a Salt Lake neighborhood, killing six people and injuring at least 20 others, the three-story home where the blast occurred is repaired and dressed for the holidays, with hanging lights lining the house and glowing Christmas inflatablesa Grinch and Santa Clausperched on the second-floor porch. Families have moved back in, and life has resumed its routines.

But one thing is missing this year.

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Neighbors say the near-daily fireworks that once rattled the neighborhood have stopped, leaving Aliamanu quieter than it has been in years.

For residents who witnessed the Jan. 1, 2025, explosionand for lawmakers and law enforcement dealing with the aftermaththe Aliamanu tragedy remains a defining moment that permanently altered how Hawaii views illegal fireworks.

It took six people to die for us as a community to say, enough already,  state Sen. Glenn Wakai (D, Kalihi-Salt Lake-Pearl Harbor ) said. That threat of death and property damage has to be more evident in peoples minds after what we saw this past January 1.

Neighbor Jack Ka auwai Jr., 54, was at the 4144 Keaka Drive gathering less than 20 minutes before the blast. He returned home just before midnight, expecting nothing more than the usual New Years noise.

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Then came the explosion.

When we looked up, it was a big, giant fireball,  Ka auwai said. It was taller than the telephone pole. This is the worst thing weve ever seen.

At first, residents thought it was just another aerial. Seconds later, injured people began running down the stairs of the home, bleeding and burned. Ka auwai and others grabbed towels to stop the bleeding. More neighbors rushed uphill as flames spread through the house.

Ive never been to war,  Ka auwai said. But if you were to look at that, you would think that was like a war casualty. People were all lying on the street.

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Ka auwai was hosting a family gathering with about a dozen relatives at his home that night and said they were using only small firecrackers, not aerial fireworks.

As the explosion occurred, he, his sister, and a friend helped the injured while others went to investigate, and they waited about 15 minutes for an ambulance before people began coming down to his house as the fire grew too large to return uphill.

Ka auwai said a relative visiting from Alaska was shocked by the scene, adding that it was something neither locals nor visitors had ever witnessed before.

Six people, including a 3-year-old boy, died. One man walking back to his car from a nearby partynot part of the gatheringwas also critically injured, Ka auwai said. Survivors spent months recovering physically and emotionally.

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For the first four months of the year, the neighborhood was really down because of that,  Ka auwai said. Everybody was on edge.

Aerials cloud tradition For residents, one of the most striking changes came after the smoke cleared.

Even the Fourth of July passed without a single blast, residents saida shift Wakai said has been noticeable across Salt Lake.

Its a lot quieter and a lot safer,  he said. Those regular big thunder booms going on in Salt Lake all throughout the yearthat has dramatically lessened in the past 11 months.

The tragedy also shattered long-standing arguments that fireworks are a cultural tradition.

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We started off with just red firecrackers,  Wakai said. I dont know how shooting aerials became a Hawaiian tradition. It just became a contest between neighborsand that show needs to come to an end.

Ka auwai echoed that view.

Im Hawaiian, Filipino, Chinese, and the tradition is red firecrackers,  he said. I dont know why people always say shooting off (aerials ) is a tradition.

Increased penalties In the months after the explosion, the Legislature passed its toughest fireworks laws to date, elevating penalties for illegal aerials to felony-level offenses.

Under the new state fireworks law, penalties for illegal fireworks have been significantly increased. Police can issue citations starting at $220 or $320, depending on the offense, but fines can escalate for serious or repeat violations.

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Possessing, purchasing, distributing, or using illegal fireworks is now a felony, punishable by up to $25, 000 in fines and up to 10 years in prison. Setting off illegal aerial fireworks within 500 feet of a dwelling can result in up to one year in jail and /or a $2, 000 fine. Penalties increase for repeat offenders within 10 years or in cases involving serious injury or death, with fines up to $50, 000 and prison terms up to 20 years.

Wakai said the political pressure was intense.

The community was up in arms and demanding change,  he said. And I think we delivered for that.

Lack of prosecution But as the one-year anniversary approaches, Wakai said the lack of criminal charges in the Aliamanu case remains troubling.

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People have to feel that there are consequences for their actions,  he said. If we convey that weve toughened the laws, improved enforcement, but somehow no one actually gets held accountablethen whats the sense of all of that community effort ?

Wakai said the delay risks undermining public trust.

Here we are almost a year afterward,  he said. I just dont understand the foot-dragging on the prosecutorial side of things.

Ka auwai also said he believes authorities are still building a careful case, noting that investigators collected cellphones and sought surveillance footage from nearby homes.

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Ive seen cases where it took more than a year to prosecute, so theres still time,  he said.

Still, some people believe the fines arent enough, noting that for some families a $300 citation fine is hardly a deterrent and that stronger, more aggressive laws are needed.

Eleven adults were arrested in connection with the January tragedy, but as of nearly a year later, no one has been formally charged.

The state Department of Law Enforcement did not investigate the Aliamanu explosion criminallythat responsibility rests with the Honolulu Police Department and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney.

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In an email to the Star-Advertiser, the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney said it is still actively investigating the case with HPD and cannot comment further at this time.

DLE Director Mike Lambert said delays, while frustrating, are common in high-profile cases because of Hawaiis high burden of proof.

The justice system just wont allow low levels of evidence to make its way to court,  Lambert said. The downside is, when you have bad guys that are breaking the law, we have to overcome all those hurdles to get a conviction.

Lambert said that because the Aliamanu explosion occurred before the new fireworks law took effect, enhanced penalties for causing death or serious bodily injury do not apply retroactively. Any future incident would carry mandatory jail time if proven.

He also acknowledged that addressing fireworks violations wont happen overnight, comparing it to speeding or other crimes. Authorities plan to issue as many citations as possible and hope that repeated enforcement will deter risky behavior in the future. He added that if the current fine amounts prove ineffective, lawmakers are willing to revisit legislation to raise penalties until they reach a level that actually discourages people from using aerial fireworks.

Lambert said Aliamanu fundamentally changed how fireworks are treated by law enforcement.

Prior, it was a nuisance,  he said. The noise was a nuisance. The smoke was a nuisance.

After the explosion, fireworks were reclassified as a top-tier public safety threat.

It moved all the way up the ladder to the protection of people,  Lambert said. We acknowledge that if we dont stem it, theres a large risk to public health and safety.

That shift has driven a dramatic increase in interdictions. DLE has already seized more than 40 tons of illegal fireworks at Hawaii ports this yeara number Lambert expects could reach 50 to 60 tons once final counts are complete. All seizures are tied to active investigations under the new felony law.

Many still undeterred There appears to be a troubling mindset in the community : while families have suffered fatalities, others may feel they are safe and can still use fireworks since the tragedy didnt directly affect them.

Despite the recent deaths, some residents have admitted to buying aerial fireworks this year, showing that the risk hasnt fully deterred everyone.

Salt Lake Neighborhood Board Chair David Yomes said many residents remain unconvinced enforcement will be enough.

Just a couple months ago, somebody just a block away from the tragedy set off aerials for three to four minutes,  Yomes said. Theres still a few out there that just dont get the message.

Yomes said citations alone will not deter violators.

They need to make arrests,  he said. They need to set an example. You send a message, do it the right waythe entire way.

Several fireworks-related arrests and charges were brought in 2025, reflecting a growing focus on distributors and importers.

In March, Wolfgang Clark and Daniel Young were granted deferred pleas on felony fireworks distribution charges following sting operations, resulting in $5, 000 fines and four years of court supervision, according to the Gov. Josh Greens office. That same month, Explicit Pyrotechnics, LLC, and its owner, Josephine Quintanilla, were charged with importing fireworks without a valid permit, a Class C felony. In separate cases, Gilchrist Fernandeza former corrections officerpleaded guilty to importing aerial fireworks into a correctional facility, and Bronze Robson of Kauai was arrested in October after an illegal fireworks explosion in a residential area.

In addition to enforcement, the state has expanded fireworks amnesty and buyback programs aimed at removing explosives already in homes.

In January, 1, 374 pounds of fireworks were turned in at an amnesty event at Aloha Stadium. Another event in July collected about 500 pounds of aerial fireworks. A November buyback at the Honolulu Police Training Academy collected 724 pounds, with participants receiving $2, 355 in gift cards.

Lambert said the programs are not about the volume collected, but about changing behavior.

It shows that Aliamanu did hit home for numerous families,  he said. In combination with the new law, we are beginning to see a change in public sentiment.

Wakai said buybacks and amnesty give residents a way to come clean but warned the next phase will be tougher.

Whats going to shake the community up is people are going to go to jail,  Wakai said. When people start going to prison for their bad actions, thats when people are going to realize the government is finally serious.

For residents like Ka auwai, accountability remains essentialbut so does remembering the human cost.

Somebodys gotta answer for the deaths,  he said. You cant just let this go.
The first week of September, Michael Lewis Arthur Meyer, a self-proclaimed independent journalist and the founder of Veterans on Patrol, which the Southern Poverty Law Center describes as a right-wing militia, appeared at a meeting of the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners in Wyoming.

Meyer, who is in his late forties with an unkempt reddish bread, wore a safari-style shirt and brimmed hat with sunglasses perched on top. He claimed to be in town to assist with disaster preparedness. But he was not talking about climate change. He argued that the people of Wyoming faced an existential crisis due to weather weapons  a shadowy conspiracy of untested technologies that supposedly alter the Earths atmosphere  which, according to Meyer, also caused Hurricane Helene, which had recently devastated western North Carolina.

The weather weapons, he warned, came from the U.S. military, which was playing God with the weather, spreading dangerous chemicals and other unknown biological materials throughout the atmosphere. These stratospheric aerosol injections, commonly called chemtrails, came from, he claimed, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, a division of the Department of Defense that conducts research. Our goal here is to set up evacuation routes, Meyer concluded. I would ask you guys to take this very seriously because [in Asheville] we have seen the bodies that were put in trailers. Rescue workers have pulled limbs out of debris piles.

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Wyoming State Representative Marlene Brady was in the back of the room and agreed with Meyer. I just want to let you know that is 100 percent correct, she said, referring to the existence of chemtrails and weather weapons. Our plants are dying, our animals are being affected, were being affected.

When people talk about chemtrails, theyre referring to the white streaks youll sometimes see in the sky, which believers think are a dangerous stream of chemicals. To be clear, chemtrails are not real, and banning them, according to Dr. Andrew Dressler, a professor at Texas A&M and the director of the Texas Center for Extreme Weather, is like banning unicorns or banning Bigfoot. The trail of clouds behind airplanes in the sky are known as contrails  mere water condensation created by hot exhaust meeting cold air.

Meyers group broadcasts conspiracy-laden messages on his Telegram channel, called Sojourner News Network, alongside vague threats to military bases that harbor weather weapons. One of his recent projects was nicknamed Operation Morning D.E.W., with the acronym standing for Direct Energy Weapons. At one point, a website, which is now offline, described a brigade of over 3,000 military veterans and civilians planning an unspecified counteroffensive against the U.S. military in order to stop chemical agents, biological agents, and directed energy weapons. The targets include 5G cellular towers, NEXRADS, which are Doppler weather radars operated by federal agencies, and noncommercial aircraft. The website included a photo of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with the word traitor superimposed. Meyer has accused Hegseth repeatedly of treason for the Department of Defenses involvement in DARPA.

While Meyers posts often cite a wide panoply of supposed threats  chemical agents, biological agents, directed energy weapons, bioweapons, nano-tech, and weather weapons  most of his recent theories have centered around the existence of chemtrails, which Meyer believes are poisoning us. When I spoke to Meyer this fall, he described the threat to me very seriously, even angrily. Are you OK being sprayed like a bug? Are you OK with the military saying were going to control the weather? Because thats not theirs to control. Thats Gods to control.

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Meyer has for years spread QAnon-style conspiracies about secret sex-trafficking rings. In 2018, he claimed that he found a secret pedophile hideout near a cement plant in Tucson, Arizona. While Meyers story wasnt true, it generated a flurry of media speculation, and Arizona law enforcement even sent investigators to the site. Meyer was arrested for trespassing. Around the same time, he was also reportedly vandalizing water stations maintained by Humane Borders for immigrants crossing the southern border. He was charged for that, too.

But these ideas about chemtrails no longer live on the fringes of social media. The idea that the skies are poisoning us has gained more traction in recent years, and the mysterious chemicals have been blamed for everything from mind control to weather disasters. In April of this year, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared onstage with TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw for a town-hall-style meeting in which Kennedy addressed chemtrails by, like Meyer, blaming DARPA. At least 30 states  including places as diverse as Kentucky, Minnesota, South Dakota, Arizona, and Texas  have recently proposed legislation that purports to regulate chemtrails in some way.

In most cases, the bills refer to weather-modification tactics, some of which are in use and some of which are still theoretical. One is solar geoengineering, also called solar radiation modification, a theoretical method to alter the atmosphere by reducing solar radiation through spraying particles in the air that is being explored by scientists as a way to mitigate the dangers of climate change. (There are also startup companies exploring the use of sulfur dioxide, the chemical spewed by volcanoes, to dim the sun, but the method is not currently in use, largely because it is controversial among climate scientists.) Cloud seeding, which involves spraying existing clouds with silver iodide, making them heavier and more likely to produce rain, has also been blamed for chemtrails.

Scientists have experimented with cloud seeding since the 1960s, when some states began using it in an attempt to increase snowfall, and its benefits have been relatively modest. But, according to Dessler, cloud seeding does not create weather disasters. Theres just no way humans can do anything on that scale, he tells me. Thats nature.

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Still, the conspiracy has taken hold. After a July 2025 Texas flood killed more than 130 people, most of them children, Naomi Wolf, a prominent conspiracist, posted videos and photos of chemtrails. Shortly afterward, a variety of government officials posted on social media about chemtrails, suggesting they were a contributing factor. Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, posted on July 10, I tasked my team @EPA to compile everything we know about contrails and geoengineering to release to you now publicly. The post links to an EPA website that quotes Zeldin: Americans have legitimate questions about contrails and geoengineering, and they deserve straight answers. The site might disappoint true conspiracy theorists, however, because it states plainly, The federal government is not aware of there ever being a contrail intentionally formed over the United States for the purpose of geoengineering or weather modification.

While most of the proposed laws havent passed, Wyoming is one of the latest states to consider legislation to address chemtrails. In late October, the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee of the state Legislature held an eight-hour-long working session to consider a bill prohibiting the release of atmospheric contaminants into the airspace above Wyoming. A state representative called it the hottest topic  blocking the geoengineering. One anti-geoengineering expert testified that the ongoing cloud-seeding operations are on the level of the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

In late October, Meyers advertised the hearing to his Telegram followers and testified via Zoom about evidence he allegedly had connecting chemtrails to Hurricane Helene.

This is a global operation, he said. These are weapons programs.

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MOST OF THE MAIN PURVEYORS of chemtrail and geoengineering theories reside on the internet, and the people most likely to share photos of benign-looking clouds with a sense of dread are the same ones, according to research, who likely imbibe other conspiracy theories, ranging from fears over genetically modified foods to a belief that the Obama administration intentionally attacked a U.S. outpost in Benghazi.

Conspiracy theories about chemtrails are becoming more and more common on X, too. A 2016 survey of adults by Dustin Tingley and Gernot Wagner at the Harvard Kennedy School showed 10 percent of respondents thought the chemtrails conspiracy was completely true and a further 20 to 30 percent describe it as somewhat true. (The survey did not find links between chemtrail believers and political ideology.) A 2025 study in Communications Earth & Environment, published by science journal Nature, found that around 20 percent of respondents said it was somewhat or completely true that weather modification exists. Beliefs in chemtrails or in ongoing government intervention in the atmosphere are not fringe ideas at this point in time, the authors wrote, adding that belief in chemtrails was associated with being younger, female, conservative, religious, and having less education.

RFK Jr., the conspiracy-driven head of the Health Department, often chimes in on the topic, as well. In August, he posted on X, We are going to stop this crime, in response to a post purporting to be a pilot whistleblower speaking out about chemtrails. (The X account that posted the video, ConcernedCitizen a.k.a. @BGatesIsaPyscho, describes himself in his bio as TOP GeoEngineering. Covid was a SCAM. Reject Woke Ideology. No Wars. Conspiracy Realist/Coincidence Analyser and has 1 million followers. ConcernedCitizen is also the number-one website for community notes  or corrections for misinformation  on X.)

The theories have spread from social media to legislation. Despite the dearth of scientific evidence, the dozen-plus chemtrail-related bills have received remarkably little pushback, largely riding on the wave of Covid denialism, anti-vaccine sentiment, and so-called health freedom promoted by the Make America Healthy Again movement. Scientists who work in climate science have been somewhat perplexed.

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Professor Jeffrey French, who leads the Department of Atmospheric Science at the University of Wyoming, tells me that the conspiracy about weather weapons has gained a critical mass of people such that its being raised in political forums without much input from people like himself who have been doing work in the field of atmospheric science for years.

In April 2024, Tennessee became the first state to outlaw the intentional injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight. Physician Dr. Denise Sibley, who is linked to anti-mask and anti-vax movements, testified, There is no doubt that weather modification is taking place within our state, and describing it as an experiment and a God-like desire to control the heavens. In June 2025, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a similar bill with criminal penalties  second-degree misdemeanor with fines up to $10,000. (Louisianas yet-unpassed bill would set the fine at a whopping $200,000; Pennsylvania, $500,000.) The day he signed the bill, DeSantis posted on X, The Free State of Florida means freedom from governments or private actors unilaterally applying chemicals or geoengineering to people or public spaces.

Beyond state legislatures, many U.S. Congress members also tout the conspiracy. After Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024, Marjorie Taylor Greene posted, Yes they control the weather, on X, followed by a map that suggested the hurricane had been intentionally deployed to ravage Republican-leaning counties. This summer, Greene proposed the Clear Skies Act, a federal ban on weather modification; the legislation would make it a felony to release chemicals into the atmosphere with intent to modify the weather.

THOUGH FEARS ABOUT CHEMTRAILS are surging today, the idea that the U.S. government controls (or tries to control) the weather appears to trace back to at least the 1940s, when the U.S. government collaborated with General Electric to seed clouds with dry ice in a program called Project Cirrus. After a test run, a hurricane swerved west and hit Georgia, with at least one scientist saying he was 99 percent sure the change in direction was caused by Project Cirrus. (Scientists determined later that it probably wasnt caused by the dry ice, but it did cool the enthusiasm for weather experimentation.) A military plan to increase rainfall as part of the Vietnam war, called Operation Popeye, also spurred additional conspiracy theories about nefarious weather control. Chemtrails, specifically, appear to have originated on a blog that referenced a 1996 Air Force paper proposing weather modification, which fueled theories about links to the military.

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Chemtrails began as a more politically neutral theory, much like UFOs. However, over time, the far-right seized on chemtrails as further evidence that the U.S. government was not to be trusted.

One of the main purveyors of the chemtrails theory has been the website Geoengineering Watch, run by Dane Wigington, a conspiracy theorist who lives off the grid in California. In the early 2010s, Wigington was one of the northern California residents who began to connect the ongoing and historically dire drought with white streaks in the sky. While the number of people who supported the theory was never large, they did make waves in local government.

In July 2014, a local doctor named Dr. Stephen Perlman held a three-hour-long meeting in Redding that involved hundreds of residents as well as testimony from scientists, biologists, pilots, physicians, and residents arguing that the streaks were potentially harmful. Perlmans wife, Melinda, wrote later, In the fall of 2013, Stephen and I noticed strange white lines in the sky above our apple farm in Scott Valley. They became a daily occurrence, crisscrossing the sky in grid-like patterns. (Melinda claims chemtrails caused her husbands cancer; he died in 2015.)

Wigington was the unquestioned star of the 2014 meeting. All five supervisors found credible and compelling evidence to substantiate further inquiry; they specifically rejected evidence from federal agencies that had disproven the existence of chemtrails, arguing it was skewed. In January of this year, the chair of the County Board of Supervisors for Shasta County, Kevin Crye, invited Wigington to reprise his role as scientific educator after three young children in Shasta County were diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

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Wigingtons audience has only continued to grow. In 2023, RFK Jr. hosted Wigington on his podcast in an episode titled Are Chemtrails Real? During the conversation, Wigington asserted that chemtrails contain metals like aluminum: What were seeing in our skies are not condensation trails. In almost all cases, they are sprayed particulate trails. Kennedy expressed alarm. Wigington even appeared on the Tucker Carlson Show in November 2025, which got more than a million views. Tucker linked the total lie of the Covid vaccine to the chemtrails conspiracy. So, I know for a fact what youre describing is possible, he said to Wigington, whom he treated as an engineering expert. (Wigington also testified last month in front of the Wyoming Legislature about chemtrails.) Anonymous online whistleblowers have used Wigingtons popularity to catapult their own content, like an interview from an airplane mechanic that purports to prove the existence of chemtrails.

University of California, Berkeley, professor Timothy Tangherlini, who studies folklore and conspiracy theories, thinks of the spread of the chemtrails conspiracy as part of a story that gives people both someone to blame and a strategy to cope with the impacts of disastrous weather patterns. Many people, he says, operate in a low-trust environment and are aware of other ways in which the government has covered up harms, such as the use of Agent Orange. In these low-trust situations, its really a fertile ground for this type of story, he says. Here, a threat from above thats probably linked to the government or nefarious deep-state actors in cahoots with chemical companies for unknown reasons  becomes a more palatable narrative than the climate is changing.

SHORTLY AFTER HURRICANE HELENE DEVASTATED western North Carolina, Meyer arrived to purportedly provide assistance to the many people who were displaced. He initially tried to interfere in a variety of aid operations around Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, two small towns devastated by flooding. In October 2024, Meyer and his Veterans on Patrol group, which mostly consists of acolytes, started hanging around the parking lot of an Ingles grocery chain, which had become a staging place for FEMA. After confrontations with local residents, Ingles managers, with the help of local Lake Lure police, cleared the parking lot. FEMA moved to the nearby public library, and Meyers shifted his operation into the woods nearby.

Meyer then reprised his role by going to Swannanoa, a small working-class town about 40 minutes east of Asheville, where he posted videos of flood-devastated homes and debris floating in the Swannanoa River.

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I went to see Meyer in February 2025, eight months after Helene. He was still hanging out in a part of Swannanoa called Good Loop Road, which is a gravel circle that used to be lined with prefab homes and double-wide trailers next to the Swannanoa River. When I went, it hosted more of a squatters camp with trailers and a few tents. I found Meyer inside a small trailer; he emerged vaping and talking on the phone.

He immediately began to tell me about the NEXRAD towers and how they are poisoning the skies. I dont care about the immigration. I dont care about the border. I dont care about the government corruption. What I care about is were rebuilding people. And if the military can keep doing this, and they can send another weather weapon up here, then what good is rebuilding if we dont deal with the immediate problem? he asked.

Meyer was proud to show me around the area, where, he said, he had helped to set up a supply station, clear out some houses, and even build some tiny homes, which were really just a room with a bed. Most of this work had actually been completed by Samaritans Purse, a nonprofit run by Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, the evangelical preacher. It was not clear to me what, if anything, Meyer had done.

Meyer pointed to the clouds, which were not clouds in his telling, but chemtrails. They sprayed us all morning, he tells me.

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He spouted a mixture of commentary, some of it moderately accurate about the failure of FEMA to provide sufficient assistance to working-class people in western North Carolina, combined with wild conspiracies about smart cities and weather weapons.

The place where I met Meyer was the same spot where Donald Trump gave a post-inauguration speech just a few weeks earlier, in January 2025. Next to the river, which was wider than it had been before the storm, consuming whole feet of property, yellow tape drooped, marking the spot where Trump had given a press conference at which he said that he would consider eliminating FEMA, saying, And well begin the work of fundamentally changing, terminating, or overhauling FEMA. FEMA has been a disaster, no matter where they are.

ProPublica has reported that the poorest residents of Hurricane Helene-impacted regions have gotten the least amount of FEMA funding. (DHS recently said it would release $155 million for North Carolinas recovery.)

The people still living around Good Loop Road seemed to accept Meyer as a fixture of the neighborhood, but they were more focused on rebuilding and repairing their own lives. I dont pay attention to any politics, one man told me, waiting for his kid to come home from school. The ground was littered with abandoned car carcasses, sinks from bathrooms, piles of ripped-out insulation.

In the absence of real political action and concern for the residents of western North Carolina, Meyer was there to fill the gap, providing not just imaginary support but also the convenience of a government conspiracy. According to Meyer, once the chemtrails were eliminated, everything would go back to normal. Once the military stops spraying chemtrails, he told me, watch what happens to nature and how quickly we recover, and how good our rain is, and how people start thinking clearly, and our trees and things will start growing normally. If only it were that easy.

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Six families in Chester, Pennsylvania, are spending Christmas displaced after a fire ripped through their homes Wednesday night.

Members of the community gathered on Thursday to provide meals, toys, and emotional support to those impacted.

"This Christmas, I said anyone who wants to be a part of our family, they can come and be a part of our family today," said Councilwoman and Executive Director of Stepnup Mentoring and Community Interactions, Tameka Gibson-Williams.

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For many neighbors, the holiday has been difficult.

"A depression for one. You lose your loved ones, and that's a reminder of the holidays that used to be so cheerful and joyful," said resident Quanisha Swiggett.

Another volunteer, Risa Desilva-King, said helping others has helped her cope with her own loss.

"I find that being of service helps me channel the grief of not having my mother around," she said.

Gibson-Williams said the support was especially important following the fire.

"We have a lot of people here in the city of Chester who would come together, band together, stick together to make sure those families get the help that they need," she said.

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The Red Cross is assisting the 16 people displaced with accommodations. Additional resources, including clothing, toiletries, shoes, coats, and shelter information, are also being offered.

"Those family members who may be in need of clothing resources, shelter resources, toiletries, shoes, coats, definitely stop by Chester Education Fund," Desilva-King said.

Among those seeking comfort was mother Anita Carrington, whose son Ny'Leek was paralyzed after being struck in a hit-and-run while getting off the bus in February.

"This was the worst Christmas ever, but I'm here," Carrington said. "I was crying all night long."

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She said the holiday has been especially difficult.

"It's the fact my son is like this, and it's the holidays. He can't get up on his own and open his gifts," she said.

Still, Carrington said the gathering provided something she needed: support.

Gibson-Williams emphasized the importance of community in moments like this.

"Humanity needs us all. No one is above anyone else, and any of us can find ourselves in a bad situation, but when we come together as a unit, there is so much more we can do together than apart," she said.
By Eduardo Baptista

BEIJING, Dec 26 (Reuters) - Chinese companies developing reusable commercial rockets will have access to a fast lane for initial public offerings on the tech-heavy STAR market that exempts them from some financial requirements, the Shanghai Stock Exchange said on Friday.

Beijing is seeking to address a gap in its space capabilities compared to the United States, which is currently dominant in the ability to return, recover, and reuse a rocket's first stage, or booster, after it is launched.

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The new guidelines build upon previous regulations published in June that made it easier for pre-profit innovative companies to get listed on the STAR market.

The fast lane exempts Chinese rocket firms from profitability and minimum revenue thresholds and instead requires them to have met key technological milestones, including one successful orbital launch using reusable rocket technology.

CHINA AIMING TO BREAK US, SPACEX STRANGLEHOLD

U.S. billionaire Elon Musk's aerospace giant SpaceX currently holds a near monopoly on this technology, and its signature Falcon 9 is the only reusable rocket model that is regularly launched and used to put satellites into orbit.

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Earlier this month, China's leading private rocket firm LandSpace became the first domestic entity to carry out a full reusable rocket test with the launch of its new Zhuque-3 model, signalling its ambition to catch up to SpaceX.

While the launch failed to complete the crucial step of recovering the rocket's booster, a flurry of Chinese state-owned and private players are now rushing to test launch their own reusable rockets.

LandSpace has already said it wants to demonstrate a successful rocket recovery in mid-2026, when Zhuque-3 will be launched for a second time. But it has said the capital-intensive nature of rocket development means it will need access to China's capital markets if it hopes to compete with SpaceX.

The Shanghai exchange's rules do not state that rocket firms must successfully recover a rocket, only that reusable rocket technology be used to put a satellite into orbit, something LandSpace already achieved with this month's launch.

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Companies that undertake national missions or participate in major state-led space projects will receive priority support, according to the new guidelines, which take effect immediately, underscoring the close alignment between commercial launch activity and China's broader strategic goals.

China has repeatedly described SpaceX's monopoly on low-Earth orbit satellites as a national security risk and is actively pushing its own satellite constellations, which it hopes will number in the tens of thousands within the next decades.

(Reporting by Eduardo Baptista; Editing by Joe Bavier)
BEIJING (AP)  Beijing imposed sanctions on Friday against 20 U.S. defense-related companies and 10 executives, a week after Washington annoucned large-scale arms sales to Taiwan.

The sanctions entail freezing the companies assets in China and banning individuals and organizations from dealing with them, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

The companies include Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services and Boeing in St. Louis, while defense firm Anduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey is one of the executives sanctioned, who can no longer do business in China and are barred from entering the country. Their assets in the East Asian country have also been frozen.

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The announcement of the U.S. arms-sale package, valued at more than $10 billion, has drawn an angry response from China, which claims Taiwan as its own and says it must come under its control.

If approved by the American Congress, it would be the largest-ever U.S. weapons package to the self-ruled territory.

We stress once again that the Taiwan question is at the very core of Chinas core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in ChinaU.S. relations, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday. Any company or individual who engages in arms sales to Taiwan will pay the price for the wrongdoing."

The ministry also urged the U.S. to stop what it called the dangerous moves of arming Taiwan.

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Taiwan is a major flashpoint in U.S.-China relations that analysts worry could explode into military conflict between the two powers. China says that the U.S. arms sales to Taiwan would violate diplomatic agreements between China and the U.S.

Chinas military has increased its presence in Taiwans skies and waters in the past few years, holding joint drills with its warships and fighter jets on a near-daily basis near the island.

Under the American federal law, the U.S. is obligated to assist Taiwan with its self-defense, a point that has become increasingly contentious with China. Beijing already has strained ties with Washington over trade, technology and other human rights issues.
The Chinese commerce ministry's latest remarks on the TikTok deal in the US signalled acceptance rather than approval, as Beijing "hopes" the arrangement will comply with Chinese laws and strike a balance between rival interests, analysts say.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce, which oversees trade and export controls, declared its position a week after TikTok announced the formation of a joint venture, controlled by a consortium of American investors, that would take over its operations in the US.

"The Chinese government hopes that enterprises will reach solutions that comply with Chinese laws and regulations and strike a balance of interests," spokeswoman He Yongqian said on Thursday.

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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.

"This is not a green light with no strings attached," said Irina Tsukerman, president of strategic advisory firm Scarab Rising, adding that complying with Chinese laws and regulations was "the core condition".

"Beijing has largely avoided strong public comment on this issue, expressing that beyond legal compliance, the details of a deal are a commercial matter," said Tom Nunlist, associate director of tech and data policy at research service Trivium China.

He Yongqian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. Photo: dpa alt=He Yongqian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. Photo: dpa>

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In 2020, a similar arrangement was forged between ByteDance, the Beijing-based owner of TikTok, Oracle and Walmart, but it fell apart after the commerce ministry and the Ministry of Science and Technology revised the export control list, adding two recommendation technologies relevant to TikTok's operations.

Under the latest deal, ByteDance will license its AI recommendation technology to the newly created US TikTok entity, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, which would use the existing algorithm to retrain a new system that Oracle secures.

"Beijing wants this outcome portrayed as a negotiated compromise rather than a forced divestment," said Tsukerman, as the commerce ministry spokeswoman emphasised mutual respect and balance of interests.

The spokeswoman, He, said on Thursday that the agreement followed "the conversation between the leaders of China and the US", and came as part of "a basic framework consensus reached through cooperation and based on mutual respect and equal consultation".

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"By anchoring it to the leaders' talk and to earlier economic and trade talks, Beijing is protecting itself from domestic criticism that it allowed a flagship Chinese company to be carved up under foreign coercion," said Tsukerman.

Further, when He said Beijing "hopes" the US would "provide a fair, open, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment", the Chinese side was "putting conditions on its restraint", Tsukerman said.

"China is saying that allowing a deal to proceed does not mean accepting continued political targeting, regulatory harassment, or shifting goalposts for Chinese firms operating in the US," she added.

Under the new arrangement, a consortium of American and allied investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX, will hold half of the US entity. Affiliates of existing ByteDance investors will hold 30.1 per cent, while ByteDance will retain 19.9 per cent. The new entity is set to be established on January 22, 2026, a day before the sell-or-ban law was due to take effect.

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ByteDance saw its valuation surge to a record US$500 billion on the private market after the deal, which meant TikTok could continue to reap earnings in one of its biggest markets, the Post reported earlier this week.

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.
Billionaires like Telegram founder Pavel Durov and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have fathered legions of children who are slated to inherit their empires. Now, an ultra-wealthy Chinese businessman is doing the same in the U.S., in hopes of producing around 20 U.S.-born children to inherit his video game fortune.

Xu Bo is the founder and chairman of Guangzhou Duoyi Network: one of Chinas largest mobile gaming companies. Despite the 48-year-old entrepreneur growing his company in Guangzhou, hes not looking to pass down his $1.1 billion fortune to a child born in his home country. A Wall Street Journal investigation into Xus surrogacy history in the U.S. found that the Chinese billionaire was seeking parental rights to at least four unborn children, and had previously fathered and was actively fathering at least eight more surrogacy kids. There could be dozens more.

The billionaires video game company had also reportedly stated that Xu has more than 100 children born through surrogates based in the U.S., according to WSJ reporting. He was allegedly seeking 50 high-quality sons, according to accounts linked to Xu on Chinese microblogging website Weibo, and said that having more children can solve all problems. During a 2023 court hearing, Xu also said he hoped to have around 20 U.S.-born children to one day take over his business, according to WSJ. He also fantasized about his American kids marrying Musks children in the future. Last month, Xus ex-girlfriend also alleged that he had 300 children living around the worlda claim his company denied.

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Xus Duoyi Network has since made a statement against the Journal, stating the publication had deliberately confused the facts and fabricated false information, and that only 12 of the alleged 100-plus children were born in the U.S.

Another billionaire fathering 100+ heirs: Telegram founder Pavel Durvo

Xu is among a growing number of ultra-rich men parenting dozens of children to shepherd their companies and expand their legacies. And just like Xu, the video game billionaire, Telegram founder Pavel Durvo has helped conceive over 100 babies across 12 countries.

Officially, the entrepreneur worth $14.2 billion has six official children with three different partners. In addition to this parentage, Durov has also been donating to a sperm clinic for the past 15 years, which told him has led to more than 100 pregnancies.

I wrote my will very recently, Durov told French publication Le Point in an interview this June. I make no difference between my children: There are those who were conceived naturally and those who come from my sperm donations. They are all my children and will all have the same rights! I dont want them to tear each other apart after my death.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
This Christmas, a north shore family is desperately searching for their 82-year-old grandmothers dress she hoped to be buried in.

Brian Carr reached out to Boston 25 for help in tracking down the dress.

He said he and his family were moving his grandmother out of her Medford home and into an assisted living facility in Arlington when the dress was accidentally put into the donate pile.

Ive been texting everybody all morning, Hey, Christmas miracle, he said. Its been weighing on me a lot as well. I know it means a lot to her.

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His grandmother, Josephine Frontera, said she was gifted the dress more than 50 years ago by her oldest son. Her son was a teenager at the time, and paid for the dress with his first paycheck.

At thirteen, he went to work to help me, she explained. It means a lot. We went through hell in life... I feel sad because I had it for all those years, and now in the end, Im not able to use it.

She described the simple dress as dark blue with long sleeves, a V-neck, and a tie on the back.

Carr said the dress was donated to St. Eulalias parish in Winchester, and most likely ended up with the Society of St. Vincent DePauls  a national nonprofit with five locations in Massachusetts.

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He added, It would mean everything for me to get it back to my grandmother.

Frontera is battling COPD and pulmonary fibrosis.

She said shes always planned to be buried in the dress when she passes away.

This Christmas, she was surrounded by love and a family thats desperately asking for help in finding her prized possession.

I know theyd do everything for me, she finished about her family. Ill do everything for them, everything, no matter what it is.

Boston 25 reached out to St. Eulalia and SSVP Wednesday and are waiting to hear back.

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Colorado already has a city considered the most peaceful in the country.

It now has one recognized among the most caring in the U.S. as well.

Colorado Springs was tapped as the eighth most-caring city in the U.S. in a new study from WalletHub. Denver finished at No. 28 while Aurora ranked No. 32. Its in line with previous WalletHub research recognizing Colorado as the sixth-most charitable state in the country.

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WalletHub compared the 100 largest cities across 38 key indicators of a compassionate spirit. That used data such as the share of people experiencing homelessness who are sheltered, volunteer hours per capita and the share of income donated to charity.

The most caring cities donate a lot of money to charity and have high volunteer rates, but being a caring city overall requires much more than just giving time or money, WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in written comments accompanying the study. In the top cities, like Virginia Beach, VA, Boston, MA, and Scottsdale, AZ, residents also display their care for others by working in professions that help others, like teaching, social work, firefighting and medicine, at high rates. In addition, the top cities have low crime rates, environmentally-friendly residents and low rates of poverty and homelessness.

What do Colorados most caring cities do well?

A sign welcomes drivers to Colorado from Wyoming along U.S. Highway 287 north of Livermore, Colo., on Oct. 19, 2023.

WalletHub divided its data sets into three groups to help identify particular strengths in its study  caring for the vulnerable, caring for the community as a whole and caring in the workforce.

Colorado Springs jumps into the top 10 nationally because of its strong score for caring for the vulnerable. It ranks fifth in that category, compared to No. 34 for caring for the community and No. 31 for caring in the workforce.

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Denver actually scores better in caring for the vulnerable, finishing second. But it is dragged down by finishing No. 80 in caring for the community. It is also No. 26 in caring in the workforce.

Aurora, on the other hand, ranks No. 59 for caring for the community but is supported by ranking No. 17 in caring for the vulnerable and No. 20 in caring in the workforce.

What are the country's most caring cities?

These are the 10 most caring cities in the country, according to WalletHub:

Virginia Beach, Virginia Boston, Massachusetts Scottsdale, Arizona Gilbert, Arizona Fremont, California San Diego, California Chesapeake, Virginia Colorado Springs St. Paul, Minnesota Madison, Wisconsin

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Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado Springs, Denver and Aurora ranked among most caring US cities
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Nvidia (NVDA, Financials) is set to use Samsung's upcoming HBM4 memory chips in its next generation Rubin AI processors, according to reports from Seoul. Samsung shares rose more than 5% in Seoul trading after news emerged that the company plans to begin mass production of the advanced chips in February at its Pyeongtaek campus.

The new HBM4 chips are designed to meet the growing performance demands of AI workloads, helping Nvidia strengthen its data center product lineup amid record global demand for artificial intelligence hardware.

SK Hynix, another major memory supplier, is also preparing to produce HBM4 chips at its M16 fab next year. Both Korean chipmakers are accelerating production schedules to compete for contracts with Nvidia and other AI chip designers.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley project Samsung's memory profits could rise more than 300% in 2026, reflecting higher margins from AI-driven chip demand. The collaboration underscores Nvidia's efforts to diversify its supply chain while supporting Samsung's comeback in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
AI data centers in Scotland are using enough water to fill 27 million half-liter bottles every year, according to the BBC.

What's happening?

AI data centers are popping up all over the world, including 16 in Scotland. That number is also expected to grow in the coming years. These centers require a lot of power and use large amounts of water. The water keeps the hard drives cool enough to answer the questions and perform the tasks that people around the world regularly ask of AI.

Right now, most of these systems are considered "open loop." The water comes in, cools the system, and doesn't get reused. Colin Lindsay, an operations manager with Scottish Water, said: "Open-loop systems use enormous amounts of water."

Why is conserving water used by AI data centers important?

AI offers many benefits and has plenty of potential to improve our world. It can help us better understand and optimize energy systems. The Columbia Climate School explained that AI can analyze large amounts of data quickly, so it can help us make informed decisions about pursuits such as reducing carbon pollution and may help us move toward sustainability faster.

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According to the United Nations, though, AI requires massive amounts of rare earth elements, energy, and water, and that's in addition to the ways it can be misused and the security issues around it.

When we see the consequences of these downsides, like in Scotland, it should remind us how far we have to go when it comes to making sure AI is used well.

What's being done about water use in Scottish AI data centers?

Experts in Scotland are pushing to have AI data centers moved toward closed-loop solutions, which cool and reuse water, rather than constantly requiring a new supply.

They are also pushing for transparency from these centers about energy and water use. Professor Ana Basiri, an AI expert from the University of Glasgow, noted that without transparency, "we can't really measure this [the environmental impact of these centers]."

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If AI data centers concern you, talk about them with your family and friends. You may also want to invest in ways to clean water used by these centers or learn more about contaminated water in general.

How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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.
Have you paid too much for a doctors bill and spent too much time waiting for a refund?

Are you a pet owner confused by the insurance policy you purchased for your fur baby?

Do you live in a condo and feel uninformed about what the board is doing?

New Florida laws that took effect on Jan. 1 will help you get through these and other consumer issues.

Heres what to know:

Pet insurance and wellness programs

Pet insurance will be designated as property insurance and face new regulations. (Try telling your pets they are now your property, and not the other way around.)

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According to the new law:

Pet insurance companies have to clearly explain to customers how decisions are determined to make payouts on claims.

The insurance companies need to share any rules about required medical exams for pets.

A pet insurance agent cant market a wellness program as pet insurance or make enrolling in a pet wellness program a prerequisite to purchase pet insurance.

Insurance companies can refuse to cover your pets preexisting health problems  but they have to prove those conditions existed before the policy was purchased.

Waiting periods for some illnesses or conditions may be set by the insurer, but not for accidents.

A pet insurance applicant or policyholder can look over the policy and cancel within 30 days if they are not satisfied for any reason. Youre entitled to a refund during this grace period.

After purchase of a policy, the insurer can ask for a pet exam, but cant require one to renew your policy.

Does Floridas new 2026 law concerning pet insurance have enough teeth to protect the consumer? This cat looks skeptical. (Howard Cohen/hcohen@miamiherald.com)

Animal cruelty database

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is authorized to put on its website the names of people who have been found guilty or have pleaded guilty or no contest to animal cruelty thanks to this new law.

Its named Dexters Law, for a 2024 case in which a man was charged with animal cruelty after he adopted a sweet tempered shelter dog from Pinellas County Animal Shelter named Dexter and brutally decapitated the animal days after adoption. The dogs mutilated body was found in a plastic bag in Fort De Soto Park near St. Petersberg.

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The animal cruelty case led to harsher penalties that went into effect on July 1, 2025. The addition, effective Jan. 1, creates the FDLEs publicly accessible animal abuser registry to prevent future atrocities by tracking offenders.

Pet adoption services or people giving an animal away for adoption are encouraged to search the list to screen potential adopters.

Refunds of overpayments

See that $409.86 hospital payment a patient owes after insurance handled its end? If the patient mistakenly paid the bill twice or a higher amount than due on a bill by accident, the medical practitioner would have 30 days to provide a refund, according to a new Florida law concerning overpayment goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. (Howard Cohen/hcohen@miamiherald.com)

Pay the same bill twice for a medical procedure? Its easy to do. You paid online, but then a paper bill comes in the mail for the same amount, and you pay it again just to be sure  or you simply forgot this one was paid. Or add an extra digit to your co-pay by mistake?

This new law requires healthcare practitioners, facilities, providers and anyone who accepts payment from insurance for services rendered by healthcare practitioners, to refund any overpayment made by the patient no later than 30 days after determining that the patient made an overpayment.

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If they fail to do so, it could be grounds for disciplinary action by the applicable board, or Floridas Department of Health if there is no board. If the facility or provider is licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration and fails to timely refund an overpayment, they could face an administrative penalty of up to $500.

The new laws requirement to timely refund overpayments doesnt apply to overpayments made to providers by health insurers and health maintenance organizations.

Condominium associations

The Miami-Dade Marine Patrol Unit navigates as search and rescue personnel search for survivors through the rubble at the Champlain Towers South Condo in Surfside, Florida, Sunday, June 27, 2021. The apartment building partially collapsed on June 24, 2021. (David Santiago/dsantiago@miamiherald.com)

On July 1, a new condo safety law reform went into effect to give condo owners and associations a bit of breathing room without gutting the core of Floridas new condo safety regulations after the Surfside condo collapse in 2021.

MORE: Will Floridas new condo law help ease an affordability crisis? See the changes

On Jan. 1, the new law mandates a condo association managing 25 or more units has to follow deadlines for public posting of material related to the safety regulations, including minutes of administrative meetings, videos, affidavits and other materials. These public postings must be accessible not only online but via a mobile device.

Breast exams

The new coverage for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations law taking effect Jan. 1 means that the states health insurance plans for its employees makes exams fully covered and wont require workers to pay extra costs, such as co-pays or deductibles for diagnostic breast exams or supplemental breast exams.
Firefighters in Salem County, New Jersey, battled a blaze at a strip mall on Christmas Day.

Crews arrived around 3:15 p.m. to find smoke coming from a TD Bank along the 400 block of East Broadway in Salem.

The fire went to a second alarm before it was brought under control around 4 p.m.

There were no reports of any injuries.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.


Connecticut electric bills, already among the nations highest, will increase yet again as a new set of utility regulators comes to grips with a problem its predecessors pushed aside for years: How to pay the states biggest electric utility for the more than $1 billion it has spent on storm damage.

The bill, which Eversource has been trying to collect for years, hit $1.5 billion at the end of November and is growing by $8 million a month with carrying costs like interest on the hundreds of millions of dollars the company has borrowed to repair damage since the tab started running in 2018.

Eversource is trying to jumpstart the storm damage discussion with an extensive filing to a newly reconstituted Public Utility Regulatory Authority. Gov. Ned Lamont expanded the authority to five commissioners from three last fall and replaced Chairman Marissa Gillett, whose acrimonious relationship with the utility industry some colleagues have said contributed to the run up in storm costs.

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The $1.5 billion in storm costs isnt the only expense likely to push up electric bills in the coming year. After eight years without asking for a rate increase, Eversource, the states largest distributor of electricity with 1.5 million customers, has notified PURA that it intends to apply for rate hearing and likely increase within months.

PURA last granted Eversource a rate increase after a hearing in 2018. Movements in rates that customers have seen since, both up and down, occurred within the rate structure set then and were approved by PURA in response to changing market conditions and state policies, like those subsidizing green energy programs.

What analysts predict will be an almost certain request for a rate increase could create a shock for customers, depending on how the new PURA combines it with payment for storm damage.

The Company currently expects to file a request for a distribution rate change by mid-year

2026, Eversource said in its PURA filing earlier this month. This application for a rate amendment will be a significant filing, as the Company is currently operating substantially below its authorized rate of return and PURA has previously directed numerous important policy initiatives to be included in this docket.

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Layering the review and/or recovery of storm costs on top of that docket will not be beneficial to customers or to other stakeholders participating in the docket.

In its filings with regulators, Eversource lays out in detail, over hundreds of pages of memos, affidavits and charts, what it has spent and hopes to collect for storm damage. Similar documentation of its request for a rate increase will follow at the time of the application, a company official said.

As quasi-judicial regulators, PURA officials have said they cannot discuss matters before the authority

What is known now about rates is that Eversource last appeared before PURA on a rate case in 2018 and, as is the case with other state utilities, the company says it has been operating below its authorized return on equity, which is a ceiling on profitability set by PURA.

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Like the other utilities, Eversource blames financial underperformance in Connecticut on what it calls a succession of irregular and illegal regulatory decisions by PURA under the leadership of Gillett, who resigned in October during a nasty, years-long fight with the utility industry.

The tension has eased between the utilities and regulators since Gilletts resignation and a ruling last month in a utility suit that affirmed all of the industry allegations against PURA. One of the parties to the suit, Avangrid subsidiary United Illuminating, complained last year that its return on equity had fallen so low that investors could make more money buying a certificate of deposit.

Gillett supporters claimed throughout the dispute that she was protecting ratepayers from greedy, monopolistic, investor-owned utilities.

Eversource waited eight years until 2026 to apply for a rate increase because it didnt trust Gillett, according to people familiar with company thinking. Based on recent rate cases involving subsidiaries and other utilities, the company feared an application to Gillett for an increase would result in a punishing but unjustified decision that would cause more financial damage, scare away investors and increase borrowing costs.

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Gilletts response, according to people who spoke with her, was to deny Eversource the ability to bill customers for its ever increasing storm expenses  unless and until it agreed to appear before PURA for a rate hearing, a comprehensive, year-long, multi-million dollar financial examination. The people who spoke with Gillett said she planned, among other things, to search Eversource financial reports for evidence that it billed customers for unauthorized expenses.

In its latest filing with PURA, Eversource is pressing the regulators to move quickly on storm damage repayment to both cut off the multi-million interest costs and mitigate a double shock to customer bills.

Among other things, the company is urging PURA to mitigate the impact of storm damage on customers by stretching the payments over decades rather than years, using a new law that allows the regulators to securitize the costs. Securitization would convert the debt to bonds and sell it to inventors. Eversource estimates that securitization would increase average customer bills by $1 to $2 a month over 20 years or so, depending on the bond issue.

Without securitization, storm costs  to which utilities are entitled by law to recover through customer rates  would have to be paid off in six years. The shorter repayment term could mean an increase in the average electric bill of as much as $10, according to observers in and out of the utility industry.

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Eversource also said repeatedly in its filing that it is willing to negotiate a settlement of the storm damage total, meaning it is willing to take a loss by discounting the amount it is owed in order to get the debt off its books quickly. There has been some talk of a settlement between the utility and government officials outside of PURA but no definitive result, officials on both sides of the question said.

In a settlement context, the Company is ready, willing and able to work with the interested parties to craft a solution that will best serve the interests of customers, both in terms of supporting safe and expeditious restoration of power after catastrophic weather events and in terms of cost efficiency and mitigated bill impacts, Eversource said it its filing.

At issue in the discussions are 43 storms between 2018 and November, in addition to the costs of staging storm responses, which can mean paying line crews from other states to arrive on scene for storms that may or may not materialize.

Eversource customers already are paying for storm damage through a fee on customer bills that goes into a storm reserve fund, a kind of rainy day fund against catastrophic damage. But the $60.5 million annual customer contribution is unable to keep pace even with interest costs.

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The company complains in its filing that PURAs refusal to entertain any discussion of the mounting storm costs in recent years is responsible for what will be a bigger than necessary bump in customer bills.

Major CT law firm hired by state to investigate PURA staff. It comes amid long-running controversy

PURAs deliberate and manipulated delay over the past two years, coupled with a refusal to increase the contribution from customers to replenish the Storm Reserve in the meantime, is costing customers dearly., the company said. It is imperative that PURA take action now  so that the Company can work with stakeholders to try to put together a strategy for alleviating rate shock for customers and mitigating both the level of costs to be borne by customers and the ultimate bill impacts.

Eversource is asking that PURA immediately begin the work that will result in securitization of about $1.28 billion in storm costs that accrued between 2018 and 2023, because nearly all the work required to verify those costs by PURA and the state Office of Consumer Counsel is completed.

The company asks in its filing for a final verification of the expenses, which it already has had reviewed by the independent consultant PricewaterhouseCoopers, by the end of March. At that point, the company said it can begin converting the debt to bonds.
A Middletown man was allegedly found with large quantities of narcotics on Christmas after he is accused of dragging a police officer from a vehicle in Rocky Hill and leading troopers on a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 91, which ended with a troopers cruiser being struck.

The police officer with the Rocky Hill Police Department was allegedly dragged during an attempted stop in the early morning hours, according to Connecticut State Police.

Troopers who assisted in looking for the black Ford Edge tied to the incident spotted the vehicle shortly before 2:30 a.m. as it got onto I-91/Route 5 and 15 from Exit 27 in Hartford, state police said. Police tried to pull the vehicle over but the driver accelerated to more than 100 mph while leading troopers through multiple exits and briefly onto other streets before repeatedly getting back onto I-91, according to state police.

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At one point, the driver turned his headlights off and allegedly went erratically across multiple lanes, appearing to intentionally steer toward pursuing cruisers, state police said. Troopers deployed stop sticks and were able to puncture one of the vehicles tires, allowing the driver to continue north until slowing down on the Exit 28 ramp, according to state police.

At the exit, state police said they conducted a controlled box-in to stop the vehicle, at which point the driver is accused of intentionally striking a cruiser, disabling it, state police said. The driver was then taken into custody and identified as 46-year-old Tyshawn Jermiane Adams, according to state police.

Troopers found that he had a warrant out for his arrest charging him with violation of probation. A search of Adams and the vehicle allegedly turned up large quantities of fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and materials commonly used in narcotics distribution, including manufacturing and packaging materials, state police said. Adams allegedly showed clear signs of impairment and admitted to using multiple drugs before getting behind the wheel, according to state police.

State police said Adams told troopers he believed they would stop pursuing him once he went over 100 mph. He was arrested on charges of operating a drug factory, reckless driving, disobeying the signal of an officer, engaging police in pursuit, operating under the influence, failure to drive in the proper lane, sale of a narcotic substance, possession of a controlled substance and interfering with an officer.

Adams was held on a $100,000 bond and was expected to appear in Hartford Superior Court on Friday.
A Waterbury police officer has been suspended after an independent investigation found he made false statements and violated department policies in relation to a department investigation into his political opponent.

An independent investigation of Sgt. Adrian Sanchez, a Waterbury police officer and Board of Aldermen member, found that Sanchez made false statements and directed an investigation in violation of department policies in connection with an August incident between his own political opponent and a friend, former state Rep. Victor Cuevas.

The internal affairs report, obtained by the Courant through a Freedom of Information request, found Sanchezs actions pose a conflict of interest. The report found that Sanchez invoked potential violations by superior officers of the Waterbury Police Duty Manual and the Hatch Act, in regard to a social media post where he alleged that on-duty police officers are being ordered by their superiors to perform political favors.

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After reviewing the internal affairs report, Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo convened a Loudermill hearing, which provides employees accused of policy violations a chance to defend themselves, before three union police officers.

Based on the recommendations and based on the investigation and based on Sanchezs past disciplinary record, I determined a 15-day suspension was appropriate, Spagnolo said.

Sanchez is now grieving the suspension with the support of the Brass City Local, the local Waterbury Police Union.

We filed a grievance and are going through the grievance process and fully supporting Sgt. Sanchez, said Detective John Healey, president of the Brass City Local Waterbury Police Union.

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Spagnolo said when he deliberated there are absolutely in my mind questions about him serving as an officer, serving the community, serving in a supervisory role.

But the reality is he is afforded union protection, the chief said. There is a progressive discipline process in place. I had lengthy conversations with the HR director and already this has been grieved by the union. It is difficult for me in this case because I do question whether he should be in a supervisory role and frankly in some ways a police officer. But I have to follow the guidelines and understand what the processes are and make sure we provide opportunities and we have historical background in case this behavior continues and we have to take further action.

Sanchez said in an email that while he understands the public interest in this matter, because it involves an internal personal investigation and a pending labor grievance I am not able to comment on the findings or details at this time.

I will be addressing the matter through the appropriate contractual and legal processes, he said.

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Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski Jr. said the investigation was thorough and fair.

Violations cited

The report investigates Sanchezs conduct on Aug. 22 relating to a police investigation into an incident in which Cuevas reportedly confronted and made homophobic comments to Efrain Torres, a former Republican Board of Aldermen candidate who ran against Sanchez.

Cuevas was arrested and charged with second-degree breach of peace by Waterbury Police Dec. 17 in connection with the incident. The incident was captured on a video that was widely circulated.

Waterbury States Attorney Maureen Platt determined the encounter with Torres was found to be a hate incident and did not rise to the level of a criminal violation, according to Spagnolo.

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In video footage sent to the Courant, Torres, who was running in the 5th district, is seen on a video on Aug. 22 walking downtown by the Republican Town Committees headquarters when Cuevas confronts him asking him What did you call me? followed by expletives. He then proceeds to make derogatory comments with no response from Torres, except to say See you later.

Sanchez reported the incident while off duty and directed Officer Perla Cora to investigate the incident, according to the report, which cites that he violated policy by not reporting it to his commanding officer.

Miguel Escalera Jr., an attorney who was retained by the corporation counsel in Waterbury to conduct the independent investigation, wrote in his report that Mr. Cuevas was actively supporting Sergeant Sanchez in his political campaign against Efrain Torres.

One can only imagine the negative news articles that would have been written about the Waterbury Police Department had the media been aware that Sergeant Sanchez, himself the political opponent of Mr. Torres, was undertaking to direct the investigation of the altercation on behalf of the Waterbury Police Department, Escalera wrote in his report.

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Because of his conflict of interest, Sergeant Sanchez should have immediately taken steps to distance himself from the investigation of the altercation by reporting this unusual occurrence to his superiors and allowing them to direct the investigation, the report continued. I find by failing to report this matter to his superiors Sergeant Sanchez not only violated the Waterbury Police Duty Manual but also demonstrated extremely poor judgment.

The report states that Sanchez does not take responsibility for having done anything improper.

As such, Sergeant Sanchezs poor judgment continues unabated, the report states.

Spagnolo said in the last five years there have been four significant incidents of misconduct concerning Sanchez including the August incident that required disciplinary actions and werent disputed.

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In 2018 he took a five-day suspension for violation of police policies after he was involved in an off-duty fight in the city, according to the chief.

In 2019 he worked an unauthorized off-duty job in the city where a domestic incident occurred, the chief said, also violating policies; he received a three-day suspension. And in April of this year, the chief said Sanchez launched an investigation into a medical incident involving a former police commissioner, violating police policies.

False statements

The report states that during an interview with Sanchez on Oct. 31, Sanchez asked Officer Perla Cora very politely to investigate the incident with Cuevas and Torres as a friend and that he had no intention to give her an order and that she could have refused to do what Sanchez asked, according to the report.

I find that these statements by Sergeant Sanchez were false statements made in violation of the Waterbury Police Duty Manual, Escalera said in his report. I find that Sergeant Sanchezs statements were a contrived attempt to avoid criticism for not contacting Officer Coras supervisor or his own superior officers.

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In an interview with Escalera, Cora said that she was concerned that I not disobey the order from Sergeant Sanchez.

I have never received an assignment from an off-duty sergeant before, Cora said. I felt the assignment from Sergeant Sanchez was an order. After I returned to the police station, I received a text from Sergeant Sanchez stating, give me a call if you are around nobody.

Lt. David Knapp also questioned Sanchezs actions, according to the report.

Sergeant Sanchez had no authority to initiate an investigation while off duty, Knapp said. Sergeant Sanchez should have called communications and notified me since I was the shift commander.

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Sanchez said in his interview with Escalera that Cuevas had been assisting the Republican candidates for election including me.

Mr. Cuevas has provided me advice, mentorship, education and direction, Sanchez said, according to the report.

In retrospect I should have had Victor Cuevas call Communications directly to report the altercation and request an officer be dispatched to take his report, Sanchez said, according to the report. However I maintain that I did not violate any policy in the Waterbury Police Duty Manual.

He referred to Cuevas request to make a report about the altercation a routine matter presented to an off-duty officer.

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Later in the interview, Sanchez said, I believe I handled the situation the same way other officers do.

Social media posts and politics

Sanchezs social media posts online also initiated an investigation.

In a Facebook post on Aug. 6, Sanchez wrote, Our citys corruption scandal is beyond blatant. Its straight up criminal.

Sanchez said in the interview with Escalera that he had no knowledge of any criminal conduct by any employee or government official in the city of Waterbury and that he is not aware of any violation of federal law perpetrated by any employee or government official in the city of Waterbury.

He added that he was not aware of any criminal conduct or violation of federal law by any member of the Waterbury Police Department.

My intention was to refer readers to the podcast hosted by Dawn Maiorano, Republican Town Committee Chairwoman, and Steve Pedbereznak, a retired police officer known as the Brass City Beat, and the comments they were making on the podcast, Sanchez said.

In another post on Aug. 8, Sanchez wrote: Thats why its incredibly disappointing to see the current elected Democrats drag PAL (Police Activity League) into questionable and potentially illegal political activity.

It is not meant to be used as a political tool, especially when on-duty police officers are being ordered by their superiors to perform political favors, Sanchez continues in his post.

In the interview with Escalera, Sanchez acknowledges that he has no knowledge of any criminal conduct by PAL.

I have no knowledge of any Democrats dragging PAL into potentially illegal activity, Sanchez continued. I have no knowledge of any Waterbury police officers being ordered to perform political favors.

He explained further that when he wrote the post he mistakenly believed that PAL had provided tables and chairs and tables to the Democratic Town Committee without charge.

I have since learned that PAL rented the tables and chairs to the Democratic Town Committee as it has rented tables and chairs to various organizations, he added.

Maiorano said in an email that what happened to Cuevas and Sanchez raises serious concerns about the weaponization of the Waterbury Police Department against individuals who do not align with the administrations politics, perspectives or way of conducting business.

Escalera writes that he finds that Sanchezs allegation that Waterbury police superiors are ordering police officers to perform political favors while on duty undermines the public trust in the department and is likely to disrupt police operations.

He further said the allegation would tend to cause the public to question whether the law in Waterbury will be administered fairly without regard to political affiliation and would tend to impugn the integrity of the Waterbury Police Department.

I am not aware of any criminal conduct that is occurring in the police department or any agency, Spagnolo said.
More than seven weeks after a man was severely injured in the fiery crash of a UPS cargo plane in Louisville, Kentucky, he has died, officials announced Thursday, raising the death toll from the incident to 15 people.

The victim was identified by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg as Alain Rodriguez Colina.

Colina "suffered severe injuries at the time of the crash and passed earlier this Christmas Day," Greenberg wrote in a social media post to X Thursday afternoon.

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On Nov. 4, UPS Flight 2976 bound for Hawaii crashed moments after takeoff from Louisville International Airport, where UPS has its global aviation hub.

The plane barely lifted off when it came down in a commercial area near the airport, crashing into several businesses. The three pilots aboard the plane were killed, along with 12 people on the ground, including Colina. Another nearly two dozen people were hurt.

The plane was carrying up to 20,000 packages and 38,000 gallons of fuel.

In its preliminary report, the National Transportation Safety Board said that the plane reached an altitude of just 30 feet, clearing a runway fence, before coming down. Photos and video also showed the left engine of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11F separating from the wing and falling off during takeoff. The NTSB said there was evidence of cracks in the left wing's engine mount.

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The debris field from the crash stretched a half-mile, Todd Inman, a member of the NTSB, told reporters the day after the crash.

This photo provided by the National Transportation Safety Board shows the UPS plane crash scene on Nov. 6, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. / Credit: NTSB via AP (NTSB via AP)

Inman also said that the cockpit voice recorder  one of the plane's two black boxes that was recovered from the plane  recorded a persistent bell that sounded in the cockpit for about 25 seconds as the plane went down.

It could take the NTSB, the lead investigative agency in the crash, up to two years to release its final report.

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Merry Day-After-Christmas! After two days of shortened hours and closed doors, is everything back to normal now?

For most retail stores and restaurants, yes. For government offices, no.

President Donald Trump on Dec. 18 issued an executive order declaring Wednesday, Dec. 24, or Christmas Eve, and Friday, Dec. 26, as federal holidays for this year, shutting down much of the federal government for a five-day weekend.

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In Florida, state workers had to work Christmas Eve, but they have Friday, Dec. 26 off.

Will you get mail today? Are banks open?

Here's what to know.

What's closed on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025?

Trump's order applies to "all executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government" and their employees, the order said.

However, some offices may be kept open and certain employees must report for duty on either or both days "for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need." The heads of the federal agencies will make that call.

Will US Post Office be closed the day after Christmas?

Post Office retail lobbies will be open and our letter carriers will be delivering mail on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26," according to an email from the Postal Service.

Will mail be delivered the day after Christmas?

Yes.

Are banks open on Dec. 26, 2025?

Banks are expected to be open Friday. The Federal Reserve does not list Dec. 26 as a holiday.

Is the day after Christmas a Florida state holiday?

Yes. State offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 26, along with Christmas Day.

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In November, Gov. Ron DeSantis gave state employees a five-day weekend for Thanksgiving and two four-day weekends for Christmas and New Year's Day.

State workers also are off New Year's Day and Jan. 2, but will work New Year's Eve.

Our state employees have worked hard throughout the year, DeSantis said in a Nov. 17 statement. I hope they enjoy additional time off with loved ones and friends this holiday season. The First Lady and I are thankful for their continued dedication to the people of Florida.

How often does a president make Christmas Eve a federal holiday?

It's been pretty common in recent years. The timing generally depends on which day Christmas falls on. Occasionally half-days are given instead.

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Joe Biden did it in 2024, but not in the three years previously as Christmas fell on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Trump did it in his first term in 2019 and 2020.

Former President Barack Obama did it in 2014.

Former President George W. Bush made Dec. 24 a holiday more than once during his two terms.

Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Day after Christmas a federal holiday. Will mail be delivered?
To many, Dec. 26 may still feel like a holiday. Offices remain mostly empty, families are still in town and employers don't expect much work to get done when it falls on a Friday, like in 2025.

Its status as an official holiday, however, is not the same as Christmas Day.

Dec. 26 can become a day off for federal employees when the president issues a temporary order, like President Donald Trump did in 2025 when he declared Christmas Eve and Dec. 26 federal holidays. Unfortunately, that still leaves the rest of us at the mercy of our workplace's goodwill.

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Here's what to know:

Is Dec. 26 a federal holiday?

While Dec. 26 has been declared a federal holiday in 2025, it is not a permanent addition to the holiday schedule.

To designate a day as a federal holiday in perpetuity, legislation must pass through Congress and be signed into law by the president. This was last done when Juneteenth was added in 2021 under the Biden administration.

It's not entirely uncommon for presidents to issue temporary holiday orders, especially around the winter celebrations. In 2014, President Barack Obama declared Dec. 26, which landed on a Friday, a federal holiday. Trump did the same for Christmas Eve during his first term in 2019 and 2020.

Dec. 26 falls on a Friday this year. That doesn't mean you get it off, however.

Who gets Dec. 26 off?

Unfortunately, Trump's order doesn't mean most Americans can take off work on Dec. 26.

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Many workplaces outside of government offices follow the federal holiday schedule when giving workers paid time off. Because Dec. 26 has not been added to the federal schedule permanently, people who did not already have the day off are not likely to reap the benefits of a permanent federal holiday.

Only federal agencies will be closed on those days, but some employees may still have to report to work at the discretion of agency leaders, according to Trump's order. Private businesses can decide to give their employees time off, but they are not obligated to by law.

Will banks, stores, post offices be closed Dec. 26?

While federal government offices may close their doors the days before and after Christmas this year, locations like banks, post offices and private retailers will largely remain open.

U.S. Postal Service offices will be open for retail transactions Dec. 26 and mail will be delivered on that day.

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According to the Federal Reserve, banks will follow the typical schedule of being closed on Christmas Day and open for business Dec. 26.

Major private retailers, such as Target, Walmart and Costco, are by and large following the traditional rule of only closing Dec. 25.

New Year's: Here are 32 New Year's Eve parties around Louisville, Kentucky

Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Is Dec. 26 a federal holiday? Does the mail run? What's closed today
The defence ministers of Thailand and Cambodia are due to meet on Saturday to discuss a permanent ceasefire in the deadly border conflict that reignited earlier this month.

The talks are to take place at a border checkpoint in Thailand following preparatory work in recent days by a joint committee on frontier issues, officials announced on Friday.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed hope that the two sides could agree on a joint statement to end the fighting and follow suit after an October declaration that outlined steps towards a lasting peace.

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Following the renewed fighting since the summer and a brief ceasefire, the two sides agreed in October to withdraw heavy weapons from the border area and to carry out joint mine clearance.

However, since early December, fighting began again at a number of points along the roughly 800-kilometre shared border. Each side accuses the other of targeting civilians, with both sides rejecting the allegations.

The conflict stems from a decades-long dispute over territorial claims. Hundreds of thousands of people on both sides of the border have been displaced.

Serious fighting erupted in July, followed by a ceasefire agreed after a few days. In November, the ceasefire was suspended after a fresh border incident, and since December 7, the situation has deteriorated following a cross-border exchange of fire.
The Palm Beach Sandal Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy court protection this week.

Citing former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis as its muse, the companys website said the original Palm Beach sandal was created for Kennedy in 1964.

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The filing on Tuesday in a federal bankruptcy court in West Palm Beach, Fla., stated that the case was under Subchapter V of Chapter 11. This subchapter allows small- and midsized companies take advantage of the Chapter 11 process. These are firms that would otherwise be unable to file due to the high costs involved in a Chapter 11 case. Chapter 11 allows filers to restructure operations.

The voluntary petition said there will be funds available for distribution to unsecured creditors. It listed the number of creditors at between one and 49. Estimated assets were listed at up to $50,000 and estimated liabilities at between $1 million and $10 million. The list of the 20 largest unsecured creditors were for various loans, some of which were listed as disputed claims.

Palm Beach Sandals are all handmade, using 100 percent tanned leathers an kidskins, with thick, fashioned soles that mold to ones feet.

The price points for each pair range from $158 to $198 for a womans sandal, while sandals for girls are $95, according to the companys website. One can also customize the sandals by adding a monogram or other embroidered detailing from a selection of tropical icons. The brand also sells a selection of apparel and accessories.

The company website said it has more than 2,000 pairs of sandals in stock, and that customers can visit its factory and workshop at 1027 North Florida Mango Road, Suite #6, in West Palm Beach on Monday through Thursday. The site also said the brand operates curated guest boutiques along Vias in Palm Beach located east and west between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Other distressed shoe companies this year include sneaker reseller Soleplay, which closed four stores, and childrens shoe retailer Amiga Shoes, which filed a Chapter 7 liquidation petition. And overseas, Swedish footwear brand Eytys thats known for its chunky shoes filed for bankruptcy at the start of 2025 in a Stockholm District Court.

In addition, the handmade boot specialist Freebird earlier this year closed 14 store locations. The Colorado-based firm, whose boots are priced between $200 and $400, had been operating under a court-appointed receiver since May after it failed to repay a $15.4 million debt obligation owed to KeyBank. The brand, which was sold in August for $500,000 to a private equity firm, was acquired earlier this month by its former chief executive officer Jonathan Czaja through his investment firm Freewheel Capital, according to his LinkedIn post. Czaja was also the former vice president of operations for Stitch Fix from September 2015 through September 2018.
Screenshots via @CongresswomanSC on X and https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov

A Christmas message posted on Thursday by Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) was swiftly undercut on X after users added a community note alleging the image in her post had been edited to remove a ring she purchased using 109K of stolen FEMA funds.

From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season, read the congresswomans post, alongside a smiling picture.

From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season.  #SCM#FL20pic.twitter.com/rO7VVjCggA  Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (@CongresswomanSC) December 25, 2025

This portrait of Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick has been altered to remove a ring off of her left hand that she bought using $109K of stolen FEMA funds, read the community note, which X highlights was added by users themselves.

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Per Cherfilus-McCormicks official House website, she is indeed wearing a ring in the aforementioned picture  her 2024 portrait.

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Screenshot via https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov

On November 19, the Florida congresswoman was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly stealing $5 million in FEMA funds, using a substantial portion to fund her 2022 House run, and other money for personal benefit, according to the indictment.

The Justice Department claims that her family-owned healthcare company received a $5 million overpayment under a 2021 Covid-19 vaccination staffing contract and that the money was never returned, with Cherfilus-McCormick instead rout[ing] it through multiple accounts to disguise its source.

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She faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted.

When asked about her indictment shortly after, the congresswoman claimed it was unjust and was brought forward in hopes of intimidating and kind of distracting from the Epstein files.

I look forward to my day in court so I can prove myself and actually state the truth They use scare tactics, especially attacking minorities, black and brown people, she said on C-SPAN before adding, Were gonna keep fighting until the district gets what it needs, which is fair prices, housing, and fair representation in Congress.

The post Democratic Rep.s Post Gets Brutal Community Note Alleging Image Was Edited to Remove Ring Allegedly Bought With Stolen FEMA Funds first appeared on Mediaite.
An investigation is underway following a shooting in Merced County.

The Merced County Sheriff's Office says it happened around 8:45 am Friday in the area of Childs Avenue and D Street.

Officers say a 24-year-old man was involved in an argument that turned physical and led to the shooting.

He was shot in the abdomen and taken to the hospital.

Deputies are still searching for the gunman.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff's Office.
The Don Harrington Discovery Center's first Free First Monday program of 2026 will be on Jan. 5, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., helping families kick off the new year with an affordable way to make discoveries together. Free First Mondays is a monthly program that offers free admission during evening hours at the center.

In addition, 2026 marks a special year for the discovery center. They will begin to celebrate their 50th anniversary with a New Year's Eve celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 31 during regular business hours, 9:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Ring in the New Year begins with a storytime at 10:30 a.m. for younger children, followed by science demonstrations, activities, and science-based programs in DHDCs Space Theater throughout the day. The center will be closed on New Years Day, Jan. 1, but will be open for regular business hours after that, as well as the Jan. 5 evening programs.

Free First Mondays coincides with DHDCs Girls Who Science program, which also occurs on the first Monday of each month. With their new free evening hours open to the whole community, it also gives entire families the opportunity to attend Girls Who Science and learn more about women in different STEM careers, as well as enjoy their state-of-the-art exhibits outside of traditional business hours.

The Don Harrington Discovery Center in Amarillo strives to meet families' budgets by offering First Free Monday programs, which start in 2026 on Monday, Jan. 5.

Girls Who Science includes conversations, presentations, and Q&As with esteemed women professionals in the STEM industry each month. This program is intended to inspire girls ages 8-18 to pursue a career in STEM, but family and other interested community members are welcome to attend as well.

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Following the presentation and Q&A, DHDC will provide a 30-minute hands-on learning activity for Girls Who Science club members to match the featured speakers topic of study.

Januarys program will focus on mechanical engineering, education, and computer science with guest speaker Delane McUne, an instructor at Amarillo College.

Kaden Slough, Marketing Director of DHDC, is seen in an earlier photo in the featured traveling exhibit "Leonardo's Lab" at the Don Harrington Discovery Center.

McUne attended Amarillo College before earning her BS in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. After working for several years at GE Power Systems, she opened her own business. During that time, she also received an MBA from Eastern New Mexico University.

She began her career in academia in 2004 and has taught in a variety of areas including management, industrial technology, wind energy, engineering, and computer information systems. Currently a CIS Instructor at Amarillo College, McUne enjoys spending time playing games with her family and volunteering with a variety of local organizations.

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DHDC offers other accessible admission programs to help families on a budget, such as their quarterly Discover for a Dollar Days; participating in Museums for All to provide $2 admission for families on SNAP or WIC benefits; providing Family Discovery Memberships to families attending schools with 80% or more students on free or reduced lunch; offering library memberships with the Amarillo Public Library; and providing scholarships for their Discovery Day Camps. Community members can learn more by visiting DHDC.org and navigating to their Accessibility programs page under Visit.

More: Explore the amazing mind of Leonardo da Vinci in DHDC exhibit, open through Jan. 9

The Don Harrington Discovery Center is also looking to partner with community-minded businesses or organizations to financially support Free First Mondays. For those interested in becoming a fiscal sponsor of the new monthly program, they should reach out to Sophia Britto via email at sbritto@dhdc.org. To learn more about community events and programs at the Discovery Center Collective, visit DHDC.org or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Free program kicks off 2026 for families on a budget who love science
NEED TO KNOW

Donald Trump used Truth Social to rant about Jeffrey Epstein, Democrats and, once again, the election, in an evening post on Christmas 2025

Trump claimed he "was actually the only one who did drop [Jeffrey] Epstein"

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has released thousands more files in connection with the investigations into sex trafficker Epstein



Donald Trump continues to be on the offensive as more files are released in the Jeffrey Epstein case, with the president sending a Christmas night missive on his Truth Social platform claiming coverage of his relationship with the late sex trafficker is "fake."

"Merry Christmas to all, including the many Sleazebags who loved Jeffrey Epstein, gave him bundles of money, went to his Island, attended his parties, and thought he was the greatest guy on earth, only to 'drop him like a dog' when things got too HOT," wrote the president on Thursday, Dec. 25, "falsely claimed they had nothing to do with him, didnt know him, said he was a disgusting person, and then blame, of course, President Donald J. Trump, who was actually the only one who did drop Epstein, and long before it became fashionable to do so."

Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty US President Donald Trump during a Mexican Border Defense medal presentation on Dec. 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. US President Donald Trump during a Mexican Border Defense medal presentation on Dec. 15, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Trump continued, railing on Democrats, the New York Times and bringing up Russian interference into the 2016 U.S. presidential election, calling it "FAKE." He wrote, "Now the same losers are at it again, only this time so many of their friends, mostly innocent, will be badly hurt and reputationally tarnished. But sadly, thats the way it is in the World of Corrupt Democrat Politics!!! Enjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas!"

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.

The president's holiday message comes days after the latest batch of files released in the Epstein case included an unverified rape allegation against Trump. A document dated Oct. 27, 2020 appears to be an FBI intake report that features the account of a former limo driver. Though most names are redacted, the text details an alleged 1999 visit between the driver, his son and an unnamed woman. The driver claimed he met Trump years earlier in 1995, when he said he drove the real estate mogul to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

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The document reads, "[Driver] reported some of the things President Trump had spoken about during the ride while on his cell phone were very concerning." It says, "[Driver] noted Trump continuously stated the name 'Jeffrey' while on the phone, and made references to 'abusing some girl.' [Driver] was unsure who he was talking to nor who he was referencing."

Davidoff Studios/Getty Jeffrey Epstein (left) and Donald Trump in 1997 Jeffrey Epstein (left) and Donald Trump in 1997

According to the report, the driver alleged that as he was recalling the story about Trump's phone call, the unnamed woman he was with went "stone cold." Describing the drivers unverified allegations, the document reads, "[Woman] stated, 'He raped me.' [Driver] said, 'What?' as [Woman] replied 'Donald J. Trump had raped her along with Jeffrey Epstein.' "

The Department of Justice took proactive measures against the claims while releasing the documents, saying in a Tuesday, Dec. 23, statement on social media that the pages contained "untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election."

The document releases are all part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Trump signed in November to compel the Justice Department to release the files related to the Epstein investigations, though with significant exceptions and redactions. Trump, who had a documented relationship with Epstein and featured in several photos in the already-released files, had previously opposed the legislation.

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The president spent much of the holiday week focused on his own victories and failures, using Christmas Eve calls with children to brag about winning the state of Pennsylvania in the 2024 presidential election.

On Dec. 24, the president participated in NORAD Santa Claus calls, accepting calls from children across the nation. When a child from Pennsylvania called, Trump told him his home state was "great." We won Pennsylvania  actually, three times, the president continued. We won it in a landslide. So I love Pennsylvania.



Read the original article on People
LEXINGTON  Authorities are investigating after dozens of people were found at a facility in rural Cleveland County following the report of an alleged kidnapping, officials said.

Around 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 23, detectives and deputies with the Cleveland County sheriff's office conducted a welfare check on a home in the 14000 block of 96th Street.

Deputies identified the location as as an unsanctioned drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, according to a news release posted by the Cleveland County sheriff's office on social media. Officials said it had not been approved by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

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Investigators said they made contact with an alleged owner of the facility, but needed the help of a translator from the Purcell Police Department because of a language barrier, according to the news release.

Cleveland County Jail in Norman, Okla., on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025.

The sheriff's office also said that around 40 people were present at the time of the welfare check. According to the news release, several of them told deputies they did not believe they were free to leave. When deputies clarified that they could, 11 people decided to leave.

Law enforcement transported the 11 to the Cleveland County jail lobby, where they were then able to arrange transportation with family or friends, the news release stated.

More: Head-on crash with Oklahoma Department of Corrections bus leaves several injured

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No other information was immediately available on the incident. Social media for the sheriff's office also said it would be closed Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Friday, Dec. 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday. The Oklahoman reached out to Jeremy Walker, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, but did not receive a response Wednesday.

Staff at the Lexington Police Department said the investigation did not involve their agency and deferred comment to the sheriff's office. A phone call from The Oklahoman to detectives at the Purcell Police Department also was not returned by Wednesday afternoon.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Police find 40 at Cleveland County unsanctioned rehab facility
Prior to holiday busyness, the employees and many thankful patrons of Shawnee Animal Clinic were celebrating an important figure in the animal welfare community, Dr. Gail Counts, for receiving the 2025 Humane Impact Award.

Dr. Gail, as she is known, has been an accomplished veterinarian for 43 years and has been heavily involved in community service for 20, as the founder of Sierras Haven for New and Used Pets, one of the regions busiest and most respected non-profits.

When Counts isnt serving her four-legged customers at Shawnee Animal Clinic, she is volunteering her veterinarian services to the shelter just up the road, that has an impressive record for adoptions, medical treatment and always has a massive occupancy.

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Its been tough but very rewarding, Counts said when asked about her career in veterinarian medicine to this point.

I could not have gone in any other direction; its been the honor of my life to be a veterinarian.

Counts keeps a busy schedule between veterinary medicine practices, both in business and in volunteerism, but was humbled to take time to receive the award.

The award was mostly about the approximate 40,000 spay and neuters Ive done, mostly myself, since weve offered these services at Sierras Haven and through other programs, Counts said. It impacts the overpopulation problem we have, especially in southern Ohio, from animals that arent spayed or neutered and run loose. Then, we have an excessive number of puppies or kittens loose or dumped and deep breeding. It is especially bad in feral cat populations. I spay about 120 cats per month, yet we always see that number show up; it is like we have a never-ending flow of cats especially.

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One source of relief in Counts busy schedule is that Sierras Haven is one block away from Shawnee Animal Clinic, so she can make it quickly to either when she leaves one job. However, Sierras is also equipped with its own surgery room for quick care and treatment when needed.

We have our own surgery room at the shelter, and I go up there once or twice a week and do surgeries, Counts explained. We also spay or neuter every pet that is adopted, so they arent breeding further.

Of course, Counts isnt just spaying and neutering the animals that patrons bring to her business or those who are left for adoption, she also assists people with pets who have financial barriers and are unable to afford the cost of a spay or neuter.

We try to emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering pets and being responsible pet owners, Counts said. In that mission, we offer the low cost spay and neutering program for those who cant afford to go to a veterinarian clinic.

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Looking back at a 40-plus year professional impact in the veterinarian community, and the 20-year impact of Sierras Haven, Counts says that she is proud of what she and many others have accomplished.

Im really proud of it; I feel like Ive made an impact. I just feel like it, Sierras Haven, has been a much larger project than I ever expected it to be, but weve had a lot of help from people in the community and people who support us, Counts said. There are a ton of people we can count on to donate or bring in things when we are in need. Anytime we are out of detergent or need a washer, or anything, someone steps up to help. It makes the work easier having these supporters.

Counts says that funding the demands of the center takes a lot of energy, treating the animals that are brought in can be time consuming, and managing operations is constant, but it is only possible because of the many people that flock to the mission wanting to help make a difference anyway they can, not just donors and supporters.

We have volunteers who have been with us for the entire 20 years that weve been operational. For instance, we have Connie Weaver, as someone who started right off the bat helping me organize the low-income surgeries. She is in her late 70s and still comes in every Wednesday and helps with surgeries and on neuter days. She has learned how to do scrubs and put monitors on pets and everything. Cheryl Cook is our cat lady who always helps with cats. Believe it or not, we have over 170 cats right now and she knows each and every name. She can even tell the black ones from each other; it is pretty amazing. While the work has been heavy, Ive had a large number of people helping make it all happen.

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While Counts is keen on raising up the volunteers who work alongside her, remaining humble in her service, community members who were made aware of her award say it is well earned.

In an official statement from Shawnee Animal Clinic, they cheered her recognition, saying, This incredible honor recognizes her lifelong dedication to animal welfare, including personally spaying and neutering over 40,000 dogs and cats in our region. Her compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment have made an immeasurable difference for countless families and pets across southern Ohio.

The Chamber of Commerce also acknowledged Counts recognition, Thank you for the compassion, expertise, and commitment you pour into our community every day. Congratulations on this remarkable recognition!

Most people know of Sierras Haven as a powerhouse of good for the pet community but may have forgotten its founding over time. The establishment was opened in 2006 in honor of Sierra and Bernie Counts. In shock to many, Bernie Counts, who was only 42, was found with his cat mourning his loss at his side when a heart attack took his life in 2000. A lover of animals and nature  a field investigator for the Environmental Protection Agency  Bernie Counts left behind a love strong enough to create the non-profit we all know and love today. Today, Sierras Haven is operated by many volunteers and President and Director Dr. Gail Counts, who continues keeping the legacy of her brother alive.

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Not counting the thousands of low-income cats and dogs Dr. Gail fixes every year, and the adoptions that get fixed and arent multiplying, the sick and injured we take in; I dont think Scioto County could do without us, I really dont, Sierras Haven member Danielle Keller explained in March to the Daily Times. Scioto County would be lost without Dr. Gail Counts.

Sierras Haven is at 80 Easter Drive in Rosemount, Ohio. To learn more about the organization, visit them on social media or at www.sierrashaven.org.

On their website, people can see adoptable pets, make donations, and see events that are scheduled throughout the year. They also keep an updated list of items they are regularly in need of.
Released text messages disclosed a new detail in the case of an 18-year-old girl who was found dead on a Carnival cruise ship last month.

Local media outlets in Florida reported that the teenage step-brother of Anna Kepner repeatedly told his mother that he didnt remember anything from that night. Kepner died by mechanical asphyxiation, according to her death certificate, obtained by ABC News.

Text messages between the boys mother, Shauntel Hudson-Kepner, and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, show what the unnamed 16-year-old told his mother while he was in a facility, Fox 35 Orlando reported.

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I was able to talk to him last night for under two minutes briefly he just keeps repeating over and over he cant remember anything, Hudson-Kepner, who is Annas step-mother, said in a Nov. 9 text exchange.

The tragedy of the teenagers death deepened as it emerged that she was found stuffed under a bed. / Anna Kepner/Instagram

I dont even know if they were allowed to let me talk to him or not but the nurse was very nice and let me talk to him just to tell him that you and i love him, she added.

The released texts also showed that the family was attempting to protect the boys potential connection to the murder from news outlets and social media.

OK, I know everything is supposed to be hush hush for now but ive seen that it is still getting out with post and comments between facebook tiktok and stuff ... i just want to make sure until things are certain that he doesnt get an(y) unnecessary comments towards him, Hudson wrote on Nov. 9.

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Nobody knows anything about him, Hudson-Kepner replied. He is a minor and has been kept completely out of it we have not said anything to anybody and we are going to try out best to keep it completely out he is a minor so his name shouldnt be anywhere and when we talk to the fbi again we will reiterate that we do not want his name out there everything thats been posted on tiktok and social media nobody knows anything and everybodys just speculating.

Anna was found dead under her bed on Nov. 8, wrapped in a blanket and covered in life jackets, in a cabin she was sharing with her two step-brothers, 14 and 16.

Authorities ruled her death a homicide, and her 16-year-old step-brother was named a potential suspect in her death by the FBI.

In a Dec. 5 court hearing, Hudson-Kepner said her son took medication for ADHD and insomnia, and had neglected to take it for two days during the cruiseincluding the night before Annas body was found.
Claim:

Late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein once owned a painting depicting former U.S. President Bill Clinton wearing a blue dress.

Rating:

Rating: True

For years, a rumor circulated online that the late, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein owned a painting of former President Bill Clinton in a blue dress.

The image resurfaced on social media after the U.S. Department of Justice released the first installment of additional Epstein files following the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated the release of these documents.

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https://www.facebook.com/Labourheartlands/posts/pfbid023xGm7sP7mBHw5DceoXvZsW58U2GSrjzEYE1uagpYiwgnVXQ679AEgXg697cDNUgNl

The image and its alleged connection to Epstein had spread on Reddit, Facebook and X.

A photo of the painting of Clinton hanging on a wall was, indeed, included in the Epstein files (see page 17 and download EFTA00000862.pdf). As such, we have rated this claim true.

It was unclear whether Epstein owned a copy of the portrait or the original painting. The original was painted by Australian-American artist Petrina Ryan-Kield with oil on canvas, as Snopes first reported in 2019.

As of this writing, prints of the painting, titled "Parsing Bill," were available to purchase from the prominent online art gallery Saatchi. A photograph also showed Ryan-Kield standing next to the work at the 2012 Tribeca Ball, an annual art exhibit run by the New York Academy of Art and a popular event for New York socialites.

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In a 2019 interview with Snopes, Ryan-Kield told us she did not know who, ultimately, ended up with her original painting. Here's what she said in an email:

In 2012, as a grad student at the New York Academy of Art, I painted pictures of Presidents Clinton and Bush as part of my Master's thesis. When the school put on a fundraiser at the Tribeca Ball that year, they sold my painting to one of the attendees. I had no idea who the buyer was at the time. As with most of my paintings, I had completely lost track of this piece when it was sold seven years ago. So it was a complete surprise to me to learn yesterday that it wound up in Epstein's home.

Ryan-Kield told Artnet News that Clinton's attire in the painting is a reference to Monica Lewinsky's blue dress, a central part of the media circus around his affair with his former intern, who later became an anti-cyberbullying activist. According to ArtNet, Ryan-Kield said the painting, which was part of a series of works she made, was supposed to be about "how opposition parties caricature presidents."

Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sexually trafficking minors. His ties to people like Clinton and U.S. President Donald Trump have been under renewed scrutiny amid Congress' investigation into the handling of the Epstein case.

Sources:

Arcara, Kenneth. "New York Academy of Art 2012 Tribeca Ball." Guest of a Guest, https://archive.is/XIhjY

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EFTA00000862.Pdf. U.S. Department of Justice, https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%201/EFTA00000862.pdf.

U.S. Department of Justice. Data Set 1 Files. https://www.justice.gov/epstein/doj-disclosures/data-set-1-files?page=17.

MacGuill, Dan. "Did Epstein Have Painting of Bill Clinton Wearing a Dress in His Flat?" Snopes, 15 Aug. 2019, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/epstein-clinton-dress-painting/.

"Parsing Bill Painting by Petrina Ryan-Kleid." Saatchi Art, https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Parsing-Bill/488702/12801699/view. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.

"Petrina Ryan-Kleid Artworks." Saatchi Art, https://www.saatchiart.com/account/artworks/488702. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.

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U.S. Department of Justice. Data Set 1 Files. https://www.justice.gov/epstein/doj-disclosures/data-set-1-files?page=17.

Walters, Isolde. "Jeffrey Epstein Had Portrait of Bill Clinton in Blue Dress in His Home." Mail Online, 14 Aug. 2019, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7353967/Did-Jeffrey-Epstein-portrait-Bill-Clinton-blue-dress-red-heels-NYC-mansion.html.
Reservoir levels in California are at a historical high after years of drought.

According to Newsweek, which cited data from the Golden State's Department of Water Resources, water levels in all key reservoirs are at or above 100% of the recorded averages for this time of year. The major reservoirs serve as main water sources for almost 40 million Californians in addition to farming operations across the state.

After several unprecedented atmospheric rivers  long, narrow regions in the sky that transport water vapor and can cause extreme rainfall  across the state, particularly in the Sierra Nevada, water levels surged dramatically.

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The article included a social media post by extreme weather chaser Colin McCarthy (@US_stormwatch) that said statewide water storage is at 115% of normal levels for this time of year.

California's water storage is in incredible shape at 115% of normal statewide, with reservoirs holding nearly 6 trillion gallons of water. pic.twitter.com/M6br7voTN3  Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) November 19, 2025

California is home to weather extremes, and the need for diligent water management is vital to minimizing impacts on the economy and environment. The excess water supply is a huge relief with warmer, drier weather ahead.

"Incredible news for Southern California," McCarthy wrote in another post. "This past week's heavy rainfall completely erased drought in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties."

But DWR Director Karla Nemeth warned that California isn't out of the woods yet  not by a long shot. "There is no such thing as a normal water year in California," she said in October. "Just in the past two winters, deceptively average rain and snowfall totals statewide masked the extremely dry conditions in Southern California that contributed to devastating fires as well as flood events across the state from powerful atmospheric river events. California must be ready to respond to emergencies from droughts to floods to fires."

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State officials and water managers will continue to keep an eye on water levels, knowing all too well that this could be temporary. California has updated reservoir standards over the years in an effort to hold more water. Careful management, conservation, and improved infrastructure are key to mitigate the effects of the next drought that is certain to come.

With record high heat and this year expected to be the hottest in history, the warming climate is making storms exponentially stronger, creating extreme weather events that are devastating food and water supplies. Small changes in your routine to minimize pollution and use less plastic make a big difference to cool things down and alleviate the stress on the planet.

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 memorial is scheduled Saturday in Tacoma for Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, who was killed on duty while responding to a crash last week.

WSP is hosting the memorial, which will honor Gutings life and service, at 1 p.m. at Life Center Central Campus on South Union Avenue, according to a news release from the agency.

The release said WSP is working with Gutings family to create the memorial. The service is expected to be an intimate, family-focused event with law enforcement honors.

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Saturdays service will not include a law enforcement processional, and will have a focus on being surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, the release said.

The service will be live-streamed as space is expected to be limited, according to the news release. Links for the live stream are available before the service.

The family wishes to thank the public for the many condolences received and the widespread outpouring of support, the release said.

Washington State Patrol trooper Tara Marysa Guting. (Washington State Patrol)

Guting was standing outside her patrol car on southbound state Route 509 while responding to a crash when a vehicle struck her. The driver of that vehicle reportedly remained at the scene and was not arrested.

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While Guting laid motionless on the ground, a second vehicle driving by struck her and continued driving. The vehicle was described to be a dark-colored pickup truck, according to Tacoma police.

Police found the alleged second vehicle and had it impounded this week. The investigation is ongoing. Detectives are seeking information from anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the crash.

Guting, 29, joined the State Patrol in 2024 and was assigned to District 1 in the Tacoma area.
Hardman Johnston Global Advisors, an investment management company, released its Hardman Johnston Global Equity Strategy investor letter for the third quarter of 2025. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The portfolio underperformed in the quarter due to stock selection. The composite returned 5.02%, net of fees, compared to 7.62% for the MSCI AC World Net Index. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025.

In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Hardman Johnston Global Equity Strategy highlighted stocks such as Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX). Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) manufactures and markets medical devices that operate in the MedSurg and Cardiovascular segments. The one-month return of Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) was -4.78%, and its shares gained 5.56% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On December 24, 2025, Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) stock closed at $96.13 per share, with a market capitalization of $142.51 billion.

Hardman Johnston Global Equity Strategy stated the following regarding Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter:
The family of a corrections officer who died after being attacked by an inmate on Christmas Day last year is suing the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC).

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As News Center 7 previously reported, Andrew Lansing, 62, died on Dec. 25, 2024, from blunt force injuries to his head following an inmate assault at the Ross Correctional Institution (RCI).

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The lawsuit, filed by Lansings widow, alleges that the inmate accused of the deadly attack, Rashawn Cannon, violated Ohio law and RCI regulations while incarcerated, our news partners at WBNS reported. Lansing wrote a conduct report against him after finding alcohol in his cell in March 2024.

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The lawsuit further alleges that RCI hearing officers and/or the rules infractions board failed to review or judge Cannons conduct regarding the report Lansing wrote.

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In April 2024, the lawsuit mentions an interaction between Lansing and Cannon, where Lansing denied him early access to make a phone call. As WBNS reported, Cannon got loud and aggressive when he was later granted access to the phone.

Lansing told Cannon to lower his voice several times. At one point, Cannon reportedly yelled an expletive at Lansing, followed by I kill you.

That incident led Lansing to write another conduct report against Cannon. He was found guilty and given a 30-day phone restriction as punishment, WBNS reported.

The lawsuit alleges that ODRC knew or should have known about Cannons violent nature and the previous threat hurled at Lansing, and that the attack was foreseeable and preventable.

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It also claims the ODRC failed to protect Lansing from Cannon.

Lansings widow is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $25,000.

As previously reported, Cannon allegedly attacked Lansing in his guard shack in the middle of the prison yard.

The autopsy report stated Lansing was found unresponsive with multiple injuries to his head and face.

ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith previously said Lansing had volunteered to work overtime on Christmas.

Chamber-Smith said the attack occurred when Cannon and his unit were heading to the dining hall.

She said the inmate veered off from his group to find Lansing in his guard shack, which was not a locked structure.

Cannon was indicted on aggravated murder charges in connection with the attack earlier this year. WBNS reported he could face the death penalty.

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It has been an agonizing year and a half for the family of Anastasiya Stangret, who was found dead last year in Philadelphia's Frankford section in a case that remains unsolved.

Stangret, 22, was found on June 23, 2024, in a vacant lot along the 4700 block of Griscom Street. Her body was decomposing, and she had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

"When they found her body, they didn't know who she was," her sister, Dariya Stangret, said.

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Stangret's sister spoke to Action News alongside their mother, who became emotional as the family reflected on the case and the lack of answers.

"I just feel so bad for her that I can't hug her and tell her that I love her and that I'm so sorry," Dariya Stangret said.

She said the last time she communicated with her sister was in June, about a week before their mother's birthday.

"Me and her were making plans to do something the week before. Then she never got back to me," she said.

Their mother's birthday passed on June 18. By July, the family contacted police to report Stangret missing. It was not until September of that year that her body was positively identified.

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The family said Stangret had been staying with her boyfriend in the neighborhood. Police have ruled him out as a suspect, according to the family.

"I don't think he's involved in any way. I think he knows the person who did it. He didn't do anything then because he felt like maybe afraid of that person," Dariya Stangret said.

Philadelphia police released surveillance video last week in hopes of generating new tips. The footage shows Stangret walking with a man in the area of Penn and Arrott streets. Police say it is the last known video of her before she was found dead.

"They need more witnesses to come forward and say they saw something, or they heard something," her sister said.

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The family said detectives have told them there is a person of interest in the case, but no one has been charged or taken into custody.

"My sister was a really good person - so much better than me, anybody. Just a really good person," Dariya Stangret said. "So, to think about her in that room and what happened to her and being scared and not able to just be with us - I just don't... It's not what she deserved."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Philadelphia police. To submit a tip via telephone, dial 215.686.TIPS. All tips will be confidential.
(The Center Square)  FBI boss Kash Patel announced on Friday the agency scrapped a $5 billion plan to build a new headquarters.

The FBI will permanently shut down the J. Edgar Hoover building in Washington D.C., and move into the Reagan building near the White House.

"After more than 20 years of failed attempts, we finalized a plan to permanently close the FBIs Hoover headquarters and move the workforce into a safe, modern facility," Patel wrote in a post on social media. "Working directly with President Trump and Congress, we accomplished what no one else could."

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Patel said the planned $5 billion renovation that would not be complete until 2035. He said the FBI is already underway with making necessary safety and infrastructure upgrades to the Reagan building.

The U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency already use spaces in the Reagan building.

The move follows FBI plans to disperse personnel throughout the country, Patel said.

"This decision puts resources where they belong: defending the homeland, crushing violent crime, and protecting national security," Patel wrote. "It delivers better tools for todays FBI workforce at a fraction of the cost."
The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, the largest transportation project in Virginia history, is expected to reach substantial completion within the next year. (Photo by Sarah Vogelsong/Virginia Mercury)

Virginias transportation system is massive, with about 129,000 lane miles of roads and roughly 5,900 miles of rail criss-crossing the commonwealth, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation and a 2022 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan.

Theres always some kind of improvement or expansion underway, leaving drivers and commuters wondering when relief will arrive.

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But before unpacking what projects Virginians can expect in 2026, federal funding looms as a major factor shaping what moves forward  and what does not.

Probably the biggest change to transportation development for 2026 is the fallout that all of our local and state partners are feeling from federal funding, said Brantley Tyndall, director at BikeWalkRVA.

Federal funding in many ways [will be] reduced or dried up. And in particular the USDOT has been ordered to oppose the funding of bike/ped projects. They are viewed as antagonistic to cars and driving. We think thats very shortsighted. Its going to lead to years and years of funding short falls that will be very difficult to fill.

Some bright federal funding spots

In November, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, touted an almost $70 million release of federal grant funding to improve Virginias bus and rail systems. Part of that package includes $8.6 million to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation system to replace aging vehicles.

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Also included under that $70 million amount will be roughly $10.9 million to the city of Alexandria and $50.3 million to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to convert buses to low or no emission vehicles.

The money comes from the Department of Transportations 2025-26 fiscal year Low or No Emission program and a FY25 Buses & Bus Facilities Program  all part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed during President Bidens administration.

Also in November, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy released a similar press release announcing the same grants, describing them as part of the Trumps administrations investment in modernizing Americas transit bus infrastructure.

Highlights for 2026 at the General Assembly

With an eye toward 2026, heres what some government and transportation officials say are on the horizon for the new year.

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Del. Karrie Delaney, D-Fairfax, chairs the Transportation Committee. She said one of the biggest issues her committee will be taking up next session will involve expanding photo speed enforcement devices, which she said did not become law during the previous session.

That was a big conversation last session and an important one, Delaney said. I think that were going to get a little more into [it] this session because the crime commission just released a study that I had asked them to complete. Delaney said the report was based on conversations from the last session.

We just need to have this looked at a little closer so that we can really drill down on where the issues are, and what legislative solutions are needed to address, she said.

Delaney emphasized that some of those issues range from some transportation board members wanting to expand their use to include more locations  which some lawmakers disagree with. At the same time, theres a debate about whether the current speed enforcement cameras already in place are doing what theyre supposed to be doing.

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Are they fair? Are they just? And theres been a lot of concern about their revenue generation, Delaney said. There are some localities in the commonwealth that are making thousands of dollars a year in profits off of their speed cameras. And now those funds are going to the general funds, and adding quite a bit of cushion to their budget. It creates, at a minimum, a concern that localities have an incentive to police for profit.

The Virginia Mercury reported on this bill last session.

Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel

The biggest project in the history of the commonwealth is, have you ever heard of a little thing called Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel? said John Mahaley, principal transportation planner at Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization.

If youve ever gone to the Outer Banks, youve been through there. That project needed to be done 30 years ago. Finally, we were able to get the money to do it.

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Mahaley said drivers will be able to see substantial completion within a year or so. But full completion  and opening the tunnel to traffic  wont happen for several months after that, because eight express lanes still need to be built on either side of the water to match the tunnel.

Washington Metro Area

Northern Virginia rail and transit commuters can expect to see line expansions, increased bus service and the installation of modernized bike parking within the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Were installing new bike lockers across 73 of our stations, a Metro spokesperson said. What that does is kind of enable a kind of wider reach for Metrorail stations. Most people might only walk 10 or 15 minutes to get to a Metro station. But if they live 20 or 25 minutes away, it gives people a safe place to park [their] bike.

Lockers would cost $1 a day and bikes would be protected from rain and snow. Installation of the lockers will be ongoing, with updates posted on WMATAs website.

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For riders on the Yellow Line, starting Dec. 31, the Yellow Line will extend to Greenbelt, serving destinations in D.C. including Shaw and Columbia Heights, among others. In mid-December, WMATA released a proposed budget that includes rail and service increases on 15% of their routes. If approved by the Metro Board of Directors, the new services would go into effect July 1, 2026.

Richmond and Henrico eye more Fall Line Trail segments

We are really looking at more groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting throughout the region, said BikeWalkRVAs Tyndall, in areas such as Lakeside, Bryan Park and Kanawha Plaza.

So by early 2026 were going to have about 20 miles under construction or at least under contract being administered and something active or completed in every locality.

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A federal judge in San Francisco on Wednesday barred Immigration and Customs Enforcement and its Justice Department counterpart from "sweeping" civil arrests at immigration courthouses across Northern California, teeing up an appellate challenge to one of the Trump administration's most controversial deportation tactics.

"This circumstance presents noncitizens in removal proceedings with a Hobsons choice between two irreparable harms," Judge P. Casey Pitts wrote in his Christmas Eve decision.

"First, they may appear in immigration court and face likely arrest and detention," the judge wrote. "Alternatively, noncitizens may choose not to appear and instead to forego their opportunity to pursue their claims for asylum or other relief from removal."

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Wednesday's decision blocks ICE and the Department of Justices Executive Office for Immigration Review from lying in wait for asylum seekers and other noncitizens at routine hearings throughout the region  a move that would effectively restore pre-Trump prohibition on such arrests.

"Here, ICE and EOIRs prior policies governing courthouse arrests and detention in holding facilities provide a standard," the judge said.

Authorities have long curbed arrests at "sensitive locations" such as hospitals, houses of worship and schools  putting them out of reach of most civil immigration enforcement.

The designation was first established decades ago under ICE's predecessor agency, Immigration and Naturalization Services. ICE absorbed the prohibitions when the agency was formed in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.

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Courts were added to the list under President Obama. The policy prohibiting most courthouse arrests was suspended during the first Trump administration and reinstated by President Biden.

Internal ICE guidance from the Biden era found [e]xecuting civil immigration enforcement actions in or near a courthouse may chill individuals access to courthouses and, as a result, impair the fair administration of justice."

Nevertheless, the agency's courthouse policy was reversed again earlier this year, leading to a surge in arrests, and a staggering drop in court appearances, court records show.

Most who do not show up are ordered removed in absentia.

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Monthly removal in absentia orders more than doubled this year, to 4,177 from fewer than 1,600 in 2024, justice department data show.

More than 50,000 asylum seekers have been ordered removed after failing to appear in court hearings since January  more than were ordered removed in absentia in the previous five years combined.

"ICE cannot choose to ignore the 'costs' of its new policieschilling the participation of noncitizens in their removal proceedings and consider only the policies purported 'benefits' for immigration enforcement," Pitts wrote in his stay order.

That ruling likely sets the San Francisco case on a collision course with other lawsuits seeking to curb ICE's incursions into spaces previously considered off-limits. This suit was brought by a group of asylum seekers who braved the risk and were detained when they showed up to court.

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One, a 24-year-old Guatemalan asylum seeker named Yulisa Alvarado Ambrocio, was spared detention only because her breastfeeding 11-month-old was with her in court, records show. Administration lawyers told the court ICE would almost certainly pick her up at her next hearing.

Such arrests appear arbitrary and capricious, and are unlikely to survive scrutiny by the courts, Judge Pitts ruled Wednesday.

"That widespread civil arrests at immigration courts could have a chilling effect on noncitizens attendance at removal proceedings (as common sense, the prior guidance, and the actual experience in immigration court since May 2025 make clear) and thereby undermine this central purpose is thus 'an important aspect of the problem' that ICE was required, but failed, to consider," Pitts wrote.

A district judge in Manhattan ruled the opposite way on a similar case this fall, setting up a possible circuit split and even a Supreme Court challenge to courthouse arrests in 2026.

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For now, the Christmas Eve decision only applies to ICE's San Francisco Area of Responsibility, a region encompassing all of Northern and Central California, as far south as Bakersfield.

The geographic limit comes in response to the Supreme Court's emergency decision earlier this year stripping district judges of the power to block federal policies outside narrowly-tailored circumstances.

The administration told the court it intends to appeal to the 9th Circuit, where Trump-appointed judges have swung the bench far to the right of its longtime liberal reputation.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Wednesday denied aid to Arizona counties after September flooding.

Local officials estimate there was more than $30 million in damage to public infrastructure and homes.

The people of Gila and Mohave County were devastated by flooding from severe monsoon storms this September. Now, theyve been denied support from the federal government with little explanation, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) said in a statement.

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By denying much-needed relief, this administration is leaving Arizonans out on their own after their homes, businesses, roads, and bridges were decimated by historic storms, she added.

Hobbs said the state would appeal FEMAs denial for disaster relief. The Department of Homeland Security, which houses FEMA, did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment on the matter.

However, the Trump administration has sought to shrink federal disaster assistance to states and denied disaster relief to Colorado after a series of wildfires and floods earlier this year, with strong objections from Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D).

I call on the Presidents better angels, and urge him to reconsider these requests. This is about the Coloradans who need this support, and we wont stop fighting for them to get what they deserve. Colorado will be appealing this decision, Polis said earlier this week in a statement.

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Under the Stafford Act, a president can unlock additional federal assistance by declaring a major disaster.

Arizona officials have echoed calls for aid as communities struggle to recover from flooding.

These floods caused historic and unprecedented damage and has forever transformed our small, tight-knit rural communities. Our community is extremely disappointed by FEMAs short-sighted decision to deny the States Major Disaster Declaration and we respectfully request that it reexamines their methodology and determines that this devastating flood event meets the critical criteria, Globe, Ariz., Mayor Al Gameros (D) said.

I strongly urge FEMA to reverse course and immediately issue an approved Major Disaster Declaration, Gameros added.

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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.
I often complain that Congress has abdicated its duty to legislate and serve as the engine of our federal government. But what I want to write today is why. Why has this Congress been so willing to do nothing?

I have blamed the existence of independent agencies, certain Supreme Court precedents and overzealous executives for this problem.

To be sure, these are contributing factors that ought to be examined. However, there is a much more straightforward thing to blame for Congress decline: The rise of social media and direct communication with voters have destroyed the incentives for Congress to assert itself.

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Our elected leaders are clearly not concerned with the prestige of their office, given that they are uninterested in reclaiming their rightful war powers, power to tax and other powers from the executive.

Members of Congress don't have an incentive to act anymore

Six House Democrats voted with Republicans on Nov. 12, 2025, to pass a funding bill to reopen the federal government, bucking most of their party to end the nation's longest-ever shutdown. Only two House Republicans voted against the spending bill, which ends a 43-day shutdown that left millions of Americans unable to travel or afford food.

In my opinion, the key difference between the Congress of the past and the current dysfunctional institution lies in how members of Congress communicate with their voters and how voters consume politics.

Once upon a time, members of Congress had to actually accomplish something, or be involved in something, in order to receive publicity. Space in newspapers and time on television were limited, meaning that some topics didnt meet the threshold for discussion in the 1970s, '80s and '90s.

Opinion: Trump is running out of time to start fixing the economy

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The incentive was to be productive because that got you news coverage and gave you material to take back to your district when it was time to campaign for reelection. You can see that in the level of activity over the past few years and decades.

Americans now consume politics through social media, where algorithms are used to keep content relevant and prevent it from slipping into the background. The methods of communication have changed. There is no longer gatekeeping by established news sources that limits information about candidates to only the important issues.

Now, members of Congress seem more worried about being glorified partisan social media stars.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

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This is far from a new phenomenon. Barack Obama pioneered the use of social media in his 2008 presidential campaign, and the practice became ubiquitous by the time Donald Trump was first elected to office. However, the development of hypertuned algorithms has worsened this effect on ordinary people.

The result of this shift is that members of Congress are always campaigning and always focused on how they can receive more attention on social media  rather than actually doing their jobs. It also has increased negative partisanship, as the content that gets the most attention is content that criticizes the opposing party.

Congress has decided to bow to the whims of presidents

U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, in 2025.

Now, members of Congress can take to their social media accounts to serve as little more than glorified pundits. In many cases, this manifests as being partisan cheerleaders, rather than as individuals interested in actually accomplishing something.

In the case of Republicans, this has allowed their party to devolve into a cult of personality surrounding Trump. Members of Congress are less interested in accomplishing any real policy outcome than they are in coalescing behind and defending the president from his enemies. Their function has shifted from legislating to partisanship.

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Opinion: This is why you're wrong about the Supreme Court and Trump

When it comes to strikes on Venezuelan drug boats, members of Congress have praised the president's actions, but gloss over the fact that they need to be the ones to authorize the use of force against Venezuela. When it came to the tariff authority, members of Congress had no problem sitting back while Trump unilaterally changed the tariff rate against every country in the world, even though it was their power to do so. When it came to cuts by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, members of Congress praised the illusion of cutting government waste while taking little action to actually make a dent in the problem, despite being the best suited to do so.

But this isn't purely a phenomenon of the Republican Party. When it came to President Joe Biden's illegal promise to address student debt through cancellation, members of Congress could have pushed for student debt cancellation through legislation. Instead, they had no problem merely riding the coattails of Biden's blatantly illegal plan to cancel student debt, and then subsequently watching as the courts rightly struck it down.

We Americans are to blame in part for being consumers of this devolved political landscape. The changes in incentives for members of Congress have been incredibly detrimental, but they are here to stay, and Americans will have to reckon with the new frontiers of social media in politics.

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Dace Potas is an opinion columnist for USA TODAY and a graduate of DePaul University with a degree in political science.

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Congress has become useless and given its power to Trump | Opinion
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On Nov. 17, Abdallah Hadian, a civilian imam, strode into a state correctional facility in New York with a firearm. Moments later, he went into the administration building and placed the gun to his head.

Word of the 55-year-old imams suicide traveled nearly as quickly as the bullet that took his life.

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In prison, no one bats an eye at hearing that an inmate killed themselves. This is especially true among fellow prisoners. Hearing that a fellow prisoner was stabbed to death, or overdosed, elicits a shrug, maybe a nervous laugh. Although we attribute such incidents to the violent and miserable nature of the place we inhabit, most people on the outside chalk these deaths up to the so-called mental health crisis inside correctional facilities, a phenomenon that gets significant attention. It adds to the unfair narrative of prisoners being bloodthirsty lunatics, a framing that benefits tough-on-crime politics.

As a prisoner, though, when you hear that a civilian staff member who left their family every day to go to the awful confines of prisonthe same prison where Robert Brooks was murderedtook their own life in such a shocking fashion, it makes you wonder what were doing wrong. More importantly, the question swings in the air: What might someone who is living in the free world but considering killing themselves learn from prisoners about hanging on?

Ive been there. Im serving my 16th year for manslaughter. In 2009 a drunken argument with my girlfriend devolved into a physical altercation with deadly weapons. She stabbed me, I stabbed her, she died. I immediately attempted to end it all.

Obviously, I didnt succeed. In the hospital, I soldiered through the physical misery of a collapsed lung. Then I wrestled with the shame and guilt of killing someone that I had loved, emotions that were all the more amplified when I was forced to relive the trauma in court. Id be lying if I told you that I hadnt contemplated every means of suicide.

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I believe that I Iived through that awful and tragic experience to be held accountable, not only by the victims family but, less sympathetically, to the mirror. The pressures of life, which in that moment felt unbearable, proved bearable.

In my role as a journalist, I found purpose and draw from that dark place when reporting stories about characters who have their own dark encounters. I think it has enabled me to develop as a writer who draws out the humanity of prisoners that the tabloids leave behind. In interviewing the subjects of my stories, I always find myself threading our shared experiences into narratives pegged to universal themes like parenting, drug use, andfor obvious reasons a reoccurring motifthe feeling of the walls closing in. But the experience of isolation in prison is not monolithic.

Like most of the prisons Ive had the displeasure of living in, Eastern NY Correctional Facility during the happiest time of the year offers no gifts under a Christmas tree. No Happy Holidays decorations. Just yellowed suicide-prevention memorandums posted on the bulletin board. Guys live here under the weight of life sentences and have been away from their families and loved ones for decades. Other guys havent gotten visits in years but still find reasons to wake up, to put both feet on the ground, and, oddly enough, even to smile.

I cant help but admire the resiliency of old-timers, some of whom have lost every family member, who have more time in prison than I have on this earth. They keep it simple, play Scrabble or spades and talk shit. Once able-bodied men, they walk with canes, one step at a time.

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It is the coping mechanisms of the prisoner, our survival under this added layer of extreme inhumanity, that may make us the most apt case studies for suicide prevention.

One day this season, I overheard some of the GED students inside our school building tell the prisons acting educational supervisor, Nicole Cooke, that they didnt have anything to be grateful for during the holidays.

I didnt like that, she told me from behind a large wooden desk. This gave her an idea.

She had a tree painted on the wall, leaving the branches bare. Photocopied drawings of jars containing the words Im thankful for were distributed to everyone who wanted to decorate the tree. She told guys to write what they were grateful for inside the paper jars, which stood in for the trees leaves.

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Although the gratitude tree remained on the wall for about a month, as I attended my classes I walked right past it without reading a single jar.

The same day that I went inside the school building to finally put my own note on the gratitude tree, the jars had been taken down. I spoke with Cooke, and she removed them from her drawer and handed me the stack of paper jars. I sat down alone in the academic library and counted 82 altogether. I plucked through them one by one, reading their contents. Forty-six of them contained the word family or mi familia. Some included only a word or two, like mom or even Ms. Cooke. Suddenly, I realized that in my hands these small pieces of paper weighing next to nothing contained something so heavy and intimatepeople and things that gave my community a sense of hope and purpose, reasons for living. I felt a little wrong riffling through them, but I was inspired to witness a collective will to live. As Albert Camus said, Rarely is suicide committed through reflection.

Thats when I noticed that a handful of these jars had been filled out by staff, people who, like Hadian, the imam, get to go home every day. Their end-of-year reflections had been displayed side by side with the prisoners jars on the tree: a shared message of thankfulness and hope displayed for everyone who took part or who bothered to look.
A fire damaged a South Jersey bank on Thursday afternoon, prompting a two-hour response from firefighters.

The fire was reported at TD Banks branch on East Broadway in Salem around 3 p.m., according to the citys fire department. The bank is a tenant in a seven-unit strip mall.

When crews arrived, they found smoke rising from the roof and clouding the banks windows, officials said. Firefighters attacked the flames through the front entrance and from the roof.

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Inside, crews discovered a fire in a utility and break room and quickly extinguished it, the department said. The flames were contained to that area, and no injuries were reported.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone was inside the bank when the fire started or if other businesses in the strip mall were affected.

The department did not say if officials determined a cause.

In a statement, TD Banks corporate team said it was still assessing when the branch could reopen.

We are aware of the fire incident at TD Banks location on East Broadway in Salem, New Jersey, and are actively cooperating with the fire department during their ongoing investigation, TD Bank said in a statement to NJ Advance Media. Our teams are working hard to ensure that all necessary measures are taken for the safe reopening of this location.

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Pope Leo XIV is not happy with his home states governor.

Leo, a Chicago native, said he was very disappointed that Illinois approved the Medical Aid in Dying bill, legalizing physician-assisted death in the state.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the bill on Dec. 12, but it will not take effect until Sept. 12, 2026, giving the states public health department time to implement its procedures and protocols.

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The pope told reporters on Tuesday as he left his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, that he had explicitly spoken with Pritzker before the bill was signed, advising him not to do so.

The first American pope, Leo, is a Chicago native. / Vatican Pool / Getty Images

We were very clear about the necessity to respect the sacredness of life from the very beginning to the very end, Leo said. Unfortunately, for different reasons, he decided to sign that bill. I am very disappointed about that.

I would invite all people, especially in these Christmas feast days, to reflect upon the nature of human life; the goodness of human life, the pontiff added. I hope and pray that the respect for life will once again grow in all moments of human existence, from conception to natural death.

The Medical Aid in Dying bill is also known as Debs Law, in honor of Illinois resident Deb Robertson. Robertson, an outspoken advocate of the measure, lives with a terminal case of an aggressive cancer called neuroendocrine carcinoma.

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Debs Law allows adult individuals with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less the option to request a prescription from their physician, which they can self-ingest to die autonomously. The law includes strict requirements for both physicians and patients.

Pritzker said he was moved by the stories of Illinois residents who had endured prolonged suffering due to terminal illness. / Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Vox Media

I have been deeply impacted by the stories of Illinoisans or their loved ones that have suffered from a devastating terminal illness, and I have been moved by their dedication to standing up for freedom and choice at the end of life in the midst of personal heartbreak, Pritzker said in a statement.

Today, Illinois honors their strength and courage by enacting legislation that enables patients faced with debilitating terminal illnesses to make a decision, in consultation with a doctor, that helps them avoid unnecessary pain and suffering at the end of their lives, he continued.

This legislation will be thoughtfully implemented so that physicians can consult patients on making deeply personal decisions with authority, autonomy, and empathy.

The right to medically assisted suicide, or dying with dignity, is currently legal in 12 states, and seven others are considering legislation.
March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) today is up +0.12 (+79%), and March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) closed +3.30 (+0.76%).

Sugar prices are seeing continued support from the forecast by consulting firm Safras & Mercado, released on Tuesday, that Brazil's sugar production in 2026/27 will fall -3.91% to 41.8 MMT from 43.5 MMT expected in 2025/26. The firm expects Brazil's exports in 2026/27 to fall -11% y/y to 30 MMT.

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Last Thursday, sugar prices fell to 5-week lows amid prospects of higher sugar exports from India, after India's food secretary said the government may permit additional sugar exports to reduce a domestic supply glut. Last month, India's food ministry said it would allow mills to export 1.5 MMT of sugar in the 2025/26 season. India introduced a quota system for sugar exports in 2022/23 after late rain reduced production and limited domestic supplies.

Signs of a larger sugar crop in India, the world's second-largest producer, are undercutting prices after the India Sugar Mill Association (ISMA) on November 11 raised its 2025/26 India sugar production estimate to 31 MMT from an earlier forecast of 30 MMT, up +18.8% y/y. The ISMA also cut its estimate for sugar used for ethanol production in India to 3.4 MMT from a July forecast of 5 MMT, which may allow India to boost its sugar exports. Meanwhile, the India Sugar Mill Association (ISMA) reported on December 15 that Indian 2025-26 sugar production from October 1 to December 15 jumped +28% y/y to 7.83 MMT.

The outlook for record sugar output in Brazil is also bearish for prices. Conab, Brazil's crop forecasting agency, on November 4 raised its Brazil 2025/26 sugar production estimate to 45 MMT from a previous forecast of 44.5 MMT. Unica reported on December 16 that Brazil's cumulative 2025-26 Center-South sugar output through November rose by +1.1% y/y to 39.904 MMT. Also, the amount of cane crushed for sugar rose to 51.12% in 2025/36 from 48.34% in 2024/25.

On the bearish side for sugar, the International Sugar Organization (ISO) on November 17 forecast a 1.625 million MT sugar surplus in 2025-26, following a 2.916 million MT deficit in 2024-25. ISO said the surplus is being driven by increased sugar production in India, Thailand, and Pakistan. In August, ISO had previously forecast a 231,000 MT deficit for the 2025-26 marketing year. ISO is forecasting a +3.2% y/y rise in global sugar production to 181.8 million MT in 2025-26. Meanwhile, sugar trader Czarnikow on November 5 boosted its global 2025/26 sugar surplus estimate to 8.7 MMT, up +1.2 MMT from a September estimate of 7.5 MMT.
Flooding remains a concern across parts of Southern California Friday morning after a powerful holiday storm dumped days of heavy rain across the region. Forecasters say showers should gradually taper later in the day, but saturated ground and swollen waterways are still creating dangerous conditions in some areas.

Officials warn that even lighter rain could trigger new flooding or mudslides after an unusually wet Christmas week.

Rain eases, but the risk isn't over

The heaviest rainfall moved through by Christmas Day, but the National Weather Service says scattered showers could continue into Friday, with pockets of heavier rain still possible. With hillsides already soaked, emergency managers say the margin for error is slim, especially in areas scarred by recent wildfires.

Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency in Los Angeles earlier this week, urging residents to limit travel and follow evacuation guidance where issued.

Flooding, rescues, and evacuations

Flash flooding hit parts of Los Angeles County, where authorities warned of rising creeks, flooded streets, and water collecting in underpasses and low-lying neighborhoods. Fire officials reported multiple river rescues, while police responded to more than 100 storm-related traffic accidents.

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In San Bernardino County, heavy rain triggered evacuations and debris flows. The mountain town of Wrightwood was placed under shelter-in-place warnings as water and mud overwhelmed roads. Residents described flooded streets and rescue crews moving door to door on Christmas Eve.

AP Photo/William Liang

Sewage spill closes beach area

The storm also caused a sewage spill of about 10,000 gallons near Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, according to county health officials as reported by The LA Times.

Visitors are being told to avoid ocean water and wet sand while water quality testing continues. The advisory will remain in place until bacteria levels drop to safe limits.

Wind, snow, and power outages statewide

Strong winds compounded the storm's impact, knocking down trees and power lines and leaving tens of thousands without electricity across the state. High wind warnings remained in effect Friday for mountain corridors, including the Grapevine. Gusts were expected to make travel difficult for high-profile vehicles.

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Farther north, winter storm warnings stayed in place for the Sierra Nevada, where heavy snow is expected to continue through Friday. Snow levels are forecast to drop heading into the weekend, potentially affecting lower-elevation travel routes.

Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

What to expect next

Forecasters say conditions should steadily improve later Friday, with drier weather returning for the weekend and into next week.

Until then, officials are urging residents to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and be especially cautious near burn-scar areas and flood-prone roads.

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

The post Flooding threat lingers in southern California as holiday storm winds down appeared first on Straight Arrow News.

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The High Court in Kuala Lumpur has found former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak guilty of abuse of power in a case linked to the embezzlement of state investment funds.

The court ruled on Friday that Najib, 72, was guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering, the New Straits Times newspaper and other Malaysian media outlets reported.

His sentencing in this case has not yet been announced.

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Najib was said to have used his role as prime minister, finance minister and chairman of the advisory board of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund to embezzle 2.3 billion ringgit ($568 million) in stages.

He was previously sentenced to 12 years in prison and a heavy fine in connection with the 1MDB affair in 2022 and is currently in custody. Last year, a court halved his prison sentence to six years.

Najib served as the prime minister of Malaysia from 2009 to 2018. He also served as finance minister and helped establish 1MDB as a fund for promoting the South-East Asian country's economic development.

Najib has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that he was misled by fraudulent financial advisers.
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP)  Imprisoned former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was sentenced to 15 years and a hefty 13.5 billion ringgit ($3.3 billion) in fines and assets after being convicted Friday in his biggest corruption trial tied to the multibillion-dollar looting of the 1MDB state investment fund.

The nations High Court found Najib, 72, guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 charges of money laundering related to more than $700 million channeled into his personal bank accounts from the 1MDB fund.

Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah sentenced Najib to 15 years in prison for each charge of abuse of power, and five years for each of the money laundering charges. The sentences are to run concurrently which means he will face another 15 years in prison. The new sentence will run after his current term for an earlier 1MDB case ends, the judge said.

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He imposed a total fine of 11.4 billion ringgit ($2.8 billion) for the abuse of power charges. In addition, he also ordered another 2.08 billion ringgit (514 million) in assets to be recovered from Najib under money laundering laws. If Najib fails to pay, he faces more years in prison.

Najib's lawyer Mohamed Shafee Abdullah said the judge made so many blunders and that they would appeal the verdict. Dressed in blue suit, Najib stood up and was calm when the sentencing was announced, slumping later back in his chair in the dock.

Najib denied wrongdoing

The ruling marked a major milestone in one of the worlds largest financial scandals, which rippled across global markets and triggered investigations in the United States and other nations.

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Najib denied any wrongdoing and maintained the funds were a political donation from Saudi Arabia and that he had been misled by rogue financiers led by Low Taek Jho. Low, thought to be the scandals mastermind, remains at large.

Sequerah said Najibs claim of a Saudi donation was incapable of belief." Four letters purportedly from the Saudi donor were forged and evidence clearly showed the funds originated from 1MDB, he said.

He rejected defense arguments that Najib was an unwitting victim, duped by former 1MDB officials and Low. Witness testimonies had pointed to an unmistakable bond between Najib and Low, who had played a pivotal role in the scandal and operated as the proxy, the conduit, the intermediary and the facilitator for Najib in 1MDB, the judge said.

The judge noted that Najib failed to take steps to verify the origin of the massive funds nor took action against Low. Instead, Najib used the money despite its suspicious origins and took steps to protect his position, including by removing the then-attorney general and anti-corruption chief investigating the case, he said.

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While Najib returned most of the funds to an offshore account where they came from, he said this was clearly staged to conceal the illicit origin of the funds.

The accused was no country bumpkin, said Sequerah, who took five hours to read the ruling. Any attempt to paint the accused as an ignoramus who was hopelessly unaware of the misdeeds going around him must therefore, fail miserably.

Najib, who served as prime minister from 2009 to 2018, currently is serving a prison sentence after being convicted in an earlier case linked to the 1MDB scandal, which led to his governments defeat in 2018.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2020 for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving 42 million ringgit ($10.3 million) channeled into his accounts from SRC International, a former unit of 1MDB.

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He began his sentence in August 2022 after losing a final appeal, becoming Malaysias first former leader to be imprisoned. The Pardons Board, a body that advises rulers on granting clemency, halved his sentence and sharply reduced his fine in 2024.

Billions looted from 1MDB

Najib set up the 1MDB development fund shortly after taking office in 2009. He chaired 1MDBs advisory board and held veto power as finance minister while serving as prime minister.

Between 2009 and 2014, top executives and associates of Najib looted over $4.5 billion from the fund, laundering it through countries including the U.S., Singapore and Switzerland, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Authorities alleged the funds were used to finance Hollywood films and extravagant purchases including hotels, a luxury yacht, art and jewelry. Jeff Sessions, the U.S. attorney general at the time, called it kleptocracy at its worst.

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The scandal also hit Wall Street, with Goldman Sachs facing billions in fines for its role in raising money for 1MDB.

The scion of a prominent political family, Najib was long seen as untouchable until public anger over 1MDB led to the 2018 election defeat of his ruling party, which had governed Malaysia since the country gained independence from Britain in 1957.

Earlier this week, Najib failed in his bid to serve his graft sentence under house arrest. Malaysias High Court ruled Monday that a rare royal order for home arrest issued by the nations former king was invalid because it was not made in accordance with constitutional requirements. Najibs lawyer has said they plan to appeal.

Originally due for release in August 2028 after his sentence reduction, Najib now faces a longer stretch behind bars.

Najibs wife, Rosmah Mansor, also was sentenced to 10 years in prison and a massive fine in 2022 in a separate graft case. She has been released on bail pending an appeal.
Loved ones and friends of former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt gathered at First Presbyterian Church in Wilson on Friday afternoon to say their final goodbyes.

Hunt died last week on his family farm in Wilson at 88.

He was the longest-serving governor in state history; in office from 1977 to 1985 - and again from 1993 to 2001.

Hunt was remembered for his impact on the state but was best-known for his efforts in education, namely the Smart Start program, a topic he continued to focus on through his work with The Hunt Institute.

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"We were over at their house one time, and I said, I know you go to big high schools, but we would love for you to come and speak at my son's graduation at a small school, Chatham Central High School. And he said, 'Oh, I love to come to all schools.' And he came. It was a big deal to have a governor of North Carolina at Chatham Central High School," said Becky Loflin, a family friend.

Separately, he played a key role in helping grow the state's economy, overseeing a period of massive growth and development, including the creation of the NC Biotech Center.

On Friday, a mix of friends, family, lawmakers, and members of the public showed up to pay their respects.

While the media was not allowed inside the service, ABC11 spoke with some who attended.

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"It is very rare today. There's so much divisiveness in our state and in our country, too," Loflin said. "But Jim Hunt could bring everybody together in agreement. He had that trait to do that."

Hunt grew up just outside Wilson, and a high school in the county is named after him.

"They should always be honored to have somebody like Jim Hunt that lived in the community and did so much for (it)," Loflin said. "He always stayed so humble, even with the greatness he had. Everybody admired him so much. He was always laid back and ready to talk to everybody."

Hunt is survived by his wife, Carolyn, four children, and his brother. His daughter, Rachel, is the state's lieutenant governor; a role he himself held from 1972-1976.

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Hunt is also survived by 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Gov. Josh Stein is inviting the public to sign a book of condolences for Hunt's family.

The book is lying at the North Carolina State Capitol in the rotunda.

The book is lying at the North Carolina State Capitol in the rotunda.

People can write a brief message from now through Jan. 2.

SEE ALSO: Some student loan borrowers could see wages garnished starting in early 2026


German Minister for Digital Affairs Karsten Wildberger has expressed openness to a social media ban for children like the one in Australia, he told dpa in Berlin.

I can see a lot of merit in that. I consider the question of an age restriction to be more than justified, he said.

So now the question is: How do we enable them to have a healthy development, like earlier generations had without social media?"

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Wildberger, former head of the tech big box store conglomerate MediaMarktSaturn, is Germanys first-ever digital affairs minister.

Australia's social media ban for those under age 16 took effect on December 10 and has since sprouted discussions in many countries about whether to follow.

The Australian law makes it illegal for those under 16 to hold their own accounts on many social media platforms.

Canberra said it aims to protect young people from cyberbullying, problematic usage and distressing content.

Studies, reports and observations show how profoundly social media intervenes in the development of young people.

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Referring to an expert commission appointed by the German government on Child and Youth Protection in the Digital Age, Wildberger said there needs to be a discussion on what the right age is for young people to engage with social media.

The panel of academics and practitioners, which come in part from the fields of medicine and youth protection services, began its work a few months ago and is expected to develop recommendations by the summer.

This includes, among other things, possible age limits as well as the much-debated issue of banning mobile phones in schools.
Germany's Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder has warned that a planned reduction in the country's air travel ticket taxwill not automatically translate into cheaper airline tickets.

The tax cut, approved to take effect on July 1, 2026, is primarily intended to improve Germany's competitiveness as an aviation hub, Schnieder told newspapers of the Funke Media Group in comments published on Friday.

"The reduction in the air traffic tax serves to make [Germany] more competitive in order to become a serious player again. That is the main objective," he said.

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Germany continues to lag behind other countries in its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, he noted.

Passenger volumes at German airports remain just under 90% of pre-pandemic levels, while other countries have surpassed those figures and are operating at around 110%, Schnieder said.

"This means that flights are not being cancelled - they are simply taking place elsewhere," he said.

The minister stressed that airlines ultimately decide which routes and services they offer.

For the government, however, Schnieder added that it is crucial that carriers continue to operate from Germany, base aircraft there and maintain a reliable network of connections to and from German airports "in the interests of Germany as a business location and for passengers."

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In October, the Federal Association of the German Air Transport Industry (BDL) reported that air travel in Germany is growing more slowly in the 2025/2026 winter flight schedule than in other European countries.

Airlines are increasingly avoiding Germany due to ever-rising taxes and fees, said BDL Chief Executive Joachim Lang.
Four Northeast governors on Wednesday demanded a classified briefing from the Trump administration to understand the national security risks underlying the pause on offshore wind project leases.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee called for the pause to be lifted immediately on the five offshore wind projects, including Vineyard Wind 1 off the coast of Nantucket.

It strains credulity to believe that vital, substantial projects that underwent many federal reviews and processes, including by the DoD (Department of Defense), all of a sudden present new, existential, unforeseen threats, the governors wrote in a letter to U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

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Read the letter here

The Department of Interior announced Monday that it was pausing all large-scale offshore wind leases immediately in response to national security risks identified by the Department of War in recently completed classified reports. The department said it would work with the Department of War and other government agencies to assess the possibility of mitigating the national security risks posed by these projects.

In their requested briefing, the governors said they want a clear description of the specific national security risks and [i]dentification of the particular project components, if any, alleged to give rise to those risks.

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The governors wrote that federal officials did not notify states about any purportedly new risk before the project suspensions.

The sudden emergence of a new national security threat appears to be less a legitimate, rational finding of fact and more a pretextual excuse to justify a predetermined outcome consistent with the Presidents frequently stated personal opposition to offshore wind, their letter says.

In its announcement, the Department of Interior pointed to national security risks that are inherent to large offshore wind projects and invoked unclassified federal government reports that have long found that the movement of massive turbine blades and the highly reflective towers create radar interference called clutter.

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The governors argued that, If clutter were such a grave threat, it might also apply to the thousands of oil rigs and other seaborne infrastructure in our coastal waters. They also emphasized the projects have already been vetted by federal officials, including at the Department of Defense.

The military had the opportunity to raise concerns and object. They did not, and further certified there was no threat to national security, their letter says. To claim a threat exists now, after billions of dollars have been invested in these projects and reviews fully completed, is the height of irrationality.

Fifty iron workers lost their jobs just before the holidays due to the halted work on Vineyard Wind, Ironworkers Local 7 said Tuesday. The union said it is thoroughly disgusted and furious at the administrations action.

If we are serious about making energy more affordable and strengthening American industry, we need more energy projects of all types, not fewer, the union said. We call on the president to reverse this decision so our members can get back to work providing reliable, affordable power for Massachusetts.

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Monticello, Florida  Not every satsuma mandarin grown at Florida Georgia Citrus  a family farm in Monticello, Florida  is the orange of a grocery store's eye.

"That's what we call an imperfect piece of fruit," owner and operator Kim Jones said as he showed CBS News a larger, almost pear-shaped satsuma that would be rejected by grocery stores.

The farm harvests about 7 million pounds of produce per year. But what Jones cannot sell gets sorted into separate bins, where he only has a few weeks before determining what must be thrown out.

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The crates, filled with hundreds of oranges, are just a small portion of the more than 20 billion pounds of produce that U.S. grocery stores reject each year because they say they are imperfect, according to ReFED, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing food waste.

An estimate from Missouri-based nonprofit Kanbe's Markets pegs that amount at a value of more than $17 billion in food waste annually.

This comes as food prices have skyrocketed over the last three years. A $100 grocery bill in early 2022 is now more than $118, according to the CBS News MoneyWatch price tracker.

Abhi Ramesh noticed a problem with the system seven years ago.

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"The whole grocery ecosystem's been built around making sure everything's perfectly uniform on the shelf," Ramesh said, noting that the discarded fruits present "an opportunity."

Ramesh launched Misfits Market in 2018, an online grocery store that buys rejected produce from farmers and packages it in four warehouses across the country.

"When people think about food waste, they think, oh, is it stuff rotting in a landfill?" Ramesh said. "But that's not it. It is the apple that wasn't shaped perfectly...At the same time, you have millions of folks all across the country that don't have access to healthy, affordable food."

The online grocery store hasn't yet turned a profit, but Misfits says it has so far saved 200 million pounds of food from being trashed by shipping it to customers across the country.

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Jojo Cheng says she started shopping at Misfits about four years ago, where she's been able to take advantage of the often-discounted rejected produce.

"I find stuff is usually like 15% to 20% off on Misfits versus in the regular grocery store," Cheng said. "And you can also get items that you wouldn't typically see at, like, your local grocery store."

Cheng says that she now tends to buy most of her groceries online.

"This helps reduce food waste in grocery stores and helps with farmers as well," Cheng said of Misfits.

Back on the farm, Jones says that any idea that helps save food from being thrown out is a plus.

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"You peel all that off and you wind up with a juicy piece of fruit," he says of one rejected satsuma. "It's still got a good flavor."

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This morning the Honolulu Fire Department rescued an injured hiker on Koko Head.

HFD received a 911 call at 10 :08 a.m. that a female hiker in her 40s suffered and was unable to make it down the steep trail on her own.

According to a media release, the department dispatched six units staffed with 18 personnel. The first unit arrived on scene at 10 :18 a.m. and firefighter made their way up the trail on foot.

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The second arriving unit secured a nearby landing zone to prepare for air operations.

Once firefighters reached the injured hiker, they conducted a medical assessment and provided basic life support.

The hiker was ultimately hoisted into a helicopter and safely transported to the nearby landing zone, where medical care was transferred to Emergency Medical Services at 11 :12 a.m.

In HFDs news release, it urged hikers to be careful and realistically assess their fitness and hiking abilities before hitting a trail.

Compare your level of fitness, ability, and experience with the trail description,  the department said. Be practical and realistic. There are a wide variety of trails in Hawaii, so pick one that suits your level.

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Sandra Suero has been praying for weeks for a Christmas miracle. Her 18-year-old son, Jhonatan Bello-Cabrera, was detained in October when his workplace  a container freight station in Woodbridge  was raided by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Since then, she says, its been a mad dash to try to get her son back. Shes been on the phone nonstop with immigration lawyers, on the computer reading and researching similar cases, and constantly pidiendole a Dios por mi hijo"  asking the Almighty to please protect her son.

Days ago, at the Newark airport, Sandras wish finally came true: Her son, looking downtrodden, thinner, and with much more facial hair than the last time she saw him, melted into her arms, in a long, deep hug.

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This is all I wanted, she tells me tearfully in Spanish, for our family, to finally be together again.

At the airport, Jhonatan was finally reunited too with his excited six-year-old brother, Jeremy.

He never stopped asking about Jhonatan, Sandra says. Every single day, it was when is my Jhonatan coming home? When is my brother coming home?

Jhonatan, a Colombian native has been in the country for four years and was issued a legal work permit and social security card. But since his arrest on Oct. 29, hes been bounced around from detention center to detention center.

Initially, Jhonatan, an honor student who had recently graduated high school, was taken to the controversial Delaney Hall in Newark. But shortly after, he was unexpectedly transferred to a detention center in Texas and later to two others in Arizona.

Jhonatan Bello-Cabrera

What made this whole ordeal scarier, Sandra tells me, is how hard it was to keep track of where he was and what was happening.

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Back in November, when Jhonatan was transferred in the middle of the night to a detention center in Texas, ICEs online locator system for detainees still showed him as being in Newark, at Delaney Hall.

The next afternoon, when I checked the locator, it still hadnt been updated.

Relatives of other detainees have also reported similar situations  the locator isnt updated quickly after transfers and the families are left anxious and in the dark. The truth is ICE shares limited, delayed and often flawed, information on the whereabouts of detainees.

Months ago, hundreds of people held at Alligator Alcatraz in Florida suddenly went missing from ICEs online database.

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The Miami Herald reported that some of the detainees, who couldnt be located in the ICE database, might have been deported  despite not having final orders of removal from a judge before entering the facility.

And that was one of Sandras biggest fears: that her son could, without her knowledge, be deported, to Colombia or to God knows where, or that, God forbid, he could be hurt, o hasta peor  or even worse  while in ICE detention.

Lets not forget, this year 30 people have died in ICE custody, the highest number since 2004. Just this month, four people died in one week in detention centers across the country. (One of them who was in custody at Delaney Hall in Newark.)

Thankfully, Jhonatan says, my mom doesnt have to worry or think about that anymore. Im home now, he says.

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Still, to get him there, his mom had to fight like hell.

She worked tirelessly alongside several immigrants rights groups, including the National Day Laborers Organizing Network, to advocate for her son, and went to great lengths to cobble together the $6,000 needed to pay for a bond for his release.

When she felt lost and hopeless, she made it a habit to show up, in person, at the immigration field office in Newark to ask for updates on her sons case.

She prayed. She cried. She kept the faith. And in the end, su hijito querido, her beloved son, made it back home, just in time for navidad.

Since the day I first interviewed her about Jhonatans ICE arrest, Sandra and I have kept close in touch. And I admit that I, too, had been praying every night for his safe return.

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But as we chat gleefully about their happy ending (at least for now, Jhonatan still has many immigration court dates ahead of him), I cant help but feel for the thousands of detainees still stuck in ICE detention for whom this holiday wont be nearly as warm.

Jhonatan says he cant get them out of his head either. He tells me hes deeply worried about all those he left behind.

There are many elderly people detained in there, and many of them are frail and sick, he says.

His only wish now? That they too can soon reunite with their families, with their loved ones. Me too, Jhonatan. Me too. Heres to praying, hoping, and advocating for another miracle!

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI) delivered disappointing quarterly results (for its fiscal Q1 ending Sept. 30) on Nov. 4. SMCI stock has tanked, as investors lost faith in this AI server company. However, large and unusual call option activity in SMCI may indicate that it may be time to buy.

SMCI is at $30.55 in morning trading on Dec. 24. That's well off its Oct. 8 closing peak of $58.68 (-48%) and pre-earnings price of $50.75 on Nov.3 (i.e., down 40%). So, has it been overdone? Today's call option activity may imply that's the case.

More News from Barchart

SMCI stock - last 6 months - Barchart - Dec. 24, 2025

Is SCMI Stock's Fall Done?

For example, Super Micro Computer claimed that its negative revenue growth and lower net income (EPS was down 53%), along with depressed margins, were due to one customer delaying their AI server and rack orders to the upcoming quarter (i.e., ending Dec. 30).

Moreover, analysts generally expect the company to be profitable. Barchart's survey of analysts shows that the next EPS will rebound to 52 cents per share, up from 35 cents last quarter.

In addition, analysts surveyed by Seeking Alpha have an average EPS for this fiscal year to June 30, 2026, of $2.06. That means that SMCI is trading at a multiple of just 17.2x.

Historically, its 5-yr forward Price/Earnings (P/E) multiple has averaged between 16.7x to 18.7x (GAAP / non-GAAP). Morningstar says the 5-year average has been 18.63x.

The point is, there are good reasons to believe that SCMI stock could be cheap here, and the downdraft has been overdone.

No wonder there has been heavy call option buying.

Unusual Activity in SMCI Call Options

This can be seen today in Barchart's Unusual Stock Options Activity Report. It shows that two large tranches of SCMI call options have traded for expiration on January 2, 2026 (i.e., 9 days to expiry or DTE).

SCMI call options expiring Jan. 2, 2026 - Barchart Unusual Stock Options Activity Report - Dec. 24, 2025

For example, almost 30,900 calls expiring Jan. 2 at the $32.50 call strike price and 30,800 calls at the $31.00 call strike price have traded. Those represent over 26x and 25.7x the prior number of outstanding contracts.

So, it's highly unusual. It represents extreme bullishness on the part of the buyers. They also didn't have to pay much for the premiums. The breakeven points are just $32.78 and $31.70, respectively, or just +3.9% and 0.5% respectively, over the trading price.
Dec. 26At least 214 people, predominantly Latino men, have been detained as a part of "Operation Buckeye" Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, according to an analysis by an Ohio advocacy group.

The Ohio Immigrant Alliance reported Dec. 24 that 137 people were detained at the Butler County Jail in connection to this statewide operation. Officials at the Columbus-based group searched through data available on area jail rosters.

The alliance estimates that 80% of detained people appear to be Latino. Africans make up another 10% of detained people. Additionally, only 7% of detained people are women.

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ICE officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment from this news outlet. The agency said in a Dec. 20 release that Operation Buckeye was launched Dec. 16, "targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in Columbus and throughout Ohio."

The Dec. 20 release names 10 men arrested by ICE, who were from six different countries and had criminal convictions ranging from drug trafficking and assault to open container violations.

"ICE never hesitates to brag when it arrests people who have committed actual crimes," the Ohio Immigrant Alliance's report says. "The agency released a list of just ten people with criminal histories  ten out of a pool of more than 214  and at least three of these were arrested before the operation began."

The Ohio Immigrant Alliance believes its analysis is an "undercount of the total number of ICE arrests and detained people," as roster information isn't available for every jail in Ohio and Michigan. Some Columbus-area residents have been detained briefly and released after questioning.

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"When Columbus leaders said ICE makes our communities less safe and we don't need them here, that is exactly what they meant," said Ohio Immigrant Alliance Executive Director Lynn Tramonte.

The Ohio Immigrant Alliance said that citizens, legally-authorized immigrants, and people with legal work permits and pending immigration cases are among those being detained, gathering that information in part from Columbus-area media outlets.

The analysis also noted that the timing of the Ohio raids has impacted local businesses and faith communities.

Officials with the Dayton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said they're actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with community partners.

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The Hispanic Chamber said it is "aware of confirmed ICE activity reported in the Dayton area."

"Immigration is not only a human issue, it is an economic and business issue," the chamber shared in a statement on social media. "Workforce participation, employee attendance, customer behavior, and overall business operations are directly impacted when uncertainty affects our families and neighbors. Hispanic-owned businesses feel this immediately."

More than 26,000 immigrants live and work in Montgomery County. Per Census data, the foreign-born population in Butler County is a little less than 32,000 people (8% of the overall population reported in 2024).

"We encourage community members and business owners to stay informed and to refer any immigration-related questions to trusted legal and advocacy partners," according to the Hispanic Chamber.
With the snow hours away, officials have cancelled hundreds of flights at major New York City area airports.

Over 500 flights were scrubbed Friday at Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International airports, according to Flightradar 24, a tracking service. Some 279 flights are already cancelled tomorrow, the service said.

According to the National Weather Service in New York, the major airports are forecasted to get hit hard by the snow, between 7.2 inches at JFK, 7.4 inches at Newark and 8 inches at LaGuardia.

Heavy snow is forecasted for NYC's major airports on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025 into Saturday.

For the Shore, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a winter storm warning for Western Monmouth County, which is in effect from 3 p.m. Friday until 10 a.m. Saturday.

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Snow accumulations could reach up to 6 inches in Monmouth while Ocean County is expected to see as much as 4 inches.

Forecasted weather conditions may cause JFK Airport flight disruptions. Please check with your airline to determine the status of your flight. pic.twitter.com/FqgwZyo4lH  John F. Kennedy Airport (@JFKairport) December 26, 2025

The NYC metro area airports are advising travelers to check the status of their flights.

Reporter Ken Serrano can be reached at kserrano@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: With snow due soon, hundreds of flights scrubbed at major NYC airports
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ by aggressively detaining a pastor.

Multiple agents in tactical gear can be seen in a video arguing with a man in his car on a video taken on Christmas Eve in Lewiston, Maine.

Are you a U.S. citizen? one of the agents asks the man.

The man, who appears to be of Black African origin, tries to reply. When you came

Stop talking! the officer yells back.

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You asked me my ID and I showed you ID, Im not this one you are looking for, so how so? the man responded.

Are you in this country illegally?

No, Im not illegally here, he responded, while the person filming vouched for him. That wasnt enough for the agents, as they dragged the man out of his car and onto the ground, cuffing him.

Hes a pastor, hes a pastor! the bystander protests. Youre beating a pastor!

Not in this state, one of the agents replied while leading the man away.

While the Trump administration claims to care about the plight of Christians, ICE has had a particular disdain for clergymen. In September, they shot Chicago Reverend David Black, the senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, with a pepper ball right in the face while he was protesting at the Broadview ICE facility. And in August, Black pastor and Maine resident Michel Tshimankinda spent two weeks in jail after being detained by ICE. He was later released and returned to his congregation. But for ICE to do this on Christmas Eveespecially as part of an administration that postures as godlyis particularly cruel.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is buying millions of dollars worth of new surveillance tools at the same time President Donald Trump has scaled back protections for use of civilian data  a combination that could lead to a vast expansion of domestic surveillance that goes far beyond immigrants.

Federal records show that ICE has increased its spending on surveillance technology, looking to spend more than $300 million under Trump for social-media monitoring tools, facial recognition software, license plate readers and services to find where people live and work.

These upgrades are expected to be used in ICEs push to help fulfill the presidents campaign promise of the largest deportation program of criminals in the history of America."

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The high-tech capabilities are also coinciding with policy changes from the White House that lower the guardrails around the governments use of data on millions of American residents and expand its potential surveillance targets. A set of executive orders is giving ICE workarounds for the decades-old federal standard that protects American residents' privacy, and the agency itself is signaling a shift in its enforcement policy, looking beyond immigrants and toward American critics of its officers behavior.

ICEs new capabilities and legal flexibility are raising concerns among privacy and civil liberty advocates that it is expanding its remit with little supervision of its powers.

Its very troubling, especially when you pair the ramp-up of these capabilities and the increasing exercises of these capabilities with the undermining of independent oversight, said Sharon Bradford Franklin, who chaired a board tasked with independently scrutinizing government surveillance following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

A White House spokesperson referred POLITICO to ICE for questions about the agency's operations. ICE did not respond to questions about its protections against potentially excessive surveillance.

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Governors in several blue states have already responded by restricting ICEs access to state-level citizen data. New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Washington recently cut off ICEs access to their state motor vehicle records. In Congress, a coalition of 40 Democrats asked other governors to follow, saying in a letter that ICEs access to DMV records allowed for unjustified, politicized actions from the Trump administration.

ICEs use of facial recognition to determine immigration status has particularly troubled Democrats who worry the technology puts Americans at risk of detention and deportation.

The House Homeland Security Committees ranking member, Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), criticized it as a frightening, repugnant, and unconstitutional attack on Americans rights and freedoms in a statement to POLITICO.

Republicans have been more accepting of ICEs expanded surveillance capabilities, though still within limits.

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Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who has criticized the Biden administrations surveillance against conservatives, told POLITICO that he supports ICEs acquisition of surveillance tech so long as its done constitutionally.

Acquiring the stuff, thats no problem, he said, citing the importance of Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches by the government. How they use it really matters.

Buying tech, and broadening the mission

ICEs technology arsenal has sharply increased in the past year, with the agency investing in high-tech surveillance tools including social media monitoring powered by artificial intelligence, software to obtain phone location data, drones, license plate readers and iris scanners.

One of its largest investments is for skip-tracing services, typically used by debt collectors and bounty hunters to track people who are difficult to find, across new identities, homes and occupations.

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These capabilities were not used by ICE in past administrations. They were recommended to the Trump White House as part of a sweeping crackdown strategy submitted by private military contractors last December.

In October, ICE awarded two contracts for skip-tracing capabilities totaling $8 million. It vastly expanded its ambitions in November, issuing a request for information for the data-intensive tracking service with a potential $281 million contract attached. In December, ICE awarded contracts to 10 companies for skip tracing services, with the potential to earn over $1 billion by the end of their contracts in 2027, The Intercept reported.

A spokesperson for ICE said the November request wasnt a formal spending plan, but was intended as market research to see how many vendors could fulfill an order of this size.

In September ICE paid $3.8 million for facial recognition tools from the company Clearview AI, which operates a database of 30 billion images scraped from online sources.

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ICE also plans to expand its use of social media surveillance, WIRED reported in October, scouring billions of online posts to find leads for immigration enforcement operations.

As the agency upgrades its tools, it has also sent signals it wants to expand its mission from finding immigrants to tracing critics and stopping threats to its agents.

The contract for Clearview AI, for instance, said the technology would be used for investigations on assaults against law enforcement officers.

In August, the agency signaled it wants to use social media surveillance to track threats against ICE personnel by members of the public, according to a Privacy Impact Assessment published by DHS.



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DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has also expanded whats considered a threat to ICE officials, telling reporters in July that violence is anything that threatens them and their safety, including filming its officers.

Privacy advocates argue that this new technological capability  and the mission of tracking threats against agents  widens ICEs surveillance scope beyond immigration enforcement in dangerous ways.

ICE is already well beyond their initial responsibility and is fully into the realm of political policing of protesters and dissidents, said Matthew Guariglia, a senior policy analyst on surveillance and technology at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which has been tracking the growth of government surveillance capabilities.

Theyre building up this mass automated surveillance infrastructure, he added, and the question we have to be asking is: What is it for?

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(ICE did not respond to a request for comment about changes in its policies on surveillance targets.)

Data guardrails going down

Those high-tech new tools and expanded mission arrive as the Trump administration has largely cleared the way for ICE to use civilian data more broadly, and with fewer constraints, than ever before.

Since 1974, the Privacy Act has prevented the federal government from creating a centralized database of all Americans information, recognizing the potential it holds for surveillance and abuse of peoples privacy. The law ensures that information a person handed over for public benefits like Medicare or Social Security cant be easily repurposed by other agencies, including law enforcement.

ICE, however, has signed broad data-sharing agreements with multiple agencies, including the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Health and Human Services.

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To justify its access, ICE has cited a suite of executive orders that Trump signed earlier this year on immigration enforcement and fraud prevention. One of the orders directs the government to identify all resources across agencies to screen immigrants seeking admission or already in the U.S. Another says agencies should give designated officials full access to records for removing waste, fraud and abuse.

The Privacy Act provides exemptions for law-enforcement agencies to pursue specific individuals and investigations, but not for them to access bulk data on American residents. ICEs agreements appear to enable bulk data collections, however.

ICEs data-sharing agreement with the SSA projects it will request up to 50,000 records a month, which includes addresses, banking data and contact information. Under its agreement with the IRS, ICE requested more than a million records in the four months after it was signed in April.

The executive orders  five in total  dont override the Privacy Acts protections, but they do help build the governments legal defense for data access.

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They have also been used to change policies: ICE issued a memo in October rescinding its 2013 policy on use of HHS data, citing the executive orders. The policy had originally stated that ICE would not use health coverage eligibility information to carry out immigration enforcements, but the October memo revoked that restriction, giving it free rein to use the health coverage data.

The orders give the new data-sharing agreements a modicum of legal protection if they were to be challenged, said Alex Joel, a former civil liberties protection officer for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.



The agencys actions would be less likely to appear arbitrary or ill-considered, but rather, would form part of a concerted interagency effort to achieve a national goal set by the head of the Executive Branch, Joel said.

He pointed to a similar shift in government surveillance after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when agencies cited Bush administrations executive orders as part of the playbook to justify new information-sharing policies.

The policy changes have alarmed watchdogs, who worry that the Trump administration has removed guardrails meant to protect people from government surveillance.

This accumulation of an immense amount of data, spanning across society and reaching into places that need to gather data about people in order for them to survive, underscores how new and dangerous it is, American Civil Liberties Union of Northern Californias technology attorney Jake Snow, who defended an anonymous Instagram account from a DHS subpoena, said.

In any previous administration, surveillance overreach could also have been reined in by the government watchdogs on privacy and civil liberties issues, but those have been hollowed out.

Trump fired a wave of inspectors general and government watchdogs in January, including Bradford Franklin, who was chair of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, the post-9/11 agency created in 2007 to oversee government surveillance.

Franklin said the firings prevent independent oversight of the governments interpretation of its own legal limits.

Having vigorous independent oversight can really play a critical role to pair with the guardrails that are codified in laws and rules, and help when you are encountering these difficult situations, she said.

A Financial Times report found that internal safeguards for privacy at ICE have also been reduced to a rubber stamp process.

ICE heads to court

Opponents of ICEs expansive use of data hope to use the courts to prevent the Trump administration from creating a centralized database of peoples information.

They have filed multiple lawsuits against the Trump administration, alleging it violated privacy protections by sharing agencies data with ICE and repurposing the information for immigration enforcement.

The legal battles have gone back and forth: Judges have issued temporary freezes on ICEs access to Medicaid data and taxpayer information, while the White House continues to make its case for why it is legally entitled to agencies data collection.

Under legal scrutiny, the Trump administration has walked back some of its data requests. Although ICEs memo in October argued that the agency is entitled to obtain a wide range of HHS data for immigration enforcement, an attorney for the Trump administration told a federal judge at a hearing on Dec. 9 that the agencys request was much narrower.

ICEs policy intent here and what they are seeking is information on individuals with unsatisfactory immigration status, rather than all individuals, the Justice Departments Michael Gerardi said at the hearing.

U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria, an Obama-nominated official, said he was open to the narrowed interpretation, but raised concerns about the potential chilling effect that ICEs access to data on Medicaid recipients could have on public healthcare before extending the freeze until a hearing in January.

What sort of harm is this going to do to the federal-state goal of delivering healthcare to the nations most indigent residents? he asked.

Gabby Miller contributed to this report.
IDF officers planning an operation in Kafr Aqab, December 2025. (photo credit: VIA WALLA)

IDF and police officers carried out a large operation in Kafr Aqab, seizing weapons and stolen vehicles, arresting suspects, and dispersing violent riots linked to terror and crime groups.

The IDF, aided by Border Police, Israel Police, and the Jerusalem Municipality, carried out an operation to mitigate the risk of a terror attack from elements in Kafr Aqab, northern Jerusalem, in recent weeks, Walla reported on Thursday.

The military's Binyamin Regional Brigade carried out the operation to locate weapons, rioters, and individuals wanted for police investigations.

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The military also issued fines to businesses and demolished illegally built structures.

Locals, including individuals involved in criminal organizations, rioted in response to the operation, including throwing Molotov cocktails and stones at the soldiers and police officers, and burning trash containers.

Soldiers and police officers employed riot dispersal measures to control the crowd. At least three rioters were injured during the incident.

An IDF soldier during an operation in Kafr Aqab, December 2025. (credit: VIA WALLA)

During the search operation, Israeli security forces located at least eight weapons, 15 cars and motorcycles stolen from Israel, and other illegal goods worth hundreds of thousands of shekels.

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In recent weeks, security forces have arrested at least 40 terrorists, including Hamas operatives, weapons traffickers, explosive manufacturers, and stone throwers.

The military will continue acting to prevent the activity and development of crime organizations and criminals, a senior IDF officer in the region told Walla.

Some of the forces moved in unarmored vehicles in accordance with operational control of the area. The engineering activity to demolish illegal structures, which had been planned to take place over ten hours, was shortened to just four hours due to the high level of security, the officer stated, adding that the forces operated freely.

Kafr Aqab closer to Ramallah than Jerusalem

Kafr Aqab is an Arab neighborhood in the far north of the Jerusalem Municipality, on the northern side of the West Bank security barrier, near Ramallah. Residents are eligible to carry Israeli ID cards.

Criminal organizations are known to operate in the area, trading in drugs, stolen vehicles, and weapons.

Terrorists have previously operated from Kafr Aqab to carry out attacks on Israelis.
The narrow road through the Masurian countryside winds alongside shimmering lakes and mossy swamps. It passes through sleepy villages filled with steep-roofed houses that, even on a warm summers day, look ready for deepest winter.

This region of northeastern Poland is known for outdoor recreation. Its a destination for hiking, horseback riding and other pursuits that thrive in clean air and boundless countryside. A peaceful escape.

Suddenly, the road dives into a thick forest. Birds chirp high in the branches of deciduous trees. The scene is bucolic, but the setting is deceptive.

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An abandoned railway track appears first. Then, ruins begin to emerge from the foliage.

These peaceful country roads have led to somewhere dark: The Wolfs Lair  a vast, secluded complex where Nazi leader Adolf Hitler planned major military campaigns of World War II, and where an assassination plot nearly altered the course of the war.

Choosing the forests and marshes of Masuria to establish a headquarters was a strategic calculation for the Nazis. Having invaded Poland at the outset of World War II in September 1939, Germany now claimed this region  part of East Prussia  as its own.

As he embarked on his aggressive strategy to push farther east with an invasion of the Soviet Union, Hitler needed a nerve center close to the border with the USSR. Operation Barbarossa, one of the largest military invasions in history, would begin in summer 1941.

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The area east of the small town of Ketrzyn, then known as Rastenburg, worked well. A railway line built decades earlier facilitated the construction, and the forest provided natural protection. More importantly, it was just 50 miles, or 80 kilometers, away from the Soviet border.

Charged with the momentum of the early days of conflict, the Nazis worked fast. The German Third Reichs main military engineering contractor, Organisation Todt, deployed teams to the forests, aided by forced labor from prisoners of war  mainly from Poland and France.

In June 1941, with the planned invasion just days away, the Wolfs Lair was completed, and Hitler moved in.

A forest fortress

An elaborate system of natural camouflage protected the lair from air raids. - Pavlo Fedykovych

The Wolfs Lair was never intended to be just a military base  it was a well-developed stronghold that was also designed as a comfortable place to live for the German war machines senior figures. A forested retreat.

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And it wasnt only meant for Hitler. Once it was up and running, Nazi top brass, including Joseph Goebbels, Martin Bormann, Hermann Goring and Wilhelm Keitel, moved in to live alongside the dictator.

The Wolfs Lair became an unofficial capital of the Third Reich, says Grzegorz Opala, a history enthusiast who now guides visitors around what remains of the facility.

The scale matched Hitlers ambitions. In total, 50 bunkers and 70 barracks were constructed. The bunker walls were made of concrete, about 20 feet, or six meters, thick. The complex spanned almost one square mile and included two airfields and a railway station. Extravagant additions included a tea house, a casino and a cinema.

An elaborate system of natural camouflage  masking nets, trees and moss-covered bunker facades  protected the Wolfs Lair from air raids. More than 50,000 landmines encircled the complex.

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Its history as Hitlers HQ ended on January 24, 1945, when the Germans detonated the bunkers while retreating from the advancing Red Army. Ironically, many structures survived the blast, proving the quality of construction.

Like many Nazi remnants on Polish territory, the Wolfs Lair was left to rot. After the fall of communism, it was developed into a tourist site. In 2017, the Polish government took control and carried out major renovation work to preserve it as a place of historical significance.

Today, the Wolfs Lair attracts around 300,000 visitors yearly.

Eerie open-air museum

Nature has taken its course on many structures at the Wolf's Lair. - Michal Fludra/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Even with sunshine dappling through the greenery, it is difficult to ignore the scale of the crimes planned and directed from the Wolfs Lair. Pivotal events in world history were decided within its concrete walls  not just Operation Barbarossa, but many other major World War II military operations. Decisions central to the Holocaust were discussed and coordinated here.

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That feeling of unease lurks along the paved tourist trail as it wends through the cement skeletons of barracks and overgrown bunkers. It lingers in the dark corridors, the cracks in the walls, the reflections on the stagnant water in the abandoned fire pond.

Nature has taken its course at the Wolfs Lair. There are stalactites hanging from the ceiling in the windowless SS command post. A family of trees grows straight from the stone inside Martin Bormanns air shelter ruin. Moss covers the gargantuan Hitler bunker, an overgrown ruin reclaimed by the forest.

Without knowing the macabre history, its easy to imagine these bleak structures as the remnants of some ancient civilization.

Today, entry to most of the bunkers is off-limits to visitors as theyre no longer structurally safe. But there are some where limited access to the gloomy corridors is still permitted. These include Bormanns air raid shelter and bunker, which houses a small cave-like exhibition. Its also topped by an observation platform that offers a view of the ruins from above.

Daily routines of a dictator

Adolf Hitler walks through the Wolf's Lair with Galeazzo Ciano (front right), Italy's foreign minister under Benito Mussolini. - De Agostini Picture Library/Getty Images

Hitler spent a total of about 800 days in the Wolfs Lair, and a visit here offers insight into the banal routines that punctuated the Fuhrers life, even as war and mass murder unfolded across Europe.

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When Hitler came to the Wolfs Lair, he was very ill, suffering from insomnia, rheumatism and gastric problems, says Opala, the tour guide.

The dictators days here began with breakfast. Then, he reviewed the German press to read reports about the air raids on German cities.

After the press review, Hitler would spend one hour with his dog, Blondi, a German shepherd, Opala recounts. The vision of the war criminal responsible for the deaths of millions of people walking his dog in this forest is a haunting one.

The Wolfs Lair was also a meeting ground for officials from the Axis powers, including Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.

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Mussolini was at the complex three times. Many marshals from Hungary, from Bulgaria came to visit the Fuhrer here, continues Opala. Hitler would invite guests to the tea house when the situation on the Eastern Front was good.

The dictators day usually ended with a late call to his longtime companion Eva Braun  the woman who would share his fate when he died by suicide in another bunker, the Fuhrerbunker in Berlin, on April 30, 1945.

Operation Valkyrie

A memorial plaque marks the site of a famous assassination attempt. - Pavlo Fedykovych

Most visitors to the Wolfs Lair linger at object number 3. Today, its only a collection of stones, but it was once the site of the main conference room. It was here that Claus von Stauffenberg, a German army officer, attempted to kill Hitler with a bomb secreted in a briefcase.

The assassination attempt targeting Hitler and his inner circle was organized by a group of high-ranking Nazi officers who were alarmed by the German armys mounting failures on the front and frustrated by their leaders tyranny.

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Operation Valkyrie was carried out on July 20, 1944, when von Stauffenberg entered the complex with the briefcase bomb to attend a military conference with Hitler and 20 officers. He placed the explosives under the table and left the room, under the pretense of making a phone call.

The Wolf's Lair headquarters after the July 20, 1944 assassination attempt on Hitler. - Universal History Archive/Getty Images

The bomb went off at 12.42 p.m., killing three people but leaving Hitler only slightly injured. The coups aftermath saw more than 5,000 people executed, including von Stauffenberg. It also deepened Hitlers paranoia and changed how the meetings in the Wolfs Lair were held.

After the assassination attempt, all officers sat on the chairs, and behind them were people from the SS with machine guns, says Opala.

Of more than 40 failed attempts to kill the dictator, the Wolfs Lair plot came the closest to succeeding. It was depicted in a 2008 film, Operation Valkyrie, with Tom Cruise playing von Stauffenberg.

Dark tourism

Some 200 buildings once made up the Wolf's Lair. - Michal Fludra/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

While it is essentially a semi-destroyed ruin from World War II, the Wolfs Lair has today been extensively developed to transform it into a fully fledged tourist attraction. There are well-marked pathways, and each building has a number and an information board alongside. Its possible to rent a handy audioguide or hire a tour guide for a more immersive experience.

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At the end of 2024, a hotel and restaurant were added to the complex as part of the large-scale modernization effort. Eating pierogi (traditional Polish filled dumplings) and spending a night next to such an eerie collection of abandoned Nazi bunkers is an unusual spin on the concept of dark tourism.

Its not without controversy either. As far-right groups surge in Europe, concerns about the tourist development of the grim Nazi site have been voiced by historians.

But for most visitors, Hitlers former HQ is a place of reflection and memory. It provides a rare insight into the inner workings of the devastating Nazi war machine and the personal life of its main ideologist.

Beyond the site, the surrounding countryside offers a welcome contrast. Here, the thousands of lakes that define the Warmia and Masuria region can be found, sparkling in the sunlight.

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Iran said last week it had seized another foreign tanker carrying 6 million litres of what it described as smuggled diesel in the Gulf of Oman.

Iran has seized a foreign oil tanker near the Iranian island of Qeshm in the Gulf, saying it was carrying four million litres of smuggled fuel, state media reported on Friday.

Authorities did not name the vessel or disclose its nationality. They said 16 foreign crew members had been detained on criminal charges. State TV said the tanker was seized on Wednesday.

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Iranian news websites published video footage and photographs of what they said was the seized tanker.

Iran said last week it had seized another foreign tanker carrying 6 million litres of what it described as smuggled diesel in theGulf of Oman without identifying the vessel or its nationality.

Iran, which has some of the world's lowest fuel prices due to heavy subsidies and a sharp fall in the value of its national currency, has been seeking to curb widespread fuel smuggling by land to neighbouring countries and by sea to Gulf states.

An oil tanker loads gas in Assaluyeh seaport at the Persian Gulf, 1,400 km (870 miles) south of Tehran, Iran May 27, 2006. (credit: MORTEZA NIKOUBAZI/ REUTERS)

How US blockade of oil tankers in Venezuela affects Iran

At the beginning of December, US President Donald Trump announced that the US was beginning a total and complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.

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This could also affect Iran or other countries that trade with Venezuela or that operate sanctioned oil tanker vessels. This is important because back in 2020, the US targeted four oil tankers which were part of a multi-million dollar fuel shipment by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the US Justice Department said at the time.

Four Iranian tankers had already turned around after heading to Venezuela after the US seized a vessel called Skipper. It was seized for its alleged involvement in transporting sanctioned oil, Bloomberg reported.

Iran signed a 20-year cooperation agreement with Venezuela in 2022.
Japans Cabinet on Friday approved a record defence budget plan exceeding 9 trillion yen (48.82mn) for the coming year, aiming to fortify its strike-back capability and coastal defence with cruise missiles and unmanned arsenals as tensions rise in the region.

The draft budget for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year, beginning in April, is up 9.4% from 2025 and marks the fourth year of Japans ongoing five-year programme to double annual arms spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

It is the minimum needed as Japan faces the severest and most complex security environment in the postwar era, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said, stressing his countrys determination to pursue military buildup and protect its people.

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It does not change our path as a peace-loving nation, he said.

Third-largest spender after US and China

The budget plan requires parliamentary approval by March to be implemented as part of a 122.3 trillion yen (663bn) national budget bill.

The five-year defence buildup programme would make it the worlds third-largest spender after the US and China.

Takaichis government plans to fund its growing military spending by raising corporate and tobacco taxes and recently adopted a plan for an income tax increases beginning in 2027. Prospects for future growth at a higher percentage of GDP remain unclear.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that her countrys military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing says must come under its rule.

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Takaichis government, under US pressure for a military increase, pledged to achieve the 2% target by March, two years earlier than planned.

Japan also plans to revise its ongoing security and defence policy by December 2026 to further strengthen its military.

Missiles and drones add to long-range defence

Japan has been bolstering its offensive capability with long-range missiles to attack enemy targets from a distance, a major break from its post-World War II principle of limiting the use of force to its own self-defence.

The current security strategy, adopted in 2022, names China as the countrys biggest strategic challenge and calls for a more offensive role for Japans Self-Defence Force under its security alliance with the US.

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The new budget plan includes a 177 billion-yen (960.2mn) purchase of domestically developed and upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles with a range of about 1,000 kilometres.

The first batch of the Type-12 missiles will be deployed in Japans southwestern Kumamoto prefecture by March, a year earlier than planned, as Japan accelerates its missile buildup in the region.

In part due to Japans ageing and declining population and its struggles with an understaffed military, the government believes unmanned weapons are essential.

To defend the coasts, Japan will spend 100 billion yen (542.5mn) to deploy massive unmanned air, sea-surface and underwater drones for surveillance and defence under a system called SHIELD planned for March 2028, defence ministry officials said.

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For speedier deployment, Japan initially plans to rely mainly on imports, possibly from Turkey or Israel.

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Tension with China grows

The disagreement escalated this month when Chinese aircraft carrier drills near southwestern Japan prompted Tokyo to protest when China locked their radar on a Japanese aircraft, which is considered possible preparation for firing missiles.

The Defence Ministry, already alarmed by Chinas rapid expansion of operations in the Pacific, will open a new office dedicated to studying operations, equipment and other necessities for Japan to deal with Chinas Pacific activity.

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Two Chinese aircraft carriers were spotted in June almost simultaneously operating near the southern Japanese island of Iwo Jima for the first time, fueling Tokyos concern about Beijings rapidly expanding military activity far beyond its borders and areas around the disputed East China Sea islands.

In Beijing, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the Takaichi government has noticeably accelerated its pace of military buildup and expansion since taking office.

Japan is deviating from the path of peaceful development it has long claimed to uphold and is moving further and further in a dangerous direction, Lin said.

Japan plans joint development of frigates and jets

Japan is pushing to strengthen its largely domestic defence industry by participating in joint developments with friendly nations and promoting foreign sales after drastically easing arms export restrictions in recent years.

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For 2026, Japan plans to spend more than 160 billion yen (867mn) to jointly develop a next-generation fighter jet with Britain and Italy for deployment in 2035. There are also plans for research and development of AI-operated drones designed to fly with the jet.

In a major boost to the countrys defence industry, Australia selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in August to upgrade the Mogami-class frigate to replace its fleet of 11 ANZAC-class ships.
Netizens have used simple hacks to unredact recently released portions of the Jeffrey Epstein files after the DOJ attempted to keep certain information hidden.

The files revealed details about the network of the late sex offender, including details of payments that appeared to have been made for companionship. They also mentioned how the enterprise concealed some of its crimes through threats and smear tactics.

Recently, Jeffrey Epstein victims have also complained about the redactions in some of the newly released documents, slamming them as "abnormal" and "extreme."

The Documents Contained Details Of Payment And Crime Concealment By Jeffrey Epstein

DCJS/MEGA

Following the passage of a law mandating the release of previously withheld Jeffrey Epstein files, the Department of Justice began releasing documents in batches for public review. However, many of the records were heavily redacted, though that did not stop some internet users from attempting to uncover their contents.

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As confirmed by The Blast, some users discovered that portions of the redactions could be reversed using simple techniques, such as basic Photoshop tools or by highlighting and copying the text into a word-processing document.

As a result, unredacted text from Epstein-related files began circulating online by Monday evening.

One example included a previously redacted portion of an exhibit in a civil case in the U.S. Virgin Islands between the government and Darren K. Indyke and Richard D. Kahn, who served as executors of the late sex offender's estate.

The document contained allegations detailing how Epstein and his associates facilitated the sexual abuse of children, including references to payments made for access and descriptions of how the crimes were concealed.

Netizens React To The Latest Development

Since the undoing of the redactions, several have taken to social media to poke fun at the DOJ over their attempt to keep some information hidden.

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One person on TikTok wrote, "THIS HAS GOT TO BE DONE QUICKLY BEFORE THEY FIND OUT."

Another stated, "That is actually crazy. They just highlighted it in black on like word??! Work quickly, girl!"

A third person noted, "They should have known better when they gave these to the millennials who were literally coding MySpace layouts in 2006."

The Late Sex Offender Regularly Made Payments To 'Young Female Models And Actresses'

PLF/Capital Pictures / MEGA

Some details of the payments were visible in the redacted portion of Section 85 of the exhibit.

It revealed that Indyke signed off on payments totaling more than $400,000 between September 2015 and June 2019.

This money, according to the doc, was given to "young female models and actresses," with whom Epstein was allegedly associated.

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One individual in particular, described as a former Russian model, allegedly received more than $380,000 through monthly payments of $8,333.

As reported by The Guardian, the payments were made for over three and a half years, ultimately ending in mid-2019.

Jeffrey Epstein Used Threats And Smear Tactics To Prevent His Victims From Speaking Out

US DOJ/ MEGA

Elsewhere in the redacted portion of the exhibit were allegations that focused on Epstein's enterprise's attempt to conceal its criminal sex trafficking and abuse.

It detailed that the accused often tried to pay out "large sums of money to participant-witnesses" in the case, despite the illegality of the measure. This included attempting to pay for "their attorneys' fees and case costs in litigation related to this conduct."

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Further revealed in the doc was how Epstein "threatened harm to victims" to scare them from telling their sex trafficking and abuse stories. He also "helped release damaging stories" about those who appeared not to have succumbed to the threats in an effort to undermine their credibility.

"Epstein also instructed one or more Epstein Enterprise participant-witnesses to destroy evidence relevant to ongoing court proceedings involving Defendants' criminal sex trafficking and abuse conduct," the doc also read.

Jeffrey Epstein's Victims Have Slammed The DOJ Over The Redactions

The William J. Clinton President / MEGA

While more uncovering of the redactions may come in the coming days, Epstein survivors have already begun to voice their displeasure with the DOJ over its decision to redact portions in the first place.

In a statement shared on X by CBS reporter Scott MacFarlane, they slammed the redactions as "abnormal" and "extreme" and also noted that the redactions were made with "no explanation."

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They also noted how the agency only released a "fraction of the files" despite the December 19 deadline on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed last month.

The survivors further complained about the lack of guidance for them on how to locate information relevant to them in the files, as well as the absence of clear communication about why certain materials were withheld from release and the details of those documents.

"While clearer communication would not change the fact that a law was broken, its absence suggests an ongoing intent to keep survivors and the public in the dark as much as possible and as long as possible," read the concluding part of the statement.
A federal judge on Tuesday rejected the Trump administrations bid to block New Yorks so-called Green Light Law, which allows the state to issue drivers licenses to people without requiring proof that theyre in the country legally.

U.S. District Judge Anne Nardacci in Albany ruled that the Trump administration failed to support its claims that certain provisions of the state law are preempted by federal law, impermissibly regulate the federal government, or impermissibly discriminate against the federal government.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit in February, challenging the constitutionality of the state law, saying it violates the Constitutions Supremacy Clause, which states federal laws take precedence over state laws, and asking the court to block enforcement of the statute.

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The lawsuit named the state of New York, as well as its governor, Kathy Hochul (D), and its attorney general, Letitia James (D), as defendants.

The DOJ, in the lawsuit, challenged three specific provisions of the law, including one that prevented the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from disclosing an applicants records or information to any agency that primarily enforces immigration law or to any employee or agent of such agency without a court order or warrant.

Another provision required anyone with access to DMV records to certify they wouldnt disclose the information. And the contested provision required the DMV to inform an applicant within three days of getting requests for information or records from federal immigration authorities.

Nardacci acknowledged that the lawsuit touches on the politically salient issue of immigration enforcement, but she stressed in the ruling that her job is not to evaluate the policy itself, just whether the plaintiffs successfully proved it violates the Supremacy Clause.

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The Courts role is not to evaluate the desirability of the Green Light Law as a policy matter, but rather to assess whether Plaintiffs well-pled allegations, accepted as true, establish that the challenged provisions of the Green Light Law violate the Constitutions Supremacy Clause, she wrote.

The Court concludes that Plaintiff has failed to state such a claim, she added.

The law was initially enacted as part of an effort to improve public safety, since people without licenses would sometimes drive without taking a road test first.

The Hill has reached out to the DOJ for comment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Target has agreed to pay $4.6 million to resolve a class action lawsuit claiming it failed to fully compensate employees for time worked at its three New Jersey distribution centers.

The settlement benefits individuals who worked for Target at facilities in Burlington, Perth Amboy and Logan Township since Aug. 6, 2019. Roughly 13,700 current and former employees are expected to qualify for the settlement.

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According to the civil suit, Sadler v. Target Corp., the retailer failed to pay the employees for the time spent undergoing pre- and post-shift mandatory security screenings at the warehouses, as well as the time spent walking to and from their assigned departments to clock in and out of their shifts.

As a result, employees were allegedly denied wages they were owed for performing work-related duties.

Krystal Sadler first filed the class action suit in a New Jersey superior court in November 2022, alleging the retail giant violated state wage and hour laws by withholding the payments. Sadler filed the suit shortly after leaving a two-month stint at the Logan Township warehouse.

Sadler contended that Target underreported the employees hours worked and failed to pay proper regular and overtime wages to account for the extra tasks.

Under the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law, hours worked includes all time that employers require workers to be at his or her place of work, the suit observed. The plaintiffs also pointed to earlier cases in which courts held that mandatory screenings and time spent walking from time clocks to workstations were both compensable.

Target had denied the allegations, but agreed to settle with the plaintiffs, with both parties recognizing a substantial risk of an uncertain outcome and delay.

A Camden, N.J. federal court still must sign off on the settlement, and will hold a final approval hearing on Feb. 24.

Of the $4.6 million set to be distributed upon approval, $2.75 million will go to a net settlement fund to pay out eligible class members. About $1.53 million will go toward attorneys fees, and $10,000 is allocated directly for Sadler.

No claim form is required for former employees to benefit from the settlement. Class members who do not exclude themselves from the case will automatically receive settlement benefits.

Target had fought to pause the case earlier this year, but the federal court denied the retailers motion for a stay back in March.
After leaving the Chicago area in November, United States Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino made an unexpected return on December 16, along with several hundred federal agents and a film crew. Returning to the same aggressive tactics that sparked protests earlier this year, local officials criticized Bovino for using immigration operations as a form of political theater.

In a statement to the Chicago Sun-Times, a spokesperson for Chicago Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson called out agents for arresting people indiscriminately, without arrest warrants, and seemingly for content creation. "This activity is occurring alongside a film crew, which appears to be using these raids to create content at the expense of traumatizing families," said the spokesperson. "The crew's presence turns these operations into a spectacle, showing a disregard for the humanity of those impacted.These tactics are destabilizing, wrong, and must be condemned."

But this is not the first time a federal agency has filmed immigration operations for political theater. In addition to being tasked with carrying out record levels of deportations, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under President Donald Trump has seemingly been transformed into a propaganda arm to sell the public on the president's increasingly unpopular immigration policies. Examples include a video posted on X by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem of agents raiding a South Shore apartment building on September 30, and a video posted on the DHS' official Instagram account depicting various immigration arrests.

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As Bovino and the DHS have embraced the power of cinema to document immigration arrests and promote current policies, the Trump administration is also cracking down on individuals who choose to record immigration operations. During a July press conference, Noem spoke out against the alleged surge of violence against ICE agents, which she defined as, in addition to physical violence, "anything that threatens [agents] and their safety, so it's doxing them, it's videotaping them where they're at when they're out on operations." In a recent statement to Reason's C.J. Ciaramella, the DHS stated that "recording or following federal law enforcement 'sure sounds like obstruction of justice,'" an opinion that courts have overwhelmingly disagreed with.*

However, much of what the Trump administration complains about is often observers merely recording on-duty officersan activity firmly protected by the First Amendment when no physical interference or danger is present, and an important tool for holding public officials accountable. DHS seems to have an official "nationwide policy of intimidating and threatening people who attempt to observe and record DHS operations," according to David Bier, the director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute.

Ironically, by the DHS' logic, even its own camera crews and media hired specifically to record and publish details of immigration operations in an attempt to influence policy by persuading the public could potentially be inciting violence against the agency. The right to free speech isn't taken away when someone says or does something that the government disagrees with. Attempting to define who is and isn't protected by the First Amendment is not only unconstitutional, but a strategy that could put even Trump's allies at the mercy of federal prosecutors.

DHS, the Justice Department, and ICE did not respond to requests for comment before deadline.

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*CORRECTION: This article has been updated to remove reference to a Justice Department memo that does not refer to merely filming ICE operations.

The post Could the Feds Throw You in Jail for Merely Filming ICE Immigration Raids? appeared first on Reason.com.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Friday she is expecting her second child, making her the first person to hold the position while pregnant.

Leavitt said in a social media post that she and her husband, real estate developer Nicholas Riccio, are expecting a girl in May. The couple had their first child, a son, in 2024.

The greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for  a baby girl coming in May 2026, Leavitt wrote in an Instagram post. My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and cant wait to watch our son become a big brother.

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In her post, Leavitt thanked President Donald Trump and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for fostering a pro-family environment in the White House.

The announcement adds to Leavitts history-making accomplishments during her White House tenure. She became the youngest-ever White House press secretary when she took the job last January at the age of 27.

Leavitt served as the Trump campaigns press secretary ahead of the 2024 election, and spent much of that campaign pregnant until she gave birth in July. She told The Washington Post she returned to work three days after the birth in response to the attempted assassination of Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Before joining the Trump campaign, Leavitt ran an unsuccessful campaign for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022 and served in the White House press office during the first Trump administration.
Ken Nunn, an attorney who founded the state's largest personal injury law practice, died the morning of Dec. 24, his law firm announced.

The 85-year-old grew up in a single-parent home in Jeffersonville, Indiana, before graduating from Indiana University with business and law degrees.

In 1967, Nunn started a law practice in Bloomington that eventually grew to become the largest personal injury law firm in the state.

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Earlier this month, Nunn donated dozens of bicycles and helmets to children in the Bloomington and Ellettsville, a 15-year tradition where more than 500 bikes have been gifted over the years. In 2015, he gave $2 million to IU's Assembly Hall.

The Ken Nunn Law Office will continue operations, led by Nunn's daughter Vicky Nunn.

Contact breaking politics reporter Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or follow her on X @marissa_meador.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Ken Nunn, founder of Indiana's largest personal injury law firm, dies at 85
A Wisconsin college instructor has been charged in the alleged November murder of his pregnant lover and arson of her home in La Crosse.

La Crosse County prosecutors charged Matt Sierra, 38, with the Nov. 13 killing of Alexis Pickett, 27, and with burning down her residence afterward. They say Pickett was pregnant by Sierra at the time.

Charges were initially filed against Sierra on Dec. 17, but La Crosse Judge Scott Horne dismissed the charges after finding the criminal complaint insufficient during a Dec. 23 hearing. On Dec. 26, the La Crosse District Attorney's Office filed a new complaint against Sierra, with 14 additional pages of detail, and the case moved forward.

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The basis of the charging document against Sierra, who is married to another woman, remains the same: Prosecutors say Sierra killed Pickett and burned down her home months after she told him she was pregnant with his child.

The two already shared a 2-year-old child. When Sierra attempted to persuade her to get an abortion after learning about this pregnancy, she declined.

"I barely kept my life together after [the previous child,]" Sierra said in a text to Pickett, cited in the complaint. "I told you I'm not having another kid."

The criminal compliant does not cite how authorities allege Sierra killed the woman or how the fire started.

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Sierra is an instructor at Western Technical College but is no longer listed on the school's staff directory. The college did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sierra's employment.

Sierra is charged with four felonies: first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree intentional homicide of an unborn child, arson and mistreatment of animals causing death. His next court appearance is a Jan. 5 preliminary hearing.

His bail was set at $1 million; he remained in custody Dec. 26 at the La Crosse County Jail, according to an online jail database.

An attorney for Sierra did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Prosecutors cite footage, texts in charging document

In the complaint, authorities cited surveillance footage showing Sierra leaving the area of Pickett's home at the same time smoke alarms were going off in her home. The footage showed no one else arriving or leaving from the area between when Sierra left and authorities arrived to respond to the fire.

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During their investigation, authorities also found Pickett's dog dead from the fire.

Pickett's death and the fire occurred the night after she and Sierra spent portions of the day together, according to the criminal complaint.

In an interview with police, Sierra said he left her home between 1 and 2 a.m. but stayed nearby to see whether she would text him. Authorities said phone records showed his phone never left his home that night, however.

In determining Pickett died before the fire, the doctor who conducted the autopsy noted a lack of soot and carbon monoxide in her body, according to the criminal complaint. The doctor said it would be "difficult" to determine her ultimate cause of death, because there were "no obvious signs of injury" due to the extent of the damage to her body from the fire. There were no signs of internal injuries, the complaint said.

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The amended complaint included pictures of text message conversations between the two as they argued over Pickett's pregnancy. A friend of Pickett's told authorities the two had been arguing regularly since Pickett found out she was pregnant.

"I'm going to do what I feel I need to do," a text from Sierra reads in the complaint. "You aren't going to change your mind and neither am I."

"Well tell me what are you going to do because that sounds like a threat," Pickett responded.

David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: La Crosse college instructor charged with murder of pregnant lover
Tourists in the accompanying footage tried to remain calm recently when a large leopard strolled over to rest in the shade of their vehicle  just inches away.

The footage was shared by Uganda-based Pearl Pulse Safaris, whose guide described the encounter as a heart-in-throat experience.

Leopard looks at nervous tourists.

The guide is heard reassuring clients by calmly repeating, Its OK, dont worry.

ALSO: Boaters jump recklessly overboard to swim with orcas; it doesn't go well

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Interestingly, large predators in protected reserves are accustomed to safari vehicles and typically do not perceive tourists as threats  as long as they remain inside and don't panic.

As for those in the footage, it was pointed by one follower that it was unwise to make eye contact with the leopard, and by another follower that a mans hand is seen dangling like bait outside of the vehicle from the back seat.

Reads the top comment: The urge to pet him would be intense.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Safari tourists stunned when leopard stops just inches from vehicle
Dec. 26Sometimes a person's life breaks down bad enough to land them in prison. Odds are good that soon that same person, with that still-broken life, will be dropped back into the world. This go-around they will be branded a felon, possibly a pariah, and most likely destitute.

The truth is that if newly released prisoners dare to dream of success, the job rejections may start to feel like taunts. "Normalcy" becomes something reserved for folks with bank accounts, driver's licenses or clean criminal records.

A year ago, Jay Bright, 45, of Lewiston, was in that situation. Today, he's been released early from probation and has started a nonprofit, called Upwelling. He formed the charity to give gym memberships to former prisoners returning to Lewiston, something Bright believes creates good health for the whole community.

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"My hope is that everyone will remember that everybody's got, you know, something to give somebody else, and that we're all just trying to minimize suffering and enhance joy," Bright said.

For convicted felons, that journey from suffering to joy is often blocked by drug addiction, mental illness, doubt or despair. Inside prison, strict routine may have kept self-destructive impulses at bay. On the outside, recovery groups help. People working the state probation and parole system help. But it's often not enough.

Bright experienced success in life before falling far and hard. But he's learning from it.

"It's because of my education in the past, and my successes, I knew, fundamentally, the power of maintaining a rigid physical exercise routine," Bright said. "I understood that first you have to take care of your body and mind in order to take care of anything else."

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In late 2024, Bright was released from Mountain View Transformation Center in Kuna, Idaho, known as a "programming prison." A bus brought him back to Lewiston and dropped him off with a small box containing his possessions and $24.

Idaho Department of Correction Probation and Parole workers helped Bright find a place to live and other necessities. But Bright wanted to continue his healthy workout habit, which he believes is a key part of his path to success. That healthy "distraction" fends off the bad impulses that come with addiction to drugs like meth, fentanyl or heroin.

Now, after a year spent helping others by leading local recovery groups, Bright wants to make Upwelling successful. He is working with his board of directors to raise $1,500 a month, which would meet the needs of Lewiston's ex-prison population.

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Jay Bright in prison

Jay Bright is dynamic, the sort of person that American society tends to reward. He's youthful, even though hard experience has etched itself into the skin around his eyes. He contemplates life's bigger questions and he is eager to hear what others think the answers might be. His natural charisma mixed with humility makes him someone people root for.

At 4:45 a.m., the day Bright was released from Mountain View, a crowd of correction workers and law enforcement folks gathered at the exit gate to wish him well. Bright didn't know it at the time but a sendoff like that for a prisoner is rare.

"The man who runs the St Vincent (de Paul) program down there, he was like, 'That's the weirdest thing I've ever seen,'" Bright said, good-humoredly. "But my judge, when they released me, they write a review, and my judge said that he had received notification from administration at that prison that I had made a lasting positive impact on both the residents and staff. And my judge said that was pretty weird, too."

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While inside, Bright was trusted enough to have access to every part of the 442-bed prison at any time, except during lockdowns. He was well-regarded for his work mentoring other prisoners and leading groups designed to aid their reentry into the world.

In 2023, Bright also helped prisoners' children have merry Christmases.

"Because they're in prison, they can't get their children gifts," Bright said. Angel Tree, a program through the Salvation Army, allows inmates to register their kids or nieces and nephews to get gifts and a personalized note.

But prisoners don't trust people and they don't give personal information to strangers.

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"I had earned a degree of trust inside with that population then, so I was able to really recruit a lot of people for that. And I think a lot of children had a Christmas because I personally had a large hand in making sure that people signed up for that," Bright said.

That's not a brag. Rather, it's someone whose life collapsed under the weight of drug use and despair who is trying to explain, with both amusement and amazement, that he has discovered he has a gift for helping others.

Jay Bright before prison

Drug addiction has long been an issue for Bright, even when he was successful.

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When he was younger, Bright worked to pay for college, dropping out 21 credits shy of a degree in creative writing from Boise State University. He worked construction and became a Treasure Valley homeowner. He was married and had two daughters.

Bright's fall was swift and hard.

In 2021, Bright's wife, who was his "love," and his oldest daughter, drove to visit family in Montana. On their way there, their vehicle collided with a semi-truck, killing them both. Shortly afterward, he surrendered fully to drug addiction and became estranged from his youngest daughter.

Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM

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For the next couple years, he worked off and on, did some court-ordered drug recovery treatment, and descended into homelessness in Spokane. He also did a short stint at the Washington State Corrections Center in Shelton, near Seattle, for a burglary conviction.

In July 2022, Bright received a suspended two- to four-year prison sentence for burglary, a felony, in Nez Perce County's 2nd District Court. Probation violations convinced Judge Mark Monson to send Bright to Mountain View for a year, to receive programming and a chance to avoid a full prison sentence.

"I've just been programmed and been down for like five years, on and off for five years," Bright said.

Becoming citizen Jay Bright again

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Bright's been sober for two years, out of prison for one, and is creating a life that helps others. His rocky experience has positioned him to help others like him. He wants to share what he is learning by going from "hyper-successful to being the biggest loser on the planet."

Bright said he made his own decision to become homeless, but that doesn't make the experience less awful.

"And immersing myself into this homeless culture that's just hell  to see the despair and despondency and just the hopelessness  and then to kind of be moving into this direction ... it's the weirdest thing," he said.

Like so many newly released felons, Bright had no possessions. Unlike many others, though, he had a skilled trade. So he was fortunate to find a boss, Jacob Mast of Truway Home Improvement in Lewiston, willing to give him a job with a livable wage.

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Bright believes his ability to persevere, to remain focused on his goals, was aided early on by maintaining the fitness regime he'd stuck to in prison.

About 70 percent of the prison population works out, he said. So when the bus drops you and leaves you without that self-improvement daily ritual, your physical and mental health can suffer.

"It sort of feels like you're left treading water," Bright said.

Starting Upwelling is Bright's way of shifting the odds for others who have fallen in over their heads and creating some solid footing for them to stand on.

Ferguson can be reached at dferguson@lmtribune.com.

Upwelling

A nonprofit started by Jay Bright and registered with Idaho in July, helping former prisoners reenter the Lewiston community by providing gym memberships.

He needs: $1,500 a month

His events: Conversation with a Convict

Date: Planning for February

His goal: fundraising

Board of Directors:

Jacob Mast, owner of Truway Home Impovement

Summer Overburg, Idaho Dept. of Correction Probation and Parole District manager

Jason (Jay) Bright, founder

His contact information:

upwellinglewiston@gmail.com

(509) 401-0059
The medical director of the 4EverYoung spa in Waukee has been fined $10,000 by a state licensing board. (Photo via Google Earth)

The medical director of a central Iowa health spa has been fined $10,000 for failing to adequately supervise work at the spa.

Earlier this month, the Iowa Board of Medicine charged Dr. Daniel Kollmorgen with violating state standards of practice for medical directors. According to the board, Kollmorgen has served as the medical director of 4Ever Young, a medical spa in Waukee, since July 2024. At the same time, he has allegedly worked two to three days per week in Oskaloosa, 80 miles from the Waukee business.

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As medical director at 4Ever Young, Kollmorgen was required by law to review the work of nurse practitioners, which included patient histories, physicals and lab work, the board alleges. When board investigators visited the spa in June 2025, they allegedly observed that Kollmorgen was largely working remotely and was onsite at the spa roughly two to three hours per month.

The board alleges Kollmorgen violated state standards that called for him to be physically located, at all times, within 60 miles of the spa, and which also required him to provide at least four hours per week of in-person staff supervision. Nor did he provide onsite review of medical aesthetic services, the board alleged.

To settle the case, Kollmorgen agreed to accept a warning from the board and pay a $10,000 civil penalty.
The Little Traverse Bay Humane Society will take over Emmet Countys stray animal services starting Jan. 1, bringing lost pets directly to its Harbor Springs campus for care and reunification.

Under a new contract, all stray animals found in Emmet County will be brought to Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, where they will receive medical assessment, vaccinations, parasite prevention and humane care during their legally required stray hold period, according to a community announcement.

Previously, stray animals were housed at the Emmet County Stray Center, operated by Bay Area Pet Resort, for the duration of the seven-day hold period required by county ordinance before being transferred for further care or placement.

Stray animals will be publicly posted

A new contract moves Emmet County stray animals to Little Traverse Bay Humane Societys Harbor Springs campus starting Jan. 1.

Stray animals entering Little Traverse Bay Humane Society's care will be publicly posted at ltbhs.org/stray and shared through the organizations managed Facebook group, Emmet County, MI Lost and Found Pets, to help families locate missing pets quickly and efficiently, according to the announcement.

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This transition reflects the work weve already been doing for years, said Elise Ramsey, executive director of the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society. LTBHS has long provided the medical care, sterilization and placement for stray animals in our county after their legal hold period. Being awarded the stray contract gives us the legal authority to hold stray animals and aligns responsibility with the organization already delivering those outcomes. This ensures animals receive timely, appropriate care from the moment they arrive.

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A 'consistent, high-quality' system

The change is expected to provide a more consistent and accountable system for managing stray animals in Emmet County, according to the announcement.

This partnership ensures animals in Emmet County receive consistent, high-quality care while providing clear, accessible resources for residents, said Emmet County Sheriff Matt Leirstein. Were confident this transition will benefit both animals and the community as a whole.

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The Little Traverse Bay Humane Society has served Emmet County and Northern Michigan for nearly 75 years, offering veterinary care, foster placement, cruelty case support, reunification services and community-based prevention programs.

Weve worked intentionally to build a campus and a team capable of responding to animals no matter how they arrive at our door, Ramsey said. This contract strengthens the safety net for animals and families in Emmet County and brings clarity, accountability and continuity to a system that already depended on our care.

Community members who find a stray animal or require Animal Control assistance should call 911, where dispatchers will coordinate with the Emmet County Animal Control Officer. The public is also welcome to bring strays directly to Little Traverse Bay Humane Society during normal business hours.

For more information or to view currently impounded animals, visit ltbhs.org/stray.

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This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.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 Petoskey News-Review: Little Traverse Bay Humane Society takes over Emmet County strays
GREENSBURG  The 2026 Indiana FFA theme is Unwritten, and North Decatur High School sophomore John Reynolds is building an exhibit for the District #12 competition in March titled Agriculture is Unwritten.

His exhibit will highlight unique aspects of agriculture in Decatur County and how its history is still being written as told by members of the local agriculture community and FFA members.

Reynolds plans to portray Decatur County through the stories and anecdotes of 100 people, with the most telling or unique anecdotes displayed on a three-sided spinning display.

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The display will first appear at the District 12 FFA convention in March, and if judged the best will advance to the FFA State Convention in June.

Thats where he needs the publics help.

Current or former FFA members, people involved in agriculture and supporters of the local agricultural community are encouraged visit Reynolds Facebook page, or scan the QR code that appears with this story to find a link to his questionnaire.

Filling out the questionnaire requires no more than a few minutes, depending on the length of your insights.

The questionnaire is comprised of questions like What local agricultural tradition do you hope never disappears? and How do you see agriculture changing in the next 10 to 20 years?

Any given response might be featured in Reynolds' exhibit.
This story appears as part of a collaboration between The Maine Monitor and Maine Focus, the investigative team of the Bangor Daily News, a partnership to strengthen investigative journalism in Maine. You can show your support for this effort with a donation to The Monitor. Read more about the partnership.

A top Republican on the Maines Legislatures watchdog committee said he plans to call for an investigation into interpreter fraud following reporting from the Bangor Daily News.

Sen. Jeff Timberlake of Turner, who sits on the Government Oversight Committee, said he needs to study the issue more ahead of the Legislature convening in January but expects hell file a letter asking the panel look into the fraud within MaineCare, the states version of Medicaid, the federal and state health care program for low-income people.

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His comments came Wednesday, a day after the Maine Department of Health and Human Services halted payments to a provider that allegedly overbilled for interpreter services by more than $1 million.

The BDN also published a story detailing a never-before-seen report written by a federal agent that raised concerns five years ago about potential widespread fraudulent billing for interpreter services in Maine.

I think its something that we need to take a serious look at, Timberlake said.

The 2020 report from a federal agent flagged Maines expenditures on interpreter services as entering the territory of waste, abuse or fraud. Claims were rising despite a steady or falling number of newly arrived refugees.

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The report came about a year after the federal government prosecuted three providers along with two interpreters, who fraudulently billed MaineCare for millions of dollars worth of interpreter services that didnt happen or were overinflated.

Data obtained by the BDN shows the levels of spending that were flagged by the reports have continued. A review of claims submitted and dollars spent on interpreters shows that consistently over the last 10 years, a handful of organizations by far have filed and gotten the most of the $41 million the state has spent.

One of them is Gateway Community Services, the Portland-based company that has faced allegations of overbilling from a former employee, first published by The Maine Wire, the media arm of the conservative Maine Policy Institute.

The move by DHHS came a day after U.S. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, the top Republican on the House oversight committee, sent a letter to the U.S. Treasury that flagged Gateway along with a host of current and former employees as potential targets of a broader welfare fraud investigation being conducted by the panel.

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Comers letter directly tied for the first time Gateway to the committees investigation that has largely been focused on Minnesota.

There was no reaction from top elected Democrats on Wednesday. A spokesperson for Gov. Janet Mills, who is running for U.S. Senate in 2026, did not respond to a request for comment. Nor did Sen. Henry Ingwersen of Arundel and Rep. Michele Meyer of Eliot, the co-chairs of the legislative committee overseeing MaineCare.

Several candidates running to succeed the term-limited Mills have put pressure on her administration over the issue this month. One of them, health tech entrepreneur Owen McCarthy, praised The Maine Wires reporting and called for an audit of government agencies in a Facebook post.

Assistant Maine Senate Minority Leader Matt Harrington, R-Sanford, has raised concerns since May about Gateway and more broadly about the states spending on interpreting services. He said for months now hes wanted top state officials to open an investigation into the spending.

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As the new legislative session approaches, Harrington said he thinks more calls for action and investigation are coming. However, the calls wont be new, he said. State republicans have been calling on Mills for months now to look into these issues, Harrington said.

For me, I would just like to see it taken seriously, from , from the Mills administration, he said. The silence is really deafening.
As the United Kingdom's FTSE 100 index faces headwinds due to weak trade data from China and faltering commodity prices, investors are keenly observing how these global economic shifts impact their portfolios. In such uncertain times, dividend stocks can offer a measure of stability and income, making them an attractive option for those looking to navigate market volatility while benefiting from regular payouts.

Top 10 Dividend Stocks In The United Kingdom

Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Treatt (LSE:TET) 4.16%  Seplat Energy (LSE:SEPL) 7.16%  RS Group (LSE:RS1) 3.58%  MONY Group (LSE:MONY) 6.83%  Keller Group (LSE:KLR) 3.10%  Impax Asset Management Group (AIM:IPX) 7.98%  IG Group Holdings (LSE:IGG) 3.60%  Hargreaves Services (AIM:HSP) 5.64%  Begbies Traynor Group (AIM:BEG) 3.84%  4imprint Group (LSE:FOUR) 4.55% 

Click here to see the full list of 48 stocks from our Top UK Dividend Stocks screener.

Here's a peek at a few of the choices from the screener.

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Bunzl plc is a distribution and services company operating in North America, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and internationally with a market cap of 6.70 billion.

Operations: Bunzl plc generates revenue primarily from its Packaging & Containers segment, amounting to 11.82 billion.

Dividend Yield: 3.6%

Bunzl's dividend payments have been volatile over the past decade, with occasional significant drops. Despite this, dividends have increased overall during this period and are well-covered by earnings and cash flows, with a payout ratio of 50.5% and a cash payout ratio of 29%. The company's dividend yield is lower than top-tier UK payers at 3.56%. Recent guidance suggests moderate revenue growth driven by acquisitions, though financial positioning includes high debt levels.

LSE:BNZL Dividend History as at Dec 2025

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: IG Group Holdings plc is a fintech company that operates in the online trading sector across various regions including the UK, Ireland, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, US, Europe, and emerging markets with a market cap of 4.47 billion.

Operations: IG Group Holdings plc generates its revenue primarily from its brokerage segment, which amounts to 1.05 billion.

Dividend Yield: 3.6%

IG Group Holdings has maintained stable and growing dividends over the last decade, supported by a low payout ratio of 44.4% and a cash payout ratio of 33.1%, ensuring coverage by both earnings and cash flows. The dividend yield stands at 3.6%, which is below the top UK dividend payers but reflects reliability with minimal volatility. Recent guidance indicates expected revenue growth to 1.1 billion for 2025, following a fiscal year-end change aligning with market practices.
This story appears as part of a collaboration between The Maine Monitor and Maine Focus, the investigative team of the Bangor Daily News, a partnership to strengthen investigative journalism in Maine. You can show your support for this effort with a donation to The Monitor. Read more about the partnership.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services moved Tuesday to halt MaineCare payments to a Portland company that serves immigrants by asserting it had improperly billed for interpreting services and seeking to claw back more than $1 million.

The company, Gateway Community Services, received a notice of violation Tuesday from the department along with a notification that it was suspending payments while investigating credible allegations of fraud. The departments unit reviewed 15,000 claims made to Gateway between March 2021 and December 2022 and is seeking to recoup nearly $1.1 million.

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The Department will continue to hold providers to the highest standards and ensure accountability in the use of public funds, department spokesperson Lindsay Hammes said.

This is the third notice of violation against Gateway. Previous reviews of payments to Gateway found that between 2015 to 2018 it was overpaid about $660,000. Another review from 2024 is still pending an appeal. Tuesdays move marked a significant escalation.

It came a day after U.S. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, the top Republican on the House oversight committee, sent a letter to the U.S. Treasury that flagged Gateway along with a host of current and former employees as potential targets of a broader welfare fraud investigation being conducted by the panel.

Comers letter directly tied for the first time Gateway to the committees investigation that has largely been focused on Minnesota. Among those listed from Gateway include founder Abdullahi Ali and state Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, a former Gateway employee.

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Gateways lawyer, Pawel Bincyzk, confirmed earlier in the day that the company had received the notices but has little information on what the allegations are based on.

Gateway stands by its previous statements on this issue and will continue to cooperate with the state as it has in the past, he said.

The Maine Wire, the media arm of the conservative Maine Policy Institute, first reported on the letter. Earlier this year a former employee, Chris Bernardini, told that outlet he saw records falsified while working there from 2018 to 2025.

Bernardinis allegations against his former employer have since resurfaced in national conservative news outlets after federal prosecutors charged dozens of people in fraud schemes involving Somali immigrants in Minnesota, where individuals are accused of setting up small companies that defrauded federal welfare programs.

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Gateway denied Bernardinis allegations in a statement earlier this month saying the past reporting is misleading and that employees have received death threats.

These reckless narratives have real impacts on the thousands of Mainers, a majority of whom are not immigrants, that rely on Gateway for services, as well as the many employees, again many of whom are not immigrants, that work to assist those Mainers, the companys statement said.

Gateway was founded in 2015 by Ali, a Somali American who gained attention in 2024 when he declared his intent to run for president of Jubaland, an autonomous region in the southern part of the country. It is an influential group in Portland and Lewiston, which have the states largest African diaspora communities.

The company got just over $65,000 alongside other groups that applied for grants from the Maine Community Foundation from a $1.9 million fund intended to support victims of the 2023 Lewiston shooting. Maine Republicans including former Gov. Paul LePage, a 2nd Congressional District candidate, have recently criticized that award.

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Assistant Maine Senate Minority Leader Matt Harrington, R-Sanford, has raised concerns since May about Gateway and more broadly about the states spending on interpreting services. He praised the congressional committees moves and criticized Democratic Gov. Janet Mills administration despite calling the notice of violation a positive step.

This is taxpayer money, and we should be looking into this, and Im relieved that the federal government is finally stepping in, I think, largely due to the inaction of the leaders in Maine, Harrington said.
A Nebraska man died after getting pinned between his vehicle and the McDonalds drive-thru window in what police called a freak accident.

The victim, identified by authorities as 69-year-old Michael Dickinson, was found trapped between his car and the payment window at a McDonalds restaurant in Grand Island, Nebraska, about 24 miles southwest of Lincoln, just before 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, KSNB reported.

The man was taken to a nearby emergency room, where he was pronounced dead.

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Grand Island Police Division Chief Dean Elliott told the news station the incident was 100 percent a freak accident.

It appears the deceased opened the door to further reach out the window for payment purposes, Elliott said. Were not sure if the vehicle lurched forward or what happened, but he got pinched between the door frame and the drive-thru window counter.

A Nebraska man died after getting pinned between his car and the payment counter at a McDonalds drive thru, authorities said. (AP)

Dickinson was the only person inside the vehicle at the time of the incident, police said.

As the incident unfolded, a McDonalds employee went outside to help Dickinson. The employee reportedly tried to help through the passenger side of the vehicle, but got hurt in the process.

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The employee was taken in an ambulance to a hospital, but is expected to recover, according to the report.

The Grand Island Police Departments Accident Reconstruction Team is helping in the investigation.

Authorities cleared the scene in about two hours and the chain stayed open.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso Police have identified the man who they say is responsible for the fiery crash on I-10 near Geronimo that sent three people to the hospital last week.

Fiery rollover crash on I-10 near Geronimo sends 3 to hospital

Police say Andres Rubio was arrested on Christmas Eve and charged with intoxication assault with a vehicle, causing serious bodily injury. Jail records state Rubio was given a $75,000 bond. He posted bond the same day he was arrested.

Andres Rubio. Photo: EPPD.

As KTSM 9 News has previously reported, at around 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, a truck slammed into other vehicles on I-10 East near Geronimo and rolled off the highway, taking down a massive freeway sign.

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The truck then landed on Gateway East before it caught on fire, shutting down the road for hours. As a result, three people were taken to the hospital, one with serious injuries and two others with non-life-threatening injuries.

One of the victims suffered a severe lower back injury, a closed head injury, a lumbar soft tissue hematoma, and various abrasions. The victims family has started a GoFundMe to help with his injuries. To access that GoFundMe, click here.

TxDOT plans to replace I-10 East sign after fiery crash

TxDOT confirmed to KTSM that the overhead sign bridge damaged in the crash will be replaced. There is no estimated timeframe for replacing the sign since it needs to be designed, and the area needs to be assessed for new installation.

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Although TxDOT doesnt have the exact cost for a sign like that, a sign of a similar size can range from $250,000 to $350,000. If the driver is at fault, they/their insurance will be responsible for the costs, including the cleanup, guardrail repairs, sign removal, traffic control, and replacement, according to TxDOT.

El Paso Police did not say if Rubio will be paying the costs for the new sign.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
A man who drove into a Bessemer City restaurant, killing two family members, wants his conviction overturned.

According to the Gaston Gazette, Roger Self filed a motion claiming his defense attorney, Rick Beam, didnt adequately represent him and pressured him into pleading guilty.

ALSO READ: Man pleads guilty to crashing Jeep into restaurant killing 2 family members

Self was ultimately sentenced to 48 years in prison for the 2018 murders of his daughter and daughter-in-law.

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He said he was troubled by mental health issues at the time of the incident.

Beams lawyer told the Gazette that he followed his clients instructions, and the plea was Selfs choice.

The new motion asks a judge to either drop Selfs charges or grant a resentencing hearing.

VIDEO: Man pleads guilty to crashing Jeep into restaurant killing 2 family members
As the weather grows cold this winter, you may be one of the many Americans pulling their winter jackets out of the closet. Not only can this extra layer keep you warm on a chilly day, but modern winter jackets are also a testament to centuries-old physics and cutting-edge materials science.

Winter jackets keep you warm by managing heat through the three classical modes of heat transfer  conduction, convection and radiation  all while remaining breathable so sweat can escape.

CC BY In a fireplace, heat transfer occurs by all three methods: conduction, convection and radiation. Radiation is responsible for most of the heat transferred into the room. Heat transfer also occurs through conduction into the rooms floor, but at a much slower rate. Heat transfer by convection also occurs through cold air entering the room around windows and hot air leaving the room by rising up the chimney. Douglas College Physics 1207

The physics has been around for centuries, yet modern material innovations represent a leap forward that let those principles shine.

Old science with a new glow

Physicists like us who study heat transfer sometimes see thermal science as settled. Isaac Newton first described convective cooling, the heat loss driven by fluid motion that sweeps thermal energy away from a surface, in the early 18th century. Joseph Fouriers 1822 analytical theory of heat then put conduction  the transfer of thermal energy through direct physical contact  on mathematical footing.

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Late-19th-century work by Josef Stefan and Ludwig Boltzmann, followed by the work of Max Planck at the dawn of the 20th century, made thermal radiation  the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves  a pillar of modern physics.

All these principles inform modern materials design. Yet what feels new today are not the equations but the textiles. Over the last two decades, engineers have developed extremely thin synthetic fibers that trap heat more efficiently and treatments that make natural down repel water instead of soaking it up. Theyve designed breathable membranes full of tiny pores that let sweat escape, thin reflective layers that bounce your body heat back toward you, coatings that store and release heat as the temperature changes, and ultralight materials.

Together, these innovations give designers far more control over warmth, breathability and comfort than ever before. Thats why jackets now feel warmer, lighter and drier than anything Newton or Fourier could have imagined.

Trap still air, slow the leak

Conduction is the direct flow of heat from your warm body into your colder surroundings. In winter, all that heat escaping your body makes you feel cold. Insulation fights conduction by trapping air in a web of tiny pockets, slowing the heats escape. It keeps the air still and lengthens the path heat must take to get out.

The puffy segments in a jacket are filled with down. Victoria Kotlyarchuk/iStock via Getty Images

High-loft down makes up the expansive, fluffy clusters of feathers that create the volume inside a puffer jacket. Combined with modern synthetic fibers, the down immobilizes warm air and slows its escape. New types of fabrics infused with highly porous, ultralight materials called aerogels pack even more insulation into surprisingly slim layers.

Tame the wind, protect the boundary layer

A good winter jacket also needs to withstand wind, which can strip away the thin boundary layer of warm air that naturally forms around you. A jacket with a good outer shell blocks the winds pumping action with tightly woven fabric that keeps heat in. Some jackets also have an outer layer of lamination that keeps water and cold air out, and a woven pattern that seals any paths heat might leak through around the cuffs, hems, flaps and collars.

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The outer membrane layer on many jacket shells is both waterproof and breathable. It stops rain and snow from getting in, and it also lets your sweat escape as water vapor. This feature is key because insulation, such as down, stops working if it gets wet. It loses its fluff and cant trap air, meaning you cool quickly.

How modern jackets manage heat: Left, a typical insulated shell; right, layers that trap air, block wind, and reflect infrared heat without adding bulk. Wan Xiong and Longji Cui

These shells also block wind, which protects the bubble of warm air your body creates. By stopping wind and water, the shell creates a calm, dry space for the insulation to do its job and keep you warm.

New tricks to reflect infrared heat

Even in still air, your body sheds heat by emitting invisible waves of heat energy. Modern jackets address this by using new types of cloth and technology that make the jackets inner surface reflect your bodys heat back toward you. This type of surface has a subtle space blanket effect that adds noticeable warmth without adding any bulk.

However, how jacket manufacturers apply that reflective material matters. Coating the entire material in metallic film would reflect lots of heat, but it wouldnt allow sweat to escape, and you might overheat.

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Some liners use a micro-dot pattern: The reflective dots bounce heat back while the gaps between them keep the material breathable and allow sweat to escape.

Another approach moves this technology to the outside of the garment. Some designs add a pattern of reflective material to the outer shell to keep heat from radiating out into the cold air.

When those exterior dots are a dark color, they can also absorb a touch of warmth from the sun. This effect is similar to window coatings that keep heat inside while taking advantage of sunlight to add more heat.

Warmth only matters if you stay dry. Sweat that cant escape wets a jackets layer of insulation and accelerates heat loss. Thats why the best winter systems combine moisture-wicking inner fabrics with venting options and membranes whose pores let water vapor escape while keeping liquid water out.

Whats coming

Thin reflective surfaces bounce infrared heat  similar to the space-blanket effect used in aerospace and modern jacket liners. Vincent Besnault/The Image Space via Getty Images

Describing where heat travels throughout textiles remains challenging because, unlike light or electricity, heat diffuses through nearly everything. But new types of unique materials and surfaces with ultra-fine patterns are allowing scientists to better control how heat travels throughout textiles.

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Managing warmth in clothing is part of a broader heat-management challenge in engineering that spans microchips, data centers, spacecraft and life-support systems. Theres still no universal winter jacket for all conditions; most garments are passive, meaning they dont adapt to their environment. We dress for the day we think well face.

But some engineering researchers are working on environmentally adaptive textiles. Imagine fabrics that open microscopic vents as the humidity rises, then close them again in dry, bitter air. Picture linings that reflect more heat under blazing sun and less in the dark. Or loft that puffs up when youre outside in the cold and relaxes when you step indoors. Its like a science fiction costume made practical: Clothing that senses, decides and subtly reconfigures itself without you ever touching a zipper.

Todays jackets dont need a new law of thermodynamics to work  they couple basic physics with the use of precisely engineered materials and thermal fabrics specifically made to keep heat locked in. That marriage is why todays winter wear feels like a leap forward.

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: Longji Cui, University of Colorado Boulder and Wan Xiong, University of Colorado Boulder

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Read more:



The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
For most of his life, Michael Comberiate has preferred to look at the world, as he says, upside down.

With his hands on the ground and feet in the air, the retired NASA engineer has kept meticulous records of how many handstands hes done in his 77 years: more than 105,000.

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Hes done handstands on mountaintops, pyramids and sheets of ice; in about 250 countries, all 50 U.S. states, plus dozens of times in Antarctica and the North and South poles. Comberiate - whom friends and colleagues dubbed NASA Mike - says by his estimates, he has done more documented handstands in more places than anyone ever.

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Over decades, Comberiate has suffered severe back pain, separated shoulders and undergone several surgeries for torn rotator cuffs - injuries he says are unrelated to handstands, but rather mostly due to years breaking boards and cinder blocks as a taekwondo master black belt.

Now hes battling his fourth bout with cancer - a rare and aggressive form called mantle cell lymphoma - so hes put most of his travels and handstands on hold.

Comberiate said he hopes that once his five months of treatment at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda end in late February, he can overcome the side effects that cause dizziness and weakness in his arms. He wants to get back to his regimen of at least five handstands a day and try to do more handstands in more places.

Its been a fun thing to do, Comberiate said one afternoon in the spacious home that he built himself in Highland, Maryland. Even though hed just completed inpatient cancer treatment, he could barely sit still as he talked with excitement about his passion for inversions.

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Its unique and it introduces me to a lot of people and breaks the ice, he said. People start talking to you when they see you with your legs up in the air.

He grew up in Adelphi, Maryland, and started doing handstands as a teenager. In college at the University of Maryland in College Park, he joined the Gymkana gymnastics troupe. He later got the idea - which his friends considered harebrained but fun - of counting the handstands he did everywhere he went.

When he traveled for his job, making satellites and specialty communications equipment that could withstand harsh weather in far-flung places including Australia, New Zealand and Alaska, hed tack on extra time to do a handstand or two. He estimates hes spent about $250,000 of his own money to travel.

To keep track of his efforts, hes saved a photo of nearly every handstand. A few years ago, he self-published a 900-page autobiography called The World I Have Seen Upside Down.

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Theres the time he did 10 handstands to get just the right shot at the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Theres him upside down at the Great Wall of China, in front of Londons Big Ben and the Louvre in Paris, and amid elephants grazing in a field in Kenya. There he is on sheets of ice in the North Pole, and in Bethlehem inside the Church of the Nativity, built over the site where Christians believe Jesus was born.

Comberiate said his handstands start conversations, even when theres a language barrier. If hes alone, he asks passersby to snap his photo. Inevitably they ask: Whats this about? Where are you from?

The next thing I know, Im walking with them, and theyre showing me their world, he said. Its like I represent some kind of freedom or enthusiasm. I guess its a can-do spirit that is contagious.

One of Comberiates friends - Michael Smith, of Odenton, Maryland, whos known him for 25 years and traveled with him to Africa, Asia and Europe - laughed recalling the handstands and the stares.

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Mikes the kind of guy whos going to squeeze every drop out of life, Smith said.

Comberiate recalled how hard it was back in the olden days to catch his handstands with film cameras.

Youd come back home from a long trip, hoping you got the shot and youd have to wait to develop the film to see if it was a good one, Comberiate said.

In his basement, he keeps hundreds of glass vials, old film canisters and prescription bottles filled with little souvenirs from his travels. One is marked Dead Sea Mud, Jordan. Nov. 12, 2011. Another holds sand and reads El Camino, Santiago.

Comberiate said he used to pick destinations by throwing a dart at a map on his wall. Once, it landed on the floor, and he took it as a sign to go to Antarctica.

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His handstands are not in the Guinness Book of World Records but he is - for his work at NASA. In 1999, he and a colleague set a record for holding the first pole-to-pole conference call between the North and South poles. Hes also been recognized by Ripleys Believe It or Not for carrying ice from the North Pole to the South Pole and vice versa.

This spring, his cancer returned.

Some people hear a cancer diagnosis, and they sit in a recliner and say, Oh I have cancer, and Im going to lead a cancer life, said his wife, Carolyn. Not Mike. Hes done the opposite.

In the past few months, even as he juggles his treatments, Comberiate walks 10 miles a day - mostly on a treadmill - or exercises on a stationary pedal machine when in the hospital.

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Mikes made peace with the fact that hes not going to be around forever, said his friend Smith. Hes bummed about it, but hes not going to sit down and go, Poor me. Woe is me. Hes going to continue to do what he can for as long as he can.

One afternoon, as he showed visitors his memorabilia in his basement, Comberiate asked, You want to see me do a handstand? Hed just gotten home the day before from a week-long stay at NIH. He still had his hospital band on his arm.

Come on, Mike, you can do it, he said aloud to himself. Just get those legs up there. Several times he bent over, put his hands on the floor and tried to thrust his legs in the air, but he was too dizzy. After a short break, he tried again and nailed it for a few seconds.

See, he said. I knew I could still do it.

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Former White House national security adviser Michael Flynn on Tuesday urged President Trump and other top administration officials to ratchet up their response to the case surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Flynn, who briefly served as Trumps national security adviser in 2017, called for more accountability in response to the latest release of documents in the Epstein case.

Ok, Ill buy that Epstein is dead (for now), Flynn posted on X, echoing conspiracy theories surrounding Epsteins death in 2020.

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But if a former president or presidents of any country or other elites are part of child rape and sexual abuse, Im not someone you want as your enemy, Flynn added.

It isnt about Epstein and democrats, it is about child sexual abuse by morally depraved psychopaths who think they rule the world. They dont, we do! he continued. @realDonaldTrump deal with this issue front and center @AGPamBondi this is a disaster. @SusieWiles get a grip on this issue, it is not going away.

Flynns comments underscore how some figures in the MAGA movement have still been unsatisfied by the Justice Departments release of hundreds of thousands of documents in the Epstein case in recent days, as stipulated by a law Trump signed in November.

The Justice Department has released flight logs, photographs and court documents in the Epstein case, some with heavy redactions to protect the identities of victims. The department has said it will release more materials in the weeks to come.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MONROE COUNTY, Mich.  A Michigan familys lawsuit against Jeeps parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA, now Stellantis), moved forward this week with a mixed ruling from a state judge. But the case is far from over. The ruling comes amid mounting safety recalls, potential fire risks linked to plug-in hybrid Jeep models, and a growing roster of legal challenges from owners nationwide.

The Phillips family, plaintiffs in the suit, argue their 4xe-equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee repeatedly malfunctioned (including shutting off at highway speeds), and that FCA misled consumers about the vehicles reliability. This week, a Michigan judge ordered that certain claims, including alleged warranty violations, be sent to arbitration, while other significant allegations  notably fraud, misrepresentation and violations of consumer protection laws  will proceed to a full trial.

Image Credit: WTOL11/YouTube.

For the Phillips family, the decadelong fight has been emotional and expensive. Their 4xe has sat in a dealership since earlier this year, leaving them without reliable transportation and still on the hook for monthly payments. Despite the courts split decision, this week also brought a practical win: FCA provided a loaner Jeep Wrangler to the family and nearly 91,000 other 4xe owners affected by a broad recall. The move stands as a welcome sign of responsiveness after years of frustration.

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I still love Jeep  that iconic brand, PJ Phillips tells WTOL 11. It just feels good knowing theyre finally starting to make it right. But this loaner should be the start, not the end.

More than Warranty  Safety and Fire Risk Woes

The Phillips case is just one of several legal fronts FCA faces. Across the country, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid owners have contended with sudden power loss, electrical system failures, and  in some instances  fire risks that have drawn national regulatory attention. In September 2025, Stellantis recalled nearly 92,000 Grand Cherokee 4xe SUVs for a hybrid control software defect that can cause loss of drive power, sometimes while driving.

More recently, Stellantis expanded recalls to address potential battery fire hazards affecting hundreds of thousands of Wranglers and Grand Cherokee 4xes built between model years 2020 and 2026. Owners were warned to park these vehicles outdoors and avoid charging them until a permanent fix is available. Its an unusual safety advisory that shouldnt be taken lightly by consumers or safety advocates.

Not actual car / 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe - Image Credit: Jeep.

Consumer Reports and federal documents show that at least 10 fires and multiple injury reports have been linked to faulty high-voltage battery packs, which may suffer internal separator damage despite earlier recall efforts. Jeep says it is working on a remedy but has not yet finalized a universal fix, leading to prolonged uncertainty for owners and additional complaints.

Class Actions and Expanding Litigation

Beyond individual lemon-law claims like the Phillips familys, a proposed federal class action lawsuit alleges that FCA has been slow to address serious safety risks, including batteries catching fire or exploding even when parked and turned off. The suit asserts that these defects make the vehicles unfit for their ordinary purpose, and that FCA failed to warn owners effectively about the risks.

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Stellantis responded at times by seeking to move broader litigation into arbitration, a procedural fight playing out in multiple courts. A recent motion from the company asked a Michigan federal judge to pause class-action proceedings pending arbitration decisions, and that move highlights the complex legal maze 4xe owners now find themselves in.

Owners Still in Limbo as Fixes Lag

Jeep owners frustrated with both recalls and litigation bemoan long waits for software updates or battery solutions. Many Jeeps remain in dealerships awaiting parts or software that have yet to be fully tested and rolled out. Online owner forums reflect widespread dissatisfaction with interim remedies, limited rental reimbursements, and ongoing safety anxiety.

For the Phillipses and other families involved, the journey is far from over. While arbitration and trial preparation continue, owners are weighing whether recalls, loaner vehicles, and potential settlements will ever fully compensate them for years without reliable transport, or whether Jeeps hybrid reputation will suffer lasting damage.
A Boeing 737 aircraft would seem like something quite difficult for someone to lose, but one major airline appears to have done just that, misplacing one of its aircraft for over a decade until recently finding it.

Air India recently admitted that it lost track of one of its Boeing 737 aircraft for 13 years until it found it last month in a remote parking bay at an airport.

Lost 737 Aircraft

According to a report from The Independent, an Air India Boeing 737-200 cargo plane was parked at Kolkata airport when it was decommissioned back in 2012. However, it then totally disappeared from the airlines records.

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Naturally, since the aircraft was parked in the lot, authorities at the airport continued to levy parking fees for the plane, issuing invoices to Air India. However, the airline continually disputed those charges, indicating that it had no record of the plane even existing.

However, when the airport issued a formal request for Air India to remove the aircraft as it made room for new hangars, the airline admitted its mistake.

Air India Found the 'Missing' Aircraft

In an internal message to its staff, India Air CEO Campbell Wilson admitted the mistake, claiming that the airline did not even know that it owned the plane as it was repeatedly left out of internal records.

Though disposal of an old aircraft is not unusual, this one is  for its an aircraft that we didnt even know we owned until recently! Wilson said via The Independent.

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Over time, it was lost from memory and only came to light when our friends at Kolkata airport informed us of its presence in a (very) remote parking bay and asked us to remove it! After verifying that it was indeed ours, weve now done so  and in so doing removed another old cobweb from our closet.

The airport ultimately recovered about $110,000 worth of parking fees that had accumulated over the years, with Air India confirming that it had agreed to pay its dues.

The plane was then removed on Nov. 14 and transported by road to Bengaluru, where it will be repurposed for ground-based engineering training.

All in all, it's certainly an odd situation for a plane to have been truly misplaced like this, but it sounds like it all worked out in the end with everyone taking proper responsibility for the mistake and making it right.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Dec 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
State Rep. Adrian Plank, D-Columbia, speaks during a press conference March 6, 2025, in the House Press Gallery. Among his bills prefiled for the 2026 legislative session, Plank has proposed creating a statewide agriculture education program (Tim Bommel/House Communications).

Missouri public school students could see more agriculture-based science lessons starting in kindergarten through high school under bills prefiled in both state legislative chambers that would establish a new statewide program.

Lawmakers in the states more populous cities filed the bills, hoping agriculture education can benefit students in both urban and rural areas.

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I am a proponent of continuing to have (agriculture education) and not just in our rural schools but to have this everywhere so that our kids are exposed to agriculture as a science, state Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat from Kansas City, told The Independent.

She filed the bill for the second year in a row, inspired by personal experiences eating homegrown food and visiting Kansas City schools who incorporate agriculture into education.

The legislation uses an existing statute, which established a pilot program for agriculture education in 2020, to make way for a permanent program that can be rolled out statewide.

The pilot ran from 2020 to 2023, starting with 44 teachers in third through fifth grades participating. When it ended, only 20 teachers were participating. The COVID-19 pandemic put stress on the program, according to the programs final report, and teachers had mixed feelings about the curriculum.

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In periodic surveys, educators said they didnt have enough time to complete the lessons in their entirety but said the hands-on activities kept students engaged. While the pilot program set the framework for the bill, the legislation would not lock in the same program curriculum or format. It would also be voluntary.

State Rep. John Martin, a Republican from Columbia, said he sees opportunities for the state to partner with Missouri Farmers Care. The nonprofit, which advocates for expanded agriculture opportunities, has a program called Agriculture Education on the Move which is currently in some of the states public schools.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which would be responsible for overseeing the program, is open to public-private partnerships.

It is our intention to work side by side with the many current commodities groups that are providing this access currently, the departments spokesman said in an emailed statement. It is our hope with this legislation to provide continued access for students in learning about agriculture in the state of Missouri.

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Martin started sponsoring the bill last year after Columbia Democratic state Rep. Adrian Plank asked him to team up.

Plank was the first to file the bill in 2024, but it didnt get any traction. Last year, with Martin filing an identical bill, it passed a House committee with unanimous approval. But the momentum was stifled after Plank took a leave of absence to undergo heart surgery.

Me and him together, we should be able to get it on to something this year, pretty easily, Plank told The Independent.

Gov. Mike Kehoe appears to be supportive of the legislation, Martin told The Independent, and there is growing interest from agriculture organizations.

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Those farmers who come to my office are so anxious to be a part of exposing their world to children at a younger age, Washington. And if we expose the children to agriculture now, then they know that there are opportunities for them in the workforce.

The estimated cost, based on last years fiscal note, is limited to teacher training at $116,000 annually.

If the program gets bigger, which I believe it will, then we will go and advocate for funding for the program, Plank said. Especially if it is going to be as successful as I think it will be.
It's been a rollercoaster of a year for U.S. trade policy.

President Donald Trump launched a barrage of new tariffs in 2025, plunging the U.S. into trade wars with nearly every country in the world. Volley after volley of threats and steeper import taxes often arrived erratically  with Trump claiming that such levies needed to be immediately imposed to close trade imbalances and take back wealth that was stolen from the U.S.

But the president also turned to tariffs amid personal grudges, or in response to political critics. And the whiplash of on-again, off-again duties  and responding retaliation  fueled widespread uncertainty for businesses and consumers alike, all while households continue to face rising prices.

Here's a summary of how Trump's biggest trade actions unfolded over the last year, broken down by key months.

January-March

In his first few months back in office, Trump focuses his new tariffs on Americas three biggest trading partners: Canada, Mexico and China. On-again, off-again levies and responding retaliation begin to bubble up.

Worldwide, the U.S. also heightens import taxes on steel and aluminum to 25%  expanding Trump's previously-imposed 2018 import taxes.

April

Trump's trade wars escalate to new heights in April. The president unveils sweeping Liberation Day tariffs on almost every country in the world  sending the stock market tumbling. And more turbulence follows after he tells investors that it's a great time to buy mere hours before postponing dozens of steeper import taxes.

China is the exception. Washington and Beijing trade more and more sky high, tit-for-tat levies  reaching 145% and 125%, respectively.

Separately, Trumps 25% auto tariffs begin, plunging the industry into uncertainty and bringing more retaliation from trading partners like Canada.

May-July

The Trump administration spends much of the summer boasting about trade framework deals with countries like China, the U.K. and Vietnam. But his administration sends letters to dozens of other nations promising that heightened levies are on the way  and notably escalates trade wars with Brazil and India.

Otherwise, Trump continues to expand sector-specific tariffs, hiking steel and aluminum taxes to a punishing 50%.

Meanwhile, a key legal challenge over Trump's tariffs gains traction. A federal court blocks Trump from imposing some of his most sweeping levies under an emergency-powers law  but an appeals court temporarily halts the order, allowing tariff collections to continue as the case wends through court.
Construction, extraction and Christian organizations are the only industries in the United States with employees that lean more Republican than Democratic in terms of party registration, according to an analysis of a massive new dataset.

The voter data  compiled by researchers at the Politics at Work initiative, and analyzed by political scientist Ryan Burge  captures the partisanship of 24.5 million workers across more than 534,000 employers in the 13 states that require closed primary elections, including Arizona, Nevada and Oregon.

Burges initial analysis confirms public perception surrounding industries like university administration, media production and software development, which lean heavily Democratic, while highlighting politically neutral industries like real estate agents and insurance brokers.

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The partisan lean of industries  calculated by subtracting the Republican share of employees by the Democratic share  favors Democrats because Republicans are more likely to be retired, Burge told the Deseret News. But the Republican Party dominated in a few industries.

The Republican workforce

Construction trades were the most Republican-leaning industry, with an overall GOP margin of 11%, Burge found. This margin doubled to 21% among the subset of construction workers employed on oil and gas pipelines, according to Burge.

After construction, religious organizations were the most likely industry to have more Republican employees than Democratic employees by a margin of 7%. But this overall measure of partisanship masks a dramatic degree of variation between religious groups.

Using artificial intelligence to sort through religious organization data, Burge found that individuals employed by Muslim organizations have a partisan lean of 65 percentage points toward the Democratic Party, and employees of Jewish organizations lean 50-points in the same direction.

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Employees of Christian organizations, however, have a partisan lean of 15 points in favor of Republicans. Among Christian organizations, employees of nondenominational, Baptist and Pentecostal groups have the greatest pro-GOP lean, while Adventists, Episcopalians and Anglicans lean Democratic.

The Democratic workforce

The industry that leans most toward the Democratic Party by share of its employees political registration is higher education. Employees at colleges, universities and professional schools, lean Democratic by 32 percentage points, according to Burges analysis.

Close behind faculty and administrators are employees at law firms, who lean Democratic by 27 percentage points; employees at software companies (23 points); public employees in executive and legislative offices (21 points); and employees in general medicine and hospitals (18 points).

Viewed from the other direction, the industries with the smallest share of Republican employees were internet services (26%), clothing retail (27%), media (27%), colleges and universities (28%) and fast-food restaurants, which are tied with public health administration, at 30%.

The most politically neutral employees were real estate agents and insurance brokers, which both had zero partisan lean. Other sectors of employees with similar shares of Republicans and Democrats were engineers, mortgage lenders and car dealers.
Soon after 9-year-old Melodee Buzzards remains were found in rural Utah, her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, was arrested for her murder.

The arrest warrant was filed on Dec. 23 by members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This is an extraordinarily tragic case involving the murder of a child by the very person she relied upon and trusted the most, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said, per a press release. While maternal filicide is rare and difficult to comprehend, the evidence in this case clearly indicates a calculated, deliberate, and ruthless act.

This image made from surveillance footage captured at a rental car company on Oct. 7, 2025, and released by the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office, shows Melodee Buzzard, left, and Ashlee Buzzard, right, in Lompoc, Calif. | Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office via the Associated Press

Here is a timeline of the disappearance and discovery of Melodee Buzzard, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office:

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Oct. 14: A school administrator contacted authorities and requested a welfare check following Melodees prolonged absences. Officers contacted her mother, and no verifiable explanation was given.

Oct. 15: A search warrant was filed on the Lompoc, California, residence that Melodee shared with her mother. The investigation uncovered that Ashlee Buzzard had recently used a rental vehicle, and video footage at the car rental office shows Melodee and Buzzard in disguises.

Oct. 24: Information released by detectives showed that the mother and daughter took a road trip traveling through California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and Nebraska, and then traveled back through Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California. Detectives also discovered that Buzzard appeared to avoid discovery by switching license plates and backing into gas stations.

Melodee was last seen on video surveillance on Oct. 9 near the Utah-Colorado border. Investigators believe she was killed shortly after.

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Oct. 30: More search warrants were served by the sheriffs detectives and the FBI Evidence Response Team to reexamine the residence, a storage unit and the rental car used. Investigators found a used cartridge case from the home and a live round of similar ammunition in the vehicle.

Dec. 6: Utah law enforcement in Wayne County responded to a call reporting a decomposed body in a rural area near the 3300-block of east State Route 24.

A couple was traveling in the area to take photographs against the red sandstone of Utahs rural outdoors when they stumbled upon what would later be identified as Melodees remains, per CNN.

Dec. 8: Authorities with Wayne County contacted Santa Barbara authorities and reported the body was that of a little girl who died by gunshot wounds to the head.

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Dec. 17: Cartridge cases recovered in Utah were investigated and found to be linked to the case recovered in the residence.

Dec. 22: FBI Crime Lab analysis confirmed the unidentified remains of the girl found in rural Utah had a familial DNA link to Melodee Buzzard.

Dec. 23: Ashlee Buzzard was arrested for the murder of her daughter.

Following her arrest, Santa Barbara Countys Sheriff-Coroner Bill Brown said the murder was calculated, cold-blooded and planned, according to The Associated Press. Today, we stand together in grief, but also with resolve ... Melodee deserved a far better life than she had.

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Melodees grandmother, Lilly Denes, whose son was Melodees father, who died soon after her birth from a motorcycle accident, said authorities contacted her, telling her they found the baby and the baby is with her dad, she told the Los Angeles Times.

I knew he was telling me that the baby is dead, Denes said.

Prosecutors have said that if Ashlee Buzzard is convicted, they would not seek the death penalty, but rather life in prison without parole. The case remains under investigation.
NEED TO KNOW

Australia's Victoria Police said that two paddleboarders, later identified as a mother and stepson, had been swept more than 6 miles from where they had set off on Dec. 25

The pair were later rescued and did not sustain physical injuries, authorities said

Four other people were saved in two separate water-related incidents that also took place on Christmas Day in Victoria

In what turned out to be a Christmas Day miracle, two paddleboarders were rescued following a scary incident in southern Australia that swept them miles away from where they had originally set off.

The Victoria Police stated in a news release that the pair  identified by Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as a 51-year-old woman and her 17-year-old stepson  had set off to paddleboard from the Portarlington caravan park jetty at about 3 p.m. local time on Thursday, Dec. 25.

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However, police said, conditions quickly deteriorated and the two drifted out into the bay. A relative contacted authorities around 5 p.m. after they did not return.

Authorities later said that the pair, who were not wearing life jackets, had been swept over 6 miles from Portarlington into Wyndham Harbour, where they were discovered about 6:20 p.m. local time.

Local police units on the ground, Air Wing, Life Saving Victoria and Queenscliff Coast Guards assisted in the search before Air Wing officers spotted the duo, Victoria Police said in a statement.

They were laying on their paddleboards and waving for assistance, the police continued.

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Authorities said they were able to pull the mother and stepson and their paddleboards from the water, noting, "Apart from being exhausted and cold they were luckily not physically injured."

Acting Senior Sgt. Michael Quirk of the water police told ABC that conditions at the time of the search were choppy, including strong south-westerly winds that approached up to 35 knots.

"The search area was quite large given the time frames and the distance someone could move in those sorts of conditions," Quirk said.

He also said that it was very fortunate that the two managed to hold onto their boards to stay afloat during the ordeal.

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"No doubt their lives were saved  given the conditions, and they were probably at some point moving further away from land, and there was no other real assistance out there for them, Quirk said, according to ABC.

Four people were additionally rescued in two separate water-related incidents in Victoria on Thursday.

Victoria Police said authorities responded to Lake King in Paynesville about 1:30 p.m. local time after being notified of a kayaker in trouble. They learned that a man who had not been seen for two hours was observed struggling before his kayak rolled over.

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.

Water Police, Air Wing and the coast guard searched for the Hoppers Crossing man before he was spotted by the Air Wing just before 3 p.m., Victoria Police said.

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A smoke marker was dropped by the Air Wing, highlighting the mans location, where the 41-year-old was picked up by the coastguard and returned unharmed to shore, they added.

Meanwhile, police were alerted to Westernport Bay after a mother and her two teen daughters ran into trouble near the Corinella jetty at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time. Authorities learned that the trio, all of whom were wearing life jackets, were trying to retrieve a kayak that had gone adrift when the current and strong winds swept them a significant distance from shore.

The mother and daughter found themselves in the waters about less than a mile from the shore line, Victoria Police added. The trio was later spotted and a rescue helicopter arrived.

The women were all winched to safety and dropped back to Corinella without injury, Victoria Police said in its statement.



Read the original article on People
Christmas Day quickly took a dark turn for a group of roofers in Wichita Falls when a gun-wielding coworker who had been drinking for hours shot one of them to death just after midnight and then tried to shoot the boss, according to allegations in court records.

A man suspected of the early Christmas morning murder was being held Friday in the Wichita County Jail on $1.5 million in bonds, court and jail records show.

Heber Jovany Zelaya Reyez, 37, is accused of killing a coworker in the 2200 block of Yale, as well as pointing a gun at another man, who heard clicking when the gun, apparently out of ammunition, failed to fire, court records show.

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A witness described Zelaya Reyez drinking beer since 7 a.m. Christmas Eve, pointing a gun at a man's face as a joke, shooting up a bucket and saying something like, "Could you imagine if I did that to a person from the waist up?" in the events leading up to the homicide, according to allegations in police affidavits.

Zelaya Reyez is charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, court and jail records show. He was also being held without bond on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.

Crime scene investigation

In case of conviction, murder is punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison and aggravated assault by two to 20 years in prison. Anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The name of the homicide victim was not available from police Thursday.

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The victim had not been positively identified, and efforts were underway to notify his relatives, who are believed to live out of the country, Sgt. Jerad Miller said in a media release on Christmas Day. So it might take some time to notify next of kin. The investigation is ongoing.

Court affidavits detailed the allegations against Zelaya Reyez.

Wichita Falls police were dispatched about 12:17 am. on Christmas to the 2200 block of Yale Avenue to investigate a report of gunshots, according to affidavits.

Officers found a man dead on the front porch of a home there, and they were flagged down by the 911 caller, who told them Zelaya Reyez, the suspect, was in a truck in the front yard of a nearby house, according to allegations in affidavits.

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Detectives with the Crimes Against Persons Unit responded to the scene and later spoke with the caller, who is a woman, and a man who told them he owns a local roofing company.

The company owner and the woman live at a home down the street from the scene of the homicide. The man told detectives several of his employees live at the other home where the man was found dead.

The business owner told police the woman woke him up and told him Zelaya Reyez was at their front door with a gun, according to allegations in the affidavits. He told her to ignore him and not let him in because he had been drinking.

The woman told detectives she reviewed video from the front door camera and saw Zelaya Reyez with a gun in his pocket, according to allegations.

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The woman ignored him, but one of the employees down the street called her at 12:11 a.m. to say he had just heard arguing and then several gunshots at the workers' house, and Zelaya Reyez had a gun, according to allegations.

The business owner told detectives he left his house to walk to the other home, and on the way, Zelaya Reyez confronted him, according to allegations. The business owner heard clicking as the suspect pulled the trigger with the gun pointed at him. He believed it was out of ammunition.

The woman told police she stayed on her porch and could only see the bodies of the two men in the darkness, but she heard the business owner trying to talk to Zelaya Reyez, who pointed a gun at the other man, according to allegations.

She heard him pull the trigger, and then the business owner walked to her and said, "This (expletive) just tried shooting me," according to allegations.

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The business owner told detectives he got in his pickup to find Zelaya Reyez, last seen walking south toward 23rd Street  because he wanted to pick him up while the gun was still out of ammunition, according to allegations. He got the suspect in his truck and drove back to his own home.

The business owner told police that when he got back home, Zelaya Reyez dropped the gun on the ground while getting out of the back seat of the truck, according to allegations. The business owner picked it up and put it inside his own home.

The woman told investigators the business owner pulled out a gun, threw it on the couch and said, "I just took this gun away from him."

Police searched the business owner and the woman's home with consent, finding a black Haskell JS .45-caliber pistol, according to allegations. Both were empty of ammunition.

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Zelaya Reyez was detained in the back of a patrol unit, and ID technicians who took his clothing to preserve evidence found Hornady .45-calber Automatic Colt Pistol ammunition in his pants pocket, a match to the brand of spent cartridge cases near the victim at the workers' house, according to allegations.

Back at the station, a worker living at the home with his brother and the victim and Zelaya Reyez told detectives that about 6:30 p.m. after work Christmas Eve, he and his brother knocked on the door since it was locked. Zelaya Reyez allegedly pointed a gun at his brother's face and then joked that he knew it was them.

The worker told police that suspect and the victim were drinking together, and before they left for dinner, Zelaya Reyez grabbed a handful of ammunition and shot a white bucket outside five times, according to allegations. Then he speculated about doing that "to a person from the waist up."

The employee told police he heard gunshots later and walked outside to see his coworker dead on the porch, according to allegations.

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Detectives got a search warrant for the workers' home and found 15 spent cartridge casings and a live one, all matching the .45-caliber ACP and Hornady brand, according to allegations.

More: WFISD teacher killed in Christmas Day crash

More: P.E.T.S. Underdog Express gives dogs a second chance at forever homes

On 12-25-25 at approx. 0017 hours Officers were sent to a disturbance at 2221 Yale. Upon arrival a male individual was found deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. The suspect was located in the area and taken into custody. The suspect will be charged with Murder and Agg. Assault.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Murder turns Christmas Day dark for coworkers in Wichita Falls
UPDATE: Major snowstorm to thump state. Latest snow, ice forecasts by county.

A messy winter storm is expected to hit New Jersey Friday night and could drop up to 9 or more inches of snow in northern counties by Saturday evening, forecasters say.

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for 11 counties and advisories for eight others, where sleet and freezing rain could mix with snow.

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New Jersey has declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties starting at 1 p.m., with a commercial vehicle ban taking effect at 3 p.m.

The highest snowfall totals are likely in Sussex, Morris, Passaic and Bergen county, according to forecasters.

Some parts of South Jersey and along the coast may only get rain with little to no accumulation.

Here are the latest snow predictions as of Friday morning from forecasters across the New Jersey region, along with New York City and Philadelphia:

AccuWeathers snowfall forecast map predicts the northern region of the state will get the most snowfall into Saturday afternoon, with the potential for 6 to 12 inches.

N.J. weather: AccuWeather snow forecast map

National Weather Service - New Jersey

The snow forecast map from the National Weather Services forecast office in Mount Holly calls for 5 to 8 inches of snow in Sussex and Morris counties, with the chance of up to 10 inches.

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Lower snowfall totals are expected across central New Jersey counties where sleet and freezing rain will mix with snow.

N.J. weather: Snow, snowfall forecast map for winter storm Friday, today

National Weather Service - New York Office

Northeastern New Jersey appears to be where the heart of the storm will hit, getting heavy snowfall as it heads up to New England.

The forecast from the National Weather Services New York office, which issues forecasts for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties, shows upwards of 6 to 9 inches of snow predicted.

N.J. weather: Snow, snowfall forecast map today, Friday winter storm

NJ101.5 FM - Dan Zarrow

The snow forecast map by Dan Zarrow, chief meteorologist for NJ 101.5 FM radio and the Townsquare New Jersey Weather Network, has the hardest hit areas at the top of the state, with heavy snowfall of at least 5 to 6 inches of snow in some regions.

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Zarrow says southern counties like Cape May, Cumberland, Salem and Atlantic should expect mainly sleet, with little to no accumulation.

6ABC.com in Philadelphia

Southern New Jersey should expect to see snow late Friday afternoon and into the evening, but will quickly change into sleet for most of the southern region.

6ABC in Philadelphia is predicting 1 to 3 inches of snow across the previously mentioned region.

CBS3 News in Philadelphia

Meteorologist Joe Martucci - Jersey Shore

Martucci says the storm will hit hardest in North Jersey, bringing in 7 to 12 inches of snow in Sussex, Passaic, Bergen and Hudson counties.

N.J. meteorologist forecast's Friday night's storm

His forecast puts 4 to 7 inches of snow and sleet for all of inland Middlesex County and all of Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Warren counties.

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Ocean and Monmouth counties will see 2 to 4 inches of snow and sleet, while coastal areas of Atlantic and Cape May counties will see a half inch to 1 inch of icy coating mixed with rainfall.

NY NJ PA Weather - Steven DiMartino

Meteorologist Steven DiMartino, head of the NY NJ PA Weather forecasting company, is predicting 6 to 10 inches of snow and sleet across a wide swath of northern and central New Jersey.

For much of South Jersey, he is predicting 1 to 4 inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain changing to all rain.

NJ snow predictions

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte does not believe the European Union needs to become fully independent of the United States in defence matters, despite the current course of US President Donald Trump's administration.

The United States expects Europe to take on more responsibility and spend more money on defence, Rutte told dpa in a recent interview.

"I'm absolutely convinced that the US is completely invested [in] NATO. There's no doubt. There was one big expectation. Indeed, us spending more, Europe taking more responsibility," Rutte said. Ultimately, however, it was about doing this alongside the US, he said.

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The former Dutch prime minister pointed to the June NATO summit in The Hague, where all allies agreed to raise defence-related spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035.

"I think it is still one of the biggest foreign policy victories of President Trump, the 5%, the clear commitment to produce more," Rutte said.

Manfred Weber, leader of the conservative European People's Party (EPP), the largest group in the European Parliament, has called for the EU to evolve into a "European NATO," arguing that the US can no longer be relied upon without restriction.

While praising Weber, Rutte said he held a different view. "Let's not forget that when it comes to Europe (and) NATO, there's more than the EU," Rutte said.

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While acknowledging the EU's importance, Rutte noted that the 23 EU countries within NATO account for only about a quarter of the alliance's total economic output.

"Seventy-five per cent is still outside the EU," he said, referring to NATO members such as the UK, Norway, Canada and the US.
NATO militaries are seeking air defense tools that are more affordable than expensive missiles.

They are turning to cheap interceptor drones, weapons increasingly popular in Ukraine.

Ukraine has used the interceptors to fend off worsening Russian drone attacks.

NATO militaries are looking for cheaper ways to defeat hostile drones without having to expend vastly more expensive missiles. The answer, it seems, is in Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces are using domestically produced interceptor drones daily to bring down deadly Russian drones, with units regularly sharing footage of the high-speed aerial chases.

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The interceptor drones can be mass-produced, which is crucial for Ukraine as worsening Russian bombardments that sometimes include hundreds of drones and missiles in a single night put stress on the country's deeply strained air defense network.

NATO is taking note, with officials identifying interceptor drones not just as a cheap way to fill a capability gap  air defense against relatively inexpensive attack drones  but also as an early indication of where warfare is going. Some allied countries are developing systems, while others are rushing to buy them at scale.

"Technology is evolving really, really rapidly," British Army Brig. Gen. Chris Gent, the deputy chief of staff for transformation and integration at NATO Allied Land Command, said at a recent training event in Poland. "It's a race to keep up."

The rise of the interceptor

Interceptor drones emerged this year as a priority defense investment for Ukraine as it looks for ways to stay ahead of Russia's growing drone production and worsening nightly attacks without totally depleting its surface-to-air missile stocks or breaking the bank to take out cheap yet inexpensive threats.

Interceptor drones have emerged as a key defense priority for Ukraine this year. Janis Laizans/REUTERS

Ukraine's defense industry produces hundreds of interceptor drones each day, some of which cost as little as $2,500. That's a fraction of the cost of a standard Russian one-way attack drone, estimated to be worth $35,000 on the low end. They can carry small warheads and are designed to directly strike their targets midair or explode nearby for a proximity kill.

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The interceptor drones have provided Kyiv with a significant increase in air defense options. They can reach higher and faster-moving targets than the truck-mounted machine guns that Ukrainian soldiers had long relied on to shoot down low-flying Russian airborne targets, and they allow the country to hold its critical surface-to-air missiles in reserve for higher-end threats.

Seeing how effective interceptor drones have been, NATO is now racing to develop and field its own. That push took on new urgency in September after Russian drones strayed into Polish and Romanian airspace, prompting Western forces to scramble fighter jets.

The incursions  and NATO's scramble to respond  raised questions about how the alliance should handle cheap drones, and whether it's sustainable to launch fighter jets armed with expensive missiles for every airspace violation.

While NATO is still flying fighter patrols, Poland and Romania have purchased and are deploying the American-made Merops system, which consists of an interceptor drone that has already taken down more than 1,900 Russian targets for Ukraine.

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In late November, Business Insider observed Polish, Romanian, and American forces training on the Merops system. Military officials touted the system's success in combat and its ability to provide NATO with a cheap air defense for its Eastern flank. (The interceptor drone costs $15,000, still less than the potential threats.)

Ukraine has used interceptor drones to hunt down deadly Russian one-way attack drones. Ministry of Defense of Ukraine/Screengrab via X

At that training event, US Army Brig. Gen. Curtis King, the head of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, said that NATO needs to "learn from what Ukraine is fighting right now."

He said that in addition to Poland, Romania, and the US, other NATO allies are experimenting with similar systems, the aim being to employ this technology across the alliance.

And Western countries are linking up with the Ukrainians on this technology as well. In September, for instance, the UK announced plans to mass-produce thousands of Ukrainian-designed interceptor drones for Kyiv. The US is also making these weapons in collaboration with Ukraine.

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The general said that getting Western firms to produce more interceptor drones will help drive the cost down even further for NATO countries interested in acquiring this technology.

The value is clear, King said. Procuring interceptor drones would allow NATO countries to save sophisticated air defenses, such as the MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system or certain air-to-air missiles, for threats like cruise and ballistic missiles, rather than one-way attack drones.

Rapid development cycle

Interceptor drones are among the newer innovations emerging from the war as Ukraine and Russia attempt to secure a technological advantage, with each new capability fielded pushing the other side to develop a countermeasure.

NATO forces purchased the Merops system in response to Russian drone incursions earlier this year. Artur Widak via Reuters Connect

At the Merops training in Poland, Western officials said they are watching Ukraine and Russia race through cycles of weapons innovation at a pace that demands faster procurement before new tools become obsolete.

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"The life cycle of technology has shortened dramatically," said Bart Hollants, NATO's innovation broker.

"It's not a new trend, but we see it on the battlefield in Ukraine," he told Business Insider, explaining that "every six weeks to three months, there is a new iteration or a new version of tech that enters the front line, and that you have to defend yourself against, or that you have to create countermeasures for."

With that pacing in mind, NATO has turned to Western and Ukrainian defense firms for new ways to counter the war's biggest threats, giving these companies chances to pitch, test, and market systems as combat-ready.

Earlier this year, NATO hosted an "Innovation Challenge" that brought in companies to present solutions for Russian glide bombs and one-way attack drones. Two firms  one French and the other German  won first and second place, respectively, for their solutions, made up of interceptor drones.

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French Cdr. Pierre Delom, a project coordinator at NATO's Allied Command Transformation who leads the Innovation Challenges, said that the alliance could find itself at war at any moment and needed to be ready.

The key, he told Business Insider, is the mass production of affordable air defenses so that NATO doesn't have to spend any more money to counter low-cost threats than necessary. In a future fight, these threats may be out in force, and the alliance can't afford to pour expensive missiles into that fight. Sustainability is about making every dollar count.

Read the original article on Business Insider
An Oklahoma farmer has gone to social media to warn other agricultural producers about a little-known law that blocked him from suing a company accused of accidentally destroying more than $1 million worth of soybean crops.

Bill Fansler said that in his 40 years of being a farmer, he'd never heard of the state law that barred him from suing over crop damage because he didn't file a complaint against the chemical applicator with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture first.

The crops were damaged in 2023, Fansler said, after employees of a pesticide application company allegedly mixed in the wrong chemicals while spraying several of his fields in Craig County. Fansler said he was in immediate contact with representatives of the company to determine the level of damage. In other crop damage cases worth tens of thousands of dollars, he said, the applicator would quickly settle and write a check. This time, though, variable amounts of damage were found on 2,500 acres of soybeans.

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More: Feud over pollution lawsuit escalates between Oklahoma governor, AG

"That's the way we've done business for 40 years. But when it was a million dollars, they wouldn't do it," Fansler said. "By the time I filed the lawsuit after negotiations, six months after the damage, I was screwed."

The lawsuit was in the early stages with only the most basic court filings submitted by both Fansler and Helena Agri-Enterprises. It didn't get any further than that.

Fansler and his attorney filed to dismiss the Craig County lawsuit this year after they were told the company would base its defense on a state law that requires the Agriculture Department to be involved before suing. A property owner with damaged crops has to file a complaint with the agency either within 90 days after the damage, or before 25% of the crops are harvested, whichever comes first.

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"Everybody I've asked about it don't know about it," he said. "I know I'm not the only farmer, rancher, homeowner, landowner in the state of Oklahoma who doesn't know about this."

Along with asking his state representative to amend the law in 2026, Fansler has publicized his case on Facebook in the hopes that more farmers learn about it. Some have urged him to continue the lawsuit, but Fansler only expects appeal after costly appeal.

"The injustice has been done. I can't get around it. The thing I wanted to do is let other people know this is here, don't let it get you," he said.

Fansler said he's been told the law was meant to protect against unverifiable claims of pesticide drift between farms that are brought up months or years after the fact. According to online records, the law has been on the books since before the year 2000 but has undergone several revisions.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma farmer's crop damage lawsuit blocked in court
Police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred just after 4 a.m. yesterday in Ocala, near Silver Springs Boulevard and North Pine Avenue.

Officers found a man who had been shot and he died at the scene.

The shooting prompted a response from local law enforcement, who are currently working to gather more information. At this time, details about a possible suspect have not been released and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

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Police responded to reports of gunshots in the neighborhood and found the victim in critical condition. Emergency medical personnel pronounced the man dead on the scene, though his identity has not yet been disclosed as authorities work to notify next of kin.

Authorities are seeking the publics help in their investigation. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

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However, UNH stock has mounted a strong rebound since early August, climbing to as high as $381, buoyed by Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) (BRK.B) taking a new stake in the company and better-than-expected 2026 Star Ratings. Since then, the stock has pulled back slightly and moved into a consolidation phase.

Shares of the healthcare conglomerate have dropped 35.2% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis. UNH stock cratered earlier this year after the company first cut and then withdrew its full-year earnings guidance. Adding to the pressure were reports of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the companys billing practices, along with the sudden resignation of its CEO.

Founded in 1974, UnitedHealth Group is a health and well-being company that provides a diverse range of health insurance and healthcare services. The company is organized into two primary divisions: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. UnitedHealthcare provides health insurance plans, whereas Optum delivers healthcare services and technology. The company has established a formidable competitive moat by combining these segments, forming a powerful, self-reinforcing ecosystem that is transforming how healthcare is delivered and managed. It has a market cap of $294.2 billion.

For UnitedHealth Group (UNH), the largest and most influential player in the sector, the stakes are especially high. UNH has already faced challenges in 2025, including rising Medicare Advantage costs and heightened regulatory scrutiny. Trumps push for lower premiums now introduces another layer of uncertainty heading into 2026, forcing investors to ask a critical question: if political pressure translates into real pricing constraints, what does that mean for UnitedHealths stock in the year ahead? Let's dig into it.

Health insurance stocks were jolted last week after U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to summon executives from the nations largest health insurers and press them to ease up and start cutting prices. The remarks immediately put the sector on edge as the message was clear: pricing power in health insurance may once again be moving into the political crosshairs.

Story Continues

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Trump Asks Health Insurers to Lower Premiums

U.S. President Donald Trump said last Friday that he plans to call in executives from the countrys largest health insurance companies and ask them to lower the cost of premiums for consumers. The president said the idea came to him on the spot during an event where pharmaceutical executives pledged to donate medications as part of an agreement to avoid tariffs. Mr. Trump said he wants health insurers to ease up and start cutting prices, adding that many insurers have delivered share returns well above 1,000%, though he did not specify the time frame for those gains.

Im going to call a meeting of the insurance companies, Trump told reporters at the White House. Im going to see if they get their price down, to put it very bluntly. He said the meeting could take place this week while he is at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for the holidays or during the first week of January after he returns to Washington.

UnitedHealth shares plunged nearly 10% on Trumps remarks before rebounding to finish the session slightly below the flatline. Health insurance stocks have already come under pressure this year, as premiums struggle to keep pace with rising healthcare costs. Patients are returning for more surgeries and outpatient procedures following years of underuse, putting pressure on insurers earnings.

Trumps Push Comes Amid ACA Uncertainty

President Trumps push for lower premiums largely stems from the scheduled expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies at the end of 2025. Congress remains at an impasse over whether to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits. Without these subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for tens of millions of Americans are expected to more than double on average in 2026, potentially pricing many people out of coverage.

Last week, four moderate Republicans joined Democrats to move forward with a discharge petition that could force a House vote on extending the subsidies. House Speaker Mike Johnson has pushed back against the effort, arguing that bypassing party leadership is not the proper way to make law. GOP leaders are instead advancing an alternative plan that would help insurers offset lower deductibles and copays for ACA enrollees and expand association health plans without extending the enhanced subsidies. Still, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said any effort to move the plan forward will likely be pushed back until January.

President Trump said that while he still favors a plan that would provide Americans with direct subsidies to buy insurance, a deal to lower costs could help sustain the Obamacare exchanges. Insurers are making so much money, and they have to make less, a lot less, he said. And maybe we can have reasonable health care without having to cut them out and let it all go awry.

What Would Lower Premiums Mean for UNH Stock?

Well, I think the clearest indication of what Donald Trumps push for lower premiums could mean for UNH stock is the markets initial reaction to his remarksand it wasnt encouraging. But that reaction is hardly surprising when a sector built on pricing power and predictability faces government pressure that could squeeze profits.

The math here is simple. Health insurance premiums are largely determined by the underlying cost of medical care, administrative expenses, and desired profit margins. Forcing a reduction in premiums without a proportional decline in medical costs would directly compress margins and weigh on profitability. As a result, lowering premiums would likely lead to further sustained declines in valuation as investors adjust for lower future earnings.

Meanwhile, AHIP, a trade group representing health insurers, stated that premiums are driven by the cost of medical care and noted that insurers margins and administrative expenses are regulated. Health plans are doing everything in their power to shield Americans from the high and rising costs of medical care, according to AHIP Chief Executive Officer Mike Tuffin.

To sum up, while lower premiums would benefit consumers, they would represent a significant financial headwind for UnitedHealth, impacting its business model and stock performance. UnitedHealth Group has already faced challenges in 2025 from rising medical costs in its Medicare Advantage business. And lowering premiums would add a significant new hurdle as the company attempts to stabilize for a projected earnings recovery in 2026.

What Do Analysts Expect for UNH Stock?

Despite UNHs underperformance this year, most Wall Street analysts remain bullish, as reflected in the stocks consensus Moderate Buy rating. Of the 25 analysts covering the stock, 15 rate it a Strong Buy, two assign a Moderate Buy rating, seven suggest holding, and one gives it a Strong Sell rating. The mean price target for UNH stock stands at $394.91, indicating an upside potential of 20.5% from current levels.

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On the date of publication, Oleksandr Pylypenko had a position in: UNH. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
NORTH ANDOVER  Its been six months since North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons, 29, who was on administrative leave at the time, was shot in her home by a colleague during the service of a restraining order on June 30.

That evening, three North Andover police officers went to Fitzsimmons home at 125 Phillips Brooks Road to serve her with an abuse prevention order filed by North Andover firefighter Justin Aylaian, her then-fiance and father of her infant son. Authorities said an armed confrontation took place when she was served with the order, resulting in her being shot and then hospitalized from the gunshot wound.

The shot fired by North Andover police Officer Patrick Noonan struck Fitzsimmons in the chest after she pointed her service weapon at him in her upstairs bedroom, police stated in an official report following the incident.

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Noonan alleged she pulled the trigger, but the weapon did not fire. Noonan stated that Fitzsimmons tried to reload the guns chamber after it did not fire, prompting him to shoot her, according to the police report.

Fitzsimmons claimed she never pointed the gun at another officer, just her temple. She claimed she was shot by someone she considered a friend in a failed attempt to take her own life.

Fitzsimmons was hospitalized until the middle of August as she recovered from surgeries related to her injury. During that time, she was arraigned on three charges, including armed assault with intent to murder, in Lawrence District Court and committed without bail.

When she was discharged, Fitzsimmons was sent to the Massachusetts Regional Womens Correctional Center in Chicopee.

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She was later indicted and arraigned on a lesser charge of assault by means of a dangerous weapon in Essex County Superior Court on Aug. 28.

Superior Court Judge Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman granted her pretrial release on Sept. 8 to her mother and stepfathers supervision and 24/7 house arrest and no contact with her child. But three days later, Fitzsimmons was sent back to jail after the same judge deemed she was a danger to the community and man who shot her if she couldnt abide from her conditioned order of alcohol testing. Fitzsimmons, on Sept. 11, was in court seeking relief from alcohol testing as her lawyer Timothy Bradl said the blowing device caused her severe pain.

Her attorneys have fought to get her out of jail, filing various appeals including ones to the Supreme Judicial Court. All the while, Fitzsimmons is in the middle of a custody battle with Aylaian for their now 10-month-old boy.

Fitzsimmons was granted pretrial release on personal recognizance on Dec. 23 after it was deemed she would be able to comply with alcohol testing, having healed enough from her injuries. Her superior court trial is set for Feb. 9.

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District faces budget cuts, closes Kittredge School

In May, voters overwhelmingly approved increasing the school budget for fiscal year 2026 to $69.2 million during the Town Meeting.

Voters passed an amendment increasing the school budget by $1 million. The originally proposed school district budget totaled $68.2 million.

Superintendent Pamela Lathrop detailed a difficult process to reach the budget figure presented to voters. But she said it supported student learning while addressing the school districts financial responsibility. The budget came with staff reductions across district. It also proposed the temporary closing of the Kittredge Elementary School.

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The vote came after months of meetings, and concern from the school districts community, about the proposed budget cuts needed to meet the towns recommended fiscal year 2026 budget.

In January, parent and teachers showed up in force at a School Committee working session to voice their frustrations about potentially closing Kittredge, increased class sizes and staff cuts.

In March, high school students walked out of class in opposition to 40 announced teacher cuts in the fall.

In June, the district was able to bring back some positions at the elementary, middle and high schools through different funding sources. The positions included world language teachers at the middle and high schools.

The Kittredge School was closed with its students reassigned to other schools as the school district moves forward with a complete renovation and proposed project to build a new school.
Police are investigating after a body was found in a river on Thursday.

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Columbus Police responded after receiving reports that they saw a body in the Scioto River near Griggs Dam, according to our news partner WBNS TV.

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Firefighters say that the person was pronounced dead, according to Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter.

Columbus Police told WBNS that the body is female, and foul play is currently not suspected.

The circumstances surrounding her death are unknown.

Police continue to investigate.

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Police are investigating after a woman was found dead in Ohio on Christmas Eve.

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Officers responded around 9:30 p.m. for reports of unknown trouble in the 4300 block of St. Lawrence Avenue in West Price Hill, Cincinnati Police told our news partner WCPO TV.

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When police arrived, they found a woman dead.

Her age and identity have not yet been released, according to a Cincinnati Police spokesperson.

The departments homicide unit is investigating the death as suspicious, police told WCPO.

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A wilderness park has had to close its gates to visitors after several concerning encounters with a mountain lion.

What's happening?

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Southern California closed in early November after two reported mountain lion sightings, according to Hey SoCal. The sightings occurred on Nov. 3 and 4, and on both times occasions, the mountain lions were observed following the people reporting the incidents before running off. It is unclear if it was the same mountain lion or two different ones.

The park does not typically close when mountain lions are spotted, but given the animal's behavior in these instances, the OC Parks department erred on the side of caution and closed the park.

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OC Parks, who oversee Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, worked with experts from UC Davis Wildlife Health Center to gather more information about the mountain lions and their behavior. They used cameras to monitor their movements and conducted field work, including looking for tracks and scat.

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park did reopen on Nov. 26, per the OC Parks website.

Why is the mountain lion sighting important?

The behavior of the mountain lion(s) was deemed "super out-of-the-ordinary" by Cort Klopping, a Fish and Wildlife spokesperson speaking with the Los Angeles Times about the park closing. Mountain lions tend to avoid people, so much so that the outlet said a person is more likely to be struck by lightning than be attacked.

That means the mountain lion was likely being drawn to or driven toward humans in the park for any number of reasons, including curiosity, protecting cubs, or, in a worst case scenario, hunting for food. That food does not include humans, but people have been attacked after getting too close either by accident or intentionally.

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Lack of resources driven by changes in the climate and habitat destruction from humans are common factors in pushing animals and humans closer together, according to the BBC. They can also occur when people in parks purposefully get too close to animals, such as bears and bison, which can result in some animals being euthanized if they attack humans.

Thankfully, mountain lion attacks are incredibly rare, with just seven recorded in California, per the LA Times, including one within Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.

What's being done about mountain lion sightings?

With the park reopening, officials took the opportunity to remind people to take precautions when hiking to avoid encounters with mountain lions. Those include never hiking alone, staying within your group  especially with children  making noise to alert the mountain lions to your presence, and hiking during the daytime when mountain lions are less active.

If you encounter a mountain lion, it is crucial to not run and instead hold your ground, make noise, and make yourself appear larger by waving your arms. You can also throw items at it to scare it away.

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Invasive wild hogs were recently spotted in three separate North Texas communities, according to the Dallas Morning News.

What happened?

People living in two Roanoke neighborhoods and in Coppell saw the animals in mid-November.

"Feral swine activity is not abnormal for the area, with sightings occurring on a seasonal basis and for multiple years," Coppell Police Department spokesperson J.J. Ceniceros said in a statement, per the newspaper. "Feral swine in Coppell are typically found around the Elm Fork Trinity River."

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In response to the sightings, local police boosted neighborhood patrols, and federal wildlife officials brought in professionals to trap the hogs. Police say residents aren't in danger right now, but the animals can damage property.

A 2022 survey reportedly found these animals living in every Texas county except one. Wild hogs look for places with thick brush, available water, and easy meals. Dry weather pushes them into neighborhoods as they search for sustenance.

Why are wild hogs concerning?

Invasive species can wipe out native plants and animals by outcompeting them for resources. Wild hogs also tear up the ground, killing native vegetation as they dig and look for food.

There's a cost in terms of biodiversity loss and in terms of structural damage, too. Researchers have calculated that one wild hog can cause $300 in damage and trapping costs each year, according to the Dallas Morning News. Multiply that across millions of animals nationwide, and the bill can reach over $2 billion annually.

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Health risks add another layer of concern. The animals can spread more than two dozen bacterial, viral, and fungal infections to humans, farm animals, and wildlife. These can include leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, and swine flu.

Protecting native ecosystems keeps natural resources stable, food supplies secure, and diseases contained.

What's being done about wild hogs?

Hired trappers are setting up equipment to catch the animals. If you see wild hogs in your area, tell local police, animal control, and the Squeal On Pigs tracking program.

If you come across a wild hog while on your own, don't panic or make quick moves. Moving closer or running can provoke the hog to come after you.

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Generally speaking, these animals tend to avoid people, but they are active when the sun rises, when it sets, and overnight. Running into one is unlikely, but if it happens, back away slowly and give it space.

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A man tried to smuggle Gulf Coast box turtles from the United States to China. However, federal authorities thwarted the attempt.

What happened?

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife departments intercepted hundreds of box turtles at a border inspection in New York when they found the animals stuffed inside socks, placed inside boxes, and labeled as plastic toys.

According to WOFL, officials discovered about 220 boxes containing 850 turtles that were en route to Hong Kong. The estimated market value for these turtles is approximately $1.4 million.

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Authorities arrested the man responsible for the smuggling attempt, and he pleaded guilty to the charges in U.S. District Court in August.

Why is animal smuggling concerning?

Box turtles are incredibly popular on the pet market, especially in Hong Kong and China. The illegal trafficking of animals for the pet market and other reasons is a billion-dollar industry, which makes some people feel the risk of trafficking is worth it.

In fact, this isn't the first time a New York resident has tried to traffic box turtles. A 26-year-old man from Brooklyn smuggled eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles to China between 2019 and 2020. Authorities charged him with two counts of smuggling goods and one count of violating the Lacey Act, leading him to face up to 30 years in prison.

Trafficking is a dangerous business for animals, as many are injured or killed during trafficking attempts, which contributes to the depletion of wildlife populations. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists many box turtle species as having decreasing populations, so the more that are trafficked, the worse off they'll be.

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Additionally, when wildlife is trafficked from one country to another, it becomes an invasive species. Invasive species can pose significant problems, from introducing new diseases to reducing food security for other wildlife and people.

What's being done about the rescued turtles?

Authorities sent the turtles for rehabilitation, with the Brevard Zoo in Florida receiving nine of them. Wildlife experts expected the turtles to remain for a few months before being released back into the wild.

One visitor to Brevard Zoo told Fox 35 Orlando: "I don't feel good about smuggling anything because I've heard about a lot of animals that have been smuggled. It doesn't do them any good. They just want to make the money."

As for the smuggler, HuffPost reported that the court will sentence the man Tuesday and that he faces up to five years in prison.

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Ohio voters will choose their next governor and could help decide who controls Congress in 2026.

The Nov. 3, 2026 election will be the first major referendum on President Donald Trump's second term. At the state level, Ohioans will see a shakeup in leadership with the departure of Gov. Mike DeWine as other term-limited officials pursue new jobs.

Candidates must submit paperwork to formally declare their candidacy by Feb. 4.

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Here are five key races to watch.

Ohio governor candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton

Ohio to elect new governor in 2026

The top of Ohio's 2026 ticket is the race to replace DeWine. He cannot run again due to term limits.

Republicans have rallied around Vivek Ramaswamy, an Upper Arlington billionaire from suburban Cincinnati who ran for president in 2024. Ramaswamy got an early endorsement from Trump and drove out potential primary opponents, including Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Attorney General Dave Yost.

Ramaswamy will face Democrat Amy Acton, who served as Department of Health director under DeWine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Former U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, who lost a race for U.S. Senate in 2022, spent months debating whether to launch a primary bid against Acton but ultimately decided against it.

Husted, Brown vie for Ohio U.S. Senate seat

Sen. Jon Husted was appointed to the U.S. Senate in January 2025 and must run in 2026 to keep his seat. He was chosen by DeWine to replace JD Vance after Vance was elected vice president.

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Husted's presumptive opponent: former Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Brown lost to Sen. Bernie Moreno in 2024 in one of the country's most heated, and expensive, Senate races. This time, Ohio likely won't receive as much attention or money as North Carolina, Michigan and other top Senate battlegrounds. But Brown's decision to run ensured the Buckeye State is still part of the national conversation.

U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (left) and former Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Landsman faces GOP-friendly 1st Congressional District

Ohio's new congressional map made life harder for U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman.

The 1st Congressional District around Cincinnati went from a Democratic-favored district to one that leans Republican. Democrats on the Ohio Redistricting Commission agreed to the change to protect Rep. Emilia Sykes, who represents the Akron area.

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The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added Landsman to its list of Frontline members, who get extra money and support to run tough races.

Three Republicans have announced bids for the seat: former Air Force and CIA officer Eric Conroy, dentist Steven Erbeck and Rosemary Oglesby-Henry, who runs a nonprofit to help young parents. A Cincinnati City Council candidate accused Oglesby-Henry of aiming a gun at him in her home, but a judge dismissed charges against her due to a lack of evidence.

Kaptur embarks on tough fight in 9th Congressional District

In northwest Ohio, the longest-serving woman in Congress faces an even tougher battle.

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Toledo Democrat, is running for a 23rd term in the 9th Congressional District. Republicans have tinkered with Kaptur's district for years, but she won reelection in 2022 and 2024 under a more challenging map.

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The new boundaries favor Republicans even more and were drawn to include Ohio Senate President Rob McColley's district.

McColley is mulling a run for the seat, but he hasn't launched a campaign yet. If he does, he'll face state Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Twp., former state Rep. Derek Merrin and Air Force veteran Alea Nadeem in the GOP primary.

Who will be Ohio's top election official?

Voters will elect a new secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer and auditor because the people in those seats are term limited. But some of them are still running in 2026  just for different jobs.

That includes Treasurer Robert Sprague, who is angling to be Ohio's top election official. Sprague will face retired Air Force officer Marcell Strbich in the Republican primary.

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The contest for the Democratic nomination is between state Rep. Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, and University of Cincinnati Health doctor Bryan Hambley. Russo stepped down as House minority leader over the summer to run for statewide office.

The secretary of state oversees Ohio elections, among other duties. That person is often at the center of hot-button debates about voting rights and redistricting and can influence how lawmakers shape election policies.

State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@usatodayco.com or @haleybemiller on X.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Key Ohio races to watch in the 2026 midterm elections
A strange looking Southeast Asian cat went missing in Thailand about 30 years ago. The flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps) is unmistakable with its long, flattened forehead and short, tubular body. Other odd features include webbed toes for getting around in their preferred habitat of wetlands and peat swamps. Despite their diminutive size (just half the size of a house cat), flat-headed cats rank as apex predators in their boggy ecosystems, feeding on fish, shrimp, and perhaps small birds and rodents.

The last detection of a flat-headed cat in Thailand was in 1995, contributing to its 2008 classification as IUCN Endangered. Now, thanks to camera trap surveys, flat-headed cats have once again been spotted in southern Thailand. Their rediscovery was reported today by Thailands Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) and Panthera Thailand, a global wild cat conservation organization.

Based on images from the largest ever camera trap survey of the species, flat-headed cats were spotted 13 times in 2024 and16 times in 2025 in Thailands Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary. A mother with cubs was also documented, indicating a reproducing population. Only about 2,500 flat-headed cats are thought to exist throughout their Southeast Asian range.

Read more: Your Cat is Listening to You

This is a landmark moment for Thailand and a powerful reflection of our long-standing commitment to conservation, explained Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, who added that the flat-headed cats resurgence is a well-timed reminder that when we safeguard our natural heritage, we safeguard our nations wild habitats and future.

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The finding comes just in time for todays National Wildlife Protection Day in Thailand, celebrated annually on December 26th.

Uncovering the existence of a species once thought lost in the region highlights the dedication and effectiveness of DNP officials in protecting border forests and preserving rare wildlife populations despite challenging political and social circumstances that make conservation work difficult, said Thailands DNP Director General Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa.

But the work isnt over, as continued threats to flat-headed cats include land conversion for agriculture and housing, hunting, pollution, and disease spread from domestic animals.

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Lead photo: A rare image of a Flat-headed Cat (Prionailurus planiceps) at night, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia. Credit: Sebastian Kennerknecht/Panthera.

This story was originally featured on Nautilus.
Over 800,000 student-loan borrowers are waiting for their income-driven repayment plans to be processed.

The Education Department said in a court filing that 170 borrowers on IDR were approved for relief in November.

It leaves thousands of borrowers in repayment limbo as the department works through its backlog.

Thousands of student-loan borrowers are stuck in limbo.

President Donald Trump's Department of Education provided an update on the progress it has made in processing student-loan borrowers' income-driven repayment applications in a court filing last week. It seems the department still has a lot of work to do: 802,730 IDR applications are pending as of November 30.

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Per the court filing, the department discharged the loans of 170 student-loan borrowers who were on IDR plans in November, with another 280 discharges for borrowers who had completed their payments through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives student debt for government and nonprofit workers after 10 years of qualifying payments.

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The updates are a result of an agreement the Department of Education reached with the American Federation of Teachers, which accused the department in a lawsuit of delaying processing and denying borrowers the relief they're owed.

In October, the department also said in a court filing in the AFT lawsuit that it would process more forgiveness for borrowers on income-driven repayment plans, appearing to be a commitment to keep working through the backlog. The latest update leaves it uncertain as to how quickly the department intends to process applications and grant relief to borrowers who complete their qualifying number of payments.

Millions of student-loan borrowers face significant changes in 2026

Beginning in July 2026, the department is set to begin implementing major repayment changes that Trump signed into law in his "big beautiful" spending legislation. These include a new repayment plan, borrowing limits for graduate, professional, and parent loans, and changes to PSLF eligibility.

Tax changes are also coming. A 2021 provision in the American Rescue Plan that made student-loan forgiveness tax-free is set to expire in January, meaning that borrowers who reach their qualifying number of payments for relief in 2026 could face thousands of dollars in taxes. The department confirmed, however, that borrowers who reached their payment threshold before 2026 but did not yet have their discharge approved would not face taxes.

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Student-loan borrowers told Business Insider that they're bracing for higher payments next year as a result of the slew of repayment changes, along with uncertainty as to how those changes will play out.

"My overall general feeling is anxiety and nervousness about it because we really don't know what's going to happen," Jennifer Oakes, a 41-year-old borrower, said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The family that owns Fresnos popular Wheres The Food truck is asking for the communitys help through this GoFundMe as Lida Nguyen, the wife and mother of the family, is dying of cancer.

Mike Osegueda, founder of the Fresno Street Eats food truck event, organized the fundraiser . Osegueda has been a long-time friend to Nguyen and her husband, Henry Wickman, who in 2015 started operating Wheres The Food, known as the WTF food truck.

Theyre just good, hardworking people, Osegueda told The Bee on Wednesday. Theyre true examples of what its like to be a food truck entrepreneur.

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Fresno Street Eats announced the GoFundMe on social media Tuesday. Its goal is to raise $24,000 and by Wednesday afternoon it has raised $14,498.

Osegueda said the family is proud, so they previously did not ask for the communitys help despite Nguyen having been diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. But she is now in hospice care , so community donations will help Wickman give his wife a burial and provide the family some financial support, Osegueda said.

He said Nguyen and Wickman have three daughters.

Lida Nguyen is nearing her battle with cancer. Her husband, Henry Wickman, is taking donations through GoFundMe to give her a nice burial to help support his family. (COURTESY OF MIKE OSEGUEDA)

Fresno restaurant community coming together to help food truck owners

About a year after the married couple opened the WTF food truck , they said in an interview with The Bee that the WTF name was born from the frustration they experienced while trying to think of a name.

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The truck is known for its Mexican-Asian fusion and creative menu options.

Osegueda told The Bee Nguyen was the creative mind behind a lot of the menu.

He said being a food truck entrepreneur does not come with the same security as other careers.

If the food trucks not out there, theyre not generating any income, Osegueda said. The kinds of things happen in the business, you prepare for that. But you dont necessarily prepare for cancer or life and death.

He said Fresnos food truck and restaurant community  including owners and customers  have already stepped up to help the family with donations.

Theyve definitely made an impact in the community, Osegueda said. You can see that based on the other people that are donating.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the United States has expressed interest in establishing cryptocurrency mining operations at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).

The statement came during a recent meeting between Putin and Russian business leaders, where he discussed ongoing negotiations over the plants future, according to a report from Russian outlet Kommersant on Dec. 25.

Located in southeastern Ukraine, the ZNPP is Europes largest nuclear facility and once played a central role in Ukraines electricity supply and grid stability. Since being occupied by Russian forces in 2022, the site has become a recurring flashpoint in diplomatic discussions.

Related: Russia bans crypto mining in several regions until 2031

Competing proposals for control of Europes largest nuclear plant

The report claims that Washington aims to use a proposed stake in the ZNPP for crypto mining as part of wider U.S.-Russia talks. Moscow and Washington are reportedly discussing a joint management plan for the plant that would exclude Ukraine.

However, according to the BBC, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented an updated peace plan, which included a proposal from the U.S. for a tripartite arrangement for the facility. In the arrangement, Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. will hold equal stakes in the facility.

Control over the ZNPP has major geopolitical and security implications, as whoever manages the plant effectively controls a key source of electricity for southern Ukraine and a stabilizing component of the wider regional grid.

More News:

Bitcoin mining in Russia grows amid tightening regulation

While the Zaporizhzhia plants crypto connection remains speculative, Bitcoin mining is already thriving in Russia.

Since 2024, the activity has been legalized and regulated under a law signed by Putin, requiring miners to register with authorities and adhere to taxation and energy standards. A national registry of crypto mining equipment was established in 2025 to improve oversight and curb illegal power consumption.

Russia now contributes between 4% and 16% of global Bitcoin hashrate, placing it among the worlds top mining hubs. The countrys mining advantage lies in abundant, cheap energy, particularly in Siberia, and its cold climate, which naturally aids in cooling mining hardware.

Beyond profitability, the Kremlin views Bitcoin mining as a strategic tool for monetizing surplus energy and earning foreign income in the face of Western sanctions. Despite periodic regional restrictions and crackdowns on unregistered operations, the sector continues to expand.
An overhead view of damage to U.S. 2 in Tumwater Canyon, in a photo shared by the Washington State Department of Transportation on Dec. 16, 2025. (Photo courtesy of WSDOT)

About 20 miles of U.S. 2 are set to reopen Monday on the east side of the Cascades, allowing access to the Stevens Pass ski resort, after devastating flooding and debris slides destroyed parts of the highway this month.

U.S. 2, a major east-west crossing in Washington over the Cascades, has been closed for two weeks along a nearly 50-mile stretch between Skykomish and Leavenworth. Parts of the roadway collapsed entirely.

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Fully reopening the highway is going to take time, a long time, and were still evaluating the full extent of the damage, Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a press conference Friday.

The partial reopening will be at 6 a.m. Monday between Coles Corner and Stevens Pass, or mileposts 85 and 64, Ferguson said. A pilot car will shepherd drivers for the final stretch to the pass in one lane between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. This system is expected to last at least a month.

The west side of U.S. 2 remains closed at Skykomish, blocking access to Stevens Pass from that direction. Ferguson plans to be in Skykomish on Tuesday to survey the damage there and give an update on repairs in that area, hopefully with a timeline for reopening.

We all understand how critical reopening Highway 2 is for residents of our cities and communities, for our economy, for the ski resort, for travel across our state, Ferguson said. Were very, very mindful of that, and the team is working extremely hard to get it opened as quickly as possible.

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At milepost 54 near Skykomish, many, many feet of debris have had to be removed from a bridge before it can be inspected, state Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith said.

Ten days ago, Ferguson said parts of U.S. 2 could remain closed for months. On Friday, he said some repairs will have to wait for snow to clear in the Cascades.

Repairs like this, as you might imagine, are heavily dependent on the weather, and the weather this time of year, obviously, is not ideal, Ferguson said.

Theres no estimate for the cost of the damage to the highway.

The ski resort, owned by Vail Resorts, has drawn frustration from skiers and snowboarders over not offering refunds despite the delayed opening.

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Skykomish Mayor Henry Sladek called Fridays announcement a great first step. Leavenworth Mayor Carl Florea said, We appreciate the potential for this first step toward that restoration.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

We know its going to be a long time coming, Florea added.

Across the state, about eight sections of highway remain closed due to the flooding, Meredith said.

Ferguson last week proposed roughly $2 billion for preserving and maintaining the states bridges and roads. Legislators will consider that funding plan when they return to Olympia next month for a 60-day legislative session.
Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

A recent passenger flight of a JetBlue-operated Airbus A320 experienced an unexplained drop in altitude, injuring 15 passengers onboard.

The company says solar radiation caused the equipment malfunction, but space weather experts suggest a more likely culprit is cosmic rays produced from some far-flung supernova.

Cosmic rays are known to produce soft errors, known as bit flips, which turn a bit from a one to a zero (or vice versa) unintentionally.

On October 30, 2025, a JetBlue passenger jet was making its way from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, when after reaching cruising altitude at 35,000 feet, it suddenly dropped precipitously. Although the pilots regained control of the aircraft, the flight landed in Florida, where 15 people were taken to the hospital. Thankfully, everyone eventually arrived in Newark alive and well.

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However, what exactly occurred over the Gulf of Mexico remained a mysterythat is, until around a month later, when Airbus (the makers of the A320 in question) released a statement saying that the cause of this mishap was due to solar radiation corrupt[ing] data critical to the functioning of flight controls. A couple of days later, Airbus announced that around 6,000 of its aircraft received updates to address this problem. Mystery solved, right?

Well, not so fast.

Speaking with Space.com , Clive Dyera space weather and radiation expert at the University of Surrey in the U.K.said that on October 30, solar radiation levels were normal and nowhere near impactful enough to mess with avionics. Instead, Dyer thinks another invisible reason may be to blame: cosmic rays.

[Cosmic rays] can interact with modern microelectronics and change the state of a circuit, Dyer told Space.com. They can cause a simple bit flip, like a 0 to 1 or 1 to 0. They can mess up information and make things go wrong. But they can cause hardware failures too, when they induce a current in an electronic device and burn it out.

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The unintentional change of a bit zero to a one (or vice versa) is known as a bit flip, and its a phenomenon that dates back to early days of the computer age . One of the most famous examples of cosmic rays wreaking havoc on terrestrial electronics is during an election in Brussels, when a little-known politician from Schaerbeek received more electronic votes than was possible4,096 added votes, to be precise. This is a suspicious number because its the exact amount that would appear if the 13th bit flipped from zero to a one. After testing and re-testing the voting system, the error wasnt reproducible, suggesting that perhaps cosmic rays were the culprit.

This isnt even the first time cosmic rays may have impacted air travel. In 2008, an Airbus A380 similarly dropped suddenly on its way to Perth, Australia. After investigating several possible explanations, one plausible theory was that a high-energy atmospheric particle struck the CPU module. But because this was a soft error, its impossible to know for sure if this was the cause.

Typically, the Earth shields us from these harmful high-energy charged particles, but at the cruising altitudes of aircraft, things are a little bit different. According to the Oxford Scientist, exposure to cosmic rays increases 100-fold at cruising altitude (compared to sea level). Pregnant pilots or aircrew will also typically refrain from flying during their first trimester, due in part to this increased exposure to radiation.



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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Christmas may be over, but the holiday travel rush is far from finished as millions of Americans head home amid widespread winter weather disruptions.

Air travelers across the country are facing delays and cancellations as storms impact major regions, including the West Coast and the Northeast. By Friday, thousands of flights nationwide had already been delayed or canceled, according to FlightAware.com.

At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), passengers said delays were already setting in.

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Washington Commanders, NFL Foundation awards $650K to three DMV high schools

Traveling back to Dallas, said passenger Trevor Alexander. Were delayed about 45 minutes right now.

He has been checking radar conditions and the developing storm activity.

Forecasters warn that snow, sleet and freezing rain in the Northeast could create dangerous travel conditions. Travelers in parts of New York and New Jersey could see up to 10 inches of snow, raising concerns about further disruptions at major airports.

Returning a gift? That might cost you

Passenger Rachel Scher said she and her family felt fortunate to be flying out to New York before the worst of the weather arrives.

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Were very glad that I think were ahead of it, said Scher. It looks like its going to start around 6 p.m., so we feel lucky that were not going to have our flight canceled or delayed, God willing.

Meanwhile, atmospheric rivers are pounding parts of California, Washington state and Oregon, creating additional headaches for travelers in the West. Alex Reichert, flying from the DC-area to Ohio, said he was relieved his destination was outside the storm zone.

Im going to the Midwest, I guess, in Ohio, said Reichert. So I think, it shouldnt affect me too much.

Volunteers in Springfield send care packages, Christmas cards to veterans, soldiers overseas

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Closer to home, winter weather advisories are in effect for several counties north of the Capital Beltway.

For many travelers like Melby Scher, it will be a cold and snowy return home.

We didnt have the White Christmas this year, so at least when we get back its going to be snowy, which is nice, said Scher.

AAA estimates more than 122 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the year-end holiday period, making this one of the busiest travel seasons on record.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation are putting out restrictions ahead of expected icy conditions.

Thats not great timing. Thats for sure, said Justin Smith, who just got off the Turnpike. Im sure there will be a lot of people moving tomorrow, going home or maybe even going somewhere else.

Lane restrictions for all Pennsylvania Interstates West of I-81, including all Western PA Turnpike extensions, will go into effect starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, when many may be traveling home from their holiday plans.

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Justin Smith says he saw the announcement on Christmas morning but was confused by the Department of Transportations caution.

I checked the weather! I dont know why they are putting restrictions on, said Smith. But I did that this morning when I was on my way home.

PennDOT and the PA Turnpike crews will be out pre-treating the roadways where necessary in order to avoid ice from forming. They encourage drivers to use caution when approaching bridges and ramps because even a wet road can be dangerous during a high volume of traffic. Rex Cramer said the weather doesnt scare him when traveling. He said its just as important for drivers to implement restrictions on themselves.

The key to driving in bad weather is just adjusting your speed for weather conditions, said Cramer.

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Traffic wasnt bad this morning, but tomorrow morning its going to be a different story, said Smith.

PennDOT also said that speed limits will be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways while the restrictions are in place. They will make changes to the restrictions as the conditions progress.

Be sure to check the forecast before traveling on our WPXI Weather app.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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A tip to Tennessee game wardens in fall of 2024 led to the conviction of a repeat poaching offender who, with an accomplice, was found to have illegally killed 50 white-tailed deer and was illegally selling the meat.

Robert E. Comer, who was currently serving a three-year hunting license revocation because of previous illegal wildlife poaching violations in Tennessee, pled guilty to two felony counts of possession/traffic of protected wildlife, one count of illegal take, possession or destruction of wildlife, and two counts of hunting on revocation, according to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Consequently, Comer received a 60-day prison sentence; was banned for life from hunting, fishing and trapping; was banned for life from any TWRA controlled and/or managed lands; and was required to pay $15,000 in restitution, part of which stemmed from a prior 2022 conviction of hunting violations.

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Carson Smith was also found to have participated in poaching activities. He pled guilty to three counts of illegal take, possession or destruction of wildlife; one count of a statewide big-game hunting season and bag limit violation; and one count of big-game tagging violation. He received a three-hunting privilege revocation.

The wildlife poaching activity occurred near the Wilson and Rutherford County border.

Via multiple search warrants, game wardens seized 50 white-tailed deer heads and antlers, one wild turkey head, and one illegally possessed fox squirrel. Wardens also seized a rifle, a muzzleloader, and a crossbow determined to be used in the commission of these crimes.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Poacher of 50 deer gets prison sentence, lifetime ban from hunting
The partial US government shutdown is now in its fourth day but appears likely to end soon after a White House pressure campaign pushed Republican holdouts over the line and likely cleared the way for a final vote later today.
Stoughton police helped deliver a big gift on Christmas morning, as two officers assisted a woman as she gave birth on the side of the road.

According to a Facebook post from the Stoughton Police Department, officers received a report of a woman in active labor inside a parked vehicle on Thursday morning.

Two officers  identified by Stoughton police as Officer Guzman and Sgt. Medeiros  arrived on the scene, where they found the mother-to-be in the backseat, ready to deliver.

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According to Stoughton police, Guzman directed her to push, while Medeiros assisted in the delivery.

The baby, a boy, was born in the car at 6:17 a.m on Christmas morning.

Medeiros cleared the babys mouth and nose, rubbed his back and gave him to his mother.

The mother and her newborn were taken to Boston Medical Center, where the Stoughton police reported they are doing well.

We are proud of Sgt. Medeiros and Officer Guzman for their quick actions, teamwork, and compassion during this once-in-a-lifetime Christmas miracle, the post read. From all of us at the Stoughton Police Department, congratulations to the new mother and her family, and welcome to the world, little one.

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Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 17-year-old suspect and her 19-year-old relative were summoned for questioning at the police station on suspicion of offending religious feelings.

Officers from the Lev Tel Aviv are investigating an incident in which a young woman was recorded blowing out Hanukkah candles at a shopping mall in Tel Aviv over the festival, Israel Police announced.

Police began investigating after the CCTV footage went viral last weekend.

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After receiving approval from the Prosecutors Office, the 17-year-old suspect and her 19-year-old relative were summoned for questioning at the police station on suspicion of offending religious feelings. The maximum penalty for this offense is three years in prison.

Hanukkah candles extinguished in Tel Aviv

The relative was recorded clapping while she blew out the candles. The suspect later returned to the extinguished candles to record on her phone, Israeli media reported.

Diaspora outlet TheJ.ca reported the woman posted the video, captioning it, No one can see me because all shops are closed!

The two suspects, residents of the Wadi Ara area in northern Israel, were released with restrictive conditions, and the investigation is ongoing.
A Goshen man was injured after a new tire fell off a car Tuesday afternoon.

According to Goshen police, at 2:48 p.m., Rosario Rosales, 49, of Goshen, reported she was traveling northeast on West Wilden Avenue in a 2012 Dodge Journey when her tire broke from the axle and began to travel toward the sidewalk. Rosales said she had just received new tires from Walmart a week prior and had no prior issues with her tires prior to having them changed. All five lug nuts broke from the tire.

The tire struck a pedestrian, Marc Dosmann, 73, of Goshen, who was transported to Goshen Hospital for evaluation.

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ARRESTS

 A 21-year-old woman was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 1:16 p.m. Tuesday on charges of resisting law enforcement and possession of marijuana after she was stopped for moving violations near South Sixth Street and East Washington Street.

 A 47-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 5:53 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated after police responded to a man slumped over the wheel of a vehicle in the 500 block of East Madison Street.

 A 48-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 3 p.m. Wednesday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and shoplifting after a complaint was received from Walmart, 4024 Elkhart Road.

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 A 41-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 3:16 a.m. Thursday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated after police were called to a crash at Indiana Avenue and Plymouth Avenue.

HIT-AND-RUN

A 52-year-old man reported to Goshen police at 8:19 p.m. Wednesday being involved in a crash where the other vehicle left the scene in the 600 block of Lincoln Avenue.

CRIMINAL RECKKLESSNESS

Goshen police responded to the sounds of gunfire at 4:54 a.m. Thursday in the 100 block of Huron Street. While on scene, police noted evidence of gunfire at two homes. No injuries were reported.

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STRUCTURE FIRE

A 37-year-old man reported to Goshen police at 2:34 p.m. Tuesday a structure fire in the 400 block of North Riverside Boulevard. Goshen Fire Department extinguished the fire. No medical attention was needed and no injuries were reported.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Goshen police were called to Shiloh Industries, 910 Eisenhower Drive South, at 5:10 a.m. Tuesday for a report of multiple vehicles vandalized overnight.

THEFT

A 25-year-old man reported to Goshen police that his wallet was stolen while shopping at JRM Resale, 710 W. Lincoln Ave., at 3:58 p.m. Wednesday.
A pony escapee led to a Christmas rescue on Thursday in northern Ohio.

The Ashland County Sheriffs Office responded to a call that a pony was running loose on County Road 1575, according to our CBS news affiliate, WOIO.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

TRENDING STORIES:

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The pony was determined not to get caught and stayed one step ahead.

Deputies from the sheriffs office, Humane Society of Ashland County workers, and community members worked together to capture the pony.

The pony was caught and is now safely in a new fenced-in area with the Humane Society of Ashland County.

Huge thank-you to some absolutely amazing friends who jumped in without hesitation to help rescue this pony and get him safely off the roadway and out of harms way, said The Humane Society of Ashland County.

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With the luxury travel market valued at $1.4 trillion in 2023 and expected to top $2 trillion by 2030, according to ILTM, high-end travel agencies and hotel development groups alike are trying to forecast the next trending travel destination.

A recent report from travel booking platform Skyscanner identified the Costa Rican city of Limon on the Caribbean Coast as the most rapidly rising luxury destination, while the Middle Eastern nation of Saudi Arabia will see two new five-star hotel brands of Atlantis and One&Only open in the port city of Jeddah in the coming years.

A new luxury trends report from travel advisor network Virtuoso identified South Korea as a country where high-spending travelers increasingly seek luxury experiences. Government statistics show that the East Asian nation recorded a 48.4% jump in international visitors  among them 1.34 million Americans  from 2024 to 2025.

New Rosewood, Mandarin Oriental, and Ritz-Carlton properties are currently all under construction in Seoul, with slated opening dates over the next five years.

Seoul searching: South Korea emerges as top luxury destination for 2026 and beyond

"With frontage along Noksapyeong-daero, one of Seoul's main thoroughfares, The Parkside Seoul serves as a connector to both the city's traditional business district to the north and the modern Gangnam area to the south," Rosewood said of the new property opening in the Yongsan-gu district in 2027.

The Virtuoso report also identifies countries including Italy, Japan, and Greece as the top global destinations for the coming year, while South Africa, Australia, and Canada also factor in the top 10.

Related: A new hotel is officially the world's tallest

Italy, Greece, and the Bali island in Indonesia are the top trending destinations for honeymooners. Antarctica, Iceland, and South Africa also have emerged as 2026 adventure destinations.

"Rising" destinations defined as seeing the biggest increases in interest among luxury travelers include Norway, Morocco, Vietnam, and Kenya, among others.

An earlier version of the Luxe Report published in the fall named trends such as "Main Character Synergy," which pushes travelers to destinations they saw in films, shows, and even music videos.

In South Korea's case, this is still tied to the rise of K-Dramas and K-Pop over the last decade and, most recently, the 2025 film "KPop Demon Hunters."

Three major luxury hotel brands will open new properties in Seoul by 2031.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

"Everything from private transfers and Michelin-level dining to resort buyouts"

On the luxury end, there has also been an increase in demand for what Virtuoso classifies as "unlimited luxe" experiences in which travelers pay for fully composed itineraries but with high-end experiences like fine restaurants, spa treatments and private jet transfers to remote nature.
(National Park Service/Dixon)

In early August, the leader of Washingtons Department of Fish and Wildlife had become so concerned with alleged behaviors of the citizen panel that he answers to that he asked Gov. Bob Ferguson to investigate.

Kelly Susewind, the agency director, questioned whether conduct by members of the state Fish and Wildlife Commission complied with state laws after poring through a trove of their emails and texts obtained and shared publicly by an advocacy group for hunters and anglers.

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The Sportsmens Alliance had argued that commissioners violated state requirements for open meetings and records disclosure, and that they disregarded mandates to maximize hunting and fishing. The group was pressing Ferguson to remove four commissioners.

Against this backdrop, Susewind made his extraordinary request for an inquiry into the commission, which oversees his department and has the power to remove a director should it choose.

I know this is a big ask, he wrote the governor Aug. 5. Susewind said an investigation could clear up a cloud of uncertainty shrouding the nine-person commission. If wrongdoing occurred, he said, the governor could remove members because each is appointed by the executive.

A few days later, it became public that Ferguson had ordered an investigation. The governor takes concerns from an agency director very seriously, Fergusons communications director, Brionna Aho, told the Standard.

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Four months later, the investigation continues. It may be February before it is done.

And, it turns out, Ferguson set it in motion earlier than previously acknowledged.

On June 20, according to documents the Standard obtained through a public records request, the Office of Financial Management signed a $40,000 contract with Chiedza Nziramasanga of Transformative Workplace Investigations.

The firm was hired to provide a comprehensive investigation of a reported experience in a work unit to allow leadership to determine if any discrimination, retaliation and/or other policy violations occurred as alleged.

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Although the commission and agency are not identified in the contract, the Office of Financial Management confirmed that the contract was for the Fish and Wildlife Commission investigation.

The hiring came weeks after Ferguson received a petition from the Sportsmens Alliance to remove the four commissioners. Susewind said he was not told a contract was issued.

I wrote my (August) letter and I was informed they hired an investigator, Susewind said. Ive not been privy to anything going on with that contract.

Its not clear how the scope of the investigation overlaps with or goes beyond the Sportsmens Alliance claims.

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Ferguson has not publicly commented on the Sportsmens Alliance petition and Aho declined to answer questions on how it factored into the hiring of the investigator. That petition and supporting materials were the first documents provided to the investigator in mid-August, based on information the Standard obtained through a public records request.

The governors office was aware of a possible need to investigate, based on a preliminary conversation with the department, Aho wrote in an email. After the governor received the letter from Director Susewind laying out his concerns, it was clear an investigation was needed.

Originally, the investigators final report was to be turned in by Oct. 7, with the contract ending Nov. 11.

Earlier this month, the contract was extended and its cost increased. Transformative Investigations will now earn $64,000 and its findings are due by Feb. 13.

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Commissioners whove repeatedly said there was no cause for an inquiry were further rankled upon learning the investigator wont be done until next year.

Im very frustrated with the amount of time its taking to try and resolve the whole issue, said Commissioner John Lehmkuhl, who the investigator interviewed in November.

Itll yield what it yields

Seeds of this investigation were planted in November 2022 when the commission voted to stop recreational hunting of black bears in the spring.

Sportsmens Alliance, an Ohio-based organization, opposed the decision.

The next year, it started requesting emails, texts and other communications of commissioners, convinced the correspondence would reveal violations of state laws requiring public meetings and preservation of public records. It took a lawsuit, but the group received thousands of records.

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On May 16, the group filed the petition asking Ferguson to remove commissioners Barbara Baker, Lorna Smith, Melanie Rowland and Lehmkuhl, alleging misconduct and malfeasance.

Susewind, agency director for seven years, said he became concerned as he read some of the records produced in response to the alliances request. He shared his concerns with the governors office but said he was not asked directly by Fergusons staff to request some kind of action. He did that on his own.

I just decided it was best for everybody to have an independent investigation to see whats going on. Itll yield what it yields, he said.

Susewind, along with the commissioners named in the petition, are among those whove been interviewed by the investigator.

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Alliance leaders have not received any response from the governor to their petition. Nor had anyone from the group been interviewed for the investigation as of early December.

It is very surprising that this has not occurred as our inquiries and scrutiny are what precipitated the investigation, said Michael Jean, Sportsmens Alliance attorney, in an email.

Its very disruptive

Commissioners targeted in the petition are frustrated. Some wrote letters to Ferguson to rebut claims in the petition and are disappointed at his lack of response. They feel the protracted inquiry is undermining the panel.

This has been a pretty stressful, awful situation, said Commissioner Lorna Smith. It has had a chilling effect on everything this commission wants to be doing.

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Smith said shes not sure the states ever carried out an investigation of a citizen commission in this manner.

I do not see that they have any grounds for their claims. Thats how I think it will turn out, she said. If I or any other commissioners stepped over any lines, it was totally not on purpose.

Lehmkuhl said, Its just sort of hanging over us. Its very disruptive.

Commissioner Jim Anderson said since becoming chair in August that hes not felt the investigation has impeded the commissions work.

It is what it is. I dont think we as a commission have gotten high-centered on this, he said. I would like to have it done yesterday because it would give us clarity of where things came out.

Is change on the horizon?

The investigation is the latest flare-up for the panel. A report released last year included interviews with people who described the commission as dysfunctional. It also suggested that the commissions structure might need to be overhauled.

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And shortly after taking office, Ferguson halted two commissioner nominations former Gov. Jay Inslee made. He upset some wildlife conservationists by cutting a commissioner they supported and installing nominees with support from hunters, anglers, and a bloc of tribes.

A pending House bill would have the agency director appointed by the governor and the commissions role shifted from oversight to advisory. Theres a Senate bill to retool the process for naming commissioners. Both face long odds in the upcoming session.

Sen. Mike Chapman, D-Port Angeles, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, said at a hearing in early December that hes not planning to advance either policy next year.

If it were up to me and me alone, which itll never be nor should it be, but I believe that the department should be a cabinet-level position. But I have no intention of hearing a bill like that this session, he said. He added that he also did not plan to hear the bill to change the makeup of the commission.

Chapman invited groups with concerns about how the department is being run to come together to find efficiencies and reforms so that the commission is a state agency that we all can be, continue to be proud of.
They come on buses, in cars and RVs. Some ride on motorcycles. Every Sunday afternoon, convoys of protesters from all over Florida, and others from out of state, descend on the notorious Alligator Alcatraz immigration jail in the Everglades to stand vigil for those held inside.

It is a ritual that began in August, a month after the opening of the remote detention camp celebrated by Donald Trump for its harsh conditions, and hailed by Floridas Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, as a model for the presidents aggressive detention and deportation agenda.

The open air vigils continued, and grew in size, through the brutal heat and torrential rains of the south Florida summer. They endured through a federal judges order in August that Alligator Alcatraz should close, and a subsequent reversal by an appeals court; the protesters voices grew louder at alleged human rights abuses and violence inflicted on detainees.

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Related: By the numbers: the latest ICE and CBP data on arrests, detentions and deportations in the US

Over the holiday season, thousands more people are expected to join the protests. The Guardian spoke to several people at the heart of the vigils:

The daughter

Arianne Betancourts Cuban-born father Justo, 54, was detained during a routine immigration check-in appointment in October and swiftly transported to Alligator Alcatraz. He is diabetic, she says, and has been denied his twice-daily insulin injections.

They just told him he can get it in Mexico, said Betancourt, who found strength at the vigils supporting other families with loved ones who are incarcerated.

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Ive met Roxana, her husband is detained, she has a baby; Michelle, her father is detained, and she was there with her daughter, whos 14 or 15; theres Jeffrey, whose boyfriend was detained. Were all feeling the same way. Theres no options, no due process, no actual legal process, nothing you can appeal, nothing you can fight. So if theres anything I learn, any resources or anything, Im just sharing it with the other families, because at the end of the day were all going through the same thing.

The oldest of three siblings, all US citizens, Betancourt says she is angry at what she sees as the unconstitutional treatment of her father, who came to the country on a humanitarian parole program from Panama when he was a teenager. He served probation for a criminal conspiracy charge several years ago, she said, and reported regularly to immigration authorities before his detention.

He tries his best not to cry on the rare occasions they can speak by telephone, she said, noting she fears he will suddenly disappear.

When I talked to him this week he was like, Listen, you know, theyre not giving people court dates, theyre not standing before a judge. Theyre pulling them out of their cells at night, putting them on a plane and sending them to Mexico, regardless of where theyre from, she said.

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Im the oldest one, so I have to be like, OK, hey, you know, everythings gonna be OK. Im gonna figure this out. But the truth is I dont know how Im gonna figure this out.

The pastor

As pastor of the Allendale United Methodist church in St Petersburg, Andy Oliver has never been afraid of diving into political issues. The treatment of detainees at Alligator Alcatraz, he said, compelled him to organize a bus to attend the vigils, and he was encouraged that other locals joined his parishioners to make their voices heard.

We filled up the bus and had to rent a couple more vehicles. We had so many people wanting to be there, he said.

Oliver sees parallels at the immigration jail with the religious stories he preaches.

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In the Christmas story, the person who came to announce Jesuss arrival was his cousin John the Baptist, and he was pretty quickly thrown in jail for calling for liberation, he said.

Jesus came to bring liberation to people. We have people that are physically being detained even beyond the scope of what the law allows, families are being separated, harms are being done. Jesus was born as a refugee. He spent most of his ministry with people on the margins. I think thats where Jesus would be, hed be calling for these prisons to be emptied.

Oliver said the diversity of the vigil crowd was notable, and that it was powerful to share the experience with people of different faiths.

Ive always been touched by the family members who show up. Many of them are putting themselves at risk, he said.

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Sometimes people inside the jail have called out, so we put that on the speaker and listen to prisoners experiences of getting cold food with worms in it, inadequate showers, all the horrible conditions of the place.

And just the journey itself  for many of us it takes several hours to get there, and you do a lot of reflection there and back. Its a long drive and its inconvenient, but also youre driving back to your bed at night, to your family.

These people have been plucked out from whatever life they had into hell.

The military veteran

John Reynolds was a US army intelligence expert serving in Vietnam when he experienced the first pangs of discomfort at how his country treated marginalized populations. Decades later, Reynolds, 81, looks at Alligator Alcatraz and questions what has changed.

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We have these ICE thugs who have been paid bonuses of $50,000 to take somebody off a park bench, to arrest somebody in a church parking lot that happens to be brown. Thats the target, he said.

I see people that have served in the military, Hispanic, Black, women  and despite all the progress made over the years, all of the efforts, all of the sacrifices to take us to a better level of living together and appreciating what we have, we have a regime, a group in power that are absolutely racist and bigoted.

The way this immigrant population is being tortured, and its just beyond anything Ive ever seen.

Reynolds ventures across the Everglades every Sunday from his home in Naples to attend the vigils, which he said he sees as a small part of the protest movement. The people here are very well informed of whats going on, he said.

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The more the general media exposes the inhumanity, the injustice, and the lack of due process, that will be the education tool to take us further. Its getting peoples attention, theyre beginning to see more and more examples of injustice, and its the kind of injustice that theyre not comfortable with.

An army career followed by many years as a schoolteacher, Reynolds says, gave him an appreciation of the good, but now also the bad things he sees at Alligator Alcatraz and elsewhere.

It was a wonderful experience, a fantastic challenge and a great experience, but to see how the country could wander down those paths again, lie to the American people again, have this loss of life, spend money again on [repressing] civilian populations, he said.

What was positive that came of that? Thats why I told myself Ive got to do something about this.

The civil rights activist

Lois Cohen has seen a lot in a lifetime of civil rights activism. The 91-year-old lived through the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr, bombs at Black churches, the 1965 Bloody Sunday attacks on protesters in Selma, Alabama, and the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

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Nothing she has experienced has angered her as much as the alleged treatment of detainees inside Alligator Alcatraz. Other than the Holocaust, I cant imagine this any worse. Its unbelievable, she said.

People keep saying, Well, the Lord will provide, or God will. Id love to know where he is, because hes forgotten about the Everglades.

Cohen said she marched in high school protests in the 1940s, the start of a lifelong dedication to political activism she said still burns strongly within her. She has been at Alligator Alcatraz every weekend.

I can so easily write a check, anyone can write a check, but that doesnt get you involved. To see it, and feel it, and emotionally be so distressed by it that it changes your whole attitude about life, she said.

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Because you cant imagine people being treated like dogs, and kept in cages like dogs. And when youre there it is an extremely emotional, gut-wrenching experience.

Cohen, however, takes comfort from the people she meets at the vigils, and the message they deliver. It is a feeling of companionship, and that there are people in this world who still care, because in my everyday life I see too many that dont, he said.

Its not right. I dont want to be friends with them any more. I want to avoid them.

She said not enough people were aware that the jail quickly ramped back up to full operation after an appeals court decision in September, which is why she believes publicity for the vigils is crucial.

People dont know about it. Ive talked to people and they say, What are you talking about? Theyre still under the assumption that it was closed by the judge in Miami, she said.

The organizer

The growth of the weekly Alligator Alcatraz vigils from a handful of people in August to a regular gathering of hundreds can be attributed in large part to Noelle Damico, director of social justice at the Workers Circle.

Her decades of experience in grassroots activism helped pull together a diverse alliance of church groups, trades union, veterans, Native American tribes, other advocacy groups and individuals that show up every Sunday in the Everglades, and at freedom vigils at immigration detention facilities around the country.

One of the most rewarding parts of this ongoing resistance is that people are finding one another. Theyre breaking their isolation. Theyre coming out from their homes and their neighborhoods, and theyre saying, Im not alone in thinking this is wrong, and Im not alone in wanting to do something about it, Damico said.

Its so uplifting to see people whose paths might not otherwise have crossed, united in shared purpose, in a belief in our common humanity, and a refusal to let the Trump administration drag us further into the depths of despair.

Damico said she was already filling buses for the next two weekends. People are still in detention, separated wrongfully from their loved ones, she said. How can we not be out there in the spirit of the holidays to proclaim a message of love and justice and hope?

The closure of the jail was coming, she said.

Related: They tricked me: Migrants were promised $1,000 to voluntarily leave the US. Some never received it

Its not a matter of if Alligator Alcatraz and the rest of the sprawling, cruel detention network will one day shut down, its a matter of when. And when is up to us, she said.

Thousands of people, many who have never publicly protested anything, are coming off the sidelines to peacefully demand an end to these violent, vicious abductions, torture, detention, and disappearances, and that is what will determine the timeline.

Its not up to Donald Trump. Its not up to [White House policy adviser] Stephen Miller. Its not up to [homeland security secretary] Kristi Noem. Its up to us. And we will end this.
It has been almost a year since Donald Trump told Volodymyr Zelensky he had no cards left to play in their tense Oval Office stand-off.

To end the war in Ukraine, the US president turned to beating his Ukrainian counterpart with a stick, cutting off weapons supplies and crucial flows of intelligence.

But the Ukrainian defence held up  and on Sunday, Mr Zelensky appears ready to stride through the gilded entrance hall of his American counterparts Mar-a-Lago resort to finally reveal his hand.

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After months of negotiations  and a Russian-endorsed 28-point peace plan that would have amounted to Kyivs capitulation  Ukrainian and American officials have signed a new proposal to bring about a ceasefire.

What is now a 20-point strategy covers everything from security guarantees to prevent another invasion to Ukraines reconstruction and its accession to the European Union.

There are, however, two glaring omissions  clear territory divisions and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

A Russian soldier stands guard outside the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant - Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters

For months, neither Ukraine nor Russia has been willing to compromise over the thorniest issues.

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Now, to break the impasse, Mr Zelensky has no choice but to fly to Florida and make his case for a ceasefire on the 20 points that his negotiators have drawn up.

The Ukrainian president said he was ready to withdraw heavy forces from parts of the eastern Donbas the country still controlled if Russia was also willing to pull back its troops to create a demilitarised zone in the contested region. Russia has not reciprocated.

On the future of the nuclear power plant  Europes largest, which remains under Russian occupation  the Ukrainian president rejected a US proposal that would see the facility jointly operated by Kyiv, Moscow and Washington.

Instead, he emphasised that any compromises would have to be hammered out in direct talks with Mr Trump, and any results put to a nationwide referendum in Ukraine. This means a diplomatic solution to bring about the end of the war is as close as it has ever been.

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Concessions from Ukraine will put the ball in Vladimir Putins court, leaving the Russian president with a choice to make.

Can Russian leader accept that a reciprocal military withdrawal from the Donbas province of Donetsk, or the survival of Ukraine as a sovereign state is an acceptable outcome?

Doing so would force him to acknowledge that the maximalist objectives of the full-scale invasion have not been fulfilled.

Language emerging from Moscow would hint that Putin is ready to keep on fighting. The Russian president told businessmen that he might be open to swapping some territory controlled by Russian forces in Ukraine, but wanted the whole of Donbas.

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Other Kremlin officials have repeatedly warned they would not accept anything short of an apparent agreement with Mr Trump brokered in Anchorage, Alaska, which spawned the Moscow-leaning 28-point plan.

Mr Zelensky issued a similar statement, arguing that it was either the 20-point plan to end the fighting or the war continues.

But the Ukrainian president understands that he cannot be the wartime leader who is the main blockage to peace in the eyes of Mr Trump.

By telling his American counterpart, face to face, that he is ready to compromise, Mr Zelensky hopes it will continue a steady flow of weapons and intelligence that are key to battlefield parity.

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Well-placed observers of the war believe the longer Kyiv can continue fighting, assisted by Western aid, the more chance the Ukrainian president has of negotiating on equal terms with his Russian enemy.

The situation is moving in Ukraines favour. Since Mr Trumps inauguration, Russian forces have failed, for a second consecutive year, to capture the key Donbas town of Pokrovsk  or Kupyansk, a vital stronghold on the northern fringe of the frontline.

Putin claimed victories in these cities, likely to have been due to incorrect information from his generals, but the fighting still continues. Ukraine delivered an embarrassing blow to Russia when Mr Zelensky turned up in Kupyansk days after Putin said it was under Russian control.

Volodymyr Zelensky visited troops in the Kupyansk area after Putin had claimed it was under Russian control - Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/AFP/Getty Images

Tatarigami, the pseudonym of a former Ukrainian army officer turned analyst, wrote: As the gap between the Kremlins political ambitions and the realities on the ground, especially as seen by senior Russian military officers, continues to widen, it has become large enough to cause serious informational failures, such as the Kupyansk debacle.

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An increasingly difficult economic situation combined with a lack of progress on frontlines remains the most realistic way for the West to pressure the Kremlin into ending the war, as its duration approaches comparisons with the so-called Great Patriotic War of 19411945.

The analyst added: As war fatigue increasingly affects Russia, the prospect of enforcing a rapid, unfavourable capitulation of Ukraine through Washington, DC now appears even more remote.

Mr Zelensky will be flying to Florida with this in mind. The longer he can stay in the fight, the tougher it will be for Putin to wage war on his country.

And if peace doesnt come soon, the thinking among Ukrainian officials is that their Trump card is the fact it will be Putin who will be the one forced to the table  not Kyiv.

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.
The organizers stated that the protest was against the flow of "Qatari money," which, they claim, was used not only to fund Hamas activities but also for a public relations campaign against Israelis.

Protesters arrived this Friday morning at Tel Aviv's Carmel Shuk dressed as Qatari sheikhs, staging a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his office.

According to the protesters, the costumes were meant to highlight the alleged connection between the Prime Minister's Office and individuals from Qatar.

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The organizers stated that the protest was against what they describe as the flow of "Qatari money," which, they claim, was used not only to fund Hamas activities but also for a public relations campaign directed against Israeli citizens.

Netanyahu must be removed from decision-making positions

They further claimed that the alleged cooperation between the Prime Minister's Office and Qatar took place both before and during the war.

According to the activists, the event underscores the need to remove Netanyahu from all decision-making positions and to establish a state commission of inquiry.

They argue that such a committee is necessary to investigate the matter and to restore public trust in the state's institutions and Israeli society.
BLUE RIVER, Ore.  Bob Bumstead drives a willow branch deep into the mushy riverbed. Water flowing over submerged logs elicits a soft gargle, while the soppy quicksand swallows his boots up to his ankles. He beats the stake with a rubber mallet until only a couple of inches peek out of the sediment.

On a crisp Sunday morning, Bumstead, a retired teacher and a member of the McKenzie Flyfishers, along with 23 volunteers, met at Quartz Creek for a Willow Tree Planting Party, part of a larger effort to restore the McKenzie River.

Since 2015, collaborations between the Eugene Water & Electric Board, the McKenzie Watershed Council and the McKenzie River Trust have focused on restoration to improve water quality, wildfire resiliency and fish and wildlife habitat.

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In September, the most recent phase of this project was completed on Quartz Creek. A 1.8-mile stretch of the upper McKenzie looks like a magnitude 5 hurricane struck. Using excavators and dredges, Haley Construction Co., hired by EWEB, dumped dirt and gravel and placed about 6,000 logs. Now, only native plants like willow remain to be added, which help restore and support local animal species, like the beaver, Chinook salmon, Pacific lamprey and bull trout.

Bob Bumstead, 84, reaches for another willow stake to drive into the Quartz Creek riverbed. Each stake is placed a couple of inches apart, and hopefully will grow into a lush native forest, helping support local beaver, fish and bird populations.

In some areas of the McKenzie, the river is 15 feet lower than it used to be, according to Vanessa Taylor, landscape designer for the McKenzie Watershed Council.

That's a pretty dramatic change, Taylor said. It changes the whole ecosystem in the area.

A century of change

The McKenzie River, one of the largest tributaries of the Willamette River, zigzags across 90 miles in the Willamette Valley. Shaped by volcanic activity, it carved roaring waterfalls, vibrant blue pools and choppy rapids. These geological features are vital for the organisms living in the biosphere.

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However, a century of damming and channelization disconnected the McKenzie River from the ecosystems that sustain it, lowering water levels and weakening salmon runs.

From 1910 to 1969, five dams were built along the river for flood control and hydroelectric power. Although these dams reduce flooding risk for communities downstream, they damage natural habitats.

Chris Daughters has fished on the McKenzie River for over 40 years. A third-generation angler, he and his wife own and operate the Caddis Fly Angling Shop, running guided trips along the river. Although he hasnt seen a significant transformation of the river in his lifetime, he says changes are clear across generations.

My grandfather lived here and fished here, he said. They had salmon up to 20 inches long that were on their way out to the sea, and those fish came back way, way bigger.

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These days, those salmon are much smaller, with juveniles reaching an average size of 6 inches, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Dams prevent salmon from returning to their natural spawning ground. Furthermore, the slowed pace of the reservoirs makes it easier for predators to target larger fish. Over time, dams exert selective pressures, favoring smaller fish.

To reinstitute healthier fish populations, among other efforts, organizations along the McKenzie have implemented large-scale renaturalization efforts on the river.

Joseph Ycaza, 30, shoulders a handful of willow stakes and carries a garden auger while walking down to the Quartz Creek riverbank. Ycaza and 23 other volunteers helped plant over 2,000 willow saplings in an effort to restore the rivers riparian habitat.

After six years of planning, the first major project commenced in 2021 and was completed two years later at Finn Rock Reach, between Nimrod and Blue River. The multi-year effort reshaped the land by carving side channels, replanting riparian vegetation and reestablishing aquatic habitats.

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Since then, a more ambitious project has been completed at Quartz Creek. About 50 miles upstream, Quartz Creek branches off the mainstem. Slower currents, cooler water and riparian shade make the smaller stream a vital spawning ground for native fish.

At first glance, it looks like a flood flattened Quartz Creek, but each rock and log was strategically mapped using software before installation.

Fish, and salmon in particular, have evolved to thrive off ecological chaos, says Susan Fricke, a water resources supervisor at EWEB. Fricke, a fish biologist, has worked on similar river restorations along the West Coast. We used to think native fish preferred a stable environment with stationary debris, kind of like a fish tank.

During earlier restoration efforts, rocks and trees were secured with cables, Fricke said. Now, logs and rocks move naturally with the ebb and flow of the river. To catch any loose debris, they engineer log jams that work much like a beaver dam, catching larger logs while allowing the river to keep its current.

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The added complexity and movement of sediment provide fish with ideal spawning grounds, shade, nutrients and protection from predators.

Although a project like this doesnt remove the man-made dams, Fricke said it compensates for a lack of habitat by reconnecting side channels, repairing riparian habitat and adding woody debris.

With the construction phase of the restoration completed in September, Fricke and EWEB, along with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, monitor fish nesting and runs.

Although its too early to see the long-term impacts of the project, cameras at the site capture how the river is responding to floods.

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On a rainy day, Adam Spencer, EWEBs communications coordinator, flips between a photo from the summer and fall.

It doesn't look like it's changed the flow from late August to today, he said, pointing at his phone. This is telling me that there are all those side channels and pockets that are soaking and spreading out the excess water.

Before the project, Quartz Creek was only 30 feet wide and funneled under a single bridge. Now, in some areas, the tributary spans up to 2,000 feet, allowing for any excess water to spread into side channels, according to McKenzie Watershed Council documents.

Additionally, Fricke points to improvements seen at similar restoration projects. For example, at the Finn Rock Reach site, red salmon nesting is roughly seven times higher compared to two years earlier, according to an EWEB report.

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The collaborative effort between multiple groups is what is driving this project, Fricke said.

Its like a Venn diagram between organizations, she said. You find a nice big area in the middle where we all overlap interests. When you get to spread it over like five, six different organizations and entities, you're going to have a lot of people gaining experience with these projects and learn how to do it right.

Fricke also believes the collaboration is making them more successful with grants. It's a great story to tell, she said. In total, the groups have received around $9.5 million in funding.

While the restoration effort is making real strides in renaturalizing the McKenzie River, the project isn't without its hurdles.

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For one, residents along the river have to put up with long-term road and river closures. Furthermore, the added debris can be a hazard. Were a river community, Fricke said. "We want to make sure that people can raft and recreate safely.

The construction phase of the Quartz Creek restoration project was completed in September. On a nearly 2-mile stretch, crews placed roughly 6,000 logs and reshaped channels with heavy equipment, reopening side channels that have been closed for decades.

Many long-standing residents along the river have grown used to the river as it is. With the project completely revamping the way the river looks, some residents arent happy with the new design.

I think there's some kind of knee-jerk reaction, said Spencer, who manages EWEB's Facebook discussions.

My heart wrenches so much at the sudden and massive devastation of it all, one post reads. I cant stop crying at the difference when I drive up and down QC [Quartz Creek].

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Despite the challenges, the Quartz Creek restoration is a vital step toward repairing decades of ecological damage along the McKenzie. EWEB, along with its partners, is exploring future projects, such as one farther downstream at Gate Creek. Theyve already begun planning, according to Fricke.

Bumstead takes a deep breath, readjusts his footing and reaches for another willow branch. For local fishermen like Bumstead, these projects further their connection with the river. Its great to see the growth youve helped create, said Bumstead. It makes you feel like you belong on the river.

As a science journalism student working for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon, Leo Brown has produced multiple pieces revolving around environmental and scientific topics, such as Exploring volcanic fallout and Science at sea.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Restoration project aims to improve fish habitat on McKenzie River
Republican John Lastinger has won the special election for a South Carolina state House seat vacated by ex-state Rep. RJ May (R), who pleaded guilty this year to distributing child sexual abuse material, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Lastinger, a pastor, defeated Democrat and retired Army Col. Joseph Chuck Hightower to win state House District 88, representing the reliably red Lexington County seat until the current term ends next fall.

The seat opened up when May resigned in August after being charged with distributing child sexual abuse material.

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May pleaded guilty to five counts this fall, according to documents from the U.S. attorneys office for the District of South Carolina. He faces the possibility of significant prison time as he heads to sentencing in January.

U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling said the conduct to which May pleaded guilty represented some of the most depraved and exploitative conduct we investigate.

The South Carolina Freedom Caucus, which May helped found, welcomed the resignation but argued the state House should have acted to expel the lawmaker instead, calling the matter an ugly chapter for the state chamber.

Lastinger, who narrowly won the GOP primary earlier this year, pitched himself as a staunch conservative Republican running to champion Christian values, touting his support for anti-abortion policies and Second Amendment rights. Hell serve South Carolinas District 88 until next November, but would have to file this spring to run again in the midterms if he wants to secure a full term in the seat.

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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  Republican lawmakers praised President Donald Trump for what they are calling decisive action to approve strikes against Islamic State targets in Nigeria on Christmas Day in retaliation for previous attacks targeting Christians.

Trump announced the action in a social media post on Thursday, confirming the strikes took place in northwestern Nigeria and accusing the targets of viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! The president did not disclose further details of the strikes and its unclear how many casualties there were.

But lawmakers were quick to applaud the action after months of warnings about religious persecution in the West African country.

People drive in and out of Jabo, Nigeria, Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. | Tunde Omolehin, Associated Press

We cannot turn a blind eye to Islamist terrorists conducting genocide against Christians in Nigeria and nearby area, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general, said in a post on X. This military action is right. To intervene saves innocent lives. We praise our military for working around the clock to include Christmas.

We cannot turn a blind eye to Islamist terrorists conducting genocide against Christians in Nigeria and nearby area. This military action is right. To intervene saves innocent lives. We praise our military for working around the clock to include Christmas. pic.twitter.com/Y6h6LgPuJa  Rep. Don Bacon  (@RepDonBacon) December 26, 2025

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who previously served in the Army as an infantry officer and was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, also praised the strikes against those he called bloodthirsty ISIS savages.

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I commend President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and our brave troops for these strikes against bloodthirsty ISIS savages who are not only persecuting Christians, but also have killed many Americans, he wrote in a post on X.

I commend President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and our brave troops for these strikes against bloodthirsty ISIS savages who are not only persecuting Christians, but also have killed many Americans. https://t.co/Br202MdrIz  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) December 26, 2025

The House Foreign Affairs Committee released a joint statement commending Trump.

America stands firmly with our partners in eliminating the TERRORISTS who have targeted innocent Christians for extermination, the committee wrote.

Under President Trump, ISIS is now the hunted. America stands firmly with our partners in eliminating the TERRORISTS who have targeted innocent Christians for extermination. https://t.co/V7G7piw2zn  House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority (@HouseForeignGOP) December 26, 2025

Republicans have warned for months about the possible targeting of Christians in Nigeria and have even organized congressional trips to the country to encourage stronger protections for the religious group.

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Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., led a delegation to the country last weekend to meet with federal and local officials, where he said lawmakers were given insight that some attitudes inside the Nigerian Government are beginning to turn in favor of protecting Christians.

As I have said previously, the US was too late in Rwanda and too late in South Sudan, Huizenga said, referring to the well-known religious persecutions and attacks in other African countries. This strike demonstrates the United States is taking the targeted killings in Nigeria seriously.

Today, in coordination with the Nigerian government, President Trump and the U.S. Military took decisive action to protect Christians from radical Islamists in Nigeria.



The Congressional Delegation I led to Nigeria this past weekend provided insight that some attitudes inside  Rep. Bill Huizenga (@RepHuizenga) December 26, 2025

Lawmakers overseeing appropriations for national security and the State Department also traveled to the country for what they called an on-the-ground fact-finding mission to examine alarming anti-Christian violence and religious persecution. Those appropriators are compiling a report with recommendations to increase religious protections and destroy jihadist terrorist networks, the members said.

Nigeria is the most dangerous place on Earth to follow Christ, and faith and humanity must be protected, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., said in a joint statement with other appropriators. Islamic terrorists will not overrule national security, religious freedom, and the right to worship. We were on the ground  we heard and saw firsthand of the failures to stop extremism and systemic violence against innocent people. These strikes send a clear and unmistakable message: America will stand with persecuted believers, confront evil, and hold terrorists accountable.

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Top lawmakers in both parties have not yet publicly responded to the attacks, and few Democrats have weighed in online.

Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nevada, who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is a member of the Congressional Military Families Caucus, denounced the strikes and accused Trump of taking unauthorized military action.

Once again, @POTUS is taking unauthorized military action  this time in Nigeria. Trump has repeatedly shown that he does not recognize Congresss war powers. There was no briefing for nor consultation with Members of Congress. The Peace President is on the attack again. https://t.co/P5vjfRhDja  Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) December 26, 2025

Trump has repeatedly shown that he does not recognize Congresss war powers, Titus wrote in a post on X. There was no briefing for nor consultation with Members of Congress. The Peace President is on the attack again.

The Nigerian government worked with U.S. forces to carry out the strikes and explicitly approved them, according to the Pentagon. Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar told local media he had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio twice before the strikes happened and provided intelligence to the U.S. ahead of time.

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Trump had repeatedly warned he would take military action if attacks on Christians continued, writing in a Truth Social post last month: If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

Some Nigerian officials have pushed back on the characterization that the government has allowed the killing of Christians, instead making clear they would work to protect all religions from violence.

I stand committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said in a post on X ahead of the strikes.
The newly laid carpet in the historic Saenger Theatre looks a little wonky, many residents and the councilman for the ward agree.

The city awarded low-bidder Continental Flooring Co., headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, a contract in August to supply and install the carpet squares for $73,100. Two South Mississippi companies submitted higher bids for the work, the records show.

The carpet squares are patterned but appear randomly laid rather than placed so the pattern looks uniform.

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The city proudly posted pictures of the carpet Tuesday on its Facebook page, with the comment, Big things are happening at the Saenger Theatre! New carpet installation is underway. This upgrade is part of our ongoing efforts to keep the Saenger beautiful, welcoming, and ready for unforgettable experiences. Stay tuned to see whats next.

The city post garnered 445 comments and 54 shares in under 24 hours. Many of the comments were brutal:

It looks like a cross between a Biloxi casino and a Victorian bordello  and thats without the hideous mismatch. That carpet is so ugly it hurts my feelings.

This is a joke, right?

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You still have time to delete this.

But some commenters thought the carpet looked fine and mentioned fond memories of the Saenger, which opened in 1929 and has undergone several renovations.

Just beautiful, one commenter said. Reminds me of great theaters in Europe.

At least one commenter said the carpet tiles were not intended to match up.

Continentals project manager for the Saenger did not respond Wednesday to a message from the Sun Herald about the job. City offices were closed Wednesday to Friday for Christmas.

The city posted this photo and a couple of others on Facebook, proudly displaying the carpet installation at the historic Saenger Theatre downtown. Many commenters thought the carpet squares needed more uniformity. (City of Biloxi/Facebook)

Councilman questions restoration cost, time

But Councilman Anthony Marshall, who represents Ward 2 were the Saenger is located, said he intends to check out the carpet.

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I just saw the comments online and have to look at it more, Marshall said. It doesnt look good . . . We need to find out what happened.

Just looking at the pictures, Im not happy with it, but I need to go physically look at it.

Marshall, who took office July 1, said hes also concerned about the time and money the city has spent on the Saenger. The city closed the Saenger in 2018 because the building had deteriorated to the point that it was deemed unsafe. No reopening date has been announced.

Restoration costs were estimated at $5.3 million in 2021. The state Legislature has supplied at least $2 million in BP funds from the 2010 oil catastrophe for the restoration. The city in May amended its budget to move $200,000 from a city economic development to pay for interior work, including carpet, at the Saenger, city records show.

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This is one of the mayors pet projects, and Im for it, he said. I want to see it done. But, he added, Its a lot of money that has been spent prior to me coming to the City Council, and its still not open for business.
(This story was updated to add new information.)

A 50-year-old woman who died and a 65-year-old man who was injured in a Christmas Day shooting in Rockport were married, Rockport police say.

The man suffered a gunshot wound to his neck, Rockport Police Chief Nathan Anderson told the Caller-Times on Dec. 26.

Police had not found a motive in the shooting or made an arrest as of Dec. 26.

Young people walking through the neighborhood spotted the man standing on his front porch at 710 N. Ann St. trying to get their attention after the shooting, which happened at about 12:45 p.m., according to police.

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The man is in stable condition after EMS took him to the hospital on Dec. 25, Anderson said.

Detectives worked throughout the afternoon and evening of Dec. 25 gathering information, and scene processing and extensive resources provided by the Texas Rangers, whom the police department called to the scene to investigate, could help uncover evidence, Anderson said.

The police spoke with the youth and the mother of one of the youth, though they are not releasing the details of those interview, he said.

They plan to interview the man depending on his condition to try to find out what led to the shooting, Anderson said.

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Police recovered a pistol at the scene, though they do not know who it belonged to, he said.

The couple were the only people in their home at the time of the shooting, Anderson said.

An autopsy will be performed on the female victim.

Anyone with information about the incident can email the police investigator at dgerloff@rockporttx.gov.

MORE LOCAL COVERAGE

More: Pedestrian killed in crash after helping man cross street in Rockport

More: Former Rockport-Fulton ISD teacher charged with sexual assault of child

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Police release details of Christmas Day shooting in Rockport
The new aircraft is identical to the current full-scale prototype. Its introduction into the program creates a force multiplier effect for the engineering team. Starting in January 2026, Vertical Aerospace will be able to conduct flight tests on two fronts simultaneously. This effectively doubles the rate at which the company can accumulate flight hours and validate critical systems.

In the world of aerospace certification, data is the most valuable currency. The speed at which a company can gather, analyze, and validate flight data directly correlates to how quickly it can achieve certification and begin generating revenue. This is why the completion of Aircraft 3 is a material event that outweighs the short postponement of a single test maneuver.

The markets reaction to this news was telling. Rather than punishing the stock for a minor timeline slip, shares rebounded to trade around $5.69. This resilience suggests that investors who are in the know are looking past the tactical delay and focusing on the strategic game-changer: Vertical has transformed from a single-prototype tester into a fleet operator. By trading a few weeks of delay for a doubling of testing capacity, the company has positioned itself for a year of rapid execution, potentially widening the disconnect between its operational reality and its current market valuation.

While the full transition flight has been rescheduled for early 2026 due to limited weather windows and testing availability, this update was accompanied by a far more significant development. Vertical Aerospace announced the completion of its third full-scale prototype aircraft.

Following the global launch event earlier this month, investors in Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) were left with one lingering question: When would the critical piloted transition flight occur? In late December, Vertical delivered investors an early Christmas present by providing a transparent answer.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority granted new privileges that allow the company to authorize its own flight tests and significantly reduce downtime.

Story Continues

However, the benefits extend beyond simple speed. Operating a multi-aircraft fleet introduces vital operational redundancy. In a single-aircraft program, any requirement for maintenance, software updates, or minor repairs brings the entire testing campaign to a halt. With two aircraft, the program can continue moving forward even if one unit is in the hangar for scheduled work. This continuity is essential for maintaining momentum during the rigorous certification phase.

 5 Reasons Salesforce Could Be One of 2026s Best Trades

Furthermore, this fleet expansion allows for parallel workstreams. The company plans to utilize the new capacity to manage different testing objectives simultaneously. While one aircraft focuses on the immediate all-electric certification requirements, the other can be prepared for the upcoming integration of the hybrid-electric powertrain later in 2026. This ability to parallel-process complex engineering tasks is one that many competitors, who are often reliant on a single conforming prototype, simply do not possess. It allows Vertical to catch up to, and potentially surpass, peers by running multiple development timelines in parallel.

The Regulatory Unlock: Speeding Up by Cutting Red Tape

Buried within the recent updates was a detail that may be the most significant indicator of Verticals maturity: the expansion of its regulatory privileges. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted the company the authority to approve its own Flight Conditions and issue its own Permits to Fly under defined circumstances.

For investors, it is crucial to understand the economic implications of this privilege. In a typical development program, every change to the flight envelope, flying slightly faster, banking slightly steeper, or operating in different wind conditions, often requires a new sign-off from the regulator. This bureaucratic process can add days or weeks of downtime between flights, burning cash without generating data.

By granting these privileges, the CAA has effectively removed these bottlenecks. Vertical Aerospace can now move at the speed of business by authorizing its own tests within an agreed-upon framework. This trust from a top-tier global regulator is an efficiency boost, allowing the company to maximize flight days and reduce cash burn per test hour. It validates the company's certification moat, demonstrating that its internal engineering processes meet the UK government's highest standards of safety and reliability.

The Valuation Disconnect: Why Wall Street Is Watching

Despite operational strides and a regulatory vote of confidence, Vertical Aerospaces market capitalization stands at approximately $560 million. This valuation stands in stark contrast to key competitors in the sector, many of whom command multi-billion-dollar valuations despite facing similar certification challenges in addition to capital-intensive operational challenges that Vertical has chosen to avoid. This discrepancy suggests that the market is currently pricing in a high degree of execution risk for Vertical, a risk that the company is actively mitigating through its hardware expansion and regulatory achievements.

Wall Street analysts are beginning to recognize this disconnect. On Dec. 16, Needham & Company raised its price target for Vertical Aerospace to $11.00, up from $9.00. In their note, analysts specifically cited improved execution following a visit to the company's facilities. With the stock trading around $5.70, this revised target implies nearly 100% upside potential.

The thesis from the analyst community is clear: Vertical is checking the right boxes. The Unwarranted Valuation Gap that the company highlighted in its third-quarter presentation is becoming harder to ignore as tangible assets, like the new Aircraft 3, roll off the assembly line.

Furthermore, the companys specific design advantages, such as the six-passenger configuration, which offers superior operator economics compared to four-passenger competitors, provide fundamental reasons for a higher valuation. While the broader market may be hesitating due to the transition timeline slip, institutional observers appear to be focusing on the companys strengthened fundamentals and the massive potential for a re-rating as milestones are met in 2026.

Window of Opportunity: The 2026 Catalyst Calendar

As the calendar turns to 2026, the narrative for Vertical Aerospace shifts from anticipating a single event to managing a continuous campaign of high-velocity milestones. The quiet period of late 2025 is expected to give way to a steady stream of data and achievements.

Investors have a clear catalyst calendar to watch. The first flight of the new Aircraft 3 is scheduled for January 2026, which will serve as immediate visual proof of the fleet expansion. Following closely will be the full piloted transition flight in early 2026, the milestone the market has been waiting for. Beyond that, the middle of the year brings the retrofit of the hybrid powertrain, unlocking the lucrative defense and logistics markets.

Vertical Aerospace enters the new year with more hardware, more regulatory privileges, and a clearer financial picture than ever before. The current share price, depressed by a minor timeline shift, may represent a window of opportunity for investors before the full impact of the doubled testing capacity becomes apparent to the broader market.

The article "Vertical Aerospace Traded a Delay for a Major Advantage" was originally published by MarketBeat.
BALTIMORE  A Maryland resident is among at least 64 people in 22 states who have fallen ill after being infected with the same strain of salmonella linked to raw oysters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of those sickened nationwide, 20 people were hospitalized as of Tuesday. No deaths have been reported. Federal officials did not say whether the Maryland case resulted in hospitalization or identify where the contaminated oysters were harvested or sold.

The CDC did not provide requested updated figures Friday.

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People in this outbreak are being hospitalized at a higher rate than expected when compared to other Salmonella outbreaks linked to oysters, the CDC wrote in a news release. State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the different foods they ate in the week before they got sick.

The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration are continuing to trace the oysters to determine whether they came from a shared harvesting area or distributor.

No recall has been announced, and officials said the investigation remains ongoing. In nearby states, Virginia saw six cases, Pennsylvania 10 and Delaware two.

Salmonella is a common cause of foodborne illness in the United States, but raw oysters pose a particular risk because they are often eaten uncooked and can harbor bacteria year-round, according to the CDC. Unlike some foods, oysters can look, smell and taste normal even when contaminated.

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Federal health officials are urging consumers to cook oysters thoroughly before eating them to reduce the risk of infection. Condiments such as hot sauce and lemon juice do not kill harmful bacteria, officials warned.

Most people infected with salmonella develop symptoms including diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hours to six days after exposure. Illness typically lasts four to seven days, and many people recover without medical treatment. However, some infections can become severe, requiring hospitalization.

Young children, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness, health officials said. In those cases, salmonella can spread beyond the intestines and cause life-threatening complications.

Health officials recommend contacting a health care provider immediately if symptoms include a fever higher than 102 degrees, diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement, bloody diarrhea, repeated vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down, or signs of dehydration such as little urination, dry mouth or dizziness when standing.

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To reduce the risk of food poisoning, officials advise keeping raw seafood separate from other foods and preventing juices or drippings from contaminating surfaces. Consumers are also reminded that there is no way to tell by sight whether an oyster contains harmful germs.

For those who choose to eat oysters, the CDC recommends cooking them thoroughly. Oysters in the shell should be boiled until the shells open or steamed for four to nine minutes. Only shellfish that open during cooking should be eaten.

Shucked oysters should be boiled for at least three minutes, fried at 375 degrees for at least three minutes, broiled 3 inches from the heat for three minutes, or baked at 450 degrees for 10 minutes, according to the CDC. Seafood should reach an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees for 15 seconds to ensure safety, according to the CDC.

Health officials said people with questions about salmonella cases in their state should contact their local health department. They also emphasized that investigations like this can take time, and additional cases could be identified as reporting continues.

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For now, the CDC is urging caution, particularly for people at higher risk of severe illness, as officials work to determine whether contaminated oysters from a single source are responsible for the multistate outbreak.

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NEED TO KNOW

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were pulled over by a Fulton County Sheriffs Office deputy for speeding

There goes my presents, the deputy joked after he pulled over St. Nick

Mrs. Claus had her husband and the officer pose for a photo following the unexpected run-in



Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were caught racing to their next destination.

On Tuesday, Dec. 23, the Fulton County Sheriffs Office announced that one deputy found Santa speeding around Fulton County, Ohio.

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Santa and Mrs. Claus were spotted flying a little too fast through Fulton County, Fulton County Sheriffs Office wrote in a news release, which was accompanied by the body camera footage.

As the deputy approaches the driver, he notices Santa and laughs, calling out, Santa! The deputy briefly explained to Santa that he was driving over the 55 mph speed limit and then asked to see his drivers license.

Once Santa exited the car to get his license, the deputy joked, There goes my presents! As the deputy reviewed his license, Mrs. Claus was seen in the passenger seat laughing along.

Fulton County Ohio Sheriff Santa Claus in Fulton County, Ohio. Santa Claus in Fulton County, Ohio.

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Santa was given a warning, and the deputy said, Santa! Slow your speed, to which Santa replied, I call Rudolph on you.

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Its Nick you know, Mrs. Claus chimed in, before she took a photo of Santa and the deputy together. Before they said their goodbyes, Mrs. Claus then gifted the deputy a candy cane.

No coal was issued  just a friendly reminder that even sleighs need to slow down, the Facebook post read. Christmas is still on schedule! . Stay safe and happy holidays!



Read the original article on People
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Saudi Arabia on Thursday called on Emirati-backed separatists in southern Yemen to withdraw from two governorates they now control, a move that has threatened to spark a confrontation within a fragile coalition that has been battling the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the country's north.

The statement from Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry appeared aimed at putting public pressure on the Southern Transitional Council, a separatist Yemeni force long supported by the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia backs the National Shield Forces of Yemen's internationally backed government in the war against the Houthis.

The separatists' actions have resulted in an unjustified escalation that harmed the interests of all segments of Yemeni people, as well as the southern cause and the coalitions efforts, the ministry said. The kingdom stresses the importance of cooperation among all Yemeni factions and components to exercise restraint and avoid any measures that could destabilize security and stability.

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Meanwhile, the Houthis buried four of their fighters, including the group's top missile and drone commander who was presumed killed in March, in the first round of U.S. airstrikes to hit the rebels in March.

Ongoing negotiations

The Southern Transitional Council moved earlier this month into Yemen's governorates of Hadramout and Mahra. The Saudi statement said that mediation efforts were underway to have the council's forces return to their previous positions outside of the two governorates and hand over the camps in those areas to the National Shield Forces.

These efforts remain in progress, the ministry said.

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The local Hadramout governorate's authority said that it supported the Saudi announcement and called for the Emirati-backed separatists to withdraw to positions outside the governorates.

Those aligned with the council have increasingly flown the flag of the flag of South Yemen, which was a separate country from 1967-1990. Demonstrators rallied on Thursday in the southern port city of Aden to support political forces calling for South Yemen to again secede from Yemen.

Following the capture of Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and much of the country's north by the Houthis in 2014, Aden has been the seat of power for the internationally recognized government and forces aligned against the Houthi rebels.

The actions by the separatists have put pressure on the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which maintain close relations and are members of the OPEC oil cartel, but also have competed for influence and international business in recent years.

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There has also been an escalation of violence in Sudan, another nation in the Red Sea where the kingdom and the Emirates support opposing forces in an ongoing war.

Further chaos

The Houthis seized Sanaa in September 2014 and forced the internationally recognized government into exile. Iran denies arming the rebels, although Iranian-manufactured weaponry has been found on the battlefield and in sea shipments heading to Yemen despite a U.N. arms embargo.

A Saudi-led coalition armed with U.S. weaponry and intelligence entered the war on the side of Yemens exiled government in March 2015. Years of inconclusive fighting have pushed the Arab worlds poorest nation to the brink of famine.

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The war has killed more than 150,000 people, including fighters and civilians, and created one of the globes worst humanitarian disasters, killing tens of thousands more.

The Houthis have launched attacks on hundreds of ships in the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas war, greatly disrupting regional shipping.

While traffic has inched up recently in the lull in attacks, many shippers continue to go around Africa through the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Further chaos in Yemen could again draw in the United States.

Washington launched an intense bombing campaign targeting the rebels earlier this year that U.S. President Donald Trump halted just before his trip to the Middle East in October. The Biden administration also conducted strikes against the Houthis, including using B-2 bombers to target what it described as underground bunkers used by the Houthis.

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In Sanaa, crowds gathered as uniformed men carried coffins draped in Yemens flag and topped with flowers during the funerals for the four Houthi fighters.

The dead fighters include Maj. Gen. Zakaria Abdullah Yahya Hajar, whom analysts identified as the groups drone and missile chief. U.S. forces reportedly targeted Hajar, who allegedly received training from the expeditionary Quds Force of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, in a strike in March in Sanaa.

The Houthis provided no information on how or when he died. However, a transcript of a discussion between top American officials on the messaging app Signal later published by The Atlantic magazine included then national security adviser Mike Waltz referencing the initial March 15 attack targeting a Houthi missile commander.

The first target  their top missile guy  we had positive ID of him walking into his girlfriends building and its now collapsed, Waltz wrote at the time.

The Houthis have increasingly threatened Saudi Arabia and taken dozens of workers at U.N. agencies and other aid groups as prisoners, alleging without evidence that they were spies  something fiercely denied by the United Nations and others.
Saudi Arabia called on UAE-backed separatists in southern Yemen to withdraw from two strategic governorates they recently took over, raising the risk of a rupture within the coalition fighting Houthi rebels.

The Saudi foreign ministry urged Yemens Southern Transitional Council to pull its forces out of Hadramout and Mahra, which border the kingdom and Oman, and hand the provinces over to a Saudi-backed group in Yemen. Separatists accused the kingdom of launching air strikes against them on Friday.

The escalation risks renewing a war that has been largely dormant for almost four years and pits US allies in the Gulf against each other, according to April Longley Alley, a former adviser to the UNs Yemen envoy. US allies are on a collision course in Yemen, Alley wrote for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, adding that US President Donald Trump will likely need to engage directly to get Abu Dhabi and Riyadh on the same page.
Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

While codons (combinations of three nucleotides) may vary in which do what functions, a long-standing rule was that each codon serves one specific purpose.

New evidence, however suggests that onemicrobe sometimes uses the codon UGA as a stop codon and sometimes use it to code for the amino acid pyrrolysine.

The discovery of this loosey-goosey translation could help scientists better understand archaea in our bodies and improve treatments of diseases.

The building blocks of life are formed from a simple process: DNA is transcribed into RNA, which then becomes proteins. And all life follows the same instructions for how those proteins forminstructions based on 61 codons made of three nucleotides, all of which are combinations of the four nucleic acids named adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and uracil (U).

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These codons are typically assigned either to one of the 20 canonical amino acids or to whats known as a stop codon (usually UAA, UAG, or UGA), the latter of which sends a signal to terminate protein-building and release the polypeptide chain. For decades, scientists have assumed that this process needs to be exact to avoid an imprecise genetic code. However, a new studypublished in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and led by scientists at the University of California (UC) Berkeleydiscovered that at least one archaea, a methane-producing microbe named Methanosarcina acetivorans, survives by utilizing a more loosey-goosey translation method.

Objectively, ambiguity in the genetic code should be deleterious; you end up generating a random pool of proteins, Dipti Nayak, senior author of the paper from UC Berkeley, said in a press statement. But biological systems are more ambiguous than we give them credit to be and that ambiguity is actually a featureits not a bug.

The scientists theorize that this ambiquity allowed the microbe to introduce the uncommon amino acid, pyrrolysine, to create enzymes that break down certain foods. Although life varies when it comes to the number of amino acids and what codons code which ones (with some even being redundant), one thing is usually certain: A codon has only one meaning. That is, until now.

Pyrrolysine is widespread in methanogenic archaea, and lead study author Katie Shalvarjian (now a postdoctoral researcher at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) noticed while studying these methanogenic organisms that, strangely enough, the UAG codon in M. acetivorans wasnt always being interpreted as pyrrolysine.

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The UAG codon is like a fork in the road, where it can be interpreted either as a stop codon or as a pyrrolysine residue, Shalvarjian said in a press statement.

Theyre flip-flopping back and forth between whether they should call this a stop or whether they should keep going by adding this new amino acid, Nayak added. They cannot decide. They just do both and they seem to be fine by making this random choice.

Preliminary findings suggest that the archaeas choice isnt completely random. When the amino acid is flooding the cell, the microbe tends to interpret UAG as integrated pyrrolysine and turn it into the appropriate protein. However, when less of it was around, UAG often acted as a stop codon, which yields a different protein entirely.

This research connects to the future of human health in surprising ways. For example, the human body relies on archaea to remove methylamines and keep the liver healthy, so its important to understand this ambiguity in its molecular machinery. Additionally, scientists could experiment with introducing a similar level of imprecision into gene therapies, which could address maladies caused by premature stop codons (such as cystic fibrosis).

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This really opens the door to finding interesting ways to control how cells interpret stop codons, Nayak said.



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The Shinnecock Indian Nations battle to keep its two electronic signs operational will move to federal court next Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

The tribal nation, located about 90 miles east of Manhattan at the gateway to the Hamptons on Long Island, is a federally recognized tribe in an area known for estates owned by the wealthy and famous.

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At issue is a New York state court ruling earlier this year that found the tribe did not have the right to construct and operate the billboards and ordered them shut down. Last month, the judge in the case said the company that operates the billboards and sells advertising on them was in contempt of court and again demanded that the signs be shut down.

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Shinnecock Nation fought back by filing a federal lawsuit against New York State, claiming the state illegally created an easement across the tribes Westwoods land in Hampton Bays when it extended Sunrise Highway past Hampton Bays in 1958.

The easement case returns to federal court in Central Islip on Tuesday, December 30, Shinnecock Vice Chairman Lance Gumbs told NBC New York.

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The lawsuits case file includes proposed subpoenas for Governor Kathy Hochul, State Attorney General Letitia James, and state Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez.

A spokesperson for Attorney General James referred News 4 to the governors office and the New York State Department of Transportation for comment. However, a spokesperson for Governor Hochul declined to comment on behalf of those agencies, citing pending litigation.

The tribe has asked the federal court to immediately issue a restraining order against the state, prohibiting it from forcing the tribe to turn off the signs, which have been in place since they were constructed in 2019.

The suit reiterates a long-standing claim by the tribe: that when the State Department of Transportation extended Sunrise Highway to Southampton, it effectively seized dozens of acres of tribal land without proper authorization from the nations recognized leaders and without the permission of the U.S. Congress, in direct violation of constitutional requirements governing dealings with Native American tribes.

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The state seeks to prohibit the nation from operating the monument signs it developed based on a false claim that the state has a legal easement over the restricted fee lands known as Westwoods Territory, the lawsuit states. Not so. These are the nations protected lands, and the state failed to seek consent of Congress for its purported easement.

The Shinnecock Indian Nation has an agreement with an advertising company that manages the two signs. Proceeds from the advertising go to the tribe as part of its economic development efforts.

Ironically, even with resistence to the signs, the state of New York paid for advertsing to provide COVID-19 guidance on the signs during the pandemic.

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
Conservationists in Thailand are celebrating a surprising discovery.

On Dec. 25, Panthera, a global wild cat conservation organization, announced that the endangered flat-headed cat has returned to southern Thailand for the first time in 29 years. Flat-headed cats are some of the world's rarest felines, with just 2,500 remaining in the wild worldwide.

Panthera shared the exciting news alongside Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation ahead of the country's Wildlife Protection Day.

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The organizations supported the revelations with photos of flat-headed cats prowling in southern Thailand. The images were obtained from camera traps deployed in the Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Thailand.

The cameras were installed in 2024; before then, the last time flat-head cats had been documented in the area was in 1995. Over two years, the camera traps in the Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary captured footage of flat-headed cats on numerous occasions, including 16 detections in 2025.

DNP/Panthera Thailand New images from Thailand's DNP and Panthera prove the existence and rediscovery of one of the world's most Endangered and least known wild cats, the flat-headed cat, in Thailand's Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary. New images from Thailand's DNP and Panthera prove the existence and rediscovery of one of the world's most Endangered and least known wild cats, the flat-headed cat, in Thailand's Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary.

One of the cameras' most thrilling detections was of a female flat-headed cat with her cub. This spotting confirms to conservationists that the elusive species is breeding successfully in southern Thailand.

According to Panthera's release on the sightings, experts are grateful to have fresh evidence of the animals, as information on the species is difficult to obtain because the cats are small, nocturnal, and live in hard-to-reach areas.

DNP/Panthera Thailand A rare remote camera capture of a flat-headed cat mother and cub in The Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand A rare remote camera capture of a flat-headed cat mother and cub in The Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand

Before the recent findings of flat-headed cats in Thailand, the species was classified as "possibly extinct" in the country, according to Panthera. The organization expects "new Panthera-led IUCN Red and Green List assessments on the species' status" to be published in 2026. These assessments will include Panthera Thailand's documentation of the flat-headed cat in southern Thailand.

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Thailand's DNP Director General, Atthapol Charoenchansa, shared in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "Rediscovery of the flat-headed cat in southern Thailand is a significant win for conservation in Thailand and the broader Southeast Asia region, where the species is still found. Uncovering the existence of a species once thought lost in the region highlights the dedication and effectiveness of DNP officials in protecting border forests and preserving rare wildlife populations despite challenging political and social circumstances that make conservation work difficult."

DNP/Panthera Thailand New images from Thailand's DNP and Panthera prove the existence and rediscovery of one of the world's most Endangered and least known wild cats, the flat-headed cat, in Thailand's Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary. New images from Thailand's DNP and Panthera prove the existence and rediscovery of one of the world's most Endangered and least known wild cats, the flat-headed cat, in Thailand's Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary.

"After nearly three decades, this rediscovery shows what's possible when science and strong protection come together. This is the result of the DNP's dedication to safeguarding Thailand's wetlands and community members' livelihoods. These habitats are among the most biodiverse and threatened in the country. Yet, they continue to surprise us with their resilience," Panthera Thailand's country director, Kritsana Kaewplang, added in a statement.

Flat-headed cats are named for their flattened forehead and elongated skulls, according to Panthera. They are the smallest wild cat in Southeast Asia, often half as light as the average house cat. The species also has webbed toes, which help it function as an apex predator in wetland ecosystems.



The species' population has declined due to human-induced habitat loss, hunting, pollution of waterways, and the spread of disease from domestic animals.

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"Even species thought to be lost can be rebuilt if we invest in protecting the habitats they depend on. Flat-headed cats' persistence in Thailand suggests that these ecosystems still hold remarkable biodiversity but also underscores how urgently we must conserve and restore them before they vanish entirely," Dr. Wai Ming Wong, a Panthera small cat conservation science director, noted.



Read the original article on People
Doors were boarded up where someone fired shots that hit a movie theater.

The gunfire hit the NCG along Powder Spring Street in Marietta, and at least four bullets damaged the front entrance of the building.

The shooting happened around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, but the gunman is still out there. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

The last shows of the day are usually around 9:45 p.m., so people were likely still inside when it happened.

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It just makes me nervous right now. We bring our little kids to the movies, customer Cory Scott told Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell.

Families arrived to the NCG Cinema on Friday shocked to see the front entrance partially boarded up.

When I was driving up and I saw the windows boarded up, I said to my mom, I wonder if they had a break-in, Katrice Mines said. Im kind of disturbed to know it was more than that.

Police say someone showed up to the theater with a gun and fired shots outside of the building.

Police say the gunman also fired two shots into a parked car, but no one was inside. They interviewed witnesses and are reviewing evidence.

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Donald Trump dialed up his holiday grievances on Thursday with a lengthy Christmas Day rant, this time aimed at associates of Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted *** offender who is infamously the presidents old friend.

Merry Christmas to all, including the many Sleazebags who loved Jeffrey Epstein, gave him bundles of money, went to his Island, attended his parties, and thought he was the greatest guy on earth, only to drop him like a dog when things got too HOT, falsely claimed they had nothing to do with him, didnt know him, said he was a disgusting person, and then blame, of course, President Donald J. Trump, who was actually the only one who did drop Epstein, and long before it became fashionable to do so, the president began in a post to his Truth Social platform.

Politics: Gavin Newsom Unleashes Hell On 'Total Loser' Trump In Scathing New Year's Message

When their names get brought out in the ongoing Radical Left Witch Hunt (plus one lowlife Republican, Massie!), and it is revealed that they are Democrats all, there will be a lot of explaining to do, much like there was when it was made public that the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax was a fictitious story - a total Scam - and had nothing to do with TRUMP.

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Trump, who spent his Christmas Eve spewing venom at Radical Left Scum online, has notably dismissed his ties to Epstein in recent months as his Justice Department continues to face backlash for its handling of files linked to the disgraced financier.

Trumps name is mentioned hundreds of times in the files, he partied with Epstein at his Mar-a-Lago estate and records in the DOJs recent documents dump cite a federal prosecutors claim that Trump flew on Epsteins private jet many more times than previously has been reported (or that we were aware).

On Monday, Trump claimed that the files being released were simply part of a push to deflect from the tremendous success that the Republican Party has.

Elsewhere in his Christmas Day ramblings, the president took on The New York Times and suggested its reporting on the files would damage so many of their friends.

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The Failing New York Times, among many others, was forced to apologize for their bad and faulty Election Reporting, even to the point of losing many subscribers due to their highly inaccurate (FAKE!) coverage, he wrote.

Politics: Johnson Says Trump Took Epstein Rumors Seriously, Served As FBI Informant

Now the same losers are at it again, only this time so many of their friends, mostly innocent, will be badly hurt and reputationally tarnished. But sadly, thats the way it is in the World of Corrupt Democrat Politics!!!

He signed off with a far-from-festive holiday message, Enjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas! President Donald J. Trump.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
There were snowy shutdowns, spinouts and collisions on a northeastern California highway during Christmas and Christmas Eve, and part of the aftermath was captured on camera.

The California Highway Patrol shared on social media footage of vehicles stuck in traffic near Castle Peak in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains the night of Christmas.

Eastbound traffic is now being held at Castle Peak due to a 10+ vehicle pileup over Donner Summit, the California Highway Patrol wrote just before 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Day. Its going to take some time to clean up the scene.

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USA TODAY has contacted the California Highway Patrol to inquire about injuries.

The summit the pileup happened over, Donner Summit, stands 7,240 feet high. Before the pileup, the patrol had shared numerous updates on weather conditions.

By 8:30 p.m. on Christmas Day, the patrol began to get traffic moving again and escorted vehicles down the summit, urging drivers to slow down.

Traffic was briefly held on I-80 near Truckee, California, due to multiple spinouts.

Dozens of stranded motorists were out on highway on Christmas Eve

The California Highway Patrol first cautioned motorists about a winter storm advisory three days before Christmas, warning them that a winter storm was on its way and would continue through Christmas and Christmas Eve.

Heavy snow, strong winds, and periods of near-zero visibility will cause rapidly deteriorating road conditions, the patrol wrote. We love holiday traditions, but getting stuck on I-80 shouldnt be one of them.

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By Christmas Eve, the California Highway Patrol had issued another warning about "slick and icy roads, warning drivers to take it slow.

From a short-lived tornado warning to flooding, Southern Californians' Christmas Eve is being shaped by the weather amid an atmospheric river that officials have warned about for days.



People sit on the roof of a building while they are stranded during floods partially submerging the surrounding area in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. A vehicle stands across flood waters flowing on a road after torrential rains in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab from a handout video. Flood waters flow as houses ad trees remain partially submerged after torrential rains in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab from a handout video. A helicopter flies over a flooded area after evacuating people stranded on the roof of a building in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Flood waters flow as houses remain partially submerged after torrential rains in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab from a handout video. People get into a helicopter after they were stranded on the roof of a building as floods partially submerged the surrounding area in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Cars drive through a large puddle at Cortez Street in El Rio as a major storm moved across Ventura County, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. A tree limb was left dangling on some wires on Orange Drive and Balboa Street in El Rio as a major storm moved across Ventura County, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. Cars drive through a large puddle at the intersection of Cortez Street and Ventura Boulevard in El Rio as a major storm moved across Ventura County, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. Steve Cruz, a Camarillo city worker, moves large chunks of a fallen tree off Santa Rosa Road after a major storm moved across Ventura County, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. A car drives through a flooded road on La Cienega Boulevard on Dec. 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A "strong atmospheric river brings heavy rain, snow, and wind to California through Friday," the National Weather Service said in a statement on December 23, warning anyone in northern, central and southern parts of the state to "exercise extreme caution." Heavy rain is seen from Kenneth Hahn Park blocking the view of the city skyline on Dec.24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A "strong atmospheric river brings heavy rain, snow, and wind to California through Friday," the National Weather Service said in a statement on December 23, warning anyone in northern, central and southern parts of the state to "exercise extreme caution." (Photo by Apu GOMES / AFP via Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776435280 ORIG FILE ID: 2252763571 Workers cut and move a tree which fell at the Westfield Topanga shopping centre in the Canoga Park area of Los Angeles, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. Shoppers walk through a parking lot on a rainy Christmas Eve morning at the Westfield Topanga shopping centre in the Canoga Park area of Los Angeles, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. A man checks the damage caused by driving through a flooded road on La Cienega Boulevard on Dec. 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A "strong atmospheric river brings heavy rain, snow, and wind to California through Friday," the National Weather Service said in a statement on December 23, warning anyone in northern, central and southern parts of the state to "exercise extreme caution." A car drives through a flooded road on La Cienega Boulevard on Dec. 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A "strong atmospheric river brings heavy rain, snow, and wind to California through Friday," the National Weather Service said in a statement on December 23, warning anyone in northern, central and southern parts of the state to "exercise extreme caution." Cars drive through puddles as heavy rain falls due to an atmospheric river, in an intersection in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. Cars drive through puddles as heavy rain falls due to an atmospheric river, in an intersection in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles, Calif. on Dec. 24, 2025. City workers try to remove a tree that felt on a wall next to the Hollywood Water Reserve on Dec.24, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. A "strong atmospheric river brings heavy rain, snow, and wind to California through Friday," the National Weather Service said in a statement on December 23, warning anyone in northern, central and southern parts of the state to "exercise extreme caution." Leticia Serafin (R) cooks tamales with her husband Paul Fonseca, center, and friend Pedro Jimenez, who holds up his phone light, ahead of the atmospheric river storm on Dec. 23, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. The couple lost their home of 25 years in the Eaton Fire and are residing in a donated travel trailer on their property as they make plans to rebuild. They make tamales every year to distribute to family and friends on Christmas Eve, and continued the tradition this year. A flood watch will be in effect for much of the region through Christmas Eve, with evacuation warnings in place for residents near recent burn areas. Meteorologists are calling for five straight days of precipitation, with the highest rainfall totals predicted for Christmas Eve, along with heavy snow in higher elevation mountain regions. Strong atmospheric river brings floods, snow, high winds to California 1 of 20 From a short-lived tornado warning to flooding, Southern Californians' Christmas Eve is being shaped by the weather amid an atmospheric river that officials have warned about for days.



People sit on the roof of a building while they are stranded during floods partially submerging the surrounding area in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video.

According to the patrol, there had already been multiple spinouts by 11:15 a.m. on Christmas Eve. The patrol reminded drivers not to gamble with their lives for the sake of the holiday season.

We want you to make it safely to your destination this Christmas, the patrol wrote. Because making memories shouldnt include us pulling you out of a snowbank.

By the evening of Christmas Eve, footage was captured of dozens of vehicles waiting in traffic as snow fell on Interstate 80. Calling the conditions extremely difficult, the patrol said tow trucks were working to reach dozens of stranded motorists.

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Throughout the holiday week, officials implemented chain control on and off. The patrol announced early on Christmas Day that I-80 and three state routes were on R-2 chain control.

According to California officials, R-2 chain control means any vehicles traveling on the highway need chains or traction devices, except 4-wheel drives or all-wheel drives with snow tread tires on all four wheels.

Please continue to slow it down, leave extra space between vehicles, and expect delays as we work through the remaining congestion, the patrol wrote online around 8:30 p.m. on Christmas Day. Thank you for your patience as we help everyone get where theyre going safely.

(This story was updated to meet our standards.)

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Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia  the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Snow leaves California drivers stranded on highway on Christmas Eve
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) is one of the best high volume stocks to buy right now. On December 22, Wells Fargo analyst Trey Bowers raised the firms price target on Carnival to $38 from $35 while keeping an Overweight rating on the shares. This decision was posted after the company announced its Q4 2025 earnings report. Carnival successfully addressed investor anxiety regarding 2026 yields and rising Caribbean competition by issuing strong yield growth guidance. The companys projected EPS surpassed market expectations, which is a trend that the firm attributed largely to the benefit of declining fuel expenses.

In this Q4 report, which was announced on December 19, Carnival Corporation disclosed achieving a net income of $454 million, which was 2.5x higher than the previous year and exceeded guidance by $154 million. This capped off a historic 2025, where net income surged 60% over 2024 levels. Looking ahead to 2026, Carnival forecasts net income to exceed $3.45 billion, which is a further 12% improvement over 2025.

Wells Fargo Raises Carnival (CCL) PT to $38 on Strong 2026 Yield Guidance and EPS Beat

The company was also able to record $6.33 billion in quarterly revenues, which was a 6.60% rise year-over-year but missed Street estimates by $43.17 million. The company also earned $0.34 per share, which beat guidance by $0.09. Despite the positive trajectory, management acknowledged several headwinds for the coming year. Geopolitical uncertainties continue to cause volatility in ship deployments, and a new loyalty program for Carnival Cruise Line is expected to temporarily weigh on yields.

Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL) is a cruise company that provides leisure travel services in North America, Australia, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through four segments: NAA Cruise Operations, Europe Cruise Operations, Cruise Support, and Tour & Other.

While we acknowledge the potential of CCL 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.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday.

The foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti condemnedIsrael's recognition of Somaliland, Somalia's breakaway region, Egypt said on Friday.

"The ministers affirmed their total rejection and condemnation of Israel's recognition of theSomaliland region, stressing their full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia," Egypt's foreign ministry said in a statement following a phone call between Egypt's foreign minister and his Somali, Turkish and Djiboutian counterparts.

Israel's recognition of Somaliland

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday.

Together with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Somalilands president, Netanyahu signed a joint and mutual declaration.

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President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi thanked Netanyahu for his role in the declaration and expressed his appreciation for Israel's efforts in combating terrorism and advancing regional peace.

Somaliland has enjoyed effective autonomy and relative peace and stability since 1991, when Somalia descended into civil war, but the breakaway region has failed to receive recognition from any other country.

Over the years, Somalia has rallied international actors against any country recognising Somaliland.

The former British protectorate hopes that recognition by Israel will encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing its diplomatic heft and access to international markets.
A man accused of beating his elderly mother to death inside her Lower East Side apartment has been arrested.

U.S. Marshals arrested Wei Hou near Albany on Friday after investigators determined he had fled New York City.

Hou is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his 76-year-old mother, Zhu Hou, whose body was found inside her apartment at the Knickerbocker Village complex on December 18.

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Officials say surveillance and investigative efforts led them to the Castle Inn motel in Schodack, New York, where Hou was believed to be staying.

According to police, Hou barricaded himself inside a motel room and threatened self-harm before he was taken into custody.

Hou was treated for injuries sustained during the arrest and is expected to be transported back to New York City for arraignment on Friday.

Police have not released a motive in the case.

Officials say Hou has a lengthy criminal history in multiple states and was under supervision by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for a felony narcotics conviction at the time of his arrest.

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The investigation remains ongoing.

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Spartanburg Medical Center violated the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, according to federal officials.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Spartanburg Medical Center entered into a $100,000 settlement on Nov. 12.

Spartanburg Medical Center violated the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act by inappropriately transferring a patient, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

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"Though not an admission of liability, we reached a settlement agreement with the Office of Inspector General to resolve this matter," Spartanburg Medical Center said in a statement.

"Spartanburg Medical Center takes compliance with all federal regulations, including the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), very seriously," SMC said in its statement. "Spartanburg Medical Center is committed to patient safety and regulatory compliance, and our priority remains to provide the highest quality care to every patient who comes through our doors."

This settlement stems from a May 2024 incident, when the hospital is alleged to have transferred a patient who had suffered a large hematoma along the left carotid artery and had active bleeding from a prior surgery, which was performed eight days earlier at another facility, according to the report.

A hospital worker labeled the patient to have "left-sided swelling, which is significant, rock-hard, and with a palpable pulse" on their neck. Another worker said, "I had never seen (swelling) that massive, pulsating ...I've worked ED in several hospitals," according to the report.

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SMC physicians ordered tests and secured the patient's airway before calling the on-call vascular surgeon.

The surgeon did not physically come to SMC to evaluate the patient and provide the necessary stabilizing treatment for the patient's emergency medical condition, according to federal officials. Instead, the on-call physician requested that the hospital send the patient back to the previous facility.

The U.S. Office of Public Health said the benefits of transferring the patient did not outweigh the risks because SMC had the capabilities to provide stabilizing treatment. The risks included the potential of the patient's airway loss, respiratory failure, stroke with permanent disability, or death without immediate medical attention.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Spartanburg Medical Center penalized for emergency transfer violation
A man was arrested after stabbing eight people and injuring seven others with what was believed to be bleach at a tire factory in central Japan on Friday, officials said. There was no immediate explanation of his motive.

Eight people were taken to hospitals after being stabbed by the man with a knife at a factory of the tiremaker Yokohama Rubber Co. in the city of Mishima, in the Shizuoka prefecture, west of Tokyo, according to the Fujisan Nanto Fire Department.

The fire department told The Associated Press that five of the people who were stabbed were in serious condition but other details were not available. All were conscious while they were being transported to hospitals, media reports said.

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Shizuoka prefectural police said the attacker, a 38-year-old man, was arrested for alleged attempted murder at the factory, but did not give further details.

The attacker is believed to be a former employee at the factory, Kyodo news agency said, quoting investigative sources.

The suspect was carrying a survival knife and wearing what appeared to be a gas mask, the major Japanese newspaper Asahi reported, citing investigators.

Seven others were also injured by the bleach thrown at them during the attack, and taken to hospitals for treatment, the fire department said.

Japan has strict gun control laws and is known for violent crimes being rare, but there have been a number of high-profile knife attacks in recent years.

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The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988Lifeline.org. Conversations are free and confidential. (Photo: Hugh Jackson/Nevada Current)

Nevadas 988 call centers are helping tens of thousands of people each year, and state administrators are already eyeing ways to improve the system in the upcoming years.

Shannon Bennett, a bureau chief within the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, told lawmakers that since the nation switched to 988 from a 10-digit suicide crisis hotline, there has been an almost 100% increase in utilization.

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The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988Lifeline.org. Conversations are free and confidential.

Nearly 42,000 people in Nevada were served by 988 in 2024, according to a state memo. In 2025, Nevadas 988 call centers had already exceeded that number by the end of November.

We have seen tremendous growth, added Bennett, and we have a lot more to bring to the table as we move forward into 2026.

Nevada has made significant progress in raising its in-state answer rate and reducing the amount it takes callers to reach a person. In 2023, Nevadas hotline had among the lowest answer rates in the country.

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Thats no longer the case.

According to 988 data reports, in November 2025, 4,070 calls were routed to Nevada call centers and 3,525 were answered, resulting in an 87% answer rate. (Calls not answered in state are routed to national call centers.) It took 31.9 seconds on average for the calls to be answered, and conversations lasted an average of 20 minutes.

The states monthly average answer rate has ranged from 73% to 89% in 2025.

Nevada supports its 988 call centers through a 35-cent monthly surcharge on phone lines billed in the state. That fee is set in statute and was approved by state lawmakers in 2023.

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Assemblymember Joe Dalia, a Democrat from Las Vegas, asked whether the revenue from that fee is sufficient to cover the hotlines operating expenses.

Bennett responded that the states current 988 contract costs $1 to $2 million a year more than what the 35-cent fee brings in annually. However, the hotline has funding and reserves to cover the current contract, which runs through 2028.

Once we get to the end of the contract, or as we start to renegotiate whatevers going to be next, were going to have to keep that in mind, she said.

The state may be able to take advantage of Medicaid funding matches.

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The state will also have to consider whether it wants to improve the hotlines functionality and add things that it declined to add during the initial setup. That includes fully integrating the 988 system with 911 and 211, the states referral services focused on social services.

We want that interoperability with 911, so I think as we move forward we may have to prioritize what is most important to us, said Bennett.

Behavioral health calls inundate 911 and the long-term goal is for such calls to be seamlessly dispatched to 988. Technology to connect those systems exists, though the State of Nevada has so far not opted to pay for it, said Bennett.

Mental health advocates have long argued that law enforcement officers are not always the proper people to be responding to behavioral health crises in the community.

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We are doing a lot of work, and we have a lot more work to do, to really fully integrate the mobile crisis teams, said Bennett. So, if it is law enforcement responding, perhaps they have a clinician and a peer with them, so then those individuals in the community that may be in crisis are being de-escalated right there and getting the resources they need.

The Division of Public and Behavioral Healths 988 update came last week during a meeting of the Interim Finance Committee. DPBH appeared in front of the money committee to request approval of a transfer of reserve funding to cover costs associated with the hotlines Southern Nevada call center, which is run by Carelon Behavioral Health.

The Southern Nevada call center opened last year. Prior to that, the only call center was in Reno.

Nationwide, the lifeline has answered more than 13 million calls, texts and chats since launching in July 2022. Demand for assistance has continued to grow.
The borderlands of black holes ought to be chaotic spaces where the rate at which matter is drawn across into oblivion is held back only by the blinding fury of radiation spilling away from the edge of darkness.

This zone is considered to be unstable, prone to flares, jets, and outbursts. Yet, predicting these dynamic events can be complicated, with mathematically accurate descriptions of the warped space and extreme physics surrounding proving a challenge.

A new modeling study led by researchers from the Flatiron Institute in the US now provides the most detailed simulations to date of how stellar-mass black holes gobble up and spew out matter at varying rates.

Related: What if a Tiny Black Hole Shot Through Your Body? A Physicist Did The Math

Crucially, the study didn't rely on simplifications used in earlier models. Those shortcuts have previously been required just to make the calculations possible, but here the simulations were based on much more complex data.

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Using two powerful supercomputers to combine survey observations of black hole accretion flows with measures of their spin and magnetic field, the team developed a new model that describes the movement of gas, light, and magnetism around black holes little bigger than our own Sun.

"This is the first time we've been able to see what happens when the most important physical processes in black hole accretion are included accurately," says astrophysicist Lizhong Zhang, from the Flatiron Institute.

"These systems are extremely nonlinear  any over-simplifying assumption can completely change the outcome."

Simulations showed that the gas disk around a fast-spinning, rapidly accreting black hole gets denser towards the middle, while a powerful jet of gas shoots outwards, guided by magnetic fields. ((Zhang et al., ApJ, 2025)

The new simulations align with observations of various kinds of black hole systems. While detailed images of supermassive black holes are now possible, light from smaller objects still needs to be teased apart in order for astronomers to map the distribution of their energy.

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By attracting enough material, the researchers showed, black holes accumulate thick accretion disks that absorb significant amounts of radiation, releasing the energy instead through winds and jets.

Their simulations of these ravenous black holes also showed how a narrow funnel forms, which slurps up material at astonishing rates and creates a beam of outgoing radiation that can only be observed on certain, favorable viewing angles.

The team also found that the configuration of the surrounding magnetic field can play a significant role in the black hole's behavior, helping to guide the flow of gas towards its horizon and out again in the form of winds and jets.

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"Ours is the only algorithm that exists at the moment that provides a solution by treating radiation as it really is in general relativity," says Zhang.

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The simulation incorporates Einstein's general theory of relativity, which describes how masses distort space and time, plus detailed models covering the laws of physics that govern plasma gas, magnetic fields, and the way light interacts with matter.

"Our methods capture the propagation of photons in curved spacetime accurately, and when coupled to the fluid converges to known solutions for linear waves and shocks," the researchers write.

Next, the researchers want to see if their simulations might also apply to other types of black holes, including the Sagittarius A* supermassive black hole at the center of our own Milky Way.

They also suggest that their simulations could help solve the mystery of the recently discovered 'little red dots', which emit less X-ray radiation than expected.

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"While our models use opacities appropriate for stellar-mass black holes, it is likely that many general features of our results will also apply to accretion onto supermassive black holes as well," the researchers write.

The research has been published in The Astrophysical Journal.

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Chicago police are investigating after someone threw a "flammable object" into a home on Christmas morning.

Police said they responded to call at about 5 a.m. in the 4600-block of S. Drexel Boulevard in the Bronzeville neighborhood.

A 43-year-old man was inside a home when somebody approached and threw a "flammable object" through the front window.

The victim was able to put the fire out; no injuries were reported.

Chicago police said the suspect ran off. Nobody is in custody.

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Syrias Ministry of Interior has announced the arrest of Taha al-Zoubi, a leading figure in the ISIL (ISIS) group, in the Damascus countryside, the countrys SANA news agency reported.

The report said a tightly executed security operation was carried out that led to the arrest of al-Zoubi, adding that a suicide belt and a military weapon were seized in his possession.

SANA quoted Brigadier General Ahmad al-Dalati, head of internal security in the Damascus countryside, as saying the raid targeted an ISIL hideout in Maadamiya, southwest of Damascus, and was carried out in cooperation with an anti-ISIL alliance that includes the United States-led coalition fighting the group.

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The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has not publicly confirmed the operation.

Al-Dalati said al-Zoubi, also known as Abu Omar Tibiya, served as the groups wali,or governor, of Damascus and that several alleged aides were also detained.

The official added that the arrest dealt a crippling blow to ISIL networks in the capital region and showed the readiness of the security apparatus.

We send a clear message to anyone who dares to engage in the project of terrorism or lend support to ISIS: The hand of justice will reach them wherever they are, al-Dalati said.

ISIL, which views the new government in Damascus as illegitimate, has mainly concentrated its activities against Kurdish forces in the north.

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At its peak, ISIL ruled an area half the size of the United Kingdom, spanning across Iraq and Syria, with Raqqa in the latter being the capital of the armed groups self-declared caliphate.

The group was notorious for its brutality, carrying out massacres of Syrians and Iraqis and beheadings of foreign captives.

ISIL was defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria two years later, but its fighters and cadres of armed group members still carry out deadly attacks in both countries and elsewhere, including in Africa and Afghanistan.
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The Bexar County Sheriffs Office shared a missing persons bulletin about Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19, after she vanished on Dec. 24

Video footage captured an individual believed to be Camila searching her car, and authorities suspected she may have left home on foot

Efforts from Camilas family and friends to find her on Christmas Day were unsuccessful

A mother in Texas is pleading for the return of her 19-year-old daughter who disappeared from their home on Christmas Eve morning.

The Bexar County Sheriffs Office shared a missing persons bulletin on the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 24, about Camila Mendoza Olmos' disappearance. She was last seen leaving her residence on the 11000 block of Caspian Spring in northwest Bexar County at about 6:58 a.m. local time that day.

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Video footage from that time shows an unknown individual, believed to be Camila, searching inside her vehicle for an unidentified item, the bulletin read. Moments later, the footage ends. It is believed that she left the residence on foot, as her vehicle remained at the location.



According to Camilas mom, the teen normally went out for a morning walk, the sheriffs office added, However, Camila did not return after a reasonable amount of time.

Camila is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall and 110 lbs., and was last seen wearing a black hoodie, baby blue pajama bottoms and white shoes, authorities said. She may have had her car keys and drivers license at the time of her disappearance, the sheriff's office said.

A CLEAR alert has been issued for Camila by the Texas Department of Public Safety, identifying her as a missing adult who is "possibly endangered."

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Rosario Olmos, Camilas mother, told CBS affiliate KENS in a story published on Thursday, Dec. 25, that she and her daughter had been sleeping together that Christmas Eve morning at their home. Rosario recalled feeling Camila get up from the bed.



About 90 minutes later, Rosario woke up and couldnt find her daughter in the home, although Camilas car still remained at the residence. She told KENS that she called Camilas cell phone, which was on the bed.

I put it to charge and went out to look for her. I thought I would find her like other times, walking, and we would come home together, she told the outlet.

After contacting Camilas boyfriend and father, both of whom said they hadnt seen the teen, Rosario reached out to authorities.

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Efforts from Camilas family and friends to find her on Christmas Day were unsuccessful.



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I only ask God to please bring her back home, Rosario, who also asked for prayers from the community, told KENS. Bring her back to me.

Those with information about Camilas whereabouts are encouraged to call the Bexar County Sheriffs Office at (210) 335-6000, or email the departments missing persons unit at missingpersons@bexar.org.



Read the original article on People
Former Gaza hostage Romi Gonen shares her harrowing story of sexual abuse and survival in Hamas captivity during an emotional interview on Channel 12's "Uvda."

Disclaimer: This report contains disturbing images, including sexual violence and torture

Former Gaza hostage Romi Gonen recounted her experiences in Hamas's terror captivity in the Gaza Strip, including terrorists sexually abusing her, during an interview with Channel 12's "Uvda" broadcast on Thursday evening.

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Freed Gaza hostage Romi Gonen describes her time in Gaza terror captivity in an interview broadcast on Channel 12, December 25, 2025. (credit: UVDA/CHANNEL 12)

Gonen told the interviewer that the question that comes to people's minds is if she was sexually assaulted, but acknowledges that people do not directly ask her. "I would not ask it if I were them. I also think no one asks it because no one wants to hear the answer," she said.

However, Gonen recounted several instances when she was assaulted.

Gonen said she felt it was important to speak about such events, although she only described them in part.

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"Only when you're in this situation can you grasp what happens to the body. And fear - it sometimes paralyzes," she said.

Romi Gonen in an undated photo uploaded to social media on February 5, 2025. (credit: Screenshot/Instagram, SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)

"I was paralyzed. I think not a lot went through my mind in those moments, except being terrified, really disgusted, and asking why?.. it's just not fair," she elaborated.

"There was this one moment in the bathroom, while everything is happening - I was crying like crazy," she began to tell, adding that the abusive terrorist was "having the time of his life, was ecstatic, and had received the gift of a lifetime."

"I remember one moment looking - there was a small window, like a picture frame, and I look through the window - the sky is blue, the birds are chirping, and this is the situation I am in right now!" she continued. "The dissonance between life outside - the beautiful, ordinary clean life - and the filth, beastliness, and disgust that is happening here inside this bathroom."

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"When he left the bathroom, I left after him. My ears were ringing, I couldn't hear anything. I walked around and felt like the whole world was spinning, and I am completely deaf," she added.

"All the way to the living room, my thoughts were, 'Romi, everyone in Israel thinks you're dead, and you're going to be his sex slave for life,'" she recalled.

"I sit on the armchair in the living room, and I'm in absolute shock. Tears don't just fall from my eyes - they're pouring down. My legs were drenched from my tears," she recounted.

"He looked at me and said, 'Romi, are you good?' and I looked back at him, and my head was like, 'You son of a bitch, what are you asking me? Are you that rude to ask me that question?'" she said.

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"I said to myself there was nothing I could do. This is the situation you are in, and it is the worst there is. But even in this situation, you can't dwell on the bad. You have to get a grip, and that's what's going through my mind," she told the interviewer.

"Then he comes up to me, puts a gun to my head, and tells me, 'If you tell anyone, I am going to kill you,'" she concluded.

Later during her captivity, Gonen recounted how she was taken on a motorcycle through the Shati refugee camp, which was surrounded by IDF tanks at the time.

"All I see in front of me is one terrorist with Hamas clothes, a keffiyeh on his face, and he is ready - around him is a lot of plastic. I looked at him and asked if he was going to kill me. There was silence for a few seconds, and he told me we were going underground," she said.

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Another instance when Gonen suffered sexual abuse was when a supposed medical staff member at al-Shifa Hospital, who was supposedly treating her injuries from the October 7 massacre, assaulted her.

"I go into the shower, and he allowed himself to enter in order to 'help me,'" she recounted.

"I am injured and have no power over him, and I am in a situation where I can't do anything," she recalled.

In a separate instance of sexual assault, she recounted how she was held by two terrorists in Shati refugee camp, and the abuse she suffered at their hands.

"I suddenly feel one of them coming closer to me, and he starts giving me a back massage, then he starts going down to my waist - and that's when I cut it off," she said.

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"At first, I told him, 'Stop touching me... stop touching me.' I move his hand, but then he moved towards my waist and got mad. I stood up and said, 'Don't touch me anymore!'" she recounted.

"When I got up in the morning he told me that 'yesterday was a one-time thing. From now on - that's it. You and I will sleep with mattresses next to each other, when you go to the bathroom, I will go with you. Every night, I will handcuff you.' That's how my time in this house started," she recalled.

Herzog: 'Gonen's testimony is heartbreaking'

President Isaac Herzog reacted to Gonen's testimony following the interview, calling it "heartbreaking," and noting that she, with "extraordinary courage" despite her "trembling voice" revealed the "hell she endured in Hamas captivity."

The hell included "sexual violence and a systematic attempt to crush the human spirit," Herzog commented.

"Her story must be told everywhere, so that all will remember what we endured as a people, what the hostages endured, and what Romi endured. Romi, you are a true hero. We salute your courage," he added.
For months, President Donald Trump has floated the idea of sending Americans a $2,000 check funded from the United States' tariff revenue.

Trump first floated the idea of a dividend check in July, releasing a few more details to the public in early November. The President told reporters on Nov. 17 in the Oval Office that "individuals of moderate income" could expect dividends "probably in the middle of next year," according to USA TODAY reporting.

However, Tennesseans shouldn't expect to see any money hit their accounts on New Year's Day 2026 or anytime in the near future. In fact, there's no guarantee that Trump's checks will be mailed at all.

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Here's why.

What is Trump's tariff dividend check plan?

Trump proposed that middle-class Americans could get a cut of the country's tariff revenue. While the proposal sounds nice, there are only vague details available as to who would see the money, if issued at all.

On Nov. 16, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Maria Bartiromo on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" that the administration would "need legislation for that" when asked about the checks, adding that the checks "could go out."

Who would get Trump's tariff dividend checks?

The money would go to "low and middle income" U.S. citizens, according to a Nov. 10 Truth Social post.

When are we getting the tariff dividend checks?

No release date for a $2,000 check has been announced yet.

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In November, Trump said that the checks could come in "the middle of next year."

Trump advisor expects president to bring $2,000 check proposal to congress in 2026

On Dec. 21, Director of the White House National Economic Council, Kevin Hassett, revealed on CBS News' "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that Congress would need to sign off on the checks, not just Trump.

"The deficit relative to last year is down by $600 billion and so, in the summer, I wasn't so sure that there was space for a check like that. But now I'm pretty sure that there is, and so, I would expect that in the new year, the president will bring forth a proposal to Congress to make that happen," Hassett said.

Why does Trump want to issue tariff checks?

Trump has been talking about a dividend rebate since July, saying revenue from tariffs, which he began instituting in March and April, could lead to "a little rebate, but the big thing we want to do is pay down debt."

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The president has repeatedly referenced the potential checks regularly since then. Trump likely wishes to issue the checks because U.S. residents have helped pay for the tariffs.

According to USA TODAY, Trump told reporters on Nov. 14 that tariffs "may in some cases," raise prices, after signing an executive order exempting certain agriculture products  including bananas, coffee and beef  from reciprocal tariffs he imposed on April 2.

Are tariff dividends checks the same as 1776 warrior dividends?

No, the checks are not the same.

The 1776 warrior dividend, announced by Trump on Dec. 17, was a housing stipend sent to all active and reserve U.S. Servicemembers in December 2025. Trump framed the checks as a sort of Christmas bonus.

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The money to fund the Christmas bonus checks for servicemembers is from Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, which was signed into law in July, according to the Department of War, formerly known as the Department of Defense. Congress appropriated the additional funds to supplement the housing allowance.

That money has already been sent out to troops, according to Trump.

On the other hand, the tariff dividends are just an idea so far. There has been no congressional action, which would likely need to be written and authorized legislation to make a tariff check happen, according to the Tax Foundation.

Who is eligible to get Trump's warrior dividend check?

The funds will be sent to 1.28 million active-duty and 174,000 reserve component military members, according to the Department of War.

Why is the warrior dividend check $1,776?

The check's amount may seem arbitrary, but it's not. The reason each check is $1,776 is an ode to the year the United States became an independent nation and the "250 years the U.S. military has been defending the nation," according to the Department of War.

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Tennessee Connect reporter Diana Leyva contributed to this report.

Allison Kiehl covers trending and breaking news from Knoxville for the Tennessee Connect Team. Email: allison.kiehl@knoxnews.com

Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Will Trump's $2,000 dividend checks still happen in 2026? The latest
Three men who escaped from a Georgia jail for three days hijacked a Lyft rideshare as part of a brazen attempt to flee to south Florida, according to newly released federal court documents.

Stevenson Charles, 24; Yusuf Minor, 31; and Naod Yohannes, 25, are accused of escaping from the DeKalb county jail, located 15 miles (24km) outside Atlanta, on Sunday before being recaptured in Florida on Tuesday.

The latest records provide further insight into how the men, who are all incarcerated for violent crimes, including murder charges, managed to escape and travel through several states.

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The rideshare driver told the FBI that the trio ordered a Lyft using a fake, female name, according to an affidavit, NBC News reported. Minors girlfriend allegedly helped the men order the Lyft ride, prosecutors said.

When the driver attempted to drop the men off at their location, the men attacked her, wrapping a rope around her neck and dragging her to the backseat.

The driver later told police that the men threatened to rape and kill her during the 10-hour trip to Florida.

Charles, Minor and Yohannes then used the womans credit cards and bank information to rent a property in Miramar, Florida, a suburb of the Miami metropolitan area. The men also used the drivers car while in the area. Police tracked down the trios whereabouts using license plate readers, which allow law enforcement to search for wanted vehicles.

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All three men were later arrested. The driver was rescued from the rental property, records state, and was examined for injuries.

The trios escape was discovered on Sunday during a standard security check.

Temetris Atkins, chief deputy of DeKalb county, told reporters on Tuesday that the men managed to escape through an older part of the jail.

We repaired the area that was compromised, and were looking at other areas that are similar to that to fortify them to make sure that they are not compromised in the same manner, Atkins said.

Phone records searched by police following the trios escape revealed that one of the men had been in touch with people outside to help them avoid arrest after their escape.

Minor and Yohannes are both serving life sentences for murder charges, NBC reported. Charles is being detained on murder and armed robbery charges.
Photos of a structure resembling a shipping container with four wooden exterior panels and a padded interior appeared on Facebook on Dec. 15. But what, or rather who, was in the containers continues to spark outrage due to claims that special needs children were placed in them during time-out sessions.

The photos, posted by a former school board member, were from the St. Regis Mohawk School in the Salmon River Center School District, in the upstate New York community of Akwesasne near the Canadian border, prompting a state investigation that led to school staff being placed on leave and the superintendent's temporary reassignment.

We recognize the pain, concern, and distress these events have caused, and we are truly sorry for the harm and trauma this has resulted for our community, Jason Brockway, the boards president, said in a Dec. 18 statement. We want to be clear: the circumstances surrounding these allegations do not reflect the values and standards of care that guide this district.

Chrissy Onientatahse Jacobs, who posted images, says its not enough.

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I want to see (Superintendent) Stanley Harper terminated. I want to see the Assistant Superintendent Angela Robert terminated. The special education director, Alan Gravel, I want him terminated, Jacobs told USA TODAY in an interview.

More: Their kids rely on special education. Trump's cuts have them on edge.

District officials story changes

At no time was the item depicted in the photographs used by any student at the mohawk (sic) school, the District wrote in a Dec. 15 Facebook post. In fact, prior to the circulation of these photographs, the District had already determined that it would not utilize the specific device shown.

However, the Albany Times Union reported that at a boisterous school board meeting on Dec. 17, multiple parents alleged that their children had been placed in a box. Television station WNNY reported that a parent, who they did not name, alleged that the box was used on his nonverbal special needs son.

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He explained to us that if you are angry, or if you are sad, this is where you go when its time to calm down, the station quoted the parent as saying.

In a portion of a stream of the meeting, broadcast by an attendee and reviewed by USA TODAY, Harper revealed that three boxes were present in two schools in the district, and that he knew about their presence weeks before Jacobs post.

I found out about three weeks ago, Harper said. When I saw it, I said, Remove it. An attendee is heard on the stream saying termination now shortly after the comments.

The district said it launched an independent investigation through an unnamed law firm. A Dec. 24 statement provided to USA TODAY from the district says that the Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES is leading the investigation.

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Harper was assigned to home duties, and St. Regis Mohawk School Principal Alison Benedict and elementary school teacher Karrie Haverstock were put on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.

Time out boxes resurface previous trauma

Jacobs said that the revelation of the boxes brought back memories of previous abuses in residential schools.

The Salmon River Central School District is 61% Native American, according to data from the New York State Education Department. However, Jacobs told USA TODAY that the percentage is higher, but families do not identify that way for fear of mistreatment.

My grandparents went to school there, when it was built to be an Indian Day School, and my grandparents were locked in cages and boxes in the basement of that school in the 30s and 40s, Jacobs said. My father went in the 60s; he was abused. I went there in the 90s, and I was abused. Now our kids are there, and theyre building boxes.

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More: Education Department layoffs threaten special ed system, advocates warn

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council said that trust has been broken in a statement to The New York Times. It is clear what transpired should have never happened, and our children deserve better from those in charge of their care.

This is living history in our family at the dinner table for generations, still dealing with the systematic abuse, and now in 2025 its being defended as support and education, Jacobs said.

The Times Union reported that a mother alleged during the meeting that the district made her agree to use the time-out box on her child for them to continue his education.

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This is where it gets really disheartening, were a very impoverished school district, Jacobs said. When you think about telling a parent: You need to sign this or your child gets kicked out, what youre really telling them is agree, even though you dont agree with it and it doesnt feel right, because youre going to lose your job, and then youre going to lose your house, and then youre going to starve and youre going to lose your children.

State responds

The use of restraint and seclusion is banned by New York state regulations, according to a letter from the Office of Special Education sent to Harper ordering the removal of the boxes obtained by USA TODAY.

The situation at Salmon River falls short of that standard, and the Department is committed to working with the school community to bring the district into full compliance with all applicable seclusion laws and regulations, the department said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The Times Union reported that state regulations allow educators to confine students alone in a time-out if in unlocked spaces, where they can be watched and move about and recline comfortably. It adds that the state updated the regulations in 2023, following the papers investigation into disciplinary practices across New York.

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A second grader and a high schooler in the Salmon River School District had been physically restrained or placed in time-out, The Times Union added, but noted: Due to the small number of incidents, the state suppressed further details on these cases.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks during a press conference at New York Common Pantry on Oct. 30, 2025 in New York City.

More: Trump admin aims to slash access to disability lawyers, advocates say

New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the allegations alarming and entirely unacceptable in a statement. As a mom, I know firsthand the trust parents place in our schools, and the teachers and administrators who work with our children, Hochul said. School should be a place where every child is safe, respected and supported.

The district announced the appointment of Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES District Superintendent Dale Breault as acting superintendent during a Dec. 23 special meeting.

USA TODAY has reached out to the district and Harper for further comment.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Special needs students put in 'time out box'
A crash involving a semi truck has blocked all eastbound lanes of I-10 just past Yellow Water Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Traffic is being diverted into the left emergency lane as crews work to clear the scene.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  U.S Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has issued emergency orders to keep two Hoosier coal plants operational, including one located in the Tri-State.

The order directs CenterPoint Energy and two other companies to continue burning coal at the F.B Culley station in Newburgh, and the R.M. Schahfer station in northern Indiana.

Officials say certain units at each station were originally scheduled to close this month.

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Wright says the orders prioritize minimizing electricity costs for the American people and minimizing the risk and costs of blackouts.

The Trump Administration remains committed to swiftly deploying all available tools and authorities to safeguard the reliability, affordability, and security of the nations energy system, said Secretary Wright. Keeping these coal plants online has the potential to save lives and is just common sense. Americans deserve reliable power regardless of whether the wind is blowing or the sun is shining during extreme winter conditions.

The Trump Administration says the order guarantees people living in the Midwest will have access to reliable and affordable energy in the winter months.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
President Donald Trumps Defense Secretary has warned of further U.S. strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria after the group was accused of targeting Christians.

The U.S. military said that camps by the group in Sokoto state, near the border with Niger, were hit during the strikes with an initial assessment suggesting multiple fatalities.

Hegseth said in a post on X: The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight  on Christmas.

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The secretary added, Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!

He then wrote: "More to come"

The U.S. launched a deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria Thursday night, according to the Department of Defense (Department of Defense)

Trump announced the strikes in a post on his Truth Social platform on Christmas Day, writing: Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was, Trump continued.

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The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.

A Defense Department official told The Independent the U.S. worked with Nigeria to carry out the strikes and theyd been approved by that countrys government.

The Associated Press reports Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the cooperation included exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination in ways consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security.

Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigerias values and to international peace and security, the ministry said in a statement.

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Nigerias government has previously said in response to Trumps criticisms that people of many faiths, not just Christians, have suffered attacks at the hands of extremists groups.

President Donald Trump declared: MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues (AP)

The Defense Department, which Trump has pushed to rename the Department of War, posted video on X alongside a copy of the presidents comments.

U.S Africa Command said in a post on X, At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.

The Independent has reached out to the White House for more information about the strikes.

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Last month, Trump said he was instructing the Defense Department to prepare for possible action in Nigeria, claiming the nations government continues to allow the killing of Christians.

He also declared Nigeria is a country of particular concern. The U.S. government uses this designation for nations determined to have committed particularly severe violations of religious freedom, according to the State Departments website.

Trump said in November, If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has previously pushed back on Trump's designation of Nigeria as a 'country of particular concern' (AP)

Nigerias population of 220 million people is mostly split between Christians and Muslims. There are also armed insurgent groups operating in the nation, including the Islamic extremist organization Boko Haram, which has also targeted Muslims, The AP reported.

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Much of northern Nigeria has been struck by conflict in an ongoing security crisis and Trump has singled the country out for what he calls the killing of Christians by radical Islamists.

Victims and church leaders have reiterated Trumps claims that Christians are persecuted, saying theyve long been attacked, kidnapped or killed over their faith.

But many insist the reality isnt that simple, with experts and residents saying most attacks emphasize the widespread violence that has long plagued the West African nation, where everyone is a potential victim, regardless of background or belief.

With reporting from the Associated Press.
President Donald Trump began the day after Christmas with a self-soothing posting spree bragging about everything from firing federal workers to Bill Clintons appearance in the Epstein files.

As Americans woke from their Christmas slumber on Friday morning, Trump, 79, embarked on a social media tirade, posting an average of once every two minutes on his Truth Social platform.

TRUMP IS DOING AN AMAZING JOB! he declared, alongside a graph showing crime rates falling over the past year.

President Donald Trump has celebrated the holiday season with an endless stream of incendiary posts. / Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

The rapid-fire rant began shortly after 7:30 a.m. with a link to an article from conservative website, Just The News, talking up Trumps immigration policies.

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This was followed within seconds by another item from the same publication featuring a former Defense Department official warning that terrorists may one day aerosolize fentanyl.

Less than a minute later, Trump posted an item promoting the fact that Clinton had featured prominently in the Epstein filesdespite Trump voicing sympathy for the former president only days ago.

Bill Clinton and the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. / Department of Justice

I dont like the pictures of Bill Clinton being shown. I dont like the pictures of other people being shown. I think its a terrible thing, he told reporters on Monday.

Trump then set off another flurry of posts celebrating tighter visa restrictions and pushing his false claim that the 2020 election was stolen, before bragging about federal employment reaching a new low thanks to his mass firing of government workers this year.

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BIG NEWS FOR THE USA! Trump boasted, alongside a graph showing how much federal jobs have plummeted since his administration took an ax to the civil service.

Trump embarked on a post-Christmas Day self-soothing rant. / Truth Social

The self-soothing rants came as Trump spent the holidays at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Floridawith some of his family members noticeably absent.

Trumps favorite daughter, Ivanka, posted Instagram photos with her husband, Jared Kushner, and their children from the mountains in what appeared to be Aspen, Colorado, as well as a greeting on X about the joy of spending Christmas with family and the family you choose.

On Christmas morning, this feels especially true !



The greatest gift isnt whats under the tree, its the time weve spent (and still get to spend) with our families, the families we choose, and our children.



Wishing you a very, very Merry Christmas, surrounded by the love https://t.co/5l2k9NPXT8  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) December 25, 2025

Trump did, however, spend an awkward-looking Christmas Eve with first lady Melania Trump, 55, and her father, Viktor Knavs.

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The trio were seated together at an extravagant dinner Wednesday night at Mar-a-Lago, with Trump seemingly frozen out of the conversation between his wife and her father.

In images that were widely mocked online, Trump was filmed sitting glumly at the table, before he noticed the camera on him, prompting a performative fist pump.

He then marked Christmas Day in his usual incendiary fashion, firing off almost 200 Truth Social posts in which he complained about everything from the 2020 election, the media, Democrats, Somali immigrants, and other favorite targets.

He also sought to distance himself from Jeffrey Epstein, as files released by the Justice Department reveal fresh links between the president and the late sex trafficker.

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Merry Christmas to all, including the many Sleazebags who loved Jeffrey Epstein, gave him bundles of money, went to his Island, attended his parties, and thought he was the greatest guy on earth, only to drop him like a dog when things got too HOT, falsely claimed they had nothing to do with him, didnt know him, said he was a disgusting person, and then blame, of course, President Donald J. Trump, who was actually the only one who did drop Epstein, and long before it became fashionable to do so, Trump wrote.

The message stood in stark contrast to the greetings of other world leaders and sparked an instant backlash on social media.

The President of the United States is very seriously mentally ill, and elected Republicans are so afraid of him that they wont do or say anything about it, said former Republican turned Meidas Touch news editor Ron Filipkowski.
President Donald Trump has shared a bizarre Christmas Day social media post about Jeffrey Epstein, saying that he dropped ties with the late sex offender long before it became fashionable, and that the controversy surrounding the release of the so-called Epstein files is a Radical Left Witch Hunt.

The Trump administration has been facing ongoing scrutiny, mainly from Democrats but also some Republicans, for its handling of government files related to Epstein as the public pushes for more transparency about the disgraced financiers life and crimes. Epstein died by suicide in his jell cell in 2019 as he stood accused of sexually abusing and sex trafficking underage girls.

Merry Christmas to all, including the many Sleazebags who loved Jeffrey Epstein...only to drop him like a dog when things got too HOT, falsely claimed they had nothing to do with him, didnt know him, said he was a disgusting person, and then blame, of course, President Donald J. Trump, who was actually the only one who did drop Epstein, and long before it became fashionable to do so, Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday evening.

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The president was friendly with Epstein decades ago, calling him a terrific guy in a 2002 New York magazine profile. In the midst of the Epstein controversy, The Wall Street Journal reported on a lewd birthday card Trump supposedly gave Epstein in 2003, but the president has denied that he authored such a letter and is suing the outlet and its owners.

President Donald Trump has shared a bizarre Christmas day social media post about Jeffrey Epstein, saying that he dropped ties with the sex offender 'long before it became fashionable' (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

But Trump has said their relationship ended before Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution. The White House has said Trump did nothing wrong and that the president kicked Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach for being a creep.

Trump suggested in Wednesdays Truth Social post that the people who thought Epstein was the greatest guy on earth were Democrats.

When their names get brought out in the ongoing Radical Left Witch Hunt...and it is revealed that they are Democrats all, there will be a lot of explaining to do...Enjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas! Trump wrote.

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When the Justice Department started to release its trove of Epstein documents last Friday  after Congress pushed through legislation to force the Trump administration to reveal all the information it had on the convicted sex offender  photos of former Democratic President Bill Clinton emerged.

The president was friends with Epstein decades ago, calling him a 'terrific guy' in a 2002 New York magazine profile (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)

In one photo, Clinton and Epstein were smiling as they stood next to each other wearing silky shirts. In another, Clinton was swimming in a pool with Epsteins longtime associate and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

Trump and Clinton have not been formally accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein.

Clintons spokesperson, Angel Urena, said shortly after Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019, President Clinton knows nothing about the terrible crimes Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to in Florida some years ago, or those with which he has been recently charged in New York.

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Different from his tone in Wednesdays Truth Social post, when asked about the photos of Clinton in the Epstein files on Monday, Trump seemed to sympathize with him, telling reporters, I think its terrible.

I like Bill Clinton...I hate to see photos come out of him, but this is what the Democrats, mostly Democrats and a couple of bad Republicans, are asking for, Trump said. There are photos of me too. Everybody was friendly with this guy.

When the Justice Department started to release its trove of Epstein documents last Friday photos of former Democratic President Bill Clinton emerged (DOJ)

Trump showed concern for how the Epstein files could ruin peoples reputations.

You probably have pictures being exposed of other people that innocently met Jeffrey Epstein years ago.

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The president warned again on Wednesday of the consequences the Epstein files, which have not all been released yet, could have on peoples reputations.

So many of their friends, mostly innocent, will be badly hurt and reputationally tarnished. But sadly, thats the way it is in the World of Corrupt Democrat Politics!!! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Reacting to Trumps Epstein rant, Representative Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, a Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, wrote on X, The walls are closing in on Donald Trump and his corrupt, criminal regime, and hes absolutely losing his mind. Merry Christmas!!

The Justice Department wrote on X Wednesday that it may take a few more weeks to release over a million more documents potentially related to Epstein that the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI had uncovered.
Turkey has arrested 115 alleged Islamic State (IS) terrorists accused of plotting Christmas and New Years Eve attacks.

Mass raids were carried out across Istanbul with authorities seizing pistols and other firearms, ammunition and organisational documents.

Officials said they were planning terror attacks across the country this week targeting non-Muslims during Christmas and New Years Eve celebrations.

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Police are still hunting for a further 22 suspects.

Prosecutors said many of those arrested were already wanted on terrorism charges at international levels.

On Monday, Turkish intelligence agents captured a senior IS member accused of orchestrating a separate series of suicide attacks.

Mehmet Goren, a member of the Afghan-based branch of the group, Islamic State Khorasan, operated terror camps near the Afghanistan and Pakistan border.

Survived airstrikes

Goren, codenamed Yahya, was an administrator tasked with carrying out attacks across Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Europe, intelligence sources said.

He previously survived airstrikes targeting IS in Pakistan.

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An additional 10 suspects were arrested for financing the terror network.

They allegedly provided cash to terrorists and their families in Syrian conflict zones, detailing the transactions as a call for unity, atonement, aid for captive sisters.

Turkey has been the site of previous IS terror attacks which targeted non-Muslims.

In January 2024, two IS gunmen attacked a Catholic church in Istanbul during a Sunday mass, killing one man.

Seven years earlier, 39 people celebrating New Years Eve at an Istanbul nightclub were killed in an IS attack.

Turkey shares a 900-kilometre border with Syria, where jihadist groups are still active.

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In December, a gunman with links to IS killed three US citizens in the Syrian desert.

Two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in the attack near Palmyra.

Six other people were wounded, including three members of the Syrian security forces who had clashed with the gunman, Nour al-Din al-Baba, an interior ministry spokesman, said.

The attacker was among 5,000 recruits serving a new division in the internal security forces in the desert region known as the Badiya, one of the places in Syria where remnants of the extremist group have remained active.

In November, Syrias president Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a political cooperation agreement with the US to launch a joint coalition against IS, following a visit to the White House.

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The coalition has carried out air strikes and ground operations in Syria targeting IS suspects in recent months, often with the involvement of Syrias security forces.

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Two people have been killed and several others injured in a terrorist attack in northern Israel, Israeli media reported on Friday, citing police sources.

A Palestinian attacker drove his car into a group of pedestrians near Beit She'an, killing a 68-year-old man and injuring at least two other people, including a 16-year-old boy, officials were quoted as saying.

The attacker then killed an 18-year-old woman with a knife at the entrance to the Ein Harod kibbutz near the town of Afula. A security guard who happened to be present then shot and wounded the attacker.

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Police later went into a hospital to arrest the 37-year-old suspect, who they said is a Palestinian from the nearby occupied West Bank.

According to the military, the man had been in Israel illegally for several days. Hospital doctors described his injuries as serious but not life-threatening.

Despite an overall increase in violence since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, such fatal incidents are less common in northern Israel than in the West Bank, where around 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 3 million Palestinians in settlements considered illegal under international law.
Two people were killed when a Palestinian man launched a car-ramming and stabbing attack in northern Israel, police said Friday.

The suspect is a Palestinian from the occupied West Bank, according to police, who said he ran over a 68-year-old Israeli pedestrian in the city of Beit Shean and then stabbed a 17-year-old female Israeli near the kibbutz of Ein Harod in what police described as a rolling terror attack. A 16-year-old boy was injured in the attack , according to the MDA emergency services.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later identified the 68-year-old victim as Shimshon Mordechai and the 17-year-old as Aviv Maor.

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A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that the preliminary investigation indicates the terrorist is an illegal resident who infiltrated Israeli territory several days ago. Police said the attacker was ultimately confronted by a civilian bystander in the nearby city of Afula and evacuated to a hospital in moderate condition.

Shortly after the incident, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered an Israeli military operation action in the West Bank city of Qabatiya, the suspects hometown close to Jenin. In a statement, Katz said he instructed the IDF to act forcefully and immediately to locate and thwart every terrorist and terrorists infrastructure in the city, adding that anyone who assists terrorism or provides sponsorship and backing for terrorism will pay the full price.

The IDF said additional forces were preparing to enter Qabatiya following Katzs order.

Israels far-right national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir said the attack demonstrated the urgent need to pass a death penalty for terrorists law, which the Israeli government is currently advancing at Ben Gvirs demand. Anyone who sets out to carry out an antisemitic terror attack must know Israel will not allow them to continue living and will send them straight to hell, Ben Gvir said in a statement.

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Bet Shean and Afula are located in Israels northern Jezreel Valley, bordering the northern parts of the West Bank. Both have experienced deadly attacks in the past.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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A man was shot and killed on Friday after firing at police officers during a child custody exchange in a North Carolina suburb, authorities said.

The Mint Hill Police Department said it was called to an Edible Arrangements location at a shopping center around 10:47 a.m. on Friday.

The store was the site of a child custody exchange. The shopping center was busy at the time, CBS affiliate WBTV said. It's not clear what led to the 911 call.

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When police officers arrived, a male subject "produced a firearm," the department said. The subject and officers exchanged fire. Two police officers were injured, the department said. The male subject was shot and killed.

The two officers were hospitalized and are in stable condition, the department said. More information on their injuries was not immediately available.

"The incident remains under active investigation, and additional information will be released tomorrow," Mint Hill police said Friday afternoon.

Employees at a restaurant in the shopping center saw two officers enter the Edible Arrangements, Empire Pizza manager Kevin Phayme told the Associated Press. Phayme said the employees saw one officer lead the other outside with blood on their hands.

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The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said its agents are on the scene of the shooting and will assist in the department's investigation.

Mint Hill has a population of about 27,000 and is located about 12 miles east of Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Details on U.S. strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria
President Trump said Thursday that the U.S. launched "powerful and deadly" strikes against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, after spending weeks accusing the West African country's government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.

"Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!" Mr. Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. "I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was."

Mr. Trump did not provide further details on the strikes, such as how many people were killed, who or what was specifically targeted, or how many strikes were carried out, other than to say they were "numerous perfect strikes."

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U.S. Africa Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in Africa, said in a statement that its "initial assessment is that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the ISIS camps."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X: "The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. "The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight  on Christmas. More to come Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation."

The Defense Department posted to its X account an unclassified 9-second video that appeared to show a missile being launched from a military vessel.

.@POTUS Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and pic.twitter.com/ct7rUW128t  Department of War  (@DeptofWar) December 26, 2025

In its own statement, Nigeria's foreign ministry acknowledged the strikes and indicated that it was given advanced notice, saying that "Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorist and violent extremism. This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West."

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"Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria's values and to international peace and security," the ministry added.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar went further, telling a local television network his nation provided the U.S. with intelligence on jihadists before the raids, French news agency AFP reported. It quoted him as saying he spoke by phone with Secretary of State Marco Rubio "for 19 minutes before the strike and then we spoke again for another five minutes before it went on."

Asked if there would be more strikes, Tuggar said: "It is an ongoing thing, and we are working with the U.S. We are working with other countries as well."

Map shows area of U.S. strikes on ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025. / Credit: Yasin Demirci/Anadolu via Getty Images

In early November, Mr. Trump said that he had instructed the Pentagon to "prepare for possible action" in Nigeria after he alleged that Nigeria's government was not doing enough to combat the persecution of Christians there.

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"If we attack, it will be fast, vicious and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!" Mr. Trump wrote on Nov. 1.

In response at the time, Hegseth wrote on social media that the Department of War, the Trump administration's preferred term for the Defense Department, was "preparing for action."

This comes about a week after the U.S. conducted a series of strikes on ISIS targets in Syria in response to the killing of two U.S. soldiers and an interpreter.

Mr. Trump in November also said he would be designating Nigeria as a "country of particular concern."

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Designating a "country of particular concern" under the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act is an executive prerogative that normally follows recommendations from both the congressionally mandated U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and the State Department.

The State Department usually releases its annual Report on International Religious Freedom in the spring, but has not yet done so this year. The report may or may not include "particular concern" designations, which can be done at any time. And, such designations, which authorize U.S. penalties, do not necessarily impose sanctions.

The Nigerian government has rejected Mr. Trump's claims that it is not doing enough to protect Christians from violence. Analysts have said that while Christians are among those targeted, the majority of victims of armed groups are Muslims in Nigeria's Muslim-majority north, where most attacks occur. Earlier Thursday, at least five people were killed and dozens more injured in an explosion at a mosque in the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri.

Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu previously said on social media that the characterization of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant country does not reflect the national reality.

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"Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so," Tinubu said. "Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it. Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths."

Nigeria was first placed on the "country of particular concern" list by the U.S. in 2020 in what the State Department called "systematic violations of religious freedom." But the designation did not single out attacks on Christians. The designation was lifted in 2023 in what many saw as a way to improve ties between the countries ahead of a visit by then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

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Dec. 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. military carried out several strikes on alleged terrorists in northwest Nigeria on Thursday in retaliation for attacks on Christians in an area largely controlled by Islamists.

The number of strikes and the manner in which they were carried out were not announced, but President Donald Trump said they targeted ISIS-aligned "Islamic state terrorists" in Nigeria, CNN reported.

"Tonight, at my direction as commander-in-chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years and even centuries!" Trump said in a Christmas Day post on Truth Social.

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"I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was," he added.

The president said the U.S. military "executed numerous perfect strikes" against alleged terrorist targets in Nigeria.

"Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper," Trump said. "May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues."

Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth confirmed the strikes and thanked the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation.

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"The president was clear last month: The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end," Hegseth said in a post on X.

"The Department of War is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight -- on Christmas," he said, adding: "More to come."

Nigeria's population generally is divided between Christians to the south and Muslims to the north, and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday said he prays for peace within the West African nation.

"I stand committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect Christians, Muslims and all Nigerians from violence," Tinubu said.
"The UAE reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting all endeavors aimed at strengthening stability and development in Yemen," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The United Arab Emirates welcomes Saudi Arabian efforts to support security and stability in Yemen and remains committed to backing stability in the country, the UAEs foreign ministry said on Friday.

Yemen's main southern separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which is supported by Abu Dhabi, has pushed the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government from its headquarters in Aden while claiming broad control across the south earlier this month.

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"The UAE reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting all endeavors aimed at strengthening stability and development in Yemen," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia said on Thursday it remains hopeful that STC will end an escalation and withdraw its forces from the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahra.

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.

A Yemeni government soldier holds a weapon as he stands by an emblem of the STC at the headquarters of the separatist Southern Transitional Council in Ataq (credit: ALI OWIDHA/ REUTERS)

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.

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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.

STC historical record of action

The STC was initially part of the Sunni Muslim Saudi-led alliance that intervened in Yemen in 2015 against the Iran-aligned Houthis. But the group has turned on the government and sought self-rule in the south.

Yemen has already been marred by a civil war since 2014, with the Houthis controlling the northern part of the country, including the capital Sanaa, after forcing the Saudi-backed government to flee south.

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.
Yemens main southern separatists have accused Saudi Arabia of launching air attacks against their positions in Hadramout province, marking a sharp escalation in recent tensions between the group and its northern neighbour.

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) said on Friday that Saudi warplanes struck forces from the Hadhrami Elite twice in the Wadi Nahb area, first at 8am and again at 9:15am, while the separatist-affiliated Aden Independent Channel shared videos of the aftermath of the strikes.

Saudi Arabia has not confirmed carrying out any attacks.

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There were no reports of casualties from the STC, but footage shared online and verified by Al Jazeera showed plumes of smoke rising near Wadi Nahb in a desert area, confirming that blasts had taken place.

The strikes came a day after Riyadh urged the STC to withdraw from Hadramout and al-Mahra, two eastern provinces the group seized earlier this month. On Friday, the group rejected Saudi Arabias call, saying it would continue securing the areas.

Fridays strikes also followed clashes on Thursday between separatist forces and a tribal leader close to Saudi Arabia that killed two STC fighters, according to the group.





In a statement released hours after the air attacks, the STC accused Saudi Arabia of conducting surprising aerial bombardment, defending its move in the south.

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The Southern Armed Forces movement came in response to calls from our southern people to confront security threats represented by terrorist groups and to cut off supply and smuggling lines, the STC said, adding it remained open to coordination that guarantees the security and unity of the south.

The separatists have pushed the Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government from large parts of southern Yemen this month, reviving the flag of South Yemen, which existed as an independent state from 1967 to 1990.

The rapid advance has given the STC control over nearly half of Yemens territory in the vast eastern regions, including oil-producing regions in Hadramout that border Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Heightened tensions

The STC offensive risks causing tension between close allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

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The UAE previously provided military and financial backing to the STC. On Friday, the Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement welcoming Saudi efforts to support security and stability in Yemen.

Both countries have sought to present a united front publicly, but their diverging interests on the ground could strain their coalition against the Houthis, who rule the countrys capital, Sanaa.

A joint Saudi-Emirati military delegation visited Aden earlier this month, asking the STC to return the seized territory, but the group refused, the AFP news agency reported, quoting sources close to the group.

Oman, which shares a border with the recently seized al-Mahra province and has served as a key mediator in Yemen, called on Friday for avoiding escalation and engaging in comprehensive political dialogue.

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The renewed fighting has raised alarm at the United Nations, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning last week that the STC advances risked wider escalation and further fragmentation. A full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional peace and security, he said.

Competition for control

Mahjoob Zweiri, an academic and Gulf politics expert, told Al Jazeera that Yemen now faces a three-way competition for control between the Houthis in the north, the internationally recognised transitional government, and the STC.

If the situation, the current status quo in and south of Yemen continues, Yemen will lose economically, will lose also politically, Zweiri said.

Zweiri noted that only the transitional government led by Rashad al-Alimi has international recognition, while both the Houthis and the STC face legitimacy problems that will shape events in the coming weeks and months.

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Yemen has been torn by civil war since 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa and forced the government south. The Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015, but years of war have killed hundreds of thousands and caused a major humanitarian crisis.

Fighting has eased since a UN-brokered truce in 2022, but separatist advances have completely changed the political landscape, Zweiri said.
Ukraine is expanding its uncrewed surface vessel (USV) attacks to hit Russian targets on the Dnipro River and its tributaries. Kyivs USV campaign has previously hit enemy shipping, warships, and infrastructure in attacks made famous by the countrys State Security Service (SBU) and Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR).

Meanwhile, as Russia begins to build out its own USV effort, Ukraine also said it struck a storage site for those vessels on Tuesday night in a preemptive effort to keep them from being deployed.

The 40th Coastal Defense Brigade of the 30th Marine Corps recently released a video showing the Barracuda USV it developed carrying out a mission in the Dnipro region. The video purports to show the Barracuda making its way through an inlet before hitting a small camouflaged Russian boat and outpost. The video then cuts to aerial drone views showing an explosion and resulting destruction.

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The unmanned boat Barracuda carried out another successful mission, the Corps stated on Telegram.

    ""      Sea Baby  ,      ,            "".



     Barracuda 40- .



      pic.twitter.com/MSBQAeGHQX  Alexander Kovalenko (@zloy_odessit) December 24, 2025

The Barracuda USV is operated by a special unit of the same name, according to the 30th Marine Corps.

The eponymous special unit, subordinated to the 40th Marine Brigade, independently designed and launched a water drone, which is already defending the coasts of Ukraine, the Corps explained.

A Barracuda uncrewed surface vessel designed and operated by Ukraines 30th Marine Corps. (30th Marine Corps screencap)

Unveiled earlier this year, the Barracuda was designed to carry out several missions, including one-way attack, strikes with grenades and first-person view (FPV) drones and resupply, according to the Corps.

A Ukrainian Barracuda USV equipped with launchers. (30th Marine Corps screencap)

This modular design is similar to the Sea Baby USVs produced by the SBU and the Magura line of USVs operated by GUR that have frequently staged attacks in the Black Sea. In addition to serving as one-way attack weapons, the USVs previously deployed by Ukraine have brought down jets and helicopters and launched attacks using aerial drones. This onslaught has already kept Russias Black Sea Fleet (BSF) at bay, forcing it to retreat from Crimea to Novorossiysk. Ukrainian USVs have also damaged enemy military facilities in occupied Crimea and the Kerch Bridge.

One of GURs Magura-7 USVs. (GUR) GUR

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However, unlike Ukraines long-range USVs, the Barracuda is not equipped with satellite communications.

Its range is therefore limited, making it suitable primarily for short-distance missions among the islands of the Dnipro River, which corresponds with the operating area of the 40th Coastal Defense Brigade, the Ukrainian United24 media outlet noted.

The unit claims that the Barracuda is guided in part by artificial intelligence, but does not provide any details.

 Ukraines Marines unveil a new riverine naval drone  Barracuda.



Built by the 40th Coastal Defense Brigade, its modular, AI-enabled, and tailored for Dnipro island warfare: mining channels, striking with grenade launchers, and resupplying positions. pic.twitter.com/0a11OsO7R5  Ivan Khomenko (@KhomenkoIv60065) August 24, 2025

Overall, the Barracuda appears to be a bit cheaper and less complex design that is better optimized for lower priority targets in riverine and shallow littoral areas. The lack of a satellite communications system is interesting as control of the boat would have to be provided locally, within line of sight of the boat or at least within line of sight of a relay, such as a drone, flying overhead. The boat could also follow waypoint navigation autonomously, but making pinpoint attacks in complex waterways would be a challenge for such a concept of operations.

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The Barracuda attacks are part of a fight taking place on the Dnipro, its inlets and islands since the Ukrainians recaptured Kherson City in November 2023. With neither side being able to launch a major cross-river attack due to the difficulty of crossing a body of water while under fire from drones and artillery, the two sides have been jockeying for position in this area on a much smaller scale.

The success of Ukraines USVs has not been lost on Russia. Earlier this year, Moscow carried out a drone boat attack on a Ukrainian Navy reconnaissance ship in the mouth of the Danube River. That incident marked Russias first confirmed use of these weapons. In addition to building its own drone boats, Russia also created dedicated units to operate them. You can read more about Russias USV development in our story here.

The following video shows the August Russian USV attack on the Ukrainian ship.

And here's footage from the Russian unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that struck the Ukrainian reconnaissance ship "Simferopol" last night. https://t.co/ib3i7UbnjF pic.twitter.com/4sRaD3O48U  Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) August 28, 2025

Though there have been no confirmed Russian USV attacks since August, Ukraine remains concerned about the potential for future strikes.

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As part of a systematic reduction of the Russian aggressors military-economic potential, on the night of December 24, units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out successful strikes on several enemy targets, the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff claimed on Wednesday. The storage and maintenance site for unmanned boats in the area of Mirny in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian Crimea was hit.

Ukraine says it launched an attack on a Russian drone boat storage and maintenance facility in Myrnyi, Crimea. (Google Earth)

The General Staff did not provide any visual evidence of the results of the attack and said that the extent of the damage is still being determined.

While Ukraines Barracuda USVs have not yet been carrying out attacks on high-value targets, the drone boats give Kyivs beleaguered forces another weapon they can use to help defend its internal waterways.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Tabari was convicted by a Revolutionary Court in Rasht in October on the grounds of armed rebellion, in an online trial that lasted less than ten minutes.

UN experts and a group of about 400 influential women from around the world have called on Iran not to execute women's rights activist Zahra Shahbaz Tabari, the BBC reported on Wednesday.

Tabari, a 67-year-old electrical engineer, was arrested in April under accusations of collaborating with the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), a banned Iranian opposition group.

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Tabari was convicted by a Revolutionary Court in Rasht in October under the premise of baghi (armed rebellion against the foundations of the Islamic Republic of Iran) in an online trial that lasted less than ten minutes.

According to Tabari's family, the verdict was based on a piece of cloth containing the words "Woman, Resistance, Freedom," and an unpublished audio message.

As a consequence of her conviction, Tabari was sentenced to death, as the Iranian authorities alleged she would have been planning to use the cloth as a public banner to challenge the state, the UN stated.

Tabari was arrested without a judicial warrant and interrogated for a month while facing solitary confinement. During her time in confinement, the activist was put under pressure to confess that she would have taken up arms against the State and that she had a membership in an opposition group.

Women's activist faces death sentence without lawful minimum rights

The activist is currently detained in Lakan Prison in Rasht and, according to a UN expert group, her case "shows a pattern of serious violations of international human rights law regarding fair trial guarantees and the inappropriate use of capital punishment for broad and ill-defined national security offences.

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According to UN experts, Tabari had no access to a lawyer of her choice and was represented by a court-appointed lawyer. Her death sentence was immediately officialized after the 10-minute hearing.

Criminalizing women's activism for gender equality and treating such expression as evidence of armed rebellion constitutes a grave form of gender discrimination, UN experts highlighted.

Tabari's case is one of at least 52 other cases of individuals currently facing the death penalty due to supposed national security offenses, including baghi, moharebeh (waging war against God), corruption on earth, and espionage, the UN reported.

Among the more than 400 influential women urging Iran to halt Tabari's execution are four Nobel laureates and several former heads of state. The group shared a public appeal under a letter, organized by a London-based association of families of victims called Justice for the Victims of the 1988 Massacre in Iran, France 24 reported.

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Some of the most high-profile members of the group responsible for the letter include Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, Republican US Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and Samantha Power, the former US ambassador to the UN, Iran International reported.

Zahra's case lays bare this terror: in Iran, daring to hold a sign declaring women's resistance to oppression is now punishable by death, their letter said.
By Trevor Hunnicutt, Idrees Ali and Surbhi Misra

PALM BEACH, Florida, Dec 25 (Reuters) - The United States carried out a strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, President Donald Trump and the U.S. military said on Thursday, claiming the group had been targeting Christians in the region.

"Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

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The U.S. militarys Africa Command said the strike was carried out in Sokoto state in coordination with Nigerian authorities and killed multiple ISIS militants.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar told the British Broadcasting Corp the strike was a "joint operation" targeting "terrorists", and it "has nothing to do with a particular religion".

Without naming ISIS specifically, Tuggar said the operation had been planned "for quite some time" and had used intelligence information provided by the Nigerian side. He did not rule out further strikes, adding that this depended on "decisions to be taken by the leadership of the two countries".

The strike comes after Trump in late October began warning that Christianity faces an "existential threat" in Nigeria and threatened to militarily intervene in the West African country over what he says is its failure to stop violence targeting Christian communities.

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Reuters reported on Monday the U.S. had been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November.

'MORE TO COME'

Nigerias foreign ministry said the strike was carried out as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States, involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to target militant groups.

"This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West," the ministry said in a post on X.

A video posted by the Pentagon showed at least one projectile launched from a warship. A U.S. defense official said the strike targeted multiple militants at known ISIS camps.

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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked the Nigerian government on X for its support and cooperation and added: More to come...

Nigeria's government has said armed groups target both Muslims and Christians, and U.S. claims that Christians face persecution do not represent the complex security situation and ignore efforts to safeguard religious freedom. But it has agreed to work with the U.S. to bolster its forces against militant groups.

The country's population is split between Muslims living primarily in the north and Christians in the south.

Police said earlier on Thursday a suspected suicide bomber killed at least five people and injured 35 others at a mosque in Nigeria's northeast, another region troubled by Islamist insurgents.

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In a Christmas message posted on X earlier, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu called for peace in his country, "especially between individuals of differing religious beliefs."

He also said: "I stand committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence."

Trump issued his statement on the strike on Christmas Day while he was at his Palm Beach, Florida, Mar-a-Lago Club, where he has been spending the holiday. He had no public events during the day and was last seen by the reporters traveling with him on Wednesday night.

The U.S. military last week launched separate large-scale strikes against dozens of Islamic State targets in Syria, after Trump vowed to hit back in the wake of a suspected ISIS attack on U.S. personnel in the country.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Idrees Ali, Surbhi Misra and Simon Lewis; additional reporting by Donna Bryson and Maria Tsvetkova; Editing by Chris Reese and Michael Perry)
Employees of Smith Power Products Inc recently voted to decertify and break free from their union, officials confirmed.

Earlier this month, the group of 58 workers held a secret ballot election administered by the National Labor Relations Board and voted to decertify the Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3.

The decertification process was led by Smith Power Products employee Bryce Runia, who filed a petition with the NLRB in November. The group received legal aid from National Right to Work Foundations staff attorneys to help with the process.

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This case serves as another reminder that, in addition to the vast majority of workers who polls show are happily non-union, there are numerous other employees in Utah and across America who are currently trapped in a union against their will, said Foundation Vice President Patrick Semmens.

The NLRB is a federal agency responsible for enforcing federal labor law. This includes administering votes to install or remove unions in workplaces. Seventy percent of the workers voted to decertify the union.

Last weeks election took place among all the full-time employees in the Parts and Service Department of the Smith Power Products in Salt Lake City. Utah is one of the 26 states with Right to Work protections which make union affiliation and dues payment strictly voluntary.

The petition to decertify the union was delayed because of the government shutdown.

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After workers vote to decertify a union, any parties can raise objections or challenges, but in this case, that didnt happen, so NLRB has certified that these workers are no longer under the Operating Engineers local union.

The union has been in place over these workers for around 30 years, according to an NLRB release. Because the union had been in place for decades, many of the current employees didnt actually vote to put the union in place.

My understanding is there was a feeling like the union wasnt really doing much for them anymore, not a lot of communication, not a lot of results. And so they decided to re-evaluate the situation, Semmens said.

When employees want to decertify a union, the employer isnt allowed to assist them in the process, and so thats why the National Right to Work Foundation helps with the legal process. The workers do have to campaign and decide to vote on their own.

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Our role is to make sure that they get the vote they requested, and then if there are any like I kind of referenced earlier objections or challenges to the vote to help them get through that part, Semmens said.

Since 2000, there has been an increase in the number of unions getting decertified by employees, according to NLRB.
Dec. 26PENNINGTON COUNTY, Minn.  A Viking, Minnesota, man was sentenced Tuesday, Dec. 23, to a little more than six years for selling methamphetamine to an informant in Thief River Falls.

Jeremy Aaron Tostrup, 29, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to commit a first-degree controlled substance crime. An additional offense, third-degree sale of a controlled substance, was dismissed through a plea agreement.

In December of 2023, Tostrup

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sold an informant a 3.1-gram bag of methamphetamine

for $150, according to court documents. Another, larger buy was allegedly planned in January but never occurred.

Tostrup was sentenced to 73 months with the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud. He has credit for 420 days served.

He previously faced a similar charge in Grand Forks County that was

dismissed in April

after Judge Jason McCarthy ruled evidence in the case was illegally obtained. Tostrup's traffic stop was delayed beyond a reasonable length of time, and law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to delay the stop while they waited for a K9 to arrive, according to McCarthy.

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The prosecution argued there was reasonable suspicion, because Tostrup and his passenger's account of their travel plans differed, and law enforcement knew drugs were being transported to Grand Forks from Fargo  which is the drive Tostrup was making, according to court documents.

McCarthy ruled this as insufficient.
After yesterdays holiday fun, many people have some cleaning up to do. But most waste can be recycled.

In December, the amount of household waste is 23 percent higher than in other months, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As reported on News Center 7s Daybreak, items such as paper, cardboard, and even electronics can be recycled at the Montgomery County Solid Waste Management.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Kelly Bohrer, the program specialist for education and community outreach, said that with electronics, if they still work, donate them to a loved one.

If the electronic device doesnt work anymore, it can be recycled at their facility, said Bohrer.

Especially if they have lithium-ion batteries that can spark fires when theyre crushed by trucks or even crushed through the transfer station or the landfill process, said Bohrer.

The Montgomery County Solid Waste facility will open at 6 a.m. and is free for all Montgomery County residents.

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The United States launched airstrikes in Nigeria against Islamic State militants on Christmas Day after President Donald Trump threatened in November to go into the country "guns-a-blazing" over what he called a "mass slaughter" of Christians.

At Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth's direction, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, the U.S. military struck "ISIS terrorists" in the country's northwest, according to the U.S. Africa Command.

Trump said on Truth Social that he ordered the military to launch a "powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians."

The United States launched airstrikes in Nigeria against Islamic State militants on Christmas Day after President Donald Trump threatened in November to go into the country "guns-a-blazing" over what he called a "mass slaughter" of Christians.

See the impact on residents, who inspect the damage in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria. People read newspapers reporting on U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Nigeria, according to U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. military, in Lagos, Nigeria, December 26, 2025. A damaged building after U.S. forces had launched a strike against Islamic State militants in Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, as U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on December 25, in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, December 26, 2025. Residents and a motorcyclist move between destroyed structures in Offa on December 27, 2025 caused by debris from expended munitions that fell from US strikes on unspecified militants linked to the Islamic State group in Nigeria. Nigeria signalled more joint strikes against jihadist groups were expected after a Christmas Day attack by US forces that President Donald Trump said "decimated" Islamic State-linked camps they targeted in the northwest of the country. People gather at a site where burnt grass is seen in Jabo village, after U.S. forces had launched a strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, as U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on December 25, in Sokoto state, Nigeria, December 26, 2025. A person stands amid a destroyed building after U.S. forces had launched a strike against Islamic State militants in Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, as U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on December 25, in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, December 26, 2025. People gather at a site where burnt grass is seen in Jabo village, after U.S. forces had launched a strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, as U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on December 25, in Sokoto state, Nigeria, December 26, 2025. A general view of destroyed structures in Offa on December 27, 2025 caused by debris from expended munitions that fell from US strikes on unspecified militants linked to the Islamic State group in Nigeria. Nigeria signalled more joint strikes against jihadist groups were expected after a Christmas Day attack by US forces that President Donald Trump said "decimated" Islamic State-linked camps they targeted in the northwest of the country. A general view of destroyed structures in Offa on December 27, 2025 caused by debris from expended munitions that fell from US strikes on unspecified militants linked to the Islamic State group in Nigeria. Nigeria signalled more joint strikes against jihadist groups were expected after a Christmas Day attack by US forces that President Donald Trump said "decimated" Islamic State-linked camps they targeted in the northwest of the country. A general view of destroyed structures in Offa on December 27, 2025 caused by debris from expended munitions that fell from US strikes on unspecified militants linked to the Islamic State group in Nigeria. Nigeria signalled more joint strikes against jihadist groups were expected after a Christmas Day attack by US forces that President Donald Trump said "decimated" Islamic State-linked camps they targeted in the northwest of the country. See the impact of Trump's Christmas Day airstrikes in Nigeria 1 of 10 The United States launched airstrikes in Nigeria against Islamic State militants on Christmas Day after President Donald Trump threatened in November to go into the country "guns-a-blazing" over what he called a "mass slaughter" of Christians.

See the impact on residents, who inspect the damage in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria.

The military "executed numerous perfect strikes," he said.

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Hegseth wrote in an X post that there would be "more to come."

The operation marked the first time the United States has launched deadly strikes in Nigeria as part of its efforts to combat ISIS, or the Islamic State group, in Africa.

More: US hits Islamic State in Nigeria after Trump warnings

The United States struck ISIS targets in Syria Dec. 19 after a gunman with suspected ties to the terrorist group shot and killed two U.S. soldiers stationed in the country and their interpreter.

The strikes backed up threats from Trump beginning in late October over what he called mass killings of Nigerian Christians  an issue long pushed by the right and more recently addressed by Trump. Violence in the country has targeted Christians, but experts say the situation is far more nuanced than how Trump has described it.

Where were the strikes?

According to the U.S. Africa Command, the strikes were in Sokoto State, on the country's northwestern border with Niger.

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The United States has not released any further information about how many targets were struck and how many people were killed. The Pentagon referred USA TODAY to the U.S. Africa Command, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The U.S. struck an undisclosed number of ISIS targets in Nigeria on Dec. 25.

Nigeria's foreign ministry said that the United States coordinated its strikes with the Nigerian government and that the two countries shared intelligence. Yusuf Tuggar, the country's foreign minister, told CNN he had discussed the strikes in two phone calls with Secretary of State Marco Rubio before the attack.

"We are ready, willing and able to collaborate, coordinate with any foreign government that is committed to the fight against terrorism," Tuggar said. "This is not about religion, this is about Nigerian innocent civilians and the wider region as a whole."

Why is Trump concerned with Nigeria?

Trump first aired concerns about killings of Christians in Nigeria in the fall. On Oct. 31, he designated Nigeria a "country of particular concern," a State Department category for countries implicated in "particularly severe violations of religious freedom."

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The next day, he threatened on Truth Social that the United States would cut off aid to Nigeria and could "go into that now disgraced country, 'guns-a-blazing,'" if the government "continues to allow the killing of Christians."

Concern over violence directed specifically against Christians in Nigeria has long circulated among conservative and religious groups. It has been taken up recently by well-known figures including Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, talk show host Bill Maher and rapper Nicki Minaj.

Are Christians really being killed in Nigeria?

Nnamdi Obasi, senior Nigeria adviser to the International Crisis Group, an independent anti-war organization, said security problems in the country were "multifaceted," and Christians aren't the only group at risk.

Both Christians and Muslims, who make up about 60% of Nigeria's population, have been targets of violence, according to Obasi.

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Some attacks, like suicide bombings, are indiscriminate, he said. Muslim sites of worship like mosques, prayer grounds and Islamic schools have been destroyed, he said.

Remnants are seen inside the Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque a day after an explosion that struck the mosque following evening prayers near Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, December 25, 2025. Officials blamed the attack on the Boko Haram militant group.

"Its not just a single narrative of the killing of Christians. There are different manifestations of violence in different parts of the country," he said.

The northwest, where the United States said it launched the strikes, is a "heavily Muslim" area, Obasi said. That means the victims of violence, which is largely perpetrated by armed bandits in that region, are also mostly Muslim, he said.

The Islamic State group is present mostly in Nigeria's northeast, Obasi said. In that region, a faction of Boko Haram, another violent extremist group, split off and formed an alliance with other ISIS factions in the Middle East, he said.

Rescued schoolchildren from St. Mary's School sit at the Niger State Government House after being freed from captivity following their abduction by gunmen, in Minna, Nigeria, December 8, 2025.

A group known as Lakurawa in the northwest was initially brought into the region by locals to help protect against the bandit groups around 2017, but it evolved into an extremist group in the years since, Obasi said.

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ISIS in the Sahel Province, or ISSP, has expanded its operations along the border between Niger and Nigeria, including in Sokoto, since the beginning of 2024, according to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data.

Obasi said a continued U.S. operation specifically directed toward defending Christians could risk "further polarizing the country along religious lines."

"A U.S. military campaign that doubles down on protecting the Christian population will almost certainly be misunderstood by the Muslim population that this is a one-sided response," he said.

What will the strikes do?

Javed Ali, counterterrorism director on the National Security Council during Trump's first term, said airstrikes alone were unlikely to destroy or significantly degrade the Islamic State presence in Nigeria. "It's too big, too dispersed, and Nigeria is a huge country," he said.

People read newspapers reporting on U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Nigeria, in Lagos, Nigeria, December 26, 2025.

"The Jihadist environment in central-west Africa has been entrenched and persistent for decades," said Ali, now an associate professor at the University of Michigan. Although the United States had deployed several hundred troops and intelligence collection capabilities to combat Islamist groups in Africa, there was never a serious effort to launch strikes in Nigeria, he said.

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"This is the first time this has happened," he said.

If the strikes are the beginning of a longer operation, other considerations will come into play, such as whether the militant group will try to retaliate against the United States or its troops in the region, Ali said.

"Do we truly understand the very complex ethnic and religious and tribal makeup of a country like Nigeria?" he said. "If we dont, the lessons of Iraq and Afghanistan tell you: The deeper you get involved in these countries, the harder it becomes" to reach an end state.

Where is Nigeria?

Nigeria is on Africa's western coast. Its population is 218.5 million, the largest of any country in Africa.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Trump striking Nigeria? What to know about Christmas attack
By Steve Holland

WASHINGTON, Dec 24 (Reuters) - The White House has ordered U.S. military forces to focus almost exclusively on enforcing a "quarantine" of Venezuelan oil for at least the next two months, a U.S. official told Reuters, indicating Washington is currently more interested in using economic rather than military means to pressure Caracas.

"While military options still exist, the focus is to first use economic pressure by enforcing sanctions to reach the outcome the White House is looking (for)," the official said on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

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While President Donald Trump has been publicly coy about his precise aims regarding Venezuela, he has privately pressured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to flee the nation, Reuters has reported. Trump said on Monday it would be smart for Maduro to leave power.

"The efforts so far have put tremendous pressure on Maduro, and the belief is that by late January, Venezuela will be facing an economic calamity unless it agrees to make significant concessions to the U.S.," the official said.

U.S. SEEKING TO SEIZE THIRD VESSEL

Trump has accused the South American country of flooding the U.S. with drugs, and his administration has for months been bombing boats originating in South America that it alleges were carrying drugs. Many nations have condemned the attacks as extrajudicial killings.

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Trump has also frequently threatened to start bombing drug infrastructure on land, and has authorized covert CIA activity directed at Caracas.

So far this month, the U.S. Coast Guard has intercepted two tankers in the Caribbean Sea, both fully loaded with Venezuelan crude. The comments by the White House official on Wednesday come after Reuters reported that the Coast Guard was waiting for additional forces to carry out a third seizure, first attempted on Sunday, against an empty sanctioned vessel known as the Bella-1.

Venezuela's U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada said on Tuesday: "The threat is not Venezuela. The threat is the U.S. government."

HUGE U.S. MILITARY PRESENCE IN CARIBBEAN

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The White House official did not elaborate on precisely what it meant for the military to focus "almost exclusively" on interdicting Venezuelan oil. The U.S. military's footprint sprawls across the globe, and most missions and capabilities are unrelated to maritime interdiction.

The Pentagon has amassed a huge military presence in the Caribbean with more than 15,000 troops. That includes an aircraft carrier, 11 other warships and more than a dozen F-35 aircraft. While many assets can be used to help with enforcing sanctions, many others, like fighter jets, are not well-suited for that task.

On Tuesday, the United States told the United Nations it will impose and enforce sanctions "to the maximum extent" to deprive Maduro of resources.

Earlier this month, Trump ordered a "blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, but the White House official's use instead of the word "quarantine" appears to echo language used during the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when the administration of U.S. President John F. Kennedy wanted to avoid an escalation. Robert McNamara, Kennedy's defense secretary at the time, said in 2002: "We called it a quarantine because blockade is a word of war."

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U.N. experts on Wednesday condemned the blockade, saying such a use of force is recognized "as illegal armed aggression".

(Reporting by Steve Holland; Writing by Gram Slattery; Additional reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by Michelle Nichols, Edmund Klamann and Saad Sayeed)
By Trevor Hunnicutt

PALM BEACH, Florida, Dec 25 (Reuters) - The White House will unveil new details on President Donald Trump's planned East Wing ballroom during a hearing early next month, according to a federal commission tasked with reviewing the project.

The new ballroom, which Trump has said would cost $400 million and would dwarf the adjacent White House building, has been challenged in court by preservationists, while Democratic lawmakers have called it an abuse of power and are investigating which donors are supporting it.

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The National Capital Planning Commission, chartered by Congress to manage planning for Washington-area federal lands, said on its website that the White House will provide an "information presentation" on plans to rebuild the East Wing during a commission meeting on January 8.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The commission, chaired by a White House aide and onetime personal lawyer to Trump, Will Scharf, has declined to review the demolition of the former East Wing, preparation activities at the site, or potential effects to historic properties, in what would mark the biggest change to the historic property in decades.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit organization chartered by Congress, is suing to halt the construction, arguing that the proposed 90,000 square foot (8,360 square meter) ballroom would dwarf the rest of the White House, at 55,000 square feet.

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The judge in the case earlier this month declined to issue a temporary restraining order against work on the project, noting among other things that the size, scale and other specifications had not been finalized. Another hearing is scheduled for next month.

The president, a one-time real estate developer, has taken a hands-on role in what he has described as sprucing up the White House and the U.S. capital city ahead of celebrations next year marking the Declaration of Independence's 250th anniversary.

He has also proposed a new grand arch near Washington, while decorating the Oval Office extensively in gold leaf and installing plaques there offering his personal take on his predecessors' legacies.

The former East Wing was largely demolished in October, with comparatively little public notice or consultation.

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In a recent notice posted online, the planning commission said a formal review taking place this coming spring will consider topics including lines of sight, public space and landscapes. Members of the public will be allowed to submit comments or testify during the review, it said.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Edmund Klamann)
Winter weather moving into the region Friday evening is already leaving its mark on holiday travel with delays and cancellations.

Despite the storm, many travelers told Action News their journeys have been surprisingly smooth.

"Very, very excited we made it through Christmas, and now it's time to go," said Regina Morrison, of Deptford, New Jersey.

Morrison is hitting the skies on what was projected to be the busiest travel day of the holiday season at Philadelphia International Airport.

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"I'm going to Houston for my great-granddaughter's birth," said Morrison.

She's one of more than one million passengers traveling through the airport between December 23 and January 4, prompting many travelers to get a head start

"We actually came three hours early, so that's how we prepared. It's also easier to do when you have a toddler, so other than that, just lots of snacks and lots of toys, just things to keep entertained," said Shalis Ammons, of Ringoes, New Jersey.

Airport officials at PHL say holiday travel numbers are projected to be five percent higher than last year, but many passengers say the crowds and conditions haven't slowed them down.

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"For me, it's been pretty uneventful. It's been amazing, I couldn't believe how quickly I got through," said Monica Williams, of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Still, with winter weather moving in, officials stress the importance of staying informed.

"You definitely have to check with your airline, sign up for their text or email alerts, go on their websites. Right now, it looks like a lot of regional flights have been cancelled," said Heather Redfern, PHL Spokesperson.

She adds that even if your flight is scheduled to depart on time, travelers should plan ahead and allow extra time to get to the airport, as road conditions could become dangerous with the expected weather.
BINGHAMTON, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPN)  The National Weather Service Office in Binghamton has issued a Winter Storm Warning fo an area that includes the southern part of the Mohawk Valley. That area includes Otsego County. The Winter Storm Warning takes effect at 1:00PM Friday and remains in effect until 12:00PM Saturday. Heavy snow is expected with accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.

Snow will develop Friday afternoon with the heaviest snowfall expected late in the afternoon into the evening. The system is expected to wind down early Saturday. Travel could be very difficult, especially during the evening commute.

Elsewhere in Central New York, including Oneida and Madison Counties, a Winte Weather Advisory takes effect from 1:00PM Friday until 7:00AM Saturday. The timing for this system is similar to the timing for the Winter Storm Warning region. Total snow accumulation in the Winter Weather Advisory area ranges from 4 to 8 inches.

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Copyright 2026 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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
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By Jasper Ward

Dec 26 (Reuters) - Social media platforms with infinite scrolling, auto-play and algorithmic feeds will be required to display warning labels about their potential harm to young users mental health under a new law, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday.

"Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use," Hochul said in a statement.

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This month Australia imposed a social media ban for children under 16. New York joins states like California and Minnesota that have similar social media laws.

The New York law includes platforms that offer "addictive feeds," auto play or infinite scroll, according to the legislation. The law applies to conduct occurring partly or wholly in New York but not when the platform is accessed by users physically outside the state.

It allows the state's attorney general to bring legal action and seek civil penalties of up $5,000 per violation of the law.

Hochul compared the social media labels to warnings on other products like tobacco, where they communicate the risk of cancer, or plastic packaging, where they warn of the risk of suffocation for small children.

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Spokespeople for TikTok, Snap, Meta, and Alphabet did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The effect of social media on children's mental health has become a growing global concern, with U.S. school districts suing Meta Platforms and other social media companies.

In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory on safeguards for children and later called for social media warning labels like the one now required in New York.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward in Washington; Additional reporting by Harshita Varghese in Bangalore; Editing by Howard Goller)
Russia is increasingly using positions in Belarus for its attacks on Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said after a meeting of the entire military leadership on Friday.

This applied to both drone and missile attacks, he wrote on Facebook, posting that with this new tactic Russia was trying to bypass Ukraines defensive lines.

"This is risky for Belarus," he wrote. "It is a pity that Belarus is surrendering its sovereignty to the benefit of Russian aggressive ambitions."

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He said a proactive defence against this new direction of attack was difficult because Russia had installed all the equipment for the strikes on residential buildings.

Antennas and other guidance systems for attacks on targets in Ukraine were now effectively on the roofs of five-storey civilian apartment blocks, he said, citing Ukrainian intelligence.

"This is an absolute disregard for human life, Minsk should stop playing these games." He said Ukraines air defence had been instructed to adjust its strategy.

At the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Belarus provided its territory as a springboard for the ultimately failed advance on Kyiv.

Belarusian troops are not actively involved in the fighting, but the potential threat ties down substantial Ukrainian forces on the common border.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that he will meet with US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, the next step in ongoing talks to end Russia's nearly four-year war in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy told journalists that the two leaders will discuss security guarantees for Ukraine during the weekend talks, and that the 20-point plan under discussion is about 90% ready.

Earlier on Friday, the Ukrainian president said a meeting with Trump would happen in the near future."

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We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level  with President Trump in the near future, Zelenskyy wrote on X.

A lot can be decided before the New Year, he added. "Glory to Ukraine."

Zelenskyy's announcements came after he said Thursday he had a good conversation with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Washington has engaged in an extensive diplomatic push to end the all-out war, but its efforts have run into sharply diverging demands by Moscow and Kyiv.

Zelenskyy said Tuesday Ukraine would consider withdrawing troops from the countrys eastern industrial heartland as part of a peace plan, if Moscow also pulls back and the area becomes a demilitarised zone monitored by international forces.

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Russia has given no indication that it will agree to any withdrawal from the land it has occupied.

In fact, Moscow has insisted that Kyiv relinquish the territory it holds in eastern Donbas, which encompasses Donetsk and Luhansk  an ultimatum that Ukraine has rejected.

The issue of managing the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, seized by Russian troops, remains unresolved, as well as the Kremlin's demand for Ukraine not to join NATO.

Moscow was expected to reply to the latest 20-point plan on Wednesday. However, it is yet to do so or comment on its contents, with presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov only saying the Kremlin was "forming its position".

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Related

On the ground, Russian drone attacks on the city of Mykolaiv and its suburbs overnight into Friday left part of the city without power.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said it struck a major Russian oil refinery on Thursday using UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles.

Ukraines General Staff said its forces hit the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russias Rostov region. Multiple explosions were recorded. The target was hit, it wrote on Telegram.

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Ukraines long-range drone strikes on Russian refineries aim to deprive Moscow of the oil export revenue it needs to pursue its full-scale invasion.

Continuing its strategy from previous winter periods, Russia wants to cripple the Ukrainian power grid, seeking to deny civilians access to heat, light and running water in what Kyiv officials say is an attempt to weaponise winter.
The political implications matter, of course. That phrasing - "political implications" - is clinical, Washington-speak for roughly 22 million Americans being on the verge of losing an additional layer of federal assistance first made available during the coronavirus pandemic, without which their health insurance premiums will skyrocket. Some significant percentage of these people, who purchase policies on the Affordable Care Act exchanges, won't have the cash to cover the higher cost and will be forced into less generous coverage or none at all. Republicans are not indifferent to the impact this will have on voters and their families, nor clueless about the backlash it might precipitate in the 2026 midterm elections.

But Republicans in the House of Representatives and the US Senate are paralyzed by internal divisions over what to do about health care, and that has a lot to do with why Congress recessed for the holidays without approving legislation to address the insurance cliff created by the expiration of these "enhanced" pandemic-era subsidies.

It's been this way since 2009, when the debate began over the legislation that would become President Barack Obama's signature health care overhaul.

"The reason why Republicans can't coalesce around a proposal is because it's hard; it's really hard. This is a difficult issue," Charlie Dent, a Republican former congressman from Pennsylvania, told me, explaining that health care reform is complicated, politically risky and generally requires writing new government regulations and appropriating fresh sums of taxpayer dollars. None of that, especially the latter two, is especially appealing to Republicans on Capitol Hill (nor has it been particularly appealing to President Donald Trump during his first and now second stint in the White House).

Dent would know. He served from 2005 through the spring of 2018 and was around for the early Obamacare wars. About the only thing Republicans managed to agree on back then was their opposition to the Affordable Care Act. But even that unity had dissipated by the time Trump assumed office in 2017. Republicans, then with control of the House and Senate, failed to repeal and replace Obamacare because ultimately, they couldn't agree on the "replace" part of that equation.

Nearly a decade later, they still can't. But they do have some ideas. Over the years, Republicans have offered and supported various alternatives to the Affordable Care Act (or elements of the health care system established by the 2010 law). Some proposals have been ambitious in scope; some have tinkered around the edges.

Earlier this month, Republican Senators Bernie Moreno of Ohio and Susan Collins of Maine - a Trump acolyte and a centrist, respectively - pitched legislation that would extend the enhanced ACA subsidies for two years before transitioning policyholders to a reformed assistance program. Just last week, House Republicans on a party line vote approved the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, legislation aimed at increasing the amount of low-cost insurance options available to consumers.

But the Moreno-Collins legislation didn't go anywhere, and the House GOP's bill will not get through the Senate precisely because it does not include an extension of the expiring ACA subsidies. Yet again, Republicans were stymied not by a lack of ideas but by an inability to reach consensus.

Some traditional Republicans simply can't bring themselves to embrace federal expenditures for a social welfare program that has put the government in charge of a substantial portion of our health care system. Meanwhile, some of the Republican populists who have become more prevalent in the Trump era are advocating exactly that, noting that many of the voters who backed the president in 2024 are dependent on these subsidies.

"They may want to take a more governmental approach - that may be the more populist thing to do," said Doug Heye, a Republican operative in Washington who served as a senior House GOP aide in the early 2010s, when the party's struggle to agree on an Obamacare alternative became apparent. "Others want a more free-market approach to it."

"The truth is," added Alfredo Rodriguez, a Republican media strategist in Texas, "victories outside of tax cuts often come incrementally." His solution to break the political logjam: Try passing a series of bills Republicans can agree on to create the momentum to tackle policy challenges that are difficult.

Democrats generally have had an easier time unifying around a single health care policy because they're comfortable spending government money and at ease with expanding government's reach into American industry. It's why House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York was able to unite his caucus behind a discharge petition that will force a vote on extending the subsidies, courtesy of four House Republicans from competitive districts who signed onto the bill, giving it the 218 votes needed to proceed to the floor.

Might Republicans defy history and come together on a plan to extend these subsidies? It could happen. If they name the bill the "Trump Saved American Health Care Act," it might actually get signed into law.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

David M. Drucker is columnist covering politics and policy. He is also a senior writer for The Dispatch and the author of "In Trump's Shadow: The Battle for 2024 and the Future of the GOP ."
Toronto Police said they were alerted to the incident in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area, where they found Avasthi with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, while the suspects fled before police arrived. Authorities temporarily locked down the campus as part of their investigation.
In California, USA, 4 people of Indian origin have been murdered after being kidnapped. All the people who died belong to the same family. The kidnappers also killed an 8-month-old girl.
In the Udaipur case, the Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the investigation of this case. In the statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it has been said that any organization and international connections in this matter will be thoroughly investigated.
How Ukraines Military Support Is Changing Without the United States

 Getty Images Author Tetiana Bohdan Director of Research at the Growford Institute

US military assistance is gradually being replaced by support from Northern European countries and the so-called Big Five. Besides, the EUs collective institutions are introducing new financial instruments to bolster Ukraines defense and to integrate its defense-industrial complex with the European one. However, the overall volumes of international military assistance remain insufficient, and within the EU the financing of the collective security system is increasingly affected by the free-rider problem.

Between January and October 2025, actual US official assistance to Ukraine amounted to only 0.5 billion, compared with 38.7 billion during the same period in 2024. In the Pentagons military budget for 20262027, annual military assistance to Ukraine is set at just $0.4 billion. The loss of US support has been a painful blow for Ukraine, reducing its defense capability and resulting in the loss of human lives and the occupation of Ukrainian territory.

At the same time, European countries provided Ukraine with 30.2 billion in military assistance during the first ten months of 2025, demonstrating a substantial increase compared with JanuaryOctober 2024 (17.6 billion). Thus, the growth in European military assistance reached 12.6 billion, while Ukraine lost 15.4 billion in US military aid (data of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy).

Figure 1 compares the volume of military assistance provided by European countries to Ukraine in JanuaryOctober 2025 with their cumulative assistance over 20222024. In 2025, Norway, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom and France significantly expanded their military aid packages. Germany provided Ukraine with military assistance equivalent to 0.008 percent of GDP in 20222024 and 0.024 percent of GDP during the first ten months of 2025. Norway increased its support from 0.012 percent of GDP in 20222024 to 0.058 percent of GDP in JanuaryOctober 2025. Denmark and Finland also markedly expanded their support.

In 2025, military assistance to Ukraine is largely being provided by members of the coalition of the willing, consisting of Northern and Eastern EU and NATO member states, as well as Norway and the United Kingdom. Traditionally, the EU, as a union of sovereign states, has not played a significant role in defense and national security matters.

To date, the coalition of the willing has not been able to fully replace US military assistance to Ukraine. Nevertheless, the coalitions economic and technological potential is substantial and could significantly strengthen Ukraines defense capabilities in the longer term.

The combined economic weight of the coalition of the willing1112 trillion in annual GDPexceeds Russias GDP by a factor of five to six. This means that Ukraines most committed allies possess sufficient resources and capacity to provide sustained and adequate military support.

At the same time, the EU is becoming Ukraines key financial anchor, introducing new financial mechanisms to support military-industrial integration between Ukraine and the EU and to finance ongoing military deliveries for Ukraines needs.

In May 2025, the EU launched a joint 150 billion credit instrument (SAFE) aimed at strengthening Europes defense capacity through 2030. Funds will be raised by the European Commission on capital markets and lent to member states concerned based on national defense-industrial investment plans.

SAFE financing has already been provisionally allocated among 19 member states. Poland will receive 43.7 billion, Romania 16.7 billion and Hungary 16.2 billion. The SAFE plan will become an important source of financing for Ukraines military support: 15 of the 19 participating EU members included military assistance to Kyiv in their national plans.

Another EU financial instrument could take the form of a new loan intended to provide the Ukrainian government with resources to continue defense efforts in 20262027 and to support military-industrial integration with the rest of Europe.

The earlier reparations-based loan project (to be replaced by the new European Commission loan) envisaged creating conditions for the reconstruction, recovery and modernization of Ukraines defense-industrial and technological base, with a focus on strengthening defense readiness and gradual integration into European industry. The new European Commission loan is likely to make the most of the achievements of the Danish model of financing.

If contributions by stock indicators are compared, European countries have provided Ukraine with 87.7 billion in military assistance since the beginning of the war, while the United States has provided 64.6 billion. In terms of pledged assistance, the gap has already doubled in Europes favor: 137.6 billion versus 65.6 billion.

Financial, Humanitarian and Military Assistance to Ukraine by Western Allies (24 January 2022  31 October 2025,  billion)

Source: Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

In terms of total support volumes during the war, Europe has also significantly surpassed the United States. As of November 1, 2025, European countries had actually provided 188.6 billion in financial, humanitarian and military assistance, compared with 114.6 billion from the United States (see table). Overall, bilateral donors have provided Ukraine with 332.4 billion in assistance.

Notably, in cumulative terms since 2022, the US contribution to Ukraines defense remains the largest: 64.6 billion in military goods and services significantly exceeds contributions from other countries. Germany and the United Kingdom provided 19.7 billion and 13.8 billion, respectively.

Figure 2 shows that the top-20 donors of military assistance to Ukraine in absolute terms include, in addition to the countries mentioned above, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Canada, Norway, Poland, Finland, Belgium, Italy, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Romania, Estonia, Australia, Spain and Slovakia.

In the absence of coordinated EU rearmament measures and collective military support for Ukraine, individual EU and NATO members attempted to fill existing gaps by transferring critically needed material and financial resources. However, bilateral support has remained highly uneven.

Measured by donors economic capacity, Denmark, Estonia and Lithuania have made the largest contributions to Ukraines defense. Over three and a half years of war, Denmark spent 2.75 percent of its annual GDP on military assistance to Ukraine; the same indicator is 2.63 percent for Estonia and 1.91 percent for Lithuania (see Figure 3). Latvia, Sweden, Finland and Norway each spent more than 1 percent of GDP. Other major donors include the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Croatia and Bulgaria, which allocated between 0.32 and 0.93 percent of GDP. By comparison, cumulative US military assistance amounted to only 0.28 percent of GDP.

At the lower end of the donor ranking are Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Malta and Cyprus, which provided no military aid to Ukraine. Minimal assistance to the army came from several frugal European governments: Ireland (0.02% of GDP), Spain (0.06%), Greece (0.08%), Italy (0.09%), Slovenia (0.13%), Romania (0.15%), Iceland (0.17%) and Portugal (0.17%).

Bruegel experts interpret these disparities among EU countries as manifestations of a collective action problema situation in which actors, acting rationally in their own interest, fail to take steps that would benefit the collective as a whole.

They also note that European rearmament plans and military support for Ukraine are heavily influenced by specific domestic factors in member states that neglect the creation of European public goods. Factors such as geographic proximity to Russia and levels of public debt significantly affect the degree of resistance to Russia among EU members.

In Bruegels metaphor, EU countries closer to Russia choose guns and butter, while those farther away primarily choose butter. In my view, however, governments that provide no military assistance to Ukraine are effectively making a cynical choice in favor of butter, prioritizing domestic consumption over paying for Europes security and saving Ukrainian lives.

In assessing current financing of European security and assistance to Ukraine, it is more appropriate to refer not to a collective action problem but to a free-rider problem. A free rider benefits from a public good (such as clean air, defense or public transport) while avoiding paying the associated costs, relying on others to do so.

In the context of the problem under study, Ukraine and the leading military donors effectively (mentioned in figures 2 and 3) compensate, through their resources and losses, for the irresponsible behavior of free-riding states.

Contributions to European security can also be assessed by the share of heavy weapons stockpiles transferred to Ukraine during the war. Kiel Institute experts found Denmark to be the undisputed leader, having transferred twice as much heavy weaponry as it held in stockpiles in 2021. The Netherlands followed with 197 percent. Greece, Czechia and Croatia transferred roughly one-third of their heavy weapons stockpiles. By contrast, the United States transferred only 6 percent of its pre-war stockpiles (see Figure 4).

Today, the integration of Ukraines defense-industrial complex with that of the coalition of the willing is accelerating. Through existing financial mechanisms and technological solutions, this integration enables Ukrainian industry to expand production and improve logistical support for the Defense Forces.

For Europe, the value of military support for Ukraine lies in the creation of a European collective goodsecurity and defense. With the help of Ukraine, Europe effectively gains military sovereignty and long-term deterrence against Russia. From a European perspective, Ukraines determined resistance against Russia also buys time for Europe to rearm amid the anticipated withdrawal of US forces and the erosion of traditional US security guarantees within NATO.

Unfortunately, despite these considerations, allied military support for Ukraine remains insufficient in both scale and composition and does not compensate for the loss of US military assistance.

One can only hope that all European countries will properly assess Ukraines contribution to Europes collective security system and, in the near future, significantly step up military aid to Ukraine while ensuring the continuity of economic support.

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Twenty minutes apart Friday afternoon, Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-New York) both announced they would retire from elective politics next year.

Lummis, 71, faced no real opposition in either next year's Republican primary or the general election in her deeply conservative state. But she said she did not have "the energy" for another six-year term.

Stefanik, 41, stunned the political world by both abandoning her statewide campaign for governor and turning down another House term.

She hadn't won the endorsement of President Donald Trump, despite spending the past six years refashioning herself into a MAGA warrior. Stefanik said she would rather spend time with her family than fight through a GOP primary against a Long Island county official in which either Republican would be an underdog in the liberal-leaning Empire State in the general election.

"I have thought deeply about this, and I know that as a mother, I will feel profound regret if I don't further focus on my young son's safety, growth, and happiness," Stefanik said in a statement.

Those are the latest blows to the ranks of Republican women in the House and Senate, whose numbers had grown steadily in recent years to record or near-record levels.

In 2019, just 13 women served in the House Republican Conference, the lowest level of this century, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. By 2023, the number grew to 34, before dropping to 31 this year.

Twice as many Republican women now serve in the Senate - 10 out of 100 - as served in 2017.

Lummis's pending retirement follows the September announcement by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a rising star ever since her arrival in 2015, that she had decided against running for reelection. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) has decided to run for governor after just winning a new six-year term in 2024.

With Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) in a tough reelection race, the number of GOP women could drop precipitously depending on how the Senate elections turn out.

Some GOP women are already angling to succeed Republicans such as Ernst and Lummis, and others are running in different races. So it's possible their overall numbers come January 2027 won't have dipped significantly.

Regardless, a few departing Republican women believe the party still treats them to a different standard than their male colleagues face.

"There's a lot of weak Republican men, and they're more afraid of strong Republican women. So they always try to marginalize the strong Republican women," Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) told The Washington Post's Kadia Goba in an October interview.

"Women will never be taken seriously until leadership decides to take us seriously, and I'm no longer holding my breath," Rep. Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina) wrote in a New York Times op-ed headlined "What's The Point of Congress?" earlier this month.

Greene, 51, first elected in 2020, plans to resign in early January, having spent the last few months fighting with Trump and senior administration officials.

Mace, 48, also first elected in 2020, is running for governor in a crowded Republican field in South Carolina in which, so far, Trump has not endorsed any candidate.

Other Republican women have defended House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and the Trump administration for their promotion of women into Cabinet posts and into leadership ranks in Congress.

"Speaker Johnson has empowered women by treating them - and all members - with the respect they have earned," Rep. Lisa C. McClain (R-Michigan), who replaced Stefanik in the No. 4 leadership post this year, said in a statement in October. "He believes in merit, not identity politics."

Together, Greene, Mace and Stefanik represented the leading edge of MAGA women in the Trump era. Younger than most colleagues and fairly new to Congress, they embraced a take-no-prisoners approach that focused on promoting a more theatrical style of combative politics rather than a dealmaking posture aimed at legislative results.

Earlier this year, each seemed very much on the rise. Trump picked Stefanik as his first choice for U.N. ambassador, while Mace jumped into the South Carolina governor's race and Greene eyed a Senate race in Georgia.

Then Republicans ran into trouble getting legislation through the House because of their narrow margins, making it more difficult to lose Stefanik's vote for months until a special election could be held to replace her. Meanwhile, Mike Waltz, first chosen to be Trump's national security adviser, clashed with White House officials and needed a new post - so he was sent to the United Nations. Stefanik was told to stay in the House and encouraged to run for governor next year.

Trump advisers, meanwhile, did not see Greene as Senate material, sharing polling data that showed her losing to Sen. Jon Ossoff (D). She declined to run but released a blistering statement accusing Trump's political advisers of getting "filthy rich off consulting on as many campaigns they can get the president to endorse."

Mace has openly pleaded for Trump's endorsement in her bid for governor.

"I've done a lot for the president, and if you talk to him, I would really like his support for governor," she said in an August campaign event in Myrtle Beach, adding: "I am Trump in high heels."

In her race, polls show no clear front-runner, with undecided voters outnumbering those favoring any candidate.

For sure, some Republicans will quietly rejoice at the idea of the 120th Congress starting in January 2027 without this trio inside their conference. Ideological consistency is not their forte. Their penchant for drawing attention to themselves often grated on others who wanted to advance conservative legislative causes.

Mace has spent weeks fighting with airport workers in Charleston over whether they provided her the proper VIP treatment during an arrival there - at a time when those workers were not being paid because of the government shutdown.

Stefanik arrived in Congress in 2015 as the great young hope for the Bush-Cheney wing of the GOP, having served in the last days of George W. Bush's White House and worked for Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign.

After the 2018 Democratic wave wiped out so many Republican women, Stefanik started her own political committee to recruit and raise money for GOP women candidates.

In 2019 she pivoted to a strong embrace of Trump and appeared a lock to win his endorsement for New York governor - until he snubbed her during an Oval Office appearance a week ago.

Compared with Democrats, Republican women face a glass ceiling in Congress.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (California) got elected Democratic caucus leader 23 years ago. Rep. Katherine Clark (Massachusetts) got elected to the No. 2 Democratic post three years ago when Pelosi's leadership team stepped aside after their long reign.

This year, 94 Democratic women serve in the House, almost 45 percent of the entire caucus and almost triple the GOP tally, according to the Rutgers center.

No Republican woman has ever gone higher in leadership than conference chair, which is currently No. 4 and sits at No. 3 when they are in the minority.

Senate Republicans have never elected a woman to a top-three leadership post.

Ernst was poised to shatter that. Within weeks of taking office in early 2015, GOP leaders picked her to respond to President Barack Obama's 2015 State of the Union address.

Trump met her in the summer of 2016 as he was considering vice-presidential picks. In January 2019, Ernst easily won a junior leadership post, and in early 2023 took over the No. 4 leadership slot.

But a year ago, when she ran for the position of conference chair, the No. 3 slot, Ernst got thumped by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), who had never before shown interest in a leadership track.

By September, Ernst announced she would not run for reelection.

Lummis could have coasted to another term or two, but she sized up the state of politics - a near constant rush of action with little to show for it - and decided to take a pass.

"The energy required doesn't match up," she said Friday.

On Thursday, the last day on which she could cast votes, Greene decided to skip out on House action. She did not cast any votes.

And Saturday morning she took to social media to declare her freedom.

"Breaking the chains from the bully is freeing. It's also taking hold of real power over one's self and the future," Greene wrote.

Previously:



 Will Trump out-manuveur politic's 'six-year itch'?
The News in Brief Friday, December 26, 2025

Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the investigation into the corruption case against former State Security Service head Grigol Liluashvili is still underway and stressed that establishing responsibility is the task of investigators, not politicians.Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze said the scale of the alleged crimes suggests the case cannot be limited to the actions of a single individual. "I agree that it is difficult to commit such a crime alone. The investigation must establish everything," he said.Kobakhidze confirmed that investigators have already reached preliminary conclusions but declined to go into details. "The investigation takes its time. The investigation was conducted, preliminary findings were made, and it will continue. The rest will be said by the investigation," Kobakhidze stated.When asked why the case has been classified as secret, Kobakhidze said he had no information on that decision. "I don't know. You should ask the agencies," he said.Commenting more broadly on corruption, Kobakhidze said the government's priority is preventing future abuses rather than debating past cases. "The main thing for us is that today and tomorrow corruption is prevented," he said, adding that authorities are taking active measures to address the problem.He also referred to a statement made by Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili in December 2023 regarding alleged corruption, saying it marked a turning point. "Since then, we have been actively working and taking concrete measures to eliminate corruption," Kobakhidze said.He urged the public to report any current wrongdoing. "If you find out anything today or tomorrow, immediately raise your voice and contact us, and we will respond," he said, adding that the government remains accountable for addressing such concerns.Liluashvili, who led the State Security Service for several years, was arrested earlier this week on large-scale bribery charges and faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.Georgian Dream Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze criticized the European Commission's response to recent US visa sanctions against several European figures, accusing Brussels of applying double standards when similar measures affect its own officials."They do not like it when it affects them," Kaladze told journalists. "When they themselves impose demands and sanctions on other countries, it is acceptable. When the same thing happens to them, it becomes a problem. This shows that double standards still exist."Kaladze referred to past criticism and sanctions directed at Georgian officials by some European states, arguing that the public can now clearly assess global political dynamics. "People see everything clearly today, what processes are underway, who has what interests, who is an enemy and who is a well-wisher," he said, adding that current international developments make such distinctions easier to recognize.The comments followed the US State Department's decision to impose visa restrictions on five European individuals, including former EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton and four heads of organizations involved in countering disinformation. The European Commission strongly condemned the move and demanded an explanation from Washington.
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Interventional physiatrist Francisco M. Torres discusses his article, A doctors own prostate cancer recovery. He shares his vulnerable story of undergoing a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and the unexpected shame and erosion of dignity caused by severe urinary incontinence. Francisco explains how his medical assumption that anatomical knowledge would ensure a fast recovery was wrong, and how pelvic floor physical therapy with biofeedback finally restored his function. The conversation advocates for a systemic shift toward prehabilitation, arguing that men should start pelvic floor training weeks before surgery rather than being sent home with a pamphlet and diapers.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi. Welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today, we welcome back Francisco M. Torres. He is an interventional physiatrist. Todays KevinMD article is A doctors own prostate cancer recovery. Francisco, welcome back to the show.

Francisco M. Torres: Thank you for having me, Kevin.

Kevin Pho: All right. For those who didnt read your KevinMD article, tell us a little bit about this most recent story and what the article is about.

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Francisco M. Torres: This article grew from a live experience based on notes I wrote regarding conversations with my pelvic floor therapist. It is a reflection on decades of teaching about recovery after a radical prostatectomy, which I have to admit, I was completely ignorant about regarding the rehab of this condition.

Kevin Pho: This happened just recently: this diagnosis of prostate cancer and, of course, the radical prostatectomy. Before talking about the rehab, tell us a little bit about that experience, the diagnosis, and the surgery for the prostate cancer.

Francisco M. Torres: I have already published two essays on your platform. I started with the one about when I was diagnosed. It was a very interesting situation regarding how to handle the pre-op before the biopsy, the options, and the choices. Then, after the biopsy, making the decision to have the surgery. Those two little essays talk about that. Then this third one was about recovery after the surgery and things that I had no idea that I needed to do.

Kevin Pho: Tell us about the experience of what you went through during the surgery. Tell us about some of the things that you had to encounter after the surgery that you said you didnt have much of an idea about.

Francisco M. Torres: I was focused on complications and selecting the right urologist to do the procedure. I was not aware that, even in robotic-assisted surgery, there are different procedures or techniques that can limit the amount of complications. I was more focused on that and totally forgot that the preparation for the surgery included training of those pelvic floor muscles. So I brushed them aside.

After two months, I went back to the urologist, and I had to publicly apologize because he asked: Are you doing your Kegel exercises? I said: Hey, I am a physiatrist. I know exercise. I am an exercise enthusiast. I know my stuff. But after not improving, finally my wife convinced me to go and see a pelvic floor physical therapy specialist. That blew me away. When she connected me to that biofeedback machine and I was finally able to discover my pelvic floor muscles, it was a life-changing experience. Before, it was: Do your Kegels. But how do you even recognize if you are doing them correctly? Even with the biofeedback, I was still not able to recruit the muscles correctly. That was my revelation there.

Kevin Pho: After a radical prostatectomy, for those who arent familiar with the procedure, tell us the type of complications you were experiencing.

Francisco M. Torres: One of the complications occurred a week after. I told my doctor I am very into exercise. I was just hungry for exercise, so I was walking 10,000 steps even after the surgery during the first few days. A week later, I started having this horrible, terrible back pain that was not responding to anything. Eventually, to make the story short, they found out I had an accumulation. It was like a fistula in the pelvic region, and I had 1,000 mL of fluid accumulated there. They had to drain it. That delayed the process of removing the Foley catheter, and I think that was part of the problem. I was not training my muscle during that time, so that wasnt the major complication.

Kevin Pho: You said that you had trouble with the Kegel exercises and recruiting the pelvic floor muscle. Tell us a little bit about Kegel exercises for those who arent familiar with them. How did you know it was affecting the muscles that needed to be affected?

Francisco M. Torres: The data that we have says that if we do training of the pelvic floor before the surgery and after, the complications are fewer and recovery time is very fast. That is very solid. The problem with the Kegel is that people tend to mention it casually. They were created by a doctor in 1948 in California. At that time, when he treated a postpartum patient, he developed a tool for biofeedback to know that they were recruiting the muscles correctly. Think about 1948. I dont know where we dropped the ball such that we dont demand that to be part of the preparation before surgery.

I think that if we dont include that into the surgical consent form, we are probably classifying that we can be doing harm by not showing that to the patient. That was my discovery. I went back to my papers for pre-surgery, and I found two pages merely describing Kegel exercises. Obviously, like I said, even though I feel that I know the anatomy, I do my exercise, and I am a physiatrist, I had no clue how to activate those muscles. Even after going through physical therapy for almost a month and a half, I still compensate by activating my hip and my glutes. I am not able to isolate those pelvic floor muscles correctly. We need to emphasize that. That is why part of the book that I am writing says that we should have a protocol where we measure with biofeedback the quality of those muscles before we do the surgery. It is OK to be free of the cancer, but I think we are neglecting the recovery and the restoration.

Kevin Pho: When you went to this pelvic floor specialist and they did the biofeedback, what exactly did that entail? What kind of special exercises or treatment did they incorporate to finally recruit the right muscles?

Francisco M. Torres: It is when you visualize in the monitor how you activate the pelvic floor. They put recording electrodes around your anus. That is a way that you can see the waveform. It is very tricky because you try to compensate with the glutes in the hip muscle, and then you dont have the same strength of the curve. That gives you feedback. Every time you go and try to see if you are getting better, you have a visual that you can tell: Yes, I am 20 percent better or 30 percent better.

Then you decide if you want to use all the devices that they sell. I got one that you can sit on. It vibrates when you are activating the muscles. So that helps you to retrain the pelvic floor muscles. Also, you know that pelvic floor muscles are incredibly important for sexual health as well. There are a lot of studies done for just that. That is another part of the surgery that affects you. I think we have to normalize the conversation so we can talk to the patient openly about that.

Kevin Pho: How long did it take you working with the pelvic floor therapist to finally notice some improvement?

Francisco M. Torres: To be honest with you, I felt some improvement immediately. In the first session, I could activate it, and I could feel a little bit more power in controlling it. But it is a slow process. Even the last time I went to check, I was only 20 percent better, even though I was doing my exercise for a whole month. So it is very tricky. It is not an easy muscle to recruit.

Kevin Pho: You talked about prehabilitation or exercises before the surgery. Give us more detail. Exactly what do you mean by that? What kind of exercises are they? Is it just simply the Kegel? What would you recommend patients do now, or what would you have done knowing what you know now?

Francisco M. Torres: Knowing what I know now, I would have paid attention to physical therapy six weeks before the surgery. That would be ideal because these are elective surgeries. You need a physical therapy facility that is specialized because you can go to a general one (I have physical therapy in my facility), but they dont have biofeedback. They dont spend time recruiting those muscles. You want to go to one that specializes so you can do the biofeedback to have a baseline.

After that, they put together a group of exercises besides the Kegel to strengthen your hip abductors and flexors as well as your gluteus medius and maximus. It is a combination that you do. It probably takes at least 30 or 35 minutes to go through that routine if you want to do it on a daily basis. For me, it is just awareness. One of the things that I do here with my pain management patients before I do an epidural is try to train the patient to say: You need proper nutrition. You need to do this supplementation. I can predict who is going to get better or not by just knowing they are putting the effort prior to the procedure.

I think that we need to continue to do this across the board, not just for prostate cancer. There was a recent study I was reading today about doing prehabilitation before any surgery that is elective. They found that the immune system goes up. That was published just recently in this month in JAMA. The immunological system gets better, and also the cognitive function and the complication rate drops significantly.

Kevin Pho: You saw a pelvic floor therapist after your surgery, but thats not standard of care, right? Most patients who undergo a radical prostatectomy dont necessarily automatically see a pelvic floor specialist. Am I correct?

Francisco M. Torres: You are absolutely correct. By not including that part, knowing that the outcome of the recovery restoration improves 80 percent, I think you are definitely doing harm by not allowing the patient to have that exposure or mandatory evaluation by a physical therapist. We are so precise about the surgical techniques. I have to give credit to my urologist. When I saw him, I said: Hey, the PSA went to zero. The margins were free. I consider the surgery successful. But he said: No, no, you are still incontinent. You are still having sexual dysfunction. So we are not there yet. I think that is the mentality we should have.

Kevin Pho: So what more needs to be done? Should all urologists automatically send people to physical therapy or a pelvic floor therapist after a procedure like a prostatectomy?

Francisco M. Torres: I think that yes, that is for sure. But I think that they should do it before because of all the data that we have reducing the complication rate and improving the recovery time completely.

Kevin Pho: Now for other men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and as you know, this is a relatively common cancer. Just give us some other lessons that youve learned outside of what were talking about today that you want to share with the other men who may have gone through your journey.

Francisco M. Torres: This is a very interesting question. From the moment my PSA went up like three years ago, I refused to just do a blind biopsy because I thought that the results of a blind biopsy are very questionable. So I said: I is going to follow with an MRI. I had MRIs done two years in a row, which were negative until the third one came back positive with a dubious lesion. Then I decided to do the biopsy. The biopsy was guided by that MRI, and it was very precise. It was definitely very localized at Gleason 6. So the prognosis was excellent.

I think because I was on top of it, I did well. People dont understand that. I have patients that have gone for biopsies and they say: Negative biopsy, negative. And all of a sudden, three years later they have cancer. I think that the standard of care should be guided biopsy with MRIs. That was something I learned. The second thing was, after you have the diagnosis, they give you the options, but they dont explain to you what the pros and cons are. For example, they told me I could wait, do radiation, do cryotherapy, or do biopsy. I didnt know I was lucky. I had a friend who was an oncologist, and he guided me through the different options. Based on my age and what I do, yes, the surgery was the best thing for me.

Kevin Pho: You had to rely on a friend to go over all the options. You are a physician yourself. So patients who arent physicians and theyre confronted with just a menu of prostate cancer treatment optionslike you said, it could be surgery, watchful waiting, brachytherapy, radiotherapyhow could we expect patients just to navigate something that is so life-changing?

Francisco M. Torres: I really dont know, because like you said, I am a physician. I thought I knew it, and I was completely lost. There are so many decisions you have to make. It is not only that. After you go through the surgery, you should be aware of the complications, like the incontinence and the level of that, because it affects your dignity. I wrote one essay about me traveling to Italy on a pilgrimage with the diapers and the whole situation. It is pretty hard. If you are vulnerable, you can definitely collapse while trying to figure this out by yourself.

The mistake I made was fighting my doctor because he was telling me to take medication (antimuscarinics). I was fighting: Oh no, those are side effects, and what you are doing is covering the symptoms. I didnt understand the value of retraining the bladder with those medications, even with the penile clamp. These are things that you fight because nobody tells you and you are afraid of asking. But now that I realize it is worth retraining the bladder, now I know. I think we just have to have all that information available for the patient visually.

Kevin Pho: We are talking to Francisco Torres. He is an interventional physiatrist. Todays KevinMD article is A doctors own prostate cancer recovery. Francisco, lets end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience.

Francisco M. Torres: My number one message would be pertaining to prostate cancer surgery. You need to be sure that you are seen by a pelvic floor therapist that has biofeedback to measure your baseline so you know that by training those muscles, the recovery time and complications are going to be less. That is critical for me. You should continue with that program even after the surgery. Also, how soon do we start that? At least seven or ten days after they remove the Foley catheter. The sooner you get into that, the better.

Kevin Pho: Francisco, thank you so much for sharing your story, time, and insight. Thanks again for coming back on the show.

Francisco M. Torres: Thank you for having me again.
OpenBSD stories

When a driver challenges the kernel's assumptions

Unix-based systems have been around for more than 50 years now. Although the best design ideas still prevail to this day, the evolution of the computing industry has forced operating system designers to rethink the way they work, multiple times over time.

From a device driver point of view, the most important change was the change from fixed, compile-time hardware configuration, enumerated upon boot and never changing afterwards, to a more dynamic model, where devices can come and go: storage devices first, with the first hotplug-capable SCSI controllers in the first half of the 1990s, and complete devices shortly later, first with the introduction of the PCMCIA bus on laptops, then with USB and Firewire, which were not limited to laptops.

While PCMCIA support in open source operating systems had lingered for a few years before being integrated (both in Linux with "pcmcia-cs" and in FreeBSD with the "laptop package"), by the time USB support was being worked on, the required changes to accept/allow that devices may show up or disappear at any time had been completed and tested, and the kernel had no excuse not to cope with removable devices.

Today's story is the story of a device driver which caused some kernel assumptions to no longer stand, and the work done to remediate this situation, letting the kernel cope with the new world order.

This story starts on the 12th of march 2009. Theo de Raadt is travelling to Japan to visit fellow OpenBSD developer Ryan McBride, best known for implementing the CARP network high-availability protocol in OpenBSD, who has been living in Japan for a few years already.

Every time he goes to Japan, Theo never misses the opportunity to visit Akihabara in Tokyo, in order to find new computing devices to play with.

Among the devices he picks this time, is a small display, the size of a smartphone, with an usb cable, shown here running an X server under OpenBSD for the first time, a few months later. (picture courtesy of Marcus Glocker)



The company making these USB displays is called DisplayLink.

DisplayLink provides binary-only drivers for Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OSX, and nothing more. This caused some frustration in the free software world, and Florian Echtler, with the help of Chris Hodges, worked on reverse engineering the device, with the intent to get it working under Linux. All of their work is nowadays described at https://floe.butterbrot.org/matrix/hacking/dlnk/.

Of course, at this point, there is no support for these devices in OpenBSD either, and they attach as generic USB devices when connected:

<deraadt> ugen0 at uhub0 port 3 "DisplayLink LCD-8000U" rev 2.00/0.02 addr 2 <deraadt> Picked up that too

Moments later, Matthieu Herrb points to Florian Echtler's information:

<matthieu> <http://floe.butterbrot.org/displaylink/doku.php>

(which nowadays redirects to https://github.com/floe/tubecable/tree/master/doc

The DisplayLink device gets passed from Theo de Raadt to developer Claudio Jeker, who lives in Switzerland close to another developer who has been recently working on USB devices, and will be the hero of this story: Marcus Glocker.

Once told he will be given the device, Marcus does what everyone in his place would have done: he asks the manufacturer politely for documentation on april 6th.

There was no contact information at DisplayLink, only a "contact us" webform in which you could enter your name and email address, and your message.

Name: Marcus Glocker Message: Dear Ladies and Gentleman, We are thinking about developing an OpenSource driver for your DL-120/DL-160 chipsets. This would allow several OpenSource projects (e.g. NetBSD, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Linux, X.org) to add support for DisplayLink based USB LCD devices, and therefore extend your potential user base. Therefore we would like to talk with you about getting basic documentation for your chipsets. It would be nice if the right person for this topic could contact me for further communication on the e-mail address stated in this form. Regards, Marcus Glocker, OpenBSD Developer

The answer was as unhelpful as possible:

Date: Mon, 6 Apr 2009 12:49:42 +0100 From: Jason Slaughter (DisplayLink) To: Marcus Glocker Cc: Bernie Thompson (DisplayLink) Subject: Opensource Driver for OpenBSD Hello Marcus, thank you for your email. DisplayLink USB graphics are a software graphics card: graphics functions are performed on the CPU and then compressed and sent across the USB cable to be decompressed in a DisplayLink DL-120/DL-160 chip on the other side. This means that - unlike most PC hardware - getting basic documentation about the chip would not provide enough information to implement a driver for BSD. However, DisplayLink is current in the process of putting together a library that will provide the functions necessary to drive a DisplayLink USB graphics chips, and it is our intention to release this library under an open source license in the very near future. This library would provide you with all of the information necessary to develop an x.org compatible driver for DisplayLink USB graphics devices on *BSD. The best point of contact for you might be Bernie Thompson (cc'd), our VP of Software Platforms based in Seattle, Washington. We could start with a conversation on email, but Bernie and I would also be happy to have a quick phone call with you to help you understand how DisplayLink graphics work and what our plans are for supporting open source platforms. I would also be curious to get your thoughts on how DisplayLink device support might fit into BSD. Thank you, Jason

At the same time, Marcus was sharing the results of this discussion with the other OpenBSD developers on our private chatroom.

<mglock> wow. <kettenis> wow? <mglock> DisplayLink TM seems to be very communactive. <mglock> asked the for specs for their DL-120/DL-160 chips, and got a detailed answer withing 4 hours. <mglock> they want to call me :-) <oga> they're actually responding? <oga> wow... <oga> I'd heard they were quite reticent. Someone on the xorg lists is rev engineering them for that reason. Not so much progress so far <mglock> interessting. <oga> Well, i asked him if he was reverse engineering, he said yes. I'm sure I asked if he'd asked for docs, but the reply from him doesn't include that bit. <oga> If you can get specifications freely, I'd be interested in a copy <oga> those things are pretty cool, in an oddball kinda way <mglock> sure. keep you informed. lets see how far we come. [...] <mglocker> just wrote back to the DisplayLink guys. lets see what happens.

The day after:

<mglocker> re <mglocker> got the DisplayLink device from claudio. <mglocker> and an answer from DisplayLink themselfs. <mglocker> we will get no docs. <kettenis> bastards! <mglocker> but the seem to release the opensource library soon. based on libusb. <mglocker> library will be LGPL licensed ...

However, Marcus does not remain inactive waiting for a hypothetical code release from DisplayLink. After weeks of trials, he reaches a point where he has a terminal (text-mode emulation) running on it, albeit slowly, and talks about it on may 1st, leading to a productive brainstorming session with a few other OpenBSD developers:

<mglocker> hmm, looks bad for the USB display driver for wscons. all that many little USB bulk transfers which are necessary to draw the fonts make the display rendering slow. <mglocker> i think there is no way to improve it further. <oga> mglocker: make a shadow area and blit the whole lot in one go <oga> so make a line of text in one go the blit all of it <oga> and use blits to move lines of text around for scrolling <mglocker> nah, you need to be able to draw one character. <oga> hmmm <oga> did they release that library by the way? <deraadt> there must be memory on the thing, to pre-load the fonts there <mglocker> even if you preload the fonts, it doesn't help. to bit blit one character you also need to setup a bulk xfer. <oga> oh, offscreen memory if it has, then it's just blitting chars. <oga> oh jesus. <mglocker> it's the same amount of bulk xfers in the end. <mglocker> yes, i tried exactly that. <oga> how slow is slow? <mglocker> it is exactly as slow as before. <oga> I mean how slow is the output all told? <mglocker> i think it's not the content of the bulk xfer making it slow, but the little peaces of bulk xfers. <mglocker> ah. <mglocker> on my amd64 it's like a 19200 modem connection or such :-) <deraadt> how do they make it fast, then? <oga> what info do you have on it? <drahn> can multiple 'blits' be combined? <oga> all I heard about was some libarary that they will release, and the reveng stuff <sthen> if you have a shadow buffer, can't you update multiple chars in one go? <mglocker> you could. but then i would need to "collect" lines? <sthen> yep. <mglocker> shudder. <mglocker> sounds ugly. <oga> welcome to graphics, mate. <mglocker> heh <mglocker> i think i quit that area ;-) <drahn> a timeout to gather up several or polling waiting for the previous one to complete? <oga> what information do you have on the hardware itself? <mglocker> http://floe.butterbrot.org/displaylink/doku.php <mglocker> that's what we have. <oga> oh, that's the reveng stuff? <oga> yeah, seen it. <mglocker> there is compression, which doesn't seem to work yet. but i'm not sure if the compression stuff would help us for wscons. <mglocker> since again, you need to setup a bulk xfer for each character. <oga> good for bulk data moves. less good for char-by-char <mglocker> and the thing which make it slow seems to be the setup overhead, not the content itself. <mglocker> yes. <mglocker> i don't know how the driver on windows works, but i don't guess they do something like char-by-char, as we do for wscons. <oga> is this a problem for scrolling, or for typing? <oga> scrolling you can coalesce as long as the timeout is short. <mglocker> the scrolling seems fine. <oga> and it'd be a LOT better than char-by-char. <oga> so it's just typing? <mglocker> the problem is for rendering the chars. e.g. "ls -l". <oga> if you put a timeout say (out of my arse) 10ms. all chars that come in then go out at the same time <oga> no one types that fast, so you see char by char, but ls gets done in one go <mglocker> that would help for sure. <oga> try that. one transfer per char is not going to help you <mglocker> the question is how to implement this in a nice manner ... sigh. <oga> several ways present themselves <oga> font in offscreen memory, when you get a char make blit command for that char to where you want it. multi commands in one bulkt transfer (which is apparently ok) <mglocker> and then send it after the timeout is done (if there is something)? <oga> when the timeout fires, launch off all you've got <oga> exactly <oga> just queue up commands and put htem all in one bulk <oga> the timeout will need tuning to be a good average between latency and bandwidth though <drahn> scrolls are a bit extra info in the queue <mglocker> putting them in one bulk would improve it for sure. <oga> give it a try, and mail me the diff so I can see what you're doing <oga> i'm curious, even though I don't understand the usb stack at all <mglocker> the usb part is not difficult for this device, really. <oga> oh good. means I might get it. <mglocker> "ls -l /etc" takes about 5 seconds now to render. that's not nice ... <mglocker> ok, thanks for the hints. maybe i can get something together which helps ... <oga> for wsfb you'll want to provide a mmap area and sync that as well. that will suck though <oga> horribly <oga> it'll need a proper driver to be usabel for X <mglocker> yes. there are different opinions for the X driver. <mglocker> some say, use wsfb, some say you need to write a own accel driver for X :-) <oga> wsfb iirc mmaps the framebuffer, so you'd need to shadow it and update every X times a second <oga> you'd need the compression at least for it to not suck <mglocker> exactly. <mglocker> jup. and the compression part is missing from the rev. eng. as it looks. <oga> it'd help to know more about the hardware it really would <oga> without compression wsfb will be FAR too slow <mglocker> i believe so, too, now. <oga> no mmap over usb :( <mglocker> no way. <miod> mglocker: can't you copy the font image to offscreen video memory and do screen-to-screen blt to display chars? <miod> that's the canonical trick. <oga> that was my suggestion, with batching to keep from too many bulks. <miod> ah <mglocker> miod: i thought about that, too, but the bulk xfers keep the same. <miod> (not caught up with logs yet) <mglocker> one per bitblit. <mglocker> i've even tested it. <mglocker> it doesn't help at all. it's exactly as slow as before. <miod> can you queue the xfers and schedule a batch of them 25 times per second? <deraadt> you can only request one blt per bulk? <oga> the rev eng says you can do more, hence the batching <deraadt> sounds like a retarded protocol if you can only do one blt per bulk <mglocker> miod: that's what oga suggested. <mglocker> yes you can queue more than one bitblit. <mglocker> but that would be i would need to "collect" chars. what oga said. <mglocker> and fire them on a timeout.

After going back to the drawing board, the driver performance improves, and it becomes worth commiting to the OpenBSD source code repository, so that people can try it and developers can work on improving it.

The first stab of a driver hits the tree on may 9th.

Three days later, possibly related to that commit, but we'll never know...

Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 20:08:44 +0100 From: Jason Slaughter (DisplayLink) To: Marcus Glocker Cc: Bernie Thompson (DisplayLink) Hello Marcus, Just an update on this: our source code library will be going live this Friday and you'll be able to find it by going to http://displaylink.org around Friday afternoon. We would be happy to send you a few DL-160 based USB to DVI graphics adapters if you think you would get good use out of them. If so, let me know how many you'd like and send me your mailing address. With any luck they'll get to you before the code goes live on displaylink.org. Thank you, Jason

<mglocker> oho. DisplayLink is answering again. <deraadt> heh <mglocker> the will release the opensource driver this friday. <mglocker> and they want to send me DL-160 based USB to DVI graphic adapters. <oga> the library you mean? <mglocker> jup. <oga> i'm sure i found a dl-160 going for 50 quid on amazon the other day <oga> out of stock though <mglocker> so, who wants to have such a toy? <oga> I'd love one. <mglocker> ok, one for you, one for me, anyone else? <mglocker> Florian Echtler will be glad to hear this. <mglocker> because the compression stuff is hard to crack. <oga> I wonder how complete the library will be <oga> what license, by the way? <mglocker> pretty complete i hope ;-) <oga> hope is definitely the word. <mglocker> they wrote me about the license. some GPL shiz if i remember right ... <oga> well it's a libusb library anyway, so it'll want a rewrite <oga> GPL? if they're targetting X then they should know X uses MIT. <mglocker> *shrug* <mglocker> after the last conversation i don't know how much they really know about X ... <mglocker> probably they put the library out and hope somebody will write the X driver for them ... <oga> time permitting i'll probably write one <oga> it'll be either drm or wscons based depending on what I learn about the hardware <oga> s/wscons/wsfb-style <mglocker> oga: if you going to start on the X driver, we should sync with Florian maybe. it would be probably good if not three people start to write on the X driver when the library has been released I guess ... <oga> yeah. <oga> if we're doing stuff with wscons for the driver though, then it won't work on linux. <oga> I don't know how fbdev works. <mglocker> and he started some sourceforge page today, to find out about the compression stuff more :-) i'll forward him the mail from displaylink now.

which leads to this conversation at OpenBSD headquarters:

Three more days pass, and indeed, on may 15th...

<mglock> re <mglock> http://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Software/libdlo <mglock> the library is online. <mglock> read first feedback from the displaylink rev. eng. mailling-list. <mglock> it seems to be useless. <mglock> since the whole compression stuff is missing. <mglock> need to look at it myself later.

(the libdlo url is now https://libdlo.freedesktop.org/wiki/

5 hours later:

<oga> mglock: displaylink rev. eng have a mailing list? <oga> where? <mglock> erm, yes. <mglock> https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/displaylink-devel <oga> mglock: thanks <oga> hmmm, glancing at the library it is not that useful <oga> disappointing

2 hours later:

<oga> mein gott! libdlo is ugly <oga> ERR_GOTO(function(args)) ...

and 2 more hours later:

<mglocker> i've setup another mail to displaylink asking them why they didn't include the compression stuff in their library :-)

On the same day, on the displaylink-devel list:

Date: 2009-05-15 13:59:30 From: Florian Echtler To: displaylink-devel mailing list Subject: Re: [Displaylink-devel] News from Displaylink > Sigh, pretty disappointing. LGPL licensed first and then it doesn't > contain the compression stuff. What do the think how people can > write an usable X.Org driver with this? I gonna ask them. All right, this is getting a bit ridiculous. Looking in dlo_usb.c, they labeled the "set encryption" request as "select channel", and the "null-key" for disabling encryption is called STD_CHANNEL. Okay, maybe just terminology. However, in dlo_data.h, there's suddenly always an DLO_MODE_ENABLE_* sequence (never seen that before), and the DLO_MODE_DATA stuff looks totally random. Hey, look, in mode_select(), it's always sending the ENABLE sequence to the "select channel" command, then the binary blob and then DLO_MODE_POSTAMBLE. Hmm, this POSTAMBLE looks just like the STD_CHANNEL default key! Oh, what a surprise, the register sets for the modes are _still_ encrypted - never mind that we can decrypt this since Christmas last year. Displaylink, I really don't get this. I'll have a closer look at the way the stride registers are implemented; this is one of the smaller parts which I still would like to figure out, but in general, this library is absolutely useless to the wider opensource community. It's obviously designed for some embedded shops which want to use it for non-realtime stuff like LCD signs etc., but it's just ridiculous to still try and obfuscate parts of an opensource library. Florian -- 0666 - Filemode of the Beast

(emphasis mine)

Two more weeks pass, during which Florian Echtler continues his reverse engineering efforts and figures out the compression scheme used by the DisplayLink chip.

<mglocker> for those who are interessted in the displaylink stuff ... the compression has been cracked. florian echtler did a library and showed it to the displaylink guys ;-) <mglocker> http://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/libdlo/2009-May/000092.html <mglocker> http://floe.butterbrot.org/external/tubecable-0.1.tar.bz2 <mglocker> ~mglocker/dldemo2_mglocker.tar.gz <mglocker> if you want to have a kind of C-style demo for the compression.

Minor fixes to the udl driver occur on june 1st, then there is not much activity until Marcus resumes working on it, in order to add compression support.

On august 14th, he mentions the need for a compression table which could be stored on the filesystem, rather than in the kernel image:

<mglocker> anyone mind if we would keep a 300kB huffman table in /etc/firmware? <miod> that's not really firmware... can't you generate the table at runtime? is this for udl evilness? <mglocker> jup, for the huffman pixel difference compression. i could store the table into an *.h file, but i'm not sure if this is what we want. <mglocker> i don't think we can "generate" the table. <miod> but yes, although it's not technically firmware, it's loadable data, so why not <mglocker> yeah. it's probably worth an exception in that case. <mglocker> i can draw some compressed stuff already, but some issues left to fix.

And on august 25th, compression support is added to the driver.

As more and more developers are trying the driver on as many platforms as possible, we start hitting situations where heavy screen adjustments would cause the output to stall, or some display updates to get lost.

Investigating these showed that the device was overflowed with requests, and needed time to process all the pending operations until further requests could be made.

This was not very different from a serial line link, where the serial chip has a small (and sometimes nonexistent) FIFO queue, and no more characters can be transmitted when it gets full, until the characters get transmitted over the wire.

For serial links, the kernel handles this nicely, by forcing writers to sleep when the FIFO gets full, and waking them when space becomes available in the FIFO.

But for display terminal emulations, there was no such thing, because it was assumed that every display operation (output a character, draw the cursor shape, scroll the display in any direction) could be done without having to wait.

And in fact, until the DisplayLink driver came into use, this was the case: display drivers either had full access to the display memory and could do the required changes directly in memory or, as e.g. for the Vax gpx driver [which I will write the story of soon...], by instructing the graphics controller to perform these changes.

But here, over the USB bus, bandwidth has to be shared with all the other USB devices on the controller, and the USB controller itself might not be able to queue enough requests for the udl needs - in other words, this is similar to the serial FIFO.

The graphics display being, from the kernel point of view, a special case of serial line, we could benefit from the FIFO behaviour, even though this had never been the case.

So a cheap and easy way to solve the "display gets overflowed with requests" problem would be to simply let the display operation routines (draw the cursor, paint a character...), which until now where `void` operations, return a value letting their caller know whether they had been able to perform the requested operation or not. The DisplayLink specific implementation of these requests could then return failure when the device FIFO is full, and let the upper layers know that they need to wait and force the process currently writing to the display, to sleep.

This would be a large, but mostly mechanical, change to all the display drivers in the OpenBSD source tree.

On august 30th, I suggested going in this direction:

Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:42:29 +0000 From: Miod Vallat To: private mailing list Subject: wsdisplay asynchronous processing After discussing udl(4) behaviour with mglocker@, we came to the following thoughts which I believe are worth sharing. wscons - and its wsdisplay output part - has been written 10 years ago with tga(4) and vga(4) style bitmapped devices in mind, with synchronous operations. This assumption was true, until we started to support video devices on which the video memory is not directly accessible. Examples of this are cfxga(4), gpx(4) on vax, and udl(4). The first two such drivers have been coerced to fit the synchronous model, because sending commands to the hardware was fast and did only involve the device registers. udl(4), however, is completely alien to this. Commands are sent with USB pipes, there might be other devices on the USB bus, and processing is asynchronous in nature. Now, if you look at wsdisplay, there are two conditions upon which wsdisplay will want to update the display contents: - userland writes to the wsdisplay terminal. wsdisplay is invoked from the tty layer, and has a process context, so it can sleep. - kernel writes to the console device. wsdisplay can not assume anything. So if we are able to flag devices such as udl(4) as not being able to be a console output device, then it will know that it can sleep at the wsdisplay level. Why am I talking about sleeping? Because udl(4) is currently the only wsdisplay(4) driver unable to behave synchronously. In order to complete its operation, it needs to get fifo resources and whatnot, and if none of them are available, there won't be any new resources available until the usb stack has a chance to run: udl(4) needs to sleep. Now if udl(4) is allowed to sleep, and the driver<->wsdisplay interfaces are modified so that a driver can return EAGAIN if it is not a console device, then wsdisplay(4) can sleep. Problem solved.

and since the best way to figure out if such a proposal is worth doing is to write a proof-of-concept, the next day I shared a diff with Marcus.

But that diff was larger and trickier that what my previous message implied.

The reason for that, is that the graphics terminal is not simply a "line printer on a CRT". (and, writing this in 2025, I suppose some of my younger readers will not be familiar with Cathode Ray Tube displays)

An important improvement of CRT displays above line printers is that most CRT terminals have an addressable cursor position; this opens the road towards fancy displays (nowadays with colours!), first to implement IBM 3270 terminal emulators, later for more generic needs, thanks to the termcap and/or terminfo abstractions, and eventually the curses library.

The OpenBSD workstation console terminal emulation tries to mimic two well-known console devices, the Digital VT220 terminal (minus several seldom used features difficult to implement cleanly, such as double-width characters) on most platforms, and the Sun console (with extra features such as colour) on sparc and sparc64 ports. (I tried to have the luna88k port, which defaults to black on white display like the Sun systems, to use the sun terminal emulation, but got outpowered).

Both these terminal emulations have in common that they recognize specific escape sequences, e.g. to change the cursor position, change output colours, or other specific operations. Also, simply outputting a regular character expands to at least three display operations: hide the cursor, draw the character, and draw the cursor in its new position; and if the character had been the last on the last line, the display needs to scroll, which involves one more operation.

If display drivers were able to fail any operations, as allowed in my proposal, we could end up with a particular output operation processed only partly. But the tty layer in the kernel has no way to know that a character has been, sort of, "partially output". In this layer, a character has either been output, or needs to be output, and nothing in-between. Any finer-grained state needs to be maintained in a lower layer, such as the vt220 emulation code.

So, in addition to allowing display drivers to fail operations, I wrapped the terminal emulation processing into what I called an "abort state", remembering at which point we encountered a failure, so that attempting to output a character would skip the operations which had succeeded already.

With my changes, a character output would only be "validated" if all the display operations it would cause had been successful. If not, the process writing to the display would be forced to sleep, until the display driver reports it is able to process requests again. Processing of the display operations would note which operations had been successful, so as to skip them and only perform the operations which had failed or had no chance to start earlier.

Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:00:27 +0000 From: Miod Vallat To: Marcus Glocker Subject: early wscons `ok to stall' diff This should be enough for an i386 or amd64 kernel to compile. Many frame buffer drivers still need to be modified due to interface and prototypes changes. How does it work? Well, this adds an error path from the display driver to the tty layer. So we have this path: 1. void wsdisplay_emulops routines now return values. The driver implementing them can return 0 if it did the work, or nonzero (preferrably EAGAIN) if it couldn't. Note that generic rasops routines, accessing frame buffer memory, never fail and always return zero. 2. the return values of the emulops are now tested in the wsdisplay emulation code. This is the horrible part with a lot of changes, which will need careful review. 3. I designed this so that, when the emulops return an error, the emulation state machine is moved back to a sane state, allowing the operation to be tried again later. This involves undoing logical cursor moves, and other internal state changes. Note the code currently assumes an operation involving several emulops can fail in the middle and be restarted from the beginning - this is wrong, e.g. when scrolling the tty, since we copy rows and then clear the bottom row. If the copy works but the clearing fails, we'll restart with the copy. I am aware of this and working on an `abort state' part of the emulation state machine (which is currently the FALSE_ABORT bit in the per-emulation flags, but needs to move into its own thing). (This is why this is an alpha diff...) 4. The error condition detected by the emulation causes the tty write to abort early. The MI wsdisplay code will now know how many chars have been processed, and if it detected an early abort, it will not try to write more characters, even if there are any left in the tty queue. 5. The same function already has logic to schedule a timeout if more tty data is pending. This timeout will try to feed the driver more work, but until it fires the driver can hopefully get some interrupts and gather resources to do so. What is left to do: 1. Update all MD frame buffer drivers (mechanical). 2. Finish the abort state design and correctly recover from a partial operation. 3. Update udl to return EAGAIN in the emulops. Known problems which won't be fixed soon: 1. Some operations do not come from the tty layer, but by keyboard events (emulation reset sequence), ioctl or timeouts (screen burner). We do not necessarily have a process context there, so sleeping is not an option. I need to extend some interfaces for the affected routines to know whether the caller can recover automatically (tty context), or not, and if not, whether it's ok to sleep or not. 2. There is no way, yet, for the driver which has returned EAGAIN to cause the tty timeout to be triggered earlier (i.e. as soon as it regains resources). I'll think about it eventually. Miod (and now time for some zzz)

The next day, I received the best testimonial ever for a diff:

<mglock> hi from udl over wscons with initial EAGAIN support :-) <mglock> miod is evil.

After more testing, on september 1st, a new version of that diff was shared:

Date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 20:19:02 +0000 From: Miod Vallat To: private mailing list Subject: Re: wsdisplay asynchronous processing In case people are interested, I have a monster diff (which will be split in 4 different pieces), which implements error path from the display drivers up to the tty layer, so that the driver can cause tty output to stop if it is overflowed. The tty layer (well, the wsdisplay tty code) will then nicely recover from this, and everything is fine. This diff has the disavantage of adding about 1KB of code to the kernel (for kernels with vt100 emulation), so this might be a problem for the floppies. And there is no way to disable this if SMALL_KERNEL. Unless you want to dive in your own sea of macro hell filled with sharks. Due the large size of the diff (about 200KB, affecting 51 files), I will not append it to this mail. People interested in it can find it in cvs:~miod/wscons-stall2.vari Note that, for it to be really useful on udl(4) devices - since they are the reason for this work - you need another diff from mglocker@, adding the necessary EAGAIN code in udl(4). $ wc wscons-stall2.vari 7017 26187 194603 wscons-stall2.vari Miod

The monster diff started with the following description:

This diff is large because many frame buffer drivers need to be modified due to interface and prototype changes. How does it work? Well, this adds an error path from the display driver to the tty layer. So we have this path: 1. void wsdisplay_emulops routines now return values. The driver implementing them can return 0 if it did the work, or nonzero (preferrably EAGAIN or EINTR) if it couldn't. Note that generic rasops routines, accessing frame buffer memory, never fail and always return zero. 2. the return values of the emulops are now tested in the wsdisplay emulation code. This is the horrible part with a lot of changes, which will need careful review. 3. I designed this so that, when the emulops return an error, the emulation state machine is moved back to a sane state, allowing the operation to be tried again later. This involves undoing logical cursor moves, and other internal state changes. Note there might be bugs in the undoing so far, I need to review this carefully. And test too (-: There are comments in wsemulvar.h trying to explain how I keep track of failures occuring in the middle of a `character' (from the tty layer point of view) output. 4. The error condition detected by the emulation causes the tty write to abort early. The MI wsdisplay code will now know how many chars have been processed, and if it detected an early abort, it will not try to write more characters, even if there are any left in the tty queue. 5. The same function already has logic to schedule a timeout if more tty data is pending. This timeout will try to feed the driver more work, but until it fires the driver can hopefully get some interrupts and gather resources to do so. Note that it is not necessary to implement a faster output resume path (e.g. if the driver gets an interrupt and frees resources), as the timeout will run only 8ms later (1/128 second). Keep in mind the human persistance of vision is about 1/25 second, so in the blink of an eye the wsdisplay code can resume stalled output several times. Problems left with this code: 1. You may notice resetop() does not check for emulops failure. This because this is an out-of-tty-layer processing (but ioctl issued to the tty device). I know how to make it able to recover, but this will need a few more emulops prototypes changes, and I would like to keep the focus of this diff minimal (har, har), i.e. trying to only address one problem. A later diff will address that area. 2. The same comments apply to the screen burner code. Again, I have plans for this. How I intend to split this work in individual commits: 1. internal wsemul changes to change the state machine functions from returning u_int to returning void (and updating emul state structs directly), so that they can later be changed again to return errors. (no functional change, but little code growth) 2. emulops prototype changes (and all the rasops / driver part of this diff). (again, no functional change, but little code growth) 3. wsemul_ops change of output() to return the number of chars consumed, and the corresponding logic in wsdisplaystart(), with the emulation code returning the number of chars it has been given (again, no functional change, but little code growth) 4. the error path handling in the emulation code, i.e. the evil part of this diff.

Of course, testing exposed a few bugs in that diff, which led to a new version:

Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 16:17:06 +0000 From: Miod Vallat To: private mailing list Subject: Re: wsdisplay asynchronous processing New diff fixing a few bugs in the previous diff (description of changes at the head of the new diff). cvs:~miod/wscons-stall3.vari $ wc wscons-stall3.vari 7074 26494 196861 wscons-stall23vari Miod

And while writing this, I am dissatisfied with past me. It was not a wise idea to put the details in a file which is now long gone, and I should have put them both in the file and in the email. But I did not think that future me would want to tell this story, years later.

Fortunately, it turns out that I had sent that diff directly to Marcus minutes later:

Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 16:13:51 +0000 From: Miod Vallat To: Marcus Glocker Subject: latest wscons diff This is diff #3. Changes since last diff: - rearrange changes to wsdisplaystart() so as not to introduce a new goto. - minor simplification in wsemul_sun when backing out state changes because of failed scrollup operation. - rearrange some double-wide array updates in vt100 to be able to correctly recover from operations aborted in the middle. This double width feature is something noone uses anyway. - wrap the COPYCOLS and ERASECOLS operations in vt100 within WSEMULOP so that they will not be reissued by mistake if failure occurs after they're done. This ought to have been in the previous diff but I forgot to do this.

And some time later:

Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 22:00:06 +0000 From: Miod Vallat To: Marcus Glocker Subject: Re: udl Even better, with a diff that still compiles after the untested last minute change. This is diff #4. Changes since last diff: - removed udl.c changes, get them from mglocker@ - fixed an unitialized variable in wsemul_vt100_output() causing cursor image display to sometimes be skipped. - extended the abort state with four different states (ok, failed to display the cursor image, failed to jump scroll, failed a regular operation) instead of two (ok/fail) and having the `fail cursor' a particular state of failure. This allows me to make things a bit more clean (arguably) and two fix two important bugs: + after a regular failure, jump scroll would be attempted before the other operation; if the failure had happened after N operations we would then skip N operations during the jump scroll (usually causing the scroll not to happen, so lines would be overwritten instead of scrolling). + after a jump scroll failure, we need to retry it with the same number of lines as the failed operation, so that the copy/erase parts of the scrolling operation are consistent with each other.

Eventually Marcus confirms it works:

From: Miod Vallat To: Marcus Glocker Subject: Re: udl > This diff works pretty fine for me! I can't spot any bugs anymore yet, > even when running in a screen session with crazzy apps like irssi and > mutt. Excellent.

Having been able to wrap these operations in specfic macros to hide the note-and-restart logic, this allowed installation media kernels (which would not embed the DisplayLink driver) to use the previous "nothing can fail" logic, in order not to grow these kernels and still allow them to fit on 3" floppy installation media. This work eventually got commited on september 5th, in multiple steps and then some...

...and udl made use of it immediately.

On september 11th, this allowed to nicely fix a diresome situation.

And since I am only human, a small bugfix was needed on the 14th.

After these changes, there have been no problem reports with DisplayLink devices.

Later this month, an X server, based upon the "damage" extension which describes areas which need to be redrawn, was also added to the OpenBSD source tree, and support for the DisplayLink devices was now complete.

This allowed "serial console-only" platforms such as the armish and landisk ports to use a graphics console and run an X server.

And even if there had been no X server support, the DisplayLink driver forced the console code to face new challenges and solve them in a way which will benefit future drivers.

Today, DisplayLink still exists as part of Synaptics, and their most recent chips are supported neither by Linux nor by OpenBSD with open source drivers. Synaptics provides a binary driver for Ubuntu, which to this day hasn't been reverse engineered, yet.

The usefulness of these devices has apparently gone away, people do not seem to be interested by these devices anymore those days.
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23:58 'Cash for post' allegation mars election of Cong candidate as mayor in Kerala The election of Congress candidate Niji Justin as Thrissur Corporation mayor on Friday was marred by a senior councillor's allegation that the top post was sold for money. After Lali James lost the opportunity to become the mayor to her party colleague Niji Justin, she alleged exchange of a... Read more >

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22:54 Ramadoss issues notice, warns son Anbumani against using party name, flag PMK founder S Ramadoss (middle) and son Anbumani (left)/File image The infighting in the PMK intensified on Friday with the party founder S Ramadoss issuing a public notice through his lawyers warning his son Anbumani against using the party's name, flag or symbol. Anbumani had no legal authority to act on behalf of the PMK and he cannot claim to be the... Read more >

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22:27 1 killed in brawl amid Christmas celebrations in Nagpur Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com One person was killed and another was critically injured in a brawl outside an eatery amid Christmas celebrations in the early hours of Friday, a Nagpur police official said. The incident took place around 4 am near Pride Square, the Sonegaon police station official said. Two groups... Read more >

21:54 Retired IAF personnel shot dead in UP's Ghaziabad Two motorcycle-borne men shot dead a retired Indian Air Force staffer here on Friday afternoon, the police said.The deceased has been Identified as Yogesh (58), a native of Baghpat district.Yogesh, who had retired from the Indian Air Force (IAF) three months ago, lived in Ashok Vihar Colony with... Read more >

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20:54 Ex-IAS officer convicted in Odisha housing scam for 12th time A Special Vigilance Court in Bhubaneswar on Friday found former IAS officer Vinod Kumar, the ex-managing director of Odisha Rural Housing Development Corporation (ORHDC), and five others guilty in a housing scam case. This was Kumar's 12th conviction in corruption cases linked to the ORHDC... Read more >

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20:02 Rupee falls 15 paise to close at 89.86 against US dollar The rupee depreciated 15 paise to close at 89.86 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday, tracking a negative trend in domestic equities and foreign fund outflows. Forex traders said a recovery in crude oil prices, significant dollar demand from importers, and risk-off sentiment amid... Read more >

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19:29 Jilted lover shoots girlfriend, kills self in Jharkhand A 35-year-old man fired at his girlfriend after her marriage was fixed elsewhere, and shot himself dead in Jharkhand's Ranchi district on Friday, the police said.The incident occurred around 9 am in the Khalari Police Station area, around 40 km from the city, when the woman was stopped at KDH... Read more >

19:20 Two sisters battling depression and distressed over pet dog's illness end life Two sisters battling depression and distressed over their pet dog's illness have allegedly died by suicide after consuming phenyl at their home in Lucknow, the police said on Friday. The incident occurred in the Doda Kheda-Jalalpur area in the state capital. The deceased have been identified... Read more >

19:13 Forex reserves rise by $4.36 bn to $693 bn India's forex reserves jumped by $4.368 billion to $693.318 billion during the week ended December 19, the Reserve Bank said on Friday.The overall kitty had increased by $1.689 billion to $688.949 billion in the previous week.For the week ended December 19, foreign currency assets, a major... Read more >

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18:49 'Don't behave like animals': Kailash Kher lashes at unruly crowd during MP concert Renowned singer and Padma Shri awardee Kailash Kher abruptly stopped his Gwalior concert mid-way to address the uncontrollable crowd, which had some people from the audience jumping over barricades to get to the stage.Kher was performing at the Gwalior Mela Grounds on Thursday to mark Tabla Day... Read more >

18:24 Christmas cheer fuels Rs 332 cr liquor sales in Kerala in four days File image As Kerala celebrated Christmas, the Kerala State Beverages Corporation recorded liquor sales worth Rs 332.62 crore through its BEVCO outlets during the first four days of the festive season, officials said on Friday. The KSBC on Friday released data on liquor sales during the... Read more >

17:52 Goa nightclub fire: Court extends police custody of Luthra brothers till Dec 29 The Mapusa JMFC court on Friday extended police custody of Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra till December 29 in the Birch by Romeo Lane fire incident.The Luthra brothers are co-owners of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, in which 25 people died, and several others were injured in a fire on... Read more >

17:35 Hyderabad man burns wife to death suspecting infidelity A man allegedly burnt his wife to death here, suspecting her fidelity, the police said on Friday.He purchased petrol in a bottle and poured it on his wife while she was sleeping, and set her on fire on December 23, they added.The couple got married 10 years ago. The man is a construction worker,... Read more >

17:19 Attacks on minorities in B'desh a grave concern: India India on Friday said the unremitting hostilities against minorities in Bangladesh is a matter of grave concern even as it reiterated that the upcoming parliamentary polls in that country must be free, fair and inclusive. New Delhi also reacted cautiously to the homecoming of Bangladesh... Read more >

17:11 BSE Sensex top losers today The benchmark BSE Sensex dropped by 367 points on Friday, marking its third consecutive day of losses, amid foreign fund outflows and a lack of major domestic triggers. In a low-volume trade, the 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 367.25 points or 0.43 percent to settle at 85,041.45. During... Read more >

17:00 Court charges two accused in attack on Delhi CM Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Setting the stage for trial, a Delhi court on Friday formally framed charges against two persons accused of attacking Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at a public event earlier this year. Additional sessions judge Ekta Gauba Mann said the proceedings of the case will be in camera since the... Read more >

16:28 UP: Man kills wife, buries body in backyard A man allegedly strangled his wife to death over suspicion of infidelity and buried her body in the backyard of his house in the Belghat area in Gorakhpur, police said on Friday.The accused, identified as Arjun, was arrested on Thursday, four days after the incident, following suspicion raised... Read more >

16:27 Zelenskyy's big hint at ending war ahead of New Year Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday indicated that a meeting with US President Donald Trump was expected soon, with key decisions possibly being taken before the New Year as Washington, DC intensifies diplomatic efforts to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end.As part of this push,... Read more >

16:15 BLO hangs self in UP's Sitapur, family alleges intense pressure A Booth Level Officer (BLO) deployed for SIR duty allegedly committed suicide by hanging at his rented room in Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur, police said on Friday.The deceased was identified as Umesh (30), a resident of Rampur Kala police station area, Ataria police station in-charge Inspector Rakesh... Read more >

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14:58 Mirwaiz Umar Farooq placed under house arrest Kashmir's chief cleric and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest, stopping him from offering congregational prayers at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on Friday, his office said.Authorities have once again placed Mirwaiz Kashmir under house arrest today,... Read more >

14:49 Protesters march to Bangladesh deputy high commission office Activists of Hindu Sanhati, a fringe pro-Hindu outfit, took out a rally to the office of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata on Friday to protest the alleged attacks on minority Hindus in the neighbouring country. The rally started from Sealdah station in north Kolkata and was... Read more >

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13:39 Group forcibly removes Christmas decorations in Indore Right-wing activists created a ruckus and forcibly removed a Christmas tree and other Xmas decorations from a food street in Indore, police said on Friday.A video of the incident that took place on Thursday night has gone viral on social media.Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh... Read more >

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12:19 HC seeks Centre reply on GST cut for air purifiers The Delhi high court on Friday directed the Centre to file a detailed response to a petition seeking lowering of goods and services tax on air purifiers in view of worsening air quality in the national capital.A vacation bench of Justices Vikas Mahajan and Vinod Kumar granted 10 days' time to the... Read more >

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11:33 IT firm CEO held for gang rape of female manager Three people, including the CEO of a private IT company, have been arrested for alleged gang rape of a female manager of the company after a birthday party in Rajasthan's Udaipur, police said on Friday.According to police, the accused CEO, Jitesh Sisodia, had organised a party on his birthday... Read more >

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10:56 Stone-pelting during demolition outside Jaipur mosque Four policemen were injured when a mob pelted stones while they were removing iron railings erected along the road outside a mosque in Jaipur district early on Friday, police said.The incident occurred around 3 am near the bus stand area in Chomu town, located 40 kilometres away from Jaipur.... Read more >

09:56 4 arrested for pre-Christmas vandalism in Assam school Four people associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal were arrested for vandalising decorative items used for Christmas celebrations at a school and damaging festive articles in shops in Assam's Nalbari district, police said.The arrests were made on Thursday, a senior... Read more >

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09:04 Half of IPO activity came from... Five sectors accounted for more than half of the total IPOs on both the mainboard and SME platforms over the past two years, according to a report by Motilal Oswal. In a note to investors, the brokerage said the contribution of these sectors varied from year to year. In CY25, non-banking... Read more >

09:01 Telangana couple arrested for 'honour killing' of daughter A couple was arrested in Karimnagar district on Thursday for allegedly killing their 17-year-old daughter after she refused to end her relationship with a man from a different caste. The couple had lodged a complaint with the police recently, claiming that their daughter died by... Read more >

08:48 Railway fare hike comes into effect The Railway Ministry on Thursday officially notified a hike in train ticket prices by 1 paise per km for ordinary class beyond a journey of 215 km, and 2 paise per km for non-AC classes of mail/express trains and AC classes of all trains.On December 21, the ministry announced its decision to... Read more >

08:47 Rare earth magnets: China begins issuing licenses for India China has gradually started issuing licences to import rare-earth magnets (REMs) into India through suppliers of domestic as well Indian units of foreign companies, according to government officials.Some of the companies on the list are Jay Ushin, Indian units of German automotive component maker... Read more >
The first batch of WhAP 88 armored vehicles produced by Indias Tata Advanced Systems plant in Morocco has been delivered to the Royal Moroccan Army, a milestone in the countrys defense industry.

The WhAP 88 is designed as a modular armored vehicle intended for a range of combat and support missions. It provides protection, mobility, and adaptability. It can be configured for multiple roles, including infantry transport, command and control, and support missions

In 2024, Morocco reached an agreement with Tata group to locally produce the WhAP 88 armored vehicle. The arrangement includes domestic manufacturing and adaptation of the platform to meet the operational requirements of the Moroccan Armed Forces.

Morocco is developing its defense industry with international partners to reduce its dependence on foreign weapons purchases and strengthen its military capabilities to counter threats to its national security.
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: This image was generated using the DALL E AI model.

The human brain is a fascinating and complex organ that supports numerous sophisticated behaviors and abilities that are observed in no other animal species. For centuries, scientists have been trying to understand what is so unique about the human brain and how it develops over the human lifespan.

Recent technological and experimental advances have opened new avenues for neuroscience research, which in turn has led to the creation of increasingly detailed descriptions of the brain and its underlying processes. Collectively, these efforts are helping to shed new light on the underpinnings of various neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Researchers at Beijing Normal University, the Changping Laboratory and other institutes have recently set out to study both the human and macaque brain, comparing their development over time using various genetic and molecular analysis tools. Their paper, published in Nature Neuroscience, highlights some key differences between the two species, with the human pre-frontal cortex (PFC) developing slower than the macaque PFC.

"Unraveling the cellular and molecular characteristics of human prefrontal cortex (PFC) development is crucial for understanding human cognitive abilities and vulnerability to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders," wrote Jiyao Zhang, Mayuqing Li, and their colleagues in their paper. "We created a comparative repository for gene expression, chromatin accessibility and spatial transcriptomics of human and macaque postnatal PFC development at single-cell resolution."

Co-development of neurons and glia in humans. Credit: Nature Neuroscience (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-02150-7

Mapping brain development at a single-cell level

The researchers collected several samples of brain tissue that was surgically removed from the PFC of macaques and humans at different stages after birth. The human subjects were children with epilepsy who were undergoing surgical procedures as part of their treatment plan.

The researchers analyzed the expression of genes in single cells taken from the tissues they collected, as well as chromatin accessibility (i.e., how open DNA is within individual cells). They also mapped the expression of genes across the entire brain tissues, using a technique known as spatial transcriptomics, and looked at the types of cells that were present.

"Integrative analyses outlined species-specific dynamic trajectories of different cell types, highlighting key windows and gene regulatory networks for processes such as synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning and gliogenesis," wrote the authors.

Spatial transcription cell atlas of primate postnatal PFC development. Credit: Nature Neuroscience (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-02150-7

The researchers' analyses revealed that the human PFC takes longer to develop than that of macaques. They also observed that glial progenitors (i.e., stem-like cells that later divide and develop into specific types of glial cells) proliferate more in humans.

"We identified regulatory correlates of the prolonged development of human PFC relative to macaques," wrote the researchers. "Glial progenitors showed higher proliferation capability in humans compared to macaques, associated with distinct gene expression profiles. Furthermore, we uncovered cell types and lineages most susceptible to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, focusing on transcription factors with human-specific expression features."

Insight that could deepen our understanding of the brain

Zhang, Li and their colleagues gathered new valuable observations that could explain in greater detail known differences between the brain functions of humans and other primates. Notably, the researchers also identified transcription factors that modulate the development of the human brain but not of macaques, while also pinpointing types of cells in human tissues that are known to be affected in the brains of patients with specific disorders.

"Our discoveries shed light on human-specific regulatory programs extending postnatal cortical maturation through coordinated neuronal and glial development, with implications for cognition and neurodevelopmental disorders," wrote the team.

In the future, the results of this recent study could help to better understand how the human brain develops and the molecular processes that are disrupted in the brains of individuals with specific neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorders. This could in turn pave the way for the introduction of new strategies to prevent or treat these disorders.

Written for you by our author Ingrid Fadelli, edited by Stephanie Baum, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

Publication details Jiyao Zhang et al, Single-cell spatiotemporal transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility profiling in developing postnatal human and macaque prefrontal cortex, Nature Neuroscience (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-02150-7 Journal information: Nature Neuroscience

Clinical categories NeurologyPsychiatry

 2025 Science X Network
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The digital revolution has become a vast, unplanned experimentand children are its most exposed participants. As ADHD diagnoses rise around the world, a key question has emerged: could the growing use of digital devices be playing a role?

To explore this, we studied more than 8,000 children, from when they were around ten until they were 14 years of age. We asked them about their digital habits and grouped them into three categories: gaming, TV/video (YouTube, say) and social media.

The latter included apps such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X, Messenger and Facebook. We then analyzed whether usage was associated with long-term change in the two core symptoms of ADHD: inattentiveness and hyperactivity.

Our main finding was that social media use was associated with a gradual increase in inattentiveness. Gaming or watching videos was not. These patterns remained the same even after accounting for children's genetic risk for ADHD and their families' income.

We also tested whether inattentiveness might cause children to use more social media instead. It didn't. The direction ran one way: social media use predicted later inattentiveness.

The mechanisms of how digital media affects attention are unknown. But the lack of negative effect of other screen activities means we can rule out any general, negative effect of screens as well as the popular notion that all digital media produces "dopamine hits", which then mess with children's attention.

As cognitive neuroscientists, we could make an educated guess about the mechanisms. Social media introduces constant distractions, preventing sustained attention to any task.

If it is not the messages themselves that distract, the mere thought of whether a message has arrived can act as a mental distraction. These distractions impair focus in the moment, and when they persist for months or years, they may also have long-term effects.

Gaming, on the other hand, takes place during limited sessions, not throughout the day, and involves a constant focus on one task at a time.

The effect of social media, using statistical measures, was not large. It was not enough to push a person with normal attention into ADHD territory. But if the entire population becomes more inattentive, many will cross the diagnostic border.

Theoretically, an increase of one hour of social media use in the entire population would increase the diagnoses by about 30%. This is admittedly a simplification, since diagnoses depend on many factors, but it illustrates how even an effect that is small at the individual level can have a significant effect when it affects an entire population.

A lot of data suggests that we have seen at least one hour more per day of social media during the last decade or two. Twenty years ago, social media barely existed. Now, teenagers are online for about five hours per day, mostly with social media.

The percentage of teenagers who claim to be "constantly online" has increased from 24% in 2015 to 46% 2023. Given that social media use has risen from essentially zero to around five hours per day, it may explain a substantial part of the increase in ADHD diagnoses during the past 15 years.

The attention gap

Some argue that the rise in the number of ADHD diagnoses reflects greater awareness and reduced stigma. That may be part of the story, but it doesn't rule out a genuine increase in inattention.

Also, some studies that claim that the symptoms of inattention have not increased have often studied children who were probably too young to own a smartphone, or a period of years that mostly predates the avalanche in scrolling.

Social media probably increases inattention, and social media use has rocketed. What now? The US requires children to be at least 13 to create an account on most social platforms, but these restrictions are easy to outsmart.

Australia is currently going the furthest. From December 10 2025, media companies will be required to ensure that users are 16 years or above, with high penalties for the companies that do not adhere. Let's see what effect that legislation will have. Perhaps the rest of the world should follow the Australians.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Laman Ismayilova



The final master classes planned for 2025 by the Culture Ministry's Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center for Culture (MEM?M) have been organized in the city of Yevlakh, Azernews reports.

Students and teachers from music and art schools in the Yevlakh, Agdash, Goychay, Kurdamir, Ujar, and Zardab districts, as well as the city of Mingachevir, which are under the jurisdiction of the Central-Aran Regional Department of Culture, participated in the master classes in the specialties of accordion and khananda (mugham singing). The events were held with the support of the Central-Aran Regional Department of Culture.

Lala Karimova, Head of the MEM?M Department and Honored Cultural Worker, noted that the goal of the master classes, dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, is to contribute to raising the educational standards in music and art schools operating under the Culture Ministry. She emphasized the project's importance in enriching students' musical tastes, instilling professional skills, and enhancing both the theoretical and practical knowledge of teachers.

The master class in accordion was conducted by Sarhan Abiev, Associate Professor, Honored Artist, and lecturer at the Department of Folk Instruments of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts. The master class in mugham was led by Sevinj Sariyeva, Honored Artist, soloist at the International Mugham Center, and lecturer at the Music College of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory.

During the master classes, teachers provided recommendations based on students' performances and answered questions from the audience. At the conclusion, a copy of the book "Asaf Zeynalli. Selected Works", compiled by MEM?M, was donated to the school library.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.
Ghatkopar police have arrested Rizwan Niyaz Ahmed Shaikh, the husband of the 23-year-old who died after a botched abortion at Galaxy Hospital in end September. Rizwan, who had forced her to go for an abortion and was on the run for the past few three months, was finally picked up after he tried to meet his family members in Ghatkopar.



With Rizwans arrest, coming days after quack killer doctor Mehtab Khan  who performed the abortion that left a mutilated foetus inside the woman, leading to hemorrhaging and septicaemia  was nabbed, cops have closed the final loop in the investigation.



Rizwans path to the lockup was anything but peaceful. Sources reveal that as police teams closed in on him over the last few weeks, the 32-year-old allegedly attempted to blackmail investigators by threatening to die by suicide if they moved to arrest him. Under the supervision of ACP Shailesh Pasalwar, several police teams were formed to track his movements. The breakthrough came when a tip-off placed Rizwan in the Ghatkopar area. In a swift operation, the fugitive was cornered and taken into custody before he could execute any further drama.



The case dates back to late September, when the victim  a bright graduate working for a builders firm  was rushed to SN Hospital in critical condition. Surgeons there were met with a scene from a horror movie: the womans uterus was ruptured by 5 cm, and inside her womb lay the lower limbs of a 21-week headless foetus. Investigation later revealed that Dr Mehtab Khan, the owner of Galaxy Hospital and a quack, had botched an illegal abortion five days prior and referred the victim to SN Hospital after she suffered from massive blood loss and developed septicemia.



Rizwan and Mehtab had allegedly conspired to keep her pregnancy and the failed procedure a secret from her family.



Rizwans arrest is the most crucial piece of the puzzle, according to investigators. Police will now conduct a joint interrogation, pitting Rizwan against the Mehtab to reconcile their conflicting stories. We need to know why a legally married couple sought an illegal abortion at a quacks facility, a senior police officer told Mumbai Mirror. Why was it hidden from the family? And most importantly, we are investigating what happened to the rest of the foetus.



The victims mother, who has waged a lone battle for justice, remains haunted by the occult elements she witnessed: she alleges Rizwan was a black magic practitioner and tied amulets all over her daughters body in the weeks leading up to her death. This is a double murder, she told Mumbai Mirror. I want to know what my daughter went through in those last seven days. Why was the (foetus) head removed? Was it for his rituals?



Advocate Komal Upadhyay, representing the family, has slammed the initial police laxity that allowed Mehtab to move his hospital and potentially destroy evidence before the FIR was filed. Rizwan knows everything. Was he in the room when the quack mutilated the foetus? He must answer, she demanded. Rizwan was produced in court and remanded to police custody.




The arrest of 74-year-old Subhash Singh Thakur, a life convict in the 1992 JJ Hospital shootout case, in connection with the brutal 2022 murder of a Virar chawl builder has pushed him back into the spotlight  and reopened one of the darkest chapters in Indias criminal history.



Now in police custody, Thakurs past role in violent crimes and jailbreak conspiracies is once again under scrutiny, particularly his alleged involvement in the sensational escape of Phoolan Devi assassin Sher Singh Rana from Delhis high-security Tihar Jail in February 2004.



With Thakurs help, a gang posing as police officers secured Ranas release with forged documentation.



Tihar Jail connection



Police say Thakur first met Sher Singh Rana inside Tihar Jail, where both were lodged during the early 2000s. The two men reportedly forged a close relationship behind bars, bound by shared caste identity and mutual interests. Thakur was not a peripheral figure, a senior MBVV police officer said. He played a central role in planning Ranas escape from Tihar Jail.



According to investigators, Rana, who was desperate to flee the high-security prison, turned to Thakur for help. From within the jail, Thakur allegedly coordinated the escape plan using associates outside.



04 jailbreak, Phoolan Devis assassination



On February 17, 2004, individuals posing as police officers arrived at Tihar Jail with a forged production warrant. Prison officials, police say, failed to properly verify the documents. Rana walked out of the prison along with two other inmates after routine formalities. The group left the jail premises in a waiting vehicle without any resistance, triggering a nationwide security scandal. Rana remained absconding for months, during which he allegedly used forged identity documents, including a fake passport.



He was imprisoned for the July 25, 2001, assassination of Phoolan Devi, the Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament from Mirzapur. She was shot dead outside her official residence in South Delhi by masked assailants.



According to Delhi Police officers, Ranas motives combined personal resentment and political ambition, and he allegedly believed the assassination would elevate his status within sections of the Thakur community and bring him notoriety and influence.



Rana was eventually re-arrested on April 25, 2006, by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Kolkata, where he was staying at a guest house. He was later convicted and remains incarcerated.



With Thakur now facing questioning in the 2022 Virar murder case, investigators believe his custody could provide fresh leads into past crimes, escape networks and facilitators who were never fully exposed.



Thakur has operated in the shadows for decades, an officer said. What he chooses to reveal now could reopen cases long thought closed.



The JJ Hospital convict



Thakur is serving a life sentence in the 1992 JJ Hospital shootout case, a brazen incident that left multiple people injured and marked one of Mumbais most violent episodes of organised crime in the early 1990s. According to the Mira BhayandarVasai Virar (MBVV) police, Thakur has spent over three decades in prison and is now pressing for release, arguing that a life sentence effectively ends after 28 years. Police maintain that the matter remains sub judice and that his custodial status is unchanged.




The Bombay High Court passed an order on Wednesday cautioning against the misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which protects married women from cruelty and harassment by their husbands or his relatives.



The court held that vague and sweeping allegations cannot be used as a weapon to harass a spouse or settle personal scores, especially once the matrimonial dispute is already settled.



Applying these principles, the court quashed a first information report (FIR) registered at Vashi Police Station, Navi Mumbai, on November 30, 2022, against VK (full name withheld), filed by his wife alleging harassment, threats and cruelty during their marriage, which was solemnised in 2017.



Both husband and wife are IT professionals.



The bench of Justices Bharati Dangre and Shyam C Chandak observed that the FIR contained vague, general and omnibus allegations, which did not disclose the essential ingredients of cruelty as defined under Section 498A.



The court further noted that frivolous complaints under this provision, especially those roping in distant relatives, are sometimes used to settle personal scores and cannot be allowed to proceed. The court pointed out that the dispute largely arose from personal differences and financial disagreements, rather than any criminal act.



VK was represented by Abhijeet Desai and his team. The court noted that the couple lived in Canada for significant periods after marriage. During this time, the wife pursued a professional course and later secured employment. The couple also underwent counselling and purchased a house together in Canada. Disagreements arose over financial matters, and the wife approached her parents for assistance. The court found that the allegations in the FIR did not specify any actual acts of physical or mental harm, nor did they demonstrate cruelty sufficient to invoke Section 498A.



The court also reviewed parallel divorce proceedings. The wife filed for divorce in Thane Court in August 2022, while VK filed a petition in Canada in July 2022. The Canadian Superior Court of Justice granted a divorce decree by mutual consent, finalising the equalisation of sale proceeds of the house, sale of jewellery, alimony and division of money. Furthermore, on March 26, 2024, the Canadian court imposed a penalty of CAD$20,000 on the wife for forum shopping, noting that pursuing cases in both India and Canada appeared to be an attempt to harass the husband. Despite the Canadian settlement, the wife continued to pursue the Section 498A complaint in India and separate divorce proceedings in Mumbai claiming additional alimony.



The court also referred to recent Supreme Court rulings, including Digambar vs State of Maharashtra and Dara Lakshmi Narayana vs State of Telangana, emphasising that mere marital disagreements, vague allegations, or retaliatory complaints do not amount to an offence under Section 498A. The bench held that continuing criminal proceedings arising from such FIRs would be an abuse of the process of law.



Taking all these factors into account, the court allowed VKs application, quashing the FIR registered at Vashi Police Station and the consequent charge-sheet, effectively closing the criminal proceedings against him.



In the last month, the Bombay High Court quashed an FIR registered against the family of VK, the parents-in-law of the complainant, holding that the allegations under Sections 498A, 504, 506, and 323 IPC were vague, general, and amounted to an abuse of the legal process.



Judges observed that the FIR lacked specific details regarding dates, instances of alleged harassment, monetary demands, or entrustment of stridhan, and appeared to have been filed merely due to matrimonial discord between the complainant and her husband. Consequently, the court quashed the FIR and all proceedings arising from it insofar as the parents-in-law were concerned.




Individuals named Berthold are often perceived as strong, intellectual leaders with a natural authority. They tend to be analytical thinkers who approach problems with logic and precision, combined with creative insightreflecting the 'bright' aspect of their name's meaning. These individuals typically exhibit reliability, determination, and a strong sense of responsibility, making them natural in leadership positions where their strategic thinking and organizational skills shine.



While they may appear reserved initially, Bertholds often possess deep convictions and a dry wit that emerges among trusted companions. Their combination of intellectual depth and practical leadership qualities makes them effective in roles requiring both vision and execution. The name suggests someone who is both thoughtful and decisive, capable of making difficult decisions while considering multiple perspectivesa balance that serves well in both professional and personal contexts.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Colmcille holds profound significance in Irish and Scottish history as the name of one of Ireland's three patron saints. Saint Colmcille (also known as Columba) was a 6th-century Irish abbot and missionary who founded the important monastery on Iona, which became a center for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland and northern England. His legacy represents the golden age of Irish monasticism and the preservation of classical learning during the Dark Ages.



The name symbolizes the deep Christian heritage of Gaelic culture and the historical connections between Ireland and Scotland. Colmcille's story encompasses both the spiritual and political dimensions of early medieval Ireland, including his role in the Battle of Cul Dreimhne and his subsequent exile. In modern times, Colmcille remains a powerful emblem of Irish identity and cultural continuity, particularly in regions with strong Gaelic traditions and among the Irish diaspora.
Women named Dionisa are typically perceived as vibrant, charismatic individuals with a natural ability to bring people together. They often possess an infectious enthusiasm for life and a talent for creating joyful atmospheres in social settings. Their personality reflects the celebratory nature of their namesake, making them excellent hosts, community organizers, and cultural ambassadors. Dionisas are known for their emotional depth and intuitive understanding of human nature, allowing them to connect with diverse personalities.



They tend to be creative, expressive, and unafraid to show their authentic selves, often inspiring others to do the same. While they enjoy social engagement, they also value meaningful connections and can be surprisingly introspective when alone. Their strength lies in balancing celebration with substance, joy with wisdom, making them both delightful companions and trusted confidantes. This combination of social grace and emotional intelligence makes Dionisas natural leaders in community and family contexts, often serving as the emotional center of their social circles while maintaining strong personal boundaries and self-awareness.
Women named Francie are often perceived as creative, independent thinkers with a strong sense of individuality. They tend to be adaptable and open-minded, embracing new experiences while maintaining core values of authenticity and freedom. The 'free one' meaning inherent in the name frequently manifests as a desire for self-expression and resistance to conformity. Francies are typically described as warm and approachable, with an artistic sensibility that allows them to see beauty in everyday life.



They often possess a quiet determination and resilience, able to navigate challenges with grace and optimism. Their communication style tends to be thoughtful and empathetic, making them excellent listeners and trusted friends. While they value their independence, they also form deep, meaningful connections with those who appreciate their unique perspective on the world. This balance of strength and sensitivity makes Francies particularly effective in creative fields, education, and helping professions where they can both express their individuality and make meaningful contributions to others.
The name Maizah carries rich symbolic meanings that extend beyond its literal translation of 'discerning.' It represents the human capacity for moral and intellectual discrimination - the ability to separate truth from falsehood, right from wrong, and essence from appearance. In Islamic spirituality, this quality relates to the concept of 'basirah' (inner vision) and 'furqan' (criterion), both considered divine gifts that enable spiritual growth and ethical living. Symbolically, Maizah evokes the image of a clear-sighted guide who can navigate complex moral landscapes and help others find their way. The name also symbolizes the integration of knowledge and wisdom, suggesting someone who not only possesses information but understands how to apply it judiciously. In a broader cultural context, Maizah represents the enduring value of thoughtful judgment in an age of information overload, making it a name that speaks to timeless human virtues while addressing contemporary needs for clarity and discernment.
Symbolically, the name Nader represents the concept of precious uniqueness and hidden value waiting to be discovered. It serves as a metaphor for the idea that true worth often lies beneath the surface, requiring time and circumstance to reveal its full brilliance. The name embodies the symbolic notion of the 'rare find'whether in people, opportunities, or ideasthat transforms ordinary situations into extraordinary ones. In many cultural interpretations, Nader symbolizes the potential for greatness that exists within every individual, suggesting that what makes someone special is not always immediately apparent but emerges through development and challenge. This symbolic meaning extends to represent the value of patience in recognizing quality, the importance of looking beyond surface appearances, and the belief that exceptional individuals and opportunities are rare but profoundly impactful when encountered. The name thus carries a hopeful symbolism about human potential and the special qualities that distinguish remarkable individuals from the ordinary.
Women named Orelia are typically characterized by their warm, radiant personalities that seem to illuminate any room they enter. They possess a natural elegance and grace that combines with genuine warmth, making others feel valued and appreciated in their presence. Their 'golden' nature manifests not just in their outward demeanor but in their ability to find the valuable qualities in every person and situation. Orelia's tend to be optimistic yet grounded individuals who approach life with both creativity and practical wisdom, often serving as peacemakers and sources of encouragement in their social circles.



These individuals usually demonstrate remarkable resilience and inner strength, facing challenges with a quiet determination that inspires those around them. They are often drawn to creative pursuits, humanitarian causes, or roles that allow them to nurture and support others. Their combination of sensitivity and strength makes them excellent listeners and advisors, while their inherent sense of justice ensures they stand up for what they believe in. Orelia's typically maintain a positive outlook on life, seeing opportunities where others see obstacles, and they have a special talent for bringing out the best in people through their encouraging and affirming nature.
The strong one doesn't take offense. He just draws conclusions from the situation and moves on. And problems only make him stronger.

Speaking to the residents of liberated Aghdam, President Ilham Aliyev devoted a significant part of his speech to the international atmosphere surrounding the Karabakh conflict.

Why is this important? Of course, the conflict is over, sovereignty has been restored and the region is moving towards peace, but the trends that led to the occupation of Azerbaijani territories for almost thirty years persist to this day. Azerbaijan has changed the region, but it cannot change the whole world. Therefore, he must remain strong, always be, as the President said, stronger than his potential enemies. If Azerbaijan had been weaker, if it had pursued less pragmatic diplomacy, if it had not had friends, if it had not been armed with international law, if it had not had a leader like President Ilham Aliyev, the five post-war years would have been a serious test for us. To verify this, just take a look back.

The first years of the conflict were particularly difficult due to the absence of these factors. Everyone who could reach the region was playing with Azerbaijan, throwing it to each other, making plans for its territory and wealth. The country, which suffered from occupation, lost territories, and experienced ethnic cleansing, was left alone with its troubles, while the world continued to pretend that nothing was happening. Today we can see what tools international organizations and powers actually have for such cases, and what the international community's response to military aggression against a sovereign country should actually be. It turns out that there are enough tools and mechanisms for this. But none of them was used to stop the Karabakh conflict, end the Armenian occupation, and restore international law.

Instead of effective measures against the occupier, the Minsk Group was invented with its institute of co-chairs represented by the countries with the largest and most influential Armenian diasporas. Russia, the United States and France were selected precisely on this basis, because initially the international community wanted to close the issue in favor of the Armenians as soon as possible and not return to it. The Azerbaijani leader put it very precisely, noting that everything looked as if Armenia and the Minsk Group co-chairs were sitting at the negotiating table on the one hand, and Azerbaijan on the other.

It was funny to watch how the Minsk Group fussed after the war, trying to somehow squeeze into the new realities. Having ensured that the occupiers maintained the status quo for a quarter of a century, the mediators hoped that they would be able to continue their destructive fuss even after Azerbaijan had rigidly changed this status. The Azerbaijani President immediately made it clear to the MG that it was time for the co-chairs to resign on their own. On December 12, 2020, the head of state received ambassadors from the United States and France, the Russian Ambassador and the personal representative of the OSCE Representative-in-Office. The team, excited by the events, asked for a meeting hoping for something. However, she was met coldly. The President described the situation in detail in a long and detailed speech, and then diplomatically showed the Minsk Group the door. Ilham Aliyev said that he had not invited the MG ambassadors, they had come on their own initiative. Maybe they have something to say? Let's add on our own: maybe they will finally find something constructive to say instead of engaging in verbiage.

The guests clearly did not expect such a turn. That meeting was the beginning of the end of the Minsk Group. In order to somehow stay in the process, the name "co-chairman" was changed in each of the countries to "special representative". But it didn't help. Despite the resistance of Armenia and the mediators themselves, Baku nevertheless forced Yerevan to send a joint appeal to the OSCE regarding this structure. And since December 1, 2025, it has been abolished.

Despite the support of Armenia from the collective West and Russia, Azerbaijan managed to win. And this is why our victory is especially valuable. It is unconditional, complete and solid. As President Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting with Aghdam residents, "Look who we are facing. Look at the background of the support provided to Armenia, we won the Second Karabakh War."

Looking back, we see that Azerbaijan was left virtually alone with the most difficult problems. The atmosphere created by the mediators and other interested actors around the conflict was no less difficult than the occupation itself. It's like there was no occupation at all. One million Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced persons were invisible to international organizations and the same Minsk Group co-chairs. Azerbaijan was coming out of a severe crisis on its own, without imported "medicines" in the form of resolutions and statements supporting our fair position, in the form of sanctions against the occupier and other measures that are being taken against Russia in connection with the war in Ukraine. Armenia is a small and comprehensively dependent country. Even minor sanctions measures would be very sensitive for her. If Congress had passed a restrictive amendment against Yerevan in 1992, rather than Baku, perhaps Armenia would not have risked open military aggression. The Congress could have stopped the bloodshed and deaths of thousands of innocent Azerbaijanis, but it voted against Azerbaijan.

By the way, many people do not know about this, but at the same time a sanction was adopted against Armenia. This was done simply for diplomatic reasons, as if for balance, and soon it was quietly and imperceptibly canceled. No one objected. But what kind of battles flare up when the question of the 907th Amendment is raised.

Or take Russia. It is no secret that this country was involved in the occupation of Azerbaijani territories, albeit not officially, by supporting the occupier with military force and weapons. From the very beginning, even before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia relied on Moscow's support, and Yerevan had the same support during all the years of the conflict. In an interview with the Turkish A-Haber TV channel at the beginning of the 44-day war, President Ilham Aliyev stated that Armenian weapons worth $2 billion had been destroyed in just 17-18 days of fighting. Where did poor Armenia get it from? So, someone provided it to the Armenians for free.

It doesn't take long to guess who this "someone" is. The Armenian opposition itself recently confirmed that during the time of the Karabakh clan, Armenia received weapons from Russia not only regularly, but also for free. There is nothing new in this revelation for us, because it is well known that in the first years after the First Karabakh War, the outpost began to be pumped with free Russian weapons. And these were not only old and decommissioned Soviet weapons, but also new weapons, sometimes even in factory grease, which were written off at the price of scrap metal. This fraudulent scheme allowed the occupier to successfully maintain the occupation regime.

It is no secret that Russian weapons continued to flow into Armenia during the 44-day war. Since Georgia closed its borders and airspace for the transit of military goods, weapons were sent through Iran. Although all sides deny this today, it is difficult to conceal anything in the age of information technology.

Another co-chair is France, which has always supported Armenia. The Armenians who have accumulated there have become a serious factor of influence, and Paris' policy towards the conflict has always been Armenian-centric. The Armenians dictated how the official authorities and parliamentarians should react to certain nuances. During the Second Karabakh War, the French side ensured the dispatch of mercenaries to the battle zone, and after our victory it tried to defend the interests of Yerevan, bringing relations with Baku to a crisis. This country had no influence in the region like Russia, or in the world like the United States, but it dictated fashion in European politics. And, paradoxically, gradually the responsibility of the two sides for the conflict was equalized, and then the cup of sympathy completely shifted to the side of the occupier. For thirty years, European organizations have not adopted a single resolution condemning Yerevan's occupation policy, and they have never stood up for the disadvantaged Azerbaijanis. And we can't say that anything has changed much in this regard today. Having silently recognized Azerbaijan's victory, Europe has not been able to do so publicly. Except for some countries.

Looking at what is being done today and how, you can't help but draw parallels. Incredibly, European and American officials (less often Russian ones) allow themselves to talk about the fate of Armenian criminals who are already serving sentences for their crimes or are still on trial in Baku. This is not just interference in the internal affairs and judicial system of a sovereign State. This is an attempt to continue to patronize the destroyers of Azerbaijan even now, when the conflict has come to an end, and Baku has extended a hand of peace to the former occupier. Indeed, Armenian separatist leaders have always enjoyed favor in world capitals and international structures. Bako Sahakyan and Arayik Harutyunyan were private guests in the USA, Russia, and Europe. Visas were calmly issued to these individuals, the doors of parliaments were opened for them, and officials accepted them, explaining that they wanted to be objective and contribute to a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Meanwhile, all doors are tightly closed to separatist leaders and leaders of the structures of the occupied territories of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. All these figures are under sanctions and on all kinds of blacklists and cannot set foot in any Western country.

The Armenian separatists, on the other hand, enjoyed all the joys of hospitality in world capitals, traveled calmly, held meetings, and organized telethons where the diaspora raised millions of dollars to support the occupation regime. The Armenians did not have to mask their actions or hide their faces. They were accepted, their hands stained with innocent blood were pressed. For many years, the United States has provided financial "assistance" to the separatists, which can be called an unprecedented fact. These millions were used to buy weapons, fuel the separatist regime, and buy lobbyists. The products of occupied Karabakh were calmly displayed in stores in Russia and Europe, and no one saw any crime in this. And there are especially many complaints about Europe, which has shown how and how it can respond to violations of international law.

Double and triple standards ruin international law because they allow it to be interpreted in two and three ways. It's corrupting. I would really like to hear a clear answer to our questions someday. Why is it possible for some and impossible for others? Why did the West support the Armenian occupiers, but is fighting the Russian ones with all its might? Why is the European Union allocating millions for voluntary migrants from Karabakh, but getting rid of victims of ethnic cleansing and deportation - Azerbaijanis - with the humanitarian aid of the Red Cross? Why does he talk about the return of Armenians to Karabakh, but does not mention the return of Azerbaijanis to Armenia?

Until these questions are answered, we will not stop asking them. Because justice cannot be selective.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Panteleimon carries deep cultural significance rooted in Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition, where Saint Panteleimon is venerated as one of the most important healing saints. Born in the 3rd century as a physician in Nicomedia, he converted to Christianity and became renowned for performing miraculous healings without charge, embodying the Christian ideal of selfless service. His martyrdom under Emperor Maximian established him as a powerful symbol of medical charity and divine compassion. Throughout Byzantine and later Orthodox cultures, the name became particularly associated with healing professions, with many hospitals and medical institutions bearing his name. The veneration of Saint Panteleimon spread throughout the Orthodox world, making the name particularly popular in Greece, Russia, and Slavic countries where it represents both religious devotion and the noble tradition of medical service. The name's enduring popularity in these cultures reflects the deep connection between faith, healing, and compassion in Orthodox Christian worldview.
In contemporary times, Sandra has transitioned from being a top-ranking name to a more classic, mature choice. While its peak popularity occurred from the 1940s through the 1960s, when it consistently ranked among the top 50 names in the United States, it has since declined in usage for newborns. Today, Sandra is often perceived as a 'mom name' or 'grandma name,' though it maintains respect and recognition for its strong, traditional qualities. The name continues to be used across English, Spanish, Portuguese, and various European cultures, though less frequently than during its mid-century heyday. Modern parents who choose Sandra often do so to honor family traditions or appreciate its strong, classic sound and meaningful heritage, making it a name that carries historical weight while remaining accessible and dignified.
Individuals named Vale typically exhibit personality traits reflecting their name's valley symbolism - they are often perceived as deeply grounded, patient, and nurturing. Like valleys that provide shelter and sustain life, Vales tend to be protective of loved ones and create stable environments where others can thrive. Their calm demeanor often masks considerable inner strength, much like valleys that withstand seasonal changes while maintaining their essential character. These individuals usually possess excellent practical intelligence, solving problems through careful observation rather than rushed decisions.



Socially, Vales are frequently described as loyal friends and reliable community members who value deep connections over superficial relationships. Their 'valley' nature makes them excellent listeners who provide emotional shelter during others' difficult times. While generally traditional in values, they demonstrate remarkable adaptability when circumstances require change - similar to how valleys evolve gradually through natural processes. Career-wise, they often excel in fields requiring patience and nurturing, such as education, healthcare, environmental sciences, or counseling. Their combination of stability and subtle strength makes them respected leaders who influence through consistency rather than dramatic gestures.
Individuals named Wilmot are typically perceived as possessing strong determination and resolute character. They often exhibit natural leadership qualities combined with a protective instinct toward those in their care. This name suggests someone who approaches challenges with methodical planning and steadfast commitment, rarely swayed from their chosen path once a decision is made.



Wilmots are often seen as reliable pillars in their communities or professions, embodying the traditional virtues of loyalty and duty. Their strength of will is typically balanced by a practical wisdom and thoughtful approach to problem-solving. While they may appear reserved initially, those who know them well appreciate their deep sense of responsibility and unwavering support in times of need. The name conveys a sense of enduring strength rather than flashy brilliance, suggesting someone who builds lasting foundations through consistent effort and principled action.
Individuals named Zemirah are often characterized by their artistic sensitivity and emotional expressiveness. They tend to possess a natural musicality and rhythm in both their literal and metaphorical approach to life, often finding harmony in situations where others see discord. These individuals typically have warm, inviting personalities that draw people toward them, much like a beautiful melody captures listeners' attention. Their inherent creativity often manifests in various artistic pursuits, whether through music, writing, visual arts, or simply in their unique way of perceiving and interacting with the world.



Zemirahs are frequently described as having optimistic outlooks and the ability to uplift others through their presence and words. They possess strong intuitive abilities and are often attuned to the emotional currents around them, making them excellent friends and confidants. While they can be deeply feeling individuals, they usually maintain a sense of joy and hope even during challenging times. Their communication style tends to be graceful and melodious, and they often have a gift for finding the right words to comfort, inspire, or bring people together.
Using git as a database is a seductive idea. You get version history for free. Pull requests give you a review workflow. Its distributed by design. GitHub will host it for free. Everyone already knows how to use it.

Package managers keep falling for this. And it keeps not working out.

Cargo

The crates.io index started as a git repository. Every Cargo client cloned it. This worked fine when the registry was small, but the index kept growing. Users would see progress bars like Resolving deltas: 74.01%, (64415/95919) hanging for ages, the visible symptom of Cargos libgit2 library grinding through delta resolution on a repository with thousands of historic commits.

The problem was worst in CI. Stateless environments would download the full index, use a tiny fraction of it, and throw it away. Every build, every time.

RFC 2789 introduced a sparse HTTP protocol. Instead of cloning the whole index, Cargo now fetches files directly over HTTPS, downloading only the metadata for dependencies your project actually uses. (This is the full index replication vs on-demand queries tradeoff in action.) By April 2025, 99% of crates.io requests came from Cargo versions where sparse is the default. The git index still exists, still growing by thousands of commits per day, but most users never touch it.

Homebrew

GitHub explicitly asked Homebrew to stop using shallow clones. Updating them was an extremely expensive operation due to the tree layout and traffic of homebrew-core and homebrew-cask.

Users were downloading 331MB just to unshallow homebrew-core. The .git folder approached 1GB on some machines. Every brew update meant waiting for git to grind through delta resolution.

Homebrew 4.0.0 in February 2023 switched to JSON downloads for tap updates. The reasoning was blunt: they are expensive to git fetch and git clone and GitHub would rather we didnt do that they are slow to git fetch and git clone and this provides a bad experience to end users.

Auto-updates now run every 24 hours instead of every 5 minutes, and theyre much faster because theres no git fetch involved.

CocoaPods

CocoaPods is the package manager for iOS and macOS development. It hit the limits hard. The Specs repo grew to hundreds of thousands of podspecs across a deeply nested directory structure. Cloning took minutes. Updating took minutes. CI time vanished into git operations.

GitHub imposed CPU rate limits. The culprit was shallow clones, which force GitHubs servers to compute which objects the client already has. The team tried various band-aids: stopping auto-fetch on pod install , converting shallow clones to full clones, sharding the repository.

The CocoaPods blog captured it well: Git was invented at a time when slow network and no backups were legitimate design concerns. Running endless builds as part of continuous integration wasnt commonplace.

CocoaPods 1.8 gave up on git entirely for most users. A CDN became the default, serving podspec files directly over HTTP. The migration saved users about a gigabyte of disk space and made pod install nearly instant for new setups.

Nixpkgs

Nix already solved the client-side problem. The package manager fetches expressions as tarballs via channels, served from S3 and CDN, not git clones. Binary caches serve built packages over HTTP. End users never touch the git repository.

But the repository itself is stress-testing GitHubs infrastructure. In November 2025, GitHub contacted the NixOS team about periodic maintenance jobs failing and causing issues achieving consensus between replicas. If unresolved, the repository could have become read-only.

The repository totals 83GB with half a million tree objects and 20,000 forks. A local clone is only 2.5GB. The rest is GitHubs fork network storing every pull request branch and merge commit. The CI queries mergeability daily, creating new merge commits each time.

vcpkg

vcpkg is Microsofts C++ package manager. It uses git tree hashes to version its ports, with the curated registry at github.com/Microsoft/vcpkg containing over 2,000 libraries.

The problem is that vcpkg needs to retrieve specific versions of ports by their git tree hash. When you specify a builtin-baseline in your vcpkg.json (functioning like a lockfile for reproducible builds), vcpkg looks up historical commits to find the exact port versions you need. This only works if you have the full commit history.

Shallow clones break everything. GitHub Actions uses shallow clones by default. DevContainers shallow-clone vcpkg to save space. CI systems optimize for fast checkouts. All of these result in the same error: vcpkg was cloned as a shallow repository Try again with a full vcpkg clone.

The workarounds are ugly. One proposed solution involves parsing vcpkg.json to extract the baseline hash, deriving the commit date, then fetching with --shallow-since=<date> . Another suggests including twelve months of history, hoping projects upgrade before their baseline falls off the cliff. For GitHub Actions, you need fetch-depth: 0 in your checkout step, downloading the entire repository history just to resolve dependencies.

A vcpkg team member explained the fundamental constraint: Port versions dont use commit hashes, we use the git tree hash of the port directory. As far as I know, there is no way to deduce the commit that added a specific tree hash. An in-product fix is infeasible. The architecture baked in git deeply enough that theres no escape hatch.

Unlike Cargo, Homebrew, and CocoaPods, vcpkg hasnt announced plans to move away from git registries. Custom registries must still be git repositories. The documentation describes filesystem registries as an alternative, but these require local or mounted paths rather than HTTP access. Theres no CDN, no sparse protocol, no HTTP-based solution on the horizon.

Go modules

Grabs engineering team went from 18 minutes for go get to 12 seconds after deploying a module proxy. Thats not a typo. Eighteen minutes down to twelve seconds.

The problem was that go get needed to fetch each dependencys source code just to read its go.mod file and resolve transitive dependencies. Cloning entire repositories to get a single file.

Go had security concerns too. The original design wanted to remove version control tools entirely because these fragment the ecosystem: packages developed using Bazaar or Fossil, for example, are effectively unavailable to users who cannot or choose not to install these tools. Beyond fragmentation, the Go team worried about security bugs in version control systems becoming security bugs in go get . Youre not just importing code; youre importing the attack surface of every VCS tool on the developers machine.

GOPROXY became the default in Go 1.13. The proxy serves source archives and go.mod files independently over HTTP. Go also introduced a checksum database (sumdb) that records cryptographic hashes of module contents. This protects against force pushes silently changing tagged releases, and ensures modules remain available even if the original repository is deleted.

Beyond package managers

The same pattern shows up wherever developers try to use git as a database.

Git-based wikis like Gollum (used by GitHub and GitLab) become somewhat too slow to be usable at scale. Browsing directory structure takes seconds per click. Loading pages takes longer. GitLab plans to move away from Gollum entirely.

Git-based CMS platforms like Decap hit GitHubs API rate limits. A Decap project on GitHub scales to about 10,000 entries if you have a lot of collection relations. A new user with an empty cache makes a request per entry to populate it, burning through the 5,000 request limit quickly. If your site has lots of content or updates frequently, use a database instead.

Even GitOps tools that embrace git as a source of truth have to work around its limitations. ArgoCDs repo server can run out of disk space cloning repositories. A single commit invalidates the cache for all applications in that repo. Large monorepos need special scaling considerations.

The pattern

The hosting problems are symptoms. The underlying issue is that git inherits filesystem limitations, and filesystems make terrible databases.

Directory limits. Directories with too many files become slow. CocoaPods had 16,000 pod directories in a single Specs folder, requiring huge tree objects and expensive computation. Their fix was hash-based sharding: split directories by the first few characters of a hashed name, so no single directory has too many entries. Git itself does this internally with its objects folder, splitting into 256 subdirectories. Youre reinventing B-trees, badly.

Case sensitivity. Git is case-sensitive, but macOS and Windows filesystems typically arent. Check out a repo containing both File.txt and file.txt on Windows, and the second overwrites the first. Azure DevOps had to add server-side enforcement to block pushes with case-conflicting paths.

Path length limits. Windows restricts paths to 260 characters, a constraint dating back to DOS. Git supports longer paths, but Git for Windows inherits the OS limitation. This is painful with deeply nested node_modules directories, where git status fails with Filename too long errors.

Missing database features. Databases have CHECK constraints and UNIQUE constraints; git has nothing, so every package manager builds its own validation layer. Databases have locking; git doesnt. Databases have indexes for queries like all packages depending on X; with git you either traverse every file or build your own index. Databases have migrations for schema changes; git has rewrite history and force everyone to re-clone.

The progression is predictable. Start with a flat directory of files. Hit filesystem limits. Implement sharding. Hit cross-platform issues. Build server-side enforcement. Build custom indexes. Eventually give up and use HTTP or an actual database. Youve built a worse version of what databases already provide, spread across git hooks, CI pipelines, and bespoke tooling.

None of this means git is bad. Git excels at what it was designed for: distributed collaboration on source code, with branching, merging, and offline work. The problem is using it for something else entirely. Package registries need fast point queries for metadata. Git gives you a full-document sync protocol when you need a key-value lookup.

If youre building a package manager and git-as-index seems appealing, look at Cargo, Homebrew, CocoaPods, vcpkg, Go. They all had to build workarounds as they grew, causing pain for users and maintainers. The pull request workflow is nice. The version history is nice. You will hit the same walls they did.
Azerbaijan and the United Nations have discussed cooperation on green energy, a just energy transition, energy efficiency, and the development of Azerbaijans Roadmap for Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

As reported by Azernews, this was shared by Azerbaijans Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, on his official X account .

Minister Shahbazov noted that he met with Vladanka Andreeva, the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the completion of her diplomatic mission in the country. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on key priorities, including the promotion of green energy, ensuring a fair energy transition, improving energy efficiency, and preparing the SDG 7 Roadmap for Azerbaijan.

The discussions also covered preparations for the 82nd Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), which is planned to be held in Baku in April next year.
Despite tariffs remaining in place, India''s exports to the United States have shown a pickup since September, while sectors that were expected to be hit harder by tariffs have not underperformed as sharply as those considered relatively insulated, according to a data-based report by DSP Mutual Fund. The data shows that India''s exports to the US declined from USD 8.8 billion in May 2025 to a low of USD 5.4 billion in September 2025. Since then, exports have recovered to USD 6.3 billion in October and further to USD 7.0 billion in November. However, the report noted that the data window is short, and it would be premature to call this a trend, but the improvement complicates the narrative that tariffs alone are driving the slowdown. It stated, "exports to the U.S. have shown a pickup since September... it does complicate the straightforward narrative that tariffs alone are driving the slowdown." Sector-wise data highlights that the impact of tariffs has not been neatly contained. Pharmaceuticals, which were exempted from tariffs, saw exports fall of 16.5 per cent between May and October 2025. Mobile phone exports declined sharply by 35.5 per cent during the same period. Among sectors where the same tariff applied globally, iron and steel exports fell 18.4 per cent, while ferrous and non-ferrous metals declined 24.6 per cent. In segments facing higher tariffs, textiles (excluding readymade garments) recorded an 18.5 per cent fall, and gems and jewellery exports dropped 27.3 per cent. According to DSP Mutual Fund, sectors expected to bear the brunt of tariffs have not necessarily been the worst performers, suggesting that export weakness has been broader and not limited only to tariff-sensitive segments. It stated, "Sectors that were expected to be hit harder by tariffs have not underperformed as sharply as those that were supposedly insulated." The report added that more data will be required to assess whether the recent recovery in exports to the US is sustainable. (ANI)
Workers, part of the construction of the greenfield Navi Mumbai airport, were among the flyers during the inaugural day operations at the airport on Thursday, marking a landmark expansion of Mumbai's aviation capacity and a decisive step in India's infrastructure journey. Adaani Group Chairman Gautam Adani personally welcomed passengers from the inaugural flight and interacted with airport staff, frontline workers and first-time flyers yesterday. In a post on X, Gautam Adani shared a short clip of the inaugural day of operations, featuring the experiences of first-time flyers and workers on the first flight. "Our worker friends also became witnesses to this historic moment. Thanks to the hard work and determination of those involved, this project was completed in record time. In these smiling faces, the confidence of our labour force and an ever-progressing India shines through," the X post in Hindi read. In the 2-minute video, a female passenger shared her experience and excitement to be on a flight. "This is the first time I've had a chance to take a flight. I was so excited and desperate to sit on the aircraft." Many other flyers, some first-timers, shared a similar experience and thanked the Adani Group for the kind gesture. Some of the workers who laid the foundation of the airport were part of the airport's maiden flight. With Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) now operational, Mumbai joins global aviation hubs such as London, New York, Moscow, Tokyo, and Shanghai, each served by multiple airports to meet rising demand. For the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), this signals the start of a true multi-airport system designed for scale, resilience and the future. Developed and operated by Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), NMIA is among India's largest greenfield airport projects. It was conceived to ease congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The inaugural commercial arrival--IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru--landed at 08:00 hours to a traditional water cannon salute on Thursday. On Day 1, NMIA handled 48 flights connecting nine domestic destinations, serving over 4,000 passengers. Peak traffic was recorded between 05:00 and 07:00 hours, reflecting strong early demand and operational readiness from the outset, according to NMIA. After welcoming passengers from the inaugural flight and interacting with airport staff, frontline workers and first-time flyers, Gautam Adani later joined a ceremonial walk through the departure terminal with airport employees, community representatives and Adani Foundation beneficiaries. The launch concluded with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Bana Singh and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, followed by the national anthem. Leading sportspersons Suryakumar Yadav, Mithali Raj and Sunil Chhetri, along with social influencers Malini Agarwal and Viraj Ghelani, were present. Gautam Adani said that welcoming NMIA's first passengers, alongside the Param Vir Chakra awardees, offered a glimpse of India as it takes shape. Standing with workers, farmers, social workers and colleagues with disabilities, he said, captured the spirit of a nation moving forward with confidence and compassion. Calling it "a proud day for Mumbai and for India," he added that NMIA stands as a promise of what the country can achieve when ambition is guided by purpose and delivered with speed and execution. IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air participated in the launch, confirming the start of scheduled departures from Navi Mumbai. Located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, NMIA is strategically positioned to meet the growing air traffic demand in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Western India. Spanning over 1,160 hectares (2,866 acres), on completion, NMIA is designed to handle 90 million passengers per annum (MPPA). The airport will feature two parallel runways, state-of-the-art terminal buildings, and advanced cargo facilities, ensuring a seamless passenger experience and efficient cargo handling. In the initial phase, NMIA will have the capacity to manage 20 MPPA and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. (ANI)
The Pakistani news agency, the Dispatch News Desk, has unveiled an in-depth and insightful analysis of Pakistans Defence Sector as we approach the end of 2025. The report highlights the crucial role Azerbaijan plays within this strategic framework, positioning it prominently at the forefront of discussions and initiatives shaping the future of defense in the region.

Azernews presents the article:

Pakistans defence agreements and international partnerships have further strengthened its international image since the May 2025 Pak-India tensions. From defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia to the export of JF-17 aircraft to countries like Azerbaijan, these agreements have played a key role in projecting Pakistan as a responsible and reliable defense partner. All this has not only highlighted Pakistans defense capabilities but also strengthened its position in the international community. Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and Turkiye have been topped on agenda for defence partnership, export and collaboration.

The year 2025 was of exceptional importance for Pakistans defense sector. This year, Pakistan not only strengthened its defense capabilities in the region but also signed several international agreements, including a historic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, a major sale of JF-17 Thunder aircraft to Azerbaijan, and defense equipment exports with other countries. In addition, Pakistan also conducted successful tests of missiles, drones and other advanced technologies, which further strengthened its defense industry and its role in the region. This comprehensive report presents all the major defense contracts and tests from January 2025 to December 2025 in a month-by-month format, so that readers can get a complete understanding of not only the details of the events but also their background, objectives, financial aspects, and regional and global impacts.

Initial negotiations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan for the sale of JF-17 Thunder Block III aircraft began in January 2025. Azerbaijan decided to modernize its air force after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and preferred Pakistans JF-17 Block III. The initial estimate for the deal included the purchase of 16 aircraft, which was later increased to 40.

Several factors were behind Azerbaijans decision: reducing its dependence on Russian-made aircraft, acquiring the capability of modern AESA radar and PL-15 missiles, and consolidating its defense superiority in the region. For Pakistan, the deal was not only financially significant but also a milestone for its defense industry.

JF-17 Block III modernization: Installation of PL-15E missiles

In April 2025, Pakistan began equipping its JF-17 Block III aircraft with Chinese-made PL-15E long-range air-to-air missiles. These missiles have a range of 145 km, and together with the AESA radar, give the Pakistan Air Force a significant advantage in the region.

The move was aimed at improving its air superiority over Indias Rafale and Su-30 MKI aircraft. Although the PL-15E has a shorter range than the Chinese version, its presence has brought about significant changes in Pakistans defense strategy. Along with this, Pakistan has also increased the number of JF-17 Block IIIs, in order to modernize the air fleet.

Missile Tests and Defense Readiness: Abdali and Fateh Series Missile Tests

In May 2025, Pakistan successfully tested the Abdali ballistic missile and Fateh series missiles. The Abdali missile has a range of 450 km, while the Fateh series missiles can hit targets up to 120 km. The tests were conducted during the Ex-INDUS military exercise, which was attended by military officers, scientists, and engineers.

The aim of these tests was not only to verify technical capabilities but also to test the operational readiness of the military forces. The missiles included advanced navigation systems, terminal guidance, and the ability to evade anti-ballistic missile systems. The President, Prime Minister, and the military leadership described these tests as important for national defense.

Historic defense deal with Azerbaijan: Sale and investment of 40 JF-17 Block III

A $4.6 billion defense deal was signed between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in June 2025, under which Pakistan will supply Azerbaijan with 40 JF-17 Block III aircraft. This also includes an investment of $2 billion, which is earmarked for joint industrial projects, infrastructure, and possibly local production.

The deal is the largest export deal for Pakistans defense industry. Azerbaijan will be supplied with the Block III version, which includes AESA radar, advanced avionics, PL-15 and PL-10 missile capability, and the ASELPOD targeting system. The deal will also see Pakistani pilots and technicians train in Azerbaijan.

20% increase in defense budget

In June 2025, Pakistan increased its defense budget by 20%, mainly due to recent tensions with India and growing threats in the region. The budget allocated Rs2.55 trillion for the army, air force, and navy, which is 1.97 percent of GDP. The budget also includes funds for advanced weapons, drones, and missile systems.

Establishment of Army Rocket Force Command

In August 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the establishment of the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC). The force aims to consolidate conventional missiles and rocket systems, enhance operational readiness, and counter Indias growing missile capabilities.

The ARFC includes missiles such as Fateh-1, Fateh-2, and Fateh-4, which have ranges ranging from 140 to 750 kilometers. The force was established after the May 2025 Indo-Pakistan conflict, in which India launched Brahmos missiles at Pakistani targets.

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defense Agreement (SMDA)

On September 17, 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA). Under this agreement, an attack on either country will be considered an attack on both countries, and a joint defense response will be given.

Key points of the agreement:

Mutual defense: An attack on either country will be considered an attack on both.

Nuclear umbrella: Pakistan has indicated that it can provide nuclear capabilities to Saudi Arabia if needed, but there is still ambiguity on this aspect.

Defense cooperation: Military training, joint exercises, and cooperation in the defense industry.

Regional stability: The agreement was signed to promote peace and stability in the region.

Economic aspects: Saudi Arabias investment in Pakistan, energy, and infrastructure cooperation.

Global media considered the agreement was a change in the balance of power in the region and a milestone for Pakistans defense industry.

Fateh-4 cruise missile test

On September 30, 2025, Pakistan successfully tested the Fateh-4 cruise missile, which has a range of 750 kilometers. The missile will be operated under the ARFC and is intended to counter Indias defense capabilities. The test further strengthened Pakistans conventional missile capability and added a new dimension to its defense strategy in the region.

Delivery of JF-17 Block III to Azerbaijan

In October 2025, Pakistan delivered the first batch of JF-17 Block III aircraft to Azerbaijan. The delivery was made under a $4.6 billion deal, which also includes training, logistics, and weapons.

The Azerbaijani president described the delivery as crucial for its defense superiority in the region. Under the deal, Azerbaijan was provided not only with modern aircraft but also with Pakistani-trained personnel and technical support.

Dubai Air Show and new JF-17 Block III deal

During the Dubai Air Show in November 2025, Pakistan signed an MoU with a new friendly country for the export of JF-17 Block III. Although the country was not named, analysts say the deal could be with a country in the Middle East or Africa.

The deal demonstrated the global popularity of Pakistans defense industry and presented the JF-17 Block III as a cheap and modern 4.5-generation fighter jet. Several countries showed interest in the JF-17 at the Dubai Air Show, and more exports are expected in the future.

JF-17 combat success in Nigeria

In December 2025, Nigeria successfully used its JF-17 aircraft to crush a rebellion in Benin. These aircraft targeted insurgent positions with laser-guided bombs, proving their combat capability. This success further boosted Pakistans defense exports, and strengthened its defense cooperation in Africa.

Pakistans Defense Industry: Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra

Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra is the hub of the countrys defense industry, where the JF-17, Super Mushtaq, and other aircraft are manufactured. PAC has expanded its capabilities not only for domestic needs but also for export purposes. 58% of JF-17 production is done in Pakistan, and most of its components are manufactured locally.

Global Industrial and Defense Solutions (GIDS)

GIDS is Pakistans state-owned defense company, which manufactures Shahpar drones, missiles, and other advanced weapons. The Shahpar-III drone can fly for 30-40 hours, can climb to 35,000 feet, and can carry 6 weapons. The drone is being exported to several countries, including the Middle East, Africa, and Turkiye.

Defense Exports and Financial Aspects

Pakistans defense exports have the potential to increase from $500 million to $5 billion annually by 2035, provided industrial reforms, local production, and improved export strategies are implemented. JF-17, Super Mushshak, Shahpar drones, and other weapons are being exported to several countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Export Regulations and Restrictions

Pakistan enacted the Export Control Act in 2004, which imposes strict regulations on the export of nuclear, biological, and missile technology. SECDIV oversees this process, and exports are permitted in accordance with international agreements, such as the NSG, MTCR, and the Australia Group.

Defense Experiments: Missiles, Drones, and Other Technologies

Missile Experiments

Abdali Ballistic Missile: Successfully tested on 3 May 2025 with a range of 450 km.

Fateh series missiles: Tested on May 6, 2025, with a range of 120 km, advanced navigation, and terminal guidance.

Fateh-4 cruise missile: September 30

Tested with 750 km range in 2025, operated under ARFC.

Drones and Unmanned Systems

Shahpar-III drone: Introduced at IDEAS and IDEX exhibitions in 2025, flight up to 30-40 hours, 6 weapons, altitude up to 35,000 feet, SATCOM link, and local production.

Exports: Shahpar-III is being exported to the UAE, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Turkiye, and other countries.

Naval, Artillery, and Rocket Forces

Army Rocket Force Command: Established in August 2025, the operational readiness of conventional missiles, competing with Indias Brahmos and S-400 capabilities.

Naval Cooperation: Pakistan Navy increases joint exercises and defense cooperation with Qatar, UAE, and Oman.

Pakistans Defense Industry and Future

Pakistans defense industry made significant progress in 2025. PAC Kamra, GIDS, NESCOM, and other institutions are developing advanced aircraft, drones, missiles, and weapons. The JF-17 Block III, Shahpar-III, and Fateh series missiles have made Pakistan a strong defense force in the region. Through increased exports, local production, and industrial reforms, Pakistan can achieve the target of $5 billion annual defense exports by 2035.

Conclusions

In 2025, Pakistan signed several historic agreements in the defense sector, including a strategic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, a major sale of JF-17 Block III to Azerbaijan, and defense cooperation with other countries. Successful tests of missiles, drones, and conventional weapons have further strengthened Pakistans defense capability. The changing geopolitical balance in the region, the new strategies of India and Iran, and relations with the United States and China have given Pakistan an important defense and strategic role.

Recommendations for the future are:

Industrial reforms: Promote local production, supply chains, and technical training.

Export Strategy: Explore new markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

??Legal Oversight: Strictly monitor exports and fully comply with international agreements.

Advanced Research: Prioritize research and development on hypersonic missiles, advanced drones, and cyber defense.

Regional Cooperation: Further expand defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and other friendly countries.

The achievements of Pakistans defense industry in 2025 are important not only for domestic security but also for peace and stability in the region. A comprehensive strategy, industrial reforms, and international cooperation are essential to sustain and further promote these achievements in the future.
NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 26: Sonata, one of India's most trusted watch brands, has won the Good Design Award 2025 for the Sonata Gold Collection, marking the brand's first international recognition for design excellence. The Good Design Award is one of the world's most respected global design programmes, recognising products that demonstrate excellence in design, innovation, form, and function. Sonata received the award in the Product Design Category for Timepieces, placing it alongside globally renowned brands. For Sonata, this milestone represents a significant step in an international stage and strengthens its commitment to delivering strong design value at scale. The Sonata Gold Collection stood out for its ability to translate gold into a contemporary design language. The men's watch features a black dial paired with gold toned hands and an embedded coin, creating a clear and distinctive visual identity. At the centre of the design is a certified 22K gold plated coin weighing 0.15 gm, set directly into the dial. With ridged edges, a dish shaped profile, and an engraved 22K marking, the coin becomes the defining design element of the watch. Fluid lugs and leaf shaped hands reference classical watchmaking, while a textured leather strap completes the form. The women's variant applies the same design principles in a slimmer case, ensuring balance, proportion, and elegance. Commenting on the achievement, Ranjani Krishnaswamy, CMO - Analog watches said, "The Good Design award reflects Sonata's audacious step into aspirational, Design-led product lines. The Gold collection marks a defining milestone for the brand - crossing it's highest-ever price point for the first time, anchored in deep consumer trust. In India, gold is a powerful symbol of authenticity and trust, and for us it represents purity of thought and intent. Crafting a certified 22K gold coin into a contemporary watch came from placing the Indian consumer and their enduring affinity for gold at the very centre of our design thinking." By centring the design on material authenticity and form, the collection delivers a strong visual statement while remaining accessible. Priced at INR 5,995, it demonstrates how thoughtful design and meaningful material use can coexist at an attainable price point. Sonata, the largest-selling watch brand in India from Titan Company Ltd., a TATA group company, has built its reputation on delivering great quality and outstanding value for its customers. The brand enjoys a robust annual sales volume of over 5 million watches, supported by a strong retail network of over 8,000 dealers nationwide. Every Sonata watch is a purchase backed by the TATA promise of excellence. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
Exports are unlikely to provide a solution for surplus ethanol in India, according to CK Jain, President of the Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA), who said domestic consumption has stagnated despite a sharp rise in production capacity. Jain said ethanol consumption has effectively plateaued at around 1,200 crore litres, even though the industry is capable of supplying significantly more. "Today we are capable of supplying 1,500 crore litres, but consumption has stopped," he said. Though the industry is grappling with excess production, Jain ruled out exports as a solution for absorbing surplus ethanol. "How can we export when grain prices in India are among the highest in the world?" he asked. "We are just converters. Seventy to seventy-two per cent of the ethanol price goes to farmers." He clarified that while exports of second-generation (2G) ethanol are permitted, production remains negligible. "They have given permission to export 2G ethanol, but it is not produced," he said, adding that grain-based (1G) ethanol cannot be price-competitive globally. Jain recalled that the industry expanded rapidly after strong policy signals from the government during 2020-22. "The government kept saying ethanol, ethanol, ethanol. They said we will not stop at 20 per cent; we will go beyond that," he said. On the back of those assurances, producers invested heavily and significantly expanded capacity across the country. Jain said there is a mismatch between policy projections and actual procurement of ethanol. "If you read the NITI Aayog biofuel policy, they said consumption would be at least 1,500 crore litres by 2025," he said. "Against that, capacity offered was about 1,770 crore litres, but the allocation was only around 1,050 crore litres." On food security concerns, Jain said fears around diversion of grains to ethanol are outdated. He said diversion of grains for ethanol is limited. "It is not more than 15-20 per cent of the total grain basket," Jain said, stressing that staples such as wheat and rice procured by FCI remain protected. Ethanol feedstock, he said, includes maize and damaged food grains. "Maize is hardly a human food. One or two per cent goes for human consumption," he said. Jain emphasised that ethanol has transformed maize into an industrial crop for the first time. "Earlier, maize was only a feed crop. Now it has become an industrial crop," he said, adding that this has direct implications for farmer incomes. He reiterated that grain-based ethanol played a critical role in achieving E20 blending but cautioned that without clarity on future blending targets and higher domestic absorption, the industry faces challenges ahead. (ANI)
India is engaged with the United States and the European Union to conclude trade agreements and discussions have been held on outstanding issues, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. Answering queries during the weekly media briefing on India-US bilateral trade agreement talks, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said both governments continue to remain engaged with a view to concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. He said the US Deputy Trade Representative was recently in India. A US delegation led by Rick Switzer visited India from December 9 to 11. This was Ambassador Switzer's first visit to India in his new role. During the visit, Switzer met with Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, and other senior Indian officials. Responding to a query about talks on the Free Trade Agreement with the EU, Jaiswal said they are progressing. "The 14th round of FTA were held in Brussels in October. The team then visited India and thereafter the US trade commissioner was also here in December. He had to discuss other outstanding issues. Both sides remain engaged and we will see how we can take this conversation forward," he said. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal had said earlier that India and the EU are narrowing down the differences, and there will be more physical and virtual meetings. "We have done nearly 14 rounds of negotiations; their team was here, and both sides had deep engagement on multiple issues. We are narrowing down the differences," he had said. India recently concluded an FTA with New Zealand. It was one of India's fastest-concluded FTAs. This FTA enhances market access and tariff preferences for Indian exports to New Zealand, while serving as a gateway to the wider Oceania and Pacific Island markets. (ANI)
Veteran actor Manoj Joshi voiced concern over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, noting that while events in "Gaza or Palestine" attract widespread attention, similar incidents in Bangladesh often go unnoticed. He told ANI, "Everyone comes forward when something happens in Gaza or Palestine, but when a Hindu is killed in Bangladesh, it is very sad that nobody comes forward. Time will give its answer." His reaction came following the brutal killing of 27-year-old Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district, which has triggered international concern over the safety of minorities in the country. Das was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy, and his body was subsequently set on fire on December 18. The incident has led to anger and protests in both Bangladesh and India. Several people have raised concerns about the safety of minorities in the country after the killing. Earlier, India on Tuesday summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner for the second time in a week, amid apparent strain in ties over rising anti-India developments in the neighbouring country. The move followed the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das. Bangladesh authorities have since said there was no evidence that Das had committed blasphemy. Bangladesh's Education Adviser, CR Abrar, visited the family of Dipu Das on behalf of the Interim Government and expressed sympathy while also giving assurance of support. On Wednesday night, another Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, was beaten to death in Bangladesh by a mob over an extortion allegation, days after Dipu Chandra Das was lynched and set ablaze in Mymensingh district. (ANI)
Mohammad Bakri, a prominent Palestinian actor and director who was known for his work in "Homeland" and the Oscar-nominated 1984 drama 'Beyond the Walls', passed away on December 24 in Israel, reported Variety. He was 72. CNN and other outlets reported that Bakri had been suffering from heart problems. He was seen in Season 2 of Amazon Prime Video's Biblical drama House of David and the Wonder Project, portraying the King of Edom. Throughout his career, he was recognised for exploring the complexities of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, themes of oppression, and struggles for liberation. In Homeland, he portrayed the fictional Vice President of Afghanistan, a character noted for keeping Claire Danes' CIA agent Carrie Mathison on edge with his unpredictable decisions. Bakri was born in northern Israel. "Bakri's funeral was held the same day in his town of birth, al-Bi'neh," CNN reported. He rose to prominence with Beyond the Walls, an intense prison drama that earned an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, as per the outlet. As a director, Bakri was known for the 2003 documentary "Jenin, Jenin," which captured the stories of Palestinian refugees during a period of conflict and violent attacks by the Israel Defence Forces. The film was banned in Israel. He waged a long legal battle against the ban, but it was rejected by Israel's high court in 2022, according to CNN. Bakri also directed the 2005 documentary film "Since You've Been Gone," about the life and work of Arab author and politician Emile Habibi. Bakri's television and film career spanned decades, with notable credits including HBO's The Night Of, FX's Tyrant, Peacock's Those About to Die, All That's Left of You (2025), The Cairo Conspiracy (2022), The Stranger (2021), Wajib (2017), and The Flowers of Kirkuk (2010). His commanding on-screen presence and stentorian delivery left a lasting mark on both Arab and international cinema, according to Variety. (ANI)
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh has condemned the vandalism at St Mary's English School in Assam's Nilbari district and accused the "Bajrang Dal of targeting" other religions. The remark follows the recent incident in which miscreants allegedly vandalised religious symbols and festive items at St Mary's School in the Panigaon area of Nalbari district, along with several other locations in the town, ahead of Christmas. Ghosh told reporters, "BJP's associates, such as Bajrang Dal and others, are targeting other religions, which is not what our culture teaches. What the Constitution says, the BJP does exactly the opposite. What they have done is wrong, and we condemn it." Meanwhile, the Assam Police has arrested the accused involved in the vandalism. Assam Police said in a statement on Thursday, "The miscreants who vandalised St. Mary's English School, Panigaon, under Belsor Police Station, District Nalbari (Assam), at about 2:30 PM yesterday have been arrested. They entered the premises unlawfully, causing damage to outer decorations, street lights, plant pots, and other articles, as well as setting some articles on fire, resulting in loss of property. A case has been registered at Belsor P.S. vide Case No. 116/2025." Earlier, on Thursday, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi condemned the incident. In an official press release, Gogoi said such incidents were a result of the "politics of hatred" being spread across the state by the BJP government. He appealed to the people of Assam not to fall prey to what he described as "provocative acts by vested interests". "This is a direct attack on the constitutional framework. It is yet another manifestation of the ruling party's continuous attempts to divide society," Gogoi said. The Congress President also slammed the BJP government over alleged "rampant corruption" in the Jal Jeevan Mission. In a post on social media, Gogoi alleged that the entire scam had taken place under the patronage of the concerned department's minister and the local MLA of Nalbari, Jayanta Malla Baruah. He further alleged that after the Congress party launched statewide protest programmes against the minister over the alleged scam, attempts were being made to divert attention by using miscreants in Nalbari to disturb peace and communal harmony. Through his official X handle, Gogoi posted, "I strongly condemn the desecration of festive items and religious symbols in a school in Nalbari. The sitting MLA is the Minister responsible for the massive corruption in the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme. He is another close aide of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. After the recent state-wide Congress-led protests against the JJM scam, the BJP Minister needs the VHP and Bajrang Dal to regain his position within his party. Fraternity is enshrined in the preamble of the Indian Constitution. Next year, after Congress comes to power in Assam, we will enact a strict law that will strictly punish any person or group of persons responsible for desecrating the places of worship or rituals of a religious group, be it Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jain or Sikh." (ANI)
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has criticised the Unnao rape case bail granted to the main accused Kuldeep Sengar, contrasting it with environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk's detention. Speaking with ANI, Wadettiwar questioned the government's stance, saying if they have "even a little shame", they should approach a higher court to cancel Sengar's bail and expressed concern over public perception no longer influencing judiciary decisions, warning of potential anarchy. "A lot of anger was seen among the public after the Unnao rape incident. Kuldeep Sengar, the main accused, has been granted unconditional bail. A rape accused can get bail, but an environmentalist like Sonam Wangchuk is in jail... If the government has even a little shame, they should approach the higher court to get his bail cancelled. Rahul Gandhi raised this issue earlier as well, and today also, he has met the family... There was a time when the public perception would awaken the judiciary, but that is not happening now... This is a very serious issue. A situation of anarchy will arise in the country...," said Wadettiwar. His remarks came a day after Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi met the Unnao rape victim and her family, who have been protesting against the suspension of Sengar's life sentence. Meanwhile, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanungo in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, criticised Rahul Gandhi, saying attempts to make "political gains" by "forcibly exploiting the tears of a victim" were wrong. However, he welcomed the CBI's challenge to the High Court's bail order in a higher court. Speaking to ANI, he said, "What the Leader of Opposition did yesterday, wanting to make political gains by forcibly exploiting the tears of a victim, is wrong... In this case, if the High Court has granted bail to a convicted criminal and the agency (CBI) has appealed to a higher court to challenge that bail, then this is a welcome move; everyone should welcome it. I hope that justice is done to the victim's daughter in the same way as it was done earlier..." Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met Unnao victim and her family, who have been protesting against the court granting bail to former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, and assured the family that they would do everything within their capacity to ensure justice, security, and dignity for the victim and her loved ones. The family requested assistance in securing a top legal team to pursue the case against Sengar, whose life sentence has been suspended. They also requested assistance in relocating to a Congress-ruled state. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was also present during the meeting. Speaking to reporters, the victim said that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi promised to help her pursue justice. "They assured us that they would help us get justice. This is the first time in the country that a rape accused is going to be released on bail. I would like time to meet with the Prime Minister and the President. Rahul Gandhi has given us significant strength and assured us that we will get justice... This order has weakened the daughters of the country," the rape victim said. Advocate Mehmood Pracha said that the victim and her family remain under threat. A division bench of the Delhi High Court, comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, suspended the life sentence and granted bail to Kuldeep Singh Sengar. He has been granted relief on the condition that he furnish a bail bond of Rs 15 lakh. However, he will remain in custody as he has not yet been granted bail in the victim's father's custodial death matter. An appeal and application for suspension of sentence is pending before the High Court of Delhi. He was sentenced to 10 years in that case. While granting bail, the High Court directed that Sengar must not enter the 5-kilometre radius around the victim's residence. It is also directed that Sengar Shall remain in Delhi. He shall not contact the victim's family members. (ANI)
Congress on Friday paid tributes to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his first death anniversary. Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related medical issues in Delhi on December 26, 2024. He was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi's Kashmere Gate on December 28, in the presence of his family, friends, colleagues, and government dignitaries. The party in a post on X emphasised that Singh's leadership strengthened India's economy and democracy. "On the death anniversary of Dr. Manmohan Singh, we remember a statesman of integrity, humility, and vision. His leadership strengthened India's economy and democracy. Tributes to the Prime Minister who served the nation selflessly and with determination," Congress posted on X. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also paid heartfelt tributes to the Congress stalwart. Shivakumar recalled that Manmohan Singh championed transparency through the 2005 Right to Information Act and upheld the dignity of work through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which has now been changed to Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB--G RAM G) Act. "Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on his death anniversary. From steering India out of an economic crisis to leading the country for a decade as Prime Minister, his impact was profound. He championed transparency through the RTI Act and upheld the dignity of work through MGNREGA. His leadership balanced reform with compassion and responsibility. India remembers him as a leader who placed the nation and its institutions above politics," Shivakumar posted on X. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction MP, Supriya Sule, said, "Today is the death anniversary of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of the country, the architect of economic reforms, and a world-renowned economist. On this occasion, we pay our humble tributes to his memory." Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar posted, "On the first death anniversary of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, we remember a statesman whose life was defined by intellect, integrity, and unwavering service to the nation." Born on September 26, 1932, Manmohan Singh was an eminent economist and served as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1982 to 1985. Between 1991 and 1996, Singh served as India's Finance Minister, during which he played a pivotal role in implementing comprehensive economic reforms that earned him worldwide recognition. He was India's 13th Prime Minister, holding office from 2004 to 2014. For many, his name remains synonymous with the transformative changes of that era. His government introduced landmark initiatives, including the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), later renamed MGNREGA, and the Right to Information Act (RTI), in 2005, which significantly improved transparency between the government and the public. After his second term, Singh retired from public life, having led India through a period of unprecedented growth and international recognition. He was succeeded by Narendra Modi in 2014 after the Congress-led UPA lost the general elections. (ANI)
Father Anand David Xalxo of St Mary Cathedral in Ranchi expressed pain over alleged attacks on Christians during Christmas celebrations across the country. Speaking with ANI, he said, "It really pinches us because Christians are peace-loving communities," emphasising forgiveness and prayer for those responsible. Xalxo urged understanding and peaceful coexistence, reflecting Jesus' teachings. He prays for perpetrators to gain wisdom and change their ways. "If such things happen, some incident takes place, it really gives us a kind of pain. We follow what Jesus taught us. He said that you forgive the people who speak against you, who persecute you, you forgive them, and you pray for them. Being a Christian, being a priest, it is my responsibility to pray for such people and may God give them the wisdom and knowledge so that they can change their way of thinking...," he added. Incidents of violence and disruption marred Christmas celebrations across India. In Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a BJP official allegedly assaulted a visually impaired Christian woman during a children's feast, while mobs disrupted church services. In Palakkad, Kerala, an RSS worker attacked carol-singing children and destroyed their instruments. Right-wing pressure led several schools to cancel festivities. Chhattisgarh saw vandalism and arson attacks on Christian properties in Raipur and Kanker. Similar incidents occurred in Assam's Nalbari and Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly, where groups protested outside a cathedral. In Delhi and Odisha, street vendors selling Christmas items faced harassment, with vigilantes claiming the items were "non-Hindu". Christmas celebrations were held peacefully in many parts of the country, while authorities have said they are monitoring the situation and ensuring law and order wherever incidents have been reported. Earlier, on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Christmas greetings to people in India and around the world, and paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Bharat Ratna Madan Mohan Malaviya, and Maharaja Bijli Pasi on their birth anniversaries. Addressing a gathering in Lucknow, the Prime Minister said the city would witness a new source of inspiration on December 25, a day with religious and historical significance. "Today, the land of Lucknow is witnessing a new inspiration. I extend Christmas greetings to the country and the world. Millions of Christian families in India are celebrating the festival today. We all wish that the spirit of Christmas brings happiness into everyone's life," PM Modi said. He stated that December 25 commemorates the birth anniversaries of leaders who played significant roles in India's nation-building process, recalling how their contributions shaped the nation's identity and unity. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday emphasised that the state government is firmly committed to maintaining peace and communal harmony after the arrest of those involved in the vandalism of a Christian school in Nalbari district ahead of Christmas celebrations. "In connection with the vandalism at St. Mary's English School, Panigaon, under Belsor Police Station, Nalbari district, the miscreants involved have been arrested. Assam Police acted promptly, and further action will be taken strictly as per law. We are fully committed to maintaining peace, communal harmony, and ensuring the safety of all institutions and citizens across the state," Sarma wrote on X. According to Assam Police, four persons have been arrested in connection with the incident that occurred on Wednesday at St. Mary's English School in Panigaon. The accused allegedly entered the school premises and vandalised property, including outer decorations, street lights, plant pots and other articles. Some items were also reportedly set on fire, causing damage ahead of Christmas celebrations. A case has been registered at Belsor police station, and investigation is underway. Police officials said preliminary findings suggest the act was intended to disrupt Christmas festivities, adding that law and order would be maintained with strict action against those responsible. The incident triggered sharp political reactions, with Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi strongly condemning the vandalism. In a statement, Gogoi had alleged that such incidents were a consequence of what he described as "politics of hatred" in the state. He appealed to the people of Assam to remain united and not fall prey to "provocative acts by vested interests." "This is a direct attack on the constitutional framework and an attempt to divide society," Gogoi said, urging authorities to ensure the safety of minority institutions. Christmas was celebrated across the country with enthusiasm and festive fervor on Thursday. Churches held special prayers, candle-lighting, and carol singing the night before, as the message of peace, love, and brotherhood resonated nationwide. Cities and towns were illuminated with lights, wreaths and decorated Christmas trees, while markets were adorned with festive displays featuring stars, bells and Santa Claus motifs. Celebrated every year on December 25, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolises joy, compassion and togetherness. Communities across India come together to celebrate the festival, reaffirming the spirit of harmony and shared joy. (ANI)
BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin is set to visit Guwahati on Friday for his two-day visit to Assam. He will attend the BJP Executive Meeting today at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra. He will arrive in Guwahati to participate in a BJP executive meeting, along with other organisational meetings. Upon his arrival in Assam after assuming charge as national working President, Nitin Nabin will be accorded a warm and enthusiastic welcome by party workers and supporters at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati. His 2-day trip to Assam from December 26-27 will comprise multiple meetings, including a visit to the BJP headquarters in Assam to attend a State BJP Core Commitee meeting to discuss the state's affairs with other ministers. According to a press statement from December 23, the Vice-President of BJP Assam Pradesh, Manoj Baruah, stated that the forthcoming State Executive Meeting will comprehensively deliberate on the state's current political situation, undertake an in-depth analysis of organisational matters, and hold detailed discussions on electoral strategy and policy. In essence, he said, this Executive Meeting will lay down the definitive roadmap for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections, which are scheduled from March - April next year. The meeting will feature a special address by the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and will be presided over by the President of the BJP Assam, Dilip Saikia. All Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, state office-bearers, executive members, national council members, state council members, and nearly 800 party karyakartas of the Assam BJP will attend the meeting, with the collective objective of preparing for the upcoming state elections. In addition, meetings of the State Election Management Committee and the Manifesto Drafting Committee will also be held on December 27. The 45-year-old was appointed as the new BJP National Working President on December 14. His appointment is linked to PM Modi's vision for Viksit Bharat 2047, as they want to have an experienced leadership in place for when India becomes a developed nation. (ANI)
On the birth anniversary of one of India's most defiant freedom fighters, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, paid tribute to Shaheed Udham Singh. In a post on X, Dhami shared, "On the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter and symbol of indomitable courage and revolutionary consciousness, Shaheed Udham Singh ji, countless salutations. Transforming the insult to Mother India and the agony born from the blood of the innocents into a struggle, he chose a decisive path against tyranny. His life teaches us that no matter how great the injustice may be, the power of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice is always mightier." Sardar Udham Singh, who was hanged on 31st July 1940 in London, remains a symbol of India's unwavering resolve to seek justice for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Born on 26th December 1899, in Sunam, Punjab, Singh's exposure to Sikhism and revolutionary activities, including the Komagata Maru incident and the Ghadar Party's uprising, shaped his anti-colonial stance. Singh was deeply affected by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, 1919, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indians.Singh vowed to avenge the massacre by killing Michael O'Dwyer, the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, who had ordered the massacre. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on April 13, 1919, when troops of the British Indian Army, under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer, fired machine guns into a crowd of unarmed protesters and pilgrims who had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh in Punjab's Amritsar on the occasion of Baisakhi. The crowd had assembled peacefully at the venue to condemn the arrest of two national leaders--Satya Pal and Saifuddin Kitchlew--when they were fired at indiscriminately by General Dyer and his men. According to British government records, 379 people, including men, women, and children, were killed, while 1,200 were wounded in the firing. Other sources place the number of dead at well over 1,000. In 1924, Udham Singh joined the Ghadar Party to overthrow colonial rule. In 1927, he was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and sentenced to five years in prison. In 1940, Singh successfully assassinated Michael O'Dwyer during a meeting at Caxton Hall in London. The act was a dramatic statement against British rule. Singh was tried and sentenced to death and was hanged in Pentonville Prison, London. A district in Uttarakhand, Udham Singh Nagar, was named after him in 1995 as a tribute. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to the Sahibzades on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas, remembering their sacrifice and courage. He said the day honours the unwavering faith of Mata Gujri Ji and the teachings of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, which continue to inspire generations. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Veer Baal Diwas is a day of reverence, dedicated to remembering the sacrifice of the brave Sahibzades. We recall the unshakeable faith of Mata Gujri Ji and the immortal teachings of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This day is associated with courage, conviction and righteousness. Their lives and ideals will continue to motivate people for generations." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2004388660041675064?s=20 Prime Minister will participate in the national programme marking 'Veer Baal Diwas' today at around 12:15 PM at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. On the occasion, the Prime Minister will also address the gathering, the Prime Minister's Office said in a press release. To mark Veer Baal Diwas, the Government of India is organising participative programmes across the country with the objective of informing and educating citizens about the extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzades, and to honour and commemorate the indomitable courage, sacrifice, and valour of the young heroes of India's history. The activities will include storytelling sessions, recitations, and poster-making and essay-writing competitions, among others. These will be conducted in schools, Child Care Institutions, Anganwadi centres, and other educational platforms, as well as through online activities on the MyGov and MyBharat portals. On the occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on January 9, 2022, the Prime Minister had announced that December 26 would be observed as 'Veer Baal Diwas', to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations. Awardees of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) will also be present during the programme. (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday distributed the 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar' awards at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occassion of Veer Bal Diwas. Archana Sivaramakrishnan accepted the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on behalf of her late daughter, Vyoma Priya, recounting how the 8-year-old had bravely tried to save a 6-year-old boy from an electrified slide in their apartment park, losing her life in the process. Speaking to ANI, Archana Sivaramakrishnan said, "I am receiving the bravery award on behalf of our daughter, Vyoma Priya. She was 8 years old when she was playing in the children's park in our apartment complex. A slide in the park was installed over a damaged underground cable, which electrified the slide. A 6-year-old boy playing on it fell, and our Vyoma tried to rescue him, but was caught in the current herself. It is a bittersweet moment for us to be getting this award... We wish she could have been here to receive this award herself..." Another Bal Puraskar awardee said, "When Operation Sindoor began against Pakistan, soldiers came to our village. I thought I should serve them. I used to take milk, tea, buttermilk, and ice for them daily... I feel great to be awarded. I had never dreamt of it..." On the occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on January 9, 2022, the Prime Minister had announced that December 26 would be observed as 'Veer Baal Diwas', to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations. Prime Minister will participate in the national programme marking 'Veer Baal Diwas' today at around 12:15 PM at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. On the occasion, the Prime Minister will also address the gathering, the Prime Minister's Office said in a press release. To mark Veer Baal Diwas, the Government of India is organising participative programmes across the country with the objective of informing and educating citizens about the extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzades, and to honour and commemorate the indomitable courage, sacrifice, and valour of the young heroes of India's history. The activities will include storytelling sessions, recitations, and poster-making and essay-writing competitions, among others. (ANI)
Senior BJP leader Anurag Thakur on Friday slammed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bhardwaj for hurting religious sentiments through a social media post featuring a 'Santa Claus skit' on Delhi pollution. Thakur emphasised the importance of respecting religious and cultural symbols. "Hurting religious sentiments in any way is not right. In a democracy, you have the right to protest, but you have hurt people's sentiments by making fun of Santa Claus...," said Anurag Thakur. Delhi Police have filed an FIR against AAP's Saurabh Bhardwaj and three other leaders for hurting religious sentiments. The complaint alleges they posted videos on December 17-18 mocking Santa Claus, a revered Christian icon, using it as a prop for political messaging. The video showed individuals dressed as Santa "fainting" and "collapsing" on the street. The FIR against the AAP leaders has sparked a political debate, and the BJP leaders have maintained that respect for all religions and beliefs is essential. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva also stated that everyone must adhere to a certain level of decorum in politics. "If you mock the symbols of any religion or try to incite religious hatred, you will have to face the consequences. Politics is a field where everyone involved must adhere to a certain level of decorum... The Delhi Police have registered an FIR, and the law will take its course." Sachdeva told ANI. The Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the BJP-led central government of "suppressing" them and said they are "not afraid of their cowardly tactics". According to the complaint, the AAP leader posted videos on their official social media accounts that featured a political skit about Delhi pollution. In the video, individuals dressed as Santa Claus were allegedly portrayed in a derogatory and mocking manner, as the religious icons were shown "fainting" and "collapsing" after hearing about Delhi's AQI and were used merely as props for political messaging. BJP MP Anurag Thakur also criticised Rahul Gandhi's foreign trips, alleging he aims to tarnish India's image and question its democracy. "The truth is that whenever Rahul Gandhi goes on a foreign trip, he has only one agenda, to show India in a bad light, to raise a question mark on India's democracy, and to insult constitutional institutions continuously", he criticised. Thakur further claimed that the Congress party and the Gandhi family, which ruled the country for nearly six decades, are unable to accept repeated electoral losses. "The family and party that ruled the country for six decades today leave no stone unturned to humiliate India because the public has repeatedly shown them the face of defeat," he said. This comes after Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, addressed a gathering at the Hertie School in Berlin during his visit and accused the BJP of a "wholesale capture" of institutional frameworks, alleging that the party has "weaponised" investigating agencies. (ANI)
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Friday dismissed former Chief Minister and BJP MP Jagadish Shettar's claims of an imminent collapse of the Congress-led government, asserting that the administration is stable and functioning smoothly. Parameshwara accused the opposition of attempting to create a false narrative to mislead the public. "Nothing has happened. They are trying to create a perception. Our government and administration are functioning well," Parameshwara told reporters in Bengaluru. "They keep talking about us. The opposition has to say this," he added, rejecting allegations of infighting and governance paralysis. Parameshwara's remarks came in response to Shettar's renewed attack on the Congress leadership, in which the BJP MP claimed that a serious power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar could lead to the collapse of the government. Shettar alleged that the supposed tussle was benefiting the BJP, citing recent by-election results as evidence of shifting public support. Earlier on Thursday, Shettar accused the state government of administrative breakdown, rising corruption, and unresponsive officials, claiming that these issues had adversely affected law and order and farmers' welfare. "The tussle between the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister is very serious, which will lead to the collapse of the government," he said, adding that the infighting was damaging development across departments. This marks the second time in a week that Shettar has publicly targeted the Congress over the chief ministerial issue. He has also claimed to have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking intervention on law and order in Karnataka and is scheduled to meet the Speaker next week. The Congress leadership, however, has consistently played down speculation of a leadership change. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reiterated that any decision regarding leadership rests solely with the party high command. Endorsing AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge's call for discipline, Siddaramaiah said, "No one is bigger than the party," adding that senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, would take the final call. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has also sought to quell speculation, stating that he is a loyal party worker and will abide by the high command's decision. (ANI)
Vishva Hindu Parishad national spokesperson Vinod Bansal on Friday expressed concern about the atrocities against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, urging international organisations such as the United Nations to intervene and protect human rights. Speaking with ANI, Vinod Bansal said, "The way the political developments have changed there and the violence already visible even before the general elections is a major warning for the entire world. I feel that the UN should intervene in this immediately." "Has the International Human Rights Authority issued any notice to Bangladesh? No. Have they taken any action in this regard? This is a matter worth considering," he added. Vinod Bansal further alleged that attempts to "eradicate" Bengal culture are being made by Islamists fundamentalist. "The attempt being made to completely destroy and eradicate Bengal's culture is serious," he said. The recent killings of two Hindus, Dipu Chandra Das and Amrit Mondal, in Bangladesh has triggered international concern over the safety of minorities in the country. Earlier, Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Malook Nagar called upon the people to unite against the violence against Bangladeshi Hindus. He underscored the importance of a united front, stating, "All our countrymen should be absolutely united on this. We should express strong protest and show our displeasure." He noted that the government is also invested in the matter, but said these tragic incidents should not be used for political gain. "The government is also very sensitive and is paying attention to this issue," said Nagar. "But the political parties within our country should not politicise this issue. We should all unite and register our protest", he added. According to the local daily, The Daily Star, Amrit Mondal, also known as Samrat, was lynched around 11:00 pm (local time) on Wednesday at Hosendanga village of Kalimohor union in Rajbari's Pangsha upazila over an extortion allegation. Police rushed to the spot upon receiving information last night and rescued Samrat in a critical condition. He was taken to Pangsha Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead around 2:00 am, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Debrata Sarkar told reporters on Thursday. The murder of Amrit Mondal took place days after the mob lynching and burning of the Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district. On Tuesday, India summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner for the second time in a week, amid apparent strain in ties over rising anti-India developments in the neighbouring country. (ANI)
All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday cornered the central government for the rise in right-wing extremism following incidents of targeted attacks against Christians on Christmas. In a post on X, Abhishek Banerjee shared a 2002 video of a media conference featuring then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee advising then-Gujarat CM Narendra Modi that a representative of the people cannot differentiate between people. The press conference was held after the Gujarat Riots. Banerjee flagged the issue of increasing attacks on Dalits, STs and minorities, accusing the centre of "deliberately poisoning" the climate of India. "India's climate is being deliberately poisoned. Right-wing forces, emboldened by power, are openly attacking Dalits, STs and minorities - through fear, lynching, threats and hate, all under the garb of religion," Abhishek Banerjee said. https://x.com/abhishekaitc/status/2004444674455695409?s=20 "When those in power are the perpetrators and reward the protectors of this violence, impunity becomes policy. This is not governance; this is moral collapse," he added. Banerjee further said that these attacks are "unconstitutional, illegal" and "tear apart" the secular foundation of the country. "These attacks are unconstitutional, illegal and tear apart the very foundation of India- our UNITY in DIVERSITY. Silence today is complicity. History will not forgive this," he said. Abhishek Banerjee's comments came after various incidents of alleged vandalism and attacks were reported across the country during the Christmas celebration by right-wing forces. Meanwhile, in Assam, the Police have arrested the four members of the Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad for vandalising St Mary's English School's property before the Christmas celebration The miscreants, identified as Bhaskar Dey, Jyoti Padgiri, Biju Dutta, and Nayan Talukdar, were arrested by the Assam Police after the incident. The incident took place on Wednesday when the miscreants entered the premises of the school in Nalbari district, damaging the outer decorations, street lights, plant pots, and other articles, as well as setting some things on fire. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised that the state government is firmly committed to maintaining peace and communal harmony. "In connection with the vandalism at St Mary's English School, Panigaon, under Belsor Police Station, Nalbari district, the miscreants involved have been arrested. Assam Police acted promptly, and further action will be taken strictly in accordance with the law. We are fully committed to maintaining peace, communal harmony, and ensuring the safety of all institutions and citizens across the state," Sarma wrote on X. (ANI)
A long-simmering dispute over alleged encroachment near a mosque in Jaipur's Chomu flared into violence on Friday, prompting police to clamp down swiftly with detentions, heavy deployment, and suspension of internet services to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control. Jaipur Special Police Commissioner Rahul Prakash said that individuals attempting to disturb peace had been identified and detained. "Those who appeared suspicious were brought in. Attempts were also made at some places to protest against the police. Such people have also been brought in. The situation on the spot is peaceful," Prakash said. He added that many of those rounded up were habitual troublemakers and warned that those who managed to escape would be arrested soon. The incident took place near the Kalandari Mosque, where a dispute over alleged encroachment has been going on for a considerable period. Police officials said one of the parties involved had earlier voluntarily removed the disputed structure. However, tensions resurfaced when some individuals allegedly attempted to reinstall the structure permanently by fixing iron angles. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), Jaipur, Hanuman Prasad Meena, said that police personnel intervened to remove the illegal structures, following which, stones were allegedly pelted at them. "Strict action will be taken against all those found involved in the violence. At present, the situation is peaceful and under control," Meena said, appealing to residents to cooperate with the administration. Around half a dozen people have been detained for questioning in connection with the incident. Internet services were temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure, and additional police forces were deployed in sensitive pockets of the town to prevent any further unrest. Police sources said the accused were detained from their homes to ensure communal harmony was not disturbed. Some detainees, however, denied involvement in stone-pelting, claiming they had not participated in any violence and that debris found at their residences was being misinterpreted. Appealing to the public, Rahul Prakash urged people to resolve disputes through dialogue. "Taking the law into their own hands will cost them," he said. Investigation is underway, and further action will be taken based on evidence. (ANI)
Swami Chidanand Saraswati Maharaj of Parmarth Niketan on Friday condemned the murder of 27-year-old Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh, calling it a "stain on humanity". He warned that such violence brings shame to society and disrepute to Islam, while questioning the role of human rights defenders. Speaking to ANI, Swami Chidanand Saraswati said, "The murder of Dipu Das in Bangladesh is a stain on humanity... A cycle of violence has begun. It has shamed all of humanity... They invoke the name of religion, but their actions are driven by hatred. What kind of Islam is this?... This brings disrepute to Muslims, the Quran, and Islam itself... Where are those who keep running with the flag of human rights?..." The 27-year-old Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was brutally killed in Mymensingh, again triggering international concern over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. Das was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy, and his body was subsequently set on fire on December 18. As per the Minority Rights Group, a human rights organisation working globally with ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, the Hindu population of Bangladesh has suffered considerable harm as a consequence of political events since 1947. According to the rights group based in Hungary, the Hindus in Bangladesh have been "particularly targeted during the Bangladesh Liberation War as many Pakistanis blamed them for the secession, resulting in targeted executions, rape and other human rights abuses." The Hindu minorities, who consisted of 22 per cent of the total population of the (East Bengal) province according to the official 1951 census, the number depleted to 15 per cent by 1991, and in the 2011 census were numbered at just 8.5 per cent, the Minority Rights Group highlights. "Since the beginning of the new millennium, the Hindu population has suffered significantly at the hands of Islamic extremists, resulting in their further exodus into West Bengal in India. Despite persistent persecution, Hindus have managed to gain some political influence because of their geographical concentration in some regions. The oppression of Hindus in Bangladesh has been a constant feature in its history, both when it was still East Pakistan and since independence," the organisation highlights in its section about Hindus in Bangladesh. (ANI)
A group of women activists and protesters gathered outside the Delhi High Court on Friday to oppose the conditional bail granted to former Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. Raising slogans against the court order and the government, the protesters termed the bail a "setback to women''s justice" and demanded its immediate reconsideration. The protestors, many of them women, assembled in significant numbers and shouted slogans questioning the decision to suspend Sengar''s sentence. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers, and protesters were asked to remain peaceful as restrictions under the law were imposed in the area. Addressing the gathering, women activist Yogita Bhayana said the protest was a peaceful appeal against what she described as grave injustice. "Today, we have come to the High Court peacefully to appeal that the injustice done to our daughter be revoked and that the petition we are about to file be heard. If we do not get justice, we will protest and that is our right," she said. Congress leader Mumtaz Patel also criticised the order, calling it a dangerous precedent. "This is a huge setback. The way the High Court has given Sengar a free pass on a technicality will shake the confidence of not just the victim''s family but women across the country," she remarked. The victim''s mother, speaking emotionally, rejected the bail outright and announced plans to approach the Supreme Court. "His bail should be rejected. We will knock on the doors of the Supreme Court. We have lost faith in the High Court. If we don''t get justice there, we will go to another country," she said, also demanding strict punishment in the custodial death of her husband. Recently, the Delhi High Court granted a suspension of sentence to Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case. Sengar, who was convicted by a Delhi CBI court and sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a minor, has challenged his conviction before the High Court, where his appeal is presently pending. A Division Bench of Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar ordered suspension of sentence during the pendency of the appeal, subject to Sengar furnishing a bail bond of Rs 15 lakh. However, the Court clarified that he will remain in judicial custody as he has not been granted bail in the separate case relating to the custodial death of the victim''s father, in which he was sentenced to 10 years'' imprisonment. The Court imposed strict conditions while granting relief, directing that Sengar shall not enter a five-kilometre radius of the area where the victim resides in Delhi. He has also been ordered to remain in Delhi and to have no contact with the victim or her family members. Senior Advocate N Hariharan, along with Advocate SP Tripathi, appeared for Sengar and argued that he was not a public servant at the time of the offence. It was also contended that there were discrepancies in documents regarding the victim''s age and that medical evidence should be relied upon. Opposing the bail, Advocate Mehmood Pracha, appearing for the victim, submitted that there had been serious threats to the victim''s life in the past. He pointed out that the victim was earlier provided security, which was later withdrawn, and highlighted that her father was assaulted in police custody and later died due to his injuries, a case in which Sengar was separately convicted. The protest concluded with calls for stronger safeguards for survivors of sexual violence and demands that courts exercise greater caution while granting relief in cases involving serious crimes against women. (ANI)
Resident doctors in Himachal Pradesh on Friday called off their strike after meeting CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Doctors resumed work following CM's assurances, including an enquiry into Dr Raghav Narula's case and action against the mob that threatened them. Revised guidelines to strengthen doctors' security were also issued. Resident Doctors' Associations (RDAs) President Sohil Sharma from IGMC (Indira Gandhi Medical College) was relieved by CM's assurances. "We thank the Chief Minister for coming here today and listening to our grievances in detail," he said. Elaborating on the meeting, he mentioned that the Chief Minister has listened to their demands and assured them of an enquiry into the incident involving Dr. Raghav Nirula and his termination following an altercation with a patient. "We conveyed our demand regarding Dr Raghav Narula, for whom an enquiry is to be conducted as assured by the Chief Minister," he explained. Furthermore, he mentioned that CM also assured him about action against the mob who had allegedly caused damage to the hospital property and threatened the doctor. In addition, he said they were told revised guidelines would be released to prioritise the safety of doctors and other medical professionals. "The Chief Minister also promised action against the mob that stormed into the hospital and threatened doctors. In addition, revised guidelines have been issued to strengthen the security of doctors." He concluded that a further plan of action about the protest would be discussed and revealed later today. The protest comes in the wake of the December 22 incident at IGMC in which Dr Nirula was seen in a viral video involved in a physical scuffle with a patient, identified as Arjun Pawar (36), a resident of Chopal. The footage triggered widespread public outrage and put the state government under pressure amid its stated push for healthcare reforms. On Wednesday, the state government terminated Dr Nirula's services after receiving reports from the IGMC administration and the college inquiry committee. Notably, the inquiry committee had reportedly concluded that both the doctor and the patient were responsible for the altercation. Following this, the RDA issued a strike call and scheduled a meeting with the CM to present their demands. They stated that if their demands are not addressed, they will go on strike starting at 9:30 am on December 27. He added that while emergency services would continue, all routine services, outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective operation theatres would remain closed during the protest. In a statement issued after a meeting held on Thursday, the RDA further demanded accountability for security lapses at the hospital."A comprehensive review and accountability assessment is requested regarding the previously reported deficiencies in CCTV coverage and the failure to implement security measures at IGMC Shimla, despite prior analysis of the shortcomings," the statement said. (ANI)
In a decisive boost to India's fight against organised crime and terror-linked networks, India on Friday launched its first-ever national-level 'Organised Crime Network Database' (OCND), a landmark initiative aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates that have repeatedly compromised internal security. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the database in the 'Anti-Terror Conference-2025-- a two-day annual event being organised by the country's anti-terror unit, the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The database is AI-powered and designed to function as an intelligent analytical tool, enabling investigating officers to retrieve comprehensive information on organised criminals instantly. This database integrates First Information Reports (FIRs), charge sheets, dossiers, and other critical inputs related to organised criminals from across all states, making them accessible to investigating agencies in real time. The NIA developed the OCND in close collaboration with state police forces and the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), an integrated data-sharing platform that serves as a master database for counterterrorism and internal security under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), supporting law enforcement and intelligence agencies. "Organised crime networks, often operating across state borders and maintaining covert links with terror groups, have long exploited jurisdictional gaps to evade law enforcement. Recognising the gravity of the threat and aligned with the Narendra Modi government's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, the NIA developed the OCND in close coordination with State police forces and the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)," some NIA officials told ANI. Officials noted that organised criminals are typically active in multiple states, resulting in fragmented information scattered across jurisdictions. "Complete details of their activities were not available with any single state police force, allowing criminals to exploit loopholes in the system," an NIA official said. To address this gap, the official said, the OCND integrates FIRs, charge sheets, dossiers and other critical inputs related to organised criminals from across all states and makes them accessible to investigating agencies in real time. "This real-time exchange of information will significantly strengthen coordination among state police forces in dealing with organised criminals." Another official said "this database is AI-powered which works like ChatGPT and provides all information about organised criminals to the investigation officers concerned immediately." Besides profile information, the official said, the database carries voice matching facility and fingerprint data of such organised criminals", helping out the investigation agencies in taking quick action against them. Officials said "this state-of-the-art database, which assists investigating officers, is an important step towards tackling organised crime and criminals." With the operationalisation of the OCND, the NIA will serve as a central facilitator, providing verified, actionable data on organised criminals to investigating agencies across the country. Officials described the platform as a critical force multiplier in India's effort to curb organised crime that fuels violence, terror financing and economic disruption. (ANI)
A special court on Friday extended the custody of two key accused being investigated by the National Investigation Agency in connection with the deadly Red Fort blast case, even as the anti-terror agency continues to unravel the larger conspiracy behind the attack. Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma granted the NIA ten more days of custody of accused Yasir Ahmed Dar while allowing the agency to interrogate Dr Bilal Naseer Malla for a further eight days. The court accepted the prosecution's submission that sustained custodial interrogation was necessary to trace the remaining links of the terror network and verify the material collected so far. According to the NIA, the car bomb blast outside the Red Fort on November 10 was planned by Umar-un-Nabi, who was driving the explosive-laden vehicle at the time of the attack. The blast claimed 15 lives and left over two dozen people injured. Umar-un-Nabi later died in the explosion, and forensic examination has confirmed his identity. Dr Malla was arrested in Delhi and has been described by the agency as one of the key conspirators. The NIA has alleged that he knowingly harboured Umar-un-Nabi and provided logistical support, apart from being involved in the destruction of evidence linked to the attack. Dar, arrested on December 18 as the ninth accused, is a resident of Jammu and Kashmir and is alleged to be a close associate of Umar-un-Nabi. The investigation has so far led to the arrest of nine accused, including medical professionals Dr Muzammil Ganaie, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather, and Dr Shaheen Saeed, highlighting the organised and clandestine nature of the terror module. In a related development, the Special NIA Court at Patiala House Courts recently extended the judicial custody of several other accused till January 8. Those remanded include Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather of Anantnag (J&K), Dr Shaheen Saeed of Lucknow (UP), Dr Muzammil Ganaie of Pulwama (J&K), Amir Rashid Ali, Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, Soyab, and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay. They were produced before the court after the expiry of their earlier remand. The NIA has alleged that Amir Rashid Ali facilitated the purchase of the Hyundai i20 car used in the attack, which was later converted into a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED). Jasir Bilal Wani, alias Danish, another accused, is alleged to have provided technical expertise to the module, including modifying drones and attempting to build rockets as part of the terror preparations. The agency has said that Jasir worked closely with Umar-un-Nabi in planning the attack. The probe agency has forensically established that Umar-un-Nabi, a resident of Pulwama district and an assistant professor in the General Medicine Department at Al Falah University in Faridabad, was the driver of the IED-laden car. Investigators maintain that the attack was executed after meticulous planning and coordination across multiple locations. The case was handed over to the NIA by the Union Home Ministry soon after the blast. The agency has stated that it is working in close coordination with various state police forces to identify, track, and arrest every individual involved in the terror conspiracy. (ANI)
The Himachal Pradesh government has launched an aggressive state-wide campaign to eradicate chitta (heroin) and other narcotics. Shimla district police have developed a new preventive policing model aimed at choking drug supply chains at the street level. Under this model, the district police have identified nearly 50 frequent drug traffickers and have forwarded around 25-30 proposals to the state Home Department seeking their preventive detention under the PIT-NDPS Act, 1988. Superintendent of Police, Shimla district, Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, told ANI that the initiative is designed to neutralise habitual offenders who repeatedly come out on bail and exploit legal loopholes to continue drug trafficking, particularly targeting youth. SP Gandhi said Shimla police have developed a preventive detention-centric model to deal with hardened traffickers who pose a serious threat to society and public safety. "We have identified around 50 such traffickers who are repeatedly involved in drug trafficking activities. They are arrested, released on bail, and exploit legal technicalities. For 25 to 30 such persons, we have moved proposals through proper channels to the Home Department so that preventive detention can be ordered," he said. Ordinary criminal procedure is often insufficient to deal with such offenders. "The ordinary procedure of law, which ensures the safety of people, is not adequate for such individuals. These people are a danger to society and public safety," he added. Modern trafficking methods, small-quantity, location-based deliveries pose the biggest challenge. The traffickers were using WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and unknown locations to execute deliveries. "Small quantities--2 grams, 5 grams, 10 grams--are the most fatal and challenging for society and the most difficult for police to detect. One gram is hard to detect, but it is enough for 10 people," he explained. "Their entire delivery system was online. We identified the money chain, exposed the location-based delivery system, and mapped the extent of their penetration into society through new methods. This is a tough, long-term process, but the government's seriousness and concern will prove effective. The results will be visible," he added. Shimla police are now actively invoking the PIT-NDPS Act, 1988, which allows preventive detention of habitual drug offenders. "We are activating the PIT-NDPS provisions and keeping a constant watch. The 30 proposals we have sent to the detaining authority will prove effective in mapping and stopping drug trafficking." Identifying repeat traffickers and proposing preventive detentions will have a strong deterrent effect, and preventive detention is a complex, long-term legal process. "We have identified more than 50 traffickers who were misusing the law and were directly involved in supply. The outcome of these proposals will be positive, and the impact will be clearly visible," SP said. The strategy combines street-level intelligence, technological surveillance and preventive detention, marking a significant shift in the fight against heroin and synthetic drugs in the state capital. "If you look at the drug challenge and the kind of street-level policing we are doing--drug drops, travelling activities and trafficking--2025 has been a successful year for Shimla district police in the fight against drugs, and we have nabbed many gangs and exposed people who were involved in drug supply in a highly organised manner for a long time," Gandhi said. Major crackdown on organised gangs includes the Sandeep Shah gang, which had allegedly created a network of 300-400 people in the Shimla district. "This gang was affecting our youth in a very organised way. We conducted a successful investigation and arrested people who had never been arrested before, SP said. The entire mechanism, supply chains, geographical spread, contact lists and delivery systems. Shimla district police registered over 300 NDPS cases this year and took action against more than 600 accused, a significant number. Police also carried out panchayat-level mapping to identify areas with high heroin prevalence, in line with government directions. (ANI)
A Special NDPS Court at Tis Hazari on Friday remanded the accused in a massive 500 kg drug haul case to judicial custody till January 9, 2026, after the expiry of his police custody. The order was passed by Ekta Gauba Mann, the Link Special Judge (NDPS) of the Central District, Tis Hazari Courts. During the hearing, Akhand Pratap Singh, Special Public Prosecutor, appeared for the State through video conferencing. The accused was represented by Advocate Prabhav Ralli (through VC) and Advocate Samraat Saxena, who appeared physically before the court, while SI Shailesh Kumar, the Investigating Officer, was present in person. The court was hearing an application filed by the investigating officer seeking judicial custody. The defence strongly opposed the plea, contending that the arrest was illegal. The prosecution, however, submitted that the legality of the arrest is already under challenge before the Delhi High Court. Taking note of this, the court clarified that the issue is sub judice and therefore refrained from expressing any opinion on the legality of the arrest. The court recorded that the grounds of arrest were supplied to the accused at the time of arrest on December 23, 2025, and ordered his judicial custody until January 9, 2026, directing that he be produced on that date. Earlier, on December 23, 2025, the Tis Hazari Court granted the accused three days' police custody after he was repatriated from Dubai. The order was passed by Special Judge (NDPS) Virender Singh, who considered the gravity of the allegations and remanded the accused to police custody till December 26. While granting police custody, the court took into account the alleged recovery of 563 kg of cocaine and mephedrone and 40 kg of hydroponic Thai ganja, the involvement of multiple accused persons, and the existence of substantial electronic evidence, stated to be about one terabyte. The court also noted that Delhi Police had already filed the main charge-sheet against several co-accused and observed that the accused had been absconding, indicating non-cooperation with the investigation, which was registered on October 2, 2024. The December 23 order permitted the accused to speak with a lawyer of his choice for at least 15 minutes every day during police custody. It directed the Investigating Officer to provide the arrest memo immediately. On last date of hearing, Delhi Police had sought accused police custody, with SPP Akhand Pratap Singh arguing that custodial interrogation was necessary to identify and trace other members of the alleged drug cartel, dismantle the entire trafficking network operating in Delhi/NCR and other States, confront the accused with data recovered from seized mobile phones of co-accused, recover the accused's mobile phones and passport, and establish backward and forward linkages of the smuggling racket. Opposing the application, Advocate Prabhav Ralli, along with Advocate Samraat Saxena and Advocate Deeya Mittal, submitted that the arrest itself was illegal. The defence argued that the accused had last been in India in September 2024 and thereafter remained abroad, and that non-bailable warrants were executed at an old address found locked, leaving the accused unaware of the proceedings. In rebuttal, the prosecution submitted that the accused has already challenged his arrest, the issuance of non-bailable warrants, and his declaration as a proclaimed offender, and that the matter is reserved for orders before the Delhi High Court. Following the completion of police custody on December 26, the court has ordered the accused to remain in judicial custody until January 9, 2026, as the investigation into the high-value narcotics case continues. (ANI)
The veteran leader is survived by his wife, one son, and one daughter. His mortal remains will be brought to Tripura on Saturday.

As a mark of respect, the Tripura government has declared a three-day state mourning starting from Friday. The government also announced that all government offices, institutions, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions will remain closed on Friday.

Expressing deep grief over the demise, Chief Minister Manik Saha said the loss was irreparable. "I am deeply shocked. The passing away of the Speaker is an irreparable loss to the party. I convey my deep condolences to the bereaved family and his followers," the Chief Minister wrote in a Facebook post.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences through social media. "The demise of Biswa Bandhu Sen Ji, the Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, is deeply saddening. A committed leader who devoted several years to public service, Sen Ji's passing is a grave loss to the state's political arena. My thoughts are with his bereaved family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti," he wrote.

According to the Tripura government, Biswabandhu Sen was widely respected for his dedication to public service and his long association with Tripura's political life. (ANI)
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday attended the inaugural session of the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan (BVS) at the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati and emphasised the need for India to overcome blind faith, promote knowledge in regional languages, and balance development. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu was also present at the event. Speaking at the programme, Bhagwat said, "We have to ensure that people overcome old blind faiths, and that applies for those who are stuck in new blind faiths. The architecture of our old temples is such that they survived many disasters. We had been farming using traditional methods for the last 10,000 years, and the soil remained intact. The RSS chief asserted that India must not only become a superpower but also a "Vishwa Guru". "But now, due to the need to increase production, it has resulted in the 'Cancer Train' running from Punjab to Jaipur. India is destined to grow because it is the need of the hour. But India must not only become a superpower but also a Vishwa Guru." On the importance of education and scientific awareness, Bhagwat added, "We have to ensure that knowledge reaches everyone. Learning in one's mother tongue is impactful. The knowledge of science must be taken to the common man in the different languages of India." Praising the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister on development, Bhagwat also asserted, "What the CM (N Chandrababu Naidu) has said is important, development should not be such that two separate classes are created in the society." (ANI)
The Mapusa JMFC Court on Friday extended police custody of Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra till December 29 in the Birch by Romeo Lane fire incident. The Luthra brothers are co-owners of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, in which 25 people died, and several others were injured in a fire on December 6. Earlier, their custody was extended by the Mapusa Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court. Also, the Mapusa JMFC Court remanded Ajay Gupta to 14 days' judicial custody. Gupta is the third partner of Birch by Romeo Lane. Earlier, on December 16, the Luthra brothers were brought from Delhi to Goa after being deported from Thailand. A Delhi court had granted the Goa Police a 48-hour transit remand of the accused after they landed at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi. On December 17, the court produced the accused before the Mapusa Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court after they were arrested at Delhi airport. The court granted the brothers 5-day police custody. According to advocate Vishnu Joshi, representing the victim's families, ANI was told that new revelations have come forward, with police alleging that the trade licence and other related documents of the brothers were forged The fire at the Arpora nightclub on December 6 claimed 25 lives, with the government initiating criminal proceedings against the club owners over alleged negligence and violation of mandatory safety norms. According to the Goa police, the firework event was organised at the club without proper fire safety equipment and other essential safety gadgets. The police said the custodial presence of the accused in Goa was required at a critical stage of the investigation. Placing its submissions before the Patiala House Court, the Goa Police said the accused are the main owners and partners of 'Birch by Romeo Lane' in North Goa's Arpora area and had ultimate control over the operation of the club, including safety arrangements, permissions and events held at the premises. The Luthra brothers, despite knowing that the restaurant lacks emergency exit doors on the ground or deck floors for evacuation in an emergency, organised the fire show, police said. The Goa Police had filed a criminal case dated December 7 at the Police Station Arpora Anjuna, North Goa, under sections 105, 125, 125(a), 125(b), and 287, read with 3(5) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. (ANI)
He also slammed Rahul Gandhi's remarks.

Seeking clarification on Pitroda's remarks, Reddy alleged that Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, makes anti-India statements whenever he travels abroad.

"Sam Pitroda says that Rahul Gandhi is representing India whenever he goes abroad... But Sam Pitroda must clarify why Rahul Gandhi makes anti-Indian statements whenever he goes abroad... Sam Pitroda is using the clutches of anti-Indian forces and encouraging them... If Sam Pitroda has any faith in this country, he has to ask Rahul Gandhi not to make such statements abroad," Prakash Reddy told ANI.

In an interview with a news channel, Pitroda said that Rahul Gandhi represents India and speaks truth while meeting people abroad.

Rahul Gandhi visited Germany for five days from December 15 to 20.

Earlier this month, speaking at the Hertie School in Berlin, Rahul Gandhi during a session titled "Politics Is The Art Of Listening", raised "vote theft" allegations.

"We have won elections in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh. We have been raising concerns about the fairness of elections in India," Gandhi said, adding that the Opposition had presented evidence and sought answers from the Election Commission. He cited what he described as serious anomalies in voter lists, claiming, "A Brazilian woman was there on the voting list 22 times in Haryana.

"Gandhi further alleged that there was a "full-scale assault" on India's institutional framework and accused the Centre of "weaponising" investigating agencies. He suggested that business interests were pressured into financially supporting the BJP, implying a quid pro quo arrangement. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday participated in a programme organised on the occasion of 'Veer Bal Diwas' at Gurdwara 'Shri Guru Singh Sabha', Arhat Bazaar, Dehradun. He also visited the Gurdwara in Mallital, the district headquarters of Nainital. On this occasion, the Chief Minister paid obeisance at the Gurdwaras and partook in the langar. He joined the congregation in offering the sacred Ardas and prayed for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the state. Paying tribute on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas to the Tenth Sikh Guru, Dashmesh Pita Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and his four Sahibzadas, i.e. Baba Ajit Singh, Baba Jujhar Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh, and Baba Fateh Singh, the Chief Minister said that the lives of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Sahibzadas are a living example of sacrifice, valour, protection of faith, and patriotism. He said they gladly laid down their lives to safeguard the self-respect of India. Speaking with ANI in Dehradun, he said, "This should be taught to our upcoming generations... Under the leadership of PM Modi, the valour and sacrifice of Veer Sahibzaade and the family of Guru Gobind Singh have found rightful mention in history... We are conducting programs on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas, which will inspire our future generations for patriotism and serving the society..." The Chief Minister said that the sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas stands as one of the finest examples of bravery and courage, not only in Indian history but across the world. Such courage, steadfastness, and devotion to faith are rarely found elsewhere in history. He said that the young martyrs chose death over forced religious conversion, proving that there is no age limit when it comes to protecting one's faith and national self-respect. He added that future generations can never forget this immortal sacrifice. The Chief Minister further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation has, for the first time, given the Sahibzadas their rightful honour. By declaring December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas, the Prime Minister has connected the entire nation with the glorious history of the Sikhs. Under his leadership, efforts are underway to preserve the country's proud heritage while moving forward with resolve to build an India envisioned by the brave martyrs. During the programme, the Chief Minister also appealed to all parents and teachers to share the inspiring story of the Sahibzadas with children so that future generations can take pride in their faith, culture, and traditions. Earlier today, during his visit to Nainital, the Chief Minister reviewed preparations for the 31st December New Year celebrations while on a morning walk with SSP Nainital, Manjunath TC. The Chief Minister directed the SSP to ensure the safety of tourists arriving for the New Year, smooth traffic management, and all other necessary arrangements. He said that a large number of tourists are visiting Uttarakhand due to the ongoing winter pilgrimage season. (ANI)
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday emphasised the importance of population planning for India's future, calling for couples to ideally have three children. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan (BVS) at the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati, CM Naidu highlighted the global success of Indians, noting that around 4-5 crore Indians currently live abroad and often have the highest per capita income in many countries. Echoing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, he stressed that population focus is key to India's long-term growth. "From India, 4-5 crore people are outside India. If you go to any country today, the highest per capita income is among the Indians there. As Mohan Bhagwat ji has always said that every couple should have three children. This is very important. If we focus on population, 2047 and centuries beyond, it will be only India which will dominate," CM Naidu said. Mohan Bhagwat, on August 2,9 had said that every Indian citizen should consider having three children, noting that population growth can serve as both an asset and a burden, but a stable birth rate will help keep the population in check while maintaining an acceptable level. Meanwhile, speaking at the inaugural session of the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan (BVS) at the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief emphasised the need for India to overcome blind faith, promote knowledge in regional languages, and balance development. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu was also present at the event. Speaking at the programme, Bhagwat said, "We have to ensure that people overcome old blind faiths, and that applies for those who are stuck in new blind faiths. The architecture of our old temples is such that they survived many disasters. We had been farming using traditional methods for the last 10,000 years, and the soil remained intact. The RSS chief asserted that India must not only become a superpower but also a "Vishwa Guru". "But now, due to the need to increase production, it has resulted in the 'Cancer Train' running from Punjab to Jaipur. India is destined to grow because it is the need of the hour. But India must not only become a superpower but also a Vishwa Guru." On the importance of education and scientific awareness, Bhagwat added, "We have to ensure that knowledge reaches everyone. Learning in one's mother tongue is impactful. The knowledge of science must be taken to the common man in the different languages of India." Praising the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister on development, Bhagwat also asserted, "What the CM (N Chandrababu Naidu) has said is important, development should not be such that two separate classes are created in the society." (ANI)
He said attacks on minorities in Bangladesh are a matter of concern.

"Continuous attacks on Hindus are taking place in Bangladesh, and this is a matter of concern. We do not have information on the steps the government is taking or how it is summoning Bangladesh's interim government. Still, it is a grave matter that attacks on minorities are happening there," Pawan Khera told ANI.

Days after a youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was brutally murdered in Bangladesh, another youth was lynched.

Bangladesh newspaper The Daily Star reported that a Hindu youth identified as Amrit Mondal was lynched at Hosendanga village of Kalimohor union in Rajbari's Pangsha sub-district over an extortion allegation.

Police rushed to the spot upon receiving information last night and rescued Samrat in a critical condition.

The murder of Mondal took place days after the mob lynching and burning of the Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district.

A worker in a garment factory, Dipu Chandra Das, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy charges and had his body hanged and set on fire on December 18.

The Daily Star, citing Mymensingh's Additional Superintendent of Police, Abdullah Al Mamun, stated that a factory official had informed Bhaluka police that a group of workers attacked Dipu inside the factory, accusing him of making "derogatory remarks about the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)" in a Facebook post.

However, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-14 Company Commander in Mymensingh, Md Samsuzzaman, told The Daily Star that investigators found no evidence suggesting the deceased had posted or written anything on Facebook that could have hurt religious sentiments. (ANI)
12 people were arrested in West Bengal's Kolkata on Friday for protesting against the atrocities being committed against minorities in Bangladesh. The pro-Hindu activists, who carried out a rally and sat outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission office in Kolkata, were produced before the Alipore Police Court. The court granted them bail on a bond of Rs 3,000 each. Advocate Chandan Kumar Saha told ANI, "The court has granted bail to them on a bond of Rs 3,000 each." Thousands of saffron-clad activists, associated with pro-Hindu organisations, gathered in Kolkata on Friday and sat outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission to protest the atrocities being committed against minorities in the neighbouring country. The pro-Hindu activists held a rally, which was accompanied by West Bengal Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari. They entered the premises of the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh to speak to the authorities regarding atrocities against Hindus. Adhikari demanded that atrocities against Bangladeshi Hindus be stopped and warned of an intensified protest if demands were not met. "1,000 sadhus have gathered here against what happened with Dipu Das and the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. We demand that the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh should stop. If our demand is not met, all saints who come to Ganga Sagar Mela will come and sit in protest here," the BJP leader told ANI. On Wednesday, The Daily Star reported that a Hindu youth identified as Amrit Mondal was lynched at Hosendanga village of Kalimohor union in Rajbari's Pangsha sub-district over an extortion allegation. Police rushed to the spot upon receiving information last night and rescued Samrat in a critical condition. The murder of Mondal took place days after the mob lynching and burning of the Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district. A worker in a garment factory, Dipu Chandra Das, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy charges and had his body hanged and set on fire on December 18. The Daily Star, citing Mymensingh's Additional Superintendent of Police, Abdullah Al Mamun, stated that a factory official had informed Bhaluka police that a group of workers attacked Dipu inside the factory, accusing him of making "derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad" in a Facebook post. However, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-14 Company Commander in Mymensingh, Md Samsuzzaman, told The Daily Star that investigators found no evidence suggesting the deceased had posted or written anything on Facebook that could have hurt religious sentiments, adding that neither residents nor fellow garment factory workers could point to any such activity by the victim. (ANI)
Rajasthan Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham on Friday accused the Congress of "misleading people" on the Aravalli issue, saying that the opposition party was spreading "fake propaganda". "Congress is carrying out propaganda on the Aravalli issue. Those protesting were once part of the Ashok Gehlot government. Congress is spreading fake propaganda and misleading people regarding the Aravalli matter," Bedham told ANI. This comes as former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader Sachin Pilot said that the Aravalli range was facing a "grave threat" due to the 100m+ redefinition of the world's oldest geological formations submitted by the centre to the Supreme Court. He said that most of the mountain ranges in the Aravalli Hills were less than 100 meters high. "The Aravalli range is facing a grave threat because, according to the documents the government has submitted to the court and the definition it has provided, most of the mountains are less than 100 meters high," Pilot told ANI. Reacting to the centre's order banning new mining leases in Aravallis, the Congress leader said that the ban was already in place. He added that the government was losing people's trust as the Aravalli range's existence was under threat. "Regarding the ban, one was already in place before, but today the government is losing the people's trust. This mountain range has been our protective shield since ancient times, and today its very existence is under threat. That is why people have taken to the streets today," Pilot said. Earlier in the day, Pilot accused the centre of failing to protect the ecologically sensitive hills and warned that inaction could cause irreversible environmental damage. A war of words also erupted on social media between senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav regarding the government's new 'definition' of the Aravalli hills. According to Ramesh, the new definition of the Aravalli range contradicts expert opinions and data from the Forest Survey of India (FSI). He noted that the FSI data show that only 8.7% of the Aravalli hills above 20 meters exceed 100 meters in elevation. He further claimed that fewer than 1% of the hills identified by FSI exceed 100 meters in height, making the government's decision to base boundaries on height problematic. "The new definition of the Aravali given by the Modi government is against the opinion of all experts, and is also dangerous and destructive. According to the authentic data of the Forest Survey of India (FSI), only 8.7% of the Aravali hills with height more than 20 meters are more than 100 meters high. On the other hand, if all the Aravali hills identified by FSI are considered, not even 1% of them are more than 100 meters high. FSI's clear opinion--and it is entirely justified--is that determining boundaries on the basis of height is dubious, and the entire Aravali mountain range should receive protection regardless of height," Ramesh's X post read. Meanwhile, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema claimed that the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is protecting the mining mafia in various states, including Bihar, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. He further alleged that the BJP is trying to "destroy" the Aravalli Hills, claiming that no orders have been implemented and executed to stop the mining in the region. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change wrote a letter to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat regarding the "ban on grant of new Mining leases and strict regulation of ongoing mining activity in the Aravalli Hills in compliance of the Order of Supreme Court in their judgment dated November 20, 2025 in the matter of Writ Petition (Civil) No.202/1995 in the TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India regarding". The official release by the Ministry stated that the Supreme Court has vide their judgement and directed that no new mining leases shall be granted till the finalisation of the Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli Hills mountain range. Moreover, the Ministry also wrote a letter to the Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE) regarding the "Identification of additional Prohibited Areas/Zones for Mining in Aravalli's - carrying out Cumulative Impact Assessment and Ecological Carrying Capacity of the entire Aravalli region". Earlier, the Supreme Court accepted the Centre's definition of the Aravalli hills, which states that "any hills in the range with an elevation of less than 100 metres are not subject to the strictures against mining". The apex court also accepted the recommendations for sustainable mining in the Aravalli Hills and the steps to be taken for preventing illegal mining. The Union Environment Ministry has also issued a detailed clarification, stating that no new mining leases will be allowed until a comprehensive study is undertaken, in line with the Supreme Court's November 20 order. The Aravalli range is a 670-kilometre-long mountain range in northwestern India. The highest elevation of the range has been recorded at 1,722 metres. The hill starts near Delhi, passes through Haryana, Rajasthan, and ends in Gujarat. The highest peak of the range is known as Guru Shikhar, in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The Aravalli range is the oldest fold-mountain belt in India, dating back around 2 billion years. (ANI)
A tragic road accident near Ajjavara Gate in Chikkaballapur taluk on Thursday night claimed the lives of four young men when their motorcycle collided with a tipper lorry. The victims, all residents of Ajjavara village, died on the spot, officials said on Friday. According to Chikkaballapur District Superintendent of Police (SP) Kushal Choukse, the deceased have been identified as Manoj, Narasimh Murthy, Nandeesh, and Arun. "Among them, Narasimh Murthy and Nandeesh were brothers, making the tragedy even more devastating for their family, which lost two sons in the same incident. It is learned that Narasimh Murthy had married just six months ago after a love affair. The tragic accident, which ended his life so soon after marriage, has left his family and wife shattered. The sudden death of four youths from the same village has plunged Ajjavara into deep mourning," Choukse said. According to police, the youths were returning to Ajjavara from Chikkaballapur on a single bike when a speeding tipper lorry rammed into them near Ajjavara Cross. The impact threw all four onto the road, causing fatal injuries. "The youths were returning to their village, Ajjavara, from Chikkaballapur on a single bike. When they tried to take a turn near Ajjavara Cross, a speeding tipper lorry rammed into their bike. Due to the impact, all four were thrown onto the road and succumbed to severe bleeding injuries on the spot," Choukse said. Upon receiving information, Chikkaballapur SP Choukse and the Rural Police Station officers visited the spot and conducted an investigation. The bodies were sent to the district hospital for postmortem. A case has been registered at the Chikkaballapur Rural Police Station. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in a post on X, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the deceased's kin. https://x.com/siddaramaiah/status/2004445096260128922 "Learning of the tragic accident on Ajjavara Road, in which four young men lost their lives, has left me deeply saddened. I pray that the departed souls find peace. It is heartbreaking that families immersed in Christmas celebrations have now turned into homes of mourning. These young men were the pillars of their families; with their untimely demise, their families are plunged into hardship, and we are providing Rs. 5 lakh as compensation to each to help them. I pray that those grieving find the strength to bear this sorrow," the CM wrote. (ANI)
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sharmila Sarkar on Friday said that the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh were an international issue and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with the Ministry of External Affairs, to intervene. "This is an international issue, and we want our Prime Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene in this matter and engage in talks with Bangladesh to stop the attacks on Hindus. Our Chief Minister has clearly said that whatever steps the country takes, we will support," Sarkar told reporters here. Earlier, West Bengal Women and Child Development Minister Shashi Panja accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of not being vocal against attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. "In relation to Dipu Chandra Das' killing, why are Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah quiet? What is the External Affairs Minister doing?" Panja told reporters during a press conference in Kolkata. She also said that the BJP was trying to create a "false narrative" against TMC, dismissing claims that her party was silent on minorities being attacked in the neighbouring country. "Those who are dying in Bangladesh should not be dying. The Bharatiya Janata Party should answer.What steps has your leader, the Prime Minister of the country, taken? The Government of India and the Government of Bangladesh should talk to each other. Then why is the Trinamool Congress being questioned here?" Panja said. Meanwhile, 12 people were arrested in Kolkata today for protesting against the atrocities being committed against minorities in Bangladesh. The pro-Hindu activists, who carried out a rally and sat outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission office in Kolkata, were produced before the Alipore Police Court. The court granted them bail on a bond of Rs 3,000 each. Advocate Chandan Kumar Saha told ANI, "The court has granted bail to them on a bond of Rs 3,000 each." Thousands of saffron-clad activists, associated with pro-Hindu organisations, gathered in Kolkata on Friday and sat outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission to protest the atrocities being committed against minorities in the neighbouring country. The pro-Hindu activists held a rally, which was accompanied by West Bengal Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari. They entered the premises of the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh to speak to the authorities regarding atrocities against Hindus. Adhikari demanded that atrocities against Bangladeshi Hindus be stopped and warned of an intensified protest if demands were not met. "1,000 sadhus have gathered here against what happened with Dipu Das and the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. We demand that the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh should stop. If our demand is not met, all saints who come to Ganga Sagar Mela will come and sit in protest here," the BJP leader told ANI. On Wednesday, The Daily Star reported that a Hindu youth identified as Amrit Mondal was lynched at Hosendanga village of Kalimohor union in Rajbari's Pangsha sub-district over an extortion allegation. The murder of Mondal took place days after the mob lynching and burning of the Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district. A worker in a garment factory, Dipu Chandra Das, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy charges and had his body hanged and set on fire on December 18. (ANI)
The Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, today chaired a high-level review meeting with the Health Ministers and senior officials of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to assess the status of healthcare delivery and accelerate the implementation of key national health programmes, said the release. The meeting focused on strengthening public health systems, enhancing patient satisfaction, improving regulatory oversight, and advancing the national goal of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) as a public health concern by 2027. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Nadda highlighted the importance of robust drug regulation, underscoring that continuous monitoring of the entire supply chain from manufacture to distribution is essential to ensure quality and safety. He emphasised the need to promote best practices in regulation and urged treating improving patient satisfaction, strengthening regulatory supervision and compliance as an ongoing mission. On the Free Drugs and Free Diagnostics schemes, the Union Health Minister directed both States to strengthen supply-chain systems and bridge monitoring gaps. He informed that the Ministry is working with IIM Ahmedabad to further enhance logistics, transparency, and accountability in drug and diagnostic procurement. Nadda stressed that quality diagnostics and timely testing form the backbone of effective healthcare delivery and must be strengthened across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. He noted that while doctors are central to clinical care, hospital administration and regulatory compliance require dedicated professional management. Special emphasis was laid on strengthening the regulation of blood banks, hospital systems, and safety protocols. Highlighting technology-driven solutions, the Union Health Minister stated that telemedicine offers an effective means to expand access to quality healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved areas. He encouraged both States to more deeply integrate telemedicine platforms into routine service delivery to ensure uninterrupted access to specialist consultations. Reiterating the Government's commitment to eliminate TB by 2027, Nadda called for district-specific interventions with intensified screening, diagnostics, treatment adherence, and nutritional support. He emphasised that TB elimination must be pursued in mission mode with close monitoring at district and block levels. The Union Health Minister also proposed sensitisation workshops for MLAs, encouraging them to actively engage with Block Medical Officers (BMOs) and Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) through regular reviews. He underlined that Jan Bhagidari (people's participation) is vital for improving healthcare outcomes, ensuring accountability, and building public trust in government health programmes. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Public Health and Medical Education of Madhya Pradesh, Rajendra Shukla, and Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education, Chhattisgarh, Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, assured that the State Governments would work closely with the Union Health Ministry to strengthen implementation and outcomes. Nadda reiterated the Centre's support through National Health Mission interventions, PPP models, medical education expansion, viability gap funding, and infrastructure support mechanisms, to ensure accessible, affordable, and modern healthcare systems in both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. He also stated that the centre is committed to providing all necessary technical training and handholding of the State Government of Chhattisgarh to ensure that management of Leprosy is given top priority. The Union Health Minister stated that similar consultative meetings will be held with Health Ministers of other States in the coming days as part of a mission-mode approach to health sector reforms. The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to strengthen drug regulation, improve diagnostics, professionalise hospital administration, expand medical education capacity, and accelerate progress towards a TB-free Bharat, reinforcing the spirit of cooperative federalism in public health. The Madhya Pradesh delegation included Shri Rajendra Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Public Health and Medical Education; Shri Devendra Dwivedi, Officer on Special Duty to the Deputy Chief Minister; Tarun Rathi, Commissioner, Health and Medical Education; and Dr. Saloni Sidana, Managing Director, National Health Mission (NHM). The Chhattisgarh delegation comprised Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education; Amit Kataria, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education; Ranbir Sharma, Managing Director, NHM; Ritesh Agrawal, Commissioner, Medical Education; along with other senior officials. Senior officials from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were also present, including Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Union Health Secretary; Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Chief Executive Officer, National Health Authority (NHA); Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Managing Director (NHM); Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI); and Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), among others. (ANI)
The lynching of two Hindu Bangladeshis has sparked a massive political row in India, with protests erupting in West Bengal and Assam demanding accountability from the neighbouring country's government. Multiple organisations, mostly pro-Hindu activists in saffron-clad clothes, dominated the streets of Kolkata on Friday, demanding that the atrocities being committed against minorities, especially Hindus, be stopped. Thousands of saffron-clad activists gathered outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata to protest the atrocities being committed against minorities in the neighbouring country. The pro-Hindu activists' rally was accompanied by West Bengal Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari. They entered the premises of the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh to speak to the authorities regarding atrocities against Hindus. 12 people were arrested for protesting against the atrocities being committed in Bangladesh. They were produced before the Alipore Police Court. The court granted them bail on a bond of Rs 3,000 each. Advocate Chandan Kumar Saha told ANI, "The court has granted bail to them on a bond of Rs 3,000 each." The members of the Bengali United Forum also held a protest before the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Assam's Guwahati on Friday against the reported atrocities being committed against minorities in the neighbouring country. Bengali United Forum member Santanu Mukherjee said, "We condemn the attack on Bangladeshi Hindus and request the government to take immediate steps to stop the killings." Adhikari demanded that atrocities against Bangladeshi Hindus be stopped and warned of an intensified protest if demands were not met. "1,000 sadhus have gathered here against what happened with Dipu Das and the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. We demand that the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh should stop. If our demand is not met, all saints who come to Ganga Sagar Mela will come and sit in protest here," the BJP leader told ANI. Former MoS for External Affairs and BJP leader MJ Akbar said that the events unfolding in Bangladesh for the last two years were reflective of "venom introduced by Pakistan". Speaking to ANI in Mapusa, he said that "hate" was not an ideology since it can't sustain itself. "What we see in the last 2 years is the return of the venom that Pakistan introduces in the body politic that reflects in Bangladesh. Hate is not an ideology as hate cannot sustain itself," Akbar said. BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain alleged that the neighbouring country's government had an "anti-Hindu mentality" and was targeting minority communities. Speaking to ANI, he said that the entire Hindu community in Bangladesh was living in fear. "There is an anti-Hindu mentality government in Bangladesh. Hindus are being targeted. After Deepu Chandra Das, another Hindu, was lynched. The entire Hindu community is living in fear. The actions Bangladesh is taking are unforgivable. Bangladesh should not forget that its actions will damage its own image," Hussain said. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sharmila Sarkar said that the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh were an international issue and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with the Ministry of External Affairs, to intervene. "This is an international issue, and we want our Prime Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene in this matter and engage in talks with Bangladesh to stop the attacks on Hindus. Our Chief Minister has clearly said that whatever steps the country takes, we will support," Sarkar told reporters. Earlier, West Bengal Women and Child Development Minister Shashi Panja accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of not being vocal against attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. "In relation to Dipu Chandra Das' killing, why are Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah quiet? What is the External Affairs Minister doing?" Panja told reporters during a press conference in Kolkata. She also said that the BJP was trying to create a "false narrative" against TMC, dismissing claims that her party was silent on minorities being attacked in the neighbouring country. "Those who are dying in Bangladesh should not be dying. The Bharatiya Janata Party should answer. What steps has your leader, the Prime Minister of the country, taken? The Government of India and the Government of Bangladesh should talk to each other. Then why is the Trinamool Congress being questioned here?" Panja said. Reacting to this, BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli lashed out at TMC, enquiring about the steps it is taking against illegal immigrants in the backdrop of attacks against minorities in Bangladesh. "Any case of lynching is terrible, and strict action has to happen against the accused. However, now that TMC has spoken. Perhaps, they can let the nation know what they are doing in West Bengal to remove illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, they must tell," Kohli told ANI. Meanwhile, India on Friday raised serious concerns over repeated incidents of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists, and said it is closely monitoring the situation in the neighbouring country. Briefing the media in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government was disturbed by the sustained hostility faced by minority communities. "India is closely monitoring developments and has expressed grave concern over the continued hostility of minorities, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists. We condemn the recent killing of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh and expect that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice," Jaiswal said. On Wednesday, the Daily Star reported that a Hindu youth identified as Amrit Mondal was lynched at Hosendanga village of Kalimohor union in Rajbari's Pangsha sub-district over an extortion allegation. Police rushed to the spot upon receiving information last night and rescued Samrat in a critical condition. The murder of Mondal took place days after the mob lynching and burning of the Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district. A worker in a garment factory, Dipu Chandra Das, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy charges and had his body hanged and set on fire on December 18. The Daily Star, citing Mymensingh's Additional Superintendent of Police, Abdullah Al Mamun, stated that a factory official had informed Bhaluka police that a group of workers attacked Dipu inside the factory, accusing him of making "derogatory remarks about the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)" in a Facebook post. However, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-14 Company Commander in Mymensingh, Md Samsuzzaman, told The Daily Star that investigators found no evidence suggesting the deceased had posted or written anything on Facebook that could have hurt religious sentiments, adding that neither residents nor fellow garment factory workers could point to any such activity by the victim. (ANI)
The SLP was filed against the Delhi High Court's order dated December 23, 2025, which suspended Sengar's life sentence pending disposal of his appeal and granted him bail subject to certain conditions.

Sengar was convicted in December 2019 and sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 25 lakh in the Unnao rape case. He had filed an appeal against his conviction before the Delhi High Court in January 2020 and later moved a plea seeking suspension of sentence in March 2022.

The CBI and the victim strongly opposed the plea for suspension of sentence through their respective counsels. However, the High Court allowed the plea and granted bail to the accused.

Despite the bail order in the rape case, Sanger will continue to remain lodged in jail as he is also serving a 10-year sentence in another CBI case related to murder.

After examining the High Court order, the CBI has approached the Supreme Court seeking its intervention in the matter.

The Unnao rape case victim and her family have strongly opposed the High Court's decision to grant bail to Sengar. Opposition parties also objected to the court decision. (ANI)
According to police, Mangesh Kalokhe was allegedly killed with a sharp-edged weapon. Following the incident, relatives, friends, and party workers gathered at the Khopoli police station, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.

Later that evening, Member of Parliament Shrirang Barne and Maharashtra Minister Bharat Gogawale visited the Khopoli police station and met Superintendent of Police Aanchal Dalal to discuss the situation.

Raigad SP Aanchal Dalal said, "An FIR has been registered at Khopoli police station against six named and four unidentified persons. Multiple teams have been formed and forensic experts have been roped in to assist with the investigation. The wife of the accused was a candidate from the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), while the wife of the deceased is the winning candidate from the same ward."

Bharat Gogawale, Maharashtra Minister, said: "Police are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. I have spoken to the Superintendent of Police, and strict action will be taken against those responsible". (ANI)
Bangia Hindu Mahamancha on Thursday protested against the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh in West Bengal's Siliguri. Bangia Hindu Mahamancha President Bikramaditya Mandal said if Hindus are not protected in Bangladesh, we will not let the Bangladeshi officials stay peacefully here. "We are protesting the way Hindus are being lynched in Bangladesh. We have already shut down visa office. If Hindus are not protected in Bangladesh, we will not let the Bangladeshi officials stay peacefully here as well. We will not torture them, but we will not let them work and will make sure they go back to their country...," he said. The lynching of two Hindu Bangladeshis sparked a massive political row in India, with protests erupting in West Bengal and Assam demanding accountability from the neighbouring country's government. Multiple organisations, mostly pro-Hindu activists in saffron-clad clothes, dominated the streets of Kolkata on Friday, demanding that the atrocities being committed against minorities, especially Hindus, be stopped. Meanwhile, India reaffirmed its support for free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh, as political developments unfold in the neighbouring country following the return of BNP leader Tarique Rahman to Dhaka after 17 years and the ban on Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, the country's oldest and largest political party. Addressing the issue at the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal outlined New Delhi's broader approach towards Bangladesh, stressing the importance India attaches to its relationship with the Bangladeshi people. "India wants close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh, which are rooted in the liberation struggle and strengthened through various development and people-to-people initiatives," Jaiswal said. (ANI)
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday offered prayers at the Gurudwara in Raipur on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas. He recalled the strength, valour, and sacrifice of the Veer Sahibzades for their fight against the cruelty of the Mughals. "On the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas, I offered prayers at Gurudwara. I prayed for the well-being of the people of the state. On this day, the nation remembers the brave Sahibzades, who stood like a rock against the cruel Mughal empire, shaking the very existence of religious fanaticism and terror...The story of the Sahibzaade (the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh) is included to teach students about bravery and sacrifice..." he said. Earlier, PM Modi also paid tribute to the Sahibzadas, remembering their sacrifice and courage. PM Modi highlighted the significance of Veer Baal Diwas, reminding people about the courageous Sahibzadas' motive to stand against the Mughals at a very young age, while addressing the national programme marking 'Veer Baal Diwas'. "Today, the nation is observing Veer Bal Diwas. We remember those brave Sahibzadas who are the pride of India. They represent the ultimate expression of India's indomitable courage, valour and bravery. Those brave Sahibzadas broke the limits of age and circumstance. They stood like a rock against the cruel Mughal Sultanate, shaking the very existence of religious fanaticism and terror. A nation with such a glorious past can achieve anything," PM Modi said. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu distributed the 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar' awards at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas. On December 26, 1704, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, were bricked alive by the orders of Wazir Khan, the Nawab of Sirhind, for resisting conversion to Islam during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. The two elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, attained shaheed status, fighting bravely in the Battle of Chamkaur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on January 9, 2022, announced that December 26 would be observed as 'Veer Baal Diwas' to commemorate the martyrdom of the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. (ANI)
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Friday expressed concern over the rising incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and urged government to take appropriate action. "In Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries, Hindus are increasingly being targeted. In Pakistan, Hindus made up 11% of the population at the time of Partition, but today they constitute only 1%. Bangladesh appears to be following the same path. Hindus are being deliberately lynched," he alleged. "Our government should take cognisance of these atrocities and take firm action against such persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh," he added. Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday voiced concern over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and said the opposition does not have information on how the government is dealing with the situation. He said attacks on minorities in Bangladesh are a matter of concern. "Continuous attacks on Hindus are taking place in Bangladesh, and this is a matter of concern. We do not have information on the steps the government is taking or how it is summoning Bangladesh's interim government. Still, it is a grave matter that attacks on minorities are happening there," Pawan Khera told ANI. Days after a youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was brutally murdered in Bangladesh, another youth was lynched. Bangladesh newspaper The Daily Star reported that a Hindu youth identified as Amrit Mondal was lynched at Hosendanga village of Kalimohor union in Rajbari's Pangsha sub-district over an extortion allegation. Police rushed to the spot upon receiving information last night and rescued Samrat in a critical condition.The murder of Mondal took place days after the mob lynching and burning of the Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district. A worker in a garment factory, Dipu Chandra Das, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy charges and had his body hanged and set on fire on December 18. The Daily Star, citing Mymensingh's Additional Superintendent of Police, Abdullah Al Mamun, stated that a factory official had informed Bhaluka police that a group of workers attacked Dipu inside the factory, accusing him of making "derogatory remarks about the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)" in a Facebook post. However, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-14 Company Commander in Mymensingh, Md Samsuzzaman, told The Daily Star that investigators found no evidence suggesting the deceased had posted or written anything on Facebook that could have hurt religious sentiments. (ANI)
Israel hit back at 14 nations calling for the security cabinet to roll back its decision to approve 19 new settlements in the West Bank. Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar rejected the joint statement issued by 14 nations, including the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Canada and Japan. Condemning foreign interference in a strongly worded remark on X, he added that the Cabinet approved the establishment of 11 new settlements in Judea and Samaria and intends to formalise eight additional settlements. The Foreign Minister said, "Israel strongly rejects the statement issued by foreign countries regarding the Cabinet decision on settlements in Judea and Samaria. Foreign governments will not restrict the right of Jews to live in the Land of Israel, and any such call is morally wrong and discriminatory against Jews." "The Cabinet decision to establish 11 new settlements and to formalise eight additional settlements is intended, among other things, to help address the security threats Israel is facing. All of the settlements are located in Area C and are situated on state land," the Israeli minister added. While the joint statement by the 14 nations alleged that the Israeli decision violates international law, Sa'ar argued that the San Remo Conference Mandate in 1920 allows Jewish people to live in the territory of "Mandatory Palestine." "Israel acts in accordance with International Law. The incorporation of the 1917 Balfour Declaration into the Mandate was explicitly agreed upon at the San Remo Conference in 1920. According to the Mandate, the right of the Jewish people to establish their national home extends over the entire territory of 'Mandatory Palestine.' These rights were preserved in Article 80 of the Charter of the United Nations. In the aforementioned statement, the blatant silence of foreign states regarding the Palestinian Authority's illegal construction in Area C is extremely striking," the statement on X read. Earlier, the 14 nations condemned the Israeli security cabinet's approval of 19 new settlements in the West Bank. They argued that the Israeli decision violates international law, terming it "intensification of the settlement politics" in the West Bank and demanded that Israel take back the move. "We, States of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom condemn the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank," the joint statement shared by the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said. The statement added, "We recall that such unilateral actions, as part of a wider intensification of the settlement policies in the West Bank, not only violate international law but also risk fueling instability. They risk undermining the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza amid efforts to progress to phase 2 and harming prospects for long-term peace and security across the region." The 14 nations reiterated their opposition to Israel's "annexation and the expansion of settlement policies." The statement said, "We recall our clear opposition to any form of annexation and to the expansion of settlement policies, including the approval of the E1 settlement and thousands of new housing units. We call on Israel to reverse this decision, as well as the expansion of settlements, in line with UNSC Resolution 2334." "We are resolute in our support of Palestinians' right of self-determination. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the Two-State solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace and security within secure and recognised borders. We reaffirm that there is no alternative to a negotiated two-state solution," the joint statement read. (ANI)
United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture has criticised the detention conditions of former Pakistan Prime Minsiter's wife, Bushra Bibi Khan, stating that the conditions fall far below minimum international standards. Bushra Bibi Khan, the wife of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, is detained in circumstances that could pose a serious risk to her physical and mental integrity, a UN expert warned, urging authorities to take immediate steps to address the situation, a press release by the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) in the UN stated. "The State has an obligation to protect Bushra Bibi Khan's health and ensure conditions of detention compatible with human dignity," said Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture. According to the press release by OHCHR, currently held in Adiala Jail, Bushra Bibi Khan is reportedly confined to a small, airless cell that is described as filthy, overheated and infested with insects and rodents. Power cuts allegedly plunge the cell into darkness. She is reportedly given unclean drinking water and food rendered inedible by excessive chilli powder. These conditions have contributed to significant weight loss of approximately 15 kilograms, recurrent infections, fainting episodes, and untreated medical complications, including a tooth abscess and a stomach ulcer from allegations of contaminated food during an earlier period of detention. "Such conditions fall far below minimum international standards," Edwards said. "No detainee should be exposed to extreme heat, contaminated food or water, or conditions that aggravate existing medical conditions." The expert reminded Pakistan that detention conditions and locations must take into account detainees' age, sex, and health circumstances. Reports also indicate that Bushra Bibi Khan is frequently placed in near-total isolation for more than 22 hours a day, sometimes for periods exceeding ten days, without access to exercise, reading material, legal counsel, family visits, or her personal physicians, the press release said. "The authorities must ensure Khan has the possibility to communicate with her lawyers and receive visits from family members, and have meaningful human contact throughout her detention," Edwards said. "Prolonged isolation of this kind heightens psychological distress and impedes access to essential safeguards," the Special Rapporteur said. "Coupled with untreated medical needs, it poses an acute risk." Bushra Bibi Khan is the wife of Imran Khan, 73, who served as Pakistan's prime minister from 2018-2022. He has also been in jail since his August 2023 arrest. The Special Rapporteur has formally raised Bushra Bibi Khan's situation with the Government of Pakistan and will continue to monitor developments closely. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a local court in Pakistan extended the interim bail of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife in cases linked to the May 9 violence, along with several other matters, while directing the former prime minister to appear at the next hearing either in person or through a video link, according to Dawn. (ANI)
The United States on Thursday (local time) launched a "deadly" strike against the terror organisation Islamic State in northwest Nigeria, said President Donald Trump. Donald Trump, in a social media post on Truth Social, said that the strike targeted terrorists over the alleged killings of Christians. "Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries! I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was," Trump said. "The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper. May God bless our military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues," the US President added. According to the US National Counterterrorism Centre, "ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA) was formed in 2015 when Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIS. The branch, as per the United States, attacks regional military targets and civilian defence forces and frequently attacks government personnel and infrastructure, and Christians." Earlier on December 19 (local time), US and Jordanian forces carried out large-scale air strikes against the Islamic State terror group in Syria, hitting more than 70 ISIS targets with over 100 precision-guided munitions, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. In a post on X, CENTCOM said the strikes were carried out overnight and described the operation as a demonstration of "peace through strength." The command also released a video showing footage of the air strikes. The operation came days after a suspected Islamic State attacker targeted a convoy of US and Syrian forces in the central Syrian town of Palmyra. (ANI)
The United States has imposed visa bans on a former European Union Commissioner, Thierry Breton, and four other Europeans, accusing them of "organised efforts" to suppress "American viewpoints," Al Jazeera reported. The US alleged that the five Europeans pressured tech companies to censor free speech. In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio alleged that the five Europeans had "advanced censorship crackdowns" against "American speakers and American companies", Al Jazeera reported. "For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose. The Trump Administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship," he said on X. According to Al Jazeera, Sarah Rogers, the undersecretary for public diplomacy, accused Breton of using the EU's Digital Services Act to threaten Elon Musk, the owner of X, ahead of an interview he conducted with United States President Donald Trump during his election campaign. The European Commission strongly condemned the move, citing freedom of expression. The commission has sought clarification from the US authorities. In a statement, the European Commission said, "The European Commission strongly condemns the US decision to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a shared core value with the United States across the democratic world. The EU is an open, rules-based single market, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in line with our democratic values and international commitments." "Our digital rules ensure a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies, applied fairly and without discrimination. We have requested clarifications from the US authorities and remain engaged. If needed, we will respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures," the commission added. French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the US' decision, terming it as "coercion" to undermine European digital sovereignty. Macron wrote on X, "France condemns the visa restriction measures taken by the United States against Thierry Breton and four other European figures. These measures amount to intimidation and coercion aimed at undermining European digital sovereignty." "The European Union's digital regulations were adopted following a democratic and sovereign process by the European Parliament and the Council. They apply within Europe to ensure fair competition among platforms, without targeting any third country, and to ensure that what is illegal offline is also illegal online. The rules governing the European Union's digital space are not meant to be determined outside Europe. Together with the European Commission and our European partners, we will continue to defend our digital sovereignty and our regulatory autonomy," the French President added. The DSA has recently sparked tensions in US-EU relations, Al Jazeera said. The row escalated after the European Union imposed a fine on Elon Musk-owned social media platform 'X' for breaching the Digital Services Act, citing lapses in advertising transparency and shortcomings in measures to verify users. (ANI)
The political landscape in Bangladesh has been witnessing some significant moments in the country ahead of the national parliamentary polls in February 2026 and with the current shifts in the country's political trajectory, the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP), formed in the aftermath of the 'July Uprising', is currently moving towards creating an electoral alliance with the radical Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, Prothom Alo reported. According to Abdul Qader, one of the leaders of the July Uprising, which led to the ousting of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year and a former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the NCP is currently in talks with the Jamaat-e-Islami to ally ahead of the parliamentary polls, Prothom Alo reported. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Qader claims that the two parties are discussing a seat-sharing arrangement and that, if talks proceed as planned, an official announcement could be made on Friday. Qader also criticised the move, stating that the NCP had decided to align with Jamaat-e-Islami at the cost of the aspirations of its supporters and activists, alleging that the decision was driven by the interests of a small group of leaders and warned that the party risked losing its independent political identity. "The grave of youth politics is about to be dug. NCP has finally decided to form an alliance with Jamaat. Ignoring the hopes and aspirations of people and party leaders and activists across the country, they have taken such a self-destructive decision solely to serve the interests of a handful of leaders. If everything goes as planned, the announcement of this alliance may come tomorrow, Friday. Through this, NCP will effectively be absorbed into the womb of Jamaat," Qader said in his post on Facebook. He further claimed that the NCP initially demanded 50 seats from the Jamaat in negotiations, which was later reduced to 30. However, several senior NCP leaders have not made an official response to the claims, Prothom Alo reported. Jamaat-e-Islami also did not issue any statement on the matter. Although Abdul Qader is not formally associated with the NCP, many of his fellow leaders from the July uprising later went on to form the party. Like him, NCP convener Nahid Islam and other senior figures previously served as coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. During the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election held in September last year, Abdul Qader contested for the vice-president's post from an NCP-backed panel. Qader is known to be a close supporter of Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, another former coordinator of the student movement, Prothom Alo reported. Following the uprising, Asif Mahmud joined the interim government of Bangladesh but later resigned from his advisory position. He is now contesting the upcoming parliamentary election as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-10 constituency and is not aligned with the NCP. On the same day as Abdul Qader's post, NCP Joint Member Secretary Mir Arshadul Haque announced his resignation from the party, alleging that the NCP was deviating from its original principles, Prothom Alo reported. Abdul Qader claimed he learnt of the alleged alliance with Jamaat around the same time. Abdul Qader also alleged that discussions suggested that Nahid Islam, convener of the NCP, could become prime minister if the alliance wins the election, or leader of the opposition if it loses. The Election Commission has scheduled the 13th parliamentary election and a referendum for February 12 next year. The NCP is contesting the polls with the Shapla Kali (water lily bud) as its election symbol and has announced candidates in more than 100 constituencies. While it has already formed the 'Gonotantrik Sangskar Jote' with the AB Party and the Rastro Songskar Andolon, reports suggest the party is continuing talks with other political groups. (ANI)
The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has taken responsibility for an attack on Pakistani military forces in the Kolwah region and announced the execution of a person it accused of being an army informant, as stated by the group's spokesperson in a report from The Balochistan Post (TBP). In a press release, BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch reported that on the evening of December 23, at approximately 5:30 pm (local time), BLF fighters engaged Pakistani military personnel in the Kanichi area of Kolwah. He mentioned that the assault occurred while the forces were returning to their main base after conducting operations in the surrounding areas. The statement indicated that BLF fighters employed heavy weaponry during the attack, which purportedly inflicted "severe damage" on both the military personnel and their vehicles. According to the spokesperson, the encounter lasted around half an hour. Additionally, in the same statement, the BLF detailed the execution of an individual they accused of collaborating with the Pakistani military. Major Gwahram Baloch stated that on November 12, 2025, BLF fighters apprehended a man named Zahid s/o Nodi, a resident of Sandam in the Gishkore area, from the Hor locality, acting on intelligence received from the group's intelligence wing, as reported by TBP. He stated that the detainee was questioned by the organisation's investigative team and allegedly confessed during interrogation to espionage for the Pakistani army in August 2024. According to the BLF, the man acknowledged taking part in military checkpoints aimed at targeting BLF fighters on five separate occasions. The spokesperson claimed that after verifying the allegations, the group's internal "justice institution" sentenced Zahid Nodi to death. He noted that the execution was carried out on the evening of December 22 at around 6:30 pm (local time) in the Garadi area of Gishkore, where the man was killed, as highlighted by the TBP report. Major Gwahram Baloch further asserted that the BLF intends to undertake further actions against what it termed "enemy elements" based on information gathered during the interrogation. The statement also accused individuals in the Kolwah region of being recruited and organised as informants and hit squad members to oppose the Baloch independence movement, under the guidance of someone identified as Jeeyand Sajidi. The BLF spokesperson concluded by reaffirming that the organisation claims responsibility for the deaths of Pakistani military personnel and members of what it referred to as death squads in the Kolwah area, according to TBP's report. (ANI)
The Baloch Students Organisation (BSO) Azad has alleged that the enforced disappearance of Baloch women by Pakistani security agencies represents what it termed the "worst form of Baloch genocide", expressing concern over what it described as the continued silence of international human rights organisations. In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, a spokesperson for BSO Azad claimed that Baloch women are being forcibly disappeared daily as a form of collective punishment. According to the organisation, women subjected to enforced disappearances allegedly face torture, fabricated criminal cases, and public humiliation through what it described as "media trials", resulting in damage to their honour and dignity. The statement further alleged that elderly and ill women are also being detained and subjected to harsh treatment. BSO Azad accused Pakistani military institutions of operating with "unchecked freedom" in Balochistan, claiming that civilian areas are targeted through drone strikes and bombardment under the justification of counterterrorism operations. BSO Azad asserted that the alleged actions constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and accused global human rights bodies of remaining silent in the face of what it described as grave abuses. The organisation claimed that this silence reflects "complicity" with Pakistani military institutions. According to the statement, enforced disappearances of women are part of a broader policy aimed at suppressing political and social awareness within Baloch society. The organisation also linked the alleged repression to the imprisonment of Baloch political leaders, stating that such measures are intended to weaken resistance movements in the region. The post further warned that Pakistan was attempting to normalise what it described as systemic violence against Baloch women to avoid domestic and international scrutiny. BSO Azad stated that the scale of alleged abuses had reached an "extreme" level and required urgent international attention. Drawing historical parallels, the organisation compared the situation in Balochistan to events during Bangladesh's liberation movement in 1971, when the Pakistani military was accused of committing mass atrocities. According to BSO Azad, similar patterns of violence and repression are now being witnessed in Balochistan, particularly against women. BSO Azad concluded by urging the international community to take notice of the situation and intervene to prevent further alleged abuses against Baloch women. Pakistani authorities have not responded to the allegations raised in the statement at the time of filing this report. (ANI)
A delegation of the Bangladesh National Hindu Mahajot, led by its General Secretary of the Central Executive Committee, Mrityunjoy Kumar Roy, visited the home of the Hindu Youth, Dipu Chandra Das, who was lynched by a mob on December 18, in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district. The delegation, during the visit on Thursday in Mokamiyakannda village in the district, met with the family members of the victim and enquired about their condition and expressed deep condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family. Dipu Chandra Das, a worker in a garment factory, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy charges and had his body hanged and set on fire on December 18. The Daily Star, citing Mymensingh's Additional Superintendent of Police, Abdullah Al Mamun, stated that a factory official had informed Bhaluka police that a group of workers attacked Dipu inside the factory, accusing him of making "derogatory remarks about the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)" in a Facebook post. However, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-14 Company Commander in Mymensingh, Md Samsuzzaman, told The Daily Star that investigators found no evidence suggesting the deceased had posted or written anything on Facebook that could have hurt religious sentiments, adding that neither residents nor fellow garment factory workers could point to any such activity by the victim. The central leaders of the Hindu Mahajot stated that brutally killing an innocent, helpless person by raising a false allegation of religious defamation is in no way acceptable. "Not only was an innocent and helpless person mercilessly murdered based on baseless accusations and without any evidence, but his body was also burned--an act that is extremely disrespectful and painful," the leaders said. "The murder of Dipu Chandra Das is a heinous crime with no justification whatsoever. Allegations, rumors, or differences in belief can never be an excuse for violence. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. This brutal killing cannot be justified under any circumstances. The victim's father, Rabichandra Das, has demanded justice for his son's murder. He also shared with the Hindu Mahajot the dire condition of the family after losing their earning son," the leaders added. On behalf of the Bangladesh National Hindu Mahajot, the central leaders provided financial assistance of BDT 50,000 in cash to the victim's family. At the same time, they assured the family that justice for the innocent Dipu Chandra Das would certainly be ensured. Not only justice, they emphasised, but also that such incidents do not recur in Bangladesh. The leaders further stated that the state and the government must bear the responsibility for the maintenance and livelihood of the entire victimised family. The delegation included Central Senior Vice President Mithu Ranjan Deb, Vice President Tarak Chandra Roy, Central Executive Member Mohan Chandra Sarkar, and Student Mahajot representatives Tanoy Sutradhar and Pranto Sutradhar. (ANI)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf would launch a street movement in accordance with the directions of its founder Imran Khan, asserting that it would be carried out with "full force", according to Dawn. Addressing a jirga in his hometown Bara, Afridi said, "Mr [Imran] Khan has delegated all authority regarding negotiations with the government or resistance to the leadership of the [opposition alliance] Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan. The PTI will accept whatever decision it takes." The chief minister alleged that a coordinated propaganda drive was underway to falsely suggest that the provincial government had approved a military operation in the Tirah area of Khyber tribal district. He said the provincial authorities had repeatedly alerted state institutions about the presence of militants in Tirah, but no action was taken. According to Afridi, the planned military operation was initiated without consulting the provincial government, Dawn reported. Stressing the significance of the region, he said the tribal belt was not a testing ground but a populated area where residents had made immense sacrifices for the country. He also questioned the timing of the operation, saying it was difficult to comprehend why such an action would be carried out during heavy snowfall in Tirah. Reiterating support for the PTI founder's stance, Afridi said, "We vehemently support the stand of Imran Khan on the issue of military operations. He is opposed to such actions insisting they have always brought misery to the innocent tribal people." The chief minister further claimed that the elected government led by Imran Khan was removed through an "illegal operation", followed by what he described as a sustained campaign of fabricated narratives against the PTI. He said the party had countered those narratives and would continue to do so. Afridi said the provincial government had convened the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Grand Peace Jirga with the objective of ensuring long-term peace in the province and the country. He noted that the jirga, which included representatives from political parties, religious groups and other schools of thought, issued a unanimous 15-point declaration, according to Dawn. He said the peace jirga collectively opposed any fresh military operation, but efforts were being made to derail the agreed agenda. According to Afridi, "under the guise of a self-constructed terrorism narrative, efforts were being made to create an anti-governmental environment." He added, "Had there been a genuine intent to restore peace, the provincial government would have been taken into confidence," asserting that decisions taken behind closed doors had historically failed. The chief minister also accused authorities of continuing to marginalise the tribal region, saying that those who had denied its rights for 78 years still wanted to keep it on the periphery, but such attempts would not succeed. Referring to the merger of the former FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Afridi said residents had been promised PKR 1 trillion over 10 years, a commitment that remained unfulfilled. He said the Centre's failure to release funds had negatively impacted development projects in the merged districts. Afridi said his government would not compromise on the rights of the tribal areas and was working on a comprehensive PKR 1 trillion development package focused on health, education and other social sectors. He also said no representative of the federal government had contacted him so far regarding negotiations or any related matter. Later in the day, Afridi visited the residence of a minor patient, Zainab, in Jamrud, fulfilling a promise made earlier. He interacted with her and other special children present on the occasion. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday reiterated India's consistent support for democratic processes in Bangladesh, stressing its call for free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in the neighbouring country. Outlining New Delhi's position, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "India stands for strengthening our ties with the people of Bangladesh. We favour peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh." The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of political developments in Bangladesh ahead of the February 2026 elections. The MEA said it was closely monitoring the situation following the return of former prime minister's son Tarique Rahman, even as concerns persist over the broader political and social environment. Alongside the electoral context, India on Friday also condemned the killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh, describing the incident as a "matter of great concern." The MEA linked its concerns to the wider issue of minority safety and the prevailing law and order situation in the country. The Ministry noted that independent assessments have documented more than 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities during the tenure of Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, including cases of killings, arson and land grabbing. Reacting to the latest killing, Jaiswal said, "The unremitting hostility against minorities in Bangladesh is a matter of great concern. We condemn the recent killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh and expect that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice." The MEA's comments follow recent incidents involving the lynching of Hindu men in Bangladesh, which have renewed focus on minority security concerns. According to police, a 29-year-old Hindu man, Amrit Mandal, was killed on Thursday in Bangladesh's Rajbari district, as reported by The Daily Star. The incident came days after another Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was killed in Mymensingh. Sheikh Moinul Islam, officer-in-charge of Pangsha Model Police Station, said Mandal was allegedly accused of extortion by local residents, after which the situation escalated into mob violence. Earlier, Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, was beaten to death by a mob, following which his body was tied to a tree and set on fire. While initial reports linked the killing to allegations of blasphemy, later details pointed to a workplace dispute as the likely trigger. The MEA had earlier responded to media queries on Das's killing by describing the incident as "horrendous" and urged that those responsible be brought to justice. (ANI)
Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said that Australian authorities are in touch with Indian authorities on the matter of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. Speaking at the last media briefing of 2025 here in the national capital, Jaiswal, when asked about the individuals behind the Bondi Beach attack, said, "We are aware of the reports of the individuals responsible for the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. Australian authorities are in touch with our authorities on this matter." Telangana Police on December 16 stated that Sajid Akram, one of the accused in the Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia, was originally from Hyderabad, contrary to earlier reports that had identified the attackers as being of Pakistani origin.The Telangana Police statement came as Australian authorities continue to investigate the December 14 massacre during the Jewish community's Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach as a terrorist attack, which was carried out by a father and son duo that left 15 people dead and dozens injured.The attackers have been identified as Sajid Akram, aged 50, who was killed by Australian police, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram. Reports indicate that the two were inspired by ISIS ideology, and investigations into the case are ongoing.According to Telangana police authorities, Sajid Akram completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree in Hyderabad before migrating to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment. He later married Venera Grosso, a woman of European origin, and settled permanently in Australia.The couple has two children--a son, Naveed Akram, and a daughter. While Sajid Akram holds an Indian passport, both his children were born in Australia and are Australian citizens. Relatives in India have indicated that Sajid Akram had limited contact with his family in Hyderabad over the past 27 years. After moving to Australia, he visited India on six occasions, primarily for family matters, including property matters and visits to his elderly parents. It is also understood that he did not return to India even at the time of his father's death, police said. Family members have said they were unaware of any radical mindset or activities linked to Sajid Akram and had no knowledge of the circumstances that may have led to his radicalisation. Authorities have stated that the factors contributing to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana. In this context, Telangana Police said there is no adverse record against Sajid Akram during his stay in India prior to his departure in 1998. The attack on December 14 was Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996, when an attacker killed 35 people in the state of Tasmania, as per Al Jazeera. The authorities are investigating the shooting as an act of "terrorism" targeting Jews. Authorities believe the attackers were inspired by ISIL (ISIS) and said the group's flags were found in the car the attackers took to Bondi. While suspect Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene, his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, who was also shot and emerged from a coma, has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism. He remains in custody in the hospital. Some 13 of those wounded at Bondi also remained in Sydney hospitals on Sunday. The Bondi Beach attack is the worst mass shooting in Australia in nearly three decades. (ANI)
Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev on Friday said that the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's return to Bangladesh after living in London in exile for 17 years, has huge potential to shape the destiny of Bangladesh. He reflected upon the parties in Bangladesh and how ultimately any government in Bangladesh has to have a working relationship with India. Speaking to ANI, Sachdev said, "His arrival at this juncture has huge potential for him himself and Bangladesh... It will boost BNP as a party in the immediate run. It will give them a clearly defined young leader, which they didn't have so far... Looking at the crowds yesterday, it could create significant momentum, which could translate into electoral victories for their party." Describing the parties in Bangladesh, he added, "BNP is there, which is soft Islamic, anti-India. Then you have Jamaat, which is hard Islamic and hard anti-India. Then you have the Citizens National Party of the Students, which is again soft Islamic, but which seems anti-India. Then you have Yunus. We don't know where he will go. Then you also have people of the Awami League- Hasina and their leaders are out or killed or have escaped to other countries, but some of their grassroot leaders might context as independents. So these will be the variables." On Rahman, he said, 'In the overall context- given a new face and the fresh charisma. It is something out of the common, which the Bangladeshi people will see. Sachdev that Rahman mirrored Martin Luther King Jr in his speech- 'I have a dream', he (Rehman) said 'I have a plan'. "I hope he also has a plan for normalcy of relations between Bangladesh and India... Any government in Bangladesh has to have a working relationship with India. Tarique has the potential to shape the destiny of Bangladesh but it depends..." Rahman, who is son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, was arrested during the army-backed caretaker government of 2007-08. After his release, he went to London with his family and did not return to the country. After the ousting of Sheikh Hasina last year, he was acquitted one by one of the cases filed during the Awami League period through legal battles, paving the way for his return to the country. Rahman has returned to the country ahead of the elections in February 2026, and in a time when fundamentalist forces grip the nation, engaging in violence against the Hindu minorities. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the death of an Indian student in Canada, saying it is in close contact with the bereaved family and local authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. Responding to a media query, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We are in constant touch with his family, and this is an extremely unfortunate incident. We extend our deepest condolences and are coordinating with local authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the death. Our consulate is providing all possible assistance to the family." The MEA's statement comes amid growing concern following a shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, in which an Indian student was killed. The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed anguish over the incident and said it is providing necessary assistance to the deceased student's family. In a statement posted on X, the Consulate said, "We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities." Earlier on Tuesday, Toronto Police said Shivank Avasthi was shot dead in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area. Officers rushed to the scene and found the victim with a gunshot wound, following which he was pronounced dead at the spot, according to a report by The Toronto Sun. Police officials said the suspects fled the scene before police arrived, and the campus was placed under lockdown during the investigation. According to The Toronto Sun, the incident marked Toronto's 41st homicide of the year. The killing of the Indian student comes amid a series of violent incidents involving Indian nationals in Toronto. Earlier, Toronto Police said a 30-year-old Indian-origin woman was found murdered in the city and that a Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued for a suspect who was known to the victim. The deceased was identified as Himanshi Khurana, a resident of Toronto. Police said they are searching for Abdul Ghafoori (32), also of Toronto, in connection with the case. According to CBC News, investigators said the incident appears to involve "intimate partner violence". Following the incident, India's Consulate in Toronto expressed deep shock and sorrow over Khurana's murder. In a post shared on X, the Consulate said it was "deeply saddened and shocked by the murder of Ms Himanshi Khurana, a young Indian national, in Toronto," and extended its "deepest condolences to her bereaved family during this moment of profound grief." The Consulate added that it has been in close touch with the matter over the past few days and that all possible assistance is being extended to the family in coordination with local authorities as the investigation continues. (ANI)
On the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's after 17 years, Former Diplomat Rajiv Bhatia said that his return can be assessed in a positive manner as Rahman has spoken about a peaceful and inclusive Bangladesh and said it remains to be seen what Rahman does in the country. In an interview to ANI, Bhatia said, "Based on what we know about Tarique Rahman and his parents- one of whom was the President of Bangladesh, and the other who served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, we can say tentatively that we assess his return in a positive manner. There are just a handful of political parties in that country. The BNP is probably the largest and most influential (in Bangladesh) at this time... It (his return) is good for the party and therefore for the country." Speaking on the impact of Tarique Rahman's return on international diplomatic relations, the former Envoy told ANI, "We will have to wait and see what Tarique Rehman has to say about foreign policy. He has spoken a lot about what he wants for Bangladesh; he is talking about a peaceful, safe, and inclusive Bangladesh. We should welcome that. These are very initial days and we will have to see what he says more and especially what he does". Earlier, Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev told ANI that Rahman has huge potential to shape the destiny of Bangladesh. He reflected upon the parties in Bangladesh and how ultimately any government in Bangladesh has to have a working relationship with India. Tarique Rahman, who is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, was arrested during the army-backed caretaker government of 2007-08. After his release, he went to London with his family and did not return to the country. After the ousting of Sheikh Hasina last year, he was acquitted one by one of the cases filed during the Awami League period through legal battles, paving the way for his return to the country. Rahman has returned to the country ahead of the elections in February 2026, and in a time when fundamentalist forces grip the nation, engaging in violence against the Hindu minorities. (ANI)
Mahishini Colonne, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India hailed how India has consistently stood by Sri Lanka when the country faced key challenges in the last two decades and called New Delhi as a model for all other regions. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Colonne highlighted how India has come to Sri Lanka's aid right from the 2004 Tsunami to Cyclone Ditwah. "Way back in 2004 when the tsunami struck, India was the first country to rush in with assistance to Sri Lanka. that was also while India faced severe difficulty as well during the time of the tsunami. India lost lives as well. And so from 2004 onwards, if we just take that as the benchmark, because it was exactly 21 years ago that that happened. So tsunami and then 2009, there was the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka, and India rushed in to help even then when Sri Lanka was faced with this problem of dealing with displaced persons and then economic instability in 2022. Then in 2019, there was the COVID pandemic when India rushed in vaccines to help us. And then the economic crisis and now cyclone Ditwah". . She underscored, "Sri Lanka at first hand has experienced how India has consistently, over the last two decades, stood by Sri Lanka, even at moments when India itself faced difficulty. So I believe that it's a model for the region, for the entire Indian Ocean region, as well as the larger Indo-Pacific, in fact India being so close geographically to Sri Lanka, India is best placed to help. And India's help has also been not of just relief and rescue itself. In every instance that I mentioned, India has also seen through Sri Lanka in the next phase of rebuilding, reconstructing, and so on." Colonne noted how Indian help to Sri Lanka cuts across party lines and governments and how the capacity-building is not conditional on anything. She told ANI, "India also respects the sovereignty of Sri Lanka, meaning India helps based on the needs of Sri Lanka and what the Sri Lankan people want. then it's also across governments, across individual leaders, because we've seen different governments in Sri Lanka, different governments in India, different leaders. But India has built this capacity and irrespective of which government is in power, India has the capacity to help and India has built that capacity so it's not also conditional on anything. I think it's a very good model for all other regions and for the Indo-Pacific region at large." In the interview which touched several aspects of India-Sri Lanka ties, speaking about the tourism links between New Delhi and Colombo, Colonne, said, "India is Sri Lanka's largest source market for tourism. In 2024, Indians accounted for about 20% of tourists visiting Sri Lanka... for Indian travellers, Sri Lanka is more than just a tourist destination because we share a culture and a civilisational link... Apart from that, you're also helping us, not just the government, but people whose livelihoods depend on tourism... the message that I want to give is it's also value for money... I want to invite all Indians. I think in 2026, Sri Lanka should be on every Indian's itinerary. Sri Lankans welcome Indians, and we see Indians as family..." On Sri Lankan participation in the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, the High Commissioner told ANI, "There will be participation from Sri Lanka, but at this particular moment, I cannot say who will be participating. India-Sri Lanka relationship is at a level of unprecedented excellence, and going forward, I think the sky is the limit." (ANI)
Christmas Eve was largely uneventful in many parts of China this year as the Chinese Communist government imposed stricter measures on religious gatherings, public festivities and even holiday decorations, according to accounts from pastors, Christians and local residents across the country documented by The Epoch Times (TET). House churches in several provinces reported that their planned Christmas services were obstructed by state security agents. Universities cautioned students against public celebrations or social media references to Christmas. Police in Shanghai detained individuals participating in impromptu street events. Commercial Christmas displays also declined noticeably or were restricted to designated areas. Religious activities linked to Christmas were largely confined to officially recognised venues, while public expressions of the holiday were increasingly suppressed. On December 24, Christians associated with China's underground house churches in Shandong, Zhejiang and Sichuan provinces said they were prevented from holding Christmas Eve services by local state security personnel, according to the TET report. Pastor Huang from Qingdao in Shandong Province said authorities informed church members that gatherings for Christmas Eve services were not allowed. He and his family instead held a private meeting at home with a few close friends. "All group gatherings are prohibited here," Huang said. "Shopping malls are also not permitted to display Christmas trees or decorations. There is no Christmas spirit at all this year, not only in Qingdao but also in other areas, as reported by fellow Christians from other locations," he said, as quoted by TET. In Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, a city known for its large Christian population, Pastor Wang told The Epoch Times that officials allowed Christmas events only at government-recognised churches. "Several believers detained earlier in December have yet to be released," he said. "As a result, many [Christians] here feel discouraged from attending group activities," as cited in the TET report. Under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), only state-sanctioned Christian churches aligned with the CCP are officially recognised. Sermons and activities must strictly comply with regulations set by the CCP's National Religious Affairs Administration. According to TET, these government-approved churches have been required to remove Christian symbols such as crosses and images of Jesus and replace them with portraits of CCP leaders while promoting communist ideology during sermons. (ANI)
As India recently announced a $450-million "reconstruction package" for Sri Lanka to help the island nation recover from the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, has praised India's long-standing support to Sri Lanka, saying its consistent assistance during times of crisis has emerged as a model for the Indian Ocean and the wider Indo-Pacific region. In an exclusive interview with ANI on Friday, Colonne described the recent visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Sri Lanka--just weeks after Operation Sagar Bandhu--as deeply meaningful and timely. She said the visit reassured both the Sri Lankan government and its people that India stands firmly with them during moments of difficulty. The High Commissioner noted that the visit was far more than symbolic. Jaishankar carried a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting commitment at the highest political level, and the visit was linked to India's pledge of $450 million in assistance for Sri Lanka's reconstruction efforts. Colonne said Jaishankar is widely viewed by Sri Lankans as a trusted friend, recalling his earlier visit during the country's economic crisis, when people faced long queues for fuel and food. His meetings with leaders across political parties, including the opposition, further reinforced India's message of solidarity, she added. Recalling December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Colonne said India was the first country to rush aid to Sri Lanka, even while grappling with its own losses. She pointed out that this pattern of support has continued over the past two decades, including assistance after the end of the armed conflict in 2009, vaccine support during the COVID-19 pandemic, help during the 2022 economic crisis, and most recently following Cyclone Detour. "Sri Lanka has experienced, first-hand, how India has consistently stood by us, even when India itself faced difficulties," Colonne said, adding that India's proximity and capacity make it uniquely placed to assist Sri Lanka. She stressed that Indian support respects Sri Lanka's sovereignty and is guided by the needs and priorities of the Sri Lankan people. The High Commissioner also highlighted strong people-to-people ties, noting that India remains Sri Lanka's largest source market for tourism. In 2024, Indians accounted for about 20 per cent of tourist arrivals. She invited Indian travelers to see Sri Lanka as more than a holiday destination, pointing to shared culture, heritage and civilizational links. "Indian tourists are also supporting the livelihoods of thousands of Sri Lankans who depend on tourism," she said, inviting Indians to include Sri Lanka in their travel plans in the coming years. "We welcome Indians as family." Notably, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced on Tuesday that India has proposed a comprehensive USD 450 million assistance package to support Sri Lanka's reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. The announcement follows the successful completion of the immediate humanitarian phase under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India's rapid response to the crisis. Speaking in Colombo as a special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaishankar emphasised India's commitment to its neighbour during a uniquely challenging period, saying "the letter from PM Modi that I handed over builds on our first responder role and commits a reconstruction package of USD 450 million to Sri Lanka." Jaishankar detailed the scale of the initial relief efforts, noting that the operation "delivered around 1100 tonnes of relief material" and "about 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment were also provided." Highlighting New Delhi's continued engagement with Colombo, the Jaishankar said PM Modi has directed officials to work closely with the Sri Lankan government to address rebuilding priorities. "Recognising the urgency of rebuilding, PM Modi directed that we now engage with the Sri Lankan government to address their priority in that regard," Jaishankar said. He outlined the proposed assistance package, stating, "The assistance package that we have proposed is worth USD 450 million. It will include USD 350 million in a Concessional line of credit and USD 100 million in grants." Jaishankar stated. The USD 450 million package is currently being "finalised in close consultation with the government of Sri Lanka" to ensure the funds are directed toward the most critical infrastructure and recovery needs. This latest move reaffirms India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, positioning New Delhi as the first responder and a steady partner in Sri Lanka's path to stability. Beyond immediate relief and reconstruction, Jaishankar underlined India's intention to support Sri Lanka's economic recovery through sustained engagement. "Let me assure you that we will continue to encourage tourism traffic from India in that regard," he said, pointing to tourism as a key driver for Sri Lanka's economy. He also highlighted the role of Indian investments, noting, "An increase in foreign direct investment from India can also boost your economy at a critical time." Acknowledging the challenges faced by Sri Lanka, Jaishankar said the country was once again under pressure just as it was emerging from past difficulties. "We fully recognise that this is a challenging period for Sri Lanka. Just as it was recovering from the economic crisis of 2022, this natural disaster created new difficulties," he said. (ANI)
Israel on Friday formally recognised Somaliland as an independent country, becoming the first nation to do so more than 30 years after the territory broke away from Somalia, Times of Israel reported. The declaration of mutual recognition was signed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on behalf of Israel, and by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi for Somaliland. The breakaway region is located in a strategically important part of the Horn of Africa, along the Red Sea corridor. Speaking to President Abdullahi over the phone, Netanyahu described the moment as historic. "The friendship between the countries was seminal and historic," he said. Netanyahu said Israel now plans to expand cooperation with Somaliland across multiple sectors. "We intend to work together with you in economic fields, on agriculture, in the fields of social development," he said. "I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel," Netaynayahu said in a post on X. Later on Friday, Netanyahu's office released a video of the phone conversation in which he informed Abdullahi about the decision in real time. "I want you to know that I am signing now as we speak Israel's official recognition of the Somaliland," Netanyahu told him, adding that the relationship would open up new economic opportunities. Netanyahu also invited the Somaliland president to visit Israel officially. Abdullahi responded that he would come "as soon as possible," according to the Israeli statement. Netanyahu said the recognition aligns with Israel's broader regional outreach. He noted that the declaration "is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of US President Donald Trump." The Abraham Accords, brokered in 2020, led to Israel establishing diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with Morocco and other countries joining later, Times of Israel reported. Somaliland has said it aspires to join the Abraham Accords framework. While no other country has formally recognised Somaliland so far, several nations, including the UK, Ethiopia, Turkey, the UAE, Denmark, Kenya and Taiwan, have maintained informal diplomatic ties with Somaliland. Somaliland briefly gained independence in 1960 and was recognised by Israel and 35 other countries at the time before voluntarily uniting with Somalia. It declared separation again in 1991 after Somalia collapsed into civil war. Since then, Somaliland has functioned largely as a separate state, with its own government, currency and security forces. It has also seen relatively stable governance and peaceful democratic transitions, in contrast to the prolonged instability in Somalia. (ANI)
SHIZUOKA, Dec 27 (News On Japan) - A man was arrested at the scene after multiple people were stabbed at a factory in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, on Tuesday evening, leaving 15 workers injured, police said.

The suspect, identified as Masaki Koyama, 38, an unemployed resident of Mishima, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. According to investigators, Koyama allegedly attacked a 28-year-old male employee with a knife-like object at around 4 p.m. at the Yokohama Rubber Mishima plant in Minami-Futsukaicho, attempting to kill him.

Investigative sources said the suspect is believed to be connected to the factory and was seen wearing what appeared to be a gas mask while spraying a liquid resembling bleach inside the facility.

The victims, all men in their 20s to 50s, sustained injuries including cuts from the blade, but police said all were conscious and none were in life-threatening condition.

Police have not disclosed whether Koyama has admitted to the allegations and are continuing to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack.

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Dec 27 (News On Japan) - A shaved-headed man wearing sandals, half-length pants and a black T-shirt walked through Narita Airport around noon on Friday, surrounded by investigators from the Metropolitan Police Department. He briefly glanced at the assembled cameras before repeatedly bowing his head with a tense expression.

The man was Keisai Kominato, also known as Keisai Fukuhara, the former president of Neo Universe, which operated the luxury watch-sharing service TokeMatch. Fukuhara, 44, had been on an international wanted list after fleeing to Dubai and was arrested on suspicion of fraud involving high-end watches such as Rolex.

Police allege that Fukuhara defrauded a man in Tokyo of 15 luxury watches, including Rolex models, with a total market value of about 18 million yen. He had been internationally wanted for one year and nine months in connection with the case.

The incident, widely known as the TokeMatch case, drew national attention in 2024. The service allowed owners to entrust luxury watches to the company, which then rented them out to users. A portion of the rental fees was paid to the owners.

However, in late January 2024, the company abruptly announced on its website that it would dissolve and terminate the service. Shortly afterward, Fukuhara fled to Dubai with former employee Daisuke Nagata.

Investigators believe that Fukuhara and his associates sold the watches without permission to secondhand dealers and used the proceeds for purposes including cryptocurrency purchases, while failing to return the watches to their owners.

According to police, complaints have been filed in 45 prefectures, with about 650 victims reporting that their watches were never returned. Total damages are estimated to exceed 2.8 billion yen.

One victim said, I dont know if my watch will ever come back. I dont know whether it was stolen or what was done with it. I just hope even a part of it is returned, or that some of the money comes back.

In December, authorities in the United Arab Emirates informed Japanese police that Fukuhara had been detained. Investigators were dispatched to the region, and following his handover, he was arrested upon arrival at Narita Airport.

Another former employee, Taishi Nakayama, 44, has also been arrested on suspicion of fraud. However, Nagata, who fled to Dubai with Fukuhara, remains at large, and police are continuing their search.

Commenting on the case, commentator Hideo Yanagisawa said that around 1,700 watches had been entrusted to the company, with roughly 1,300 allegedly sold off to pawnshops. He added that it appeared the operation had been planned from the outset. He also warned that as sharing services expand to items such as cars and clothing, fraud schemes are becoming more sophisticated, making it increasingly important for consumers to stay alert to changing risks.

Source: FNN
KYOTO, Dec 27 (News On Japan) - A camera from the Sankei Shimbun was granted rare access to the abandoned Hakubutsukan-Dobutsuen Station, located between Keisei Ueno and Nippori stations on the Keisei Electric Railway line, which was closed in 2004 and has remained largely untouched ever since.

The station, whose name translates to Museum Zoo Station, once served as a gateway to nearby cultural facilities, but fell out of use due to declining passenger numbers. In 2018, it briefly drew attention again when it became the venue for an art event, during which an upside-down rabbit sculpture was installed on the platform.

Although the artwork was originally scheduled to be removed after the event, calls to preserve it grew among visitors and organizers, leading to its relocation onto the platform, where it remains on display today. The surreal rabbit figure now greets anyone who steps into the silent station, adding an unexpected touch of whimsy to the deserted space.

Inside, the station has undergone little modification since its closure, with much of its original structure left intact. The platforms, passageways, and fixtures still reflect the atmosphere of the early 2000s, offering a rare glimpse into a forgotten corner of Tokyos rail network that has quietly stood still for two decades.

Source: 
KYOTO, Dec 27 (News On Japan) - Wild animals are moving ever closer to human living areas, with unexpected encounters now becoming a daily reality across parts of Japan.

In July, reporters visited Tawara Town in Kyoto Prefecture after a series of unusual incidents revealed a growing disconnect between people and wildlife. Residents found their car side mirrors repeatedly torn off, with more than 150 cases reported in a short period. Locals said monkeys were responsible, grabbing mirrors and carrying them away. They pull them off and take them, one resident said, adding that the animals appeared unusually bold.

To understand the behavior, researchers conducted tests at a zoo. The monkeys were found to be reacting to their reflections, mistaking them for rivals. After attacking and defeating what they saw in the mirror, the behavior became habitual. Despite countermeasures by local authorities, the damage has continued.

Similar changes in monkey behavior have been reported elsewhere. In Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, residents say monkeys now roam freely through residential areas, enter homes, and raid crops. Locals described sightings of monkeys climbing rooftops and even entering Buddhist altars. During peak tourist season near Kinosaki Onsen, the animals have been seen moving along roads and rooftops, startling visitors.

City officials say monkey sightings have risen sharply over the past decade. Last year alone, 42 cases were confirmed, the highest on record. Patrols are conducted twice daily to prevent animals from entering residential zones, yet encounters continue. During one patrol, reporters witnessed monkeys moving across rooftops and staring down at people below.

In response, Toyooka introduced a new measure this year: a large trap designed specifically for monkeys. The structure, resembling a small house, uses slippery aluminum panels to prevent escape once animals enter. Food such as fruit is placed inside as bait. Although the trap has been in operation since December, no captures have yet been reported.

Experts say the underlying cause is the gradual depopulation of rural areas. As farmland is abandoned and homes stand empty, wildlife finds food and shelter with little human interference. For animals, these areas are becoming comfortable places to live, one specialist explained. They are no longer afraid of humans.

The situation is not limited to monkeys. Bears have also begun appearing in unprecedented numbers. As of December 5, bear-related injuries nationwide had reached 13, the highest figure on record. In Kyoto Prefecture, hunting teams have been placed on alert after repeated sightings.

At a controlled hunting area, experienced hunters noted that bears are no longer hibernating as they once did. Warmer temperatures and steady food supplies have shortened or eliminated their winter dormancy. If theres food, they dont hibernate, one hunter explained, pointing to climate change as a key factor.

To better understand bear behavior, reporters visited a bear sanctuary in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, home to around 120 Asiatic black bears. The facility has been operating since 1976 and allows close observation of the animals. Staff explained that bears are omnivorous, highly intelligent, and possess extraordinary strength and speed, capable of running up to 40 kilometers per hour. Their sense of smell is estimated to be eight times stronger than that of dogs.

Despite their fearsome reputation, caretakers emphasized that bears are naturally timid. They attack to protect themselves or their cubs, not because they want to harm people, one handler said.

In Kyotos Kizugawa area, where bears were previously unknown, sightings began earlier this year. More than 60 reports have been logged so far. Elementary school children now wear bells while commuting, and monitoring cameras have been installed across the region. Drone surveys using thermal imaging have also been deployed to locate animals, revealing large populations of deer in nearby mountains, another factor attracting predators.

Experts say depopulation and aging communities are creating ideal conditions for wildlife. Abandoned farmland, overgrown vegetation, and a lack of human activity have turned once-managed areas into natural feeding grounds. In Hyogo Prefecture, authorities have begun implanting microchips in captured bears before releasing them, allowing officials to track movements and control population growth.

Researchers warn that without coordinated action, the situation will worsen. Some estimates suggest Japans bear population could double within five years. Specialists are calling for stronger management policies, including habitat control, electric fencing, and long-term wildlife monitoring.

The problem is no longer isolated incidents, one expert said. Human activity has retreated, and animals are filling the gap. Unless action is taken now, conflicts will only increase.

As Japans rural landscapes continue to change, the line between human settlements and wildlife territory is rapidly disappearing, raising urgent questions about how coexistence can be maintained in the years ahead.

Source: KTV NEWS
TOKYO, Dec 27 (News On Japan) - A Thai girl who was 12 years old at the time and had been illegally made to work at a massage parlor in Tokyo has departed from Narita Airport for Thailand, according to police.

The case involves Masayuki Hosono, 52, who operated a massage shop in Tokyos Bunkyo Ward and has been charged with violating the Child Welfare Act and other offenses for forcing the Thai national to work illegally.

According to Thai government officials, the girl left Narita Airport for Thailand on the morning of December 27. After returning home, she is expected to be placed under the protection of Thai authorities.

The girl came to Japan in June with her 29-year-old mother and was allegedly forced to provide sexual services at a private-room massage parlor, where she is believed to have served around 70 customers.

In September, the girl sought help on her own at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau and was taken into protective custody by relevant authorities. She reportedly said, I wanted to go back to Thailand, but I couldnt tell my mother. I thought my family wouldnt be able to survive unless I worked, so I endured it.

The girls mother was arrested by Thai police on December 23 on suspicion of human trafficking and related offenses, including introducing her daughter to the Tokyo massage shop and having her provide sexual services.

According to investigators, the mother stated that her daughter would not listen to her and that she felt unable to control her, leading her to send the girl to work at the massage parlor. She has partially denied the charges, claiming she was unaware that her actions were illegal, and Thai police are continuing their investigation.

Source: TBS
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Sudans Sovereignty Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan held talks in Ankara on Thursday, December 25, to review bilateral relations and discuss Sudans protracted conflict, Turkiyes Directorate of Communications said in a statement.

In the statement posted on X, the Directorate said the talks covered cooperation between Turkiye and Sudan, alongside wider regional and global developments. Erdogan expressed Ankaras intention to deepen collaboration in key sectors, including trade, agriculture, defense industry and mining.

The Turkish president warned that the fighting in Sudan has triggered one of the worlds gravest humanitarian crises, citing reports of acts amounting to crimes against humanity, particularly in El Fasher region. He called for serious and determined steps to halt the violence.

Erdogan reaffirmed Turkiyes support for peace, stability and Sudans territorial integrity, stressing the need for a ceasefire and a durable political settlement. He also pledged continued humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of the Sudanese population affected by the conflict.
Libyas General Union of Oil and Gas Sector warned that continued delays in approving the oil sectors budget pose an existential risk to both workers and national infrastructure.

In a statement issued in Tripoli on Thursday, the union described the delay as a deliberate obstruction, noting that its impact is already evident in the suspension of training and development programs, disruptions to healthcare services for members, and the accumulation of unpaid financial obligations.

The union stressed that the oil and gas sector remains the backbone of Libyas economy and public finances, funding public sector salaries, utilities, healthcare, education, security services and infrastructure development. It cautioned that withholding the sectors budget effectively paralyses the state treasury and could lead to the shutdown of oil and gas facilities.

Warning of broader national consequences, the union said the continuation of the impasse would undermine the states ability to meet its basic obligations to citizens. It called on all executive and legislative authorities to intervene urgently to approve the budget and assume responsibility for safeguarding the countrys primary economic lifeline.
Algeria has officially removed its ambassador to Lebanon after a diplomatic scandal that reverberated from Beirut to Washington.

The Algerian regime published in its official gazette the decree confirming that Kamel Bouchama was dismissed retroactively to October 9 following remarks that shocked observers.

The controversy erupted on September 23 during a cultural conference in Beirut, where Bouchama launched into an improvised speech and described the US President Donald Trump as a moron, a cowboy, and someone fit for a psychiatric ward.

The comments, widely circulated online, drew criticism in Washington and embarrassment in Algiers.

The undiplomatic remarks were symptomatic of an Algerian foreign policy resembling a game of verbal roulette: loud, erratic, and allergic to restraint.

Officials tried to spin the insults as personal opinions, as if an ambassador stops representing his country when he picks up a microphone.

The episode highlights deeper issues in Algerian diplomacy including improvisation, lack of discipline, and a tendency to confuse provocation with strategy.

For Algeria, the damage goes beyond one mans words. The Bouchama affair underscores a systemic problem of a foreign policy that often generates crises instead of managing them.
- If you had told me months ago that this drama would make it to my Best Dramas I Watch in 2025 list, I would not have believed you. Upon immediately finishing, I did have some complaints about the way the ending was framed. But then... I just kept thinking about this show. It felt different from most sagueks. While there was a lot of focus on the romance, I don't think the romance was presented uncritically. I think the acknowledgement of what the female lead (a court lady) was giving up by being with the king as his concubine is something you don't often see. Plus, the way that we follow the female lead from childhood through adulthood, alongside her 3 friends who are also servants in the palace, allowed the show to explore multiple quite different stories of women working the palace. And the overall theme, to me, was really about how life is cruel and the idealistic dreams of young girls are rarely the reality of their futures. Kinda dark. But well, it really stuck with me and made me think which is why The Red Sleeve earned its spot on my list.- A surprise entry! Well not to me. But probably to most people. I feel like this isn't a drama that gets talked about a lot, but I LOVED it. The visual style of the show is so dynamic and true to its webtoon roots that it captured my attention completely. This drama centers on Ga-min, a student who REALLY wants to be a good student and go to university. He tries SO hard to study! He's doing his best! He's just... not very good at it. So in a last ditch effort to be accepted to university he transfers to a technical high school where he can qualify for special admission to university if he is one of the top students. Except... even in this high school full of future gangsters, he's not doing well. He recruits other students into joining a study group with him and together they attempt to study and achieve their goals while surviving their notoriously violent high school. Luckily for them all, while Ga-min is a poor student, he is an EXCEPTIONAL fighter. :D *cue amazing fight scenes*- It's another tear jerker, fam! While the show does explore a number of different kinds of familial relationships, I think that at its heart, the show is about the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters and how that shapes the women involved. Mothers want what is best for their daughters, but the daughters also want to be free from the burden of expectation and forge their own paths. The central character is Ae-sun and we follow her life from girlhood through to her final years. As a young girl from a poor family with so much potential and intelligence, circumstances change the plans and dreams she'd had for her life. But even though her life isn't exactly what she'd hoped it'd be, she finds beauty and joy in her life and in the family she builds with her beloved husband. Her life spans a range of emotions and experiences, taking viewers on a journey through the heights and depths of the human experience.- This drama was a deeply moving story that follows two complicated women from elementary school into their 40s and explores how they shape each others lives. Sometimes best friends and sometimes rivals, their insecurities, petty jealousies and private pain cause misunderstandings and estrangements. But theres always something that inevitably pulls them towards each other. There are moments of outright tragedy in the drama, but its filled with the kinds of quiet, everyday tragedy too. Just two people who hurt each other, both intentionally and unintentionally. Two people who have personal pain that they seem unable to share and communicate with each other, leading to misunderstandings and fallings out. Two people who could be a source of great strength for each other but who just never quite manage to understand the other at the right time to be the person the other one needs.- While this drama has many of the hallmarks of a typical sageuk (a evil minister, a coup in the past that set events of the story into motion etc), Moon River not only executes those elements perfectly, but it introduces some fantastical elements that really sets it apart from other historical dramas. Five years prior to the start of the series, the Crown Princess had been deposed and died by suicide, leaving the Crown Prince devastated and determined to get revenge upon the Left Minister who was behind the entire thing. As the story kicks off, the Crown Prince encounters a traveling merchant with lost memories who looks exactly like his deceased wife. What follows is a pretty perfectly balanced mix of high stakes emotional drama with some wacky body swapping hijinks. This was an utterly delight to watch and the two leads were SO good playing the other's character when the body swaps happen. There was also a lot of delightful chemistry between the leads. It's honestly been many years since I've watched a sageuk that stuck the landing so well. I can't get over how good it was!Honorable Mentions: Our Unwritten Seoul, Resident Playbook, Bon Appetit Your Majesty, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Hearts Ryeo, and Dear Hongrang
The U.S. believes this economic pressure will lead to an "economic calamity" in Venezuela by late January unless the Maduro government agrees to significant concessions, alongside an expanded U.S. military presence in the Caribbean.

The U.S. Coast Guard has already intercepted two Venezuelan crude tankers, and the blockade has successfully disrupted oil flows between Venezuela, Cuba, and China.

The Trump administration has ordered the U.S. military to enforce a two-month "quarantine" of Venezuelan oil as part of an intensified "gunboat diplomacy" campaign to pressure the Maduro regime.

The Trump administration has ordered the U.S. military to enforce a two-month "quarantine" of Venezuelan oil, signaling an intensification of gunboat diplomacy aimed at fostering regime instability in Caracas, with potential spillover effects that could ripple across the Caribbean into Cuba.

"While military options still exist, the focus is to first use economic pressure by enforcing sanctions to reach the outcome the White House is looking (for)," a U.S. official told Reuters on Wednesday afternoon, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The U.S. Coast Guard has already intercepted two Venezuelan crude tankers this month and is prepared to seize another dark fleet tanker, but the vessel Bella-1 was chased away.

Sources familiar with the sanctioned Bella-1 told Bloomberg that the tanker retreated into the Atlantic after being pursued by U.S. Coast Guard forces. The tanker failed to comply with instructions to move to calmer waters for boarding.

Bella-1's decision to evade closely monitored Venezuelan waters underscores how the Trump administration's U.S. blockade, widely viewed as gunboat diplomacy, has already disrupted VenezuelaCubaChina oil flows. The blockade is set to further tighten financial pressure on President Nicolas Maduro's government by constraining crucial oil revenues. Beijing has already condemned Trump's gunboat diplomacy.

According to analytics firm Kpler, Caracas has shipped nearly 900,000 barrels per day this year and relies on 400 dark-fleet tankers to transport the crude, much of which is bound for China.

"The efforts so far have put tremendous pressure on Maduro, and the belief is that by late January, Venezuela will be facing an economic calamity unless it agrees to make significant concessions to the U.S," the U.S. official told Reuters.

Also reported this week, the Trump administration continues to expand its large military presence in the Caribbean, with more than 15,000 troops, an aircraft carrier, multiple warships, and stealth fighters staged across the region.

As we have repeatedly noted, this all reflects a significant reposturing of the U.S. military toward so-called Western hemispheric defense, effectively a Monroe Doctrine 2.0.

By Zerohedge

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Despite the U.S. escalation, analysts state that supply-side disruptions are the primary driver of the oil price climb, with at least six sanctioned tankers reported to have loaded oil from Venezuela since December 11.

The U.S. has imposed a partial blockade on tanker traffic from Venezuela, with the Coast Guard pursuing the sanctioned vessel

Crude oil prices saw their most substantial weekly gain since October, with both Brent and West Texas Intermediate rising over $2 per barrel, driven by escalating U.S. pressure on Venezuela and a U.S. military strike in Nigeria.

Crude oil prices were set for the most substantial gain since October this week amid intensifying U.S. pressure on Venezuela, with both Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate gaining over $2 per barrel in the last full week of 2025.

A newly reported U.S. military strike on Islamic State terrorists in Nigeria contributed to the oil price climb.

At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $62.41 per barrel...

With West Texas Intermediate at $58.54 per barrel, after media cited President Donald Trump as saying U.S. forces had delivered a powerful and deadly strike against the Islamic State in Nigeria.

AP cited a Defense Department official as saying the strike was coordinated with the Nigerian government.

Meanwhile, in Venezuela, U.S. forces have imposed a partial blockade on tanker traffic from the country and the Coast Guard is still chasing a tanker that turned away from its Venezuela course last weekend. According to a Reuters report, the Coast Guard is waiting for reinforcements in order to be able to seize the vessel.

The Bella 1, which is the vessel that the Coast Guard is pursuing, is a very large crude carrier that was en route to Venezuela to load crude. According to U.S. officials, the vessel was not flying a valid national flag. The Bella 1 was sanctioned because of alleged ties between its owner and the Iranian government.

Earlier in the week, however, Bloomberg reported that at least half a dozen sanctioned tankers have loaded oil from Venezuela since December 11, when the U.S. escalated the pressure on Venezuelan oil exports, per data from Kpler.

Supply-side disruptions have become the primary driver of oil prices, one Galaxy Futures analyst told Reuters today. Thats despite the fact that oil loadings continue from Venezuela and that the U.S. strike on Islamic State was not in an oil-producing region of Nigeria.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The long-term risk of a military provocation is considered likely, especially if the war in Ukraine freezes, though the timeline for a full-scale attack on a NATO member like Estonia is debated, ranging from the near future to 5-10 years away.

Skeptics argue that Russia's inability to subdue Ukraine and the lack of concrete evidence for an immediate attack suggest these warnings may be used to push NATO members to meet defense spending commitments or gain political leverage.

Senior European officials, including NATO chief Mark Rutte and top German and Polish generals, have issued frequent and serious warnings in 2025 about the possibility of a direct conflict with Russia.

The polite applause faded and NATO chief Mark Rutte arranged his papers neatly on the rostrum. It took him 62 seconds to get to the point.

The dark forces of oppression are on the march again, he said. We are Russias next target.

Ruttes speech in Berlin on December 11 was just the latest in an unprecedented series of warnings of direct conflict with Russia made in 2025 by senior European officials and intelligence agencies.

In February, Danish intelligence said Russia sees itself in conflict with the West and is preparing for a war against NATO; in June, Germanys top general said an attack may come within four years; in November, his words were echoed by his Polish counterpart -- two days after German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said some military historians even believe we have already had our last summer of peace.

This list of warnings is far from exhaustive. Rutte has been most frequent.

In January, he urged NATO members to hike defense spending or get Russian language classes, while in June he said an attack could be coordinated with a Chinese assault on Taiwan.

His December 11 speech was his loudest alarm bell yet, speaking of the scale of war our grandparents or great-grandparents endured with mass mobilization, millions displaced.

What's Behind The Warnings?

The frequent comments have made headlines -- and raised question marks, especially with the United States showing waning interest in maintaining the levels of security support it has given Europe in the past.

This is something that Ive been pondering especially as there is no evidence at all that Russia can or wants to attack NATO, John Foreman, a former British military attache in Moscow and Kyiv, told RFE/RL.

I think a number of politicians and military types are using the specter of the Russian threat for more prosaic reasons: Rutte to encourage NATO nations to meet their spending commitments. The Poles to get more NATO on their territory, he added.

Other skeptics have pointed out that after nearly four years of war Russia has been unable to subdue Ukraine -- even if it has been edging forward this year at enormous cost in casualties and equipment.

Teemu Tammikko, from the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, also said that Russia did not appear willing and able to attack NATO for the moment.

But he told RFE/RLs Russian Service that President Vladimir Putins grip on power was dependent on an external threat, meaning in the longer term, some kind of direct military provocation is likely, especially if the war in Ukraine freezes.

Some argue this is already happening, such as with Russian drone and air incursions into NATO airspace. But the warnings issued this year hint at much darker scenarios.

Attack On Estonia

A paper issued by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) on December 18 focuses on fears of a direct attack on Estonia to test the willingness of the United States and other NATO allies to fight.

In Europe, this anxiety sits atop a deeper fear: that the American government, distracted by domestic politics and tempted by retrenchment, might soon reduce its presence or attach conditions to its role in Europes defense, it says.

Describing Estonia as small, flat, and exposed, the report says a 2016 wargame predicted Russian forces could seize the capital within 60 hours of an invasion.

But it also says that Russia would need 5-10 years after the end of the war in Ukraine to refit and rearm for such an attack -- a much longer timeframe than those posited by Rutte, Pistorius, and others.

Its notable that US officials have not repeated European warnings.

The recently released National Security Strategy argues that European allies enjoy a significant hard power advantage over Russia by almost every measure, save nuclear weapons.

But it also acknowledges the need for US diplomatic engagement to mitigate the risk of conflict between Russia and European states.

'Warmongers'

Kremlin officials have denounced European leaders as warmongers and denied any desire to attack. They were making similar comments about Ukraine on the eve of their full-scale invasion in February 2022, though this does not automatically mean there are plans for further aggression.

Russia is not pursuing the military goals attributed to our country, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on December 22. As the President of Russia has already said, we are even prepared to guarantee this legally as part of a settlement of the war in Ukraine, he added.

But any such commitment would be unlikely to be taken seriously by many in the West. Russia also signed and then broke promises to respect Ukraines borders in the 1994 Budapest Memorandum.

Ultimately, it may all depend on one man.

As we know, Russia is not a democracy. Such a decision would essentially just be a result of Vladimir Putin deciding that he wanted to attack a European country which is a NATO member state, or another European country, so we just have no way of knowing, Elizabeth Braw, of the RUSI defense and security think tank, told RFE/RLs Russian Service.

That's why you see military leaders all over Europe saying we have to be prepared for something to happen tomorrow. It may happen five years, 10 years from now or never, but you can't bank on it.

By RFE/RL

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Iraq and Kurdistan agreed this week to extend a deal for the export of crude oil from the northern semi-autonomous region until March 2026, Rudaw reported, citing the head of Iraqs State Oil Marketing Organization.

The three sides - the federal government, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the oil companies - have agreed to renew the agreement for the export of Kurdistan Region oil, SOMOs Ali Nazar al-Shatri told the news outlet. The extension agreement comes a week before the expiry of the current deal, agreed in September.

Exports from Iraqs northern region via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline to Ceyhan resumed on September 27, after two and a half years of halt over disagreements between the federal Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government over how export revenues should be distributed.

Eight foreign companies operating in Kurdistan signed agreements with the KRG and the Federal Government of Iraq to enable the restart of international crude exports from the region.

Under the agreement to restart oil exports, hailed as historic by Iraqs federal government, KRG began delivering at the end of September about 190,000 bpd of crude to SOMO. Kurdistan is also entitled to keep 50,000 bpd to use for local consumption. Per the original agreement, KRG committed to delivering at least 230,000 barrels of crude daily to the Iraqi state oil marketing company.

Earlier this month, SOMO reminded foreign oil companies operating in Kurdistan that under that September deal they had a commitment to transfer their output from the region to SOMO. There is one company that refused to sign the deal, Norwegian DNO, which delivers its Kurdish crude directly to the Kurdistan government. The company, which is the largest foreign oil operator in Kurdistan, has concerns about the repayment of outstanding debt under the September deal.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Russias crude oil production this year will remain unchanged from the previous year at some 516 million tons, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said today, adding that in 2026, oil production should rise to 525 million tons, Interfax cited the official as saying.

The 2025 total is equal to around 10.36 million barrels daily, to rise to 10.54 million barrels daily in 2036, based on a conversion ratio of 7.33 barrels in a ton. The 2026 increase is about 2% on this year and will be pursued in accordance with the socio-economic development forecast, Novak said.

Over the next five years, crude oil production could rise to 540 million tons annually, the deputy PM also said, noting that this would require fresh investments in the industry.

We are moving into hard-to-recover reserves, primarily on the Arctic shelf. This requires additional costs and appropriate investment. Therefore, we will continue our efforts, including preparing and creating conditions to boost investment inflows into this sector, Novak said.

Commenting on global oil market developments, Novak said supply and demand are in balance, echoing the position of Russias partners from OPEC+, which is very different from the positions of entities such as the International Energy Agency and most forecasting agencies. All of the latter see a sizable supply overhang in crude oil going into 2026, while demand, according to them, continues failing to live up to optimistic expectations.

Kpler reported earlier this month that the amount of oil on tankers had gone up to the highest since 2020, reaching 1.3 billion barrels. But storage hubs in the Caribbean and South Africa are sitting half-empty, and inventories at Cushing, Oklahoma, are at their lowest since 2007. This makes for some mixed signals with regard to oils fundamentals, suggesting demand may yet surprise to the upside, dragging oil prices higherespecially coupled with continued geopolitical risk.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Russias LPG trade is doing exactly what sanctions usually force it to do: rerouting, not retreating.

New data from industry sources shows Russia nearly doubled liquefied petroleum gas exports to Central Asia and Afghanistan in the first eleven months of this year, sending just over 1 million metric tons into those markets. That surge pushed the regions share of Russian LPG exports to roughly 36 percent, up from 19 percent a year earlier, after the EU imposed restrictions on Russian LPG imports in December 2024.

It sounds dramatic, but the reality is more transactional.

Europe didnt vanish overnight, but it did close enough doors to force Russian suppliers to scramble. LPG that once moved west now flows south and east to areas where sanctions enforcement is lighter (and political barriers are lower). Afghanistan has emerged as one of the largest buyers in that region, importing about 418,000 tons, an increase of roughly 50 percent year on year. Some of that volume is moving via Kazrosgaz, Russias joint venture with Kazakhstan, which gives the trade additional insulation.

Whats less clear is whether Afghanistan and Central Asia fully replaced Europe in volume terms. The available data doesnt show Russia exporting more LPG overall. It shows Russia exporting differently. The sharp drop in domestic LPG prices after the EU ban last year suggests that supply briefly outran demand, pointing to displacement rather than growth. In other words, Russia likely lost higher margin European buyers and replaced them with lower margin ones closer to home.

Theres another layer here that matters. Traders say rising Russian LPG shipments to Afghanistan have come partly at the expense of Iran, another sanctioned supplier. That means Afghanistan isnt necessarily consuming much more LPG than before. Its simply switching sanctioned sources.

Geopolitically speaking, the shift in LPG flows makes sense. Moscow has steadily deepened ties with the Taliban-led government, being the first government to formally accept an Afghan ambassador. Russia has also expanded energy cooperation to increase its influence in Central and South Asia. LPG is cheap, mobile, and a smart political tool. It keeps vehicles running, homes heated, and relationships warm.

As many shrewd analysts predicted at the onset of sanctions, Russia is still selling. As for Afghanistan, it is still buying.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Turkey anticipates major energy breakthroughs in the coming year, including the launch of the first reactor at its Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant alongside increased domestic natural gas production and continued rapid growth in renewable sources (solar/wind), energy officials in Ankara said on Friday.

These advancements are part of Turkey's broader strategy to reduce reliance on imported energy, enhance energy security, and meet growing demand through diversified, cleaner sources. The combined impact of nuclear, renewable, and domestic gas projects is expected to be a game-changer for the nation's energy landscape.

The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is a large nuclear power plant in Turkey under construction by Russias nuclear energy company Rosatom in Akkuyu, Buyukeceli, Mersin Province. The facility will generate 4,800 megawatts (MW) of total installed capacity from its four VVER-1200 reactors, enough to power Istanbul or cover about 10% of Turkey's electricity demand, and is expected to produce around 40 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually when fully operational. The first reactor is anticipated to come online by late 2026, with full operation expected by 2028

Turkey also plans to expand its domestically produced natural gas primarily through the accelerated development of its Black Sea gas fields and increased investment in exploration activities. The main driver of domestic production is the Sakarya offshore gas field, the largest discovery in Turkey's history. Production began in April 2023, with production expected to double in 2026 and reach 40 million cubic meters by 2028.

At full capacity, the field could meet up to 30% of the nation's annual gas demand. The state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) is conducting further exploration in the Black Sea, with new drilling operations planned. Turkey has also expanded its exploration efforts to the Eastern Mediterranean, Libya, and Somalia, in some cases in partnership with other nations.

Meanwhile, Turkeys drone manufacturer Baykar has started working on small modular reactors (SMRs), Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has revealed. According to the minister, Baykar is trying to build a 40-megawatt unit, with the Turkish government aiming to generate 5,000 megawatts from small modular reactors. Meanwhile, Turkey aims to build 12 conventional nuclear reactors, with a target to generate 10 -15% of its electricity from nuclear energy by 2050.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Turkey just took another very large, very deliberate step deeper into Russias energy orbit  and this time it comes with a $9 billion price tag.

Ankara says that Russia has provided $9 billion in new financing for the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, Turkeys first-ever nuclear facility, which is being built by Russias state-owned Rosatom on the Mediterranean coast. According to Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, the bulk of that money will be deployed in 2026 and 2027, with as much as $45 billion flowing next year alone. The plant is now expected to come online in 2026, after multiple delays.

While this may look like a straightforward infrastructure update, its more about how deeply intertwined Turkish and Russian energy interests remain, despite years of flowery talk about diversification and reduced dependence on Moscow.

Akkuyu has always been different from Turkeys other energy ambitions. It is a build-own-operate project. This means that Rosatom shoulders the financial risk, owns the plant, and will operate it for decades. That structure is precisely why Akkuyu survived when Turkeys second nuclear project at Sinop collapsed under runaway costs and political complexity. Only Russia stayed.

What makes the timing interesting is that this financing lands just as Turkey is loudly advertising its renewable credentials. The countrys installed renewable capacity has surged to roughly 74 gigawatts, solar capacity has doubled in under three years, and Ankara says wind and solar have helped avoid $15 billion in natural gas imports since 2022. Turkey has also set a 2053 net-zero target and is negotiating massive new solar projects, including a 5-gigawatt package with Saudi Arabias ACWA Power.

Yet nuclear sits outside that clean-energy narrative. Akkuyu alone is expected to supply roughly 10 percent of Turkeys electricity demand once fully operational. It reduces gas imports, stabilizes baseload power, and quietly locks in a long-term strategic partnership with Russia that renewables simply do not replace.

Turkey is also talking to South Korea, China, and the United States about future nuclear projects in Sinop and Thrace. But talk is cheap. Russia already has steel in the ground, reactors rising, and now another $9 billion on the table.

For Ankara, this is more than simply choosing Moscow over Brussels or Washington. It is about leverage. Turkey is building an energy system that is diversified on paper, but ruthlessly pragmatic underneath. Russian gas, Russian nuclear financing, Middle Eastern solar capital, European grids, and domestic renewables all coexist because Turkey wants options and bargaining power.

So regardless of what Turkey says publicly about diversification, it is not finished doing business with Russia.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Russian media claimed on Friday that the Trump administration held talks with Russia over joint management of Ukraines Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, including the potential to use its power for crypto mining, Russian newspaper Kommersant has revealed. The discussions, which have not been independently confirmed, were allegedly held without Ukraines participation, and likewise proposed resuming electricity supply to Ukraine.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is currently not supplying electricity to Ukraine, with its six reactors in cold shutdown since 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. However, ZNNP still requires constant external power from Ukraine's grid to cool the reactors and spent fuel, a connection that is frequently lost due to the ongoing conflict.

The plant is under Russian control, and its operations are focused solely on nuclear safety and cooling, relying on emergency generators when the main power lines are cut, which happens often. With a total installed capacity of 5.7 gigawatts (5,700 megawatts), ZNNP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Located in Enerhodar, ZNNP supplied ~20% of Ukraine's electricity.

Ukraine continues to attack Russias energy infrastructure with peace talks still ongoing. Ukraine hit a major Russian oil refinery with British Storm Shadow missiles on Thursday.

According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Ukraine hit the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Rostov, one of southern Russia's biggest suppliers of oil products. Located 1,400km (870 miles) from the Ukrainian border, the giant refinery is responsible for supplying jet fuel and diesel to Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.

Last month, a Ukrainian drone strike on an oil-loading facility near Novorossiysk completely stopped exports, affecting 2% of global supply. Ukraine's deep-strike drone campaign targeting Russia's oil and gas production facilities has impacted half of Russias major oil and gas facilities and cost its bigger adversary ~10% of its refining capacity, according to industry experts.

"Ten percent, it's not an astonishing number," says Tatiana Mitrova of Columbia University. "But it is still something that starts to be felt with the Russian domestic fuel crisis, with reduced oil refined products exports, and general tension inside the Russian oil sector."

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

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" " By "easy" we mean you may be able to qualify for citizenship just by purchasing a certain amount of real estate (if you have that kind of cash sitting around). Sergey Shik / Shutterstock

For those seeking a second passport, better visa-free access, or a new start, the easiest countries to get citizenship provide several paths.

Whether through investment, descent, or residency, these nations simplify the process for foreign nationals looking to gain citizenship.
Phuket, Thailand, December 18, 2025  Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, which overlooks the golden beach and turquoise sea in the beating heart of Patong, is celebrating the end of 2025 with a series of prestigious awards that underscore the hotels commitment to creating outstanding stays and exceptional dining experiences for every guest.

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort is proud to be recognized with the Trusted Thailand Mark, a prestigious certification endorsed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) that reflects excellence in quality, service standards, and trustworthy tourism experiences.

This mark assures travelers of consistently high standards in safety, hygiene, and service, reinforcing confidence in choosing Thailand as a trusted destination.

The Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Awards are based on guest reviews and ratings over a 12-month period, which make them a genuine reflection of visitor satisfaction and service quality. This year, two of the hotels popular culinary destinations were honored, with The Deck Beach Club Patong achieving the Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award 2025, and Sears & Co. Bar and Grill winning the Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award Best of the Best 2025, which puts this stylish beachside restaurant in the top 1% of global listings on Tripadvisor.

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach accepts the Asias Top Beach Hotel title in the NOW Travel Asia Awards

The NOW Travel Asia Awards were established in 2012 to reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the travel industry. In the 2025 edition, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort was named as Asias Top Beach Hotel  a highly impressive accolade in a very competitive category. The resort was highlighted for its prime beachfront location, contemporary design, culinary distinction, and sense of place. This years awards were presented in a glamorous gala ceremony in Chengdu, China.

This popular Phuket beachfront hotel is also a haven of gastronomy, with two of its dining destinations winning at the TOP25 Restaurants Awards 2025, which recognize the best restaurants in Thailand. Chao Leh Kitchen, the vibrant culinary venue that showcases modern Thai and international flavors, received the Premium Phuket Dining Experience Award, while Sears & Co. Bar and Grill, which specializes in premium seafood and prime grilled meats overlooking Patong Beach, was presented with the Beachfront Dining Excellence Award.

Mr. Daryn Hudson, the hotels General Manager, comments: I am delighted and deeply honored that our resort has achieved so many important awards. 2025 represents our fifth anniversary year, and ever since we opened we have strived to deliver the highest levels of quality and service, all underpinned by authentic and heartfelt Southern Thai hospitality. These accolades are a testament to the passion and dedication of every team member at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, and I would like to thank all our associates for their commitment to creating memorable guest experiences. As we move into 2026, we will continue to seek new ways to raise the bar for hospitality and gastronomy.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Graphical abstract. Credit: Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.07.029

In the Middle Ages, a plague killed a third of Europe's population. Fleas carried the plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, transmitting the Black Death from infected rats to millions of people.

Another, earlier strain of Y. pestis emerged 5,000 years ago in the Bronze Age. It infected people throughout Eurasia for 2,000 years and then vanished. Unlike the Middle Age plague bacterium, this earlier Bronze Age strain could not be transmitted by fleas. How the plague circulated for so long across a vast area has long been a mystery.

Now, an international team of researchers, including University of Arkansas archaeologist Taylor Hermes, has found the first evidence of a Bronze Age plague infection in a non-human host. The scientists discovered Y. pestis DNA in a 4,000-year-old domesticated sheep from Arkaim, a fortified settlement located in the Southern Ural Mountains of present-day Russia near the border of Kazakhstan. The discovery provides a missing link for how the Bronze Age plague spread so widely.

The results, titled "Bronze Age Yersinia pestis genome from sheep sheds light on hosts and evolution of a prehistoric plague lineage," are published in the journal Cell. The other authors are from Harvard University and top institutions in Germany, Russia and South Korea.

A lucky discovery

Hermes co-directs a large, ongoing study of ancient livestock DNA. By analyzing the DNA in animal bones and teeth, Hermes and his collaborators are tracing how domesticated cattle, goats and sheep spread from the Fertile Crescent throughout Eurasia and gave rise to nomadic societies and empires.

"When we test livestock DNA in ancient samples, we get a complex genetic soup of contamination," Hermes said. "This is a large barrier to getting a strong signal for the animal, but it also gives us an opportunity to look for pathogens that infected herds and their handlers."

The research is highly technical and time intensive. A host's DNA must be filtered out from all the other DNA in the sample. Organisms that lived in the surrounding ground where the bones and teeth were buried leave their own DNA. The researchers themselves contaminate the samples with DNA from their saliva and skin cells. The recovered DNA fragments are often only 50 base pairs long. In comparison, a complete strand of human DNA is more than 3 billion base pairs.

Animal remains are also rarely as well preserved as human remains, which are normally carefully buried. Heat from cooking the animals and the leftovers being left in trash piles and exposed to the elements degrade genetic material.

While analyzing livestock samples excavated from Arkaim in the 1980s and 1990s, Hermes and his colleagues realized a sheep bone contained DNA from Y. pestis.

"It was alarm bells for my team. This was the first time we had recovered the genome from Yersinia pestis in a non-human sample," Hermes said. "We were extra excited because Arkaim is linked to the Sintashta culture, which is known for early horse riding, impressive bronze weaponry and substantial geneflow into Central Asia."

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The next question to answer

Scientists have found numerous examples of identical strains of Bronze Age plague in humans thousands of kilometers apart. How did the disease spread so widely?

"It had to be more than people moving. Our plague sheep gave us a breakthrough. We now see it as a dynamic between people, livestock and some still unidentified 'natural reservoir' for it, which could be rodents on the grasslands of the Eurasian steppe or migratory birds," Hermes said.

A natural reservoir is an animal that carries the bacteria but does not get sick from it. In the Middle Ages, rats were the reservoir and fleas were the vector for Y. pestis. Today, bats are often the natural reservoir for pathogens like Ebola and the Marburg virus.

To continue this work, Hermes will dig for human and animal samples in the Southern Urals near Arkaim. He will be looking for more examples of Y. pestis infections.

The Bronze Age was the moment when people in the Sintashta culture began to maintain larger herds of livestock, while also riding horses well for the first time. The Bronze Age plague was likely a result of that closer contact with animals and frequently moving into areas where they would be exposed to the reservoir. Even though it occurred thousands of years ago, Hermes believes the ancient plague has lessons for us today.

When we encroach on natural environments with new economic needs, there can be deadly consequences. We should appreciate the delicate inner workings of the ecosystems we might disturb and aim to preserve the balance.

"It's important to have a greater respect for the forces of nature," he said.

Publication details Ian Light-Maka et al, Bronze Age Yersinia pestis genome from sheep sheds light on hosts and evolution of a prehistoric plague lineage, Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.07.029 Journal information: Cell
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Distinctive in taste and famously divisive, durian is not everyone's choice of fruit. This was certainly the case for some Chinese explorers when they first encountered it during the Ming Dynasty's early maritime voyages.

One record dates back to 1413, when a translator called Ma Huan traveled to what is now Malaysia on a trip with diplomat and admiral Zheng He. In his travelog, Ma described durian as a "stinky fruit" that smelled like "rotten beef."

But fast forward six centuries and this tropical fruit has settled into Chinese daily life. China is now the world's top importer of durian, accounting for around 95% of global demand. Its imports surged to a record high of nearly US$7 billion (5.2 billion) in 2024.

Such is the popularity of durian in China that governments across south-east Asia, where most of the world's durian is produced, are using its export as a tool of political and economic influence.

For years, gifting top-quality durians to Chinese officials has been one way south-east Asian governments have sought to cultivate goodwill. On a visit to Beijing in 1975, for example, former Thai prime minister Kukrit Pramoj gifted 200 durians to Chinese leaders.

More recently, in 2024, Malaysia's King Ibrahim offered Chinese president Xi Jinping two boxes of premium durians during a state visit. This included the prized Musang King, a variety that is often referred to in China as the "Hermes of durians"a nod to the exclusive Hermes fashion brand, which is known in China for extreme prestige.

The Chinese premier, Li Qiang, and Malaysia's prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, had also been filmed earlier that year sat together tackling a durian with a knife and spoon. The traditional way to eat a durian is to open the fruit and consume the flesh by hand.

However, durian is more than just a symbol of friendship between south-east Asian states and Beijing. China's massive demand for durians has boosted domestic economic growth across the region, turning some previously poor agricultural areas into sites of prosperity.

According to Eric Chan, a Malaysian durian farmer who was interviewed by the New York Times in 2024, revenue from durian sales to China has transformed his town. Chan said durian farmers there have been able to rebuild their houses from "wood to brick" and can now "afford to send their children overseas for university."

South-east Asian countries have also used China's appetite for durian to strengthen their economic relationships with Beijing. Vietnamese durian exports, for instance, have been credited with opening access to the Chinese market for other domestically produced agricultural goods.

And Malaysia's deputy prime minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has openly announced that he sees durian exports as a way to secure follow-up Chinese investments. "Durian diplomacy is not just diplomacyit is durian business," said Hamidi in November. "We need to work with Chinese businessmen to further develop Musang King plantations in Malaysia, and we should also strengthen downstream industries together."

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Food silk road

For China, the durian trade is part of a broader strategy. Since taking power in 2013, Xi has repeatedly stressed that his country must safeguard its food security. Researchers describe the resulting approach as a "food silk road," an emerging network of investments and trade agreements designed to diversify China's food imports across many regions of the world.

Durian from south-east Asian countries is thus one part of a much wider flow. New Zealand exports most of its premium gold kiwifruit to China, with the Chinese market an equally important destination for Chilean cherries. Reports suggest that shipments of Kenyan avocados to China are also increasing.

Donald Trump's return to the White House in January, and the subsequent global chaos that was unleashed by his sweeping tariff campaign, has enabled China to consolidate these relationships. In the first quarter of 2025, for example, Chinese imports of agricultural products from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations reached nearly US$7.5 billiona 14% increase from the same period in 2024.

According to Chatham House, a UK-based international affairs thinktank, Trump's erratic policies have led to declining perceptions of the US among south-east Asian officials. This may see countries in the region, including traditional US allies such as the Philippines and Thailand, shift further towards Beijing's sphere of influence in the near future.

China's durian boom has delivered rapid growth in south-east Asia, but it has also produced several unintended consequences. The establishment of new durian plantations, for example, has led to deforestation in Indonesia, Laos and Malaysia. This has disrupted local habitats and ecosystems, posing a risk to endangered animal species such as the Malayan tiger.

As the Chinese market continues to grow, south-east Asian countries will also need to prepare for rising foreign control over supply chains and regulatory uncertainty in an unstable global economy. The challenge for these states moving forward will be to capture the benefits of Chinese durian demand while managing the expansion of the industry.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Watercolors of red (left) and bandage (right) style Chinchorro child mummies. Credit: Arriaza 2025

In a recent study published in the Cambridge Archaeological Journal, Dr. Bernardo Arriaza argues that the practice of artificial mummification among the Chinchorro people may have evolved as a response to high infant mortality rates, with the artistic mummification of the dead helping minimize the social pain of the parents and their families.

The Chinchorro mummies

The Chinchorro were a highly dynamic group of skilled fishers, artisans, and morticians who lived along the coast of the Atacama Desert in Chile. They are best known for their characteristic artificial mummies, which were produced between 7000 and 3500 BP.

The process of mummification was a long and elaborate one, beginning with the extraction of the internal organs and, sometimes, the defleshing of the deceased, filling empty cavities with fibers, clay, and soil, and reassembling and positioning the mummies using sticks. Mummies were covered in pastes made from black manganese and, in later periods, red ocher, which would help recreate the deceased's facial features and genitals.

Some scholars argue that the origin of this practice was external, while others maintain a local origin. According to Dr. Arriaza, the earliest artificial mummies may have been created as a local form of artistic expression of grief.

"I have been thinking about these ideas for some time, but they take time to develop and polish into hypothetical models. Being at Dumbarton Oaks gave me the opportunity to delve into the multiple aspects of artistic expressionespecially art therapyas a way to help assuage grief," explained Dr. Arriaza.

"It has been a slow process of sorting through my thoughts to explain the Chinchorro's early, complex, and creative treatment of the deadchildren in particular. The transformed body became a canvas for expressing emotion, and a place where these ancient people may have found emotional healing and comfort. They venerated their departed as visual icons."

Art therapy in response to death

In modern psychology, art therapy can be a powerful tool for processing grief, allowing the griever to create visual art as an outlet for intense emotions.

In more recent years, it has been argued that the Chinchorro mummies are a form of art, and they have recently been referenced as such in the Atlas of World Art.

Many early Chinchorro mummies were children, especially in the Camarones valley, where some of the oldest mummies have been recovered. Here, the Chinchorro exposed themselves to high levels of toxic arsenic (ca. 1,000 g/L, around 100 times the safe limit). Such toxicity would have led to severe reproductive health problems, including frequent miscarriages and high infant mortality.

Meanwhile, water quality in nearby valleys was not nearly as affected. As an effort to better process the high mortality rate, Chinchorro mummies may have served as an artistic outlet for confronting death while also symbolically keeping the dead present within the community.

"Because we are talking about infant and child mortality, I think parental grief and sorrow were paramount. In a small society, the death of a newborn could threaten a family's own survival," Dr. Arriaza explains.

Over time, this practice evolved into a defining feature of Chinchorro mortuary practices, becoming more elaborate and encompassing all ages and sexes.

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Manganese poisoning

While arsenic toxicity may have led to the origin of the Chinchorro mummies, the mortuary ritual involving coating the deceased in manganese oxide paint may have also caused significant health problems.

An Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy analysis revealed that many Chinchorro individuals had elevated manganese concentrations. This may have been the result of chronic and excessive exposure to manganese oxide paint applied during the mummification process.

In turn, this led to Parkinson-like manganism syndrome, characterized by hallucinations, compulsive behavior, physical pain, difficulty walking, pathological laughter, and loss of facial expressions (fixed gaze).

It is likely the Chinchorro may have eventually recognized manganese's harmful effects and phased out its widespread use, leading to the introduction of red mummies.

According to Dr. Arriaza's hypothesis, women may have led mummification during the black mummy period (c. 60004750 BP) due to their deep bonds with deceased infants. Meanwhile, the red mummy period (c. 45004000 BP), which emphasized visibility, competition, and territorial demarcation, may have been created primarily by men.

"As new bioarchaeological evidence emerges, we should continue examining sex ratios in mortuary contexts and body preparation, while also paying closer attention to grave goods and increasing microanalytical work on contaminants that may be associated with specific activities," explained Dr. Arriaza.

Written for you by our author Sandee Oster, edited by Lisa Lock, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

Publication details Bernardo Arriaza, The Artistic Nature of the Chinchorro Mummies and the Archaeology of Grief, Cambridge Archaeological Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1017/s095977432510022x Journal information: Cambridge Archaeological Journal

 2025 Science X Network
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A petrified footprint by a dinosaur is visible in Carreras Pampa in Toro Toro National Park, north of Potosi, Bolivia, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Juan Karita

Legend once had it that the huge, three-toed footprints scattered across the central highlands of Bolivia came from supernaturally strong monsterscapable of sinking their claws even into solid stone.

Then scientists came here in the 1960s and dispelled children's fears, determining that the strange footprints in fact belonged to gigantic, two-legged dinosaurs that stomped and splashed over 60 million years ago, in the ancient waterways of what is now Toro Toro, a village and popular national park in the Bolivian Andes.

Now, a team of paleontologists, mostly from California's Loma Linda University, have discovered and meticulously documented 16,600 such footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex. Their study, based on six years of regular field visits and published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, reports that this finding represents the highest number of theropod footprints recorded anywhere in the world.

"There's no place in the world where you have such a big abundance of (theropod) footprints," said Roberto Biaggi, a co-author of the study led by Spanish paleontologist Raul Esperante. "We have all these world records at this particular site."

Tourists look at the petrified footprints of dinosaurs at Carreras Pampa in Toro Toro National Park, north of Potosi, Bolivia, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Juan Karita

Prints record dinosaur behaviorincluding attempts to swim

The dinosaurs that ruled the earth and roamed this region also made awkward attempts to swim here, according to the study, scratching at what was squishy lake-bottom sediment to leave another 1,378 traces.

They pressed their claws into the mud just before water levels rose and sealed their tracks, protecting them from centuries of erosion, scientists said.

"The preservation of many of the tracks is excellent," said Richard Butler, a paleontologist at the University of Birmingham who was not involved in the research. He said that, to his knowledge, the number of footprints and trackways found in Toro Toro had no precedent.

"This is a remarkable window into the lives and behaviors of dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous," Butler added, referring to the period around 66 million years ago at the end of which an asteroid impact abruptly extinguished all dinosaurs and 75% of living species along with them, according to scientists.

A view of the Toro Toro National Park, where petrified dinosaur footprints are visible, north of Potosi, Bolivia, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Juan Karita

Footprints face preservation threats

Although they've survived for millions of years, human life has threatened these traces. For decades, farmers threshed corn and wheat on the footprint-covered plateaus. Nearby quarry workers didn't think much of the formations as they blasted rock layers for limestone. And just two years ago, researchers said, highway crews tunneling through hillsides nearly wiped out a major site of dinosaur tracks before the national park intervened.

Such disturbances may have something to do with the area's striking absence of dinosaur bones, teeth and eggs, experts say. For all of the footprints and swim traces found across Bolivia's Toro Toro, there are virtually no skeletal remains of the sort that litter the peaks and valleys of Argentine Patagonia and Campanha in Brazil.

But the lack of bones could have natural causes, too. The team said the quantity and pattern of tracksand the fact they were all found in the same sediment layersuggest that dinosaurs didn't settle in what is now Bolivia as much as trudge along an ancient coastal superhighway stretching from southern Peru into northwest Argentina.

Park ranger Jose Vallejos stands next to petrified dinosaurs footprints in Carreras Pampa in Toro Toro National Park, north of Potosi, Bolivia, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Juan Karita

The range in footprint sizes indicated that giant creatures roughly 10 meters (33 feet) tall moved in a herd with tiny theropods the size of a chicken, 32 centimeters (1 foot) tall at the hip.

In presenting a snapshot of everyday behavior footprints "reveal what skeletons cannot," said Anthony Romilio, a paleontologist at the University of Queensland in Australia who also did not participate in the study. Just from footprints, researchers can tell when dinosaurs strolled or sped up, stopped or turned around.

It's not clear why so many dinosaurs roamed the site

But the reason they flocked in droves to this wind-swept plateau remains a mystery.

"It may have been that they were all regular visitors to a large, ancient, freshwater lake, frequenting its expansive muddy shoreline," offered Romilio.

Biaggi suggested that they were "running away from something or searching for somewhere to settle."

What's certain is that research into this treasure trove of a dinosaur tracksite will continue.

"I suspect that this will keep going over the years and many more footprints will be found right there at the edges of what's already uncovered," Biaggi said.

Publication details Morphotypes, preservation, and taphonomy of dinosaur footprints, tail traces, and swim tracks in the largest tracksite in the world: Carreras Pampa (Upper Cretaceous), Torotoro National Park, Bolivia, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0335973 Journal information: PLoS ONE

Key concepts ichnofossilsdinosaurs

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
New Years Express: Maya Train starts long distance travel with New Years package

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  The Governor of Quintana Roo says the Maya Train is ready to start offering long distance travel. Train travelers will be able to begin taking long distance trips starting New Years Eve.

The Long Distance Maya Train begins operations with a special New Years Express package designed to showcase the best of southeastern Mexico in a single trip, announced Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa.

The journey begins with the arrival of visitors at Tulum International Airport where they are welcomed to one of the most iconic destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, she said.

The first long distance Tren Maya trip will take tourists to the Mayan ruins of Tulum located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, as well as the Mundo Maya Tulum Hotel, Jaguar Park and the Regional Museum of the East Coast.

The itinerary continues to Cancun where travelers can enjoy a special dinner to celebrate the arrival of the New Year framed by the renowned hospitality and varied gastronomic offer that distinguishes this world-class tourist destination.

As the final leg of the journey, the Long Distance Maya Train connects with the city of Merida, Yucatan and includes a visit to the port of Progreso and the Meteorite Museum, combining culture, nature and technology in a single trip.

The tour package offers affordable prices and includes lodging, train transfers and flights, providing four days of unique experiences and a historic journey that marks a turning point in the regions tourism mobility.

With spectacular landscapes, rich Mayan culture, museums, gastronomy and top-notch service, Quintana Roo invites national and international tourists to be part of this inaugural trip and experience an unforgettable New Year with the promise of welcoming them, as always, with open arms, Governor Lezama said.

The four day and three night trip travels December 29 to January 1, 2026. Tren Maya says your experience begins with your arrival in Tulum, either flying from AIFA or directly from the city, to stay at the Mundo Maya Hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner surrounded by nature and serenity.

The following day, after a hearty breakfast, youll explore the Tulum archaeological zone and the Regional Museum of the East Coast before transferring by a regular Maya Train. Youll arrive in Cancun to relax and enjoy the hotels amenities.

On the third day, after breakfast, youll board the new Maya Train Long Distance to Merida for a magical pre-New Years celebration culminating in a special dinner and a celebratory toast. Finally, the first day of the year will begin with a delicious breakfast, followed by a visit to Puerto Progreso and the Meteorite Museum, concluding your trip with a transfer to Merida Airport.

Tren Maya offers numerous long distance travel packages around its southern route. Travel packages range from three to six nights, touring different parts of Mexicos south.

Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014

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RT TV: The Japanese government approved the draft budget for fiscal year 2026 on December 26, with the defense budget exceeding JPY nine trillion, hitting a new record. What is Chinas comment?

Lin Jian: We noted the reports. Despite recent international criticism over latest military and security developments in Japan, the Japanese side has shown no inclination to mend its conduct, and instead plans to again hike defense budget, further revealing Japanese right-wing forces motive to remilitarize Japan and resurrect militarism.

Given the Japanese militarists innumerable war crimes, Japans military and security moves have always been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. Since the new Japanese government took office, it has been notably accelerating military buildup. From Prime Minister Takaichis erroneous remarks on Taiwan that threatens the use of force against China, to the remarks of a senior official of the Japanese Prime Ministers office calling for Japans possession of nuclear weapons, and to the proposed revision of the three national security documents and the idea of altering the three non-nuclear principles, Japan is deviating further and further away from the path of peaceful development and moving in a dangerous direction.

In recent years, Japan has removed the ban on exercising the right to collective self-defense, developed the so-called capability to strike enemy bases, strengthened cooperation on extended deterrence, and built its frontier islands into front lines, which clearly goes beyond Japans exclusively defense-oriented policy. Terms such as self-defense and counterstrike are used by Japanese right-wing forces to gloss over their attempt to breach the postwar international order and stipulations in Japans Constitution, and deceive and stoke public opinion. These moves have put the international community on high alert.

The Japanese people are also victims of militarism. Some in Japan pointed out that raising defense spending does not bring peace and stability. Rallies have been held across Japan in strong protest of the Japanese governments military expansion. Some scholars also note that the defense budget hike will weigh heavily on Japans economy and eventually be borne by the ordinary people in Japan.

China will work with all peace-loving countries to push back any dangerous move designed to resurrect militarism or cultivate neo-militarism, and jointly defend the outcomes of WWII victory.

RT TV: On December 25 local time, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova at a briefing responded to a question about Japanese leaders possible visit to Yasukuni Shrine and recommended that Tokyo should build a memorial hall for victims of Japanese militarism to repent for its crimes. In the context of Russia and China standing together against distortion to historical facts, what is Chinas comment?

Lin Jian: We appreciate Russias statements. The Yasukuni war shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarists war of aggression. The shrine honors 14 convicted Class-A war criminals responsible for Japans aggression in the 1930s and 40s. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Japanese side should face squarely and deeply reflect on Japans history of aggression, take concrete actions to show remorse for the crimes committed by Japanese militarists and respect to the victims, and not further compound the wrongdoing. China stands ready to work with the international community, including Russia, to firmly defend the outcomes of the WWII victory and the post-war international order, strictly prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism and jointly safeguard world peace and stability.

Peoples Daily: Its reported that earlier this week, the Japanese Cabinet adopted a new cybersecurity strategy, enabling the police and the Self-Defense Forces to take active cyber defense measures to respond to cyberattacks. In May this year, Japan enacted a law introducing the so-called active cyber defense, which makes clear that the Japanese government will preemptively infiltrate and destroy the cyber devices of so-called threat actors. Whats Chinas comment?

Lin Jian: China is gravely concerned over Japans newly adopted cybersecurity strategy that enables active cyber defense, a major policy shift from cyber defense to offense. This is yet another case of Japan, a defeated belligerent of WWII, seeking to defy the postwar international order.

In recent years, Japan has drastically expanded its cyber forces. The term active cyber defense in Japans new strategy is simply designed to loosen restriction on active offense. Japan has more than once waged war of aggression against other countries in the name of responding to potential attacks. The Japanese side owes the world an explanation: Is the latest move a prelude to Japans attempts to once again break free from the international law and domestic laws and use self-defense as a pretext to launch preemptive cyber aggression as it once did in WWII?

The interconnectedness of cyberspace demands joint effort to ensure peace and stability in cyberspace. China firmly opposes Japans dangerous moves in the cyber domain, and calls on Japan to strictly abide by its pacifist Constitution and observe existing international rules and order. Any move that harms Chinas sovereignty, security and development interests will be met with Chinas firm response.

The Paper: Morgan Stanley said in its recently released Robot Almanac that China has pulled far ahead in the race to build humanoid robots, and the total number of related patents issued by China over the past five years topped the world. The analysis also highlighted the cost advantage China brings to the global humanoid robot supply chain. Can I have your comment on that?

Lin Jian: Innovated in China has become a global buzzword for the year 2025. China has broken into the top ten of the Global Innovation Index for the first time, and has been leading the world for three consecutive years with the most clusters in the global top 100 innovation clusters. From the launch of large-scale AI model to the deep integration of AI and robots, Chinas achievements in sci-tech innovation have dazzled the world.

Innovation drives Chinas robust economic growth, boosts global economic recovery and enhances the wellbeing of people of all countries. Chinas technology and solution of building high-speed railways and smart ports have been introduced to the world, helping other countries build better infrastructure. Chinas Beidou services cover more than 140 countries and regions in such areas as disaster early warning, transportation and agriculture. The China-Brazil Science and Technology Innovation Center has made clean energy accessible for remote areas. China also shared with Mongolia, Saudi Arabia and other countries its technologies in combating desertification. Chinas smart agriculture has enabled Egypt to better cope with water shortages and food security challenges.

Pursuing innovation-driven development and accelerating the cultivation of new growth drivers is one of the major tasks envisioned by the Central Economic Work Conference that was held earlier this month. Looking forward, China will continue speeding up its effort and enhancing cooperation in sci-tech innovation, providing more public goods for the world and making greater contribution to global sci-tech and economic development.
In Paul Thomas Andersons One Battle After Another, Gil Scott-Herons 1971 spoken-word song The Revolution Will Not Be Televised serves as both a secret password and background noise. The members of the defunct resistance group the French 75 use its lyrics as a call-and-response sign and countersign: If you know what comes after Green Acres, Beverly Hillbillies, and Hooterville Junction, you must be one of the good guys. But when former revolutionary Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), who has resurfaced after 15 years in hiding, tries to reach out to his old comrades, Scott-Herons song is the music he hears when they put him on hold. What was once an anthem about opposing the numbing effects of popular culture has been consumed by it, a golden oldie you might absently nod your head to in the aisles of a chain drugstore.

Its not surprising that so many of the movies that hit hardest in 2025 were about the struggle against authoritarianism. Thats true not just of the movies that make up an unbreakable tie for first on my Top 10 listOne Battle, Jafar Panahis It Was Just an Accident, and Julia Loktevs My Undesirable Friends: Part 1Last Air in Moscowbut of others slightly further down, like Ryan Cooglers Sinners, Ari Asters Eddington, even Mona Fastvolds The Testament of Ann Lee. With the exception of Jesse Armstrongs Mountainhead, conceived in November and shot in March, none of these movies was made knowing the climate in which it would land, a country in which entire government agencies were gutted in a matter of weeks and masked agents swiped people off the streets. But they understood in advance that such a world was possiblethat it could, and might well, happen here. Its endearing to watch the beleaguered Russian journalists in Loktevs expansive documentary swap Harry Potter references as Vladimir Putins government rips away what few freedoms they still have. But the realization that theyre just like us! comes with a darker flip side: We are no different from them.

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For years, some of the movies most vital to understanding the state of the U.S. have come from other countries. Watch Walter Salles Im Still Here, about the tightening noose of Brazils military dictatorship in the 1970s, or Petra Costas documentaries The Edge of Democracy and Apocalypse in the Tropics, about the countrys recent surge of Christian nationalism, and its easier to spot the patterns that have taken root here, the tendency to deny and diminish, to write off the loss of this or that right as a temporary inconvenience as long as your life remains relatively unchanged. As Loktev told me, even on the night that Putin started bombing Ukraine, people in Moscow were still going on Tinder dates. You feel like youre going crazy, she said in August. Like, Is this really happening? Theres still matcha lattes everywhere.

Loktevs heroes, many of whom work for the independent network TV Rain, keep up the good fight even as the walls close in. But the movie ends with them fleeing for safety, and although the upcoming Part 2, which will cover their lives in exile, may offer some slight rays of hope, we know that this story doesnt end well, at least for now. Panahis It Was Just an Accident follows an Iranian political prisoners attempt to settle the score with his former torturer, whom he discovers by chance, kidnaps, and begins to bury alive. But the mans screamed denials sow a seed of doubt, and though he seeks out some of the torturers other victims to confirm his initial identification, no one is quite sure enough. With no state apparatus to relieve their conscience, theyre stuck with those doubts and have to choose between living with fear or with guilt. Either way, theyll never be free again.

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What strikes me is that these movies are not just about resistance but about failureand that only makes them more important to a moment when theres a lot more bad ahead than good. Sinners Smoke (Michael B. Jordan) goes out in a blaze of glory, mowing down a bunch of Mississippi Klansmen, but its his twin brother Stack who survives into the second half of the century, accepting an undead existence over a valiant death. Eddingtons Sheriff Joe (Joaquin Phoenix) knocks off his political rivals and achieves the small-town mayorship he so desperately craves, but at the price of becoming a part of the conspiracy he thought he was unraveling. For all the movies fevered imaginings, it cant envision a way out.

Related From Slate The 10 Best Movies of 2025 Read More

These movies arent hopeless, exactly, but they testify to the idea that the struggle, whether it be against encroaching fascism, the temptations of the flesh, or the dark side of human nature, is not a battle to be won but a life to be lived. Bob Ferguson and his French 75 comrades want fast, decisive change, even if they have to blow up a few buildings to get it, but by 40, theyre fugitives and burnouts, unable to pass on to the next generation anything more than an overarching sense that the world is out to get them. Meanwhile, Bobs daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti), is being mentored by her judo instructor, Sergio (Benicio del Toro), whose underground network for sheltering migrants is so low profile it doesnt even have a name.

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David Osits documentary Predators models another kind of lifelong defiance, excavating personal trauma by examining the legacy of To Catch a Predator. Its a bold subject to begin with, given that any attempt to consider the shows targets as human beings risks the charge of coddling the worst people alivea phenomenon that TCAP, as its fans call it, not only embodies but exploits, considering that theres no ethical line it cant justify crossing in the name of dispensing justice. (Charlie Shackletons Zodiac Killer Project takes on a similar, if much more slippery, project, deconstructing the language of true-crime documentaries by rebuilding an unrealized film as a feature-length metacritique.) But Predators takes it further, questioning whether the on-air humiliation that not only fueled the shows success but inspired a legion of rogue copycats acts as a meaningful deterrent for potential offenders or provides any sense of healing for their victims. In a climate where the government is pushing harsh penalties for minor offenses while shielding the associates of a child sex trafficker, Osits movie stands in opposition to both.

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Like The Brutalist but with catchier tunes, Mona Fastvolds The Testament of Ann Lee is about the building of Americanot as a place made of concrete and steel, but one inhabited by religious extremists who found space to take their beliefs as far as they would go. And Lynne Ramsays Die My Love explores how womens most intense beliefsin this case postpartum psychosis exacerbated by the protagonists isolation and her inattentive husbandare often stigmatized and shunned, left to smolder in private until they burst out in flame. Its the converse of the men of Mountainhead, whose moneyed tech bros have built themselves a world in which their every half-assed idea is a stroke of visionary genius and anyone who might disagree has long since been removed from their orbit. The movie was made for HBO and never got a theatrical release, but thats a problem more for movie theaters than for film critics, who ought to recognize great work no matter which distribution channel it manages to escape through. The revolution might not be televised, but it may end up on streaming.

Sam Adams Top 10 Movies of 2025

It Was Just an Accident

My Undesirable Friends: Part ILast Air in Moscow

One Battle After Another

Predators

Die My Love

Mountainhead

Sinners

The Testament of Ann Lee

Eddington

Zodiac Killer Project

Read more about the best of 2025.
In Slates annual Movie Club, film critic Dana Stevens emails with fellow criticsfor 2025, Justin Chang, Alison Willmore, and Bilge Ebiriabout the year in cinema.

Well hello again,

Justin, the debate over The Voice of Hind Rajab is one that will probably never be settled, because so much of it is rooted in a visceral response to both the use of Hinds real voice and whats been placed around it. Your concerns about the film are eloquent and compelling, and I have many good friends who feel the same way. You write the films call-center melodramatics trivialize its intentions in using the real audio from that day. I will respectfully disagree. Whats happening in that call center is a condensed and, yes, dramatized version of what actually occurred that day, built out of research and interviews. (Theres a really great recent Vulture piece by E. Alex Jung that gets into the process of making this film, as well as some of the controversies surrounding it.) But Kaouther Ben Hania avoids easy tension, and she handles the ticking-clock elements of the story quite judiciously. In fact, I remember some folks at Venice complaining that the film dragged in parts; this is intentional. So much of the film is really about these people (both actors and rescue workers) living with Hinds voice during that agonizing stretch of time.

When you suggest a better, truer version of the film, what youre really suggesting is a documentarymaybe even an experimental oneand I dont disagree that would be worth seeing, and worth making. But what Ben Hania has achieved is something different. She has created an accessible narrative that obliges us to listen to this girls real voice (as well as the real voices of the rescue workers, and her cousin, and her mother) in a way that is unavoidable, and unshakeable. I am reminded of Orson Welles using real concentration camp footage in 1946s The Stranger, or Samuel Fuller using it in 1959s Verboten!, films that are far more sensationalistic and melodramatic than anything in The Voice of Hind Rajab. Fullers footage was actually his ownhe had filmed it during his service in the warbut Welles aim was to let the moviegoing public know about what had happened. In 1946, the world was still full of people who refused to believe that the Holocaust was real. Is it exploitative? Maybe. Is it in bad taste? Possibly. Is it upsetting? Definitely. But maybe the world lost something essential when our culture became so hung up on questions of appropriateness. Look around us. Were all drowning in good taste and nobody knows a single damn thing anymore about either history or the present.

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Dana, I wish I could join you in all the Safdie-bashing, but I got enough hate after the 2019 Slate Movie Club, in which I groused that I could find no recognizable human behavior in such beloved films as Uncut Gems and Good Time, which to me felt like a series of conveniently dumb character choices designed to move their anxious and unlikely plots forward. I did enjoy Marty Supreme, however, mainly because of Timothee Chalamets electric performance and Josh Safdies characteristically propulsive directionbut it also still left me a little cold, all too aware that I was watching made-up characters doing made-up things (even though Marty Mauser is apparently basedlooselyon a real dude). Im not sure any of it really came alive for me, but I had a good time, so to speak. So, Ill just add that I respect the fact that the Safdies and the Bronsteins and their circle continue to follow their anguished muses: They havent watered down their aesthetic or gone mainstream; if anything, theyve forced the mainstream to come to them, and thats kind of cool. Plus, they sure know how to get great performances. And Alison, your assertion that the Safdie school resonates with our precarious present, where everything feels like its teetering on the verge of collapse is spot-on. I just wish I liked the movies more.

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Weve been over this idea of films that connect to our times already, of course, but theres a somewhat subtle distinction I want to explore here. There are the pictures that feel like they reflect present reality because of their themes, their stories, their characters, Supermans noble speeches, whatever. But then there are the films that do this on a formal level. They may be about all sorts of relevant topics, but they also tap into something visceral cinematically, through framing and cutting and performance and mood. Safdiecore provides some good examples. But the movie I cant quite shake is Kleber Mendonca Filhos The Secret Agent. Weve already mentioned that film, but Im thinking particularly of its opening sequence. In it, our hero, Armando (Wagner Moura) drives into an Esso gas station where he notices that theres a dead body lying in the dirt, covered awkwardly with a piece of cardboard. The attendant casually tells him that the corpse has been there for some days and that it belongs to a guy who tried to steal fuel one night and got shot by the night attendant. The night attendant has since left for Carnaval. The cops were called days ago, but theyre busy (with Carnaval, supposedly) and havent shown up. The gas stations actual owners cant be bothered. The attendant himself is quite nonchalant about it. Armando wants to leave, but he really, really needs the gas. A cop car comes bybut not to investigate the dead guy. Rather, they want to poke around Armandos car in hopes of finding something wrong with him or it, thereby eliciting a bribe. Unable to find anything, they finally just ask him for the bribe directly. He gives them some cigarettes and drives off. The film takes place in 1977, when Brazil was in the midst of a military dictatorship, but there was no other sequence this year that better encapsulated for me what life is like in 2025: A corpse rots in the corner, and nobodys doing anything about it because were all stuck in our own hustle. Also, someones having a party somewhere.

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Mendonca is one of our great cinephile directors, and the sequence at times evokes a Hitchcock film or a classic Western, but it also has a uniquely dusty, sweaty, sleepy, surreal, dreamlike mood that allows it to transcend the specificity of its time period. One could say the same for the rest of the movie. The Secret Agent is beloved by critics and has already won plenty of awards on the festival circuit; its one of several Neon releases this year that seem like they could do well Oscar-nomination-wise. But its also one of those films that a lot of viewers might not quite be ready for. It clocks in at 160 minutes, and kind of rambles along, gathering incident and character detail but not much narrative momentum.

Even so, by a certain point we feel intensely invested in Armandos fate.

Speaking of movies that just kind of ramble along, Justin also perfectly explained the many virtues of Philippe Lesages Who by Fire, one of those films that came out earlier this year, received quite a bit of critical love, and was then conveniently forgotten by the time awards/list season rolled around. (See also: Grand Tour, Caught by the Tides, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, etc., many of them beloved Cannes 2024 titles that were released too late to gather any momentum in 2024 and too early to do so in 2025.) I will just add that Who by Fire also does something that very few films accomplish nowadays. I cant remember which Cahiers du Cinema critic it was who once said that while watching Roberto Rossellinis Voyage to Italy they found themselves wanting to check the time and trying to look at a clock onscreenthey were that immersed in the world of the film. Who By Fire did that for me. I mean, it has a runtime of 161 minutes, and yet, by the time it was over, if you told me it was 80 minutes long, Id believe you. But Id also believe you if you said it was six hours long. Im not just talking about films that are well-paced and breeze on bylots of good movies (be they called One Battle After Another or Sinners or F1) do that. Im talking about pictures I just completely lost myself in.

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Justin mentioned that Who by Fire would make a great double feature with Blue Moon. This is true, and I myself mentioned pairing it with Peter Hujars Day. but maybe a more appropriate (albeit long and potentially insane) double feature would be Who by Fire and Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is the other 2025 release I felt like I completely disappeared into, losing any sense of runtime or plot points or third act turnarounds or whatever. Im sure those elements are all present and properly buttoned upJames Cameron probably understands all that structure shit better than anybody at this pointbut I just felt like I was luxuriating in that world, experiencing everything in real time and maybe even feeling free to wander off into some other part of the frame if I wanted to.

I want to add that theres something so many of the movies were talking aboutIf I Had Legs Id Kick You, The Secret Agent, Who by Fire, Peter Hujars Day, and, yes, even Avatar: Fire and Ashshare, which is that they are not primarily about narrative. They certainly have narratives, but their main pleasures are not on the level of story. The word storytelling gets thrown around a lot in discussions of film. Studio execs love that word story, almost as much as they love terms like IP and content. People say they want to make movies because they want to become storytellers. Screenwriting teachers and gurus encourage young writers to tell their stories. The Sundance Film Festival loves that word, too; The Power of Story is one of their big rubrics, and youll hear story in a lot of their pre-fest promo reels. And look, theres nothing wrong with storytelling. I love properly told stories on film as much as the next guy. Yay, stories, sure. But cinema is about so much more than that. And thats one of the reasons why the theatrical experience remains so important. This is related to Alisons point about smaller films getting lost in the world of a brutal theatrical market and an algorithm-dominated home video landscape. But its not just smaller moviesits an entire tradition of cinema.

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Weve discussed the impending Netflix purchase of Warner Bros. a bit, and everybodys rightfully alarmed by the notion of one of Americas great movie studios being bought by a streamer whose corporate philosophy seems so antagonistic to theatrical releases. (And we all understand that the supposed alternative, a purchase by the recently corrupted and Ellison-owned Paramount, is probably worse.) But I also hear a lot of people saying that movies would survive even in a world where theatrical releases ceased to matter, because people will still want their stories. And Im gonna have to call bullshit on that. Because cinema is nothing without its non-narrative pleasures. Even if we experience most movies on TVs nowadays, the promise (be it real or hypothetical) of a theatrical experiencewhich remains the idealized form for all movies, regardless of how theyre actually released or seenallows the thing we call film to exist. Once you take that away, once that potentiality vanishes, then its just more television. Theres nothing wrong with television, but I want movies to be consumed by television about as much as I want music to be consumed by novels, or theater to be consumed by sculpture. Theyre different forms of expression.

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That said, one of the best shows that came out this year, Joe Wrights miniseries Mussolini: Son of the Century, is about as cinematic a work as I can imaginea hyperstylized, no-holds-barred work of gonzo expressionism so deranged that I still cant quite believe it exists. When I interviewed Wright about it, he called it a film. But it is very much a show. So who the hell knows, maybe itll all be OK.

Dammit, Dana, I brought up Joe Wright again,

Bilge

Read the next entry in Movie Club: With Rob Reiner Dies a Whole Tradition of Hollywood Filmmaking.

Read all of the entries in Slates 2025 Movie Club.
This weeks Slate Plus bonus episode of Amicus is another entry in our occasional Dear (Juris)Prudence series, in which we invite listeners to ask their burning questions about the law and answer them as best we can. Write to amicus@slate.com to pose a question to Dahlia and Mark. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Dear (Juris)Prudence,

What does recovery look like for us as a nation? Even if we elect a Democratic president, House, and Senate in 2028, how can we legislate or otherwise repair the damage to the law, norms, precedent, etc., when we still have a Supreme Court that ignores law, norms, precedent, and maybe even the 14th Amendment?

Jacob Garcowski

Dahlia Lithwick: This is really an existential question as much as a legal one, but I know youve given it some thought.

Mark Joseph Stern: I think anyone who cares about salvaging American democracy needs to be asking those exact questions. And its pretty clear to me that the very first item on the agenda needs to be envisioning what the next Democratic presidentlets say, President AOCshould do in the first 24 hours of their time in office. That means embracing the maximalist vision of executive power that Trump has established to undo the damage that he is currently inflicting. Trump has amassed vast new powers for the president, and the next Democrat in the White House simply cannot surrender them. That would be unilateral disarmament, and a disservice to the country. What he or she needs to do instead is wield those powers aggressively for good, repair everything thats broken, help the people Trump has hurt, and push forward with their own goals.

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How does that cash out? First, lets remember that the Supreme Court has now effectively granted the president authority to impound federal funds duly appropriated by Congress and to abolish federal agencies established and funded by Congress. I think that is terrible and anti-constitutional. But thanks to the Supreme Court, that is now the law. So lets talk about what President AOC can do with those powers in 2029. On Day 1, she needs to impound ICEs budget. She needs to refuse to spend the billions of dollars that Congress has appropriated to the agency and fire tens of thousands of immigration agents immediately, starting with those who committed acts of violence and discriminationwhich, by that point, may be almost all of them. Close as many immigrant detention facilities as possible and free the detainees.

Then turn to Customs and Border Protection. Fire CBP chief Greg Bovino. Fire every single agent who participated in the horrific operations in Chicago, D.C., and L.A. Refuse to pay out a penny in benefits to any agent who broke the law. Release all the information about ICE and CBPs immigration sweeps, including the names of every agent who participated. Start investigations and prosecutions of any law-breaking agent whom Trump doesnt pardon. Repurpose the billions of dollars in savings as a reparations fund for every victim. Run the reparations program through a new agency established by executive order. Pay to return noncitizens who were wrongly deported back to the country. Transform ICE and CBPs headquarters into the nerve center of a new Truth and Reconciliation Agency, and use this extra money to pay out damages to the victims of the mass deportation campaign. This would be 100 percent legal under the precedent established by Trump and the Supreme Court.

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Remember: Trump has illegally fired tens of thousands of civil servants, closed agencies like USAID unilaterally, refused to pay out billions of dollars appropriated by Congress, halted our refugee program, shuttered the Education Department, paid reparations to Jan. 6 defendants and quite possibly himself. I think all of that should be illegal, but the Supreme Court has said that it is not. And you just cannot fight fire with a dripping faucet. So I say: Take these powers and use them to undo Trumps legacy and really flood the zone. Blitz the country with these executive orders on Day 1 and dare anybody to stop you.

At the same time, the next Democratic president is going to be a unitary executive thanks to the Supreme Court. So purge every federal agency of Trump holdovers. Start with the Federal Trade Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, every other formerly independent agency. Oust every single Trump appointee at any agency in the executive branch. The Supreme Court is about to let the president do that, and it needs to see the consequences of its actions when the president isnt named Donald Trump. Take his name off the Kennedy Center, the Institute of Peace, and every other institution that he has illegally branded. This needs to be a top-to-bottom reconstruction of the executive branch using the precedents that Trump himself established. That is the only way a true recovery can begin, and that is what needs to happen within 24 hours of the next Democrat reentering the White House.

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I want to hurl myself in front of one objection youre going to get, which is: But then the Supreme Courts going to say all of that is illegal! My response is: Good, thatll take three years to litigate. Run out the clock in the million ways that we have learned that the clock can be run out. And if everything is enjoined on Day 1 by every single Trump judge and then the Supreme Court, then we have another conversation. But I absolutely agree: Democrats should not petition, hands outstretched to the Supreme Court, for the maximalist version of presidential power when its not Donald Trump in office. They need to say: Cool, this is what the rule is now. Lets go.

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The other thing I want to say is that baked into Jacobs question is this issue of: How do we reinstate norms? How do we get the other side to abide by the entire complicated web of unenforceable feelings about, say, a separation between the Justice Department and the White House? And how prosecutors conduct themselves in court? And on and on? If we can learn any lesson from President Joseph Bidens regime, its that you cannot simply adhere to norms and hope the other side will look around and say: Hey, I forgotnorms are awesome! That is not the way to go back to living under soft, unenforceable norms of democracy. You cannot bring a shrimp fork to a knife fight. We have to disabuse ourselves of that idea.

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Because norms survive in a system like ours when both sides feel that they have something to gain from them and something to lose when they go away. And right now, under Trump, the Republican Party believes that it can only gain from shattering norms, because Democrats are too timid and afraid of their own shadow. And the only way to disabuse the GOP of that notion is to show them what happens to their side when the norms are gone. We cannot restore the norms magically by having one side abide by them. That would only make things worse by reiterating to the Republican Party that it might as well shatter any norms it wants because Democrats will just go back to abiding by them, even when they constrict the political fortunes and the power of Democratic lawmakers. It cant work that way. It can only work if Democrats give Republicans a taste of their own medicine and remind them why the norms were there in the first place.

I often say that norms are not an end in themselves. Norms are a means to a larger end, which is a functioning democratic state. And the notion that we can rebuild a world of norms unilaterally is the enduring failure of the Biden administration.
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Dental Care in Andheri: Treatments, Technology and Safety Standard

The main reason people prefer a dental clinic in Andheri is the ease of access to it because there is a good metro connectivity, railway stations, and it is well connected to major road links

Andheri is a hub for many dental clinics. A quick Google search will bring up dozens of options within a few kilometres. Yet many people feel unsure when it comes to choosing anyone. It may be due to any reason. A good dental clinic is not only about proximity. A lot of other factors must be considered. The clinic should fit into your lifestyle, comfort level, and long-term goals.

Lets walk you through the guide.

Why should you visit the dentist?

Cavities, gum issues, and bite problems develop slowly. Sometimes, there will be no obvious symptoms. Over time some discomfort appears, treatment becomes more complex, hence costly.

When you follow the bi-annual dental visit rule, your problems will be detected early on. This is important in urban areas like Andheri. Here work-life stress, irregular meals, and frequent snacking are common. Affecting oral health over time.

Why do people prefer a dental clinic in Andheri?

The main reason people prefer a dental clinic in Andheri is the ease of access to it. There is good metro connectivity, railway stations, and it is well connected to major road links. This way, patients can fit dental consultations into their routine.

Dental treatments done in a dental clinic in Andheri

1. General & preventive dentistry

Dentists often promote more preventive treatments. Common services include:

Cavity fillings

Teeth Cleaning

Fluoride treatment

2. Cosmetic & Aesthetic dentistry

Alongside routine dental treatments Andheri has seen a demand for cosmetic dental procedures. Working professionals, students, influencers, and models increasingly get treatments done to improve their appearance.

Smile designing

Teeth whitening

Dental Veneers

Tooth bonding and reshaping

Gum contouring and depigmentation

3. Restorative dentistry

Some procedures are performed only to repair damaged teeth. This brings back the chewing function.

Root canal treatment

Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Dental Implants

Single tooth dental implants

Multiple tooth dental implants

All-on-4 dental implants

All-on-6 dental implants

Sinus lift procedures

4. Braces

These treatments are offered for both adults and children.

Metal braces

Ceramic braces

Invisible braces

Retainer therapy for post-braces maintenance

5. Kids special dentistry

Dentistry for children is an entirely dedicated service at several dental clinics in Andheri.

Child-friendly consultations

Fluoride treatment

Painless cavity fillings for children

Pediatric root canal treatments

6. Emergency Dentistry

Many dental clinics in Andheri give treatments for urgent conditions.

Tooth pain management

Treatment for broken, chipped or fractured tooth

Facial fractures

Extractions

Dental technology often used in clinics in Andheri

Intraoral scanners

Digital X-rays (OPG, CBCT)

Dental lasers

CAD-CAM systems for crowns and bridges

Hygiene and safety

Dental clinics in Andheri follow protocols for safety and sterilisation. Many are ISO or NABH certified. This proves that the dental clinic is safe and cares for its patients.

Disposable gloves and covers

Sterilisation of instruments

Sanitisation of treatment areas after every patient

Clean clinical attire

Established dental clinic in Andheri

Many dental clinics in Andheri have been treating residents for a long time. Patient referrals and local familiarity are important aspects of deciding.

Clinics like Signature Smiles are a part of this list. They have been known in and around the area for their treatment success rate. With dentists trained in the USA, UK and Germany, they have an experience of over 20 years. They have grown steadily through patient referrals and not aggressive marketing.

Conclusion

Looking for a dental clinic in Andheri doesnt have to be stressful. Make sure to focus on other factors that directly affect you. Dental treatment is not supposed to be a transaction. Do not run behind claims and offers. The right clinic will help you understand your options. Following which they will guide you in having better oral health without any fear.

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I find a dental clinic in Andheri which is good?

There is no shortage of dental clinics in Andheri. A simple Google search will give you several options. Look for Google reviews and patient testimonials. This will help you decide.

2. Is it possible for a dentist to know all dental procedures?

Dentists go through 5 years of training and education. They learn skills to master dental procedures. But for some procedures, they need special training. For that dentist go for masters or some courses. Therefore, before committing to a treatment make sure to know about your dentist's qualifications and experience.

3. Do dental clinics in Andheri provide no cost EMI?

Yes! Some dental procedures like dental implants or braces go on for a long time. It takes months to complete them. Hence, some popular dental clinics like Signature Smiles focus on making it affordable for you. They provide No Cost EMI on their dental treatments.

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Explained: How to change gmail.com email address

In a much desired feature, Google has now decided to allow @gmail.com email address users to change with a new user name without losing data and also brand value

In a much desired feature, Google has now decided to allow @gmail.com email address users to change with a new user name without losing data and also brand value.

Gmail users for long wanted to change their email addresses ending with @gmail.com. Google however did not allow this.

The result was that if a user having email address abc@gmail.com wants to change her/his email address to xyz@gmail.com, she/he was required to create a new address.

Google has now made it easy

In a blog post released Thursday December 25, 2025, Google said @gmail.com users can now change and modify their email addresses if they wish so without losing their data, purchases and history.

The feature will be rolled out globally but not at once but gradually.

Whether you are stuck with an unprofessional handle created in high school or simply want a rebrand, Google has historically treated the @gmail.com username as a permanent fixture. However, a significant policy shift is currently underway, Google said.

Google has begun a gradual rollout of a feature that allows users to change their existing Google Account email address to a new one, while retaining all their data, purchases, and history, the tech giant said.

Changing and modifying the email address will not delete the old email address. Instead, the previous address is automatically converted into an alias.

This ensures continuity, Google said.

Google also said that the users who changed their email addresses and Google account will receive emails sent to both the new and old addresses in the same inbox.

Your stored data, including Drive files, Google Photos, and purchase history, remains untouched. You can sign in to Google services using either the new or the old email address, Google said.

How to change @gmail.com address

Go to " myaccount.google.com/google-account-email " on a computer

" on a computer Select Personal Information from the left-hand menu

Click on Google Account email under the Contact info section

Look for a button labeled Change your Google Account email address

Gmail users should note that since this feature is being released gradually, it may not be available to all users immediately. Gmail users therefore follow the steps given above to find out if you are eligible for the new feature.

"If the option is missing, the feature has likely not yet rolled out to your region or account type", Google said.

Google further note that accounts managed by schools, workplaces, or organizations generally cannot change their addresses without administrator approval.



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From the start of 2025 to now, Party disciplinary bodies have sanctioned more than 330 Party organizations and over 9,600 Party members.

At the Central level, the Politburo, Secretariat, and Central Inspection Commission disciplined 23 officials under Central management, including 6 individuals facing criminal prosecution.

Audits and inspections led to financial recovery proposals totaling 75.13 trillion VND (approximately 3.12 billion USD) and 633 hectares of land. In addition, administrative sanctions were recommended for 928 organizations and 3,058 individuals.

Law enforcement across the country launched 3,325 new cases involving 8,516 suspects, related to corruption, economic crimes, and abuse of position. Of these, 585 cases (1,585 suspects) were classified specifically as corruption cases.

For key cases under the committees direct oversight, authorities initiated 6 new cases involving 104 suspects, expanded charges to include 172 additional suspects across 16 cases, concluded investigations in 14 cases involving 323 suspects, prosecuted 14 cases with 251 defendants, and conducted 10 first-instance trials involving 167 defendants, along with 14 appellate trials for 253 defendants.

Among the major concluded investigations were those involving the Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Health, ZHolding Company, and land allocation irregularities at Nha Trang Airport.

Completed first-instance trials included high-profile cases such as those involving Thuan An Group, Phuc Son Group, the Saigon-Dai Ninh project in Lam Dong, the Phan Thiet coastal urban development, the Vietnam Register and related units, the Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Center under the Ministry of Information and Communications, Thai Son Group, Vietnam Rare Earth JSC, Vietnam Tea Corporation, the Tan Thinh residential project in Dong Nai, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Vietnam Electricity Group.

Asset seizures exceed 1,270 billion VND

Authorities reported positive progress in asset recovery. Over the year, law enforcement seized, froze, or impounded assets worth more than 1.27 trillion VND (over 52.8 million USD), along with various high-value properties.

In civil enforcement phases for committee-supervised cases, nearly 22.5 trillion VND (around 934 million USD) has been recovered-reaching a 55% recovery rate, and bringing the total amount recovered since the committees establishment to 119.83 trillion VND (nearly 5 billion USD).

Efforts to combat waste have also accelerated. Authorities focused on resolving long-delayed and inefficient public projects to avoid further losses, with a principle of no prolonged waste, no whitewashing of wrongdoing.

The government and ministries have reviewed and addressed nearly 3,000 stalled or inefficient projects, resolving over 1,150 of them, and handled 10,971 surplus public buildings and land sites after administrative restructuring.

The Government Inspectorate completed over 70 project audits, including 421 problematic projects as directed by the committee. National prosecutors launched 62 cases involving 373 suspects for waste-related misconduct as a warning and deterrent.

Local anti-corruption efforts also showed improvement. Provincial committees restructured staff and strengthened oversight of both prevention and investigation. In 2025, they included nearly 100 corruption and waste-related cases under their direct watch, and ramped up inspection and auditing at the grassroots level.

Authorities took disciplinary action against 98 top or deputy leaders, of whom 46 faced criminal charges. Additionally, more than 250 officials and Party members involved in local anti-corruption bodies were disciplined, with over 60 prosecuted for misconduct.

Tran Thuong
CMC OpenAI (C-OpenAI), a member of CMC Technology Group, has announced two foundational components for developing a Vietnamese legal virtual assistant: the large language model CMC-AI-Legal-32B and the evaluation benchmark VLegal-Bench.

According to the company, mastering both the model and the evaluation framework reflects its strategy to advance national technology goals under Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The effort also aligns with Vietnams broader orientation toward developing core AI technologies such as Vietnamese-language LLMs, virtual assistants, and domain-specific AI systems.

Fine-tuning CMC-AI-Legal-32B: A model built for complex legal reasoning

At the center of the announcement is CMC-AI-Legal-32B, a Vietnamese legal large language model fine-tuned by C-OpenAI for Vietnams legal context. On the VLegal-Bench evaluation suite, the model achieved top overall performance, ranking first in six out of twenty-two tasks and excelling in multi-layered legal reasoning and argumentation.

The research team noted that while general-purpose commercial models such as GPT-4o, Claude, and Gemini perform strongly in information retrieval, their effectiveness declines sharply in structured legal reasoning. In contrast, models trained with Vietnamese legal data and citation standards demonstrate distinct advantages in accuracy and relevance.

C-OpenAI confirmed that it will release the source code, datasets, and evaluation procedures transparently at https://vlegalbench.cmcai.vn/, inviting domestic and international experts to collaborate in refining the toolkit.

C-OpenAI pursues the vision of building an open and secure AI platform developed by Vietnam, focusing on Vietnamese LLMs and sector-specific AI applications. We aim to cultivate a community of enterprises and developers to co-create and distribute applications built on this platform, said Dang Van Tu, CEO of C-OpenAI.

The VLegal-Bench evaluation benchmark developed by C-OpenAI, registered on arXiv (Cornell University, USA).

VLegal-Bench: Vietnams benchmark for legal AI evaluation

The development team explained that training and evaluating high-quality legal LLMs requires a benchmark tailored to Vietnams linguistic and legal system. International benchmarks, they noted, cannot replicate these unique conditions, making it essential for domestic researchers to build datasets and tasks from the ground up.

VLegal-Bench comprises 10,450 labeled data samples with reference answers, divided into twenty-two tasks across five levels of increasing reasoning complexity. These range from identifying legal articles and structuring provisions within hierarchical frameworks, to performing multi-step legal reasoning, generating contextually appropriate legal content, and evaluating ethics, fairness, and bias.

Designed to reflect Vietnams civil law system, the benchmark includes hierarchical legal structures, amendment relationships, scope of application, and inter-article references. Each sample links directly to verified legal documents, ensuring transparency and reproducibility in evaluation.

Vietnams leading legal AI evaluation benchmark - VLegal-Bench by C-OpenAI.

A foundation for fair, transparent legal AI assessment

Developing VLegal-Bench was a demanding process, said Nguyen Tien Dong, Chief Technical Officer of C-OpenAI. We rebuilt nearly the entire pipeline - from text collection and standardization to reference labeling and task design - to ensure both technical rigor and legal accuracy.

The research team behind the VLegal-Bench project.

He added that the greatest challenge lay in maintaining precision, reproducibility, and alignment with international LLM evaluation standards. Through close collaboration between legal professionals and AI engineers, we created a high-quality dataset and tested it across twenty-two models, contributing a reliable benchmark for evaluating Vietnamese legal virtual assistants, he said.

Building Vietnams AI ecosystem through collaboration

According to C-OpenAI, VLegal-Bench serves as a competitive arena for comparing open-source, closed-source, and domain-specific models. Its automated evaluation pipeline ensures consistency and removes human subjectivity. Results are published in public leaderboards to encourage transparency and research collaboration.

From an academic standpoint, the projects technical report has been released as a preprint on the arXiv repository. C-OpenAI also collaborates with international partners, including Professor Binh Vus research group at SRH Heidelberg University in Germany, to strengthen peer-review quality and align with global standards.

CMCs technology foundation powering C-OpenAIs R&D and AI transformation initiatives.

At the group level, Nguyen Trung Chinh, Chairman of CMC Technology Group, reaffirmed the companys long-term strategy of investing in core AI technologies and developing specialized models.

The leadership of CMC Technology Group takes great pride in the C-OpenAI teams achievements, Chinh said. With over a decade of sustained investment in research and development, CMC remains committed to our mission of creating twenty-five core technologies made by CMC. This foundation empowers us to deliver world-class AI transformation solutions fully developed by Vietnamese engineers on our journey to become a global AI-X company.

Looking ahead, C-OpenAI plans to expand its open-source repositories, datasets, and leaderboard systems for VLegal-Bench, rolling out phased releases through 2026. These initiatives aim to establish a shared, verifiable platform that supports the development of trustworthy Vietnamese AI applications across domains.

C-OpenAI also reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing Vietnams AI community through open collaboration and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

PV
Decree 296/2025, which governs the enforcement of administrative penalty decisions, will take effect from January 1, 2026, replacing Decree 166/2013. It introduces several notable provisions aimed at increasing the effectiveness of administrative enforcement in Vietnam.

Under the new decree, if shared business assets are insufficient to pay fines, authorities may seize personal property from members of household businesses or families. Photo: N.K





Who will be affected?

The decree applies to both Vietnamese and foreign individuals or organizations penalized under Vietnams administrative law but who fail to comply fully or voluntarily. This includes fines, confiscations of violating goods or tools, and costs incurred by authorities in remediating consequences caused by such violations-especially where no specific penalty decision was issued or costs remain unpaid.

It also outlines responsibilities for authorized individuals and enforcement agencies as well as any organizations or persons involved in implementing these enforcement measures.

Expanded scope of asset seizure

Decree 296/2025 clarifies the sources from which penalties may be collected and assets seized in cases involving organizations, household businesses, family units, cooperatives, and community groups.

For household businesses, family-run operations, or cooperatives, enforcement will first target shared funds and assets. However, if these are insufficient to fulfill the penalty payment, authorities may seize individual funds and assets from any members-unless otherwise specified by partnership agreements or relevant legal provisions.

Restrictions for state agencies

Government bodies, military units, political organizations, socio-political groups, or public service entities funded by the state may not use budgetary or state-derived funds to pay penalties or enforcement costs. These entities are expected to self-fund any costs associated with enforcement actions.

Businesses and cooperatives also included

The decree applies similarly to private enterprises, subsidiaries, cooperatives, and cooperative unions. Enforcement measures may target any cash flow, assets, or income from these entities to cover fines and related enforcement expenses.

Wage and income deductions allowed

The decree introduces a mechanism for partial wage or income deductions from individuals. These deductions may be carried out repeatedly and proportionally, based on total monthly earnings.

For wages and pensions, the deduction rate per instance must not exceed 30% of the net amount received after mandatory contributions such as social insurance, health insurance, unemployment insurance, and personal income tax. The deductions must also preserve the individuals minimum living standards and support obligations for dependents.

For other income sources, deductions may not exceed 50% of monthly income per instance-again, ensuring basic living conditions are protected under current law.

Obligations of employers and agencies

Organizations, units, and employers managing an individuals wages, pension, or income are required to comply with enforcement decisions. Within three working days from the nearest pay date, they must deduct the designated portion and transfer it to the account specified in the enforcement decision at the State Treasury.

Simultaneously, they must notify both the affected individual and the enforcing authority about the deduction.

Nguyen Le
Experts say Hanois cultural depth, East-West architectural harmony, and refined lifestyle make it unique in Southeast Asia  Photo: Pham Hai

Hanois tourism sector has made a remarkable comeback in 2025, not only recovering from the pandemic but surpassing pre-COVID levels in both visitor numbers and total revenue.

According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the capital expects to welcome over 33.7 million visitors in 2025, an increase of 20.8% compared with 2024.

This includes 7.82 million international visitors, up 22.8%, and 25.9 million domestic visitors, up 20.3% year-on-year.

Total tourism revenue is estimated at 134.46 trillion VND (approximately 5.3 billion USD), a 21.5% rise over 2024.

Compared with 2019 - when Hanoi hosted about 29 million visitors, its highest pre-pandemic figure - the citys tourism scale has now fully recovered and exceeded that benchmark.

Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism Tran Trung Hieu said these achievements were driven by the citys strong investment in infrastructure, particularly in transport and hospitality.

Hanoi currently boasts the Noi Bai International Airport, which connects to major global destinations, an expanding urban expressway and ring-road network, and over 3,700 accommodation facilities, including numerous international 35-star hotels catering to MICE travelers, high-end guests, and global events.

A new wave of international visitors

In recent years, Hanoi has witnessed a significant shift in its international visitor profile.

Besides traditional markets from Northeast Asia and ASEAN, the city is increasingly attracting travelers from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Australia.

According to Vietnam Airlines, visitor numbers from Europe, Australia, and the Americas have continued to grow steadily, with increases of 1030% compared with pre-pandemic levels, except for the Russian market, which has only recovered to 72% of 2019 figures after flights resumed in May 2025.

Australian arrivals alone surged by 64.5%, reaching 135,382 visitors in 2025 versus 82,275 in 2019.

Meanwhile, Asian markets remain dominant, with 4.5 million arrivals to Hanoi in the first ten months of 2025 - a 20% increase from 2024 and 26% higher than 2019.

Northeast Asia (Japan, South Korea, China) leads with around 60% of total visitors, while Indian tourists increased fivefold from 2019, driven by the launch of new direct flight routes.

Arrivals from Halal countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia also rose 2030% between 2022 and 2025.

Opportunities and challenges in Hanois tourism model

Despite strong growth, Deputy Director Tran Trung Hieu acknowledged that tourist spending and length of stay remain modest.

International tourists stay only two to three nights on average, and spending on shopping remains limited.

Vietnam Airlines representatives noted that Hanoi is often a transit destination - a starting or ending point rather than a city where tourists linger.

Travel agencies also warned of stiff competition from regional hubs such as Bangkok, Seoul, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, where tourism products are more diverse and event-driven.

Hanoi still lacks large-scale, distinctive international events that could anchor major inbound promotion campaigns.

In 2026, the capital targets 35.8 million visitors, up 6.2% from 2025, including 8.6 million international arrivals and 27.2 million domestic travelers, with total revenue projected at 160 trillion VND (about 6.3 billion USD), a 19% year-on-year increase.

Repositioning Hanois tourism brand

According to Nguyen Quy Phuong, Head of Tourism Promotion at the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, rebranding Hanois tourism image has become an urgent priority.

Hanoi should no longer be seen only as a heritage city, he said, but as a destination where tradition and modernity coexist, where cultural values are not just preserved but lived every day.

This distinct identity aligns with global trends in experiential and cultural tourism, providing a strong foundation for strategic marketing campaigns.

He emphasized that brand repositioning must go hand-in-hand with data-driven, digital marketing strategies, focusing on creative content and targeted outreach rather than broad-based promotion.

Expanding regional tourism chains

To extend visitor stays and boost spending, experts propose that Hanoi deepen regional linkages with Ninh Binh, Ha Long, and Sa Pa, forming multi-destination cultural, heritage, nature, and leisure itineraries.

Such linkages could increase the average stay of international tourists from 2.8 days to 46 days, generating greater economic impact while enhancing the capitals visibility in international markets.

Hanois tourism success has marked a new phase - one where growth must now be paired with brand sophistication and global resonance.

PV
Total registered foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025 is estimated at nearly 8.37 billion USD, up 24.2% from 2024, reflecting the continued appeal of the southern metropolis to foreign investors.

The information was shared at a press conference on the citys socio-economic situation held on December 25.

Specifically, the city granted investment certificates to 1,865 new FDI projects with a combined registered capital of more than 1.6 billion USD, while 432 existing projects adding their capital by 2.9 billion USD. In addition, foreign investors completed 2,700 transactions to contribute capital, purchase shares or acquire stakes in domestic enterprises, with a total registered value of 3.7 billion USD.

As of December 31, Ho Chi Minh City is expected to continue leading the nation in valid FDI capital and project numbers, with total registered capital standing at 141.9 billion USD across 20,310 projects.

By sector, manufacturing and processing continues to account for the largest share of registered FDI, with 5,829 projects and total capital exceeding 75.4 billion USD, or 53.3% of the total. Real estate ranks second with 28.5 billion USD (20.2%), followed by wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair with 7.5 billion USD (5.3%). Other investments were channelled into education and training, professional and scientific services, construction, and information and communications.

The Department of Finance reported that investors from 89 countries and territories invested in the city this year. Singapore topped the list with 2.1 billion USD, accounting for 25% of total registered capital, followed by the Republic of Korea with 635.2 million USD (8%) and Hong Kong (China) with 482.2 million USD (6%). Other significant sources included China, Japan, the British Virgin Islands, Thailand and the United States.

The city aims to prioritise FDI into high value-added sectors, green energy and high technology. To this end, it plans to upgrade and modernise investment, trade and tourism promotion activities; strengthen economic diplomacy; and directly engage leading multinational corporations and strategic partners in key projects, including plans to develop the city into a national services hub and an international financial centre.

At the same time, the city will continue to address investment barriers, improve planning and infrastructure, simplify administrative procedures, develop high-quality human resources and strengthen dialogue with investors. It will also recommend the Government amend and supplement inadequate regulations, while proactively developing specific policies suited to the citys development characteristics. Recently, the city proposed the National Assembly approve Resolution 260/2025/QH15 amending Resolution 98/2023/QH15 on piloting special mechanisms and policies for the development of HCM City, including expanding the framework for selecting strategic investors./. VNA
For the upcoming Lunar New Year Binh Ngo 2026, Ho Chi Minh City is set to provide major travel support for disadvantaged workers, including 800 airfares, 3,200 train tickets, and 3,500 bus seats to help them return to their hometowns for the holiday.

Workers leaving factories at Linh Trung Export Processing Zone. Photo: Thanh Tung

The Ho Chi Minh City Labor Federation has released its Tet 2026 care plan, aiming to ensure union members and workers in need can celebrate the holiday with their families.

According to the plan assigned by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, the Ho Chi Minh City federation will be allocated:

300 one-way plane tickets, each covering one union member or worker and one accompanying family member (spouse, parent, or child). Each recipient will also receive a $12 USD cash gift.

Flights will depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Noi Bai (Hanoi), Vinh (Nghe An), and Phu Bai (Hue).

1,200 round-trip train tickets (with air-conditioned soft seats) will be given to workers and up to three accompanying family members, along with a $12 USD cash gift per ticket.

Trains will depart from southern stations including Saigon, Di An (HCMC), and Bien Hoa (Dong Nai), heading to northern stations from Da Nang to Hanoi.

At the city level, the Labor Federation will prioritize workers in especially difficult circumstances or those who havent been home for Tet in many years.

It will offer:

2,000 one-way train tickets (air-conditioned soft seats) from Saigon Station (or nearby stations like Di An and Bien Hoa) to northern destinations from Ha Tinh to Hanoi.

500 additional one-way air tickets from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Vinh (Nghe An).

About 3,500 one-way bus tickets will also be distributed. Of these, 2,000 are for workers in Ho Chi Minh City proper, 1,000 for those in the former Binh Duong Province, and 500 for workers in the former Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province.

Bus routes will run from Ho Chi Minh City to provinces from Phu Yen to Hanoi.

Altogether, the support package for Tet 2026 includes approximately 800 plane tickets, 3,200 train tickets, and 3,500 bus tickets, offering a vital means for workers to return home and enjoy the holiday season.

Tran Chung
Delegates of the 2019 National Awards Ceremony for Outstanding Ethnic Minority Youth visit the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism (Dong Mo, Hanoi).

From remote mountain villages, many young faces have emerged stronger and more determined after being honored at the National Awards Ceremony for Outstanding Ethnic Minority Students and Youth. These recognitions are more than symbolic-they mark the beginning of transformative journeys.

Writing a brighter future

Tao Thi On, an ethnic Lu woman from Nam Tam commune, Lai Chau province, vividly recalls her moment of recognition at the 2019 ceremony-a moment she describes as opening a new door in her life.

Following the ceremony, VietNamNet-then operating as Dan Toc & Phat Trien (Ethnic Affairs & Development) Newspaper-sponsored her monthly living and education expenses throughout her university years. That consistent support became a vital foundation for the young woman from the mountains, allowing her to pursue her goals with confidence.

Now working at a travel company in Hanoi, On looks back on 2019 as the milestone that helped her grow, learn, and build a career she had long dreamed of.

For her, the ceremony was not just about celebrating past achievements; it was a powerful source of inspiration. It encouraged ethnic minority youth-especially those from underrepresented ethnic groups and remote areas-to dream bigger and break through their own limits. The award served as a message: ethnic minority youth are crucial to their communities and to national development. It fostered a connection between young people and their roots.

Tao Thi On recalls the moment of her 2019 recognition as a new door opening in her life.

From her own experience, On offers words of encouragement to the new awardees-especially those about to enter university: The road ahead wont be easy. There will be challenges, but also many opportunities. Believe in yourself. Dare to live fully, dare to fail. And above all, cherish every opportunity youre given. Live responsibly and strive each day, so that when we return home, we can make our families proud and give something meaningful back to our communities.

Another honoree, Nong Thi Ngoc Hue of the Tay ethnic group, from Doai Duong commune in Cao Bang province, is now working in administrative and legal affairs at a real estate company. Her job involves contract review and regulatory compliance in a high-pressure, detail-focused sector.

While the workload can be intense, Hue says the experience has shaped her into a more mature and capable person. Being part of a growing company right here in my hometown makes me proud. The growth of local enterprises is a good sign for Cao Bangs economy-and Im happy to contribute, even in a small way, she says.

Reflecting on the 2019 ceremony, Hue says gratitude is the strongest feeling it evoked. It wasnt just about the moment of recognition-it reminded her that every effort, no matter how quiet, has value.

I believe your starting point doesnt determine your destination, she shares. With persistence and clear goals, every ethnic minority youth can make real progress.

For Nong Thi Ngoc Hue, the award was a turning point that showed her every quiet effort matters.

More than a decade of dedication

Since the first ceremony in 2013, the annual event has honored nearly 2,000 outstanding ethnic minority students and youth across Vietnam. As the 12th edition of the event approaches in 2025, 152 young people are set to be recognized. Behind every name is a story of silent, consistent effort.

The ceremony is also a space for ethnic minority youth from every region to connect, share learning experiences, expand horizons, and build new relationships. Many participants remain in contact after the event, supporting each other through their studies and careers. These ties have formed a vibrant, responsible network of young ethnic minority leaders.

Each individual honored represents a seed of knowledge-carrying the aspiration to uplift their homeland. Collectively, they form a core force for future development in ethnic and mountainous regions.

The long-term vision of the award is clear: to cultivate a generation of ethnic minority youth who are confident, capable, intellectually empowered, and ready to contribute to the nations growth in a new era-the era of national ascendance.

Hong Phuc
The new anode-free battery allows electric vehicles to travel nearly twice as far without increasing size.

A group of South Korean scientists has achieved a major milestone in battery technology by developing a lithium metal battery without an anode, boasting a volumetric energy density of 1,270 Wh/L - almost twice that of current lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.

The breakthrough, announced by researchers from POSTECH, KAIST, and Gyeongsang National University, could significantly extend the driving range of electric cars.

According to the research team led by Professor Soojin Park and Dr. Dong-Yeob Han of POSTECH, the prototype achieved a volumetric energy density of 1,270 Wh/L, compared with about 650 Wh/L in todays lithium-ion batteries.

The innovation lies in the anode-free architecture of the lithium metal cell. In this design, the traditional graphite anode is completely removed. Instead, lithium ions from the cathode deposit directly onto a copper current collector during charging.

By eliminating the anode, engineers freed up internal space inside the battery, allowing more active material to be packed into the same volume - essentially, storing more fuel in the same tank.

However, anode-free lithium metal batteries have long faced critical challenges, particularly uneven lithium deposition during charging, which can form sharp dendrites capable of piercing the internal separator, causing short circuits and safety hazards.

Additionally, the lithium surface tends to degrade after multiple charge-discharge cycles, reducing efficiency and lifespan - key factors that have prevented commercial viability.

To overcome these obstacles, the researchers introduced a dual-solution approach: a reversible storage framework combined with a specially designed electrolyte.

The storage framework consists of a polymer structure embedded with uniformly distributed silver nanoparticles, guiding lithium to deposit evenly and preventing dendrite formation.

Meanwhile, the custom electrolyte promotes the formation of a stable surface layer of LiO and LiN on the lithium metal, enhancing ion transport and protecting the electrode throughout repeated use.

With these improvements, the battery demonstrated outstanding performance under demanding conditions. At a capacity of 4.6 mAh/cm and a current density of 2.3 mA/cm, it maintained 81.9% of its original capacity after 100 cycles, with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.6%.

Even under low-electrolyte and low-stack-pressure conditions, the cell remained stable, highlighting its potential for lightweight, simplified, and scalable production - a key step toward commercialization.

Professor Park emphasized that the research marks a significant advance in addressing both the performance and durability issues of anode-free lithium metal batteries. Moreover, the use of commercially available electrolyte solvents makes the technology closer to real-world application.

The study has been published in Advanced Materials and has been hailed as one of the most promising breakthroughs in electric vehicle battery technology in recent years.

Duy Anh
At a press briefing on the afternoon of December 25, Major General Nguyen Quoc Toan, Chief of the Office and spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security, provided updates on the investigation into waste and mismanagement at the Bach Mai Hospital (Campus 2) and Viet Duc Friendship Hospital (Campus 2) projects.

Major General Nguyen Quoc Toan, Chief of the Office and spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security.

Responding to questions from reporters during a session announcing the outcomes of the 29th meeting of the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption, Waste, and Negativity Prevention, Major General Toan said that the police investigation agency has so far prosecuted 10 defendants under four different charges.

Of these, two defendants have been charged with taking bribes and abuse of position and power while performing official duties; one defendant has been charged with fraud and appropriation of assets; and seven others have been charged with violating regulations on the management and use of State assets, causing loss and waste.

According to Major General Toan, investigators have initially determined that the actions of those involved caused total losses and waste amounting to 762 billion VND (approximately USD 30 million).

So far, authorities have recovered more than 39 billion VND (around USD 1.6 million) and seized seven real estate properties connected to the case.

Major General Toan emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and being carried out under the close direction of the Central Steering Committee. When there are new developments, the Ministry of Public Security will provide further information, he said.

Massive waste discovered in hospital construction projects

The Bach Mai Hospital (Campus 2) project in the former Ha Nam Province was designed to have 1,000 inpatient beds, covering a total floor area of 118,941 square meters.

The total investment capital for the project was 4.99 trillion VND (approximately USD 200 million), including 4.5 trillion VND from the State budget and additional funding from other sources.

Similarly, the Viet Duc Friendship Hospital (Campus 2) project also has 1,000 beds and a total floor area of 117,714 square meters, with total investment capital of 4.968 trillion VND (about USD 198 million), including 4.5 trillion VND in State funds.

Earlier, the Government Inspectorate issued a conclusion report identifying numerous violations in the two projects.

The Inspectorate recommended that the Prime Minister instruct the Minister of Health to review and strictly discipline current and former ministers and deputy ministers responsible for the projects during various periods, along with many related organizations and individuals.

According to the inspection results, the total amount of damage and waste at the two projects exceeded 1.2 trillion VND (about USD 48 million).

Responsibility was attributed to the Minister of Health, the Project Management Board for Key Health Projects, and other directly involved entities and individuals.

Expanding investigation and prosecution

In early June 2025, the Ministry of Public Security formally initiated the case and prosecuted five individuals.

By September 29, investigators filed additional charges against two more suspects, bringing the total number of defendants to seven, and subsequently expanded the scope to include a total of 10 people under prosecution to date.

Major General Nguyen Quoc Toan affirmed that the case remains a priority under the Central Steering Committees supervision, with a strong focus on recovering assets and holding all responsible parties accountable.

Tran Thuong
On the afternoon of December 25, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the national conference reviewing the implementation of Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW on affairs concerning Vietnamese people living abroad, as well as related directives from the Politburo and the Secretariat.

The conference was held at the Government Headquarters and connected online with 98 Vietnamese diplomatic missions worldwide. Attendees included Le Hoai Trung, member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son; and representatives from various central and local agencies.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers his remarks. Credit: Duong Giang / VNA

Overseas Vietnamese increasingly connected with the homeland

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that overseas Vietnamese are an inseparable part of the nation and an essential resource for Vietnams development.

More than 20 years after the issuance of Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW, the Party and the State have consistently enhanced policies supporting overseas Vietnamese communities, fostering stronger and more meaningful bonds between people at home and abroad.

Vietnams legal system has also become more comprehensive, with better protection of the legitimate rights and interests of overseas citizens. Notable examples include amendments to the Law on Vietnamese Nationality, facilitating dual citizenship, and new provisions in the Laws on Science, Technology and Innovation, Land, Housing, and Real Estate Business.

Since 2004, the overseas Vietnamese population has expanded from 2.7 million in 90 countries and territories to nearly 6.5 million people in more than 130 countries and territories. Seventeen prominent overseas Vietnamese now serve on the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front.

The Party and the State have not only encouraged and mobilized but also redefined how to engage and utilize overseas Vietnamese talent, creating favorable conditions for them to contribute effectively.

Cultural and community programs such as Homeland Spring, the Hung Kings Commemoration, and youth summer camps continue to strengthen ties with the homeland. Vietnamese language promotion efforts have been particularly emphasized, with September 8 officially designated as Vietnamese Language Day.

Overseas Vietnamese contribute annually around USD 15 billion in remittances, and from 35 countries and territories, they have invested in 457 projects across 26 of Vietnams 34 provinces, with a combined registered capital of USD 1.73 billion.

Among roughly 600,000 overseas Vietnamese holding university degrees or higher, thousands of intellectuals, scientists, and experts have made meaningful contributions to Vietnams fields of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Ten overseas Vietnamese innovation networks have been established across 22 countries and territories, linking more than 2,000 members.

The Party and State reaffirm national unity

Representatives of overseas Vietnamese expressed pride in the success of Resolution 36, noting that it has strengthened ties with the homeland and enhanced the spirit of national solidarity.

They emphasized their commitment to serving as diplomatic soldiers, deepening international relations and promoting Vietnams image abroad, while calling on the State to further improve legal frameworks, create breakthroughs in talent policies, and broaden opportunities for overseas Vietnamese participation in key development sectors.

On behalf of the Party and State leadership, General Secretary To Lam sent his best wishes to the conference.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reiterated that Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW clearly defines the position, role, and importance of overseas Vietnamese communities, recognizing them as an inseparable component of the Vietnamese nation.

The Prime Minister stressed that the resolution has established a solid legal foundation to protect the rights and interests of overseas Vietnamese, promote diplomatic relations with host countries, and enable them to contribute more actively to Vietnams rapid and sustainable development.
Real estate projects in Vietnam that have been delayed by regulatory obstacles will gradually see their difficulties resolved, helping to increase market supply and unlock resources for development, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh has said. This process, he noted, will help realign the property market, making it more transparent, stable and sustainable.

He was speaking at a forum on real estate market held on December 25 in Hanoi by Business Forum magazine under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

Assoc. Prof. Dr Ho Sy Hung, VCCI President, said the Government has recently introduced a range of coordinated measures to accelerate project implementation. In 2025, the market saw sharp rise in supply, with more than 100,000 properties entering the market  up over 22% compared with 2024, including nearly 90,000 new units. At the same time, prices rose, albeit unevenly across different market segments.

He further stated that a series of relevant resolutions and directives have been issued to tackle bottlenecks and promote social housing. As a result, investor confidence has improved, liquidity has risen and many social housing projects have been approved, launched or completed.

However, the Ministry of Construction reported that 2,991 projects nationwide remain mired in difficulties due to legal or procedural issues. Sinh acknowledged that some projects have stalled despite major capital commitments, leading to wasted land and resources and pushing up costs and selling prices. In some localities, he said, housing schemes have not been closely followed, while insufficient attention has been paid to affordable housing for middle- and low-income groups.

Ho Sy Hung, President of VCCI, and Do Viet Chien, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Real Estate Association (VNREA), present certificates for the "Most Livable Project 2025" in the Urban Area category to participating units (Photo: VNA)

Most new supply continues to concentrate in the mid-range and luxury segments, while affordable homes, particularly for workers of industrial parks and low-income households, remain scarce. Property prices also remain high relative to income levels, with rising input costs further inflating prices.

The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the market would see positive moves in 2026, with increased supply expected in both social housing and affordable commercial housing. Localities will continue unblocking troubled projects and approving new developments in line with housing plans, he said.

To support these goals, the ministry has proposed further reform of the legal framework to improve transparency and devolve greater responsibility to local authorities; research into policies to promote affordable housing; expansion of social housing; the acceleration of approved housing projects; and early establishment of a State-run digital property trading centre to ensure fair and secure transactions. The national property market information system will also be upgraded to better support policymaking, he said./. VNA
Police in Phu Tho Province have dismantled a large-scale illegal multi-level investment scheme known as Meta Whale, which operated across multiple provinces and cities in Vietnam, attracting nearly 2,000 participants and involving transactions worth several billion dong (equivalent to hundreds of thousands of USD).

Phu Tho police dismantle a fraudulent MLM scheme involving nearly 2,000 Meta Whale accounts. Photo: Phu Tho Police

On December 25, Phu Tho police announced that their Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention Unit, after months of monitoring online platforms, uncovered the operation and moved to shut it down.

The fraudulent Meta Whale project was heavily promoted online, drawing in large numbers of investors and posing significant threats to both the economy and public order.

On October 11, officers from the cybersecurity division, together with the Phu Tho Investigative Security Department, local prosecutors, and Ha Dong Ward Police (Hanoi), raided a meeting room inside an apartment complex in Ha Dong.

At the time, more than 100 people were attending a Meta Whale promotional event, billed as a "customer onboarding and guidance session." The event was organized by Le Xuan Tham (36), Hoang Thi Thuy (42), and Nguyen Thi Huyen (47) - all Hanoi residents.

Upon questioning, the suspects admitted that since the start of 2025, they had been recruiting and persuading people to invest in the Meta Whale platform through an illegal multi-level marketing model that had no government authorization.

Their earnings came mainly from commissions for recruiting new participants, not from legitimate business activity.

Initial investigations found that the scheme had already attracted nearly 2,000 investors, with a total transaction volume amounting to billions of dong.

On October 29, Phu Tho police officially opened a criminal investigation, transferring the case to the Investigative Security Agency of Phu Tho for further action.

Subsequently, on December 17, the agency issued arrest warrants and criminal charges against Tham, Thuy, and Huyen for "violating regulations on multi-level marketing practices."

The case is still under active investigation, with authorities expanding their probe to uncover more suspects and victims.

Anh Tam
In 2025, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs (formerly the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (now under the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front), organized the 12th National Commendation Ceremony for Outstanding Ethnic Minority Students and Youth.

Outstanding ethnic minority students and young people attend the 2024 Commendation Ceremony. Photo: Hong Phuc

Since the programs inception in 2013, it has honored more than 2,000 young achievers from ethnic minority backgrounds. Many have won first, second, and third prizes in national academic competitions, top prizes in national and international science and technology contests, and awards in arts and sports. Some were admitted to universities or academies with entrance scores of 27 points or higher. Others were recognized for their exemplary achievements or for overcoming unique difficulties in remote and mountainous areas.

From border villages to highland communities, these 2,000 bright faces represent stories of determination and hope. For many, the ceremony was their first opportunity to travel beyond their hometowns and stand proudly on a national stage among peers with shared dreams.

Many of these honorees have gone on to win international scholarships, become valedictorians and salutatorians, or pursue careers as doctors, engineers, teachers, local officials, and military officers-returning to their hometowns to contribute directly to community development.

Through each edition, the Commendation Ceremony has grown in scope, standards, and impact. Its ultimate goal is to build a generation of educated, courageous, and community-minded young intellectuals among ethnic minorities-those who aspire to dedicate their talents to the nations progress.

Nguyen Van Ba, Editor-in-Chief of VietNamNet and Standing Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee for the 2025 ceremony, emphasized that the event demonstrates the Party and States deep concern for developing human resources among ethnic minorities and mountainous regions. The ceremony is not only an act of recognition but also an investment in the countrys future, he said.

Sharing about the programs significance, Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Y Thong, Head of the Organizing Committee, affirmed that the event honors both academic excellence and the enduring spirit of learning within Vietnams ethnic communities. The ceremony spreads inspiration for young people to overcome hardship and pursue their dreams, he added.

The 2025 ceremony features several new highlights. This year, 150 outstanding ethnic minority students and young people from 30 provinces and cities are being honored - the largest representation ever, encompassing all 53 ethnic groups. For the first time, the category of graduating valedictorians has been added.

Additionally, the first-ever Ethnic Youth Forum, themed Digital stories from the villages, is being held as part of the program.

The Commendation Ceremony includes meaningful side events:

The Ethnic Youth Forum (2:304:45 p.m., December 26).

The Tribute Ceremony at the Temple of Literature  National University, with entries into the Golden Book of Merit (8:0011:30 a.m., December 27).

The main ceremony takes place at Ho Guom Theatre, Hanoi, from 8:009:30 p.m., and is broadcast live on VTV5.

Thuy Nga
At the 2025 national conference on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, FPT Chairman Truong Gia Binh emphasized that mastering core technologies is the foundation for realizing Resolution No. 57, ensuring Vietnams technological sovereignty and long-term growth.

Binh affirmed that Resolution No. 57 has created strong unity and determination among Vietnams technology enterprises, opening strategic space for deeper participation in national science, technology, and digital transformation initiatives.

On December 25, the Central Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation held its 2025 year-end conference to review results and set key tasks for 2026.

The Central Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation held the 2025 review and 2026 planning conference. Photo: VA.

Progress in national digital transformation

By the end of 2025, 53.3% of national public services were offered online, with 31.36% fully digital end-to-end. At the local level, online provision reached 93.9%, with 45% fully online.

The expansion of digital public services helped save around 4.1 trillion VND (USD 160 million) for citizens and businesses.

The National Public Service Portal was upgraded to a one-stop digital gateway in mid-2025, enabling the two-tier local government model.

Digital transformation within the political and administrative system accelerated, with paperless meetings, digital document management, and integrated operational platforms in use nationwide.

National digital infrastructure also expanded rapidly, placing Vietnams internet speed among the worlds top 20 and 5G coverage reaching nearly 59% of the population. The first National Data Center has been established, forming the backbone of Vietnams digital government, economy, and society.

Core technology as a pillar of sovereignty

At the event, Truong Gia Binh emphasized that in a world of growing complexity, technology has become inseparable from sovereignty, security, and economic independence.

Following the spirit of Resolution 57-NQ/TW, FPT has adopted a strategic shift from pure business growth to long-term investment in core technologies - positioning them as the foundation for sustainable development and meaningful national contribution.

Currently, FPT employs around 85,000 engineers and staff across more than 30 countries, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, quantum technology, data, and digital infrastructure.

Binh revealed that FPT University is transitioning from a practice-based model to a research-oriented institution, integrating AI research into all academic programs. Students begin research from their first year, publishing around 270 international scientific papers annually.

FPT launches $100 million Quantum AI & Cybersecurity Institute

On December 3, FPT established the Quantum AI & Cyber Security Research Institute (QACI) and pledged $100 million in investment.

The initiative aims by 2035 to:

Train 100 PhD researchers

Develop 2,000 technology specialists

Publish 500 papers and patents in advanced tech fields

FPTs strategy now centers on co-creation rather than self-production, based on three principles: shared goals, shared actions, and shared responsibility.

For example, the company has collaborated with Da Nang to digitize land data, and with Quang Ninh to bring Resolution 57 implementation to the grassroots level.

FPT also promotes the concept of data born to be used, building open and interoperable data systems.

The company has co-founded the Au Lac AI Alliance, developing a Vietnamese large language model comparable to ChatGPT, trained on 112 billion tokens with 70 billion parameters, and serving about 5 million regular users.

In the semiconductor sector, FPT-designed Make in Vietnam chips have been successfully exported to Japan and South Korea.

Four key proposals from FPT

FPT Chairman Truong Gia Binh speaks about long-term investment in core technologies as Vietnams foundation for sustainable development. Photo: VA.

At the conference, Truong Gia Binh presented four major proposals to accelerate the implementation of Resolution 57:

Build core technology platforms for digital government, with AI as the foundation for national governance, security, and digital economy development.

Form a National Cyber Defense Alliance connecting domestic security products under the Make in Vietnam initiative, and invest in high-level systems to safeguard national digital infrastructure.

Adopt a publicprivate co-creation model to encourage experimental investment in emerging technologies, particularly in low-orbit economy, semiconductors, and smart railway systems, enabling domestic mastery of operation and control technologies.

Develop railway infrastructure technology, ensuring mastery of operation, control, and protection systems - a field where FPT seeks deeper participation alongside ministries and provinces.

Binh reaffirmed FPTs commitment to invest heavily in core technologies in line with Resolution 57, contributing to a self-reliant, modern, and globally integrated Vietnamese science and technology sector.

Building human capital for the new technological era

In May 2025, enterprises launched the Strategic Human Resource Alliance to implement Resolution 57. The alliance aims to develop a high-quality workforce of scientists, engineers, and administrators, capable of driving Vietnams socio-economic transformation and digitalization.

At the event, Binh echoed General Secretary To Lams message from Resolution 68-NQ/TW:

Entrepreneurs are soldiers on the economic front.

However, he added, todays battle is not fought with weapons but with knowledge, technology, and AI-driven human capital.

If in 1945 Vietnam needed mass literacy campaigns, Binh said, then today every citizen must learn technology - especially artificial intelligence - to keep pace with the world.

He urged that every student in Vietnam should gain AI knowledge and digital skills, capable of working with global experts.

We must cultivate a generation equipped with AI knowledge and technological creativity - the new digital soldiers who will lead Vietnam into the future, Binh declared.

Thai Khang
Phu Quoc International Airport is undergoing upgrades and expansion. Photo: Huong Le

Minister Tran Hong Minh officially signed the decision to revoke ACVs airport operation license, originally granted in 2019. The license was canceled at the request of ACV and in accordance with regulatory termination procedures.

At the same time, a new business license was issued to Sun Airport Corporation. The decision takes effect at midnight on January 1, 2026.

Sun Airport Corporation is headquartered at the Sale Center Convention Center in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, An Giang Province. Its registered place of business is located at Phu Quoc International Airport, in the Duong To area.

Earlier, in late June 2025, the People's Committee of Kien Giang Province had appointed Sun Airport Corporation as the main investor in the airport expansion project. Covering 1,050 hectares, the expansion is designed to meet 4E standards, with a projected capacity of 20 million passengers per year.

The project is one of five fast-tracked developments aimed at readiness for APEC 2027. The operational transition is a key step in the broader strategy to transform Phu Quoc into an international center for tourism and services.

Vu Diep
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) reported that in 2025, the science and technology sector achieved a total revenue of about $216 billion, contributing $57 billion directly to the national GDP. This sector has become one of the key engines of Vietnams economic growth.

Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong at the 2026 planning conference of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

On December 26, the Ministry held its 2026 planning conference, marking a historic milestone in its organizational structure. Since March 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Information and Communications officially merged to form a new, unified Ministry of Science and Technology-integrating all pillars of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong noted that within just ten months since the merger, the Ministry had submitted to the Government and the National Assembly 10 new laws and one resolution for approval.

Institutional reform: the breakthrough of breakthroughs

According to Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong, 2025 witnessed a fundamental shift in the ministrys approach to policymaking and institutional development.

Following the implementation of Resolution 57, the ministrys work on legal and institutional frameworks evolved from a management mindset to a constructive and enabling one. The institutional system became the breakthrough of breakthroughs, serving as the cornerstone for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to become genuine drivers of national growth.

In ten months after the merger, the Ministry submitted to the Government 23 decrees, 16 resolutions, 41 decisions, and one Prime Minister directive, while issuing 50 circulars to guide implementation. These legal documents helped resolve long-standing policy bottlenecks, establishing a comprehensive legal corridor covering key strategic pillars: science and technology, innovation, postal services, telecommunications, digital industries, artificial intelligence, high technology, nuclear energy, standards and quality, technology transfer, and intellectual property.

2025 highlights: The rise of 5G and digital infrastructure

Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong stated that in 2025, the science and technology sector achieved $216 billion in revenue, up 25% year-on-year, fulfilling 122% of the annual plan. It contributed $4.55 billion to the state budget (up 11%) and $57 billion directly to GDP (up 35%), exceeding targets across all metrics.

For the first time, Vietnam released a National List of Strategic Technologies and Products, shifting from research-led to problem-led innovation-identifying real-world challenges, designing solutions, and discovering new technologies from them.

The Ministry also launched the National Innovation Portal and a real-time online management system for science and technology projects, while the National Science and Technology Exchange was introduced as a connecting bridge linking research, production, and the market nationwide.

Institutional reform identified as the breakthrough of breakthroughs in driving science, technology, and digital innovation.

In 2025, Vietnam ranked 44th out of 139 countries in the Global Innovation Index and 55th out of 100 globally in the Startup Ecosystem Index.

Vietnams digital transformation achieved remarkable progress as digital infrastructure, national databases, and shared platforms were established synchronously. These developments laid a firm foundation for the digital nation model and contributed decisively to the implementation of the two-tier local government model.

The postal sector maintained high growth despite economic headwinds, with 4.2 billion parcels delivered (up 26.6% from 2024) and $3.45 billion in revenue (up 19.1%).

In telecommunications, 5G coverage reached over 90% of the population, and fixed internet speeds averaged 271.95 Mbps, placing Vietnam in the global top 10. The country remained second in ASEAN with more than 680,000 domain names, while 26.45 million digital signature certificates were issued-12.56 million of them in 2025 alone, matching the total issued over the previous decade combined.

In the digital technology industry, over 80,000 enterprises are now active, with 2,100 expanding internationally. Many firms have begun designing and manufacturing strategic tech products domestically, strengthening Vietnams position as a key hub for digital industries and innovation-driven growth.

Focus for 2026: Attracting talent and implementing major policies

Looking ahead to 2026, Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong emphasized that the science and technology sector will focus on foundational and strategic missions with broad, long-term impact to promote rapid and sustainable growth.

MOST will serve as the standing body of the Government Steering Committee for the implementation of Resolution 57 and will continue refining institutional frameworks. It will ensure the effective rollout of the 10 new laws passed in 2025, with all implementing documents issued by the first quarter of 2026, allowing the new policies to take effect swiftly.

The ministry will accelerate the completion of national digital platforms and shared databases to ensure interconnectivity and efficient management for socio-economic development. The goal is for 100% of administrative procedures to be conducted online.

The Ministry will implement incentive policies to attract and retain high-quality human resources, Deputy Minister Phuong said. We will assign major national science and technology projects to capable young scientists and engineers, while proactively inviting overseas Vietnamese and international experts to participate in key programs under flexible, globally aligned mechanisms.

Thai Khang
Students of Viet Bac Boarding High School for Ethnic Minorities in Thai Nguyen attend the opening ceremony of the 20252026 academic year. Photo: Le Anh Dung/VietNamNet

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has approved the project titled Training high-quality human resources among ethnic minorities in key sectors for the 20262035 period, with orientation toward 2045.

The project seeks to expand access to quality education and build a core team of ethnic minority professionals and workers to serve the countrys goals of economic, social, defense, and security development.

Annual enrollment target: 2,0002,500 ethnic minority students

The plan aims to enroll 2,000 to 2,500 ethnic minority students annually in college and university programs between 2026 and 2035, including 1,000 to 1,500 highly capable students expected to become key contributors to workforce development in ethnic and mountainous regions.

The proposed sectoral distribution includes 710% in health sciences, 510% in agriculture and forestry, 510% in tourism, and the remainder in other disciplines aligned with local development needs.

The number of ethnic minority postgraduate students - including those in masters, doctoral, and preparatory university programs - will be increased by at least 10% annually.

By 2045, the project aims to broaden and strengthen training programs for high-quality ethnic minority human resources across strategic sectors.

Focus areas for each stage

From 2026 to 2030, the project will prioritize training in key areas such as healthcare, information technology, agriculture, finance and banking, teacher education, tourism, and social work.

Between 2030 and 2035, the focus will expand to other fields critical to the development of ethnic minority, mountainous, border, and island regions.

Tailored policies and modernized training ecosystem

To ensure effective implementation, the plan emphasizes capacity building for training institutions, particularly boarding and semi-boarding schools for ethnic students and preparatory universities.

Selective investment will be made in core higher education institutions to strengthen facilities, academic programs, and teaching staff.

Training curricula and materials will be updated and modernized to match regional realities while promoting digital transformation and technology integration in education.

The project also aims to build a training ecosystem connected to the labor market, ensuring sustainable employment outcomes for graduates.

It will develop specific support mechanisms for ethnic minority students, including tuition and living expense assistance, housing and internship support, and foreign language and IT training programs.

In addition, the policy encourages talent identification and nurturing, reforms admissions procedures, and attracts qualified teachers and experts to remote and disadvantaged areas.

Thanh Hung
Le Thanh Than, Chairman of Muong Thanh Group and General Director of Bemes Company, has officially been indicted by the Peoples Procuracy of Hanoi on charges of defrauding customers.

Alongside Than, five former government officials from Ha Dong District (previously a separate district in Hanoi) have also been charged with lack of responsibility causing serious consequences.

They include Do Van Hung (former Chairman of Kien Hung Ward), Nguyen Duy Uyen and Bui Van Bang (former Vice Chairmen of the ward), Nguyen Van Nam (former Chief Inspector of Ha Dong), and Vuong Dang Quan (former Deputy Chief Inspector).

The case centers on the CT6 Kien Hung housing project, where Le Thanh Than is accused of converting the use of a designated hotel-office block into residential apartments without following the necessary legal procedures. These units were then sold to homebuyers under the pretense of legitimacy.

Le Thanh Than.

In an earlier trial in August 2023, the Hanoi Peoples Court sent the case back for further investigation, citing unresolved issues. It also requested Hanoi police to coordinate with residents not yet officially recognized as victims to ensure their rights are protected.

At the hearing, Le Thanh Than explained that the original project consisted of three blocks, with the central block designated for hotel and office use. However, the company decided the location was unsuitable and applied to convert it into apartments.

Than claimed that municipal authorities approved the change, prompting the company to begin construction. However, it failed to complete the required legal procedures, leading to the current violations.

He stated: We didnt violate zoning, only the designated usage.

Than added that Hanoi authorities had later approved detailed planning adjustments, but the company believed the matter was settled once construction was completed and chose not to pursue further approvals.

According to his testimony, the company began selling units after completing the buildings foundation, asserting that all necessary documentation had been handled properly.

In August 2025, according to the official portal of Tam Hung Commune, the local Peoples Committee held a meeting with Muong Thanh Group to review the progress of real estate projects in the area.

At the meeting, Bui Dinh Thai, Chairman of Tam Hung Commune, urged the group to accelerate the long-delayed My Hung Urban Area, which began back in 2008.

Representing Muong Thanh, Le Thanh Than pledged to mobilize resources, resolve bottlenecks, and speed up project implementation. He also affirmed the groups long-term commitment to working with local authorities to build modern, civilized urban developments that support local socio-economic growth.

This meeting marked Thans first public appearance since his indictment related to the CT6 Kien Hung case.

The pipe-smoking tycoon and his cheap housing empire

Le Thanh Than at a meeting in Tam Hung commune, Hanoi, August 2025. Photo: Tam Hung Commune Portal

Le Thanh Than, often nicknamed the pipe-smoking billionaire driving a Rolls-Royce, rose to fame by focusing on the affordable housing segment - catering to the high demand for budget-friendly apartments.

He became one of Vietnams most recognizable real estate magnates, known for large-scale housing projects and the sprawling Muong Thanh hotel chain, which boasts over 6,000 rooms nationwide.

By acquiring land on the outskirts of Hanoi when prices were still low, Than was able to construct and sell units at around $600 USD per square meter, a price point that made his projects extremely attractive. Many developments sold out quickly, often through informal channels, middlemen, or under-the-table deals.

In 2012, when Vietnams real estate market was stagnating, his company - Dien Bien Private Construction Enterprise No.1, under the Muong Thanh umbrella - revived the market with thousands of so-called super cheap apartments priced between $520 to $600 USD per square meter.

However, this focus on affordability also brought widespread criticism. Several projects, including VP3 and VP6 Linh Dam and the HH tower complex, were found to have serious violations in construction, licensing, and fire safety, earning Than a reputation as a controversial figure in the industry.

Despite his vast business empire, Le Thanh Than is also known for his modest lifestyle and simple tastes - he enjoys pipe tobacco, salted herring, tofu with fermented shrimp paste, and even keeps wild animals as pets.

The indictment of one of Vietnams most iconic businessmen signals a broader effort by the authorities to enforce compliance and accountability in the real estate sector, especially amid growing scrutiny over construction violations and customer protection.

Hong Khanh
These businesses sustain household incomes, anchor local markets, and contribute quietly but consistently to national value chains. Strengthening their resilience is therefore not only a matter of social equity, but an economic imperative as Vietnam moves into its next phase of growth.

In Vietnam, many women entrepreneurs are familiar with digital platforms for basic marketing, but still lack advanced skills in inventory management, customer data analysis, and social commerce optimisation on platforms such as Zalo and Facebook. Photo: CARE Vietnam

Recent baseline findings from the Strive Women programme, implemented by CARE and partners with support from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, provide one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of women entrepreneurs financial health in Vietnam.

The study draws on a robust sample of women-led micro and small enterprises across multiple regions, offering detailed insights into business performance, financial practices, digital readiness, and household dynamics.

The findings reveal strong entrepreneurial capacity. Around 75 per cent of surveyed women reported holding final decision-making authority in their businesses, reflecting confidence, clarity of role, and a willingness to take calculated risks. Many have operated their enterprises for several years, often starting informally or from home before gradually building customer networks based on trust and consistency.

However, the research also highlights structural constraints that limit womens ability to convert effort into sustained growth. These barriers, rooted primarily in time, technology, and finance, continue to restrict business resilience and responsiveness in an increasingly competitive and digitalised economy.

Time poverty remains one of the most persistent challenges. Women entrepreneurs spend significantly more hours on unpaid care and household work than men, leaving limited time for training, strategic planning, or business expansion. Many report having to shorten operating hours or decline growth opportunities due to the lack of affordable childcare or support in redistributing domestic responsibilities.

The data shows a clear correlation: women facing fewer caregiving burdens tend to report higher revenues, stronger confidence in future growth, and improved financial health indicators. These findings reinforce the need to treat caregiving support as an economic enabler rather than a social add-on.

Digital capability represents a second major constraint. While more than 90 per cent of surveyed women own smartphones and use them actively for communication or basic social media marketing, far fewer deploy digital tools for core business management such as recordkeeping, inventory control, or e-commerce. Cash transactions still dominate, and regular use of digital financial services remains limited.

This gap is not driven by lack of interest. Many women expressed strong motivation to adopt digital tools but cited limited skills, lack of confidence, and concerns about errors or fraud. As markets increasingly rely on online sales, delivery platforms, and digital supply chains, these limitations reduce competitiveness and restrict access to higher-value market segments.

Women-centred learning and peer networks help build confidence, strengthen connections, and expand business opportunities for women business owners. Photo: : CARE Vietnam

Access to appropriate finance continues to pose challenges, even as women demonstrate strong repayment discipline. Many rely on small, short-term loans primarily to manage cashflow rather than invest in productivity-enhancing assets.

High collateral requirements, complex application processes, and interest structures misaligned with business cycles constrain womens ability to scale. Needs vary by segment: growth-oriented entrepreneurs in urban areas often require larger unsecured loans, while rural micro-entrepreneurs benefit from smaller, flexible credit combined with financial literacy support.

In response, Strive Women in Vietnam applies a women-centred design approach, ensuring solutions are grounded in womens lived realities and tested for feasibility before scaling. The programme aims to support more than 90,000 women entrepreneurs across diverse market segments.

A core focus is deepening financial inclusion through partnerships with both commercial banks and microfinance institutions. With VPBankSME, Strive Women is co-designing and scaling the WE Leverage initiative, offering higher unsecured loan limits, preferential credit features, and bundled digital tools to reduce operating costs. The bank has also collaborated with CARE to deliver practical digital and AI-focused training, helping to strengthen business decision-making and digital readiness.

At the same time, CARE works with Thanh Hoa MFI to reach women in rural and low-income settings through microloans, savings products, and community-based training. These services are designed to stabilise businesses and reduce financial vulnerability. Across partners, the programme is also piloting inclusive insurance products to help women manage business and household shocks, a critical component of long-term financial health.

Household engagement forms another important pillar. Facilitated discussions with spouses and family members explore shared responsibilities and the economic value of supporting womens enterprises. Early results suggest improvements in womens confidence, decision-making autonomy, and ability to pursue business growth without conflict or guilt.

Digital capacity-building follows a phased approach. Initial training focuses on improving the effectiveness of social media for customer engagement and sales, building on tools women already use. Later stages introduce digital recordkeeping, inventory management, and online sales platforms. Peer learning groups and local mentors reinforce these skills, supporting practical application within daily business operations.

Taken together, the evidence sends a clear message: improving women entrepreneurs financial health is both achievable and economically meaningful.

Financial institutions can refine products to better match womens cashflow patterns and growth trajectories. Government agencies can strengthen digital infrastructure and support practical caregiving solutions. Businesses can expand inclusive supply chains and invest in digital upskilling that brings women into emerging markets.

Vietnams women-led enterprises already make substantial contributions to the economy. With support grounded in data, delivered through coordinated partnerships, and designed around real-world constraints, they can play an even greater role in driving resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth.
Fusion to launch two landmark hotels in early 2026

Located in two of Vietnam's most historic and internationally recognised tourist destinations, these hotel openings mark the next chapter in Fusion Hotel Group's ambitious expansion and strengthen its leadership role in the country's dynamic hospitality landscape.

Located at the corner of Lieu Giai and Doi Can in Hanoi, LEGACY Hanoi  A Fusion Original is a vibrant urban retreat, just a five-minute walk from the popular West Lake. It offers 220 rooms designed for modern explorers seeking creativity and energy. The hotel seamlessly blends contemporary design with the city's rich cultural heritage, offering an immersive experience where art, architecture, and storytelling come to life.

Designed as a living gallery, artwork and decor grace the lobby, lounges, restaurants, corridors, and guest rooms, featuring motifs such as lotus flowers, cranes, and the mountains and forests of Vietnam. Each guest room combines elegant interiors and panoramic views of either the city skyline or the lake, ensuring a stay that is both memorable and rejuvenating.

Wellness is at the forefront, aligned with Fusion's well-established service philosophy, which features locally sourced treatment ingredients, a dedicated onsen, and curated relaxation experiences. The dining offers modern interpretations of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, reflecting Hanoi's rich and diverse culinary heritage.

The decor at the Grand Royal Riverside Hue  Fusion Collection

In Hue, the Grand Royal Riverside Hue  Fusion Collection will offer a refined retreat, blending the city's historical charm with contemporary wellness experiences. The hotel's interiors draw inspiration from the famous Indochina style, paying tribute to Hue's rich heritage with elegant natural wood furniture that evokes traditional Vietnamese design.

Located on Hung Vuong on the southern bank of the Huong River, the hotel offers sweeping views of the iconic Truong Tien Bridge and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Comprising two towers with 161 rooms, it combines historical character with contemporary elements that reflect Fusion's signature style, creating an inspirational lifestyle destination.

Upon opening, the hotel will feature full-service amenities, including multiple dining venues, spa and wellness facilities, and events industry spaces for up to 250 guests.

These additions underscore Fusion's commitment to providing diverse, wellness-focused experiences for urban travellers, while strengthening its reputation as a pioneer in comprehensive hospitality. With 18 properties already operating across Vietnam and Thailand, Fusion is on track to expand to 50 properties across Asia-Pacific by 2028.

"Vietnam has always been at the heart of Fusion's story. These new openings reflect our deep commitment to the country's vibrant cities and natural landscapes, and our ambition to continue shaping Vietnam's hospitality sector through wellness, authenticity, and innovative design," said Christopher Hur, CEO of Fusion Hotel Group.

Maia Spa at Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang wins at World Luxury Spa Awards Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang has received three prestigious titles at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2025 for Maia Spa, reaffirming its position as one of Vietnam's top spas and a world-leading destination for holistic wellness.

Lee Kum Kee inspires Le Cordon Bleu students with French Asian fusion Sauce giant Lee Kum Kee has inspired future chefs at Le Cordon Bleu Australia with its innovative French Asian fusion cuisine concept.

Fusion launches festive wellness and dining packages in Vietnam Wellness-focused luxury hotel brand Fusion is rolling out festive dining, spa packages, and special experiences for the holiday season across Vietnam.
How does Vietnams potential for an International Financial Centre (IFC) compare with other Southeast Asian markets, and what advantages does it offer internationally?

Vietnam is at a genuinely exciting point in its economic journey. Compared with other markets in Southeast Asia, it combines strong growth fundamentals with a clear and deliberate policy push towards deeper international integration. The governments commitment, reflected in the National Assemblys Resolution No.222/2025/QH15 and the dual-location IFC model spanning Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, sends a strong signal of both ambition and strategic clarity.

From an international perspective, Vietnam has two particularly compelling advantages. The first is its young, highly adaptable talent base. ACCA has been active in Vietnam for more than two decades, and we have consistently seen how quickly the profession responds to change and rising expectations. The second is Vietnams proven willingness to embrace global standards. That openness to alignment is critical for any financial centre seeking international credibility.

When you combine these strengths with Vietnams growing role in green finance and digital innovation, the proposition becomes even more attractive. For global investors looking at ASEAN, Vietnam increasingly stands out as a market that offers growth, reform momentum and long-term strategic intent.

What lessons can Vietnam learn from successful IFCs, and what pitfalls should it avoid in a region with established players like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai?

The most important lesson is the need for balance  robust governance and adherence to international standards, alongside enough flexibility to allow innovation to flourish. Dubais IFC offers a useful example. It introduced controlled environments such as innovation testing licences and tokenisation sandboxes, enabling fintech and digital finance to develop without undermining trust or stability.

For Vietnam, differentiation will not come from replicating existing models, but from leveraging its own strengths. The dual-location concept is a smart starting point. If Vietnam can position itself at the intersection of green finance, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, and fintech, it has the potential to become a regional destination for sustainable investment and digital financial solutions.

That said, the foundations must be right. The adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), high-quality assurance, credible supervision, and a strong pipeline of globally competent professionals are non-negotiable. Without these elements in place, it is difficult to compete in an increasingly interconnected and standards-driven global financial system.

The MoU between ACCA and KPMG is a key milestone. Can such partnerships speed up Vietnams adoption of global standards, and are there risks in applying international frameworks locally?

Partnerships of this nature are essential. They bring global expertise, practical experience and proven best practice directly into policy and implementation discussions. However, success does not come from simply copying what works elsewhere.

The real challenge lies in adaptation. International frameworks must be calibrated to Vietnams regulatory environment, institutional capacity and stage of market development. Moving too quickly without sufficient capability-building can create implementation risks.

This is where ACCAs role becomes particularly important. We help translate global standards into practical, workable steps for regulators, businesses and professionals. The objective is not speed for its own sake, but credibility and sustainability from day one.

The UKs financial ecosystem offers a strong reference point, given its emphasis on governance, professional standards and globally interoperable regulation. Partnerships drawing on that experience provide Vietnam with solid foundations that can be tailored to its own ambitions.

Our experience across both established and emerging financial hubs is also relevant. Cross-border capital flows depend on confidence in financial reporting, audit quality, risk management, tax and legal frameworks, as well as talent development. Through our combined global networks, ACCA and KPMG support the building of an IFC grounded in internationally recognised standards such as IFRS, supported by transparent supervision and sound governance.

What does this MoU indicate about wider Asia-Pacific trends, and how can Vietnam position itself as a regional leader?

This MoU reflects a broader shift across Asia-Pacific. Capital flows and supply chains are increasingly gravitating towards ASEAN, and financial infrastructure must evolve accordingly. Global investors are looking for trusted gateways into the region, and well-designed international financial centres are part of that solution.

Vietnam has a real opportunity to lead, not by trying to replicate Singapore or Hong Kong, but by carving out its own niche in green finance, fintech and regional connectivity. If Vietnam gets this right, its IFC can serve as a bridge between Southeast Asia and global capital markets.

Partnerships like this one between ACCA and KPMG are an important first step. They signal intent, credibility and a willingness to build on global experience while shaping a distinctly Vietnamese model for the future.

How does IFRS adoption relate to financial integration and transparency, especially in the context of ESG and green finance?

They are inseparable. IFRS and international standards are, in effect, the language of trust in global finance. Without them, attracting long-term capital, especially green and sustainable investment, becomes significantly more difficult.

Investors are looking for comparability, transparency and assurance. International standards provide exactly that. For Vietnam, embracing IFRS and ESG is therefore not simply a compliance exercise, but a clear competitive advantage. It positions the country as a credible and responsible participant in global capital markets.

Increasingly, investors also expect assured ESG disclosures aligned with global frameworks, supported by reliable data, strong internal controls and independent verification. Without this rigour, ESG risks becoming narrative rather than actionable insight.

Audit quality and market trust are equally critical. High-quality audits, strong governance at both firm and board levels, and effective enforcement mechanisms all play a role in reducing risk and building long-term confidence.

Through this collaboration, ACCA and KPMG support regulators with technical input on IFRS and ESG standards, share global best practices, and deliver training for IFC teams, finance leaders, auditors and risk professionals, enabling them to operate confidently to international standards.

ACCA has supported Vietnams finance profession for over 20 years. How does the IFC initiative build on this and align with ACCAs global mission?

For more than the past two decades, ACCA has worked with Vietnams regulators, universities, and employers to professionalise the finance and accounting talent base and to bring international standards into day-to-day practice. That work continues at pace.

In 2025, for example, we supported the professions sustainability disclosure journey by releasing the first Vietnamese terminology set aligned to IFRS S1-S2 to help remove language barriers for issuers, auditors, and regulators as Vietnam moves towards global alignment

Vietnams IFC roadmap now gives that long-running agenda a new, catalytic platform. Resolution 222 and the governments Action Plan have defined Ho Chi Minh City and Danang as dual location IFCs, with an emphasis on transparency, fintech innovation, and green finance - all areas where ACCAs global standards and capability building are directly relevant. Our role is to help ensure the talent, assurance, and governance pillars match the ambition.
On December 24, the Department of Tax held a conference to review 2025 tax administration performance and conclude a 60-day campaign moving business households from presumptive taxation to self-declaration. The event was attended by Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang and Vice Minister Cao Anh Tuan, highlighting the sectors focus on implementing key policies of the Party and state while strengthening revenue collection.

Director general of the Department of Tax Mai Xuan Thanh said, by the end of September, total collections had reached VND1.72 quadrillion ($68.8 billion), fulfilling all the assigned estimate.

By December 14, revenues had reached VND2.15 quadrillion ($86 billion), fulfilling the revenue collection task as directed by the prime minister. These milestones reflect the relentless efforts of the tax sector, he said.

By the end of December, total tax collections are estimated at VND2.24 quadrillion ($89.5 billion), exceeding the National Assemblys target by over 30 per cent and up 27.6 per cent from 2024. Domestic revenue is projected at VND2.19 quadrillion ($87.5 billion), representing 98 per cent of total collections, 31.4 per cent above the target and more than 29 per cent higher than last year.

All 34 cities and provinces are assessed as having exceeded their assigned state budget revenue estimates, Thanh said. This marks the first time that revenues managed by the tax authorities have surpassed the VND2 quadrillion ($80 billion) threshold, representing a major step forward in revenue scale after 80 years of establishment and development.

Hanoi recorded collections of VND631 trillion ($25 billion), exceeding the estimate by more than 32 per cent, while Ho Chi Minh City reached VND606 trillion ($24 billion), surpassing the estimate by almost 21 per cent.

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang praised the tax sectors performance in 2025, noting a major organisational restructuring that reduced the number of focal units from more than 4,000 to just over 700. The reorganised units quickly stabilised, ensuring smooth implementation of tasks.

The tax sector has made strong progress in digital transformation in tax administration and taxpayer support, he said.

This progress is reflected in the widespread adoption of digital platforms, with over 13 million downloads of the eTax Mobile application since its launch, and about 345,750 business establishments registering to use electronic invoices generated from point-of-sale systems.

Minister Thang presenting the Third-Class Labour Medal to the the Department of Tax

The year 2026 marks the 14th National Congress of the Party and serves as a preparatory year for the 20262030 five-year socioeconomic development plan.

With the goal of rapid and sustainable growth, driven by science, technology, innovation, and high-quality workers, the finance sector, particularly tax, faces a heavy workload, Minister Thang said, urging the sector to mobilise resources from the start of the year.

He called on tax authorities to implement directives to meet 2026 revenue targets, building a foundation for the 20262030 period.

The tax sector must review and expand the tax base while preventing revenue losses, he added, stressing coordination with authorities, including public security agencies, to investigate violations, enhance deterrence, and support a fair business environment that encourages investment and growth.

To build a service-oriented administration centred on citizens and businesses, the tax sector must renew its mindset and service delivery, streamline procedures, shorten processing times, and improve public tax services. Communication and taxpayer support should be proactive and tailored, with policy information provided clearly and promptly, challenges addressed early, and taxpayer satisfaction as the key measure of effectiveness, said Minister Thang.

Thanh said, The positive results achieved by the tax sector in 2025 provides an important foundation for the entire tax sector to continue striving forward and to perform even better in the new phase, contributing to the realisation of Vietnams aspiration for rapid, sustainable and strong national development.

As 2026 marks the start of the 20262030 five-year plan, the tax sector faces significant challenges and will follow the guidance of the Party, the government, and the Ministry of Finance.

Under the ministers direction, the Department of Tax will turn these guidelines into clear plans and actions, assigning responsibilities across leadership and staff to ensure the sector meets its targets and obligations for the year.

National Assembly reviews amendments to personal income tax law The National Assembly is reviewing amendments to the Law on Personal Income Tax that aim to lower key rates and create a more balanced, progressive tax structure.

Vietnam raises taxable revenue threshold for household businesses to VND500 million The National Assembly on December 10 approved the amended Personal Income Tax Law with more than 92 per cent of votes in favour, marking a major tax reform that sharply increases the taxable revenue threshold for household businesses to VND500 million ($20,000) per year, five times higher than today, and exempts about 90 per cent of them from paying tax.
On December 23, the 2025 Vietnam-Asia Smart City Summit opened in Hanoi, organised by the Vietnam Software & IT Services Association (VINASA) in collaboration with the Hanoi Peoples Committee and under the patronage of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST). The summit marked a turning point for smart city development in Vietnam, ushering in a phase of implementation, standardisation, and effectiveness, driven by Decree No. 269/2025/ND-CP and accelerated AI adoption.

After nearly a decade of Project 950 (20182025), successes have been tempered by challenges such as fragmented data systems, scattered investment, and outcomes that fall short of the resources mobilised.

Hoang Huu Hanh, deputy director general of the National Digital Transformation Department under the MST, stated that a successful smart city does not begin with technology, but with institutions, data, and people.

Resolution 57 has paved the way, and Decree 269 now provides the legal framework to dismantle digital fragmentation. It is time for localities to comprehensively review their smart city programmes, shifting away from trend-driven investment towards addressing the most pressing urban challenges in line with national data standards, he said.

Sharing the same perspective, Dr. Tran Ngoc Linh, representing the Urban Development Agency under the Ministry of Construction, cautioned against separating technology from core urban planning.

A smart city is not an independent technology project running parallel to urban planning. It is, in essence, a modern urban development model. By the end of this year, 37 localities had adopted smart city schemes, but quantity matters far less than quality. We must avoid chasing unsustainable models and instead use technology to directly tackle the most critical urban bottlenecks, said Linh.

Nguyen Van Khoa, chairman of VINASA, highlighted a key shift shaping the future of cities: the move from connected cities to cognitive cities.

Leading cities in the region are no longer stopping at passive Internet of Things connectivity. They are deploying AI as a true operating system with the capacity to learn, adapt, and make decisions autonomously, he said. Cognitive cities leverage data and AI to proactively meet residents needs rather than merely reacting, aiming to use 90 per cent of data effectively. Vietnams smart cities must move towards genuine maturity: smarter, greener, and more humane.

Nguyen Van Khoa, chairman of VINASA

Echoing this vision, Viettel Group announced its strategy to develop Vietnamese-made GPU infrastructure and AI cloud platforms to serve as the brain of cognitive city operations.

MobiFone shared plans for Smart City 3.0, emphasising that the core lies not in the number of smart devices or advanced sensors, but in how cities are operated: proactively, predictively, and continuously optimised based on real-world data.

At the summit, FPT also proposed AI solutions that directly address traffic and environmental challenges, expressing its ambition to help Hanoi become Vietnams first AI city.

VNPT introduced GEO AI technologies to proactively manage natural resources and mitigate flooding risks.

One of the most debated and closely watched themes at the summit was urban governance in the context of the two-tier government model being implemented in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, where district- and ward-level Peoples Councils have been abolished to streamline administrative structures.

This raises a fundamental question: how can city leaders capture real-time grassroots realities and ensure effective oversight without being overwhelmed by multiple layers of administrative reporting?

Dr. Nguyen Nhat Quang, director of the VINASA Sci-Tech Institute, introduced the concept of the Federated Digital Twin as a governance solution.

Under the two-tier model, the principle is that localities know, decide, act, and take responsibility. However, effective supervision requires a Digital Twin. Data generated at the commune or ward level is managed and updated locally, while being interconnected at the provincial level through a federated model, said Quang.

City leaders can observe real-time data flows from the grassroots via the digital replica. This is how technology enables governments to remain close to citizens, even with one fewer administrative layer, he added.

Reinforcing this argument, Senior Colonel Vu Van Tan, Director of the Police Department of Social Order Administrative Management under the Ministry of Public Security, noted that social governance is fundamentally about governing people.

When population data that is accurate, complete, clean, and live is integrated into urban digital maps, the root causes of public security and order issues can be addressed. Local police officers and ward officials act as living sensors, updating this data daily to create a living database for smart cities, he said.

A key highlight elevating the stature of this years summit was the strong participation of international organisations, particularly regional connectivity initiatives.

At the plenary session, Hong Sin Kwek, chairwoman of ACXOA, announced the 'ONE ASEAN - 100 Digital Liveable Cities' initiative.

The future of ASEAN lies not in individual countries, but in interconnected networks of megacities. Over the next five years, ACXOA aims to connect 100 leading cities where technology is leveraged to create inclusive prosperity. Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City, with their impressive digital transformation momentum, will serve as critical hubs in this network, attracting green capital and enabling regional data sharing, said Kwek.

Hong Sin Kwek, chairwoman of ACXOA

This initiative opens significant opportunities for Vietnamese-made smart city solutions to extend beyond domestic deployment and enter the highly promising ASEAN market.

Representing the capital, Truong Viet Dung, Vice Chairman of Hanoi Peoples Committee, reaffirmed the citys strong commitment to a people-centred approach, positioning citizen satisfaction, perceived happiness, and quality of life as the most important benchmarks.

Leveraging special policy mechanisms, Hanoi will decisively identify and implement solutions to address the citys bottlenecks, while assuming a pioneering role in researching and piloting sandbox models. Practical implementation will provide valuable references for scaling up across other localities, he added.

Sustainability in DNA of Keppel Vietnam's future urban development strategy At the Sustainable Development Conference 2025 held on November 27 in Hanoi, Lee Leong Seng, head of property development in Vietnam at Keppel Ltd., spoke about the company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) journey and its sustainable urban development directions. His insights confirm Keppel's unwavering commitment to placing sustainability at the core of all its operations.

Unlocking urban potential of smart cities The development of smart satellite cities is reshaping Hanoi's spatial structure. In Hoa Lac, where science, technology, and education converge, the Tien Xuan Smart City is envisioned as the urban core that connects research, production, and everyday life.
Lack of accessible parks preventing outdoor play for disabled children in Wales

Nearly four in 10 disabled children in Wales never or hardly ever play outside due to a heartbreaking lack of accessible parks, politicians have warned.

Rhys ab Owen, an independent, described the situation as disgraceful as he cited a Play Wales report showing 37% of disabled children are effectively shut out of playgrounds.

Leading a debate in the Senedd on Wednesday (December 17), he read the testimony of a 10-year-old boy from Blaenau Gwent who said: Nowhere disabled friendly  parks havent got disabled friendly equipment, so I cant play.

Mr ab Owen warned: There shouldnt be any discrimination disabled children do face much greater problems in terms of park maintenance, and with accessibility and inclusion.

He shared the experience of a 13-year-old girl from Newport who told researchers: Theres nowhere I can play or hang out safely by myself as I use a frame to help me walk.

Wake-up call

The former barrister warned budget cuts were leading to a managed decline in standards, quoting a 13-year-old from Caerphilly who said: Due to anti-social behaviour our equipment gets broken, burnt and vandalised and is then not replaced.

The Conservatives Natasha Asghar was stunned by the scale of the crisis and revealed that only 11% of playgrounds in Wales are rated green, meaning they are fully accessible. By contrast, almost half are rated red for poor accessibility.

Listing the barriers families face, Ms Asghar highlighted that 30% of sites lack accessible paths and nearly one in five have gates too narrow for wheelchairs. Those are just two of the barriers preventing disabled children from accessing play, she said.

Jane Dodds, the leader of the Liberal Democrats in Wales, argued the shocking statistics should be a wake-up call for Senedd politicians.

To hear that 37% of disabled children in Wales say they never or hardly ever play outside should be a figure to stop us all in our tracks, she said.

World leading

Meanwhile, Mike Hedges pointed out that Wales became the first country in the world to put a duty on councils to secure sufficient play opportunities for children in 2010.

And Julie Morgan, a fellow Labour backbencher, celebrated Cardiff becoming the UKs first Unicef-accredited child-friendly city in 2023.

Dawn Bowden, the minister for children, pointed to 5m to improve playgrounds this year but she too was disappointed by play satisfaction figures falling from 84% to 71% since 2019.

She said the Welsh Government has provided a toolkit to Wales 22 councils, ensuring a holistic outcome-focused approach to inclusive and accessible play.

The cross-party motion, which called for play to be protected from cuts  as well as improved access for disabled children  was agreed unanimously but does not bind ministers.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
North Wales MS warns over future of hospitality sector

North Wales Senedd Member Sam Rowlands has raised concerns in about the future of hospitality businesses in the region, calling on the Welsh Government to provide further support in the forthcoming budget.

The comments came after Senedd Members unanimously approved regulations introducing a transitional relief scheme for businesses facing significant increases in non-domestic rates following a revaluation due to take effect in April 2026.

Speaking during a Senedd debate, the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance and chair of the Senedds Cross-Party Group on Tourism urged Mark Drakeford to consider additional measures to reduce pressure on businesses affected by the revaluation.

Conservative MS Mr Rowlands said: We supported that proposal for those transition payments, because we recognised it was a take-it-or-leave-it proposal, and we think its right and proper that that support should be given to those businesses.

But what were hearing now is that, for some of those businesses, its a real challenge for them, despite the support that has initially been laid and agreed.

A particular concern comes from those in the hospitality sector who support our high streets. You have made some particular support available to retail on our high streets, and some of the logic behind that is to mitigate against some online competition. But we know that hospitality on our high streets makes a significant difference in terms of how our high streets thrive and help our retail to thrive also.

With that in mind, and particularly on hospitality, its actually the employment they offer to young people. We know that employment amongst our young people in Wales is particularly poor. There are concerns that fewer young people will go into work as a result of the pressures that theyre facing.

[Sam Rowlands MS]

Theres an opportunity before the final budget to review what may be able to support the hospitality sector in particular.

Is that something that youre willing to do, to give assurance to that sector that their issues are being taken seriously and so we can see young people in the future also being employed?

Responding in the Senedd, Mark Drakeford said that if the relief scheme proved to be a successful policy tool, it would be something a future Welsh Government would want to consider, including whether it should be extended to the hospitality sector.

Mr Rowlands later said: We are grateful that the Welsh Government has at least brought forward a scheme that will soften the immediate impact for thousands of Welsh businesses. We understood that if these regulations had not been approved or supported this relief scheme will not be in existence and many businesses across Wales would face steep increases with no protection at all and that is certainly not an outcome we would want.

However, I remain extremely concerned for businesses up and down Wales who are worried about the increase in rates that they are liable to pay.

Weve heard first-hand from many of those in the hospitality and leisure sector, some of whom are facing increases of over 100% in the tax rates they are expected to pay. This is simply not acceptable.
Sri Lankans in Switzerland hand over urgent disaster relief supplies to the Sri Lanka Mission in Geneva

Urgent relief supplies collected by a group of Sri Lankans in Switzerland to help those communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah were handed over to the Sri Lanka Mission in Geneva on 26 December 2025. The Mission will arrange the dispatch of these donations along with other relief items being received from the Sri Lankan community in Switzerland.

This donation includes a generator, high-pressure cleaning machines, kitchen utensils, baby care items, sanitary and cleaning items. Representing the group of supporters, Mr. Priyankara de Silva and Mr. Mohamed Ramzan handed over the items to Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka, Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, and Ambassador Samantha Wijesekara, Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization, at the Mission in Geneva.



The Mission extended its deep appreciation to the group for their timely support and discussed future collaboration for further assistance in the effort to rebuild Sri Lanka.
Unnao Rape Case: Protesters Gather Outside Delhi High Court Over Suspension of Kuldeep Sengars Sentence 2

A protest was held outside the Delhi High Court on Friday against the suspension of the jail sentence of Kuldeep Sengar, who was convicted in the Unnao rape case.

Holding placards and raising slogans such as Balatkariyo ko sanrakshan dena band kro (stop protecting rapists), the protesters expressed solidarity with the Unnao rape survivor. Women activists from the All India Democratic Womens Association joined the demonstration, along with activist Yogita Bhayana and the survivors mother.

Speaking to reporters, the survivors mother said she had come to protest the courts decision, stating that her daughter had already suffered immensely. I am not blaming the entire court, but only the two judges whose decision has shattered our trust, she said.

She added that earlier judicial orders had delivered justice to the family, but the recent suspension of the sentence had caused deep distress. This is an injustice to our family. We will approach the Supreme Court of India, as I have full faith in it, she said.

On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court ordered the release of Sengar on bail pending the disposal of his appeal against his conviction and life sentence awarded by a trial court in December 2019. The court imposed strict conditions, directing that the former Bharatiya Janata Party MLA must not enter within a five-kilometre radius of the survivors residence or threaten the survivor or her mother, warning that any violation would result in automatic cancellation of bail.

Despite the bail order in the rape case, Sengar will continue to remain in prison as he is also serving a 10-year sentence in connection with the custodial death of the survivors father and has not been granted bail in that matter.










English News Building a 'green ledger' for China's 142.6 billion trees

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 22 Decembre 2025



Among the many unforgettable moments was the discovery of Asia's tallest known tree -- a 102.3-meter cypress in Xizang autonomous region. After crossing the rushing Yiong Tsangpo River, we finally stood in awe beneath this towering presence. More than a tree, it felt like a living monument -- a testament to nature's resilience, wisdom, and quiet power.

By Guo Qinghua For years, the question of how many trees exist in China remained unanswered. That changed with the release of the country's first national tree-density map earlier this year, revealing that as of 2020, China had approximately 142.6 billion trees, equivalent to about 100 trees for every person in the country. This figure is the result of a decade-long effort by my team to "count" them.



The urgency of this endeavor stemmed from a fundamental gap in our understanding. Although China hosts the world's largest area of planted forests, traditional forestry statistics have long focused on general metrics such as timber volume. As the principles of green development gained traction and China announced its dual-carbon goals, it became clear that a more granular, data-driven understanding of forest ecosystems was needed.



To calculate carbon storage at the tree level and assess forest contributions to biodiversity, we required a precise ecological accounting system -- a "green ledger." Science-based ecological restoration, including decisions on whether to plant trees, shrubs, or grasses in a given location, depends on access to high-quality, spatially explicit data.



A secondary motivation was a deep dissatisfaction with outdated or incomplete data. Years ago, Nature published a global estimate of 3.04 trillion trees, but China's forests were represented by sparse data. By then, my team had already spent more than three years collecting extensive information deep within China's forests. I was convinced that China should not remain a blind spot in global forest research. If others could map trees at scale, so could we.



Yet China spans over 9.6 million square kilometers. How could we count trees across such a vast territory? The solution lay in methodological innovation and technological advancement.



Two decades ago, I watched foreign researchers climb into forest canopies to manually measure tree height -- an admirable feat, but one that underscored the limitations of traditional methods. Progress in environmental surveying, I realized, depends not only on dedication but also on the continuous adoption of advanced tools. Technology is the handrail that enables us to reach new heights.



Our breakthrough came with the application of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). This technology uses laser pulses to capture tree height, form, and location with exceptional accuracy. A single scan can map an entire forest stand in minutes.



We developed an integrated "sky-and-ground" observation system, similar to performing a CT scan of a forest. From above, drones equipped with LiDAR sensors emit over a million laser pulses per second. From below, team members navigate the terrain with portable scanners.



Together, these perspectives -- top-down, side-view, and upward-looking -- enabled us to construct high-resolution, measurable digital models of forest ecosystems. Today, the LiDAR hardware and software we developed have been adopted in more than 130 countries and regions.



Over the past 10 years, we surveyed more than 76,000 sample plots and collected over 400 terabytes of data -- the equivalent of over 80 million high-resolution photographs. This unprecedented scale required constant innovation. To address challenges like uneven terrain, we created a terrain-following flight algorithm for drones. To process massive datasets, we developed an intelligent tree-segmentation algorithm capable of automatically extracting individual trees from complex forest canopies and generating the tree-density map. Step by step, we built unprecedented solutions. Scientific research rarely begins with perfect conditions. It advances when researchers create new conditions through persistent effort.



Among the many unforgettable moments was the discovery of Asia's tallest known tree -- a 102.3-meter cypress in Xizang autonomous region. After crossing the rushing Yiong Tsangpo River, we finally stood in awe beneath this towering presence. More than a tree, it felt like a living monument -- a testament to nature's resilience, wisdom, and quiet power.



Our work to refine China's digital ecological ledger continues. By deepening our understanding of this green foundation, we aim to support more effective environmental stewardship at home and contribute valuable knowledge to the international community.



(Guo Qinghua is a Boya distinguished professor at Peking University and director of the Institute of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems, Peking University School of Earth and Space Sciences. This article was compiled by People's Daily journalist Liu Fa.)



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Reading China's modernization through 50,000 kilometers of high-speed rail New landscape of opening up reflected in world's first port to handle 1.4 billion tons 'Food banks' mirror China's new approaches to food conservation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News Hunan free trade zone introduces a new model for goods clearance

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 23 Decembre 2025



So far, 14 cities and prefectures in Hunan have established paired cooperation mechanisms with 28 African countries. According to Changsha customs, trade between Hunan and Africa grew at an average annual rate of 14.3 percent from 2021 to 2024, ranking first among central and western regions of China. In the first 11 months of this year, Hunan's imports and exports with Africa reached 53.99 billion yuan.

By Wang Donghui, Luo Shanshan, People's Daily In the Yueyang area of the China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone (Hunan pilot FTZ) in central China's Hunan province, cargo trucks are lined up to enter the comprehensive bonded zone. Driver Gan Baowang smoothly navigated his truck toward the checkpoint, passing through within moments.



To address challenges such as cumbersome declaration processes, prolonged waiting time, and inefficient procedures for goods and personnel entering and exiting the bonded zone, the Yueyang area of the Hunan FTZ has implemented a new, streamlined management model.



"When goods move into the comprehensive bonded zone, if issues such as discrepancies in vehicle information arise, the backend system immediately sends alerts to enterprises, while staff direct vehicles to designated inspection areas for rapid handling," explained Chen Yu, director of the innovation and coordination department of the administrative committee of the Yueyang area.



"As a result, the time spent at checkpoints has been reduced from 30 to 50 minutes to approximately 40 seconds," said Chen.



This advancement in trade facilitation serves as a prime example of how the Hunan pilot FTZ is building itself into an inland hub for reform and opening up through institutional innovation. Since its inception five years ago, the FTZ has actively explored new paths in industrial development and opening up, yielding significant achievements.



Over the past five years, the Hunan pilot FTZ has seen the establishment of 54,700 new enterprises, attracted 575 major projects with a total investment of 767.37 billion yuan ($108.95 billion), and generated 109 institutional innovation outcomes, seven of which have been promoted nationwide.



The FTZ, comprising three areas, leverages their respective advantages and pursues differentiated development priorities, according to Hu Songqiang, an official with the Hunan provincial department of commerce.



Through domestic reform and international collaboration, the Hunan pilot FTZ has leveraged its strengths in fostering cooperation with Africa to advance China-Africa economic and trade relations.



Platforms such as the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation have yielded substantial progress in this regard. At the Gaoqiao Grand Market in the Changsha area of the FTZ, a diverse range of African goods, including South African wine, are displayed. Additionally, the Chenzhou area has launched four air routes to Africa, while the cargo value transported via the Hunan-Guangdong-Africa rail-sea intermodal transport service has exceeded $500 million. Yueyang has also become home to the headquarters of the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation, expanding investment in the primary processing of African agricultural products.



"As trade exchanges continue to strengthen, we are committed to providing better services for Hunan enterprises seeking to expand globally," said Deng You, deputy director of the Yuhua administrative committee in the Changsha area of the Hunan pilot FTZ. He noted that the Changsha area has promoted the establishment of the China-Africa Technical Measures to Trade Research and Evaluation Base, which aids enterprises in penetrating new markets.



"The base provides professional training and personalized consulting, enabling enterprises to gain a comprehensive understanding of market access standards and policy procedures in target countries," a representative of the base explained.



Since its establishment, the base has been guided by Changsha customs in conducting 430 evaluations of technical trade measures. Of these, 120 evaluation opinions have been adopted by the Research Center for International Inspection and Quarantine Standards and Technical Regulations under the General Administration of Customs of China, with six receiving formal responses from notified countries. These evaluations cover products with annual exports to Africa valued at over 2.9 billion yuan.



So far, 14 cities and prefectures in Hunan have established paired cooperation mechanisms with 28 African countries. According to Changsha customs, trade between Hunan and Africa grew at an average annual rate of 14.3 percent from 2021 to 2024, ranking first among central and western regions of China. In the first 11 months of this year, Hunan's imports and exports with Africa reached 53.99 billion yuan.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Reading China's modernization through 50,000 kilometers of high-speed rail New landscape of opening up reflected in world's first port to handle 1.4 billion tons 'Food banks' mirror China's new approaches to food conservation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Affection seems like a simple concept, one thats easy to define, and certainly recognizable when we see it. A mother playing with her baby, or a father tossing a ball with his children, are obvious examples. Yet affections implications are far more dramatic, even earthshaking. Affection isnt merely a pleasant part of life; it is a critical genetic infrastructure supporting civilization.

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Among humans, the playful bond between generations holds the world together no less than gravity keeps us on the earth. We see this across species: the more advanced the organism, the less likely it is to devour its young. I cannot think of a mammal that does not show affection for its offspring.

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Image created using AI.

Properly understood, early affection can shape a lifetime. During the Bondi Beach massacre of December 14, a husband threw himself over his wife to protect her. He died; she lived. A fourteen-year-old girl left a safe spot to cover two children whose mothers had been shot, taking a bullet in the leg. At the beginning of the ill-fated Hanukkah celebration, a couple attacked one of the terrorists to protect others and lost their lives.

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I want to suggest that actions like these are the fruits of early exposure to affection. Those who carried out the massacre displayed, at the very least, a failure of affection in early life. There are many reasons a person may become willing to kill, but we should consider a deficit of early affection as a primary cause.

To understand affections role in development, we must better understand how people are put together. Scientists are only now beginning to realize how constantly organs communicate with one another. While the heart speaks to the lungs, the lungs are simultaneously speaking to the brain, kidneys, muscles, and so on.

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People are the continuation of their physical makeup. Thus, it helps to think of people as continually engaged in the process of living, rather than as beings defined only by goals and endpoints.

The social world is simply another form of sensory input to the body. A history of early affection can synchronize two peopletheir movements, words, even chemistry. A lack of it can cause people to treat one another merely as background noise, rather than as human beings with feelings and emotions. Dehumanization leads to mistreatment, even violence.

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More deeply, expressions of affection accumulate over time, like all human experience. Early affection between parents and children sets the foundation for affection among friends, later between partners, and eventually toward ones own children and grandchildren. It enables us to offer hugs, a shoulder, a kind word, or eye contact.

But if the chain breaks before the next generation arrives, we may see either a decline in birth rates or the rise of moody, dissatisfied, self-focused adults who feel they have nothing to give. When large numbers of people choose not to raise families, affection has failed in its evolutionary purpose of sustaining life.

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Alternatively, one might say that the failure of people raised without affection to desire their own families means evolution is functioning perfectly. Those unable to parent with affection are being removed from the population at a startling rate. If we are fortunate, those who remain will be the ones capable of joy, generosity, and trustpeople who carry civilization forward with smiles, song, dance, and human warmth.

This could be a natural place to conclude. Yet words limit our understanding in unexpected ways. People once said that a picture was worth a thousand words. Today, we might say a YouTube video is worth a thousand pictures. Below are videos from Israel that illustrate how affection can be cultivated for the good of society. Two of the four have English subtitles, but the images themselves convey the real meaning of affection.

Interestingly, you can see children at a school in Ofakim, near Gaza, sing the same song before the Gaza War. Notice how the principal gently touches the childrenand how naturally they lean into that affection.

Indeed, generally, children in Israel are comfortable with physical affection. In the following video, witness how freely children touch and look at each other, something unusual in other places. A parent occasionally joins the singing without self-consciousness, fitting seamlessly into the moment.

And finally, heres the Spielman family, which farms for a living and sings for joy. In this beloved song, a boy sings to a girl, If Only You Will Agree, proposing a relationship that is gentle, patient, and emotional rather than impulsively romantic. The song teaches children about affectionate bonds. With this musical tool, parents show their children that enduring attachments matter more than fleeting pleasures.

In a time shaped by misunderstood population declinewhen contraception and abortion are readily available, and often quickly usedthe song may be difficult for modern listeners to fully appreciate. The affection it expresses is not sexual but deeply emotional. In the video, two couples and their children sing together using the same adult language. In Israel, child and adult worlds are not sharply divided; children are immersed in adult culture from infancy. Best, perhaps, simply to enjoy the musicand to absorb the living images of affection.
The naming of Gov. Jeff Landry of Louisiana as Special Presidential Envoy (SPE) to Greenland has raised the hackles of Denmark, Greenland and the European Union.

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If the president's objective was to increase European skepticism and distaste for American politics it has succeeded, admirably, especially with the Danes and its Nordic neighbors.

The comparison being discussed, albeit under the radar for now, is that the U.S. is acting like Germany's National Socialists when that government annexed Poland, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Lithuania, then went on to occupy the rest of Europe. And if that comparison were not bad enough, some are even saying that the U.S. president is America's Vladimir Putin, salivating at the prospect of stealing land from a peaceful population of 57,000 people.

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This latest "crisis" as the Danes are calling it was bound to happen, sooner or later. That it happened just before Christmas is causing some Danish politicians, bureaucrats and diplomats to burn the midnight oil as they weigh their next steps in dealing the Goliath at their doorstep.

Should the tiny nation of six million face off against the U.S. as one would an aggressive Black Bear (animal experts say it's best to make one's self look as large as possible in the hopes that the bear backs down and goes away) or should it retreat to the safety of its cousins in the E.U. who have their back? It seems that the Danes will choose both but rely on the protection of the E.U. to keep the bear at bay while the Danish media and government portrays itself as Greenland's protector (or David) to the evil Goliath (U.S.).

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For those who've forgotten the David/Goliath story, two armies faced off. Israel and the Philistines were camped opposite each other in the Valley of Elah. Goliath. a towering Philistine warrior, taunted Israel daily, daring them to send a champion to fight him one-on-one. No one dared. David, a young shepherd who was visiting his brothers, stepped forward. He believed God would deliver Israel, just as God helped him defeat lions and bears. David declined armor and marched off with only his sling and five smooth stones. He ran toward Goliath, slung a stone, and struck the giant in the forehead. Goliath fell. David then used Goliaths own sword to finish the victory. The result: The Philistines fled and Israel won. In this story, Denmark is David, the U.S., Goliath; the slingshot is diplomacy and the brotherhood of the E.U. The prize is self-determination and freedom from tyranny.

And if you're not biblically inclined, then think of the Danish-Greenlandic-American problem as a troubled spouse. You've been married for many years, and you've taken your plain and unassuming but loyal wife for granted. You've ignored her needs until one of your male friends suddenly shows interest in her. He tells her that she deserves better and encourages her to tell you that she's unhappy and should consider a divorce. You do a quick self-assessment and realize that she has been a good wife and has not complained about your lack of attention. Wanting to avoid an expensive divorce, you attempt to woo her with admissions of guilt and promises to be better.

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So far, it seems to be working. But now others are beginning to take notice of her attractiveness, like your Chinese and Russian neighbors. You see where I'm going with this, don't you?

That said, the naming of a Special Presidential Envoy to Greenland was a smart move by the administration. The reason is simple: the envoy will be able to have direct talks with all the interested parties in Greenland while the American ambassador (and the Embassy in Copenhagen) are free to concentrate their efforts on promoting trade and improving the overall relationship between Denmark and the U.S.

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As with many such special envoy situations, this one will probably create some tensions and friction both within and between both governments' ministries, as well as impact the "normal" process of communication. This is particularly true for the U.S. Department of State, the National Security Advisor, the American intelligence agencies, the Department of War and the American and Danish embassies.

Envoy Landry is an SPE and as such does not have the same reporting requirements to Congress as non-presidentially-appointed envoys have. It is expected that he will report to the Department of State, but first to the president, keeping the U.S. ambassador in Copenhagen abreast of any discussions, roadblocks or breakthroughs he might have.

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Gov. Landry is known for his staunch support of the president and his policies and has the president's trust, an imperative for any SPE. His job, however, is something akin to clearing a minefield of competing interests. He must always be aware that he is dealing with a long Nordic history of proud peoples who have claimed ownership or sovereignty over Greenland for hundreds of years.

Unfortunately, Landry is off to a rocky start with a surprising and glaring faux pas -- his comment on "X" that he will work to make Greenland a part of the U.S.

This has prompted (predictably) a slew of pronouncements from the Danish Prime Minister on down that "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders," (this was an Instagram post by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen who also said that, "The U.S. shall not take over Greenland").

SPE Landry had better enroll in a crash course in Scandinavian history and Arctic-style diplomacy before he books his ticket on a military transport to Pituffik AFB. He'll need more than a winter parka and a new pair of mukluks to convince the Greenlanders that "he's from the (U.S.) government and he's here to help them."

Stephen Helgesen is a retired American diplomat specializing in international trade. He has lived and worked in 30 countries over 25 years under the Reagan, G.H.W. Bush, Clinton, and G.W. Bush administrations. He is the author of fourteen books, seven of which are about American politics, and has written more than 1,500 articles on politics, economics, and social trends. He now lives in Denmark and is a frequent political commentator in Danish media. He can be contacted at: [email protected].

Image: DHS.gov via Wikipedia // public domain
One of the big myths that drives leftism is that America has an almost unholy amount of poverty, which is totally at odds with the false consciousness that America is a wealthy country in which people thrive. However, lending credence to the saying lies, damn lies, and statistics, it appears that much of Americas so-called poverty is a bookkeeping designation, with welfare keeping many people afloat on a sea of unrecognized wealth.

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(Note: This image should not be understood to accuse Ilhan Omar, Tim Walz, or Omar Fateh of being involved in any illegal activity. They are simply well-known Minnesota politicians and wannabe politicians, so they got a seat in the back row of this caricature.)

Thus, a Wall Street Journal article from last week completely upends the idea that we have many poor people in this country. Yes, I know that the idea is preposterous, yet it appears to be true. Did you know that welfare programs are not counted as income?

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In the essay, Phil Gramm & John Early write that federal welfare spending now totals $1.4 trillion. If divided evenly among the 19.8 million families the government classifies as poor, each would receive more than $70,000 a yearyet none of these benefits are counted as income for eligibility or poverty measurement.

Even accounting for the skim (the money the government and NGOs rake in off the top), its a staggering number. It is impossible to reconcile the $1.4 trillion with what Democrats and the media maintain is a system that neglects the poor.

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What this suggests is that everything were being told about the poor is a lie, or at least being called poor and not having money are separate things. How can we reconcile such foundational issues as one in seven children go to bed hungry with the reality that suggests strongly that there is little to no correlation between being poor and hungry and an unjust economic system? In fact, the contrary appears to be true.

Democrat and socialist politics depend on making Americans feel guilty. What if we all woke up one day and realized that the greatest scam of all was the underlying lie that not paying your fair share meant you were not paying sufficient graft? In other words, our poverty complex isnt about helping poor people. Its about helping criminals (obviously aided by bureaucrats) enrich themselves with taxpayer funds by pretending to help poor people.

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Here are two more examples that I believe make my case:

First, Joe Thompson is leading the federal investigation into fraud across 14 Minnesota-run Medicaid and human-services programs. According to reports, his investigations reveal that Minnesota has paid $18 billion to these programs since 2018, with Thompson stating that half or more of that may be fraudulent. This implies losses of up to $9 billion.

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Given that 82 of 92 defendants named in the currently existing fraud cases are Somali, it is ridiculous not to connect one with the other. The other side wants you to believe that we must separate and sanitize the crime, not tie it to any ethnic group. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of Somalis participated in the fraud for their cut of the theft.

Second, we have an identical situation with the Haitians, who were let in with little screening. Credible reporting concerns two Haitian men charged in Massachusetts with $7 million in SNAP (food stamp) fraud. I can promise you that this is the tip of the iceberg. Its becoming common to shy away from accusing anyone from the immigrant minority community for fear of being tarred with the racism brush. This, in turn, leads to the lie that immigrants are more law-abiding than native-born.

As a nation, we need to grapple with whether it ever a good idea to allow anyone in on whatever visa de jour one could get for people who are not natural fits for our country, based on cultural values, education, and propensity to assimilate? The answer should logically be a resounding No.

That, however, is a different conversation. The conversation here and now is that poverty is a big business for corrupt government and corrupt people. In light of this fact, its impossible to know what Americas poverty rate actually is, and what choices people are making that drive poverty: Are these people who are genuinely down on their luck (what Alfred E. Doolittle called the deserving poor) or are they people addicted to a corrupt system that makes poverty functional (Doolittles undeserving poor) and, for the grifters, profitable?

Hundreds of thousands of people, politicians, NGOs, religious institutions, and others have treated the government as their own personal ATM. Once codified into law or practice, what should be deemed illegal practices at the outset become nothing more than baited fields for the unscrupulous and profiteers alike. All the fake concern they have for their meal tickets is just that, fake. It is grifting on a scale never before seen in this world, and the normal people in America are forced to pay for their own undoing.

There is a set of principles that undergird any society that wants to thrive and survive. They are:

1. Shared Prosperity

2. Shared Norms

3. Universal safety

4. Educated Individuals

5. A disdain for malingers.

Without these five principles at the base of every decision tree, we are lost. Inconsistent principles and poor execution have led to our Balkanization. National standards can only be set by Congress and seconded by our legal system. President Trump cannot sign an Executive Order requiring sanity in our governmental practices; its wishful thinking to believe otherwise.

We must have rational national standards for immigration and assimilation, or no immigration at all. Separate but equal went out a long time ago. We need rigid incentives for education and morality, the affirmation of families, and a way for young people to own a home they can afford that creates a sense of belonging, the beginnings of their own generational wealth, and a desire for children.

Every good essay should remind readers that it is up to us to put thought into action. If we seek more joyous holidays in the future, we must undertake the necessary corrections to ensure such. We should come away with the belief that every generation is just caretakers for the next. It is our duty and our privilege to leave this place better than we found it. Luck is not an accident; its when duty, logic, and truth collide.

God Bless America!

Author, Businessman, Thinker, and Strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com.
Anyone who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.

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Attributed to Voltaire, this quote holds great significance, even in our modern times. In the twentieth century, we saw absurd ideologies like communism and Nazism take root in modern states and drive civilized people to commit unfathomable atrocities. The popular notion of race-poisoning propelled the Nazi regime on a militant crusade to purge the European continent of inferior peoples, as the regime defined the term. In the second half of the twentieth century, the equally absurd notion of ubiquitous ecological poisoning took hold in the West, spawning a new movement, which in our century, has resulted in a crusade to completely refashion the energy sector. The movement has widespread popular support, especially amongst Western administrative elites. We have seen that support erode only recently as people realize the consequences and cost of the crusade upon which they embarked.

Along the way, this so-called green movement has shown its true colors to be red, having no qualms about imposing its will from above. I was only half jesting, when I intimated in an earlier article about the fruits of green ideology, suggesting that the specter of being herded into the countryside to work on irrigation ditches was not unthinkable. After all, if you informed the average German in 1938 that in a few years hence his government would embark on systematic mass murder of large populations in Europe, he would not have believed you. Voltaires words resound to our present day, where we fool ourselves into believing that we are sophisticated and moral.

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In Denham, a suburb of Boston, St. Susanna Catholic Church displayed a nativity without the Holy Family. The crib was empty. There was a sign, however, that read: ICE was here.

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Meanwhile, in the Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas, a Methodist church placed Mary and Joseph in what is supposed to be an immigration detention center. They are trapped inside a metal cage with razor wire at the top.

Here is whats wrong. When churches coopt The Nativity, or any of their other sacred images for political purposes rather than for the purposes of proclaiming its message and/or, as in canonical norms, the devotion of Gods people, its as if the church is p***ing on its own sacred images. It makes them irreverent.

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Christianity asserts, theologically speaking, that the Incarnation was the greatest birth in the history of the world. It was like and unlike any other birth. The Incarnation was not political. Jesus was neither migrant nor immigrant. How could He be? Jesus, so we are told, is God.

The birth of Jesus is found in two of the four Gospels. In the first, we read: Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will name him Emmanuel, which means God with us. [Matt.1:23 NET]. Therefore, as God: ... the world and all it contains belong to me [Psalm 50:12 NET].

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So the Nativity is not a mere celebration of the holiday season through one of its symbols. It does not simply play a role as the herald of the holiday season. It is not neutral. It cannot be secularized. Even the courts, despite their ambiguous rulings, cannot relegate or dictate its meaning. The Nativity is indisputably religious. Every time we employ it, its value and meaning remain the same: Gloria in Excelsis Deo!

Image: Screen shot from WCVB Channel 5 Boston video, via YouTube.
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - A team from the INternational Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Egyptian authorities have reached staff level agreement on the fifth and sixth reviews under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement and the first review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)
The Shirokorechenskoe Cemetery, located on the southwestern outskirts of Yekaterinburg, in Russia, is the final resting place of many famous locals including folk artists, scientists, and heroes of World War 2. Their graves are adorned with unusual funerary sculptures, including reliefs, gem-embedded headstones and laser engravings of the deceased on granite.

In one section of the cemetery, among the pines, youll find some of the most elaborate tombstones. Huge granite headstones with large-than-life photo-realistic carvings depicting hardened men in expensive suits and leather jackets, with gold chains and tattoos, holding a cigarette or keys to a Mercedes in their hands. Often the cars themselves would be engraved in the background, sometimes accompanied by their girlfriends. These extravagant tombs belong to gangsters who died violent deaths during the gangland wars of the turbulent 90s.

Photo credit: Denis Tarasov/The Guardian

Following the break up of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, and the regions rapid transition to free market economy, the entire Soviet Bloc, and Russia in particular, was thrown into anarchy, resulting in the sharp rise in organized crime. Power struggle between different Kremlin factions saw an increase in assassination, hostage-taking and other violent crimes.

James Ruth explains Russias troubled transition to democracy and the rise of the mafia:

Many of the opportunities for the growth of organized crime in Russia after 1991 can be attributed solely to the governments feeble transition to a market economy. In this period, the government failed to make any structural changes to policies concerning transparency, accountability, and shareholders rights, leaving a vague line between legal and illegal (Webster, 2000, 32). The absence of transparency in business operations allowed organized crime to veil their illegal actions from prosecution. The lack of accountability made it so that when something was found questionable, nobody was held responsible for it. The nonexistence of shareholders rights produced a situation in which shareholders had their interests watered down by shares issued without their knowledge or consent and were denied even the basic rights of ownership through violence and intimidation (Webster, 2000, 38).

The city of Yekaterinburg became the center of gang wars, thanks to a city-based group calling itself the Uralmash, after a district around the Uralmash heavy machinery factory. Founded in the late 1980s, the group consolidated control over several businesses in the city during the transition, including the famous Uralmash factory. The profits earned from racketeering went on to be reinvested in a number of legitimate businesses, expanding the group's reach.

During the 1990s, the Uralmash group fought vicious internal wars and also clashed with the rival Central Gang. There were so many casualties that many gang members found themselves in graves, most notably in the Shirokorechenskoe Cemetery. Their gravestones were decorated in the most extravagant fashion, bearing images of the buried dressed in the classical 1990s gangster fashion. Some of the gravestones displayed not only the names but also nicknames and their particular skills. For example, one reads an expert in knife-throwing and another reads possessed deadly fist-fighting skills.

By the end of the decade, many surviving mafia leaders had gone straight and legitimized their business, and even formed a political party. These former gang members now own shopping malls, hotels and juice bars in Yekaterinburg. However, some are still engaged in criminal activity and racketeering. According to one estimate, 30 per cent of the Russian economy is still in the hands of gangsters.

Photo credit: Denis Tarasov/The Guardian

Photo credit: Denis Tarasov/The Guardian

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Denis Tarasov/The Guardian

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Denis Tarasov/The Guardian

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Denis Tarasov/The Guardian

Photo credit: Denis Tarasov/The Guardian

Photo credit: Denis Tarasov/The Guardian

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Photo credit: Amos Chapple/RFE/RL

Sources: RBTH / Telegraph / Telegraph / Wikipedia / www.auburn.edu
Credit: Nippon TV via Reuters

A man has been arrested after 15 people were injured in a stabbing attack at a tyre factory in central Japan.

Witnesses said a man wearing a gas mask entered the factory and launched a mass stabbing before spraying a chemical agent at workers.

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the assault at the factory, run by Yokohama Rubber Co, in the city of Mishima, south-west of Tokyo.

His motive remains unclear. Japanese broadcasters reported that the man had connections to the factory, although authorities have not confirmed his employment status.

At around 4.30pm local time on Friday, emergency services received a call reporting that several people had been stabbed.

Police and emergency services at the Yokohama Rubber Co factory after the attack - Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP

According to the fire department, eight workers suffered stab injuries, while seven others were injured after the attacker allegedly threw or sprayed what is suspected to have been bleach.

All 15 victims were taken to the hospital. Officials said several were in a serious condition, although Japanese media reported that all of those injured were conscious. The nature and severity of the chemical injuries were not immediately known.

Investigators said the suspect was carrying a survival knife and wearing a gas mask at the time of the attack, according to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper.

The factory produces tyres for trucks and buses and is part of Yokohama Rubbers domestic manufacturing network.

All 15 victims were taken to hospital after the attack - Yusuke Hashizume/Kyodo News via AP

Violent crime is relatively rare in Japan, which has a low homicide rate, but a series of high-profile attacks in recent years has unsettled the public.

In 2022, the country was shocked by the assassination of Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister, who was shot during a campaign speech.

More recently, courts sentenced a man to death over a 2023 shooting and stabbing spree that killed four people, including two police officers.

In May, a 43-year-old man was charged with attempted murder following a knife attack at a Tokyo underground station.
Najib Razak being escorted by prison guards at Kuala Lumpur courts complex on 22 December. Photograph: Hasnoor Hussain/Reuters (Photograph: Hasnoor Hussain/Reuters)

The jailed former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak has been sentenced to an additional 15 years after he was found guilty of abuse of power, in the biggest trial yet in the multibillion-dollar fraud scandal related to the state fund 1MDB.

Najibs conviction substantially increases the six-year prison term he is already serving for a separate case related to the 1MDB graft scandal, one of the worlds biggest financial frauds in which billions were plundered from the now defunct sovereign wealth fund.

In the latest case, Najib had been charged with four counts of corruption and 21 counts of money laundering for receiving illegal transfers of about 2.2bn ringgit ($544.15m) from 1MDB. He has consistently denied wrongdoing in the scandal, which dented Malaysias image abroad.

Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who was presiding, convicted Najib, 72, on all four counts of abuse of power. The former PM will also face a verdict on 21 counts of money laundering linked to the fund, which prompted investigations in several countries, from Singapore to the US.

The judge said in his verdict: The contention by the accused that the charges against him were a witch-hunt and politically motivated were debunked by the cold, hard and incontrovertible evidence against him that pointed towards the accused having abused his own powerful position in 1MDB, coupled with the extensive powers conferred upon him.

Malaysian and US investigators say at least $4.5bn was stolen from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a state fund Najib co-founded in 2009 while in office. More than $1bn allegedly made its way into accounts linked to Najib, who has denied wrongdoing.

The ruling could add to tensions in the prime minister, Anwar Ibrahims, governing alliance, which includes the once dominant United Malays National Organisation, over which Najib, its former leader, has retained significant influence.

Najib has been in prison since August 2022, when Malaysias top court upheld a corruption conviction for illegally receiving funds from a 1MDB unit. His 12-year jail sentence in that case was halved last year by a pardons board.

Najib is the son of one of the countrys founding fathers and was groomed for leadership from a young age until his spectacular fall from power. He had been seen as untouchable until public anger over the 1MDB corruption scandal led to the 2018 election defeat of his ruling party, which had governed since Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957.

Prosecutors say Najib abused his positions as prime minister, finance minister and 1MDB advisory board chair to move large amounts of money from the fund into his personal accounts more than a decade ago.

According to investigators, proceeds from the state fund were used to bankroll high-end real estate, a luxury yacht and precious artworks.

Najib has repeatedly said he was misled by 1MDB officials and the fugitive financier Jho Low, who has been charged in the US for his central role in the case. Low, whose whereabouts are unknown, has denied wrongdoing.

The judge dismissed several of the defence lawyers arguments, including that Najib was duped by Low, his close associate. He also dismissed arguments that the money flowing into Najibs accounts was donations from Middle East funders, calling it a tale that surpassed even those from the Arabian Nights.

The prosecution presented bank records, testimony from more than 50 witnesses and documentary evidence.

Najib paints himself as a victim of rogue subordinates, when in truth, he was the single most powerful decision maker, the deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib told the court during closing arguments. The accused wielded absolute financial, executive and political control, he said.

Najib has apologised for allowing the 1MDB scandal to happen during his tenure, but maintains he knew nothing about illegal transfers from the fund.

His legal battle was dealt a blow on Monday after he lost an application to serve the remainder of his first jail term at home rather than the Kajang prison, outside Kuala Lumpur.

Agence France-Presse, Reuters and Associated Press contributed reporting
The iconic New Years Eve ball drop is getting an encore in 2026  but this time on the Fourth of July.

Tourists and New York City locals will take over the streets of Times Square at midnight on January 1, to watch the multi-colored LED crystal ball, also known as the Constellation Ball, drop, in celebration of the new year.

America will also be marking a major milestone in 2026 with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. So America250  the nonpartisan organization that commemorates the 250th anniversary  is launching a second ball drop July 3.

But a preview will be taking place in just a few days in Times Square.

At 12:04 a.m. on January 1  four minutes after the regular New Years Eve Ball drop  the Times Square Ball will be relit in red, white, and blue, with an America250 design and rise above the illuminated 2026 numbers.

Another ball drop is happening in New York City in July for Americas 250th birthday (Getty Images)

There will also be a first-ever post-midnight release of 2,000 pounds of red, white, and blue confetti, and a dynamic pyro finale set to Ray Charles rendition of America the Beautiful, as noted by America250.

New York City residents and locals can return to Times Square July 3, when the iconic ball will drop again, right before midnight strikes on the Fourth of July.

America250 will kick off the Semiquincentennial year on New Years Eve in Times Square  the most watched celebration on the planet  signaling that the largest and most inspiring celebration and commemoration in our nations history is underway in 2026, Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, said in a statement. Our goal is to inspire all 350 million Americans to join in this moment to celebrate our country.

However, according to a city hall spokesperson, the details for the second ball drop in July are still being figured out. As the city continues to work on the details, nothing is finalized, and conversations are ongoing, the spokesperson told the New York Post.

Still, Rios has teased that America250 has big plans in store to honor the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Im telling you right now, whatever youre imagining, its going to be much more than that, he told the Associated Press. Its going to be one for the ages, the most inspirational celebration this country and maybe the world has ever seen.
Idaho Sun ran out a convincing winner of the William Hill Formby Novices Hurdle at Aintree, beating ante-post Supreme Novices Hurdle favourite Mydaddypaddy in style.

Trained by Harry Fry  who was celebrating his first Grade One winner since Metier landed the equivalent race in 2021 when it was called the Tolworth and run at Sandown  Idaho Sun was a 3-1 chance with Dan Skeltons Mydaddypaddy the 8-13 market leader.

Idaho Suns only defeat had come when a creditable sixth in the Champion Bumper in March and he had barely put a foot wrong in two previous races over hurdles.

However, Mydaddypaddy had oozed class in an unbeaten start to his career and set a high standard.

With the hurdles in the home straight dolled off due to the low sun, it turned into a long run for home and Harry Skelton did appear to be travelling much better on the favourite but Idaho Sun found plenty for pressure to win by three and a quarter lengths.

Fry, who almost lost his voice cheering him home, told Racing TV: We came in under the radar but we let the horses do the talking on the track.

Hed done nothing wrong, hed only been beaten once in his life when he was a staying-on sixth in the Champion Bumper and he didnt come down the hill that day but he flew up it.

He learned plenty from his two runs over hurdles, hes progressing and I know they didnt jump the flights in the straight but hes progressing and I love his attitude. Hes a real galloper with a high-class cruising speed.

This is what we dream of, Grade Ones, unbeaten novice hurdlers.

Idaho Sun is now as low as 12-1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and Fry added: The Supreme is obviously his aim, we said wed aim for this and then see where the land lies.

This is what its all about, he was our only runner on the day, weve won fair and square, obviously another day is another race but well look forward to it.

Well enjoy this, its been a while since our last Grade One and whether he runs again, I dont know.

This is great, its hopefully getting us back to where we want to be.

Owner Jeremy Gear added: My hero as a child was Red Rum and when they had to bypass the second last fence it looked like going around the Elbow in the National, it was as if Red Rum was by his side!
Jimmy Kimmel asks UK not to give up on US as he blasts Trump in Christmas speech

Jimmy Kimmel has asked Britons not to give up on the US as he blasted the Trump administration.

Speaking in his Christmas message for Channel 4, a spoof of the official royal message on Christmas Day, the host said that were going through a bit of a wobble right now, but well come around. He added: Give us about three years.

He said that fascism and tyranny are booming in the US, before referring to his ongoing feud with Donald Trump. My countrys president would like to shut me up.

In September, Kimmels show was temporarily taken off the air after the hosts comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un asked his officials to ramp up the production of missiles and artillery shells in the coming year and build new factories to meet the needs of the military, state media reported on Friday.

During visits to major munitions factories, Mr Kim inspected the production of ballistic missiles and artillery rockets and approved draft modernisation plans, the state news agency KCNA said. The countrys missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering war deterrent, Mr Kim said.

To further expand the overall production capacity and keep pace with the militarys demand, the leader also ordered the building of new munitions plants, the outlet said.

North Koreas military buildup and insistence that it will never give up its nuclear weapons have alarmed the countrys neighbours Japan and South Korea, drawing them into closer military allegiance and increased joint defence drills with the United States.

Kim Jong Un visits a munitions factory industry enterprises to acquaint himself with the missile and shell production at an undisclosed place in North Korea (KCNA via AFP via Getty)

Mr Kims call for more missiles came days after he visited a shipyard to inspect the construction of what Pyongyang described as an 8,700-tonne nuclear submarine.

The Korean leader had previously called the submarines construction a crucial step in the modernisation and nuclear armament of the navy.

Pictures released by KCNA showed Mr Kim, his daughter and leading officials touring the shipyard.

In order to satisfy the prospective demands of the missile and artillery forces of the Korean Peoples Army, its necessary to continuously raise the level of modernisation of the munitions industry by establishing new munitions enterprises as planned, Mr Kim said, according to KNCA.

On Thursday, Mr Kim had reportedly supervised the test launch of a new type of an air defence missile over the Sea of Japan.

Kim Jong Un visits a munitions factory at an undisclosed place in North Korea (KCNA via AFP via Getty)

The leader told reporters that new modernisation and production plans were set to be revealed at the upcoming congress of the ruling Korean Workers Party scheduled for early next year.

Mr Kim is seeking to rapidly grow his countrys nuclear and missile capabilities while placing Russia at the centre of his foreign policy.

Kim Jong Un visits a munitions plant at an undisclosed location in North Korea. (KCNA via AFP via Getty)

Pyongyang now possesses a range of nuclear-capable missiles designed to strike the US as well as its allies across Asia.

The military build-up was on display at a grand parade held in Pyongyang in October, which was attended by representatives from Russia, China and Vietnam. During the event, Mr Kim presented some of the countrys most advanced weapons, including a newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile.

Mr Kim has called on the US to abandon its insistence that the North give up its nuclear weapons before talks can resume.

He also did not respond to an offer from Donald Trump to meet while the US leader was in South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju earlier this year.
Allyson Williams spent 40 years in the NHS as a nurse, midwife, manager and clinical leader. Its been over 50 years and nobody has learned any lessons. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian (Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian)

I am fed up of being called names. I know I am Black. I was born Black. And I love being Black. So tell me something I dont know.

Those words, uttered 50 years ago as a young nurse facing regular racial abuse from patients on a London hospital ward, were a turning point in Allyson Williamss life and career.

Williams had come to the UK in 1969 from the anglophile culture of the postwar Caribbean  where children of all ethnicities learned English literature, grammar and history by heart  only to be attacked in the mother country.

She is now among those who, having dedicated their lives to the NHS, fear the UK still does not properly appreciate the outsize contribution made to UK healthcare by Black, ethnic minority and overseas-born or trained staff  decades after Windrush generation nurses held up the service in its earliest years.

Those professionals included Deloris James, who was born a British citizen in St Kitts and Nevis and moved to Cardiff as 10-year-old in 1964. She was pushed into a career in the NHS, following after her mother who was a midwife  12 other relatives also worked in the health service.

The stories I hear, it seems as if things have got worse than when I was in the NHS, said James, 71, who worked as a nurse and midwife. Im not saying there wasnt racism, but it seems so much more prevalent.

The number of overseas nurses and midwives coming to the UK is collapsing, with rising racism and changes to immigration rules blamed for the fall. In an interview with the Guardian, the chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, Jeanette Dickson, said the NHS was being put at risk because foreign health professionals increasingly saw the UK as an unwelcoming, racist country.

Between April and September, 6,321 nurses and midwives from abroad joined the register of those licensed to practise in the UK, compared with 12,534 who did so in the same period in 2024. In October, the Royal College of Nursing revealed the number of reports by nurses of racist incidents at work had risen by 55% over three years.

Meanwhile, overseas-trained doctors are leaving the UK in record numbers, with 4,880 doctors who qualified in another country leaving the UK during 2024, a rise of 26% on the 3,869 who did so the year before, according to the General Medical Council.

Williams, a writer who came to the UK in 1969 and spent 40 years in the NHS as a nurse, midwife, manager and clinical leader, said: Its been over 50 years and nobody has learned any lessons. Nobody has seen fit to congratulate or to thank the multi-ethnic people who have come  in our generation to rebuild the country, that was how it was put to us.

I came at a time of brain drain when so many English people had gone to Canada and America and Australia. When I got into the hospital, and in my class, there were 30 girls who were training. One was English, four Irish and the rest were West Indians and west African  of the West Indians, there were 14 of us from Trinidad alone.

The training and the social life was amazing, but there was a lot of racism from the patients. They would slap you or hit you or push you away. I was called the N word. I was told I was nasty. It was quite disturbing.

After a year, Williams told her mother she couldnt take it any more, that she felt as if she was walking on glass.

But her mother told her: You have a dream. You have wanted to be a nurse since you were small. The racism is their problem. You just get on with your career and find a way to deal with them.

It actually led me to make that big stand on the ward, Williams, who celebrated the moment in the title of her autobiography, Tell Me Something I Dont Know, said. I dont know where it came from  it was the most empowering statement Ive ever made  from that point on, [racism] just never bothered me.

Williams would move on to midwifery, where there was much less racism and where she found bringing life into the world was such a privilege.

She said: Every now and then you would get a woman saying she doesnt want to have a Black midwife. But the managers then were very strict. They would say theyre all we have and theyre the best  you either have a Black midwife or you pack up and you go somewhere else.

Decades on, and not every Black, ethnic minority, or overseas-born or trained medic feels they can rely on colleagues for support.

The NHSs most recent workforce race equality standard report revealed Black or minority ethnic (BME) women (15.6%) were most likely to have experienced discrimination from other staff in the last 12 months, and 51% of NHS trusts reported BME staff were over 1.25 times more likely than white staff to enter formal disciplinary processes. At 80% of NHS trusts, white applicants were significantly more likely than BME applicants to be appointed from shortlisting.

Alison Hewitt is the second generation of her family to devote her working life to the NHS. Her aunt was a Windrush generation nurse and her mother was a childrens nurse  but Hewitt broke the mould to train in radiography 35 years ago, when Black radiographers were a rarity.

She said: I think a lot of the Windrush nurses kept their mouth shut. Whereas nowadays, youre constantly battling HR.

But despite the discrimination and disparities, 28.6% of staff in NHS trusts are Black or minority ethnic and about 20% non-UK nationals.

Theres at least 27 countries represented where I work, Hewitt said. If the Black staff, the Asian staff and the foreign-born staff all went home, the NHS would collapse within hours. Weve always been brought in to do the difficult work.

Nonetheless, Hewitt believes that if anything is driving turnover of staff in the NHS, it is economic betterment  and Williams agrees.

Where do you go in the world where there is no racism? Williams said. Its a global, international problem. But what you might find [outside the UK] is that the wages are better or theres something else to compensate for it.

Saada Maida, a 41-year-old gynaecologist from Leamington Spa who came to the UK as a refugee from Syria, said NHS staff of all backgrounds shared the common challenge of coping with patients with diverse needs in a systematically underfunded system, but stressed he had been made to feel welcome  and felt the UK is one of the least racist nations.

He added: The common denominator between these people leaving is feeling somehow that theyre not appreciated in the NHS  if you take a contract in the Gulf, we know its systematically full of inequalities, more so than the UK, but the pay is better. I think all doctors or healthcare professionals leaving the NHS, I think the incentive, whether they admit it or not, is to a great extent financial.

Having seen so many members of her family devote their lives to the NHS, James worries that the service she knew will be lost to cuts and privatisation, as well as the pressures facing its wonderful staff.

It makes me feel very sad, James added. Here we are again, back to the 50s, when people were invited to come to Britain to work and rebuild and, when they do arrive, then they face these hostilities.

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Sadiq Khan warned Rachel Reeves, not to adopt policies that encourage the wealthy to leave Britain - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Sir Sadiq Khan has said that non-doms are not bogeymen in a tacit criticism of Rachel Reeves.

Speaking to the Financial Times, the Mayor of London said: The idea that all non-doms are bogeymen is not my experience.

It comes a month after the Chancellor announced a series of policies that will disproportionately hit London, including a mansion tax on properties worth more than 2m.

She has come under pressure to go further, with Left-wing Labour MPs, including future leadership hopefuls, pressing for a full wealth tax.

Sir Sadiq appeared to caution against such a move, warning the Treasury not to adopt further policies that would drive away the wealthy.

In her first Budget last year, Ms Reeves announced plans to end non-dom status, used by wealthy people to lower their tax bills. She went further than had been expected by saying that Labour would make all the richs global assets subject to UK inheritance tax.

But following warnings that the change would spark an exodus of wealth creators from Britain, she partially about-turned in this years Budget. Inheritance tax bills for former non-doms will now be capped at 5m.

Non-dom status allows the super-rich, many of whom have assets around the world, to pay UK tax only on the income they generate in Britain.

Over the summer it was estimated that the changes would see the UK face the largest exodus of wealthy people experienced by any country in the last decade. Henley & Partners, an advisory firm, predicted that 16,500 wealthy people would up sticks and leave, although that projection has since been disputed.

Elsewhere in his interview Sir Sadiq also accused Right-wing politicians who speak negatively about London of being unpatriotic.

Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, and Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, have highlighted crime in the capital. Rupert Lowe, an independent MP, recently claimed that outside a few select posh areas the city increasingly resembles the third world.

Sir Sadiq said: You are seeing politicians and commentators in the UK, Europe and across the globe attacking London. They are often populists, nativists and unilateralists.

I can see that they are worried about Londons success. Thats because we are a diverse, progressive, liberal and multicultural city thats incredibly successful. Were the antithesis of all the stuff they talk about.

He also renewed his war of words with Donald Trump, who has previously described him as a horrible and incompetent mayor. Sir Sadiq said the US president was jealous he hasnt got any global cities in the US that can compete with London.
Benghazi, Libya (PANA) - The Council of Ministers of Libya's eastern-based government is to establish a temporary committee to monitor the conditions of detainees and prison facilities
Mario Alejandro Ramirez was arrested in Florida after he allegedly stabbed his pregnant wife to death in front of their three kids. (Broward Sheriff's Office)

Just days before Christmas, a Florida man allegedly stabbed his pregnant wife to death in their home while their children were present.

Deputies from the Broward Sheriffs Office were dispatched to an apartment in Oakland Park at about 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday following a domestic disturbance report, according to a news release.

Once inside the home, emergency responders found a woman suffering from stab wounds. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The suspect  identified as 37-year-old Mario Alejandro Ramirez  was found inside the home with what appeared to be self-inflicted wounds.

Deputies engaged in a struggle with Ramirez while attempting to apply pressure to his injuries. They eventually arrested him and transported him to a hospital for treatment. Hes been charged with one count of second degree murder.

Mario Alejandro Ramirez was arrested in Florida after he allegedly stabbed his pregnant wife to death in front of their three kids. (Broward Sheriff's Office)

Investigators confirmed to Local 10 News that the woman was expecting and that she lived in the apartment with the couples three children. She also had a restraining order against Ramirez at the time of her death.

The outlet obtained 911 calls that were made in regards to the incident, one of which was placed by Ramirez. In the call, he told dispatchers that a domestic dispute had taken place while their children were at home.

Neighbors also reported overhearing loud noises emanating from the apartment in the lead-up to the stabbing.

It sounded like furniture hitting and there was a lot of screaming, one neighbor told Local 10 News.

Ramirez was put on an immigration hold without bond following an initial court appearance on Friday. (Getty Images)

Neighbors also relayed their experience to CBS News, telling the outlet that they woke up to the aftermath of the attack.

"I look and there's a body on the floor, I saw the body," one woman, who said she knows the family, told the outlet. "They opened the door, and when I walked back to go home, I saw a body laying on the floor," another neighbor said.

Photos of the crime scene depict blood sprayed on a window, according to Local News 10. And a blue tarp was used to cover up the womans body.

Ramirez was put under an immigration hold without bond after his initial court appearance on Friday. His immigration status is not clear. He was also ordered to undergo mental health and medical evaluations.

The motive for the attack is unclear, according to investigators.
President Donald Trumps Defense Secretary has warned of further U.S. strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria after the group was accused of targeting Christians.

The U.S. military said that camps by the group in Sokoto state, near the border with Niger, were hit during the strikes with an initial assessment suggesting multiple fatalities.

Hegseth said in a post on X: The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight  on Christmas.

The secretary added, Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!

He then wrote: "More to come"

The U.S. launched a deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria Thursday night, according to the Department of Defense (Department of Defense)

Trump announced the strikes in a post on his Truth Social platform on Christmas Day, writing: Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was, Trump continued.

The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.

A Defense Department official told The Independent the U.S. worked with Nigeria to carry out the strikes and theyd been approved by that countrys government.

The Associated Press reports Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the cooperation included exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination in ways consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security.

Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigerias values and to international peace and security, the ministry said in a statement.

Nigerias government has previously said in response to Trumps criticisms that people of many faiths, not just Christians, have suffered attacks at the hands of extremists groups.

President Donald Trump declared: MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues (AP)

The Defense Department, which Trump has pushed to rename the Department of War, posted video on X alongside a copy of the presidents comments.

U.S Africa Command said in a post on X, At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.

The Independent has reached out to the White House for more information about the strikes.

Last month, Trump said he was instructing the Defense Department to prepare for possible action in Nigeria, claiming the nations government continues to allow the killing of Christians.

He also declared Nigeria is a country of particular concern. The U.S. government uses this designation for nations determined to have committed particularly severe violations of religious freedom, according to the State Departments website.

Trump said in November, If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has previously pushed back on Trump's designation of Nigeria as a 'country of particular concern' (AP)

Nigerias population of 220 million people is mostly split between Christians and Muslims. There are also armed insurgent groups operating in the nation, including the Islamic extremist organization Boko Haram, which has also targeted Muslims, The AP reported.

Much of northern Nigeria has been struck by conflict in an ongoing security crisis and Trump has singled the country out for what he calls the killing of Christians by radical Islamists.

Victims and church leaders have reiterated Trumps claims that Christians are persecuted, saying theyve long been attacked, kidnapped or killed over their faith.

But many insist the reality isnt that simple, with experts and residents saying most attacks emphasize the widespread violence that has long plagued the West African nation, where everyone is a potential victim, regardless of background or belief.

With reporting from the Associated Press.
Credit: X

The US has launched a powerful and deadly strike on Islamic State (IS) scum in Nigeria, Donald Trump said.

The president took action, in coordination with Nigerias military, on Thursday after spending weeks accusing the West African countrys government of failing to stop the persecution of Christians.

Tonight, at my direction as commander in chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against Isis terrorist scum in north-west Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing  primarily innocent Christians  at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries, the US president wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Mr Trump said later on Friday that the strike was initially meant to take place on Wednesday but was delayed by a day to give a Christmas present.

They were going to do it earlier, he told Politico in an interview. And I said, Nope, lets give a Christmas present. They didnt think that was coming, but we hit them hard. Every camp got decimated.

The strike killed multiple IS militants and was conducted after an appeal from Nigerian authorities, the US militarys Africa Command said on X.

Residents inspect the damage after the US strike against Islamic State militants in Nigeria - Abdullahi Dare Akogun/Reuters

Last month, Mr Trump warned that Christianity faced an existential threat in Nigeria and vowed to intervene over what he described as the countrys failure to stop violence targeting their communities.

Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, wrote on X: The president was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.

Mr Hegseth said the US military was always ready, so Isis found out tonight  on Christmas, adding: More to come... grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation. He then signed off the message Merry Christmas!

On Monday, Reuters reported that the US had been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November.

The countrys government said armed groups had targeted both Muslims and Christians. US claims that Christians faced persecution dido not represent the complex security situation and ignored efforts to safeguard religious freedom, it added.

However, Nigeria agreed to work with the US to bolster its forces against militant groups.

The countrys population is split between Muslims, living primarily in the north, and Christians in the south.

The strikes on Friday came the day after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive in a mosque in Maiduguri, a city in the north-east, killing at least five worshippers and injuring 35.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred in a region where Islamist insurgents Boko Haram and its IS-affiliated offshoot Iswap have waged a 15-year campaign of violence, targeting civilians, mosques and markets.

A US army AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter prepares to support the US campaign against Isis, that has struck more than 70 targets - AFP via Getty

The US has intensified its campaign against IS over the past month, launching multiple air strikes against targets in Syria.

It killed at least five militants on Dec 20 in what Mr Trump labelled a very serious retaliation for a deadly attack on American soldiers carried out by a lone IS gunman.

Two US soldiers and an interpreter who held US citizenship were killed in the ambush on Dec 13, triggering the US to strike more than 70 targets across central Syria, including in Homs, Deir Ezzor and Raqqa provinces.

Announcing the strikes, Mr Trump said: Because of ISs vicious killing of brave American patriots in Syria, whose beautiful souls I welcomed home to American soil earlier this week in a very dignified ceremony, I am hereby announcing that the United States is inflicting very serious retaliation  just as I promised  on the murderous terrorists responsible.

We are striking very strongly against Isis strongholds in Syria, a place soaked in blood which has many problems, but one that has a bright future if IS can be eradicated.
The attacks on IS militants are the first in Nigeria by US forces under a Donald Trump presidency. Photograph: Alex Brandon/AP (Photograph: Alex Brandon/AP)

Donald Trump has launched powerful and deadly strikes on Christmas Day against Islamic State militants in Nigeria, weeks after the US president warned against any systemic assault on Christians in the country.

Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Thursday that he had previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.

The president also said in the post: May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.

The attacks  confirmed by Nigerias foreign ministry  mark the first in Nigeria by US forces under Trump.

Here are the days top Trump administration stories at a glance.

US launches Christmas Day strikes on IS targets in Nigeria

The US militarys Africa Command said the attack on Islamic State militants was carried out in Sokoto state in north-western Nigeria in coordination with the Nigerian authorities.

The attacks come after Trump unexpectedly berated the west African nation in October and November, saying Christians there faced an existential threat, in a move welcomed by some but interpreted by others as inflaming religious tensions in Africas most populous country.

Nigerias government and independent analysts reject framing the countrys violence in terms of religious persecution  a narrative long used by the Christian right in the US and Europe.

Read the full story

US labor unions gear up to fight against Trumps Billionaire First agenda

Donald Trump has staged a year of unrelenting attacks on working people, according to the head of the largest federation of the labor unions in the US.

Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, said her group was gearing up to challenge the US presidents Billionaire First agenda in 2026  and drive candidates in key elections to stand up for struggling Americans.

In an interview with the Guardian, she described how the federation has pushed to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers, and filed lawsuits against the Trump administrations efforts to weaken unions and worker protections.

Read the full story

British campaigner challenges Trump administrations deportation threat

A British anti-disinformation campaigner close to prime minister Keir Starmers chief of staff has launched a legal challenge against the Trump administration after being told he could face deportation from the US in a row over freedom of speech.

Imran Ahmed, the chief executive of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate, has filed a complaint against senior Trump allies including the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, and the attorney general, Pam Bondi, in an attempt to prevent what he says would be an unconstitutional arrest and removal.

Read the full story

What else we read today:

When Donald Trump addressed supporters in Pennsylvania early this month, he asked: Susie Trump  do you know Susie Trump? Sometimes referred to as Susie Wiles  suggesting she was now one of the family. The US president was referring to his chief of staff  but a week later, Wiles appeared at risk of becoming the family outcast, after a Vanity Fair magazine profile she claimed had been selectively quoted. The bombshell article raised questions over Wiless motivations, her ideological alignment with Trump and her future as the linchpin of his administration

Catching up? Heres what happened Wendesday 24 December.
President Donald Trump has shared a bizarre Christmas Day social media post about Jeffrey Epstein, saying that he dropped ties with the late sex offender long before it became fashionable, and that the controversy surrounding the release of the so-called Epstein files is a Radical Left Witch Hunt.

The Trump administration has been facing ongoing scrutiny, mainly from Democrats but also some Republicans, for its handling of government files related to Epstein as the public pushes for more transparency about the disgraced financiers life and crimes. Epstein died by suicide in his jell cell in 2019 as he stood accused of sexually abusing and sex trafficking underage girls.

Merry Christmas to all, including the many Sleazebags who loved Jeffrey Epstein...only to drop him like a dog when things got too HOT, falsely claimed they had nothing to do with him, didnt know him, said he was a disgusting person, and then blame, of course, President Donald J. Trump, who was actually the only one who did drop Epstein, and long before it became fashionable to do so, Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday evening.

The president was friendly with Epstein decades ago, calling him a terrific guy in a 2002 New York magazine profile. In the midst of the Epstein controversy, The Wall Street Journal reported on a lewd birthday card Trump supposedly gave Epstein in 2003, but the president has denied that he authored such a letter and is suing the outlet and its owners.

President Donald Trump has shared a bizarre Christmas day social media post about Jeffrey Epstein, saying that he dropped ties with the sex offender 'long before it became fashionable' (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

But Trump has said their relationship ended before Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution. The White House has said Trump did nothing wrong and that the president kicked Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach for being a creep.

Trump suggested in Wednesdays Truth Social post that the people who thought Epstein was the greatest guy on earth were Democrats.

When their names get brought out in the ongoing Radical Left Witch Hunt...and it is revealed that they are Democrats all, there will be a lot of explaining to do...Enjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas! Trump wrote.

When the Justice Department started to release its trove of Epstein documents last Friday  after Congress pushed through legislation to force the Trump administration to reveal all the information it had on the convicted sex offender  photos of former Democratic President Bill Clinton emerged.

The president was friends with Epstein decades ago, calling him a 'terrific guy' in a 2002 New York magazine profile (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)

In one photo, Clinton and Epstein were smiling as they stood next to each other wearing silky shirts. In another, Clinton was swimming in a pool with Epsteins longtime associate and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

Trump and Clinton have not been formally accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein.

Clintons spokesperson, Angel Urena, said shortly after Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019, President Clinton knows nothing about the terrible crimes Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to in Florida some years ago, or those with which he has been recently charged in New York.

Different from his tone in Wednesdays Truth Social post, when asked about the photos of Clinton in the Epstein files on Monday, Trump seemed to sympathize with him, telling reporters, I think its terrible.

I like Bill Clinton...I hate to see photos come out of him, but this is what the Democrats, mostly Democrats and a couple of bad Republicans, are asking for, Trump said. There are photos of me too. Everybody was friendly with this guy.

When the Justice Department started to release its trove of Epstein documents last Friday photos of former Democratic President Bill Clinton emerged (DOJ)

Trump showed concern for how the Epstein files could ruin peoples reputations.

You probably have pictures being exposed of other people that innocently met Jeffrey Epstein years ago.

The president warned again on Wednesday of the consequences the Epstein files, which have not all been released yet, could have on peoples reputations.

So many of their friends, mostly innocent, will be badly hurt and reputationally tarnished. But sadly, thats the way it is in the World of Corrupt Democrat Politics!!! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Reacting to Trumps Epstein rant, Representative Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, a Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, wrote on X, The walls are closing in on Donald Trump and his corrupt, criminal regime, and hes absolutely losing his mind. Merry Christmas!!

The Justice Department wrote on X Wednesday that it may take a few more weeks to release over a million more documents potentially related to Epstein that the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI had uncovered.
Late last year, Bethany Clarke was chasing the trip of a lifetime through southeast Asia with her best friend. Today, saddled with grief, shes left wondering how an evening out drinking could have turned her life upside down.

Clarke and her friend Simone White, both 28 at the time, were on a night out in Laos when they drank what turned out to be methanol-tainted vodka at a Vang Vieng hostel.

While Clarke survived the poisoning, her friend and five other foreign travellers died, in an incident that sparked global concern about the dangers of tainted liquor as well as calls for accountability.

The two Britons started their journey with a meet-up in Cambodia  Clarke was working in Australia at the time. They travelled through Vietnam before making their way to the party town of Vang Vieng, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, blue lagoons and river tubing. The town is one of the main stops on the popular Banana Pancake Trail, a backpacker circuit that winds through Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia.

After arriving in the town in November 2024, Clarke and White went for free happy hour shots at the Nana Backpackers Hostel. They downed five or six drinks poured from two different bottles, joining a crowd of fellow travellers.

Nothing about the taste of the vodka seemed out of the ordinary, Clarke says. And it wasnt until later the next day, when they were on a bus to Vientiane city, that they realised they were sick.

A motorcyclist rides past the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng on 24 November 2024 (AFP/Getty)

They had woken up with grinding hangovers, which grew worse during kayaking at the Blue Lagoon. On the bus ride, though, their symptoms worsened, with White vomiting and Clarke fainting and hitting her head.

The group of travellers they were with argued over whether it was a result of food poisoning, a hangover, or some virus, until someone finally said in the evening they needed a hospital.

It was probably at the Blue Lagoon that I realised that something wasnt quite right because Simone wasnt very chatty and she wanted to sort of sit down a lot and lie down, Clarke recalls, telling The Independent that she herself felt tired, dizzy and disoriented.

Both of us were just having to lie on our backs on the kayaks staring up at the sky waiting for the tour to end.

White got sicker. Doctors later found her brain was swollen, crushing into her skull. Shortly after, on 21 November, Whites parents made the soul-crushing decision to turn off her life support.

White was a lawyer from Orpington in southeast London. She was one of six people who died at the Nana Backpackers Hostel last year after consuming alcohol suspected to be tainted with methanol. The other victims were Australians Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19; American James Louis Hutson, 57; and Danish backpackers Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21.

We never got her blood methanol result because they just whisked her straight into dialysis, Clarke says of her friend.

Clarke was one of six survivors. Another was Calum Macdonald, who was left blind as the toxin ravaged his optic nerve.

Macdonald had taken the happy hour vodka shots the night before Clarke and White. The next day, he said he saw kaleidoscopic light before losing his sight.

Simone White died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos (PA Media)

A year on, friends and families of the victims are channelling their grief into a campaign for greater awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning, while accusing the Laotian government of failing to deliver justice amid reports that the hostel is looking to reopen.

Clarke started a petition early this year calling for methanol poisoning lessons to be included in school curricula in the UK and Australia.

She is also advocating for airport signage and in-flight magazine warnings about the dangers of methanol-laced spirits.

We set up the Simone White Methanol Awareness campaign in April, and we were really trying to push our parliamentary petition in the UK, which we ended up getting 12,000 signatures to get education into schools, and we managed to do that now with support from some of the local MPs in the Kent area," she says. We have managed to get it on the curriculum from September 2026, but only in England and Wales. So we have got somebody trying to lead to get it up in Scotland as well as Northern Ireland.

Its kind of getting somewhere, she says, and I'm actually surprised that we managed to do it so quickly.

Flags fly by the Mekong river in Vientiane, Laos (Alisha Rahaman Sarkar/The Independent)

In November, the Foreign Office issued travel warnings for 11 additional countries where visitors faced the risk of methanol poisoning, citing a rise in cases of death and serious illness. There are 27 countries on the list now, including Laos.

If youre drinking spirits overseas, stick to trusted places and avoid homemade alcohol or free shots, Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer urged travellers. If something feels off, like a hangover thats way worse than normal or vision problems  get medical help fast.

Methanol, an industrial alcohol found in products like antifreeze and screen wash, is highly toxic and causes severe and often fatal damage when ingested.

The Health Security Agency says it causes coma, convulsions, blindness, nervous system damage and death. Just 10ml  about two teaspoons  can cause blindness or neurological damage and 25ml can prove fatal.

The Methanol Institute, a global trade association for producers, says the industrial alcohol is often deliberately and illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol in countries where taxes on legitimate alcohol, or the cost of legitimate alcohol, might be perceived as too high.

Poisoning can also occur when improperly brewed homemade liquor yields methanol instead of ethanol.

Bethany Clarke and Simone White in Laos (Bethany Clarke)

The first signs of poisoning include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, tiredness, confusion, and dizziness. Further symptoms appear 12-48 hours later and can include headaches, blurry vision, trouble looking at bright lights, tunnel vision or seeing static  like that on an old TV screen, or complete blindness, seizures and coma.

The charity Medecins Sans Frontieres compiled data that showed 1,000 incidents of suspected methanol poisoning across 80 countries  each typically affecting multiple victims  over the past 25 years. At least 41,000 people suffered methanol poisoning and 14,600 died, according to the data.

In late 2025, a major incident of poisoning from methanol-tainted alcoholic drinks in Sao Paulo, Brazil, killed at least 11 people. Several people were admitted to intensive care with severe symptoms like blindness.

Clarke, as a part of her campaign, produces online videos with tips about how to avoid methanol poisoning and recognise the symptoms.

She suggests that testing strips can help save lives if people can check whether their alcohol is safe enough to drink. The best thing spirit companies could do is come together and fund testing strips so that people can just check that their alcohol is safe enough to drink, she says.

Clarke says there are people willing to create prototypes for testing strips, but they lack funding.

I think that our ultimate goal, in the long run, is to get testing strips. Even if it takes five years, 10 years or 15, we will just have to keep plugging away at it because it is something that would save a lot of lives, she says.

It is more about prevention than cure and the ultimate cure is fomepizole, but it is not always available, she says, citing the example of Brazil having to source the antidote for methanol poisoning from abroad after the recent incident.

People drink beer at a bar in Sao Paulo (AP)

Clarke says Britain can do better in its efforts to raise awareness and press Laos to secure justice for the victims.

Whites family say they have had to chase the UK government for new information on the investigation. Id love for there to be a push from the prime minister to try and get some more information from the Laotian government, her brother, Zack White, told BBC News, adding that they received the last substantial update in May.

I think we've perhaps accepted were not going to get answers, but that shouldnt be the case. Theres been no justice at all, really. We just want to know whats going on.

Authorities in Laos have reportedly proposed bringing charges against 13 people on offences linked to food safety breaches, which wont find anyone legally responsible for last years deaths.

The owner and staff of Nana Backpackers Hostel were reportedly released because there is not sufficient evidence to extend their detention according to the law.

Seema Malhotra, Foreign Office minister for the Indo-Pacific, says the government is tackling this issue head on.

The effects of methanol poisoning are devastating. Im grateful to the family of Simone White for their ongoing engagement  their determination to prevent others from facing the same tragedy has been instrumental in raising awareness, she tells The Independent.

The British embassy in Vientiane, the minister adds, is urging local authorities to take stronger action against illicit alcohol and we are working with bars and hostels to raise awareness with British travellers.

In Australia, families of the Melbourne teenagers killed in the incident are demanding action amid claims of a police cover-up. No family should ever have to go through this. To date, no individual or organisation has been held accountable, Mark and Michelle Jones told The Daily Telegraph.

Their daughters killers remain free, facing no consequences, they complained. With little to no information coming from the Laotian authorities to the families or their governments, it appears these deaths of innocent young women may be forgotten, brushed aside, and left unresolved.

We must have justice, the parents told the paper. At the very least, they deserve that.

After the tragedy, the Australian government started issuing text alerts and airport warnings to travellers about alcohol-related risks in certain countries. In September, the government rolled out an online Partying Safely Hub to warn Australians about alcohol risks abroad, adding to the guidance available on the Smartraveller website.

Laotian authorities have reportedly rejected offers of help in their investigation from the Australian Federal Police, who have officers based in the region.

Your life is worth nothing over there, and we have seen this firsthand, as well as other families that have been involved in this tragedy, Shaun Bowles and Samantha Morton, parents of the other Australian victim, told ABC.

Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones (Facebook)

Australian foreign minister Penny Wong complained that the investigation so far has not been good enough.

What I would say is weve made clear to Laos, this matters to Australia, Wong told reporters in Melbourne. It matters to the families, it matters to the community. And we want full accountability, we want transparency, and well continue to make that clear.

The Nana Backpackers Hostel was reportedly scheduled to reopen with a new name  Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel  this winter. But when The Independent tried to book rooms, they were unavailable. Calls to the hostels previously listed numbers went unanswered.

Ms Wong said that she had pressed the Lao ambassador about reports that the hostel might reopen. I made it clear to him that Australias view is that the hostel should not reopen, she said.

Whites brother expressed shock and disappointment about the alleged reopening. I cant believe it's trying to reopen," he said. Its taken six people's lives.

The Independent has written to the Laotian government for comment.
Qesser Zuhrah began a hunger strike while in HMP Bronzefield in Surrey on 2 November. Photograph: n/a (Photograph: n/a)

UN experts have expressed grave concern for the wellbeing of Palestine Action-affiliated hunger strikers and warned their treatment raises questions about the UKs compliance with international human rights laws.

Eight prisoners have been on hunger strike while awaiting trial for alleged offences relating to Palestine Action before the group was banned under terrorism legislation. Qesser Zuhrah, 20, and Amu Gib, 30, who are being held at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, were on hunger strike from 2 November to 23 December. Heba Muraisi, 31, who is at HMP New Hall, joined the pair on 3 November. The group also includes Teuta Hoxha, 29, Kamran Ahmed, 28, and Lewie Chiaramello, 22, who is refusing food every other day because he has diabetes.

Zuhrah and Gib temporarily resumed eating on Tuesday evening, according to a statement released by the Prisoners for Palestine group, owing to deteriorating health, but vowed to resume the protest action next year.

On Friday a group of UN experts including Gina Romero, the UN special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, issued a statement expressing alarm at the groups treatment.

Hunger strike is often a measure of last resort by people who believe that their rights to protest and effective remedy have been exhausted. The states duty of care toward hunger strikers is heightened, not diminished, the experts said.

On Sunday, three of the prisoners  Zuhrah, Gib and Ahmed  were simultaneously in hospital. Ahmed has been admitted to hospital three times since going on hunger strike. The experts added: Authorities must ensure timely access to emergency and hospital care when clinically indicated, refrain from actions that may amount to pressure or retaliation, and respect medical ethics.

Last week, Prisoners for Palestine, a prisoner-led collective in Britain, said the Prison Service was reported to have denied an ambulance entry into Bronzefield on Tuesday afternoon for Zuhrah, even though she was unable to stand and was writhing in pain on her cell floor. She was taken to hospital after protesters gathered outside the jail where she was being held to demand she receive urgent medical attention.

These reports raise serious questions about compliance with international human rights law and standards, including obligations to protect life and prevent cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, the experts said. Preventable deaths in custody are never acceptable. The state bears full responsibility for the lives and wellbeing of those it detains, they added. Urgent action is required now.

On Monday, families and supporters of the hunger strikers pleaded with David Lammy, the justice secretary, to meet them as lawyers for the group sent a legal letter claiming that, by refusing a meeting, the justice secretary had failed to comply with the Ministry of Justices own policy on handling of hunger strikes.

There is understood to be concern in government about the condition of the prisoners, but also extreme caution about setting a precedent even to facilitate a meeting with Lammy, given the number of prisoners who are forced to spend lengthy periods on remand because of the court backlog.
As a mother and someone who has always cared deeply about protecting children, Ive found this year especially hard to take in. Its easy to feel helpless in the face of the relentless news cycle, with images filling our social feeds from places like Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza.

But through my work this year with Save the Children, Ive learnt not only about the scale of the challenges children in conflict face, but also about the incredible, innovative work underway in the UK to address them. So instead of helplessness, I feel a cautious sense of hope.

Thats not to say the threats children face arent monumental. A new report from Save the Children reveals something heartbreaking and difficult to absorb: explosive weapons are now killing children on a scale the world has never seen before.

Not long ago, most children in war zones died from hunger or disease. Today, that picture has changed. More than 60 per cent of children killed or injured in conflict are now victims of bombs, missiles and drones. Bombs and drones are striking the very places that should keep children safe  their schools, homes and hospitals. The spaces where children sleep, learn and play are coming under missile attack, and children and their families are paying the heaviest price.

Singer Leona Lewis at the Centre for Paediatric Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London (Save the Children)

This feels like a tragic step backwards for children. No child should ever be exposed to the horrors of war or have their childhood stolen by conflict  yet explosive attacks are now destroying young lives at an unprecedented level.

Whenever I see news of yet another deadly attack against children, Im left feeling overwhelmed and questioning how things have come to this. How have we allowed the world to become so unsafe for its youngest and most vulnerable? I worry about the future we are creating for the next generation. And when I think of parents who have lost their children to conflict, I cant begin to comprehend the depth of their grief.

Yet I still hold on to hope  because hope is what keeps me speaking up for children who cannot speak for themselves. Now more than ever, they need us to stay strong, to keep pushing for change, and to stand with them when they have no one else.

Earlier this year, I saw that hope in action when I visited a research centre at Imperial College London. There, dedicated medics and engineers are developing life-saving innovations and bespoke prosthetics for young survivors of explosions and natural disasters  work made possible thanks to a groundbreaking partnership with Save the Children.

Lewis on the motion-capture treadmill that helps children to walk again (Save the Children)

I was saddened to learn that many children do not survive blast injuries and that, even when they do, the prosthetics they are given often fail to meet their needs. Research into how best to treat child-specific injuries is years behind where it should be. Yet prosthetics designed for growing, rapidly changing bodies are essential  not just for mobility, but for accessing education, healthcare and play  the very things that allow a child to grow, thrive and dream.

What I saw at Imperial gives me hope. This research is beginning to change the picture, giving children the chance not only to move freely and reconnect with friends, but also to imagine a future again. From motion-capture treadmills with playful, child-friendly graphics to 3D printers producing bespoke, lightweight prosthetics, these innovations are helping children to walk, run and explore once more.

I also spoke to Save the Children staff about what daily life is really like for children living through conflict. I heard devastating stories of families who have lost everything, and of children so traumatised by violence that they wake screaming from nightmares. But I also heard stories of extraordinary resilience  like that of a nine-year-old girl in Gaza who survived a shrapnel injury that damaged part of her skull. Despite everything she has endured, she dreams of becoming a teacher so she can one day help rebuild her community.

When children enduring the very worst refuse to give up hope, neither can we. Seeing at first hand how these innovations are helping young survivors reclaim movement, confidence and joy was a powerful reminder of what is possible when we lead with compassion and refuse to look away. I left feeling proud to champion this vital work  which relies on public generosity to continue  and more determined than ever to speak up wherever I can. Protecting children must always be our starting point, no matter where in the world they are.

Leona Lewis is a singer and ambassador for Save the Children UK
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 28, has announced that she is expecting her second child.

Leavitt and her husband, 60-year-old real estate developer Nicholas Riccio, are expecting a baby girl in May 2026. She shared the news via Instagram, along with a photo of her posing in front of a Christmas tree.

My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and cant wait to watch our son become a big brother. My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood, which I truly believe is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth, Leavitt wrote.

I am also extremely grateful to President Trump and our Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for their support, and for fostering a pro-family environment in the White House. 2026 is going to be a great year and I am so excited to be a girl mom, she added.

Leavitt told Fox News that many of her White House colleagues are also raising young children.

Karoline Leavitt and Nicholas Riccio are expecting their second child in May 2026 (Getty Images)

"Nearly all of my West Wing colleagues have babies and young children, so we all really support one another as we tackle raising our families while working for the greatest president ever," she said.

A senior White House official told Fox News that Leavitt is set to remain in her role. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.

Leavitt and Riccio welcomed their first child, Nicholas Niko Robert Riccio, in July 2024. At the time, Leavitt was the national press secretary for President Donald Trumps campaign.

Leavitt told The Conservateur she returned to work just four days after giving birth because of the assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

I felt compelled to be present in this historic moment, she told the outlet. The president literally put his life on the line to win this election. The least I could do is get back to work quickly.

Leavitt met her husband in 2022, when she was running for Congress in her home state of New Hampshire. She lost the race to Chris Pappas, a Democrat.

Riccio proposed to Leavitt in December 2023, and they tied the knot in January 2025, shortly before Trumps second inauguration.
A church in Abuja. Nigeria is officially secular but is divided almost evenly between Muslims (53%) and Christians (45%). Photograph: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters (Photograph: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters)

After spending weeks accusing Nigerias government of failing to tackle the persecution of Christians, Donald Trump announced a series of strikes on the west African country on Christmas Day.

The strikes, targeting Islamic State militants in the countrys north, mark the latest overseas military intervention from Trump, who campaigned on a promise to extricate the US from decades of endless wars during his 2024 run for president.

What do we know about the strikes?

In his announcement, Trump said the strikes were aimed at Islamic State militants who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

A Department of Defense official told the Associated Press that the US worked with Nigeria to carry out the strikes, and that they had been approved by that countrys government. The US secretary of defence, Pete Hegseth, said in a post on X: More to come 

Nigerias ministry of foreign affairs said the cooperation included exchanges of intelligence and strategic coordination, while the countrys foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, said the strike on the Muslim-majority state of Sokoto was part of joint ongoing operations.

Why has Trump targeted Nigeria?

Parts of the US right have for years been amplifying claims that Christians are facing persecution in Nigeria. In September, the Republican senator Ted Cruz pushed for sanctions against Nigerian officials who facilitate violence against Christians and other religious minorities, including by Islamist terrorist groups.

Claims that Christians face religious persecution overseas have become a major motivating force for Trumps base  and the US president counts evangelical Christians as among his most enthusiastic supporters.

Earlier this year he appeared to act on some of these concerns by designating Nigeria as a country of particular concern under the US International Religious Freedom Act, which followed weeks of lobbying by American lawmakers and conservative Christian groups. Soon after, he ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in the country. At the time, the president said he might go in guns-a-blazing if the Nigerian government continued to allow the killing of Christians.

Is there religious persecution in Nigeria?

In the past, Nigerias government has responded to Trumps criticisms by saying that people of many faiths, not just Christians, suffer at the hands of extremists groups who operate throughout the country.

Nigeria is officially secular but is divided almost evenly between Muslims (53%) and Christians (45%), with the remaining population practising African traditional religions. Violence against Christians has drawn significant international attention and is often framed as religious persecution, but most analysts argue the situation is more complex and attacks can have varying motivations.

For example, deadly clashes between itinerant Muslim herders and predominantly Christian farming communities are rooted in competition over land and water but exacerbated by religious and ethnic differences. Meanwhile, the kidnappings of priests is seen by many analysts as a trend driven more by money than religious hatred, as priests are viewed as influential figures whose worshippers or organisations can mobilise funds quickly.

What does the Nigerian government say?

After Thursdays strikes, Nigerias foreign ministry praised the cooperation with the US but pointedly refused to acknowledge that Americas actions had anything to do with the persecution of Christians.

Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigerias values and to international peace and security, the ministry said in a statement.

Successive Nigerian governments have struggled to get a hold on the nations deteriorating security crisis, with thousands of people killed and hundreds more abducted in the past few years.

In the north-east, Boko Haram and its splinter groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap) have waged an insurgency since 2009, killing tens of thousands and displacing millions. On Christmas Eve, a suicide bombing at a mosque in Borno state, where the insurgency began, killed at least five people and left more than 30 others seriously injured.

In the north-west, heavily armed criminal gangs  often labelled bandits  carry out mass kidnappings and raids that affect both Muslim and Christian communities.

Last month Nigerias president, Bola Tinubu, said the characterisation of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant country did not reflect reality. He said: Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so  Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths.
Law enforcement rescued 43 missing and endangered children across Northern Florida in what officials called the most successful child recovery operation in the region's history.

Operation Northern Lights, which ran from December 1 to December 12, involved more than 80 personnel from 25 different agencies working together to locate critically missing youth from 14 counties in North Florida. The term "critically missing" refers to children who face elevated risks, including exposure to violence, sexual exploitation, drug abuse, and criminal activity. The recovered children ranged in age from one and a half years old to 17 years old.

Rescue of Missing Children

Acting U.S. Marshal Greg Leljedal said the operation achieved something remarkable for the region. "This was the most successful missing child operation ever conducted in Northern Florida," Leljedal stated. "Because of the tireless dedication of the U.S. Marshals and our law enforcement partners, 43 endangered children will now be home safe for the holidays," according to People.

The operation expanded beyond state lines. While most recoveries occurred in North Florida, law enforcement found additional missing children in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The coordinated effort involved federal agents, state police, local law enforcement, social service workers, and nonprofit organizations focused on child protection.

Read more: Coast Guard Rescues Family Stranded on Island Off Cape Cod After Boat Suddenly Caught Fire

Notable recoveries included a one-year-old child retrieved from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a 13-year-old who had been missing from Suwannee County for eight months before being found in Jacksonville.

The investigation resulted in nine arrests during the operation, with charges primarily related to interference with child custody. Authorities said they are pursuing additional criminal charges related to human trafficking, child endangerment, and custodial interference as investigations continue.

Operation Northern Lights

Immediately after recovery, the children received comprehensive support services. Medical professionals provided physical examinations and treatment, while social workers arranged appropriate housing and services, ABC News reported. Child advocates offered emotional support and counseling to help the children begin healing from their experiences.

Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas G. Ingegno emphasized the importance of the collaborative effort. "Every child deserves to be safe, and we will continue to use every resource at our disposal to bring missing children home and support their families," Ingegno said.

The U.S. Marshals Service has the authority to assist law enforcement agencies with recovering missing, endangered, or abducted children under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. Since receiving this expanded authority, the agency has located or recovered more than 3,967 missing children across the country, with a 66 percent recovery rate and 61 percent of those found within seven days, as per the US Marshals.
Zelensky to meet Trump for high-stakes talks in Mar-a-Lago in bid to seal peace deal by new year

Volodymyr Zelensky will meet US president Donald Trump at his residence in Florida on Sunday for crucial talks amid growing optimism in Kyiv that a peace deal may be nearing completion.

The Ukrainian president announced on Friday that he would meet Mr Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort to discuss critical stumbling blocks, including territorial disputes and security guarantees.

This meeting is specifically for the purpose of finalising everything as much as we can, Mr Zelensky said on Friday, adding that a lot can be decided before the new year.

As for the sensitive issues: we will discuss both Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. We will certainly discuss other issues as well, he told reporters in a WhatsApp chat.

Mr Zelensky said that his 20-point peace plan was 90 per cent ready, expressing hopes that it could be signed off by Mr Trump ahead of the new year. European leaders may join the talks online, he added.

Zelensky said the two leaders are 90 per cent towards completing a deal (AFP/Getty)

Moscow has spoken with Washington about the Ukrainian proposals for a peace deal, the Kremlin said, after Vladimir Putins envoy Kirill Dmitriev brought back copies of the proposals from Miami last week.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the details of the proposals have been analysed, and that contact took place between Putins foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, and US officials.

Russia has made clear its intention to control the entire Donbas, comprised of Ukraines eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. However, throughout the latest US-led attempts to bring Moscow and Kyiv closer to an agreement, Mr Zelensky has made clear that Ukraine will not cede land it currently controls.

According to Russian newspaper Kommersant, Putin told some of Russia's top businessmen that he might be open to swapping some territory occupied by Russian forces in Ukraine, but that he wants the whole of Donbas.

Mr Peskov did not give much away on Friday when asked about the report, saying that he did not want to comment on the latest proposals as Russia believed making public remarks might undermine negotiations.

Russian and US officials met earlier this month (from left): Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev, and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff (AP)

The US has been desperately seeking a compromise and has veered between backing Kyiv and repeating Moscows talking points. Washington has recently proposed a free economic zone if Ukraine were to leave the Donbas area, but it is unclear how that zone would function in reality.

Mr Zelensky said his meeting with Mr Trump aimed to refine things and discuss a possible deal on Ukraines economy, but that compromises on territory should be decided by the Ukrainian people in a referendum.

Although he was not ready to say if a deal would be signed during the visit, Mr Zelensky said he was open to the possibility, given it is almost ready. He said he was planning to raise the issue of intensifying pressure on Russia during the meeting with Mr Trump.

Zelensky issued a Christmas message by video on 25 December (ZelenskyyUa)

Mr Trump had previously suggested that he would meet with Mr Zelensky if he felt there was a possibility of a major diplomatic advance, after becoming increasingly frustrated by the slow pace of progress in the negotiations.

But officials in Kyiv will be wary of previous failures to strike a deal in a limited timeframe. A White House meeting in which the pair were due to sign the minerals deal in February resulted in a showdown between Mr Zelensky and Mr Trump, who accused the Ukrainian leader of being ungrateful in an extraordinary televised press conference in the Oval Office. The deal was never signed.

Kyiv is seeking strong security guarantees that would deter Russia from invading again, but it remains unclear what exact form these will take.

As talks continued, Russia continued its attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure in overnight drone and missile attacks, including a ramped-up assault on Ukraines southern region of Odesa, the main site of its sea ports.

An attack on the northeastern city of Kharkiv killed two people on Friday.
Volodymyr Zelensky, who will meet Donald Trump again on Sunday, wants a minimum 60-day ceasefire in order to hold a vote on a peace deal - Alex Wong/Getty

A referendum on a peace plan to end the war with Russia has been described as Ukraines Brexit moment by Volodymyr Zelensky.

As the Ukrainian president prepared to meet Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, he said the result of their talks would have to be put to a public vote because he did not have the power to force through a peace deal.

The nationwide referendum would be like Brexit, Mr Zelensky said  except on a tighter timeline and in a war-torn country.

A 60-day ceasefire was the minimum needed to organise and hold the vote, he told the Axios news website.

Mr Zelensky said Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps peace negotiators, were prepared to travel to the country to promote the benefits of any deal. He also challenged Mr Trump to make his first visit to Ukraine to make his case for any peace pact.

But the US president appeared lukewarm about the prospect of a peace deal being agreed on Sunday, telling Politico on Friday afternoon: He doesnt have anything until I approve it. So well see what hes got.

I think its going to go good with him. I think its going to go good with [Vladimir] Putin.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz spoke on the phone about Ukraine on Friday afternoon, a Downing Street spokesman said. The Prime Minister and his French and German counterparts reaffirmed their commitment to securing a lasting peace.

On Friday, Mr Zelensky said 90 per cent of a plan to end the almost four-year war had been concluded between US and Ukrainian negotiators.

He said he would travel to Mr Trumps Florida resort for talks on certain issues that we can only discuss at the leaders level, adding they would aim to finalise as much as possible.

Regarding sensitive issues, well discuss both Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia [nuclear power] station, Mr Zelensky told reporters. Well certainly discuss other issues as well. Regarding the army, Ive openly stated whats been established in our agreements with the American side.

For sensitive questions that no individual, not even Ukraines president, can answer alone, there are matters only the Ukrainian people can decide. But I believe its right that Ukraines fate is decided by its people, and thats how it should be.

Under Ukraines constitution, decisions to cede territory can only be made via a nationwide referendum.

The Ukrainian president has never visited Mar-a-Lago. He last met Mr Trump at the White House in October.

Decisions over carving up the eastern Donbas regions of Donetsk and Luhansk and future control over Europes largest nuclear power station have been deliberately left unresolved in a 20-point peace plan agreed by Ukrainian and American officials in recent weeks.



Russia wants Ukraine to withdraw from the parts of the eastern Donetsk region that its troops have failed to occupy during almost four years of war, as it seeks full control of the Donbas. Kyiv wants a ceasefire along the current front line.

Mr Zelensky challenged Mr Trump to make his first visit to Ukraine to make his case for any peace pact - Office of the President of Ukraine/via Getty Images

The US, seeking a compromise, proposed a free economic zone, from which both Ukraines and Russias forces would withdraw. It remains unclear how that zone would function in practical terms.

Moscow has also shown little willingness to accept the 20-point proposal delivered to it on Christmas Eve.

Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, said: The information was analysed and, on behalf of President Putin, contact took place between representatives of the administrations of Russia and the United States. It was agreed to continue the dialogue.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russias deputy foreign minister, said the plan was radically different from a previous peace proposal drawn up between Moscow and Washington, referring to a 28-point plan that amounted to Kyivs capitulation.

In a behind closed doors meeting with senior businessmen on Thursday, Putin appeared to cast doubt on the framework according to a report in Kommersant, the leading Moscow business daily.

He reiterated his claim to the entirety of the Donbas region, but indicated that Russia was open to swapping some territory controlled by Moscows forces, according to Andrei Kolesnikov, Kommersants Kremlin correspondent.

The Russian president said he was willing to make the concessions discussed with Mr Trump in Anchorage earlier this year. Mr Kolesnikov wrote: In other words, that Donbas is ours.

Putin also reportedly told the gathering that Russia was still discussing joint management of the Zaporizhzhia plant with the US, excluding Ukraine. Mr Zelensky said this week that the US had floated a three-way split for its future ownership.

The Russian president was said to have added that the US had expressed interest in using the plants electricity to power computers to carry out cryptocurrency mining.

Moscow is likely to press for key changes to the plan, including more restrictions on Kyivs military and guarantees against future eastward expansion by Nato, Bloomberg, citing a source close to the Kremlin, reported on Wednesday.

On Friday, a top Nato official claimed he was once involved in a conversation with Putin and former alliance chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen, during which the Russian said: I want Nato to disappear.

Putin wasnt subtle then, and he isnt subtle now about what he wants, James Appathurai, Natos deputy assistant secretary general, told the I newspaper.

The Russian president is likely to use any negotiations over peace in Ukraine to renew demands for the Western military alliance to roll back its expansion into former Soviet bloc states.

Researchers in the US have found that Moscow is probably stationing new nuclear-capable hypersonic ballistic missiles at a former airbase in Krichev, eastern Belarus  a development that could bolster its ability to deliver missiles across Europe.

Experts believe that Putins plan to station the Oreshnik missile in Belarus, announced earlier this year, is aimed at deterring Nato members from supplying Kyiv with weapons that can strike deep inside Russia.

Drone attacks damage ships

On the ground, the Russian defence ministry said that its forces had downed seven British Storm Shadow missiles in the past week.

Overnight, Russian drone attacks damaged Slovakia, Palau, and Liberia-flagged vessels in ports in Ukraines Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, Ukraines deputy prime minister said on Friday.

There were no casualties, Oleksiy Kuleba said on the Telegram messaging app, adding that the attacks had also caused power cuts in the Odesa region.

A Russian missile strike hit Ukraines Cherkasy region on Friday afternoon, injuring six people, including two children.

Meanwhile, Kyiv claimed credit for destroying two Russian multiple launch rocket systems in occupied Donetsk and a number of high-value targets in occupied Crimea, including an S-300V air defence system launcher and an RSP-6M2 radar system.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaking after meeting Donald Trump in September. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images (Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is to travel to the US for a planned meeting with Donald Trump on Sunday, as Washington continues to push for a possible peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

The Ukrainian president said the visit would take place at a location in Florida  widely expected to be Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort  in what would be the latest development in a diplomatic push that began in November with the circulation of a 28-point US plan shaped with input from Russian officials.

We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level  with President Trump in the near future, Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X on Friday, adding that a lot can be decided before the New Year.

Early on Saturday, several powerful explosions rocked Kyiv as authorities warned that the Ukrainian capital was under threat of missile attack and that air defences were in operation.

Ukraines air force also announced a countrywide air alert, saying on social media that drones and missiles were moving over several Ukrainian regions, including the capital.

Zelenskyy told journalists the high-stakes meeting with Trump would focus on some of the most sensitive parts of the peace talks, including Ukrainian security guarantees and reconstruction, plus territorial discussions regarding the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

This meeting is specifically intended to refine things as much as we possibly can, Zelenskyy said.

He added that the proposed 20-point peace plan was 90% ready.

Our goal is to bring everything to 100%, Zelenskyy said. He later added: As of today, our teams  the Ukrainian and American negotiating teams  have made significant progress.

The plan is considered an updated version of an earlier 28-point document agreed several weeks ago between the US envoys and Russian officials, a proposal widely viewed as skewed towards the Kremlins demands. Ukraine has pushed for security guarantees modelled on Natos Article 5 mutual defence pledge under any proposed peace deal with Russia, though it remains unclear whether Moscow would accept such terms.

Russia constantly looks for reasons not to agree to the peace proposals, Zelenskyy told reporters.

In an interview with Politico on Friday, Trump said he anticipated a good meeting with the Ukrainian leader, though he offered no endorsement of Zelenskyys plan.

He doesnt have anything until I approve it, Trump told the news website. So well see what hes got.

The announcement follows a burst of diplomatic activity last weekend in Miami, where Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff met separately with Russian and Ukrainian representatives, as well as Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner.

US officials described the discussions as constructive, though Moscow has played down expectations of progress and there are few signs that Vladimir Putin is prepared to soften his maximalist demands to end the full-scale invasion. Trump in the interview with Politico said he expected to speak with Putin soon, as much as I want.

Related: Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv hits Russian oil refinery with British Storm Shadow missiles

At a closed-door meeting with Russias business elite on Wednesday evening, the Russian president reportedly reiterated his demand that Ukraine hand over the entire eastern Donbas region as part of any peace deal.

According to Kommersant, one of Russias best-connected newspapers, Putin also indicated openness to a limited territorial exchange with Ukraine, with Moscow potentially exchanging small areas of land Russian forces occupy in Ukraines northern Kharkiv and southern Zaporizhzhia regions.

Zelenskyy has previously said Ukraine would be open to withdrawing heavy forces from parts of Donbas it still controls, but only if Russia mirrored the move as part of a US-backed initiative to create a free economic zone in the region.

It remains highly uncertain that Moscow would accept either a suggested demilitarised buffer zone or a withdrawal of its forces, even as other sticking points remain, including control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant that Kyiv says should be jointly managed by the US and Ukraine.

On Friday, the Kremlin said Putins top foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, had held a call with the US administration after Moscow received an updated US proposal on a potential peace deal, although there were no signs that a breakthrough had been reached.

The Russian deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, used a Russian television appearance on Friday to criticise Zelenskyy and European allies. Our ability to make the final push and reach an agreement will depend on our own work and the political will of the other party, Ryabkov said. Especially in a context where Kyiv and its sponsors  notably within the European Union, who are not in favour of an agreement  have stepped up efforts to torpedo it.

He said the proposal drawn up with Zelenskyys input differs radically from points initially drawn up by US and Russian officials in contacts this month. Without an adequate resolution of the problems at the origin of this crisis, it will be quite simply impossible to reach a definitive accord, Ryabkov added.

Russia has repeatedly said it was prepared to continue fighting in Ukraine if no peace deal were reached, saying it was confident it could achieve its war aims through military means.

Yet while Moscow has made slow, grinding progress on the battlefield, Ukrainian forces have in recent days pushed Russian troops out of the city of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region.

It marked a rare successful Ukrainian counteroffensive, prompting frustration among pro-war Russian bloggers over what many described as overly upbeat and unrealistic battlefield briefings.

On the Kupyansk front, large-scale territorial losses have come to light, caused by the systematic submission of false reports that exaggerated the Russian armed forces successes in the battle for Kupyansk and surrounding settlements, the popular Telegram channel Rybar, which has close links to the defence ministry, wrote.

In late November, senior Russian generals briefed Putin that Russian troops had completed the liberation of Kupyansk, prompting Zelenskyy to travel to the citys outskirts to show the world that Putin is lying.

Lauren Gambino contributed reporting
The teacher said he felt he was likened to a terrorist after showing videos of Donald Trumps inauguration to students - Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Reform and the Tories have pledged to restore common sense to the classroom after officials referred a teacher to the Governments anti-terrorism programme for showing his students videos of Donald Trump.

The two main opposition parties criticised officials alleged treatment of the teacher, who has said he was likened to a terrorist after playing the videos, including one of the US presidents inauguration, to A-level pupils.

It comes after The Telegraph revealed details of the case, which is the latest example of child protection laws seemingly being used to try to ban adults with alleged Right-wing views from working with children.

The lecturer, who is in his 50s and wishes to remain anonymous, was accused by his English school of posing a risk to children after showing videos of Mr Trump to his US politics class.

Henley College, a 2,000-student sixth form college in Oxfordshire, reported him to the local child safeguarding authority, which concluded that a referral to Prevent, the counter-terrorism programme, was a priority.

The teacher was accused by local officials of causing his A-level students, aged 17 and 18, emotional harm.

Henley College accused the teacher of posing a risk to children after he showed the Trump videos to his US politics class - Ben Molyneux/Alamy

In one document, seen by The Telegraph, the local officials in charge of child protection suggested the showing of the Trump videos could amount to a hate crime.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, warned that the case provided further evidence that schools are being overrun by far-Left activists.

This is madness. Only the Conservatives will deliver common sense, stand up for free speech and honest debate.

Reform UK, which is top of the opinion polls, also criticised the teachers treatment and vowed to root out such ideology from the classroom.

Lee Anderson, the partys chief whip, said: Theres clearly something wrong with our education system given, that in recent weeks, weve discovered that a school has insulted millions of British people by trying to associate the politics of Reform UK with those of fascist leaders and another referred a teacher to the local authority for showing their A-level students a video of Donald Trumps inauguration.

This is why we all desperately need Reform to root out this nonsense and restore some much-needed common sense to our schools.

Lee Anderson, Reform UKs chief whip, said: Theres clearly something wrong with our education system - Lucy North/PA

Documents seen by The Telegraph show how Henley College began its investigations in January 2025 after complaints were made by two of the lecturers students. He was accused of biased and off-topic teaching.

The college said in an official email dated Jan 28 that he was alleged to have shown your students videos of Donald Trump, his campaign, propaganda and other videos which are unrelated to what is being taught.

The college then claimed that one of the videos had made one of the students feel quite uncomfortable.

The extraordinary claims prompted the teacher, who first qualified in the mid 1990s, to begin a grievance procedure against the college. In a negotiated settlement, it gave him a 2,000 payoff after effectively forcing him to resign from his 44,000-a-year post.

Henley College, which attracts students from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire, said: The Henley College does not comment on individual allegations or ongoing investigations.

We are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all our students and staff, and follow statutory safeguarding procedures in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.

Allegations are handled with due care, in accordance with statutory guidance, with appropriate support provided to all involved.
Law enforcement officers assist with immigration enforcement efforts in New York on Jan. 28, 2025. Photo: Tia Dufour / U.S. Department of Homeland Security / Public Domain

(The Center Square)  Under new Trump administration policies, more than 2.5 million people were removed from the U.S. this year, including a record number of violent offenders.

This includes 622,000 who were deported and 1.9 million who self-deported, according to year-end Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs data.

The Trump administration directed targeted ICE enforcement and removal operations nationwide, involving multiple federal, state and local law enforcement partners.

The majority arrested, 70%, had criminal records. Large percentages included men who were previously deported, including multiple times, and had final removal orders from federal immigration judges. Even during the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, ICE continued to apprehend violent offenders. In Houston alone they arrested nearly 3,600, The Center Square reported.

Targeted operations began in so-called sanctuary cities where Democratic governors and mayors ordered law enforcement not to cooperate with federal immigration efforts.

In Massachusetts, during Operation Patriot 1.0 and Patriot 2.0, ICE arrested more than 2,860. During Patriot 2.0, out of 1,400 arrested, more than 600 were convicted felons, had pending criminal charges or were known foreign fugitives; 277 had removal orders, three were known or suspected terrorists, The Center Square reported.

In Chicago, ICE and Border Patrol launched Operation Midway Blitz, arresting more than 4,500. Federal agents were the targets of drive-by shootings, assassination hits and vehicular attacks, The Center Square reported.

In Los Angeles, more than 10,000 illegal foreign nationals were arrested. Americans who targeted ICE officers were also arrested for doxxing, threatening them and their family members and assaulting them, The Center Square reported.

In the Minneapolis area, ICE arrested more than 670 in Operation Metro Surge. In Operation Twin Shield, ICE worked with federal agents who uncovered extensive immigration fraud, The Center Square reported.

In Portland, Oregon, ICE arrested more than 1,240 in Operation Black Rose.

Enforcement actions continued this year as attacks against ICE increased by 1,000% and death threats increased by 8,000%, The Center Square reported.

ICE and Border Patrol also experienced an historic surge of vehicular attacks this year, The Center Square reported.

Enforcement actions also expanded at the local level through ICEs 287(g) program. In May, ICE called on law enforcement to support its efforts. As of Dec. 23, ICE has signed 1,255 Memorandums of Agreement with law enforcement agencies in 40 states.

Florida led the U.S. with the most 287(g) agreements this year. ICE also launched the first 287(g) operation of its kind this year in Florida. Through Operation Tidal Wave, ICE and Florida law enforcement arrested more than 1,100 criminal foreign nationals in six days.

ICE also launched new partnerships with Republican-led states to expand detention space this year. This included opening Alligator Alcatraz in Florida, the Speedway Slammer in Indiana, the Cornhusker Clink in Nebraska and Louisiana Lockup in Louisiana.

DHS also launched a new website to show Americans where noncitizens were arrested by state and city. Their criminal histories include murder, aggravated assault, burglary or theft, weapons offenses, aggravated kidnapping, drug and human trafficking and smuggling, making terroristic threats, hit-and-run, arson, violent sexual assaults, multiple aggravated child sex crimes, among others. Those arrested were wanted fugitives, members of foreign terrorist organizations and gang members, The Center Square reported.

The Trump administration terminated parole programs that had been used to release millions of inadmissible foreign nationals into the U.S., including the CBP One app, The Center Square reported.

It was repurposed as a new CBP Home app, through which eligible foreign nationals receive a $1,000 stipend and free flight to return to their country of origin. This year, more than 1.9 million foreign nationals used the app to self-deport for the first time in U.S. history.

DHS also launched Project Homecoming in May, using chartered flights to return individuals and families, including young children, to their home countries. They received travel assistance and a $1,000 stipend, The Center Square reported.

The removal effort was unprecedented. It was also a marked reversal of Biden administration policies that ushered in at least more than 14 million illegal border crossers, The Center Square reported.
WASHINGTON  Accused DC National Guard shooter Rahmanullah Lakanwal could face the death penalty after he was hit with federal first-degree murder charges on Tuesday.

Prosecutors also alleged that the Afghan refugee tried to buy even more guns before his attack on American troops on Nov. 26.

The criminal complaint, filed in DC US District Court, brought the gun-related, assault and murder counts against the 29-year-old father of five for the shooting of West Virginia National Guard soldiers Sarah Beckstrom, who later died, and Andrew Wolfe, who is still recovering from his wounds.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal on Tuesday was federally charged with obtaining a stolen .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, assaulting a National Guard soldier with intent to kill and first-degree premeditated murder of another. DOJ

Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia, said the case is transferred from Superior Court to the District Court in an escalation of possible consequences for the alleged shooter.

The action ensures that we can undertake the serious, deliberate, and weighty analysis required to determine if the death penalty is appropriate here, Pirro said. Sarah Beckstrom was just 20 years old when she was killed and her parents are now forced to endure the holiday season without their daughter. Andrew Wolfe, by the grace of God, survived but has a long road ahead in his recovery.

The FBI revealed that Lakanwal purchased a stolen .357 Magnum Smith & Wesson revolver for the shooting about two weeks before he drove across the country from his home in Bellingham, Wash.

On Oct. 15, he also contacted an individual to find even more firearms for him  including an AR-15 rifle and a stockless, AK-47-style Draco pistol  but only ended up being able to get his hands on a revolver, the affidavit alleged.

It had previously been reported stolen from a home in Washington state.

Lakanwal claimed he needed a gun for protection in his vehicle as a Lyft and Uber driver, but the individual he discussed getting the weapons from noted he remarked of the revolver: only five rounds? US Attorney's Office/AFP via Getty Images

Lakanwal claimed he needed a gun for protection in his vehicle as a Lyft and Uber driver, but the person he discussed getting the weapons from noted he remarked of the revolver: only five rounds?

On Nov. 15, he bought a box of .357 Magnum rounds from Big 5 Sporting Goods in Bellingham, according to CCTV footage and a purchase receipt.

Lakanwal is accused of shooting Wolfe, a 24-year-old Air Force staff sergeant who has since made a miraculous recovery at a nearby hospital, and Beckstrom, a 20-year-old Army specialist who died from the gunshot wound on Thanksgiving Day.

On Nov. 15, the alleged shooter bought a box of .357-caliber bullets from Big 5 Sporting Goods in Bellingham, according to CCTV footage and a purchase receipt. DOJ

The ambush attack, just two blocks from the White House, was also captured on video cameras, with Lakanwal shown firing in the direction of Beckstrom and Wolfe, both of whom were seen collapsing on the ground after, as well as chasing and shooting at another Guardsman.

The FBI said Lakanwal purposely and with deliberate and premeditated malice, killed Beckstrom by shooting her in the head with a firearm and by shooting Wolfe in the head with a firearm  assaulted Wolfe with intent to kill him, according to the seven-page filing.

Follow The Posts live coverage of President Trump and national politics for the latest news and analysis

On Oct. 15, Lakanwal contacted an individual in his home state to find even more firearms for him  including an AR-15 rifle and a stockless, AK-47-style Draco pistol.

Trump administration officials have since claimed that Lakanwal was not fully vetted to come to the US.

The additional federal firearms charges included transporting or receiving firearms in interstate or foreign commerce with the intent to commit an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, transporting or shipping a stolen firearm in interstate or foreign commerce and possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense.

Attorney General Pam Bondi previously said federal prosecutors would seek the death penalty, but the added charges signify the seriousness of that effort.

DC prosecutors already indicted Lakanwal earlier this month for first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He pleaded not guilty.

Guardsman Andrew Wolf, a 24-year-old Air Force staff sergeant, has since made a miraculous recovery at a nearby hospital. US Attorney's Office/AFP via Getty Images

Lakanwal served as part of an elite, CIA-backed paramilitary force fighting against the Taliban before being evacuated to the US as part of Operation Allies Welcome under President Joe Biden  following the chaotic and botched withdrawal of American forces from Kabul in August 2021.

An ISIS-K suicide bomber killed 13 US service members during the final pullout from the capital citys airport.

Trump administration officials have since claimed that Lakanwal was not fully vetted  and National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent has testified to Congress that of the roughly 88,000 people evacuated from Afghanistan, at least 2,000 have ties to terror groups.

Beckstrom, a 20-year-old Army specialist from the West Virginia National Guard, died from the gunshot wound on Thanksgiving Day.

These individuals, despite what has been reported, were not vetted properly to come into the United States, Kent told members of the House Homeland Security Committee in a Dec. 11 hearing. The individual terrorist who committed the attack in DC, he was vetted to serve as a soldier in Afghanistan.

Since coming into the country, Lakanwal served briefly as a Lyft driver until May 25, 2025, but had been banned by Uber, the affidavit stated.

According to an interview with another family member in November 2025, Lakanwal had not been employed for approximately two months prior to the shooting, it also noted.

US Customs and Border Protection was later able to track his vehicle passing through Washington state, Idaho and Illinois before arriving three days before the shooting in DC, the affidavit also alleged.

The FBI lawfully obtained location history data from his cellphone showing him driving through Mishawaka, Ind., and coming into DC over the same time period.

Lakanwals next appearance in DC Superior Court is scheduled for Jan. 2.
DCNF - Bash Trump CNN Border - Featured Screenshot/Rumble/CNN

CNN host Dana Bash admitted Thursday that President Donald Trump had turned around the situation on the U.S.-Mexico border in his first year since returning to the White House.

Upon taking office, Trump issued several executive orders to address illegal immigration, including designating Mexican drug cartels, the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) and the El Salvadoran prison gang MS-13 as foreign terrorist organizations. Bash put up a series of charts showing the difference on the border between the Biden administration and the Trump administration. (RELATED: Former Obama Admin Official Says Trump Progress In Deporting Illegal Immigrants Is Remarkable Accomplishment)

One of the things that you  many things that youve been covering in a very detailed way this year, Zolan, is whats going on with immigration, Bash told CNN political analyst Zolan Kanno-Youngs. And our producer, Tess, put together a fantastic illustration of the difference in whats happening in the border now versus what happened just in the year beforehand, which was Joe Bidens presidency. Joe Bidens presidency is green and Donald Trumps is the yellow.

WATCH:

I mean, that tells a story of an accomplishment for the president, one that he definitely ran on, Bash continued. He definitely made a promise there, and yet there hasnt been a lot of focus on that because of what he has been doing in the interior of the country, which he also promised to do, which is apprehend people who are in the United States illegally and deport them.

The Border Patrol encountered millions of illegal immigrants during the Biden administration, according to figures released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), many of whom were released into the United States. The Trump administration touted in a Dec. 15 release that no illegal immigrants had been released into the United States for seven straight months.

The Department of Homeland Security announced that over 2.5 million illegal immigrants have left the United States, of which 1.9 million elected to self-deport, in a Dec. 10 release.

DHS also noted in a Dec. 19 release summarizing operations for the entire year that it had accounted for over 129,000 unaccompanied minors that the Biden administration had been unable to account for, while also touting operations across the country, including those in the areas of Chicago, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon.

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Milwaukee Police Department headquarters in downtown Milwaukee, Wis. Photo: Jon Styf / The Center Square

(The Center Square)  The penalty for impersonating a police officer, firefighter or emergency medical officer is now a felony in Wisconsin.

Lawmakers pushed for the change from a misdemeanor to felony after several incidents in the state and when Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed by a man impersonating an officer in June.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers along with 33 other bills earlier this month.

Bill sponsors said that the update was requested by law enforcement, which cited an incident where a man impersonating U.S. Border Patrol joined an officer at a scene where a teenager had collided with a deer.

This bill sends a powerful message that impersonating a law enforcement officer isnt just lying, its weaponizing public trust that puts citizens at risk, it underminds confidence in real officers and it enables serious crimes, said Jim Palmer, Executive Director of Wisconsin Professional Police Association.

Police and lawmakers also cited a 2018 case where a Franklin man impersonated an officer and 2023 cases where a man impersonated a Sun Prairie police officer in a phone scam and one where a Germantown man impersonated a Washington County sheriffs deputy and claimed he could get charges dropped in exchange for explicit photos and sex.

Now the charges will match those in Wisconsin for impersonating someone who works for a state utility or public officer.

The new law makes impersonating an officer, firefighter or medical first responder a Class I felony punishable by up to 3  years in jail and a $10,000 fine instead of the current misdemeanor where the maximum punishment is nine months.

At its core, this proposal is about public safety. When someone pretends to be an officer, they put innocent people at risk, Palmer wrote in testimony on the bill. Weve seen cases in Wisconsin where individuals conducted fake traffic stops, wore tactical gear, and claimed authority they did not have. These encounters are not harmless stunts  they are dangerous situations that can escalate quickly, particularly when weapons are involved or when the victims are children, seniors, or others who feel powerless to question authority.
A Palestinian assailant rammed his car into a man and then stabbed a young woman in northern Israel on Friday, killing both, police said, as the Israeli defense minister quickly ordered military retaliation on what he said was the attacker's West Bank hometown.

The attack began Friday afternoon in the northern city of Beit Shean, where the Palestinian man crashed his vehicle into people, killing one man and injuring a teenage boy. He then sped onto a highway, where he stopped and fatally stabbed the woman, said police. The man was 68 and the woman, 18, said paramedics, who pronounced both dead at the scene.

The attacker was headed for the nearby city of Afula when a security officer shot him, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu identified the victims as Aviv Maor, a teenager, and Shimshon Mordechai, 68.

Israeli security forces inspect the scene where a vehicle was used by an assailant in a suspected ramming and stabbing attack that killed two people in northern Israel, according to Israeli authorities, in Afula, Israel, on Dec. 26, 2025. / Credit: Gil Eliyahu / REUTERS (Gil Eliyahu / REUTERS)

Herzog said he was shocked by the "horrific killing spree." He said that Israel was "committed to reinforcing and strengthening this challenging border and, of course, to bolstering the security response in the area for the full safety of the residents."

Mike Huckabee, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, condemned the attack "on innocent civilians."

"For the Jew-haters and anti-Israel crowd, these intentional murders threaten a short & long term solution to lasting peace," he wrote in a post on social media.

Soon after the attack, Israel's military began amassing troops near the Palestinian town of Qabatiya, where Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the attacker was from.

Katz said that he'd ordered troops to "act forcefully and immediately" against what he called "terrorist infrastructure" in the town.

"Anyone who aids or sponsors terrorism will pay the full price," he said.

Israeli security forces inspect the scene where a vehicle was used by an assailant in a suspected ramming and stabbing attack that killed two people in northern Israel, according to Israeli authorities, in Afula, Israel, on Dec. 26, 2025. / Credit: Gil Eliyahu / REUTERS

It's common practice for Israel to launch raids in the West Bank towns from which attackers come or demolish homes belonging to the attackers' families. Israel says that this helps to locate militant infrastructure and prevents future attacks. Rights watchdogs describe such actions as collective punishment.

Raids have been conducted in the area of Qabatiya, which is in the northern West Bank near the major city of Jenin, over the last few weeks.

Friday's incident came a day after an Israeli reservist soldier in civilian clothes rammed his vehicle into a Palestinian man as he prayed on a roadside in the West Bank.

The Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and sparked a surge of violence in Israel and the occupied West Bank, with a rise in attacks by Palestinian militants as well as Israeli settler violence against Palestinians.

In September, Palestinian attackers opened fire at a bus stop during the morning rush hour in Jerusalem, killing six people and wounding another 12, according to Israeli officials.

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A powerful farm owner and energy mogul from Southern California has been charged with killing his estranged wife, weeks after she was found with a gunshot wound in her Arizona home.

Michael Abatti, 63, of El Centro, was arrested at about 3:20 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, on a first-degree murder charge, according to a press release from the Imperial County Sheriff's Office.

The charge stems from the death of Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, who was found unresponsive by a relative inside her home in Arizona on Nov. 20 and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Michael Abatti, seen in 2016, is accused of killing his wife in Arizona.

The arrest was made without incident after a warrant was issued earlier that day by the Navajo County Superior Court in Arizona, with investigators from the sheriff's office in Imperial County assisting their counterparts in Navajo County.

Michael Abatti was booked into the Imperial County Jail and is awaiting extradition to Navajo County, Arizona. It's not immediately clear when he will be extradited.

The arrest came after Navajo County detectives executed multiple search warrants on Dec. 2 on properties and vehicles tied to the Abatti family, including a residence in El Centro, as well as two camp trailers and two vehicles. At least one search warrant was filed in Arizona. They also owned homes in Arizona and Wyoming.

Michael Abatti had traveled from California to Arizona on Nov. 20 and then immediately returned to California, the Navajo County Sheriff's Office said.

Deep ties to the desert's water, agriculture and energy

Michael is a highly influential farm owner on California's agriculture and political scene. His family has been in the Imperial Valley for more than 100 years and helped build the All-American Canal, which brings Colorado River water to the region.

Abatti Farms includes thousands of acres producing crops such as melons, broccoli, sugar beets and alfalfa, which Michael said in a 2017 legal filing generated more than $10 million a year.

He later expanded into energy development. An energy company he owns won a $35 million battery storage contract from the Imperial Irrigation District, and he proposed a large solar farm.

Couple was in the middle of divorce proceedings

He and Kerri had been married for 31 years before separating in August 2023 and were still in divorce proceedings at the time of her death. After the separation, Kerri became a full-time resident of Arizona.

The couple married in April 1992 and jointly owned Mike Abatti Farms in El Centro since 1999. Michael oversaw business operations for the family's farming, energy and real estate interests, while Kerri managed the household.

Divorce filings in Imperial County Superior Court outline the couple's assets and describe Kerri's financial struggles as a newly single woman in her late 50s.

She filed for divorce in October 2023 and initially collected $5,000 a month in spousal support. In January, she sought additional financial support and attorneys' fees tied to rental income from farm properties the couple owned. A judge later increased the amount to $6,400.

Challenging Kerri's request, Michael stated that Mike Abatti Farms suffered financial losses in 2023 and 2024, in part because of fuel and shipping cost increases.

Prior reporting from the Arizona Republic and Desert Sun staff was used in this story.

Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley for the Desert Sun, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Prominent California farmer charged in estranged wife's murder
The latest creative leverages an iconic track, "This Is How We Do It," a legendary music video director, and nostalgia to underscore the transformative physical and emotional power of working out at a Crunch.

NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Crunch Fitness, a leading high-value, low-price gym, today announced the launch of its "Crunch: Feel More" campaign, directed by award-winning director Hype Williams and set to the iconic track, "This is How We Do It." Williams, the visionary behind some of the most influential music videos for artists including Beyonce, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, and Missy Elliott, brings his signature cinematic style to "Feel More," which is the latest evolution of the brand's "Feel Good, Not Bad" campaign that debuted in 2023.

Recognizing the challenges and stress of everyday life, Crunch has designed a gym experience that enhances members' physical and mental well-being. Building on Crunch's continued effort to reach its Young, Strong, & Social target audience, 'Feel More' taps into what the brand's consumer is craving most right now: relief, community, and moments of joy. The campaign emphasizes the transformative power of working out at Crunch - that it's not just a workout, but an immersive experience that leaves members feeling good and rejuvenated. Crunch wants every member to leave the gym feeling more: more uplifted, more empowered, and more connected to a supportive "No Judgments" community.

"In an increasingly stressful world, our younger members are turning to positive experiences, including the comfort and nostalgia of the '90s and early 2000s. We asked ourselves, 'Who better to authentically tap into nostalgia than Crunch?' As the OG '90s gym, we're known for being fun, irreverent, quirky, offbeat, and motivating for more than 35 years. The iconic song, 'This Is How We Do It,' perfectly encapsulates the essence of Crunch: the energy of our members, the encouraging support from our teams, and the joy of our community," said Chad Waetzig, Chief Marketing Officer at Crunch Fitness. "By leaning into this cultural moment, 'Feel More' reinforces how Crunch brings people together in ways that are uplifting, enjoyable, and feel good. Everyone deserves to feel good, and there's no better way to achieve that than by working out at Crunch."

The campaign follows the recent debut of Crunch 3.0, the brand's innovative new gym design that redefines fitness spaces with elevated amenities that energize members. The music-video-style spots showcase the range of premium offerings available at Crunch gyms  from group fitness studios to Olympic lifting platforms, Relax & Recover services, and more  bringing Crunch's mission of making serious fitness fun to life.

"Gyms have become modern social hubs," said Chequan Lewis, President of Crunch Fitness. "They're today's 'Friday night house party'  where movement, music, and community collide. In this cultural moment, gyms must deliver an experience. And Crunch does this like no one else in our industry can. We create spaces where people can feel good, have fun, and still get a seriously effective workout. That's feeling more."

The new campaign will roll out across broadcast, social media, radio, billboards, merchandise, and in-gym materials. Crunch developed the campaign in partnership with Familiar Creatures, its creative agency of record for the past four years.

"We wanted to leverage the many fitness and wellness offerings Crunch has, how that makes you feel as a gym-goer, and the overall vibe of the brand," said Justin Bajan, Co-Founder of Familiar Creatures. "This concept emerged around two gym-goers who feel like they're in a music video. We were fortunate to collaborate with Hype to lean into the nostalgia of the ultimate '90s anthem while portraying the future of gym offerings."

The new commercial will begin airing nationally on December 26, 2025. For more information or to find a Crunch location near you, visit www.crunch.com.

About Crunch Fitness

Crunch is a gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment and pioneering a philosophy of 'No Judgments.' Crunch serves a fitness community for all kinds of people with all types of goals, exercising all different ways, working it out at the same place together. Headquartered in New York City, Crunch serves over three million members with over 500 gyms worldwide in 41 states, the District of Columbia, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Spain. Crunch is rapidly expanding across the U.S. and around the globe.

SOURCE Crunch Fitness
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Tatum Dale, Image 2 shows Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) on Capitol Hill on June 4, 2024

Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) announced the death of his top aide Thursday, describing her as the heart and soul of his team.

Tatum Dale had worked with the congressmen since 2012, when she graduated from the University of Kentucky, and most recently served as the campaign manager for Barrs 2026 Senate bid to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in the Bluegrass State.

When I first ran to serve the Sixth District, Tatum Dale was one of the first people who volunteered to help, Barr said in a statement. Born and raised in Murray, Tatum came to the University of Kentucky for college, and Im forever grateful that she stayed to serve alongside me.

For over 15 years, Tatum was the heart and soul of my team.

Tatum Dale was well-known in Kentucky political circles. Ryan Quarles/Facebook

Barr praised Dale for her work helping veterans, seniors, and families throughout our district, and she fought to deliver funds to support dozens of community projects across our Commonwealth.

She loved helping people and was a servant of others, just as Christ envisioned us all to be. Maybe thats why her birth in heaven is a shared birthday with our Lord and Savior, the congressman wrote.

Tatum loved her family, her faith, and her Commonwealth, Barr continued. She made me a better Congressman, our staff better public servants, and we will all miss her forever.

Heartfelt tributes to the well-liked staffer poured in on social media, with some indicating that her death was unexpected.

Barr launched his bid for the US Senate in April, and Dale had been serving as his campaign manager. Getty Images

I am absolutely devastated to hear of the unexpected passing of Congressman Barrs longtime staffer and district director, Tatum Dale, Ralph Alvarado, a former Kentucky state lawmaker, wrote on X. Tatum was an amazing person, a highly respected political operative, and a truly loved and dear friend to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Former Kentucky attorney general and current GOP Senate candidate Daniel Cameron called Dale a friend and said she will be truly missed, in an X post.

Sean Southard, a Republican strategist and communications director for Montana GOP Gov. Greg Gianforte, said he was totally shocked by the news of Dales death.

Tatum was one of those hardworking people who seemed to be at every GOP event. Praying for her family and her work colleagues, Southard wrote on social media.

Dale died on Christmas Eve, according to the Courier-Journal.

Her cause of death was not immediately clear.
Cash is given as a gift during the Christmas season. Photo: micheile henderson / Unsplash.

(The Center Square) - Arizona was ranked the eighth least charitable state in America, according to a recent report by WalletHub.

Chip Lupo, an analyst for WalletHub, told The Center Square the company measured two factors: volunteering/service and charitable giving.

Lupo said Arizonas ranking is not a very good score.

Arizona ranked 31st in volunteer and service and 49th in charitable giving, the report said.

Lupo noted Arizona ranked seventh among states for volunteer hours.

A factor in Arizona's lower ranking in charitable giving is the number of snowbirds and retirees who come to the state for part of the year, according to Lupo.

He added that another reason for this disparity is that many retirees are on fixed incomes in todays economy, which means they dont have much disposable income.

Arizonans are eager to give up their time, but for whatever reason, [they] arent able to give as much out of their own pockets, Lupo told The Center Square.

On top of this, Arizona ranked 10th overall in the country for having top-ranked charities per capita, Lupo said, describing this as a good number.

The states that had the highest scores in the list were Wyoming (No. 1), Utah (No. 2) and Maryland (No. 3).

Lupo said Wyoming and Utah had high percentages of residents who volunteered. People in these states live in small towns where there seems to be more of a sense of community, the analyst noted.

 Everyone, for the most part, knows each other. So there's more of a willingness to be able to come together to do volunteer work for a specific cause, whether it's raising money for an organization or maybe a family who's in distress, he explained.

Lupo said the states that tended to be more conservative and traditional had higher rates of community engagement and volunteer numbers.

The states with the lowest ranking on the list were Mississippi (No. 48), Nevada (No. 49) and New Mexico (No. 50).
President Trump announced Thursday that the US military hit ISIS terrorists in Nigeria targeting Christians with numerous deadly airstrikes.

Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was, the president continued.

President Trump announced military strikes in northwest Nigeria on Thursday, Christmas Day. AFP via Getty Images

The White House posted an unclassified clip showing a missile launch targeting ISIS in Nigeria Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025. White House

The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.

Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.

US Africa Command said the Christmas Day strike was carried out in Sokoto state and initial assessments indicate multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the ISIS camps.

The Department of War shared unclassified footage of a missile being launched from the deck of a military vessel after Trump announced the operation.

Local residents hold metal debris in Jabo, Nigeria, on Friday. AP

The Pentagon coordinated with the Nigerian government ahead of the strikes.

The Department of War worked with the government of Nigeria to carry out these strikes, a War Department official told The Post.

These strikes were approved by the government of Nigeria.

The Pentagon coordinated with the Nigerian government ahead of the strikes, which President Bola Tinubu has yet to comment on. Getty Images

Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the strike was carried out as part of ongoing security cooperation with the US, which includes the exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination to take out militant groups.

This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West, the ministry said in a statement.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that Trump was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.

The [Department of War] is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight  on Christmas. More to come Hegseth wrote on X.

Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation, he added. Merry Christmas!

The US military had reportedly been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large swaths of Nigeria since late last month, according to Reuters.

Trump said he had made warnings and said, there would be hell to pay. REUTERS

The airstrikes come one day after a bomb ripped through a mosque in Nigerias northeastern city of Maiduguri, killing five people and injuring dozens, in a suspected suicide attack.

The African nation has been plagued by violence carried out by multiple armed militant groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province.

It is unknown how many casualties there were during the strikes. via REUTERS

The airstrikes occurred one day after a bomb destroyed a mosque in Nigeria, killing 5 people and injuring more than a dozen individuals. AP

Human rights group Intersociety reports that over 7,000 Christians have been massacred in Nigeria this year.

Last month, Trump warned that he would cut off US aid to Nigeria and go into the country guns-a-blazing if the government didnt do more to stop the Islamic extremists from killing Christians.

The president noted that he had instructed the War Department to prepare for possible action against terrorist thugs in Nigeria in his Nov. 1 Truth Social post.

More than 7,000 Christians have been massacred in Nigeria this year, according to the human rights group Intersociety.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu called for peace, especially between individuals of differing religious beliefs, in a Christmas message posted on X.

I stand committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence, Tinubu added.

Last week, the Trump administration recalled more than two dozen ambassadors from posts around the world, including Nigeria and several other African countries, appointed by former President Joe Biden.

Since taking office in January, Trump has conducted military strikes in Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Syria, the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
President Donald Trump welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House, Oct. 17, 2025. Photo: Sarah Roderick-Fitch / The Center Square

(The Center Square) - President Donald Trump will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida on Sunday, according to the Ukrainian president.

The two world leaders are expected to discuss peace talks in the Russia-Ukraine war at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. Zelensky told reporters the meeting was designed to finalize as many details as possible.

The United States has provided $187 billion in taxpayer dollars to Ukraine since 2022, according to the special inspector general responsible for Ukraine oversight.

Zelensky recently met with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner about a proposed 20-point peace plan to end the war.

"We are truly working 24/7 to bring closer the end of this brutal Russian war against Ukraine and to ensure that all documents and steps are realistic, effective, and reliable," Zelensky wrote on social media.

"Together with the American team, we understand how to put all of this in place," Zelensky said. "I thank everyone who continues to put pressure on Russia so that they fully understand that prolonging the war will have severe consequences."
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Jeffrey Epstein is shown in a selfie, with a finger in the top left corner, against a background of tropical plants and a blue sky, Image 2 shows December 19, 2025, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown: DATE and LOCATION UNIDENTIFIED. The Department Of Justice has released files tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Former President BILL CLINTON in a hot tub and a woman whose face has been redacted. (Credit Image:  Department Of Justice/ZUMA Press Wire), Image 3 shows U.S. President Donald Trump participates in NORAD Santa tracker phone calls, on Christmas Eve, from the Mar-a-lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 24, 2025. REUTERS/Jessica Koscielniak

President Trump predicted Thursday that documents related to Jeffrey Epstein will show that the Sleazebags who loved the notorious pedophile are all Democrats.

Merry Christmas to all, including the many Sleazebags who loved Jeffrey Epstein, gave him bundles of money, went to his Island, attended his parties, and thought he was the greatest guy on earth, only to drop him like a dog, when things got too HOT, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The president argued the individuals once associated with Epstein, but now distancing themselves from the disgraced late financier, have falsely claimed they had nothing to do with him, didnt know him, said he was a disgusting person, and then blame, of course, President Donald J. Trump, who was actually the only one who did drop Epstein, and long before it became fashionable to do so.

Merry Christmas to all, including the many Sleazebags who loved Jeffrey Epstein, President Trump began his latest Christmas Truth Social post. REUTERS

The DOJ has been releasing documents related to the federal case against Epstein in response to congressional legislation signed into law by Trump earlier this year. via REUTERS

Trump and Epstein enjoyed a close friendship in the 1990s and early 2000s before falling out, reportedly amid a bidding war in 2004 over a since-demolished Palm Beach, Fla., mansion.

Epstein, who died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal child sex trafficking charges, previously pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution in a case out of Florida.

The president has also claimed he banned Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club after the convicted sex predator ignored warnings not to poach masseuses from the spa to work for him.

When their names get brought out in the ongoing Radical Left Witch Hunt (plus one lowlife Republican, Massie!), and it is revealed that they are Democrats all, there will be a lot of explaining to do, much like there was when it was made public that the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax was a fictitious story  a total Scam  and had nothing to do with TRUMP, the commander-in-chief continued.

The Failing New York Times, among many others, was forced to apologize for their bad and faulty Election Reporting, even to the point of losing many subscribers due to their highly inaccurate (FAKE!) coverage, Trump added, arguing, now the same losers are at it again, only this time so many of their friends, mostly innocent, will be badly hurt and reputationally tarnished.

But sadly, thats the way it is in the World of Corrupt Democrat Politics!!! Enjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas! President Donald J. Trump.

Numerous photos of Epstein and his convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell have been released by the DOJ.

Former President Bill Clinton was seen hot tubbing with a woman whose face was redacted in a photo that was part of the newly released Epstein files. ZUMAPRESS.com

The Justice Department was forced to release thousands of documents related to the Epstein case in response to legislation sponsored by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.)  and signed into law by Trump  that established a Dec. 19 deadline to release files.

The DOJ indicated Wednesday that it may take a few more weeks to comply with the law.

The files released thus far have included several embarrassing photographs of former President Bill Clinton with Epstein and his convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell and a 2020 email from a Manhattan federal prosecutor indicating that Trump traveled on the notorious pedophiles private jet at least eight times during the mid-1990s.

There is no evidence that Trump was aware of Epsteins sex crimes during their friendship or that the president committed any wrongdoing.
The United States on Thursday launched strikes against ISIS in Nigeria, President Trump announced, citing the targeting of Christians in the region.

Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

U.S. Africa Command (Africom) said in a statement the strikes killed multiple ISIS terrorists.

AFRICOM conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Soboto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists. Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad, it said.

Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Africoms commander, said in a statement the U.S. military is working with Nigerian and regional partners to increase counterterrorism cooperation efforts related to on-going violence and threats against innocent lives.

Trump on Thursday pointed to his November statement, in which he threatened military action in Nigeria if the country did not take steps to stop violence directed at Christians.

I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was, he wrote Thursday. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.

May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues, he continued.

Nigeria said Thursday the country remains engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorist and violent extremism, which led to the strikes.

It said all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.



Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigerias values and to international peace and security, Nigerias foreign minister said in a statement.

Trump in November labeled the African nation a country of particular concern because of religious violence.

The designation outlines a plan for the president to consult with the designated government, draft a foreign policy action plan, and consult with Congress about implementation  within 90 days.

The Trump administration also began to conduct daily surveillance flights over Nigeria under the direction of Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Reuters reported.

The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end, Hegseth wrote in a Thursday post on X.

The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight  on Christmas. More to come Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!

Last month, Nigerian Information Minister Mohammed Idris said leaders are working to address terrorism and welcomed help from the U.S.

The Government of Nigeria remains open and willing to work closely with the Government of the United States, other friendly nations and partners, to achieve our shared goal, the complete elimination of terrorism on Nigerian soil, Idris said at a November press conference, according to Reuters.

As of November, more than 13,500 militants have been killed, 17,000 suspects arrested, and more than 11,200 hostages  including women and children  rescued, he said.

Republican lawmakers lauded the Thursday strike.

President Trump has been clear that the killing of Christians in Nigeria must end. As I stated at the outset: Do not test President Trumps resolved in this matter. Tonights strike in coordination with the Nigerian government is just the first step to ending the slaughter of Christians and the security crisis affecting all Nigerians, GOP Rep. Riley Moore (W.Va.) wrote in a post on the social platform X.

Moore is an outspoken advocate of Nigerias Christians, and Trump last month said he asked him to look into additional measures the U.S. might take and report back to him.

Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) echoed those sentiments.

This is strong and decisive leadership by our President standing up for the persecuted Christians and taking on ISIS. God bless our military. Merry Christmas, the House Freedom Caucus chair wrote in a statement on X.

On Thursday, Turkish authorities arrested more than 110 suspected members of ISIS across the country that were allegedly plotting attacks for Christmas and New Year festivities.

Updated at 9:12 p.m. EST

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.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media from his Mar-a-Lago estate on Dec. 22, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. Credit - Tasos Katopodis2025 Getty Images

The United States launched strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria on Christmas Day, President Donald Trump said Thursday evening, after months of his Administration warning about attacks on Christians in the west African nation.

The United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries, he wrote on Truth Social. I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.

Read More: How to Actually Stop the Violence in Nigeria

More than a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired from a Navy ship, according to The New York Times citing an unnamed military official, hitting two insurgent camps in the northwest Sokoto State of Nigeria. Soon after Trumps post, the Defense Department published a nine second video that appeared to show missiles launching from the military vessel.

U.S. Africa Command said it had assessed that multiple ISIS targets were killed, but did not provide further details. U.S. Africa Command is working with Nigerian and regional partners to increase counterterrorism cooperation efforts related to on-going violence and threats against innocent lives, General Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command, said in the statement.

As it approached our area, the heat became intense, Abubakar Sani, who lives near the scene of the strike, told the Associated Press. Our rooms began to shake, and then fire broke out. The Nigerian government should take appropriate measures to protect us as citizens. We have never experienced anything like this before.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on X that further U.S. military action in the region could follow. He also said that the United States was grateful for the cooperation and support of the Nigerian government, whose intelligence aided the U.S. strikes.

Nigerias Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar told local broadcaster ChannelsTV that Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to him before the strike, and that President Bola Tinubu gave the go-ahead.

The attack follows weeks of escalating rhetoric from Trump, who has portrayed violence in Nigeria as driven by anti-Christian persecution. In early November, Trump told the Defense Department to prepare for action in Nigeria, saying that he would send troops guns-a-blazing if the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, just days after he threatened possible sanctions and removal of aid to the nation of over 230 million people.

At the time, President Tinubu rejected any characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant, arguing that it does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.

Experts also point out that while Nigeria continues to face insurgencies from jihadist groups, such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State, the majority of the victims of these groups have been Muslimdespite Trumps characterization of the strikes.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The United States launched airstrikes in Nigeria against Islamic State militants on Christmas Day after President Donald Trump threatened in November to go into the country "guns-a-blazing" over what he called a "mass slaughter" of Christians.

At Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth's direction, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, the U.S. military struck "ISIS terrorists" in the country's northwest, according to the U.S. Africa Command.

Trump said on Truth Social that he ordered the military to launch a "powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians."

See the impact of Trump's Christmas Day airstrikes in Nigeria The United States launched airstrikes in Nigeria against Islamic State militants on Christmas Day after President Donald Trump threatened in November to go into the country "guns-a-blazing" over what he called a "mass slaughter" of Christians.

See the impact on residents, who inspect the damage in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria.

The military "executed numerous perfect strikes," he said.

Hegseth wrote in an X post that there would be "more to come."

The operation marked the first time the United States has launched deadly strikes in Nigeria as part of its efforts to combat ISIS, or the Islamic State group, in Africa.

More: US hits Islamic State in Nigeria after Trump warnings

The United States struck ISIS targets in Syria Dec. 19 after a gunman with suspected ties to the terrorist group shot and killed two U.S. soldiers stationed in the country and their interpreter.

The strikes backed up threats from Trump beginning in late October over what he called mass killings of Nigerian Christians  an issue long pushed by the right and more recently addressed by Trump. Violence in the country has targeted Christians, but experts say the situation is far more nuanced than how Trump has described it.

Where were the strikes?

According to the U.S. Africa Command, the strikes were in Sokoto State, on the country's northwestern border with Niger.

The United States has not released any further information about how many targets were struck and how many people were killed. The Pentagon referred USA TODAY to the U.S. Africa Command, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The U.S. struck an undisclosed number of ISIS targets in Nigeria on Dec. 25.

Nigeria's foreign ministry said that the United States coordinated its strikes with the Nigerian government and that the two countries shared intelligence. Yusuf Tuggar, the country's foreign minister, told CNN he had discussed the strikes in two phone calls with Secretary of State Marco Rubio before the attack.

"We are ready, willing and able to collaborate, coordinate with any foreign government that is committed to the fight against terrorism," Tuggar said. "This is not about religion, this is about Nigerian innocent civilians and the wider region as a whole."

Why is Trump concerned with Nigeria?

Trump first aired concerns about killings of Christians in Nigeria in the fall. On Oct. 31, he designated Nigeria a "country of particular concern," a State Department category for countries implicated in "particularly severe violations of religious freedom."

The next day, he threatened on Truth Social that the United States would cut off aid to Nigeria and could "go into that now disgraced country, 'guns-a-blazing,'" if the government "continues to allow the killing of Christians."

Concern over violence directed specifically against Christians in Nigeria has long circulated among conservative and religious groups. It has been taken up recently by well-known figures including Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, talk show host Bill Maher and rapper Nicki Minaj.

Are Christians really being killed in Nigeria?

Nnamdi Obasi, senior Nigeria adviser to the International Crisis Group, an independent anti-war organization, said security problems in the country were "multifaceted," and Christians aren't the only group at risk.

Both Christians and Muslims, who make up about 60% of Nigeria's population, have been targets of violence, according to Obasi.

Some attacks, like suicide bombings, are indiscriminate, he said. Muslim sites of worship like mosques, prayer grounds and Islamic schools have been destroyed, he said.

Remnants are seen inside the Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque a day after an explosion that struck the mosque following evening prayers near Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, December 25, 2025. Officials blamed the attack on the Boko Haram militant group.

"Its not just a single narrative of the killing of Christians. There are different manifestations of violence in different parts of the country," he said.

The northwest, where the United States said it launched the strikes, is a "heavily Muslim" area, Obasi said. That means the victims of violence, which is largely perpetrated by armed bandits in that region, are also mostly Muslim, he said.

The Islamic State group is present mostly in Nigeria's northeast, Obasi said. In that region, a faction of Boko Haram, another violent extremist group, split off and formed an alliance with other ISIS factions in the Middle East, he said.

Rescued schoolchildren from St. Mary's School sit at the Niger State Government House after being freed from captivity following their abduction by gunmen, in Minna, Nigeria, December 8, 2025.

A group known as Lakurawa in the northwest was initially brought into the region by locals to help protect against the bandit groups around 2017, but it evolved into an extremist group in the years since, Obasi said.

ISIS in the Sahel Province, or ISSP, has expanded its operations along the border between Niger and Nigeria, including in Sokoto, since the beginning of 2024, according to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data.

Obasi said a continued U.S. operation specifically directed toward defending Christians could risk "further polarizing the country along religious lines."

"A U.S. military campaign that doubles down on protecting the Christian population will almost certainly be misunderstood by the Muslim population that this is a one-sided response," he said.

What will the strikes do?

Javed Ali, counterterrorism director on the National Security Council during Trump's first term, said airstrikes alone were unlikely to destroy or significantly degrade the Islamic State presence in Nigeria. "It's too big, too dispersed, and Nigeria is a huge country," he said.

People read newspapers reporting on U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Nigeria, in Lagos, Nigeria, December 26, 2025.

"The Jihadist environment in central-west Africa has been entrenched and persistent for decades," said Ali, now an associate professor at the University of Michigan. Although the United States had deployed several hundred troops and intelligence collection capabilities to combat Islamist groups in Africa, there was never a serious effort to launch strikes in Nigeria, he said.

"This is the first time this has happened," he said.

If the strikes are the beginning of a longer operation, other considerations will come into play, such as whether the militant group will try to retaliate against the United States or its troops in the region, Ali said.

"Do we truly understand the very complex ethnic and religious and tribal makeup of a country like Nigeria?" he said. "If we dont, the lessons of Iraq and Afghanistan tell you: The deeper you get involved in these countries, the harder it becomes" to reach an end state.

Where is Nigeria?

Nigeria is on Africa's western coast. Its population is 218.5 million, the largest of any country in Africa.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Trump striking Nigeria? What to know about Christmas attack
Get up close to sea life and scenery with an expedition cruise (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Interest in expedition cruises is on the rise as curious travellers seek more educational experiences at sea.

An expedition cruise aims to foster your sense of curiosity and help you to discover new experiences. You could meet penguins as you explore Antarctica or see unique wildlife on the Galapagos Islands.

Expedition cruise ships tend to be smaller, with a focus on expert talks and excursions rather than West End-style shows and waterslides.

You will still find bars and restaurants on board, as well as pools, hot tubs and even spas so you can relax after a day of exploring.

Research by the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) reported the fastest growing regions for sales for members this year were Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galapagos Islands. Other popular regions include the Indian Ocean and the Amazon River.

Fares can be more expensive than a standard cruise, but many of the voyages will be bucket list trips that are worth saving up for. Some prices may even include flights, tips and drinks.

Here are some of the top expedition cruises to satisfy your curiosity in 2026.

Read more: The best cruise deals for 2026

HX Expeditions: Antarctica highlights

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Meet the locals in Antarctica with HX Expeditions (HX Expeditions)

This 12-day Antarctica cruise with HX Expeditions starts with a one-night stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before flying to Ushuaia where your voyage begins.

Highlights include sailing through the Drake Passage as well as opportunities for ice landings, small boat cruising, kayaking and snowshoeing.

On board, guests can take part in scientific activities and lectures linked to the region, or simply relax in the bars and restaurants as they watch the glaciers and icebergs float by.

Departs 17 February 2026. From 7,290pp.

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Bark Europa: Chilean Channels

Route: Ushuaia  Puerto Williams  Chilean Channels Valparaiso

Passengers can climb the sails of the Bark Europa cruise ship during a Chilean Channels sailing (Expedition Cruise Network)

Discover a maze of fjords, islands and inland waterways as you weave through the coastal channels of Chile on tall ship Bark Europa during this 29-day coastal voyage.

Watch out for whales and dolphins on the sailing from Ushuaia in Argentina to Valparaiso in Chile as the landscape transforms from glaciers to rainforest.

This is the ultimate immersive sailing, with capacity for just 49 guests.

On board, you can climb the sails, learn how to tie knots and listen to astronomy and oceanography lectures before preparing for guided hikes on land.

Departs 18 March 2026. From 4,610pp.

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Silversea: Luxury Arctic

Route: Longyearbyen  Svalbard northern region  Svalbard southern regionLongyearbyen

Silversea Endeavour offers a luxurious expedition (Silversea)

Experience midnight sun and marvellous views in Svalbard during a week-long luxury expedition with Silversea.

The remote Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean is the midway point between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

There is probably more chance of seeing polar bears, walruses and seals than people as you discover the unique remote landscape aboard Silver Endeavour  one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea.

Guests can join hikes, zodiac rides and glacier expeditions to get closer to the scenery and wildlife.

With capacity for around 200 guests, the luxury all-suite ship offers an attentive crew at a ratio of almost one-to-one, as well as immersive lectures and plenty of public places to relax, including a spa and fine dining restaurants.

Departs 13 June 2026. From 7,940pp.

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Read more: Seven of the best places you can get to on the Eurostar from London

Polar Latitudes: Greenland Explorer

Route: Reykjavik  Tasiilaq  Ikateq and Kuummiit  Sermilikfjord  Skjoldungen/Saqqisikuik  Prins Christian Sund and Appilaattoq  Qassiarsuk and Itilleq Kujalleq  Nuuk Kangaamiut and Evighedsfjorden  Kangerlussuaq

The coast of Nuuk with its colourful houses (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Follow the ancient Norse Sea route from Reykjavik to Greenland to witness magical fjords and glaciers and maybe even the northern lights.

This 11-night cruise with Polar Latitudes explores Tunumiit culture in Tasiilaq and Kuummiut, and visits the haunting abandoned military outpost of Ikateq, as well as ice-filled Sermilikfjord.

Other stops include Nuuk, Greenlands colourful capital, where traditional houses stand beside modern-day glass towers.

Sailing on Ocean Victory, guests can watch the scenery from on board hot tubs or enjoy the gym and spa facilities.

Departs 15 August 2026. From 5,390pp.

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Lindblad Expeditions: Exploring Galapagos

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Those aboard Lindblad Expeditions get up close to the Galapagos Islands during the cruise (Lindblad)

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and get up close to the incredible wildlife and natural history of the Galapagos islands.

Sailing with Lindblad Expeditions, this expedition cruises starts in Quito where you fly to Baltra Island for a 10-day journey of discovery to meet giant tortoises, blue-footed booby birds, playful penguins and sea lions, among others.

Onboard experts will guide you around the region as well as chances to drop anchor and meet the marine life underwater in the crystal clear waters.

Departs 6 February 2026. From 4,242pp.

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Aqua Expeditions: Amazon River

Route: Iquitos  Yanayacu Yacapana  Clavero Lake  Nauta Town  Maranon River - Samiria River  Nauta Cano River  Iquitos

Explore the rainforest of the Peruvian Amazon on an expedition river cruise (Getty Images)

Delve deep into the legendary Amazon rainforest on a river cruise from Aqua Expeditions.

Sailing with the luxury brand around the Peruvian portion of the renowned river on a seven-day sailing, guests can enjoy expert-led excursions to spot rare wildlife including pink dolphins, spider monkeys and sloths.

You can also relax in the spa, gym or movie room on-board either the 20-suite Aqua Nera or the 16-suite Aria Amazon.

Departs 20 June 2026. From 8,442 per person.

Book now

Read more: The best bucket list cruises
MIAMI, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Jason Turchin, a Florida personal injury firm with decades of experience, is helping car accident victims in Miami understand the key issues to consider after being injured in a crash. From insurance deadlines to medical care and compensation, there are several important steps to take if you're involved in a serious collision.

"Miami is one of the busiest and most dangerous cities for drivers," says Jason Turchin, Esq., a personal injury attorney who has handled thousands of Florida car accident cases. "Knowing what to do after an accident can help protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights."

Important Things to Consider After a Car Accident in Miami

1. Florida Is a No-Fault State

Florida drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which generally covers up to $10,000 in medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.

2. You May Still Be Able to Sue

If your injuries are severe, permanent, or exceed PIP limits, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional damages like pain and suffering.

3. There Are Strict Deadlines

Florida law requires car accident lawsuits to be filed within 2 years of the date of the crash. Waiting too long could cost you the right to recover compensation.

4. Get Medical Attention Promptly

Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor immediately. Delaying treatment can not only worsen your injuries, but may also hurt your injury claim.

5. Insurance Companies May Not Be on Your Side

Insurers often try to minimize payouts or pressure you to settle quickly. Don't sign anything or give a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer.

Contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin

If you were injured in a Miami car accident, contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin for a free consultation at (800) 337-7755 or visit www.jasonturchin.com. The firm can help with insurance claims, medical bill coordination, and filing a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.

About the Law Offices of Jason Turchin

The firm represents auto accident victims throughout Florida and has handled thousands of cases for injured clients. Jason Turchin, Esq. has been featured in CBS Evening News, Forbes, and Rolling Stone for his work in personal injury law.

Contact:

Jason Turchin

(800) 337-7755

[email protected]

SOURCE Law Offices of Jason Turchin
Delaware trooper killed at DMV in act of pure evil is remembered as dependable, devoted to family

A Delaware state trooper who was shot to death at a DMV office was described Thursday as dependable and professional on the job and steady and kind at home.

Cpl. Matthew Ty Snook, 34, of Hockessin, Delaware, was working an overtime assignment at a DMV office near Wilmington on Tuesday when he was shot by a 44-year-old gunman, state police said. Authorities said Snook pushed a nearby employee to safety before he was shot again. He died later at a hospital, as did the gunman, who was shot by another officer.

Snook, who is survived by his wife and their 1-year-old daughter, was a Delaware native. He graduated from the University of Maryland, where he was a member of the wrestling team, and had been a trooper for 10 years.

Trooper, suspect killed in a shooting at a Delaware DMV

He was known as a dependable, professional, and committed trooper, state police said in a press release that also described him as a trusted partner and beloved community member and extended condolences to Snooks family.

We are forever grateful to them for sharing Ty with us and for the sacrifices they made in support of his service to the citizens of Delaware, the agency said.

An official fund established to support the family describes the officer as a loving husband, a devoted father, and a deeply cherished friend.

Those who knew him remember his steady presence, his kindness, and his unwavering commitment to the people he loved, the fundraisers organizer wrote. Family meant everything to Ty, and he worked every day to provide, protect, and be present for those closest to him.

Authorities have not yet publicly identified the gunman or disclosed a possible motive for the shooting.

What happened today was an act of pure evil, and if not for the heroism of several troopers and other officers, the consequences could have been so much worse, Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer said at a news conference Wednesday.

The state DMV closed its offices statewide, with all but the site of the shooting scheduled to reopen on Monday.

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25 December 2025 23:57 (UTC+04:00)

The hearing of the open court session in the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia  Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others  accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and rules of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on December 25.

The court hearing at the Baku Military Court was held under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samedova). Each of the defendants was provided with an interpreter in a language they understand, as well as defense lawyers.

The hearing was attended by the defendants, their defense counsels, some of the victims, their legal successors and representatives, as well as prosecutors representing the state prosecution.

Presiding Judge Agayev stated that the court hearing was continuing with the defendants final statements.

During the hearing, defendant Levon Mnatsakanyan continued delivering his final statement.

In his address, the defendant stated that he did not agree with the charges brought against him and said: I do not consider myself guilty of any of the charges brought against me.

He noted that he was retracting his statements made during the preliminary investigation and asked the court to consider only the statements he made during the trial when delivering its decision.

Mnatsakanyan thanked the court for providing him with the opportunity to fully express his views.

At the end, he submitted to the court a 51-page text of the statement he had delivered over three days for inclusion in the court records.

Subsequently, defendant Arkadi Gukasyan delivered his final statement.

Gukasyan thanked his lawyers for their principled stance and proper defense, stating: I am especially grateful for their correct approach to the case in order to uncover the truth, as well as for their humane attitude.

He said that he did not agree with the evidence presented by the prosecution and voiced his counterarguments.

The defendant stated that the prosecution had presented his work at the Soviet Karabakh newspaper as a crime, which he did not agree with. He said that he was one of four deputy editors and worked as deputy editor responsible for Russian-language translation. He added that at the time, 16 employees were subordinate to him. The defendant stated that he did not consider the newspapers activities to be criminal.

He noted that he had left big politics in 2007 and had not returned since.

Gukasyan stated that he did not consider himself guilty of any of the charges brought against him.

Then, defendant Bako Sahakyan delivered his final statement. In his speech, B. Sahakyan thanked both of his defense counsels, saying: I am grateful to them for their professionalism and humane attitude. The approach of both lawyers to this indictment can be assessed as being of very high quality from both advocacy and legal perspectives.

He voiced his counterarguments to the statements made by the prosecution. Regarding the prosecutions presentation of them as a criminal organization, he said: There was no criminal organization, nor could there have been one.

The defendant also spoke about his participation in the occupation of Shusha, stating: When the judicial investigation began, I told my lawyer that yes, there is an episode related to my participation in Shusha (referring to participation in the occupation of Shusha  ed.), and I cannot conceal this in court.

The court proceedings will continue on December 26.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state - including the aforementioned criminal association - on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.
26 December 2025 16:35 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The court hearing scheduled for December 26 in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan has been postponed, Azernews reports.

The postponement followed an appeal by the defendants defense attorney, Emil Babishov, who requested that the hearing be delayed due to health-related issues. The court considered the lawyers request and decided to adjourn the proceedings.

The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for December 30.

Ruben Vardanyan is accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and a range of other particularly serious offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The charges include planning, preparing and waging a war of aggression; deportation and forced transfer of population; persecution; enforced disappearances; deprivation of liberty contrary to international law; torture; mercenary activity; violations of the laws and customs of war and international humanitarian law; intentional murder and attempted murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism-related crimes; creation of a criminal association; acts threatening aviation safety; forcible seizure or retention of power; creation of illegal armed formations; and illegal crossing of the state border of Azerbaijan.
26 December 2025 17:02 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

A meeting was held with entrepreneurs to discuss business establishment and development, and their opinions and suggestions were heard, Azernews reports.

Organized by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) and supported by the Shirvan City Executive Authority, the meeting brought together local entrepreneurs from the district. Nearly 80 businesspeople engaged in agriculture, industry, and livestock sectors attended, along with representatives of government institutions.

At the meeting, Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of SMBDAs Board of Directors, and Ilgar Abbasov, Head of the Shirvan City Executive Authority, provided detailed information about entrepreneurial activities in the district, the favorable business environment, state support programs, and the regions economic potential. Within the framework of the public-private partnership platform, it was noted that the district has significant potential not only in traditional industries but also in trade, logistics, and services. Entrepreneurs operating in Shirvan and surrounding cities and districts were informed that they could turn to SMBDA for support in establishing businesses or expanding existing operations, including information, consulting, coordination, and other assistance.

The meeting provided a platform for entrepreneurs to share their opinions and suggestions, and an exchange of views was held on the issues raised. Discussions included allocation of land for enterprise construction, connecting greenhouse farms to utility services, provision of preferential loans, and other topics, with questions from entrepreneurs answered during the session.

SMBDA representatives also visited a tailoring workshop owned by Seyidzaman Samedov in Shirvan and the roofing production facility of Teodoro LLC in Hajigabul. During these visits, they engaged with entrepreneurs and exchanged ideas on business development.
26 December 2025 12:21 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The final master classes planned for 2025 by the Culture Ministry's Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center for Culture (MEMIM) have been organized in the city of Yevlakh, Azernews reports.

Students and teachers from music and art schools in the Yevlakh, Agdash, Goychay, Kurdamir, Ujar, and Zardab districts, as well as the city of Mingachevir, which are under the jurisdiction of the Central-Aran Regional Department of Culture, participated in the master classes in the specialties of accordion and khananda (mugham singing). The events were held with the support of the Central-Aran Regional Department of Culture.

Lala Karimova, Head of the MEMIM Department and Honored Cultural Worker, noted that the goal of the master classes, dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, is to contribute to raising the educational standards in music and art schools operating under the Culture Ministry. She emphasized the project's importance in enriching students' musical tastes, instilling professional skills, and enhancing both the theoretical and practical knowledge of teachers.

The master class in accordion was conducted by Sarhan Abiev, Associate Professor, Honored Artist, and lecturer at the Department of Folk Instruments of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts. The master class in mugham was led by Sevinj Sariyeva, Honored Artist, soloist at the International Mugham Center, and lecturer at the Music College of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory.

During the master classes, teachers provided recommendations based on students' performances and answered questions from the audience. At the conclusion, a copy of the book "Asaf Zeynalli. Selected Works", compiled by MEMIM, was donated to the school library.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.
26 December 2025 16:46 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A joint event titled "A Life Where Words Turn into Fate  Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh"has taken place at the Republic Youth Library together with Children and Youth Development Center No. 4, Azernews reports.

The event began with a one-minute silence in memory of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the heroic Azerbaijani sons who sacrificed their lives for the countrys independence and territorial integrity.

At the event, Aslan Jafarov, Director of the Republic Youth Library, spoke about the irreplaceable role of People's Poet, academician Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh in Azerbaijani literature, the history of national thought, and public consciousness. He also mentioned the projects and materials prepared at the Republic Youth Library in accordance with the decree signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, on February 21, 2025, regarding the celebration of the 100th anniversary of People's Poet Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh.

Shahla Gamberova, Director of the Firudin Bay Kocharli Republic Children's Library and Honored Cultural Worker; Nazakat Mammadova, Editor-in-Chief of the"Memory Book" and poet; and Professor and children's writer Solmaz Amanov, emphasized that Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh was not only a poet but also a herald of national thought, a tireless defender of our mother tongue, national identity, and ideals of freedom. They noted that his poetry reflects the soul, sorrows, joys, struggles, and hope for the future of the Azerbaijani people.

The event included the presentation of the electronic database "People's Poet Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh  100", prepared by the staff of the Republic Youth Library.

In addition, an exhibition of paintings by members of the visual arts clubs operating under Children and Youth Development Center No. 4 was held. The exhibition displayed the works of more than 20 young and amateur artists.

The artistic part of the event featured performances of dances and poetry compositions by the development center and the "Dan Ulduzu" dance ensemble.
26 December 2025 14:35 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Azerbaijan Composers' Union has hosted another event in the series dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the birth of the founder of Azerbaijani professional music, Uzeyir Hajibayli, Azernews reports.

The event featured the presentation of five books, the publication of which was timed to coincide with this significant anniversary. The publications were realized on the initiative of, and with the direct participation of, a member of the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, outstanding musicologist, honored figure of science and art, recipient of the Sharaf Order, and academician Zemfira Safarova.

The authors of these works are researchers from the "History and Theory of Music" department of the Institute of Architecture and Art. The following books were presented: Zemfira Safarova  "The Patriarch of Azerbaijani Music Uzeyir Hajibayli" (in Russian, published by CBS, 2025); Zemfira Safarova  "Uzeyir Hajibayli: Life and Creative Career" (in English, published by Elm, 2025); Lala Kazimova  "Fuzuli Ghazals in Azerbaijani Music" (published by Srq-Qrb, 2025); Ulkyar Talibzade  "Academician Zemfira Safarova" (published by Elm, 2025); Sekhrana Gasimi  "Development of Azerbaijani Music: Analysis in the Cultural-Historical Context" (published by Elm v Thsil, 2025).

The presentation was opened with a welcoming speech by the Chairperson of the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, People's Artist, Corresponding Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Professor Firangiz Alizade.

She noted that Academician Zemfira Safarova has devoted more than half a century to promoting the values of Azerbaijani musical culture:

"Being the founder of music source studies in the republic, she is the author of numerous scientific works illuminating previously unexplored pages of the country's musical culture, as well as books and monographs dedicated to the history of Azerbaijani music. A special place in Zemfira Safarova's scientific activity is occupied by the personality and creative work of the founder of Azerbaijani academic music, Uzeyir Hajibayli; she is the creator of a unique "Uzeyiriana," presented in various foreign languages beyond our country," F. Alizade said.

At the presentation, the President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Academician Isa Habibbayli, and the Director of the Institute of Architecture and Art, Corresponding Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Professor Ertekin Salamzade, highlighted the significant contribution of Academician Zemfira Safarova to the development of musical science in the republic at the modern stage.

The presented books were discussed by Doctor of Arts, Professor Naila Rahimbayli; Doctor of Arts, Professor Irada Kocharli; Honored Cultural Worker, Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies, Ulkar Talibzade; and musicologist Raya Abbasova.

The presentation was musically complemented by a performance of the music of the great Uzeyir Hajibayli: a fantasy on themes from the operetta "The Cloth Peddler" was performed by composer and pianist Sevda Mammadli.

The event concluded with a closing speech by Academician Zemfira Safarova, who thanked the leadership of the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, represented by Firangiz Alizade, for the excellent organization of the presentation, after which all attendees had the opportunity to receive copies of the presented books.

Uzeyir Hajibayli significantly shaped national musical identity, achieving the distinction of composing the first opera in the Islamic world.

His opera "Leyli and Majnun" (1908) drew upon traditional folk music and dance, forms of expression transmitted orally.

Hajibayli's subsequent operas, including "Sheyh Sanan," "Rustam and Sohrab," "Asli and Karam," "Shah Abbas," "Khurshudbanu and Harun," and "Leyli," also prominently featured national folk music elements, particularly mugham.

Beyond opera, Hajibayli composed three comedies: "Husband and Wife" (1910), "If not this one, that one" (1911), and "Arshin Mal Alan" (1913).

"Arshin Mal Alan," or "The Cloth Peddler," stands out as one of his most beloved and enduring operettas.

This operetta has enjoyed widespread international success, with performances in numerous languages across over 60 countries, encompassing the U.S., Austria, France, China, Greece, India, Russia, and Turkiye.
TOKYO, Dec. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TIER IV , the pioneering force behind open-source software for autonomous driving, is excited to announce its capital and business alliance with Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central). Through this alliance, the two companies will deepen their collaboration and advance the development of next-generation first- and last-mile mobility solutions that improve access to and from railway stations, contributing to regional development.

Japan is confronting increasingly urgent mobility challenges stemming from population decline and a shortage of professional drivers. Autonomous buses and shuttles are expected to improve access to railway stations, which in turn will help sustain the use of rail services.

Leveraging Autoware*, open-source software for autonomous driving, TIER IV has deployed autonomous driving technology in a range of vehicles, including passenger cars, taxis and buses. Recognizing the potential for autonomous driving to complement access within JR Central's operating area, the two companies have formed this alliance to establish a framework for future expansion of first- and last-mile mobility services.

"Enhancing the sustainability of regional mobility is central to our mission of making autonomous driving accessible to all," said Shinpei Kato, founder and CEO of TIER IV. "This alliance will accelerate our efforts to deploy autonomous driving and contribute to revitalizing communities along JR Central's railway lines by improving first- and last-mile connectivity. Looking ahead to future integration with the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, we will work together to create new value in mobility."

"Autonomous driving systems are gaining attention as a way to expand mobility options and support regional communities," said Shunsuke Niwa, president of Central Japan Railway Company. "In our service areas, autonomous driving technologies hold significant potential to maintain and enhance station accessibility, and eventually to create new flows of people and exchange through integration with the forthcoming Linear Chuo Shinkansen. By investing in TIER IV and partnering with a leader in autonomous driving deployment, we aim to deepen collaboration and, together with local communities, further enhance the value of the regions we serve."

*Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation.

About TIER IV

TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware , the world's first open-source software for autonomous driving. Harnessing Autoware, we build scalable platforms and deliver comprehensive solutions across software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, we are committed to reshaping the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive in the evolving field of autonomous driving.

Media contact

[email protected]

SOURCE TIER IV, Inc.
26 December 2025 15:39 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

One of the priority areas of activity of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation is the large-scale promotion of the historical, cultural, and literary heritage of the Turkic world and its transmission to future generations. In pursuing this mission, the Foundation implements publishing projects of a high international standard and consistently presents its publications at prestigious book fairs and cultural platforms around the world.

Over the past two years, the Foundation has established five new book series: Outstanding Figures of the Turkic World, Literary Pearls of the Turkic World, Scholarly Pearls of the Turkic World, Historical Pearls of the Turkic World and Diplomatic Pearls of the Turkic World.

The first publication in the Outstanding Figures of the Turkic World series was the book Heydar Aliyev and Muhammad Fuzuli, which includes decrees and orders of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, his speeches, as well as photographs related to the jubilees of the great poet Muhammad Fuzuli. The book was published to mark the 530th anniversary of the poet. Another publication in this series was a collection of articles by the classic of 20th-century Azerbaijani literature Mir Jalal entitled The World of Nizami Ganjavi. Both publications were issued in the Azerbaijani language.

Within the Scholarly Pearls of the Turkic World series, the fundamental work of Mahmud al-Kashgari, Divan Lughat al-Turk, was published in Russian with extensive scholarly commentary. The presentation of the book took place in France at a conference jointly organized with UNESCO on the occasion of the 950th anniversary of the works creation. The materials of the presentation and the academic conference were also published as a separate volume. In the same series, the book History Carved in Stone by the renowned Kazakh scholar Darkhan Kydyrali, dedicated to inscriptions on monuments of the Turkic world, was published.

This year, within the Historical Pearls of the Turkic World series, the scholarly work The Gem of Wisdom by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, was published. In addition, the Foundation released the book Shusha  Historical and Cultural Heritage by the well-known researcher Elchin Ahmadov, dedicated to the past and present of the city of Shusha, one of Azerbaijans most important historical and cultural centers, which has played an exceptional role in the development of the nations culture, arts, and spiritual life. Another notable publication in this series is the collection of scholarly articles Coryphaei by the prominent Kazakh scholar Sautbek Abdrakhmanov.

The Foundation attaches special importance to anniversary events held in accordance with the Decrees and Orders of the Presidents of the Turkic countries. For example, guided by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, dated October 22, 2025, On the Celebration of the Centennial of the First Turkological Congress, the Foundation prepared for publication the book The First Turkological Congress by Nizami Jafarov, Mahira Huseynova, and Aysel Garibli in three languages  Azerbaijani, Kazakh, and Russian.

In the Literary Pearls of the Turkic World series, in 2024 the ghazals of the great poet Muhammad Fuzuli were translated into Kazakh and published under the title Ghazals and Gasidas of Muhammad Fuzuli. The presentation of the book took place during the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Kazakhstan. Also presented in Turkmenistan and at the 10th Baku International Book Fair were other publications of this series: the poetry collection I'm in love by the outstanding Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy (in Turkmen and Azerbaijani), the novel Special Assignment by the renowned Kazakh writer Kemel Tokayev, the work My Name Is Kozha by the Kazakh author Berdibek Sokpakbayev, and the book of philosophical parables and essays The Long-Awaited Happiness by Kazakh public figure Malik Otarbayev.

This year, the poetry collection From Time to Time by the outstanding Kyrgyz classic Alykul Osmonov was published in Kyrgyz and Azerbaijani, with presentations held in Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan. In 2025, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Peoples Poet of Azerbaijan Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh, his work The Sword That Pierces Us Ourselves was published in Azerbaijani and Turkish and presented in Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Another publication in the Literary Pearls of Turkic Literature series was the historical novel Gultakin Khagan by Elchin Huseynbeyli, Secretary of the Writers Union of Azerbaijan, dedicated to the era of the Gokturks.

The Foundation also pays special attention to multilingual publications. This year, on the instructions of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the 180th anniversary of the outstanding Kazakh poet, great thinker, and educator Abai Kunanbayev is being widely celebrated at the international level. In this regard, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation has made a significant contribution by publishing the multilingual collection Selected Poems in Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkish, Uzbek, Turkmen, and Hungarian. The book Our Magzhan, dedicated to the outstanding Kazakh poet Magzhan Zhumabayev, was published in Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkish, Uzbek, English, and Russian. This year, the novel The Year of the Wolf, or We in Turkestan by Askar Kumyran was also translated from Kazakh into Azerbaijani and published.

Recognizing the importance of academic conferences on the literary and cultural heritage of the Turkic world, the Foundation published as a separate book the proceedings of the conference From Ashig Alasgar to Uzeyir Hajibeyli: Cultural Codes of the Turkic World, dedicated to the 140th anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibeyli.

The Foundation pays particular attention to the diplomatic heritage of the Turkic world. The work The Ambassadors Manifesto by the distinguished Azerbaijani diplomat and statesman Hafiz Pashayev has been translated into the Kazakh language. In addition, the book Ethnic Roots of the Azerbaijani and Hungarian Peoples by the renowned Azerbaijani statesman Hasan Hasanov has been prepared for publication, and the study AzerbaijanGeorgian Relations (19181922) by historian Fakhri Valehoghlu has been published.

The Foundation also places great importance on encyclopedic publications. Last year, in cooperation with the Baku Music Academy, the atlas National Musical Instruments of the Turkic Countries was published. Another such project was the book Ajami Nakhchivani  A Genius of Azerbaijans Architectural Heritage, prepared jointly with the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan and presented at UNESCO Headquarters.

Continuing its systematic work in this field and going beyond the framework of the aforementioned series, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation is implementing a multi-volume, multilingual publishing project  the Anthology Heritage of Turkic Folklore, carried out within the framework of the instructions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and supported by the Leaders of all Turkic States.

For the first time in global scholarly practice, this Anthology represents a unified, fundamental academic publication. The project is designed for three years and envisages the publication of 21 volumes in print and digital formats. At the first stage, five books of the first volume, dedicated to the heroic epics of the Turkic world, have already been published. For the first time, the anthology brings together within a unified concept the most significant examples of epics, myths, legends, traditions, and folklore of the Turkic peoples in a multinational and multilingual format, forming an integral corpus of their oral heritage and ensuring its preservation and international promotion.

Another important publication of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation this year was the first multilingual Catalogue of the Cultural Heritage of the Turkic World  The Cultural Code of the Turkic World. This edition was created in close cooperation with international experts and researchers and is distinguished by the fact that all presented materials were officially approved by the Foundations member states: each country presented its heritage objects in its national language, emphasizing authenticity and respect for its own cultural traditions. The catalogue was prepared by an authoritative international editorial team and produced in a popular-scientific format, making it accessible to a wide audience  from specialists to young people and schoolchildren.

The catalogue covers seven countries  Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Hungary, featuring ten tangible and intangible cultural heritage items from each Turkic country, for a total of 70 unique monuments and traditions. These include iconic historical sites, cultural landscapes, traditions, and crafts which, taken together, reflect the spiritual unity of the Turkic world and the diversity of its cultural expressions shaped at the crossroads of history, geography, and civilizational routes.

By publishing and translating into various world languages the works of Nizami Ganjavi, Alisher Navoi, Muhammad Fuzuli, Abay Kunanbayev, Magzhan Zhumabayev, Magtymguly Pyragy, Alykul Osmonov, Chingiz Aitmatov, Ashig Veysel, Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh, and many other classics, the Foundation widely promotes Turkic literary heritage. The Foundation also prepares special editions for children, including The World of Nizami Ganjavi of Children, The Rainbow of the Turkic World (Turkic folk tales), My Name Is Kozha by Berdibek Sokpakbayev, and others.

All publications issued by the Foundation are accompanied by presentation events, round tables, and academic conferences featuring in-depth discussions of the books, as well as artistic and literary performances based on selected excerpts. The published works are donated to national libraries of Turkic countries, thereby contributing to the promotion of common Turkic heritage, raising international awareness, and expanding access to the cultural legacy of the Turkic world among a broad global audience.

In conclusion, we would like to note that over the past two years, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation has published approximately 50 books within the aforementioned series and other publishing projects, making a significant contribution to the preservation and international promotion of the literary and cultural heritage of the Turkic world.

Building on the achievements attained, the Foundation will continue its systematic work in this area, expanding publishing and cultural-educational initiatives aimed at promoting the literary and historical-cultural heritage of the Turkic world.
26 December 2025 18:07 (UTC+04:00)

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, recently visited the YASA Center located in Bakus historic Icherisheher district to meet with members of the senior community.

At the centre, elderly participants engage in various handicrafts, decorative and applied arts, and other creative activities. Regular educational and cultural events are organised to enrich their lives and foster social interaction.

According to Azernews, during her visit, Leyla Aliyeva held heartfelt conversations with the seniors, listened to their recited poetry, observed their handmade creations, and received information about the content of ongoing activities and the centres future plans.

The YASA network of centres has been established to support active, healthy, and meaningful lives for older adults. These centres are not only operating in Baku but also in Mingachevir and Shamakhi, providing opportunities for social engagement, learning, and active living for elderly citizens across various regions.
26 December 2025 20:09 (UTC+04:00)

On the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, a New Year celebration was organised for children living in the city of Yevlakh ahead of the New Year.

IDEA told AZERTAC that, as part of the festive event, 30 children from different age groups were presented with bicycles along with safety equipment. The initiative brought joy and a festive spirit to the children on the eve of the New Year.

It should be noted that, at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, large-scale projects covering humanitarian, educational, healthcare, social, environmental and other fields are regularly implemented both across various regions of Azerbaijan and in a number of countries around the world. Organising events for children in orphanages, boarding schools, as well as for children in need of treatment and careparticularly during holidaysis one of the key priorities of these initiatives. Such events are held regularly to bring happiness to children deprived of parental care and those in greater need of attention, ensuring they can experience the joy and warmth of the festive season.
26 December 2025 12:42 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Azerbaijans first large-scale wind energy project, with a total capacity of 240 megawatts, developed by Chinese companies, is scheduled to be commissioned this year.

Azernews reports that the announcement was made by Lu Mei, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Peoples Republic of China to Azerbaijan, during a briefing dedicated to the outcomes of bilateral relations between China and Azerbaijan.

According to the diplomat, Chinese companies have signed cooperation agreements with Azerbaijan on five new energy projects. These projects include solar photovoltaic and wind power plants with a combined installed capacity of 1,570 megawatts.

Once these projects are fully operational, Azerbaijans electricity generation capacity from renewable energy sources will double, Lu Mei noted.

The ambassador also stated that Chinese companies plan to build, using their own investments, a solar panel manufacturing plant with an annual capacity of 3 gigawatts in the Alat Free Economic Zone.

The implementation of this project will create significant opportunities for the development of Azerbaijans high-tech manufacturing industry, she emphasized.
26 December 2025 11:23 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The hosting of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) is regarded as a continuation of the strong organizational and operational capacity that Azerbaijan has developed through hosting major international events over the past decade.

As reported by Azernews, this was stated by Eldar Rasulov, Media Relations Manager of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company, in comments to journalists.

Rasulov noted that security and crowd management are among the key priorities for WUF13. Regular coordination meetings are being held with law enforcement agencies, and the UN security service will also oversee safety at the venue during the forum, he said.

He emphasized that Azerbaijans experience in hosting large-scale international events, particularly COP29, which involved tens of thousands of participants, hundreds of official delegations, and extensive international media coverage - has demonstrated the countrys readiness in logistics, security, transportation, volunteer coordination, accreditation, and media operations. This experience has established a solid institutional foundation for the successful organization of WUF13, Rasulov added.

He expressed confidence that WUF13 will be organized at a high professional level and will make a meaningful contribution to the development of Azerbaijans urban planning sector.

Rasulov also stated that extensive infrastructure preparations are underway at the Baku Olympic Stadium, the selected venue for WUF13, with construction work already in progress to accommodate the scale of the event.

Highlighting the role of volunteers, he said a dedicated Volunteer Center was established, receiving 16,000 applications during the registration period. Following training, 2,500 volunteers will be deployed across various areas of the forum.

Special attention is being paid to sustainability principles, with the forum planned to be organized in compliance with the ISO 20121 sustainable event management standard.

According to Rasulov, the Baku Olympic Stadium will host conference halls and supporting infrastructure covering a total area of 92,000 square meters. Within the framework of the forum, the Urban Expo exhibition will be held across 35,000 square meters, bringing together countries, cities, municipalities, regional and UN organizations, academic institutions, international financial institutions, civil society groups, foundations, and private companies.

He added that WUF13 is an open platform, with free registration available through the official UN-Habitat website since September. Transport accessibility is also a key focus, with a Transport Exchange Centers Master Plan prepared and 11 transport hubs identified. Work is ongoing to map routes connecting Heydar Aliyev International Airport, hotels, city centers, and the Baku Olympic Stadium to ensure smooth mobility for participants.
26 December 2025 15:10 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

In accordance with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, the Great Return to the territories liberated from occupation continues.

Azernews reports that on December 26, new caravans of families, temporarily residing in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings across various regions of the country, were sent to their native lands.

In this phase, 64 families comprising 278 people were relocated to Khydyrly village in Aghdam, while 11 families totaling 48 people moved to Seyidbeyli village. Additionally, 13 families, or 51 individuals, returned to Hadrut settlement in Khojavend. The relocation process is being carried out through the joint efforts of relevant state bodies within the framework of the First State Program on the Great Return.

Residents returning to their homeland expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive state support provided to them. They also thanked the heroic Azerbaijani Army, including soldiers and officers, for liberating their lands, and prayed for the martyrs who gave their lives on this path.
26 December 2025 16:00 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Significant progress was made in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia in 2025, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference dedicated to the outcomes of the year, Azernews reports.

According to the minister, Azerbaijan is increasingly recognized as a country that initiates peace at the international level. He noted that the initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia has opened the way for the formation of new geopolitical realities in the South Caucasus.

Bayramov emphasized that a key achievement within the peace framework is the agreement on ensuring a new unhindered connection between mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This project will expand transport and trade opportunities in the region, the minister said, highlighting its broader economic and strategic significance.

He also underlined that, in the context of signing the final peace agreement, it is essential for Armenia to remove territorial claims against Azerbaijan from its constitution and to fully fulfill its existing international obligations, including those related to confidence-building and regional connectivity.

In addition, the foreign minister stated that efforts have continued to hold Armenia accountable for crimes committed during the years of occupation, stressing that justice and responsibility remain integral components of a sustainable peace process.

Bayramov reiterated that Azerbaijan remains committed to advancing peace based on international law, mutual recognition of sovereignty, and respect for territorial integrity.
26 December 2025 17:23 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Bahar Energy Operating Company Limited (BEOC) has prepared a strategic roadmap for the partial (6070%) transfer of stakes in the Bahar field, located in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, to investors, Azernews reports, citing the company.

According to information, the operator of both the Bahar and Gum-Deniz fields, efforts to attract investors under this roadmap will continue in the first quarter of 2026.

It should be noted that the ownership structure of the Bahar and Gum-Deniz fields has recently changed. As of August 15, 2025, 100% of the shares in BEOC were acquired by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), bringing the project under SOCARs full management within the framework of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

The Bahar field has been in operation since 1968, while the Gum-Deniz field has been producing oil since 1955. Both fields hold strategic importance for Azerbaijans energy sector. The Gum-Deniz field stretches approximately 12 km offshore from Qum Island, located south of the Absheron Peninsula in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, while the Bahar field lies roughly 20 km from the coast.
26 December 2025 22:25 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Korean tech companies are making their final preparations for CES 2026, the worlds largest consumer electronics trade show, scheduled for January 69, 2026. Under the theme Innovators Show Up, the event will feature over 4,500 companies from around the globe, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

While CES 2025 explored the potential of AI under the theme Dive In, next years show will go a step further, highlighting how AI can tangibly transform home appliances and living spaces.

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which organizes CES, has identified four core themes for the event  AI, robotics, mobility, and digital health  with a particular focus on AIs evolution. CES 2026 will shift attention from generative AIs capacity to create images and text to its ability to understand user intent, autonomously perform tasks, and integrate with hardware, including robots and mobility devices, to interact with the physical world.

Hyundai Motor Group, U.S.-based Boston Dynamics, Chinas Unitree Robotics, and Swedens Hexagon are all expected to unveil AI-powered humanoid robots.

Samsung Electronics, which traditionally operates a large booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will take a different approach this year. The company will host a Your Companion to AI Living exhibit at the Wynn Hotels Latour Ballroom, aiming to boost audience engagement by showcasing its AI ecosystem in a single, immersive space.

Samsung will also introduce the industrys first refrigerator to feature Gemini, Googles generative AI model. The Bespoke AI refrigerator uses an internal camera to identify ingredients and, thanks to Gemini, can now recognize a far broader range of foods than the previous model, expanding from 37 fresh items and 50 processed or packaged items. In addition, Samsung plans to expand its TV lineup with displays utilizing advanced micro-RGB technology.

LG Electronics will spotlight its robotics innovations under its Zero Labor Home vision. A teaser video for its next-generation home robot, LG CLOiD, shows a robotic hand fist-bumping a person and moving objects around the house. An upgrade from the earlier Q9 mobile robot, CLOiD features two robotic arms, each with five fingers, signaling its evolution into a physical AI capable of assisting with household chores.

The day before CES opens, LG will host a world premiere event themed Innovation in Tune with You, demonstrating empathetic AI that connects various spaces and productsfrom homes to mobility solutions and commercial environmentsproviding tailored user experiences.

CES 2026 will also mark a milestone for corporate leadership: Samsung Electronics President Roh Tae-moon, now officially confirmed in his role, and newly appointed LG Electronics President Lyu Jae-cheol will both take center stage. The two companies are expected to spotlight lifestyle-embedded technologies that seamlessly combine AI with hardware.

Executives of global tech giants will also draw attention, with keynote speakers including AMD CEO Lisa Su, Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing, and Siemens CEO Roland Busch. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, a keynote at CES 2025, will return as a special speaker at the Nvidia Live event, promising insights into the future of AI and hardware integration.

Industry analysts note that CES 2026 could signal a turning point for AI in consumer technology, moving from conceptual demos to devices and robots that genuinely enhance everyday life.
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How daughter of Armagh egg farmer launched quirky Belfast hotel after Malone Road 'buy of the century'

Melanie Harrison tells Business Telegraph how she turned her 212k office block on the citys Malone Road into a luxury bolthole for discerning guests

Melanie Harrison

James McNaney Fri 26 Dec 2025 at 17:00

Over the holiday period, we're bringing back some of our top articles of 2025. This article was originally published on May 06, 2025.
Tommy Sands: If you can create a storm through songs, peace, chat and laughter, thats important

A new documentary celebrating 60 years of musical heritage charts the life of Bard of Peace Tommy Sands, known worldwide for his songwriting and social activism, and his family

Tommy Sands

Clodagh Traynor Fri 26 Dec 2025 at 09:00

From a Ceili house in Co Down to Carnegie Hall and stages around the world, the Sands family became known for promoting peace through music and storytelling.
Son of Belfast doctor and World War Two hero who outwitted Japanese captors with Irish tells of pride at legacy

Remarkable story of Belfast medic who saved hundreds of lives in PoW camp revealed

Dr Frank Murray and inset with his fellow PoWs at Japanese camp

Brett Campbell Fri 26 Dec 2025 at 08:30

The son of a Catholic doctor from Belfast who joined the British Army during the Second World War remains very proud of his late father who did the right thing.
Erection of centenary stone at Stormont remains delayed due to planning logjam

Belfast City Council still to give go-ahead for memorial almost five years after anniversary

The centenary stone

Noel McAdam Fri 26 Dec 2025 at 08:00

Belfast City Council will have to approve a centenary stone celebrating Northern Irelands first 100 years  further delaying its installation.
Anti-disinformation campaigner Imran Ahmed said the influence of big tech companies, including Elon Musks X, was behind a bid to deport him from the US (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Politicians using Elon Musks X should question their consciences, an anti-disinformation campaigner facing deportation from the US has said.

Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), was sanctioned by Donald Trumps administration on Tuesday, with officials accusing him of trying to censor social media platforms such as X, formerly Twitter.

On Friday, Mr Ahmed said the influence of big tech firms, including Mr Musks platform, was behind the bid to remove him from the US, where he is a legal permanent resident.

Speaking to the Press Association, he said the sanctions were actually a story about the corrupting influence of big tech and big money in Washington.

He described the tech firms as arrogant, indifferent to the harm they cause and sociopathic in their greed.

Billionaire Elon Musk tried unsuccessfully to sue Imran Ahmeds organisation over its criticism of his X platform (Leon Neal/PA)

Asked whether he thought UK politicians should continue to use X, he told PA: Politicians have to make decisions for themselves, but every time they post on X, they are putting a buck in Mr Musks pocket and I think they need to question their own consciences and ask themselves whether or not they think they can carry on doing that.

Mr Ahmed, a former Labour adviser, has previously found himself in conflict with big tech, and particularly Mr Musk, who sued CCDH unsuccessfully last year over its claims there had been a rise in hate speech and disinformation on his website.

The campaigner said it was telling that Mr Musk was one of the first and most vociferous in celebrating the press release announcing the sanctions against him.

He told PA: He said it was great, and it is great, but not for the reasons that he thinks.

Because what it has actually done is give a chance for the system to show that the advocacy that we do is both important and protected by the first amendment.

Mr Ahmed is one of five Europeans issued with visa bans by the US over allegations of censorship, including Clare Melford, chief executive of the UK-based Global Disinformation Index.

As a green card holder, Mr Ahmed holds legal permanent residency in the US, where he lives with his American wife and child.

But the sanctions mean this status could be revoked leaving him vulnerable to deportation.

Since being sanctioned, Mr Ahmed has secured a court order preventing his arrest or deportation ahead of a hearing on December 29 to consider a legal complaint he has made against the sanctions.

Mr Ahmed told PA he had complete faith in the system to uphold his rights, and looked forward to the hearing.

His lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said the speed with which the temporary court order was granted showed it was obvious that the US governments actions were blatantly unconstitutional.

She said: Americans should be grateful for our clients courageous work to combat antisemitism, racism, as well as efforts to harm young children on social media.

The federal government cant deport a green card holder like Imran Ahmed, with a wife and young child who are American, simply because it doesnt like what he has to say.

The Trump administration has signalled the sanctions could be followed by further action, potentially targeting serving politicians or officials.

Other Europeans hit with travel bans were the former EU commissioner responsible for supervising social media rules, Thierry Breton, and Josephine Ballon and Anna-Lena von Hodenberg, leaders of German organisation HateAid.

Announcing the sanctions, US secretary of state Marco Rubio accused the group of leading efforts to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose.

Sarah Rogers, the US undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, said Mr Ahmed was sanctioned because he was a key collaborator with Joe Bidens administrations efforts to weaponise the government against US citizens.

She said the CCDH had called for social media sites to de-platform anti-vaccine campaigners  including the now health secretary Robert F Kennedy  and had backed measures, including the UKs Online Safety Act, to expand censorship around the world.

Mr Ahmed has links to senior Labour figures, having worked as an adviser to now-Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn during his time as shadow foreign secretary.

Sir Keir Starmers chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, was listed as a director at the CCDH before resigning in April 2020, according to Companies House records.

A UK Government spokesperson said: While every country has the right to set its own visa rules, we support the laws and institutions which are working to keep the internet free from the most harmful content.
December 25, 2025: Israel is selling its Arrow 3 anti-missile missiles to Germany in a $4.6 billion deal. Germany will also receive the Green Pine radar. Germany eventually expects to have several Arrow batteries deployed along their eastern border to intercept Russian long range missiles. The first German Arrow missile battery arrived on December 3rd. The German purchase is part of the European Sky Shield Initiative that will link missile defense systems of all participating nations into a control center multiple nations have access to. Production of Arrow began in 2017 and continues as new missiles are designed and existing ones receive upgrades.

Arrow was developed by Israeli and American firms with most components being produced in the United States. An Arrow 3 missile has two stages and reaches an altitude of over a hundred kilometers. Top speed is about 3,000 meters a second. Steering is provided by thrust vectoring. It uses INS/Inertial Navigation System, which cannot be jammed. Terminal target homing is via a gimbaled seeker.

Arrow has seen combat in the 2024 war with Iran, the 2025 Red Sea conflict with Houth rebels in Yemen and the 2025 war with Iran. In all three conflicts Arrow was successful at intercepting incoming missiles. Arrow also passed several tests where air launched missiles acting like incoming ballistic missiles were intercepted by Arrow.

Twelve years ago the United States agreed to build a base for the new Israeli Arrow 3 anti-missile missile. This has caused a major security problem for Israel. Thats because the United States publishes, for all to see, precise specifications of military construction programs that are not classified, so that contractors can come up with realistic and accurate bids for the job. In the United States something like the Arrow 3 base would not be classified. But in Israel details of military bases are very much a secret. So there was consternation in Israel when they saw all the details of their new Arrow 3 base, including specs on the six missile silos and support facilities, on the Internet, where the U.S. Department of Defense publicizes jobs to be bid on. After all the yelling and recriminations were over, it was agreed that there was a failure to communicate on both sides.

The basic problem was that for over 14 years the U.S. has been giving Israel money, technology, and other aid for their work on the Arrow system. In return, Israel shares whatever technology it develops. Until the recent incident, Israel handled all the construction projects, using its own rules, and apparently no one on the Israeli side of Arrow development was aware of the differences in how the two countries handled obtaining bids on military construction projects. Now everyone knows, because this misunderstanding was front page news in Israel.

On the positive side, Israeli conducted the first test firing of the new Arrow 3 in 2013 and it was a success. Those tests confirmed the effectiveness of new detection capabilities of the Green Pine radar. The improved Green Pine radar entered service a year earlier.

By 2013 the Arrow system had been in service for 13 years and racked up an impressive string of successes in test launches. Designed to deal with short and medium range ballistic missiles, it was built to protect Israel from Syrian and Iranian attack. In 2013 Israel had three Arrow batteries in service. An Arrow battery has 4-8 launchers and each launcher carries six missiles in containers. The two ton Arrow 1 has been replaced with the 1.3 ton Arrow 2, which can shoot down ballistic missiles fired from Iran. The latest battery to enter service in 2010 had the new Oren Adir/Magnificent Pine radar, which has a longer range and is better able to identify potential targets than the existing Green Pine radar.

The United States has long shared the expense of developing Arrow, and this includes contributing over a hundred million dollars for work on the Arrow 3. More than half of the nearly three billion dollar cost of developing and building Arrow has come from the United States. In addition, American firms have done some of the development work or contributed technology. The U.S. has also provided Israel with a mobile X-band radar that enables it to detect incoming ballistic missiles farther away.

In 2013 the Israeli Green Pine radar could only detect a ballistic missile fired from Iran when the missile warhead was about two minutes from hitting a target in Israel. The X-band radar allows the Iranian missile to be spotted when it is 5-6 minutes away, enabling the Israeli missile to hit the Iranian warhead farther away and with greater certainty. The Arrow 3 needed something like the X-band radar to take advantage of the longer missile range. The Arrow 3 could also use satellite or drone warnings of distant ballistic missile launches. Arrow 3 weighs about half as much as Arrow 2 and costs about a third less.

In 2010, Israel began increasing the production of its Arrow anti-missile missiles. Costing over three million dollars each, and partly constructed in the United States, the Arrow missiles are one of the few proven anti-missile systems available. Since Arrow entered service, just over 130 missiles have been built by 2013. At that point Israel had over a hundred Arrow missiles available and wanted to increase that to 200 in the next few years.

Twenty four years ago Israel's Arrow anti-missile system finally got something of a real life test. The tracking radar detected the launch of a SCUD missile in Syria. The Syrians were conducting a test, and the missile headed for the desert in southern Syria, rather than Israel. Had the Syrian missile headed for Israel, an Arrow missile would have been launched to intercept it. Arrow has already passed several live tests involving ballistic missile intercepts. Syria had a large arsenal of 40-50 SCUD or similar type ballistic missiles, and they were all aimed at Israel.
PITTSFIELD  For the first time since its reactivation, the Berkshire County NAACP has opened a physical headquarters in downtown Pittsfield, a move leaders say will increase the organizations visibility.

The new space at 33 Dunham Mall features photographs, artifacts and educational displays highlighting civil rights history and will serve as a hub for community engagement, educational programming and youth advocacy.

This will give us the opportunity to really bring people in, said chapter President Dennis Powell. [We will] be able to have community conversations, get the feedback from the community, hoping they will feel a lot more relaxed and comfortable in discussing it with us, and then we'll take their concerns forward to the appropriate sources.

For years, the chapter operated without a permanent home, relying on members houses and rotating meeting locations. But a personal scare in 2023 underscored the need for a centralized space.

Thank God, everything worked out. But I thought, if it hadn't, all that stuff was in my home, what would have happened to the organization? Powell said. I really felt, especially with the climate that we're in now, yeah, that we needed to have a physical space accessible to the community.

After more than a year of searching, Powell landed on the space, located across from Pittsfields police station and City Hall, for its accessibility.

Most of the places I looked at were second and third floor, which wasn't going to work, he said. I was really looking for something street level that people could just walk into to make it accessible  and so the signage could be seen easily.

The space will host open houses, committee meetings, community events and educational programming, including the chapters White Learning Circle. But Powell said the space is meant to serve more than just administrative functions.

Lets also create a place for history, he said.

The walls function as a living museum, lined with educational posters highlighting Black inventors, leaders and changemakers, particularly women whose contributions have often been left out of mainstream narratives, Powell said. One display, titled Desegregating Americas History, highlights Black innovators whose work shaped everyday life.

There is absolutely nothing that is part of our life today, that a Black person wasnt responsible for, Powell said, pointing to innovations such as traffic lights, refrigeration and major medical advances.

Powell said he hopes the displays will help young visitors learn about overlooked chapters of history.

Education is also a central focus of the chapters advocacy moving into 2026, specifically what Powell described as the Berkshire County Public School crisis and its disproportionate impact on Black students and students with special needs.

Without our kids, there is no future, he said. It is a right for every child to be properly educated. The color of your skin or where you live or who you are should not determine whether you get qualified teachers  We're going to try and do what we can as an organization to really support our public school system.

The headquarters will also be used to encourage civic engagement, including helping young people understand how to run for office and participate in local government.

We can actually have forums and get young people to understand what they need to do in order to run for office and to understand civics, he said. Because when you look at all of the movements that have happened around the state and different issues, it wasn't until the young people started coming out using their voices that things started to really advance.

The NAACPs new headquarters shares a wall with the Berkshire Black Economic Councils offices, a proximity Powell said creates opportunities for future collaboration.

Its two important Black organizations side by side, he said. They can only complement each other.

To avoid drawing on the chapters funds, which Powell said are used for scholarships for Black graduates and emergency assistance, he asked each of the more than 400 members to commit $10 a month to support the office.

Powell said the permanent location is expected to strengthen the chapters long-term presence in the community.

Im hoping that through this location, therell be some real sustainability to the NAACP, he said.

The chapter expects to open the downtown Pittsfield headquarters as early as Jan. 1, with public hours and programming to be announced.

Everyone thinks of Berkshire County as a very beautiful place, and it is, but it also has its ugliness, and we're trying to diminish that ugliness and really make it a beautiful place for everybody, Powell said.
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.
December 24, 2025: Patents are legal documents that protect the creator or owner of new IP/Intellectual Property from fraud or theft. There has always been a certain amount of government, corporate or individual crime against patent holders. Most nations will prosecute crimes involving misuse of patents you do not own or have legal access to. Over the past two centuries patents and their value have sharply increased worldwide. Currently the leading nations in terms of new patents are,

1 China: 1,619,268 applications

2 United States: 518,364 applications

3 Japan: 414,413 applications

4 Republic of Korea: 287,954 applications

5 Germany: 133,053 applications

6 United Kingdom: 48,227 applications

7 France: 52,582 applications

8 India: 199,300 applications

9 Switzerland: 41,876 applications

10 Italy: 26,818 applications

In terms of patent value, the ranking is somewhat different.

United States - Over 3 million patents, valued at approximately $6 trillion.

China - Around 2.5 million patents, worth about $4 trillion.

Japan - Approximately 1.5 million patents, valued at around $3 trillion.

South Korea - About 1 million patents, worth roughly $2 trillion.

Germany - Close to 800,000 patents, valued at around $1.5 trillion.

France - Approximately 600,000 patents, worth about $1 trillion.

United Kingdom - Around 500,000 patents, valued at roughly $900 billion.

Canada - About 400,000 patents, worth approximately $700 billion.

Australia - Close to 300,000 patents, valued at around $500 billion.

India - Approximately 250,000 patents, worth about $400 billion.

The current value of all these patents is $20 trillion. Stealing valuable details of patents is big business. Earlier this year, the FBI arrested two Chinese men, Yuance Chen and Liren Lai, charging them with espionage. The two were accused of seeking to establish espionage operations near naval bases so they could observe and record naval activity on video. More importantly, the two would seek to recruit naval personnel to join their espionage operation.

China has been spying or collecting information about the United States since the early 1800s, when the first Chinese diplomatic mission was established. Since then, despite revolutions, civil war, and the establishment of two Chinas in 1949, there has always been some Chinese espionage activity in America.

Since World War II, the FBI, CIA, and State Department have been involved in monitoring and seeking to thwart Chinese espionage activities. These involve a long list of activities.

For example, in 2019, the FBI arrested Zhongsan Liu, an employee of the Chinese government. His job was management at the New Jersey branch of the China Association for International Exchange of Personnel, or CAIEP. Since 2017, Liu was observed arranging illegal visas for Chinese recruiters who used CAIEP and Confucius Institutes at six American universities, where these recruiters sought suitable students or faculty for espionage operations. Liu had spent the last 26 years working for CAIEP and was believed to have been active in the Thousand Talents Plan since its inception in 2008. That was about the same time the Confucius Institute program began in 2004 as a means of cultural exchange and, it was later discovered, a means of observing and controlling Chinese students attending foreign universities. As time went by, it was discovered that the Confucius Institutes were more about intelligence work than cultural education. Many of the staff at the Confucius Institutes are Chinese with PhDs and J-1 research visas.

As successful as this espionage effort was, most Chinese Americans approached by recruiters were not interested and politely declined. A growing number quietly reported their encounters to the FBI or to friends who could do it for them. The Chinese knew this was a risk and felt it was acceptable, given the amount of intellectual property that was being stolen and put to work back in China.

Another calculated risk was the Confucius Institutes being exposed as extensions of Chinese espionage efforts and organizing Chinese students to protest against whatever the Chinese government wanted to protest. Many of the students agreed with their government and were not just following orders when they protested some American affront. But these Chinese students, usually in America for the first time, began to doubt some of the issues they were sent out to protest about. This was especially true with the Hong Kong protests, which had been massive. The Hong Kong Chinese want democracy, and the official Chinese Communist Party/CCP line is that democracy is inefficient and not suitable for China or the Chinese. Many overseas Chinese, as in Taiwan, Singapore, and other Western countries, disagree. The CCP considers these Chinese misled and in need of reeducation or perhaps the benefits of CCP rule.

Over the last decade, the United States has been prosecuting and convicting a growing number of Chinese-born men, and a few women, for conspiring to commit or actually carrying out economic and other espionage in the United States. Some of these suspects were naturalized American citizens, but a growing number were Chinese citizens here on legitimate visas. As more suspects were identified, patterns began to appear, and these revealed the inner workings of known Chinese intellectual property espionage efforts.

It was known that China had a state-sponsored program to make it easy for foreign-educated Chinese to return home and apply what they had learned in the West to start their own companies. China has made available over $20 billion in venture capital for this program. State-controlled media reported that the government had established nearly a hundred equity investment management operations to run 152 funds and seven debt financing service organizations. All this is to help the nearly 50,000 returning Chinese from the West establish their own companies using what they learned in the West. This program helped create thousands of new firms. Many of these companies were using stolen trade secrets and patents that were being laundered, that is, changed sufficiently to make it difficult for the owners of the stolen intellectual property to easily prove theft.

The FBI and CIA again noted patterns. While many of the returning Chinese students were operating legally, a large number of those new Chinese firms were operating illegally with stolen intellectual property. There were other patterns as well. A lot of the stolen tech seemed to involve those associated with CAIEP, the Thousand Talents Plan, and the Thousand Talents Venture Capital Center. That eventually led to the hundreds of Confucius Institutes associated with Western universities, including a hundred in the United States. This, in turn, led to the arrest of Zhongsan Liu and his prosecution for massive visa fraud via Confucius Institute exchange programs.

Many of the convictions are for conspiring to steal or actually stealing trade secrets. Many of the technologies involved are dual use for commercial and military applications. Many of these investigations begin when American companies provide the FBI with documentation showing how the Chinese obtained and applied the trade secrets. What the American firms usually lacked was information about who was getting the information, often including detailed manufacturing techniques, to the Chinese. The U.S. is not the only victim here. Many other Western nations are experiencing the same losses. Even Chinese neighbor and ally Russia has suffered heavy losses due to this Chinese economic espionage.

There have been many more court cases about this because Chinese firms have become bolder in how they exploit stolen software, trade secrets, and other technology. In the past, the Chinese were careful in their use of stolen tech when exporting their own military equipment copied from Russian designs. The Chinese had started doing this during the Cold War, which sometimes caused tense relations with the Russians. There were some deadly border skirmishes in the 1970s. This came about because China and Russia developed some territorial and ideological disputes that did not settle down until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.

The Russians are still angry about continued Chinese theft of their tech, and growing Russian threats over this caused the Chinese to eventually sign agreements declaring that Chinese firms would stop stealing and reselling Russian tech. In practice, this only slowed the Chinese down, but it placated the Russians for a while. Currently, the Americans are starting to sound like the Russians in the 1990s, but the Americans have more legal and economic clout.

By 2012 most American officials had come to openly admit that a great deal of American military and commercial technical data had been stolen via Chinese internet-based and more conventional espionage efforts. Details of exactly all the evidence of this are unclear, but apparently, it was pretty convincing for many American politicians and senior officials who had previously been skeptical. These Chinese efforts have resulted in most major American weapons systems having tech details obtained by the Chinese, in addition to a lot of non-defense or dual-use technology. Its not just the United States that is being hit but most nations with anything worth stealing. Many of these nations are noticing that China is the source of most of this espionage, and few are content to remain silent any longer.

Its no secret that Chinese intelligence collection efforts since the late 1990s have been spectacularly successful. As the rest of the world comes to realize the extent of this success, there is a building desire for retaliation. What form that payback will take remains to be seen. Collecting information, both military and commercial, often means breaking laws, and striking or hacking back at the suspected attackers will involve even more felonies. China has broken many laws. Technically, China has committed acts of war because of the degree to which it penetrated military networks and carried away copies of highly secret material. The U.S. and many other victims have been warning China there will be consequences. As the extent of Chinese espionage becomes known and understood, the call for consequences becomes louder.

China has tried hard to conceal its espionage efforts, not just denying anything and everything connected to its hacking and conventional spying, but also taking precautions. But as their success continued year after year, some of the Chinese hackers became cocky and sloppy. At the same time, the victims became more adept at detecting Chinese efforts and tracing them back to specific Chinese government organizations or non-government hackers inside China.

Undeterred, China has sought to keep its espionage effort going and has even expanded operations. For example, starting in 2008, China opened National Intelligence Colleges in many major universities. In effect, each of these is an Espionage Department where, each year, several hundred carefully selected applicants are accepted in each school to be trained as spies and intelligence operatives. China has found that espionage is an enormously profitable way to obtain military and commercial secrets, so now China trains and rewards those who have a talent for such things and make a career of it. The internet-based operations, however, are only one part of Chinas espionage efforts.

While Chinese cyberwar operations in this area get a lot of publicity, the more conventional spying brings in a lot of material that is not reachable on the internet. One indicator of this effort is the fact that American counterintelligence efforts are snagging more Chinese spies. This is partly due to increased spying efforts by China, which puts more of their people out there to get caught, as well as more success by the FBI and CIA. All this espionage, in all its forms, has played a large part in turning China into one of the mightiest industrial and military powers on the planet. China is having a hard time hiding the source of the new technologies they are incorporating into their weapons and commercial products. Many of the victims initially had a hard time accepting the fact that the oh-so-eager-to-export Chinese were robbing their best customers of intellectual property on a grand scale. Now, Western firms are much more wary about dealing with the Chinese.

China has been getting away with something the Soviet Union never accomplished: stealing Western technology and then using it to move ahead of the West. The Soviets lacked the many essential supporting industries found in the West. These firms were usually founded and run by entrepreneurs. This sort of thing was illegal in the Soviet Union. Because of that, the Russians were never able to acquire all the many pieces needed to match Western technical accomplishments. Soviet copies of American computers, for example, were crude, less reliable, and less powerful. It was the same situation with their jet fighters, tanks, and warships.

China gets around this by making it seemingly profitable for Western firms to set up factories in China, where Chinese managers and workers can be taught how to make things correctly. At the same time, China allows thousands of its best students to go to the United States to study. While many of these students will stay in America, where there are better jobs and more opportunities, a growing number are coming back to China and bringing American business and technical skills with them. Finally, China energetically uses the Thousand Grains of Sand approach to espionage. This involves China trying to get all Chinese going overseas, and those of Chinese ancestry living outside the motherland, to spy for China, if only a tiny bit.

This approach to espionage is nothing new. Other nations have used similar systems for centuries. What is unusual is the scale of the Chinese effort, and that makes a difference. Supporting it all is a Chinese intelligence bureaucracy back home that is huge, with nearly 100,000 people working just to keep track of the many Chinese overseas and what they could, or should, be trying to grab for the motherland. This is where many of the graduates of the National Intelligence College program will work.

It begins when Chinese intelligence officials examine who is going overseas and for what purpose. Chinese citizens cannot legally leave the country without the state security organizations being notified. The intel people are not being asked to give permission. They are alerted in case they want to have a talk with students, tourists, or businesspeople before leaving the country. Interviews are often held when these people come back as well.

Those who might come in contact with useful information are asked to remember what they saw or bring back souvenirs. Over 100,000 Chinese students go off to foreign universities each year. Even more go abroad as tourists or on business. Most of these people are not asked to actually act as spies but simply to share, with Chinese government officials, who are not always identified as intelligence personnel, whatever information they obtained. The more ambitious of these people are getting caught and prosecuted. But the majority are quite casual, individually bringing back relatively little and are almost impossible to catch, much less prosecute.

Like the Russians, the Chinese are also employing traditional methods, using people with diplomatic immunity to recruit spies and offering cash, or whatever, to get people to sell them information. This is still effective, and when combined with the Thousand Grains of Sand methods, brings in a lot of secrets.

The final ingredient is a shadowy venture capital operation, sometimes called Project 863, that offers money for Chinese entrepreneurs who will turn the stolen technology into something real. No questions asked. If you can get back to China with the secrets, you are home free and potentially very rich. This is the approach Chinese firms are often set up to do, and little else. While these firms are technically supposed to develop new technologies in China, the unofficial mandate is to steal as much as possible from other nations and not get caught.

Not getting caught is becoming more important because that can lead to increasingly dangerous diplomatic and legal problems. When the Chinese steal some technology and produce something that the Western victims can prove was stolen, via patents and prior use of the technology, legal action can make it impossible, or very difficult, to sell anything using the stolen tech outside of China. For that reason, the Chinese long preferred stealing military technology and tried to avoid using stolen commercial tech in a way that made it easy to determine the source of stolen data. This meant keeping stolen commercial technology inside China. And in some cases, like manufacturing technology, theres an advantage to not selling it outside of China. Because China is still a communist dictatorship, the courts do as they are told, and they are rarely told to honor foreign patent claims when stolen tech is discovered in China by its foreign owners.

But increasingly, Chinese firms are boldly using their stolen technology outside China, daring foreign firms to try to use Chinese courts to get justice. Instead, the foreign firms are trying to muster support from their governments for lawsuits outside China. Naturally, the Chinese government will howl and insist that its all a plot to oppress China. This has worked for a long time, but many of the victims are now telling China that this conflict is being taken to a new and more dangerous level.
WHO unveils Traditional Medicine Global Library

December 26, 2025 | Friday | News

To transform access to trusted information and accelerate research worldwide

image credit- WHO

At the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, jointly organised with the Government of India, concluding recently in New Delhi, WHO unveiled the Traditional Medicine (TM) Global Library, a first-of-its-kind digital platform consolidating 1.6 million resources on TM, from scientific studies to indigenous knowledge. With advanced features like Evidence Gap Maps and an AI-powered tool, TMGL GPT, the Library promises to transform access to trusted information and accelerate research worldwide.

The Library will become part of Hinari, one of the worlds largest collections of biomedical and health literature. Hinari is hosted on the Research4Life platform, which provides free or low-cost access to academic and peer-reviewed content to institutions in low- and middle-income countries. Incorporating the Library will allow broader reach and access to traditional medicine knowledge.

The Library is expanding access to health information and evidence not only through its global collections but also by curating relevant content in dedicated thematic pages, including traditional midwifery, Ayurveda, anthroposophical medicine, integrative oncology and integrative paediatrics.
December 26, 2025: Last July an Iranian drone attack killed a PJAK/Party of Free Life of Kurdistan gunman, which caused PJAK members to retaliate. This and related violence indicated a breakdown in the 2011 ceasefire. PJAK insisted it would not disarm or dissolve like the PKK, and would with violence if threatened, putting itself for a more active political and militant situation inside Iranian Kurdistan.

The aftermath of the June 2025 IranIsrael and the Turkey/PKK peace negotiations has transformed relationships, pushing PJAK away from hesitation and towards a more active approach. PJAK leaders believe Irans increasing use of drones and military pressure stems from concerns that a demilitarized PKK could enable PJAK to intensify operations along the IranIraq border.

In a rare incident, a PJAK fighter was killed in an Iranian drone strike in Iraqi Kurdistan. A PJAK official insisted that no attack on PJAK would go unanswered. The drone attack, which occurred last July, seems to be part of Irans crackdown on dissent and stepping up mass arrests and executions of Kurds.

Following the drone strike, there were three armed border clashes in northwestern Iran, leaving several members of the IRGC/Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps dead. Many believe it was PJAK that initiated the fighting in response to the drone strike on the PJAK fighter in Penjwen, while PJAK-affiliated websites released two videos of clashes near Baneh featuring PJAK fighters attacking Iranian border guards. Iranian state media also reported that three border guards were killed on July 21.

Over the past fifteen years, there have been limited clashes between PJAK and the Iranian forces because Iran and PJAK negotiated a ceasefire in 2011. Iran promised to stop executing Kurdish political prisoners if PJAK halted its attacks inside Iran. The 2011 ceasefire between Iran and the PJAK has been violated dozens of times by the Iranian armed forces, and each time the PJAK has responded to these attacks.

In mid-September 2018, Iran killed three PJAK members. This coincided with Iranian ballistic missiles hitting two different factions of the PDK1/Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan in 2018. At that same time, Iran executed three Kurdish activists for the alleged murder of the son of an imam in Marivan. The Islamic Republics strikes in 2018 could have been interpreted as a warning to the Iranian Kurdish parties, as well as to the United States and Israel that Iran was willing to use ballistic missiles against enemies of the state. This happened during the Iranian retaliation during the June war when ballistic missiles struck Israel.

July clashes inside Iran occurred while negotiations were ongoing between Turkey and the PKK. Despite apparently earnest negotiations, the drone attack on PJAK was initially blamed on Turkey. However, after an investigation, PJAK shifted its blame to Iran.

Turkish F-16s and drones regularly hit Kurdish forces. This indicated that there was tactical cooperation between Iran and Turkey against PJAK forces. After PKK and Turkey began negotiating, Turkish attacks decreased and then stopped altogether. This bothered Iran because of the possibility that PJAK forces would become more active inside Iran.

PJAK continued to exercise its right to respond to all of the Iranian violence. PJAK is preparing to assume a more assertive and offensive role in Iran and Iranian Kurdistan. This shift is likely to involve not only its military forces, but also expanded recruiting and reorganization.

PJAK insists that, like the SDF in Syria, it will not disband. This indicates that PJAK will continue to operate on a political and military level within Iranian Kurdish politics. Iranian media has also expressed concern over PJAKs armed activities despite the disarmament of the PKK.

The Iranian drone attack on PJAK reveals that Iran is worried that PJAK will become more active due to both the peace negotiations in Turkey and the weakened Iran after the June war with Israel. PJAK insists that they will not attack Iranian forces unless attacked first. PJAK is not planning to step back and will become more active in the near future.

Fifteen years ago Iran was becoming an increasingly attractive spot for Kurdish separatist rebels. Iraqi Kurdistan's political cooperation with Turkey had improved and that was bad for the PKK/Kurdistan Workers Party. Though the tighter political cooperation had not translated into concerted Iraqi action against the PKK bases in Iraq, it has produced better intelligence for Turkish forces and encouraged Turkish Kurds to pursue political solutions in Turkey. Iran was another matter. The PJAK had long been the PKK's operation in Iran. Occasionally Iranian police arrest PJAK demonstrators and PJAK smugglers moving goods and weapons from Turkey to Iran or from Iraq to Iran, or the other way. However, the Iranian revolution had encouraged other minorities, like the Baluchis on the other side of Iran. With Iran distracted and Turkey ascendant, PJAK bases could be the haven for PKK cadres under pressure from Turkey in northern Iraq.

Further complicating matters in Iraq, powerful Kurdish militias in Kirkuk, Iraq, are threatening to hold a referendum in the oil rich city to settle the dispute over whether Kirkuk is Arab or Kurd. This dispute has been going on for decades, and many fear it could trigger a civil war between Iraqi Arabs and Kurds.
The European Union (EU) had been monitoring the introduction of excess water use charges in Ireland, according to a Department of Housing official.

It had been reported earlier this year that plans were underway to introduce charges for excess water use, which Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald had criticised as water charges by the back door.

The Government said its position to upgrade Irelands ailing water systems through general taxation remained unchanged.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said there would be no return to water charges while Housing Minister James Browne said he was not considering bringing in excessive use charges at this time.

Documents released under a Freedom of Information request show that civil servants in the Department of Housing were preparing the groundwork to introduce regulations that would allow for exemptions to excess water use charges.

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The correspondence shows civil servants had earlier this year engaged with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) in relation to what their data protection obligations were for processing the data of people who would be exempt from excess water use charges.

The FOI documents also show a civil servant from the water services department said the EU were monitoring the charge and had asked about it in January: It should be also noted that the EU are monitoring the introduction of this charge with the query below from January 2025:

Are IE authorities finally implementing the excessive use charges for domestic users of water services? Can they explain why there has been such a long delay in implementing this?

The response to the query, sent between housing officials on the morning of March 11, stated that two draft statutory instruments allowing for exemptions for water charges are near completion and await consideration by the new minister and Government in due course.

The correspondence was sent the same day the Irish Independent broke the news that water charges were on the way back as wastage targeted.

A briefing prepared for Mr Browne, who was appointed housing minister on January 23, contained high-level priorities for the department, including the excess water charges, and had been released under FOI that month.

The day after the Irish Independent article was published, a draft media response sent between officials suggested the work to progress the statutory instruments had been dropped.

This measure is not in the programme for government and there are no plans to introduce it. There is no further work being done on these regulations, it said.

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A senior official at the Department of Housing had said the charge aimed to encourage water conservation that would ensure Irelands compliance with the EU water framework directive.

They said it was not intended as a revenue-raising measure.

A legal provision for charging people for excess use of water is already contained in the Water Services Act 2017, called the household water conservation charge.

The regulations underpinning exemptions to the charges were updated in 2023 and examined again in 2025.

The exemptions would be for households with more than four people and for people who have medical needs that would likely require more than the average use of water.

In a note dated February 12th 2025, it was stated that once the regulations for exemptions are in place, they can proceed with implementing the household water conservation charge.

An estimated 83,000 households, or around 9.4 per cent of all domestic customers, use more than 213,000 litres a year, according to a briefing note.

The island of Ireland is the only part of the EU that does not have metered water charges.

A working group on water conservation was set up in 2025 and the first meeting took place in June.
The family of a man who died after his car went into the river as he made his way home from work in heavy rain have expressed their deepest gratitude to the people of Conna and Balynoe in Co Cork for their kindness following the tragedy.

Joice Thomas had an accident on the R628 Conna Road between Conna and Aghern villages on the evening of December 19th last.

The 34-year-old had become a father for the second time just four months ago when his wife Ruby Kuriakose gave birth to their son Jacques.

The couple, who are originally from Kerala in India, also have a two-year-old daughter, Jacqueline.

They were living on Main Street in Ballynoe, Co Cork. Joice worked in the kitchen at Ballincurrig nursing home in Leamlara, Co Cork. Ms Kuriakose is a nurse.

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In a post on the Ballynoe Community Facebook page the loved ones of Mr Thomas said that they were drawing strength from the unwavering support of the community during this time of unimaginable loss.

When tragedy struck, you surrounded us with love, care, and comfort  just as a family would.

We are deeply thankful to Father (William) Winter, whose presence and prayers gave immense courage to Ruby and their baby, and to every member of the Conna and Ballynoe communities who came forward selflessly to help in every possible way.

Your warm hearts and constant concern eased our sorrow and reminded us that humanity knows no boundaries.

From the bottom of our hearts  thank you for standing beside us, for your prayers, your time, and your love. Your kindness will forever be remembered by Joices family and all of us in the Indian community.

Meanwhile, prayers were said for Mr Thomas at Ronaynes Funeral Home in Fermoy, Co Cork on Christmas Eve.

His Grace Bishop Abraham Mar Stephanos, Diocesan Metropolitan in the Indian Orthodox Church, told mourners that people of diverse identities had joined forces following the tragedy.

We see here how human compassion works together. This is one of the greatest example that love prevails in the world. Goodness sustains in the world.

"Exemplary leadership, compassion and love has been shown.

Over 103,000 has been raised for the family of the deceased and to pay for the repatriation of the body to his native Kambammettu in Kerala in India.

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His Eminence Stephanos said that the outpouring of love from various faiths and communities was a source of comfort to all those who mourned.

The sadness of the family of Joice Thomas cannot be compensated by the money or anything that we reflect on now. But having said that the love being shown right at this moment and in the past two days is phenomenal. It gives us hope that the power of love sustains. This is something that Christ told us.

A mass of solidarity was also held at Ballynoe parish Church on Christmas Eve.

Mr Thomas is survived by his wife Ruby and their children, his parents and a sister.

Donations can be made to the Go Fund Me page at https://gofund.me/18a0b472b
French police on Friday evening detained a man suspected of attacking three women with a knife in three metro stations in the centre of Paris, the city prosecutor's office said in a statement.

The three women were stabbed at Republique, Arts et Metiers and Opera at around 4pm local time. Their wounds were not life-threatening, the prosecutor's statement said.

The man, in his mid-20s, was identified thanks to CCTV cameras, the prosecutor's office said. It added that he was previously known to the police for misdemeanours including damage to property. It did not elaborate on the attacker's motives.
Talks on Ukraine should progress towards a just and lasting peace, Keir Starmer has told European leaders, as Volodymyr Zelenskiy prepares to meet US President Donald Trump.

In a call with German and French leaders on Friday, the Prime Minister said it remained a crucial moment for Ukraine and security across the Euro-Atlantic region as they emphasised their unwavering commitment to Ukraine.

A Downing Street spokesperson said the leaders reiterated their unshakeable commitment for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and the importance that talks continue to progress towards this in the coming days.

Starmers call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron comes as Ukraines president is expected to head to the US on Sunday.

Mr Zelenskiy said he would meet Mr Trump in Florida over the weekend to discuss security guarantees, saying a peace plan is about 90 per cent ready.

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He added that he expected to discuss an economic agreement and territorial issues with Mr Trump, and said he hoped European leaders could also be involved in talks either on Sunday or at a future date.

The talks in Florida are the latest stage in Mr Trumps year-long effort to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, having previously said he would end the war on the first day of his term in office.

On Christmas Eve, Mr Zelenskiy said the US and Ukraine had reached a consensus on a number of critical issues, and indicated he was open to creating a demilitarised zone on his countrys eastern border with Russia.

World French police detain man after knife attack on three women in Paris Read more

But he has continued to resist Russian demands that Ukraine give up two of its eastern regions, Luhansk and Donetsk.

Russia is also likely to object to a role for Nato forces in monitoring a ceasefire, which European leaders including Keir and Mr Macron have said must form part of any deal.

Other European demands include allowing Ukraine to maintain a peace-time military of 800,000 troops and join the EU, while the US has reportedly offered unspecified security guarantees.

Meanwhile the conflict continues, with Russian missile and drone strikes hitting Ukraine early on Friday, while Kyiv claimed it had used British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to attack a major Russian oil refinery on Thursday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that he will meet US President Donald Trump in Florida over the weekend.

Mr Zelensky told journalists that the two leaders will discuss security guarantees for Ukraine during Sundays talks, and that the 20-point plan under discussion is about 90% ready.

An economic agreement also will be discussed, he said, but he was unable to confirm whether anything will be finalised by the end.

We must, without doubt, find some format in the near future in which not only Ukraine and the US are present, but Europe is represented as well Volodymyr Zelensky

The Ukrainian side will also raise territorial issues, he said.

Mr Zelensky said Ukraine would like the Europeans to be involved, but doubted whether it would be possible at short notice.

We must, without doubt, find some format in the near future in which not only Ukraine and the US are present, but Europe is represented as well, he said.

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The announced meeting is the latest development in an extensive US-led diplomatic push to end the nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war, but efforts have run into sharply conflicting demands by Moscow and Kyiv.

Mr Zelenskys announcement came after he said on Thursday he had a good conversation with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Mr Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner.





Rustem Umerov reported on his latest contacts with the American side. We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level  with President Trump in the near future. A lot can be decided before the New Year. Glory to Ukraine!  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) December 26, 2025

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday that the Kremlin had already been in contact with US representatives since Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev met US envoys in Florida over the weekend.

It was agreed upon to continue the dialogue, he said.

Mr Trump has unleashed an extensive diplomatic push to end the war, but his efforts have run into sharply conflicting demands by Moscow and Kyiv.

Mr Zelensky said on Tuesday he would be willing to withdraw troops from the countrys eastern industrial heartland as part of a plan to end the war, if Moscow also pulls back and the area becomes a demilitarised zone monitored by international forces.

Though Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that there had been slow but steady progress in the peace talks, Russia has given no indication that it will agree to any kind of withdrawal from land it has seized.

In fact, Moscow has insisted that Ukraine relinquish the remaining territory it still holds in the Donbas  an ultimatum that Ukraine has rejected. Russia has captured most of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk  the two areas that make up the Donbas.

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On the ground, one person was killed and three others wounded when a guided aerial bomb hit a house in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region. Six people were wounded in a missile strike on the city of Uman, local officials said on Friday.

Russian drone attacks on the city of Mykolaiv and its suburbs overnight into Friday also left part of the city without power. Energy and port infrastructure were damaged by drones in the city of Odesa on the Black Sea.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said it struck a major Russian oil refinery on Thursday using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles.

Ukraines General Staff said its forces hit the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russias Rostov region. Multiple explosions were recorded. The target was hit, it wrote on Telegram.

Rostov regional governor Yuri Slyusar said a firefighter was wounded when extinguishing the fire.

Ukraines long-range drone strikes on Russian refineries aim to deprive Moscow of the oil export revenue it needs to pursue its full-scale invasion.

Russia wants to cripple the Ukrainian power grid, seeking to deny civilians access to heat, light and running water in what Kyiv officials say is an attempt to weaponise winter.
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NationalBondi shooting Jihad Jack trained with terrorists. Then NSW gave him a gun permit Jordan Baker December 27, 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

In 2022, the year before alleged Bondi gunman Sajid Akram was permitted to have a gun, the NSW Firearms Registry granted a licence to one of the first men to be charged with anti-terrorism offences in Australia. His nickname was Jihad Jack. The permit, given to a man who had once shaken hands with Osama bin Laden and had fought for the Taliban, did not ring alarm bells in the NSW Police counterterrorism unit for two weeks after it was issued, and did so only because he attempted to have his licence transferred into another of his many names. The permit was not formally revoked for a full year. During his appeal, the registry argued that it shouldnt have to verify the information that it was given. Jihad Jack pictured outside the Victorian Supreme Court in 2005. Now known as Jack ORourke, he was briefly granted a firearms licence before police intervened. Shannon Morris The case shows how warning signs have been ignored or missed at the NSW Firearms Registry, and it raises questions about whether there are more people who have been approved for gun permits despite having red flags in their background. Jack ORourke, once known as Joshua Thomas, travelled from Australia to Afghanistan in 2001 to fight for the Taliban and train for jihad. He told Australian media that he met Bin Laden several times. A court would later hear that an agent for Bin Laden had approached him to act as a sleeper cell in Australia.

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Upon his return, he was found guilty of receiving funds from al-Qaeda, the extremist group behind the September 11 attacks on the US, but the conviction was overturned on appeal. He was put under a control order to protect the public from a terrorist act. It expired in 2007. Yet in late 2020, he applied for a NSW category AB firearm licence in the name of Jack ORourke Hammond. He said he wanted to hunt pests on a property owned by his wife. When the form asked if the applicant had been known by any other name, it allowed space for just one answer. He said hed also been known as Jack Thomas. He says he told registry staff verbally that hed also been known as Joseph Thomas. Sajid Akram conducting firearms training in late October 2025. NSW Police The NSW Firearms Registry decided to grant him a licence on January 11, 2022. On the same day, he emailed staff to ask that the licence be reissued under his new name, Jack ORourke, and attached documents showing that hed also been known as Jack Terrence Thomas and Joseph Thomas, which is the name under which he had been prosecuted. The police version of events, as related to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal in 2023, is that two weeks later, a counterterrorism sergeant contacted the registry. He told staff that Joseph Thomas had previously been charged with terrorism offences. The sergeant asked that his licence be revoked. Police said it was suspended the next day, and revoked a year later.

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Police also submitted to NCAT that the Firearms Registry should not have to investigate to determine the accuracy of the information provided, the written decision said. ORourkes version of events was different. He said he gave his original name on his application, which, he said, was more than enough considering the ridiculous amount of media coverage he had received, the NCAT decision said. His licence was not suspended after 15 days. It was valid on the Firearms Registry for over a year without incident. NCAT upheld the police decision, despite ORourkes protestations that he deeply regretted the mistakes of his past and was now a hard-working, happily married man. The tribunal said it was not in the public interest for someone with ORourkes background to have access to firearms. The scene of a 2018 shooting in West Pennant Hills and John Edwards, inset. Janie Barrett/LinkedIn Jihad Jacks licence approval came after another catastrophic and widely criticised decision by the NSW Firearms Registry. In January 2017, it had approved a man called John Edwards for a permit to shoot at sporting ranges. There were 18 previous incidents involving Edwards on the police database, 15 of which related to AVOs, stalking, assault allegations or so-called adverse interactions in relationships.

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The following year, Edwards shot and killed his two children. A surviving daughter told how hed spent 50 years traumatising the women and children in his life without remorse. In 2021, coroner Teresa OSullivan found that Edwards should have been refused a licence if the material available to police had been properly analysed. She also found that systemic problems in the registry are highly likely to have adversely affected the adjudication of a very significant number of recreational licence applications. Another killer who held a NSW gun permit was Nathaniel Train, who legally owned four rifles and a shotgun. His licence was suspended in August 2022, many months after he unlawfully crossed into Queensland during the 2021 COVID lockdowns amid what an inquest showed appeared to be an unravelling of his mental health. He still had some of the guns when he and his brother shot and killed three people. Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train, who were killed in a shootout that left two police officers and a neighbour dead, have been labelled Christian extremists. Train did not have a concerning record, but the case raised issues about how information flows across borders. The data held by Queensland police was out of date. At the time, many jurisdictions  including NSW  had not yet digitised its firearm registries. A 2019 auditor-generals report had also criticised the NSW registry for leaving key decisions about licence revocations to junior staff, failing to validate data, using outdated technology and being heavily reliant on manual data entry, which could be prone to errors.

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Sajid Akram applied for a NSW gun permit in 2020. Three years later, it was granted, even though he lived with his son, Naveed, who had been investigated by ASIO for his links to terrorist sympathisers in 2019 (he was not found to pose a risk). Naveed joined his father on their killing spree in Bondi on December 14, in which 15 people died and about 40 were injured. Serious questions will be asked about whether the NSW Firearms Registry investigated Akrams history; whether it had access to information from federal agencies such as ASIO  which told NSW Police that Naveed had been put on a known entity management list; whether notoriously bad relationships between NSW Police and their federal counterparts, or jurisdictional issues, had interfered with the exchange of information. Related Article Exclusive

Crime Jihad Jack, who once met Bin Laden, has gun licence revoked The three-year delay for the approval of the licence wasnt because the registry had raised flags, but rather because it was a shambles, said Police Minister Yasmin Catley. There had been serious backlogs between 2020 and 2023. It appears that it was quite normal for a licence to be issued between two to three years. Thats unacceptable. However, their systems were upgraded significantly in 2023. Since then it hasnt been my experience that weve experienced those delays. Catley has previously said that the registry had not been fully digitised until 2023. The ammunition reports remained paper-based, said one person (who works in a gun shop) on the condition of anonymity because they did not have permission to speak. At present, ammunition is registered on a paper log that can be inspected by police.

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Australians have prided themselves on world-leading gun laws instituted after the Port Arthur massacre, which banned semi-automatic weapons, tightened licensing rules and introduced a national firearms register. But many did not realise that the laws meant there were still millions of guns in circulation. A report by The Australia Institute in January this year raised the alarm. It found that while there are fewer gun owners than after the National Firearm Agreement after the Port Arthur massacre, those who have guns have more of them. NSW has the most, 1.23 million. There are two people in NSW who own more than 300 each, although they are most likely collectors whose guns have to be disabled (some collections, says Robert Linnegar from the Antique Arms Collectors Society of Australia, can be worth millions; a single Holland and Holland rifle, the type used by kings, costs upwards of $340,000). Guns collected during a previous amnesty scheme Craig Sillitoe The same report also showed support for West Australian laws introduced in 2023 to limit the number of guns owned by recreational shooters to five. The states number of firearms has been cut by a quarter. A poll showed 78 per cent support among the public. Despite this, no other government acted. Earlier this year, the Minns government in NSW was considering a plan to enshrine a right to hunt in law and to allow silencers, before backing away (a government spokesman said silencers were never on the table). Now, after 15 people died when two gunmen who legally owned six guns allegedly opened fire on a Jewish religious festival, there will be action. The NSW government will tighten gun laws and provide more resources to the registry. The new laws will ban someone from owning a gun if they or someone they live with has been investigated for terrorism offences, and most licence holders will be able to own only four guns rather than an unlimited number.

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The new laws will prevent non-citizens from owning guns, and licence terms will be reduced from five to two years to increase the frequency of reviews. Gun owners will no longer be able to appeal against the revocation of their licence in NCAT. Those with more than four guns will be able to hand them back under a firearms buyback next year. These are measures that gun safety advocates and experts have been calling for over years, says Greens MP Sue Higginson. The public seems to agree. A Herald/Age Resolve Political Monitor poll found three-quarters of Australians believed laws had to be toughened. Many thought machete crime was the worst thing we could face because guns were assumed to be rare, said pollster Jim Reed. The simple question many Australians are asking is why people in our cities need a gun at all. This story has been updated to include the NSW governments position on silencers. Get alerts on breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.
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Exclusive NationalVictoriaSuperannuation Family have $50m in property frozen as part of missing super scandal Sarah Danckert Updated December 26, 2025  3:13pm ,first published December 23, 2025  6:50pm 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 family of a wealthy Melbourne entrepreneur have had a near $50 million portfolio of properties frozen by a court as part of a missing superannuation scandal. Liquidators to the Shield Master Fund are suing Robert Filippini  the son of Christmas lights fanatics Tony and Matilda Filippini  alleging Robert, his wife Dimitra and their children Antonio and Matilda received many millions from the collapsed superannuation fund. A Ferrari 296 GTB in full flight. A car of the same make and model owned by a Filippini family member has been frozen by the Federal Court. The liquidators allege Robert received $158 million of the funds money to build property projects without proper contracts being in place or him being a licensed builder at the time. About $108 million of that money was then transferred by Robert into various bank accounts held by Dimitra and their children, in 2023 and 2024, liquidators allege.

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Earlier this year, the Federal Court slapped freezing orders over Robert and Dimitra Filippinis assets up to the value of $158 million as the liquidators prepare to argue the money should be repaid because it was improperly transferred out of the fund. Robert Filippini representing his security company in a social media post. Instagram The family is now appealing the freezing orders arguing they have been inappropriately applied by the court. The Shield Master Fund collapsed amid an investigation by the corporate watchdog into allegations the fund had been mismanaged and had spent large sums of peoples superannuation savings on inappropriate investments and on large payments to promoters of the fund. At the time of its collapse, Shield had nearly 6000 clients who had together moved $500 million of their superannuation into the fund.

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There is no suggestion that Dimitra Filippini or the couples children had any involvement in the management of the fund, just that they received money from Robert Filippini, who in turn had been paid large sums by the funds operator, Paul Chiodo. This included large sums of investor money being transferred to Robert Filippini for a no-budget renovation of Chiodos own $10 million inner-city pad. Related Article Exclusive

Investigations The Dubai connection that laid the seeds for a $1b superannuation disaster The freezing orders allow the court to be assured that the assets of the Filippinis are preserved while the case is before the courts. If the liquidators are unsuccessful in their case, the freezing orders will be lifted and the Filippinis will have the right to sell any of the properties. The freezing orders do not apply to the home of Tony and Matilde Filippini that was once strung with more than 100,000 Christmas lights each year. There is no suggestion Tony and Matilde were involved in their sons legal issues. Instead, the orders cover a large portfolio of family property that includes a $15 million apartment in inner-city Melbourne and a newly built five-storey home in Toorak with a rooftop pool and a basement gymnasium estimated to be worth more than $10 million.

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The familys portfolio also includes several shops in busy retail strips around the city which are also subject to the freezing orders. Fifteen vehicles belonging to family members  including four Lamborghinis, two Ferraris, a Maserati and a Jaguar  are also frozen by the court orders. The familys appeal comes after Robert Filippini unsuccessfully asked the court to stay the case brought against him and his family by liquidators, telling the court that he expected to be charged with criminal offences as part of the corporate watchdogs investigation into the collapse of the fund. Despite that claim, Robert Filippini is not currently subject to any formal action by the corporate watchdog relating to the Shield Master Fund. Nor are any members of his family. Robert Filippini has also long maintained he has been unfairly targeted by the liquidators and the corporate watchdog, insisting that the money he received was for legitimate building projects, and the paperwork delays were caused by the fund and not by him.

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Related Article White collar crime Do what you want, LOL: Boss of collapsed super fund says record keeping was inadequate He also attempted to save the fund via a rescue package, known as a deed of company arrangement, that was rejected by creditors and administrators. Robert Filippini also told the court that he made the transfers into his family members bank accounts without consulting them first. Dimitra Filippini and her children left Australia on a holiday in May 2025 and had told the court they would return in July, but are now not expected to return until May 2026. Robert has remained in Australia. The court has heard the family transferred $7.7 million from their Australian bank accounts into overseas bank accounts between January and July this year.

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The familys appeal will be heard early next year. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.

CORRECTION An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Roberts parents Tony (Antonio) and Matilde Filippini as parties to the case. The story has been updated to reflect that it is Robert and Dimitras similarly named children who are parties to the court proceedings.
The University of Oklahoma (OU) has permanently terminated an instructor following a legal and academic firestorm sparked by the grading of a student's essay on biblical gender roles. The decision follows an intensive internal review and the threat of litigation regarding the First Amendment rights of Samantha Fulnecky, a student who alleged she was targeted for her religious convictions. University officials confirmed the dismissal this week, citing a failure to adhere to the institution's policies on religious neutrality and academic freedom.

A Conflict of Faith and Academia

The controversy began when Samantha Fulnecky submitted an assignment for a 'Lifespan Development' psychology course that utilised scriptural references to argue against modern gender theory. According to the formal complaint filed with the university's Office of Institutional Equity, the instructor gave the paper a zero out of 25, citing a lack of 'empirical evidence'.

Fulnecky alleged that the instructor's feedback was not merely academic but personal, with the instructor, Mel Curth, reportedly describing the student's worldview as 'offensive' in the digital grading portal. The student soon took her grievance public, sharing snippets of the correspondence on social media platforms via the OU chapter of Turning Point USA, where the story garnered millions of views.

The university initially defended the instructor's right to set academic standards, but the narrative shifted as Governor Kevin Stitt and other state officials argued the grading was punitive. Attorneys pointed to the university's own student handbook, which prohibits discrimination based on creed, as a primary pillar of their demand for a grade reversal and disciplinary action.

Legal Implications and the First Amendment

The legal pressure on the University of Oklahoma intensified when advocacy groups suggested the instructor's actions violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Court documents and letters of intent indicated that the student was prepared to seek damages exceeding 76,000 ($100,000) for emotional distress and academic sabotage.

In a press release issued by the university, the administration noted that while instructors have the authority to grade based on rubric adherence, they cannot disparage the underlying religious identity of a student. The internal investigation reportedly reviewed feedback transcripts in which the instructor claimed the student's use of the word 'demonic' to describe gender fluidity was 'highly offensive'.

The university's decision to move from a standard reprimand to a permanent termination suggests that the evidence of bias was deemed incontrovertible by the Title IX coordinators. However, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has since condemned the move, arguing that academic standards should not be overridden by religious pressure.

Reaction From the Campus Community

The campus remains deeply divided, with some student organisations calling the university's compliance 'disgusting' and a capitulation to external political pressure. A protest held on the South Oval on Dec. 5, 2025 saw faculty members expressing concerns that the firing would have a 'chilling effect' on the ability of educators to enforce scientific and secular standards.

Protect our instructors Justice for Mel hundreds gather on the campus of OU - demanding they reinstate the professor put on leave for giving Samantha Fulnecky at zero on an essay. More on @kfor pic.twitter.com/pjvHVx4dSE  Dylan Brown (@dylantbrown) December 5, 2025

Conversely, Fulnecky's supporters argue that the University of Oklahoma has finally taken a stand against what they perceive as an ingrained hostility toward conservative Christian students. The university has since announced a mandatory training programme for all adjunct and tenured staff focused on navigating religious diversity in the classroom.

Samantha Fulnecky didnt do the assignment.



She failed.



She cried discrimination and whined to right-wing media personalities.



The University of Oklahoma has now erased the grade and punished the instructor.



This is what academic cowardice looks like.https://t.co/6jHPfrayi4  Hemant Mehta (@hemantmehta) December 23, 2025

The ivory tower has been breached by the pews, and the resulting debris has left the future of academic grading in a state of absolute uncertainty.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
A safari holiday in Africa can be one of the magical experiences youll have  rising at dawn to watch elephants ford rivers, tracking lions across the open savanna, or spotting a leopard languidly resting in an acacia tree.

But planning a safari escape can be confusing if youre not familiar with the different kinds of wildlife experiences on offer, and arguably the biggest factor that can determine your whole experience is whether you choose to game drive in a national park or a private reserve.

Illustration: Greg Straight

As public spaces, national parks can offer a more independent, budget-friendly safari experience, often with options to self-drive or camp inside the park. Park entry fees range from just $15 to more than $120 a day.

The trade-off? Vehicles must stick to designated roads and cant go off-piste, say to explore the tell-tale huffing sound of a lion pride just out of view. National parks can also be overcrowded, especially during peak season from May to October. Most recently, some of the more popular reserves, such as Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks, have been dogged by negative press thanks to overzealous travellers disrupting wildlife. In August, there was outcry after hundreds of people blocked wildebeest from crossing a river during their famous Great Migration.
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WorldNorth AmericaUS politics JD Vance is now the undisputed heir to the MAGA throne  but at what price? Michael Koziol December 27, 2025  8:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Phoenix: When Erika Kirk, widow of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, swept on stage in a sparkly gold pantsuit to kick off Turning Point USAs annual summit, AmericaFest, she issued a determined call to arms. We are building the red wall. Arizona, Nevada, New Hampshire, she declared. Were going to ensure that President Trump has Congress for all four years. We are going to get my husbands friend JD Vance elected for [president number] 48 in the most resounding way possible. Turning Point USA chief executive Erika Kirk welcomes Vice President JD Vance at its AmericaFest summit in Phoenix this month. AP It was an early and important endorsement from a woman who, as the new chief executive of Turning Point, is now one of the most influential conservative figures in the country, and runs one of its most vital campaigning outfits. If the 2028 presidential contest hadnt begun in earnest already, Kirk fired the starters gun. Her support is no surprise  Charlie Kirk and Vance were close for years, with the murdered activist playing key roles in Vances election to the Senate in 2022 and then pushing, successfully, for Trump to choose him as vice presidential running mate in 2024. Vance, a practising Catholic convert, fits more neatly into the Turning Point world than Trump ever would.

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But the endorsement of Vance comes at a significant and potentially critical time, when the MAGA movement faces ructions over a raft of issues, particularly US support for Israel, the Epstein files, Trumps policy priorities and his backing of foreign workers and students. Candace Owens, Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson: Denounced by Ben Shapiro as charlatans. Getty / AP Erika Kirk told the crowd her murdered husband was a peacemaker and a coalition-builder; someone who was able to unite the conservative movement through a genuine commitment to open debate. [Since] he was assassinated, we saw infighting, weve seen fractures, weve seen bridges being burned that shouldnt be burnt. We saw a lot on full display, Kirk said. Indeed, the infighting resumed as soon as she left the stage. The first speaker, conservative media personality Ben Shapiro, used his speech to denounce charlatans in the MAGA movement, naming conspiracy theorist Candace Owens, ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon among them.

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These people are frauds, and they are grifters, and they do not deserve your time, Shapiro said, arguing the conservative movement was in serious danger if more people did not denounce the quacks. Carlson, speaking later that evening, fired back by implying Shapiro was defying Kirks legacy. I watched it. I laughed, he said. To hear calls for de-platforming and denouncing people at a Charlie Kirk event, Im like, What?! This is hilarious. Related Article US politics She was MAGAs favourite conspiracist. Then she dug into Charlie Kirks killing The divisions were evident throughout all four days inside the giant Phoenix Convention Centre, where some 31,000 Turning Point supporters gathered last weekend. On stage  and in the bars of Phoenix each night  the debate raged: should there be any red lines in the MAGA movement, over which you cannot step? What to do with people like Carlson who play footsies with avowed racists and antisemites such as Nick Fuentes? Or with conspiracy theorists like Owens who want to  without evidence  impugn Israel in Kirks assassination? And then, theres the bigger question. Looking ahead, who can unite the movement and preserve the winning coalition built by Trump?

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By the time Vance arrived in Phoenix to headline Turning Point, this infighting had been playing out in full public view for four days. All eyes were on how the anointed successor would respond  would he cut anyone loose, or would he embrace all-comers? He chose the latter, though without explicitly endorsing anyones views. Denouncing and cancelling was the habit of the progressive left, Vance cautioned  it was not a path down which conservatives should venture. President Trump did not build the greatest coalition in politics by running his supporters through endless, self-defeating purity tests, he said. JD Vance, then a Senate candidate, speaks alongside Donald Trump at a rally in 2022. AP We dont care if youre white or black, rich or poor, young or old, rural or urban, controversial or a little bit boring  or somewhere in between. If you love America  if you want all of us to be richer, stronger, safer and prouder  you have a home on this team.

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I didnt bring a list of conservatives to denounce or to de-platform  We build by adding, by growing, not by tearing down. Charlie Kirk was a great builder, too. He understood that any family can have its disagreements, its tough conversations. We can learn and improve and treat one another better, we can love each other despite the disagreement. No one should be doing something after Charlie Kirks death that he refused to do in life  cancelling people, Vance argued. He invited all of us here. But Kirk was resolute about people such as Fuentes. I dont align with Jew-haters, sorry, he told a young questioner before his death. Im not going to put up with Jew hatred in the conservative movement. Naturally, Vance aced the Turning Point straw poll for preferred Republican nominee, with 85 per cent of the vote. In wider polls, he commands an average of 48 per cent, well ahead of Donald Trump Jr (11 per cent) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (9.3 per cent), according to Real Clear Polling.

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Bill Galston, who holds the Ezra Zilkha Chair in governance studies at the Brookings Institution and was a deputy assistant to Democratic president Bill Clinton, said about two-thirds of Republicans identified as supporters of the MAGA movement, giving an instant advantage to the person who could claim to be the successor to Trumps creation. Charlie Kirk repudiated the anti-Jewish views of Nick Fuentes. AP Right now, JD Vance has done a much better job at that than anyone else, Galston says. Hes paid a price in doing that, however. He has refused to draw the line against antisemitism. He has repeatedly declared that the United States is and must remain a Christian nation. He has associated himself with the blood and oil wing of conservatism. Vance has, in fact, called out antisemitism. In a recent interview with British publication UnHerd, he said it had no place in the conservative movement along with any other form of ethnic hatred. He also rebuffed Fuentes and others over slurs on his Indian-American wife, second lady Usha Vance. They could eat shit, Vance said. But Vance argued people like Fuentes  a podcaster with many young fans  received outsized media attention relative to their actual importance. He said he wanted to stay focused on the Democrats and their support for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, which were more damaging.

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Galston says Vances overriding position is that the MAGA tent is a big one. Hes not going to throw anyone out of it. And that means in practice that antisemites like Nick Fuentes are acceptable dialogue partners even if one disagrees with those people, and says so forcefully. But the fact that theyre still inside the tent, in Vances view, sends an unmistakable signal. The idea of a heritage American is about as loony as anything the woke left has actually put up. Vivek Ramaswamy, former presidential contender By contrast, another presidential contender, Vivek Ramaswamy, used his Turning Point speech to deliberately call out the supposed supremacy of the heritage American, a term gaining popularity in parts of the online right (sometimes called the woke right), boosted by people like Fuentes. It denotes someone with American lineage dating back to the Revolution or earlier  the so-called blood and soil of the country  and is associated with white supremacism. The idea of a heritage American is about as loony as anything the woke left has actually put up, Ramaswamy said to some applause.

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There is no American who is more American than somebody else ... Youre either American or youre not. Related Article Analysis

World politics Midterms, Moscow and MAGAs main man: How 2026 will be shaped He said such thinking would inevitably lead someone to conclude that Trump, whose mother was a Scottish immigrant, was somehow less American than Joe Biden. In an opinion piece for The New York Times, Ramaswamy warned that if Republicans went down the same identity politics path as the Democrats  asserting that how you were born dictates whether you are greater or lesser or privileged or disadvantaged  they would face the same electoral fate. While its a long way from the kitchen-table economics that occupied most households time, this debate now shapes as a factor in determining who will become the next Republican candidate for president.

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Republican strategist Matthew Terrill, who was chief of staff to Rubios 2016 presidential campaign, said there was no doubt Erika Kirk and Turning Points endorsement of Vance mattered, but he cautioned the primary process was still far away. And it would not be a coronation. Whoever wants the nomination in 2028 is going to have to earn it, he said. President Trump is the founder of the MAGA movement. No one will ever have a relationship with the MAGA movement like Trump has had. Terrill said Republicans top priority had to be the 2026 midterms, which would require laser-like focus on the economy and what the Trump administration was doing to improve the lives of the American people. Much of 2025, including the One Big Beautiful Bill and its tax cuts, was setting the table for next year, he said. Vance helps put a face to that story, Terrill said. He came from Ohio, very humble background. That resonates with a lot of Americans out there. For him to go to places like Pennsylvania or Ohio and be that champion, that surrogate  thats important for the Republican Party. They are utilising him in a very smart way. 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.
Next year will be slower. Trumps goals are pretty obvious: reduce the USs trade deficit and keep investment flowing into the country, control inflation and keep prices down for American consumers, hold the House of Representatives at Novembers midterm elections (or minimise Republican losses ), and  of course  end the Russia-Ukraine war and earn himself the Nobel Peace Prize .

Trump 2.0 set a cracking pace from day one. His transition team knew what it wanted to do and how to do it  after all, this was Trumps second go at changing the country. Much of what came out of the Oval Office resurrected policies from his first term.

On one hand, its difficult to see how 2026 could be more disruptive than the year gone by. Trump upended the global trading order by increasing US tariffs to levels not seen since the 1930s, albeit with lots of characteristic flip-flopping and backsliding (he would call it being flexible).

Predicting the activities of Donald Trump is a fools errand. Under the 47th US president, expect the unexpected.

Whats in store for the world next year? As our correspondents looked ahead, the thread stitching it all together  or pulling it apart  led back to the White House.

Spooked by a bad showing for Republicans at off-year elections in November, the president and his team are clearly feeling the heat. They have shifted focus to domestic economic matters, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance both holding rallies in Pennsylvania in December that are part of a broader affordability roadshow planned for 2026.

Trump made a rod for his own back when he campaigned aggressively on affordability, giving struggling voters the impression he could bring down prices for everyday goods. That is proving to be easier said than done. Gas prices are down; the rest not so much, no matter what Trump claims .

While headline growth is shaping up to be pretty decent this year, the base of support looks different  with a lot of concentration at the top, she wrote.

Stockmarkets are going gangbusters, driven by frenzied investment in artificial intelligence (amid warnings of an AI bubble). But that makes for a two-speed economy, with low-income households battling high prices and insecure work, as Philadelphia Federal Reserve president Anna Paulson noted in a recent outlook.

The worlds largest economy enters 2026 with moderate expectations after a mixed year. Economic growth has slowed and unemployment is slightly higher. Trumps immigration crackdown reduced the supply of labour, but the job market has slowed even more. Inflation is basically where it was a year ago  it did not skyrocket due to Trumps tariffs, as some predicted, though it has risen over the past few months.

Finally, if we accept that Trumps star will fade in 2026 as the midterms approach, and he gets closer to lame-duck status, then it follows that other stars will rise. Trump is already being asked about anointing a successor for 2028; given his power in the MAGA universe and the Republican Party, his endorsement would be a massive boon. Vance is front and centre , sure, but so is Marco Rubio and, inevitably, Trumps son, Don Jr. How these men position themselves in 2026  what they emphasise, where they separate themselves from Trump, whether they declare their hand  are things to watch this year.

At the same time, the country is no closer to surmounting the intractable problems that have plagued it for so long. Another federal government shutdown is just weeks away  the end of January  unless Democrats and Republicans can overcome their impasse on healthcare. There is no sign of reform on gun violence, despite a rising tide of political violence that struck both sides of the divide in 2025, and made a martyr of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Trump is working hard to attach himself to sport and general good vibes. He has attended football, soccer, tennis and UFC matches, and if you were to summarise his hyperbolic messaging over the past year, it would be his oft-repeated line that America is the hottest country in the world right now. In 2026, that might actually be true.

On that, the president has a few aces up his sleeve. In 2026, the US will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence  the countrys birthday  in what promises to be a blockbuster year of patriotism, pomp and self-congratulation. In the middle of that, the US (with Mexico and Canada) will also host the FIFA World Cup , with a match to be played on Independence Day in Philadelphia.

Trump has vigorously pushed redistricting plans in multiple states that would advantage Republicans in next years midterms  blatant gerrymandering, which is something both sides of US politics have long done. It may help deliver extra seats in pockets of the country, but Trump knows that if voters are angry on election day, it wont be enough.

Putin is seen as the greater threat. While Trump antagonised Europe by raising tariffs , the Russian president endangered Europe with hybrid warfare . Poland believes Russia sent spies to damage its rail networks, while Denmark believes it sent drones to disrupt its airports and Britain convicted petty criminals who committed arson on orders from Moscow.

Trump confronts Europe on two broad fronts: his claim that it is being destroyed by migration and his argument for a peace deal on Ukraine that is softer on Putin than most European leaders would like. Many of the questions for Europe in 2026 come down to whether it starts to see the world as Trump does  or breaks with his vision and sets its own course.

The year ahead will test Europes capacity to tackle challenges that are already known to its leaders and people. So far, at least, there is no consensus over what to do. First, there are divisions between countries on the way forward  such as the splits in the European Union over the war in Ukraine and the rules on migration . Second, there are divisions within countries over domestic policy  such as the political brawl in France over cuts to welfare spending.

European leaders speak with resolve about the challenges facing the continent: slow growth, higher prices, the war in Ukraine, hybrid warfare from Russia, strains in the American alliance and discontent over migration and social change. Leaders jet across Europe to talk about these problems. But their people want faster action.

Europe drifted through 2025 as if its citizens had plenty of time to agree on their direction so they could, one day, dig their oars into the water and get moving. They enter 2026 with their prosperity and security in doubt  and their oars still in the air too much of the time.

The test for Starmer comes in May when voters in Wales and Scotland decide their parliaments. Starmer is on the nose, even if he is not on the ballot paper. A big defeat for Labour in Wales, in particular, probably triggers a leadership spill to replace him. The British media acts as if the spill will come sooner than that.

Parliaments are split on economic and budget policy because they reflect voters who want generous spending and low taxes, as if the European welfare state can last forever with no regard to the debt.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer retreated on cuts to welfare in 2025 because Labour backbenchers rebelled. French President Emmanuel Macron lost one prime minister , and almost another , because the National Assembly opposed spending cuts and tougher pension rules. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took power in May and has seen a collapse in his popular support.

Domestic pressures will continue to divide Europe when its leaders seem incapable of uniting their countries behind strong budget and economic policies. Australia has a gross debt of 55 per cent of GDP. That percentage is 180 in Greece, 148 in Italy, 116 in France, 98 in Britain and 64 in Germany. Europe is trying to rearm against Moscow at the same time it increases its welfare payments, after years of failure to balance tax and spending. (All figures are from the OECD) .

This means the year ahead could bring a severe rupture in the transatlantic alliance. The scale of it, like so much that depends on Trump and his movement, will be shaped by the verdict of US voters in the midterm elections in November. Will Americans cement or reject the MAGA philosophy? In 2026, the most important election for Europe will be the American one.

Every major leader in Europe calculates that appeasing Putin will only encourage him, while Trump assumes he can make a deal on Ukraine that makes money for American business. Only the Europeans seem guided by the lessons of 1938. These two approaches will be hard to reconcile in 2026. If Trump insists on his path, Europe will have to embark on its own.

Wales is also a test for Nigel Farage, the populist leader of Reform UK. The opinion polls tell him that voters want his hard line on migration, but he has no real economic agenda to deliver better times for families. He has convinced the media he is a contender  and some act as if he is certain to become prime minister. Only in May will we know if he has convinced the voters.

Anger about migration will be a defining dispute in 2026, and not only because Trump says Europe is being destroyed by migrants.

In Britain, protesters gather outside asylum seeker hotels. In France and Germany, voters shift to hard-right parties. Many voters do not want more migrants, and they were turning to the right before Trump arrived.

One guide to voter sentiment will come in April, when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban seeks to hold power in parliamentary elections. His key policy: no migrants. He complains about support for Ukraine, is friendly to Putin and favoured by Trump.

Another key election will come when Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen faces the people. She moved ahead of other leaders to clamp down on migration, departing from the old template for social democrats, and she wants to follow Australia in restricting social media for children. The election is due by October 31.

Mounted police officers scuffle with demonstrators during a protest by anti-migrant Abolish Asylum System and counter-protesters in Bristol, England. AP

There are bright points ahead. The Winter Olympics will be held in Milan in February, and the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Vienna in May. Both will try to highlight harmony.

Alas, Europeans have no reason to think their world will improve in 2026. Even the best possible outcome for Ukraine, peace with lasting security, does not end the problems across the region. In the year ahead, Europe will be a sphere of low growth and high discord.

 David Crowe, Europe correspondent

North Asia

North Asia enters the new year with a hangover from Trumps trade war with China and the uncertainty of the fragile truce brokered in the final months of 2025.

In April, the worlds attention will focus on Beijing, where Chinese leader Xi Jinping will host Trump for his first state visit to China during his second term.

China amassed a record trade surplus despite the tariff war with the US. AP

This meeting will set the tone between the two superpowers in 2026, giving an early indication of whether the truce will hold and if it can be shaped into a long-term trade deal or even a broader bargain extending into areas of foreign policy.

Xi enters the negotiations from the position of strength, having flexed Chinas dominance over rare earth supply chains to extract concessions from Trump in the form of relaxed technology export controls, while conceding little substantive ground. Xi will look to capitalise on this leverage as China seeks to roll back bans on its access to superior US chips and semiconductors  the main impediment to it surpassing America as the worlds leading tech power.

While Xi did not raise the issue of Taiwan during his meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the APEC summit in October, many analysts expect him to do so in Beijing. This would build on their phone call in November, where Xi told Trump that Taiwans return to China was an integral part of the post-war international order.

Officials in Taipei will be watching closely for any signs of Xis growing impatience towards annexing the island and any shifts by Trump in US policy that could see him trade Taiwans security for a grander bargain, such as Xis support for ending the war in Ukraine. China hawks in the Trump administration insist this will never happen.

On the home front, Xi faces a gargantuan challenge in turning around Chinas sluggish domestic economy, which is weighed down by trillions of dollars in debt and the long drag of a property market collapse.

In March, Beijing will publish its 15th five-year plan, laying out its policy blueprint to 2030. This is supposed to pivot Chinas economy from an export-driven machine to one powered by its own consumers, but so far, Chinese policymakers have given no clear pathway for how they will convince reluctant consumers to spend.

Meanwhile, Chinas record trade surplus with the world, which topped $1 trillion for the first time in 2025, shows that Trumps tariffs failed to dent Beijings export juggernaut. But this will only increase concerns across Asia, Europe and the US that their markets will continue to be flooded with an oversupply of cheap Chinese goods.

Japan and South Korea are still reeling from their encounters with Trumps America First transactionalism, which forced them to commit to a combined $US900 billion ($1.4 trillion) in investments in US industries in exchange for lower tariffs and ongoing US security protection. But with both countries economies in the doldrums, the deals have been a bitter pill for domestic audiences and a tough sales challenge for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and new Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi.

Takaichi, who became Japans first female prime minister in October, has had a baptism of fire. She enters 2026 having endured weeks of Chinese fury over her comments canvassing scenarios in which Japan could enter a war over Taiwan. Chinas outrage has extended beyond demands for a retraction to a campaign of economic and military coercion, including curbing tourism to Japan, banning seafood imports and increasing military patrols near Japans territory.

It comes as Takaichi tries to pump stimulus in Japans heavily indebted economy to ease inflation pressures on households, while working to convince a wary public of the need to reform the countrys pacifist constitution and ramp up defence spending.

To this end, Chinas aggression is not only helping burnish her case, it has boosted her political stocks as a leader refusing to relent to a bully. She sails into the new year with the highest approval ratings for a Japanese leader in years.

In South Korea, the Lee administration will be approaching its first full year in power after a failed martial law bid landed the former president in jail on rebellion charges and threw the country into months of chaos in 2025. Lee has repositioned the countrys foreign policy posture towards China as more moderate than his hawkish predecessor, while trying to open engagement channels with North Korea.

However, Lees rapprochement efforts  including dismantling loudspeakers at the North Korean border and banning propaganda leaflet drops  have so far been roundly rejected by Pyongyang, which views the South as its principal enemy.

In 2026, the world awaits the ultimate wild card: a potential meeting between North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un and Trump. Trump is eager for it, Kim is open to it.

Any meeting would plumb the same terrain as previous talks between the two men in Trumps first term  that is, North Koreas nuclear program. Those talks fizzled out.

However, this time around, Kim would enter any talks with increased leverage and a demand that the US accept it as a legitimate nuclear power.

No longer a total pariah, North Korea has strengthened its alliance with Russia by aiding Putins war in Ukraine. In 2025, Kim joined Putin and Xi on the global stage at a military parade in Beijing, giving the North Korean regime a stamp of legitimacy from the anti-US bloc.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre) with Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un and other world leaders in Beijing in September. Xinhua via AP

Any meeting would test Trumps appetite for abandoning the US long-held position that North Korea must denuclearise, with talks instead pivoting to arms control discussions.

Dont rule it out. Trumps national security strategy, released in December, conspicuously did not reference North Korea or denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula at all. North Korea was mentioned more than a dozen times in a similar strategic document during Trumps first term.

 Lisa Visentin, North Asia correspondent

South-East Asia

Like the rest of the world, South-East Asia will be sweating on Trumps endeavours to build his MAGA utopia at the expense of everyone else.

Still, no region seems as squeezed, on so many fronts, by the power competition between China and the US as this one. Trumps America has stepped away from South-East Asia, leaving a vacuum for Beijing to move in as the new, stable partner on security, trade and matters of soft diplomacy, such as aid.

The Lowy Institutes Asia Power Index shows the US maintaining the No.1 power ranking in Asia, but it has lost significant ground to China. Drill further into the findings and China has shot from fifth to first on the measure of efficacy of political leaders in advancing their countrys diplomatic interests in Asia.

Unless Trump changes tack, which appears unlikely, China will make more headway in 2026. South-East Asian nations do not want to be in a position where they have to choose between China and the US, but events may be leading that way.

Vietnam will be an interesting case study in navigating these great-power waves. It exports huge amounts of goods to America, which has imposed a tariff rate of 20 per cent. This is roughly on par with other South-East Asian nations.

The biggest and broadest of Trump tariffs were announced on Liberation Day in April. AP

But the issue for Vietnam next year will be how the Trump administration chooses to tackle, define and punish the trans-shipment of heavily tariffed Chinese goods. Chinese exports to Vietnam have surged this year, some of which are bound for the US.

One country firmly in Americas corner is the Philippines, which will continue its at-times violent spat with China in the South China Sea (or West Philippine Sea, as the Filipinos call it).

China claims almost the entire sea for itself, leading to tensions not only with the Philippines but with Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Brunei.

The bad feelings have escalated under the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who has pivoted the Philippines towards the US, its old treaty ally, after the China-friendly years of Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte has been in custody in The Hague since March for crimes against humanity related to the Philippines brutal war on drugs during his presidency. His case will inch forward in 2026.

Domestically, Marcos Jr will be pressured to lock up the elites responsible for siphoning off money earmarked for flood-management initiatives. The sprawling, multibillion-dollar scandal has triggered mass protests and fed into rumblings of a coup.

Indonesia will begin the new year with significant and highly controversial changes to both its criminal code and criminal procedure code. Civil liberty groups are horrified at what some of the provisions may mean for democracy and personal freedoms.

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How President Prabowo Subianto manages his massively expensive social programs  such as free school lunches  while ensuring key agencies and local governments have enough funds to effectively do their jobs, including flood mitigation, will also be an issue to watch. Something might have to give. Could 2026 be the year Indonesia abandons its new capital city project?

On trade, the worlds third-largest democracy could be on a collision course with the US after the latter accused the Prabowo administration of backtracking on agreed points. Punitive measures such as even higher tariffs could ensue.

Thailand, whose politics are coloured by meddling from the royalist-military establishment, will go to the polls in early February. The progressive Peoples Party, the opposition, will probably win. But it won last time, too, when it was called the Move Forward Party. Move Forward was blocked from forming government and then dissolved by the Constitutional Court.

Anutin Charnvirakul has been prime minister for a few months, following the court-ordered sacking of Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The Peoples Party helped elevate Anutin on the condition that he would call fresh elections. So, here we are.

The incumbent has been sharply criticised for his handling of last months major floods. Now, though, Thailand is again fighting with Cambodia, allowing Anutin to tap into a deep well of nationalist sentiment and play the patriotic, wartime leader.

With neither side willing to appear weak or to cede territory, hostilities, whether overt fighting or at a diplomatic level, will play out through 2026.

The other upcoming election, if we can call it that, is in Myanmar, which has been mired in a brutal civil war since the military coup in February 2021.

Seeking legitimacy, the junta has called multiphase elections starting on December 28. Analysts and other nations, including Australia, view the vote as a means for the military to entrench power.

 Zach Hope, South-East Asia correspondent

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by Ashutosh Jogalekar

We shall not cease from exploration.

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time. T. S. Eliot

Robert Kurson closes Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 with a deceptively simple scene. Decades into the twenty-first century, he takes his teenage son, armed with an iPhone, an Xbox, and all the distractions of modern technology, to see a Saturn V laid on its side, bursting out of its building. The boy doesnt check his phone. He doesnt take a picture. He just stands there, staring at the five enormous F-1 engine nozzles, each taller than a person, and after several silent minutes asks if they can stay longer. The Saturn V guarantees turning every person, no matter how young or old, into that boy.

I had just returned from a visit to NASA myself, standing beneath the behemoth and feeling something close to vertigo. You can know the numbers  363 feet long, millions of pounds of thrust, nearly a million gallons of propellant  and still be unprepared for the physical reality of it. The rocket overwhelms abstraction. Like Kursons son, I found myself wordless, pulled into a long stare, asking the same unspoken question: how did anyone dare build this thing? Rocket Men provides part of the answer.

What the book does better than almost any account of Apollo is make the case that Apollo 8, usually treated as a dress rehearsal for Apollo 11, may have been the most consequential spaceflight of them all. Apollo 11 was about arriving. Apollo 8 was about leaving, about the first time human beings severed the umbilical cord to Earth and committed themselves to a quarter-million-mile journey with no rescue, no precedent, and no margin for error. Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collinss later remark, quoted near the end of the book  that a century from now Apollo 8 might be judged more significant than Apollo 11  sounds provocative until Kurson patiently shows why it may simply be accurate.

He begins by placing Apollo inside a nation that had lost its sense of technological inevitability. The United States, fresh from ending World War II with the atomic bomb, should have been first into orbit. Instead, Sputnik rose into the sky on the same night Americans tuned in to the debut of Leave It to Beaver. Kursons juxtaposition is devastating: while the Soviets leapt forward, America appeared comfortable, suburban, complacent, fat and happy. The Space Race becomes not spectacle but self-diagnosis.

From there, Kurson shows how the response quickly became structural. Eisenhowers National Defense Education Act poured billions into science education, reshaping classrooms as much as launchpads. He humanizes the Soviet side through Yuri Gagarins flight  nearly ending in disaster, resolved by an emergency ejection and a landing far off course  and that almost mythic moment when a woman and child encounter him, an alien materializing from outer space, in a field and he reassures them, Im one of yours dont be afraid. Spaceflight, Kurson reminds us, was messy long before it was heroic.

The emotional hinge comes with Kennedys visit to Cape Canaveral in November 1963, when he stands in wonder beside von Braun as men in shirtsleeves and ties explain the Saturn V. Six days later Kennedy is dead. Apollo, from that moment on, carries the weight of unfinished national promises.

The core of the bookand its sustained tensionlies in the decision to send Apollo 8 to lunar orbit in December 1968. Kurson makes clear just how close this decision was to institutional heresy. No human had ever traveled more than 853 miles from Earth. Now George Low was proposing to send three men a quarter-million miles away, months ahead of schedule, skipping two missions and violating NASAs incremental philosophy. Frank Bormans answerYes, Deke. Lets go to the Moonlands with almost frightening calm.

Borman is not portrayed as a romantic explorer. He has little interest in glamour or adventure. He joined NASA to fight the Soviet Union on the Cold Wars newest battlefield. Kurson doesnt soften that motivation; he uses it to give Apollo 8 moral sharpness. This was exploration driven by geopolitical necessity as much as curiosity.

Kurson returns again and again to the central terror of the mission: the Saturn V had never flown humans. It had been tested only twice, and the second test nearly ended in catastrophe. If Apollo 8 flew in December, there would be no third test. The next Saturn V flight would carry Borman, Lovell, and Anders atop nearly a million gallons of propellant with the explosive potential of a small nuclear bomb.

The urgency infects everything. Meetings are called with hours notice  pack a sandwich, find a plane, be in Huntsville by mid-afternoon  and everyone arrives. For a brief moment, a vast bureaucracy behaves like a single organism under pressure.

Kurson excels at turning technical demands into images that linger. Orbiting just 69 miles above the Moon requires precision equivalent to throwing a dart at the fuzz of a peach from 28 feet awaywhile the peach hurtles through space at 2,300 miles per hour. Trans-lunar injection doesnt escape Earth so much as stretch an orbit into a long ellipse that intersects the Moon at exactly the right moment. The spacecraft must rotate slowly in barbecue mode to avoid frying one side and freezing the other. Subtle mass concentrations  mascons  beneath the lunar surface tug invisibly at the spacecraft, threatening to warp its orbit into a fatal descent.

These details arent indulgence. They serve Kursons deeper point: Apollo 8 worked because the universe turned out to be predictable, and because human beings had learned to read that predictability to the split second. When Mission Control realizes orbital mechanics have behaved exactly as calculated, the response isnt triumph, its relief tinged with awe.

The astronauts emerge as fully dimensional people. Bormans defining ethicdo not quit, stay in there and pitchis matched by contradiction: disturbed by nuclear imagery in political ads, yet ready to deploy the same weapon if ordered. Susan Bormans parallel story is one of the books quiet triumphs. She refuses the stoic astronaut-wife role, admits fear publicly, and later prepares Franks eulogy in advance so that, if he dies, she and not the government will decide how his life is honored.

Jim Lovell is framed through lineage. Kurson recalls the ridicule Robert Goddard endured for imagining rockets in vacuum, and Goddards reply that every vision is a joke until it becomes commonplace. Lovell navigates to the Moon using a sextant and starsancient tools guiding the most modern vessel ever builtlinking centuries of human exploration in a single cockpit.

Bill Anders is steel tempered by responsibility. Kurson recounts a wartime moment when shrapnel pierced Anderss throat and he wrote orders in his own blood, and later describes his Cold War service flying interceptors armed with nuclear-tipped missiles. Two switches, thrown by two men, could have started World War III. Thats the Cold War, Anders says. Its up to us not to screw up. After orbiting the Moon, no corporate crisis would ever feel existential again.

The book refuses to sanitize the body. Zero gravity amplifies discomfort. Illness becomes dangerous. Bathroom breaks are hour-long ordeals involving adhesive collars, fingertip scoops, and germicide packets kneaded into waste to prevent gas buildup and explosion. When Borman becomes violently ill in lunar orbit and blobs of diarrhea float free in the cabin, Lovell and Anders chase them down like butterflies. The scene is grotesque, funny, and essential. Heroism here is not clean.

All of this unfolds against the wreckage of 1968assassinations, riots, Vietnam, Chicago, Columbia, a country unsure it can be put back together. Then comes Christmas Eve. From lunar orbit, Apollo 8 reads from Genesis. Earth risesblue, radiant, boundarylessover the Moons gray horizon. Anders sees the planet as a Christmas ornament and realizes that without borders, without familiar reference points, what stands out is not division but proximity. From that distance, it is no longer possible to see nations or ideologiesonly a small, fragile world suspended in darkness.

It is one of historys great ironies, and Kurson captures it beautifully: the mission was conceived to explore the Moon, yet its most enduring revelation was not lunar at all. By leaving Earth for the first time, humanity finally saw itwhole, finite, and shared. They went to discover the Moon and ended up discovering the Earth.

The response on the ground is one of stunned unity. Mission Control weeps. A party falls silent. So does a renowned composer who has always believed the whole thing to be a gigantic waste of taxpayer money. A single anonymous telegram captures the moment better than any speech: THANKS. YOU SAVED 1968.

Kurson closes the circle by returning us to aftermath and scale. Earthrise becomes an icon. Lawsuits are filed and dismissed. Astronauts return to ordinary lives: Borman pumping gas for access to a garage lift; Anders rescuing a major corporation with the calm of someone who has already stared into infinity. Humanity, having gone so far, has never returned.

Standing beneath a Saturn V, you feel small. Reading Rocket Men, you feel steadied. Kurson shows how a handful of peoplearmed with slide rules, judgment, courage, and an unflinching acceptance of riskproved that the universe could be navigated, not just admired. Apollo 11 showed us we could arrive somewhere new. Apollo 8 showed us we could leave home, look back and, in the spirit of T. S. Eliots quote, understand what home really is.
A 22-YEAR-old man who urinated on a chair while in custody at Carlow Garda Station was fined 400 at a sitting of Carlow District Court last week. Christivie Tuzeyewo, 16 Millbrook, Portlaoise, Co Laois was charged with causing criminal damage.

On 8 November 2025 at approximately 7.50pm, gardai responded to reports of a drunken man trying to board a train at Carlow Railway Station. Upon arrival at the train station, gardai observed Mr Tuzeyewo being restrained by security staff.

The court heard that Mr Tuzeyewo was highly intoxicated and aggressive to staff and that, while being held in a custody area at Carlow Garda Station, he proceeded to urinate on the floor and a chair, causing damage, which cost 150 in cleaning fees.

Defence solicitor Alex Rafter told the court that his client was originally from Congo but had been living in Ireland for eight years, has no previous convictions and is currently working in a Penneys store.

Mr Rafter presented to the judge the 150 that it cost to clean up the urine and said that Mr Tuzeyewo promises never to appear before a court again.

Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted and fined Mr Tuzeyewo 400.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Stephen Maguire

A Co Donegal man found with a large cache of 'weapons' which later turned out to be mostly imitation firearms has been given a chance by a Judge.

Aaron McNutt was stopped by gardai at a routine checkpoint at College Road in Letterkenny on July 28th 2023.

When they questioned him, they found a flick knife in his possession.

After carrying out a further search of the vehicle, shocked officers located an assortment of items in the boot, including a handgun, a pistol, five rifles, a sword and an axe.

McNutt, of Glinsk, Kindrum in Fanad, was charged with ten offences, including that he had in his possession a realistic imitation firearm.

He is also charged with being in possession of a black handgun without a firearms certificate.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to the offences.

However, the circumstances behind the incident were outlined by McNutt's barrister, Mr Sean McGee, BL, during his sentencing hearing at Donegal Circuit Court.

Mr McGee explained how the accused man had started playing with 'airsoft' weapons during the COVID-19 lockdown.

He and his brothers had been using the replica guns on their lands at Fanad during this time, and that the 'weapons' would never be taken off or away from their farm.

His father had then requested that McNutt and his brothers take the guns to an upper field to shoot at targets.

The court was told that it was on this occasion that McNutt had forgotten to take the assortment of weapons out of the boot of his car, and this was when he was stopped by gardai.

Mr McGee said the other people in the car did not even realise that the 'weapons' were in the boot of the car as they had not been involved in using them for target practice at all.

When arrested and questioned about the cache, McNutt was very cooperative with gardai.

He said it was "a really stupid thing to do to have them in the car" and told Gardai that he knew it looked really bad.

On the night, he told gardai, "If I was in your shoes I'd be thinking "What the f*** did I just find? It was a massive mistake on my behalf, and I take full responsibility."

The court heard that McNutt was also a fan of history and had bought the ornamental sword and axe on legitimate websites.

There was some legal discussion outlining the power of the guns and teir legality.

The court was told that if the weapons were under one Joule, they are considered airsoft guns are not classified as firearms under Irish law and do not require a firearms certificate but are classified as Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs).

A number of the weapons in McNutt's possession were slighting over one Joule but he did not realise this, the court was told.

The court was also told that McNutt had no previous convictions for any offence.

Judge John Aylmer was also informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions had indicated that the case could be dealt with by summary disposal in the district court, but the district court judge had refused jurisdiction in the case.

Mr McGee said his client was a hard worke,r and the reason he had a flick-knife on him on the night was that he simply had it in his pocket as he had been using it to open bags while working in a local distillery.

Passing sentence, Judge Aylmer said he noted the DPP had taken the view that the case could be dealt with summarily but the district court judge had refused jurisdiction.

He also noted Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle said the accused was not in possession of any of the articles for any malicious or criminal purpose.

He said the offences were at the "very lower" end of the scale and that it was explained by the prosecution that McNutt had developed a "boyish interest" in weapons during Covid.

He said that the accused was otherwise an entirely law-abiding young man and that he was minded to deal with the case in the most lenient way available to him.

He said he was going to indicate a sentence that he was going to impose on the accused in six months.

In the meantime, he said he was making it a condition that McNutt keep the peace and is of good behaviour, but that if he did come before the court again, he would impose a fine of 500 on each count, meaning the accused would be fined 5,000.

However, if he did not come before him, then he would make an order discharging McNutt under Section 100 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Judge Aylmer adjourned the case until June 9th, 2026, adding that it is clear what he will then do if the accused behaves himself.
by Dwight Furrow

Lets grant, for the sake of argument, the relatively short-range ambition that organizes much of rhetoric about artificial intelligence. That ambition is called artificial general intelligence (AGI), understood as the point at which machines can perform most economically productive cognitive tasks better than most humans. The exact timeline when we will reach AGI is contested, and some serious researchers think AGI is improperly defined. But these debates are not all that relevant because we dont need full-blown AGI for the social consequences to arrive. You need only technology that is good enough, cheap enough, and widely deployable across the activities we currently pay people to do.

On that narrower and more concrete point, there is a lot of disturbing data. The global management firm McKinsey estimates that current generative AI plus existing automation technologies have the potential to automate work tasks that absorb 6070% of employees time today. The International Monetary Fund, addressing the world economy, predicts that AI is likely to affect around 40% of jobs globally, with advanced economies being more exposed. MITs Iceberg project reports that AI technical capability extends to cognitive and administrative tasks spanning 11.7% of the labor marketapproximately $1.2 trillion in wage value across finance, healthcare, and professional services.

So the question is not whether job disruption is likely. The question is what kind of thinking is smuggled in when pro-AI commentators describe that disruption as painless, self-correcting, andthis is the favorite wordinevitable. The pattern I want to diagnose is magical thinking, the tendency to treat a desired outcome as if it follows automatically from the introduction of a powerful tool, as if social coordination, political conflict, and institutional design were minor implementation details. Each instance of magical thinking I designate as a magic pony because the confidence with which they are asserted often has the character of a bedtime story: comforting, frictionless, and uninterested in real world constraints.

Magic pony #1: New technologies always create new jobs.

This is the standard lullaby. Dont worry. Automation eliminates tasks, but it creates new roles; history shows it. History does in fact show that. The industrial revolution surely created many new jobs. The problem is this is offered as a general law, when it is at best a historically local pattern with very specific enabling conditions such as labor movements with bargaining power, fast-growing sectors of the economy that absorbed displaced workers, and most importantly technologies that complemented large portions of the workforce rather than directly substituted for them.

What changes when the target is most cognitive tasks? In that scenario, new jobs dont automatically expand because the underlying capability of cognitive performance generalizes across most domains including those new jobs. If the claim is that AI will be able to do most cognitive tasks better than most humans, then why assume the newly created jobs wont also be within AIs competence? One can reply: because some work is embodied, interpersonal, or ethically sensitive. True. But it is a non sequitur to move from some work will remain human to enough work will remain human at sufficient scale to stabilize incomes and social order.

The early data on jobs, although limited and contested, already point toward pressure on entry level positions. A Stanford Digital Economy Lab paper reports that workers aged 2225 saw a 13 % decline in employment from late 2022 to July 2025 in the most AI-exposed occupations, while the level of more experienced workers was stable or showing some growth. And Gallups recent survey finds that The percentage of U.S. employees who reported using AI at work at least a few times a year increased from 40% to 45% between the second and third quarters of 2025. Frequent use (a few times a week or more) grew from 19% to 23%, while daily use moved less, ticking up from 8% to 10% during the same period.

ChatGPT was released only three years ago and only in the past year or so have LLMs begun to have economic impact outside the tech industry. These numbers that report AI penetration will grow as the models become more capable and firms figure out how to insert AI into their workflow. The mechanism is easy to understand. Entry-level jobs are often bundles of routinized cognitive tasks that constitute a slow apprenticeship into more complex tasks that require judgment and learned experience. If AI performs the routinized portion, organizations can thin the bottom of the ladder hiring fewer juniors while demanding more from the ones they keep. But that pipeline problem is not a side issue. It is how professions reproduce themselves.

The magic pony, then, is not merely the claim that jobs will be created. It is the stronger, usually unspoken claim that job creation will be timely, distributed, and accessibleand more importantly, not replaceable by AI. With the rapid improvement in AI models, which is slowing but nevertheless still robust, why assume that?

Magic pony #2: Productivity gains will shower wealth on society.

A second pony appears when the discussion shifts from labor markets to macroeconomics. The story goes like this: AI raises productivity; productivity raises output; output raises wealth; therefore, we all win. But this is a fairy tale with two missing chapters.

The first missing chapter is distribution. Productivity gains do not, by a natural law of the universe, flow to wages. They can flow to profits, monopoly rents, executive compensation, or capital gains. They can also be absorbed as lower prices, which is helpful but not a substitute for income if your job is gone. When proponents pass over the distribution worry with a cheery the economy will be richer, they are changing the subject from who benefits to whether someone benefits. Of course someone benefits, but it likely wont be you.

The second missing chapter is demand. Suppose we really do replace a significant share of paid cognitive labor with machines. Well, then, we increase supply capacity while undercutting the wage-based demand that purchases what is supplied. This is not an exotic theoretical puzzle. A firm does not become wealthy because it can manufacture more goods that no one can buy. If we accelerate the capacity to produce while collapsing the purchasing power of large parts of the population, instead of utopia, we get a politically unstable condition of overcapacity plus resentment. Its an economy that can do everything except justify itself to the people it no longer needs.

This is magic pony #2: the fantasy that massive wealth generation can be decoupled from mass purchasing power, as if capitalism could run on productivity alone. This is bonehead supply side economics run amok.

Magic pony #3: UBI will solve itand someone else will pay.

At this point the conversation often turns, with a kind of performative benevolence, to a post-work future: people wont have to work; well provide a universal basic income (UBI). Lovely. Now do the arithmetic.

The U.S. population estimate for July 1, 2024 was 340,110,988, and 21.5% are under 18. That puts the adult population at roughly 267 million. The Census Bureau reports real median earnings for full-time, year-round workers in 2022 of $60,070. Providing that level of income to ~267 million adults entails a transfer on the order of $16 trillion per year, over half of total U.S. GDP.

And what is the available tax capacity? OECD Revenue Statistics puts the U.S. tax-to-GDP ratio at 25.2% in 2023. If we apply something like that to a roughly $2930 trillion U.S. economy (BEA puts current-dollar GDP in Q3 2024 at about $29.35 trillion), we are in the neighborhood of $78 trillion in total tax revenue.

This is not close to what UBI requires and this is before funding defense, healthcare, debt service, education, infrastructure, and the rest of the expenses of government.

Now maybe the UBI wouldnt be $60,000. But can people actually live on less income without severe downward mobility? If you fund a modest UBI that doesnt replace wage income, you havent solved mass displacement; youve subsidized an economy that is still taking away peoples primary means of survival.

Tax the Hell out of the rich, the winners in the AI race, is often proposed as the solution. Well, that is conceptually possible but politically and administratively problematic. Even with much higher tax rates, the numbers above still dont add up. Furthermore, given the unprecedented political and economic power they will have, why think any of these masters of the universe will consent to higher taxes?

Yes, but wont AI expand the wealth base? Perhaps, but that magic pony has already been fed and sheltered above. We now have compounded uncertainties: optimistic productivity assumptions, optimistic diffusion assumptions, optimistic political assumptions, and optimistic distribution assumptions. Stack enough optimism and it becomes less like analysis and more like prayer.

The international dimension makes the pony even more extravagant. The IMF analysis cited above made a further point about unequal capacity: Advanced economies are likely to feel both benefits and disruptions sooner. Meanwhile, much of the AI industrys capital concentration remains heavily U.S.- and China-centered. Global UBI is not even a proposal; it is a weak gesture in the direction of moral comfort. The idea that world governments could cooperate on something like this is, on its face, absurd especially after our experience with climate change.

Magic pony #4: The physical world will politely cooperate.

AI discourse tends to be disembodied. Models live in the cloud; the cloud lives nowhere; therefore, scaling is mainly a matter of innovation. But compute is not spirit. It runs on chips, water, land, and an increasingly stressed electrical grid.

The U.S. Department of Energy, summarizing an LBNL report, notes that data centers consumed about 4.4% of total U.S. electricity in 2023 and are expected to consume 6.7% to 12% by 2028, with total data center electricity rising from 176 TWh (Terrawatt hours) in 2023 to 325580 TWh (2028). The IEA projects global data-center electricity demand is set to more than double by 2030 (to around 945 TWh), with AI a major driver; it also projects AI-optimized data center demand to more than quadruple by 2030.

This matters because a post-work story that cannot speak concretely about energy, infrastructure buildout, and environmental tradeoffs is not a plan. The magic pony here is the assumption that the material preconditions of limitless scaling will simply fall into place with cheap energy, abundant chips, stable geopolitics, permissive regulation, and no serious backlash from communities asked to host the physical footprint.

Magic pony #5: Its not our responsibility.

Finally, the most ethically revealing pony: Silicon Valley can build the tool; its societys job to figure out how to deal with the consequences. Sometimes this is stated bluntly, sometimes it appears as a shrug dressed up as libertarian realism.

But technology is not an exogenous meteor headed toward earth. It is a set of choices about deployment. Firms decide whether to use AI to automate or augment. They decide whether to eliminate jobs or redesign jobs. They decide whether to treat labor as a cost center to be minimized or as a capability to be developed. In short: not our responsibility is itself a political stance that assumes a great deal of social patience, which appears to be in limited supply, in any case, if you pay attention to the news.

Do proponents really believe that billions of people will watch their livelihoods erode, their social status collapse, their local economies hollow out and simply accept it as progress? Social order is a delicate, negotiated achievement, maintained by institutions that distribute burdens as well as benefits. If the benefits are privatized while the burdens are so blatantly and comprehensively socialized, the likely outcome is not acquiescence but conflict. The backlash to all of this will be enormous and I dont get the sense the tech lords are prepared for it.

This is not a call to ban AI. Im not an AI skeptic. The tools are useful and will become more so in time. My point is narrower and practical. Pro-AI discourse often behaves as if the hardest parts of the transition are technical. The other stuffemployment, distribution, demand, fiscal capacity, global inequality, energy infrastructure, and political legitimacywill take care of themselves. These are magic ponies all the way down.

If we want fewer magic ponies, we need fewer bedtime stories and more institutional realism: policies that assume disruption and budget for it, treat training pipelines as civic infrastructure, confront tax capacity honestly, and constrain the temptation to use AI as a substitute for wages and social insurance. Otherwise, the future of work will be decided the way many things are decided, not by the elegance of our models, but by the ugliness of our violence.
The story is told about the little boy who dumped a package of Jolly Green Giant vegetables into a blender. What are you doing, Billy? his mother asked. I want to see whirled peas! Most of us might have little interest in whirled peas, but wouldnt we all like to experience world peace?

Televised beauty pageants seem to have lost much of their popularity, but I remember when contestants would be interviewed and asked, If chosen Miss So-and-So, what would you like to achieve during your reign? Some would smile prettily and respond, World peace! Good luck with that!

Sadly, history has shown us true world peace is more elusive than the mythical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Throughout time humankind has either been starting wars, in the midst of wars, or trying to conclude wars. Why so much war? There are many reasons: Territorial disputes; access to waterways and natural resources; conflicts over cultures, ideological and religious antagonism; greed; quests for power and dominance; just plain bloodthirst.

But thats the absence of peace on a global scale. What about on a personal level? We find peace to be fleeting there as well. Family conflict, work challenges, financial hardships, physical illness and ailments, aging, and the reality of living in a chaotic world all can disrupt our sense of peace. As a result, we find ourselves dealing with constant worry, sleepless nights, anxiety, and a variety of other ways distress can manifest itself.

In search of peace, people try a smorgasbord of hoped-for remedies: Mystical meditation, medication or substance abuse, positive thinking strategies, soothing music, many forms of distraction, even denial. I just wont think about it!

Yes, it can be difficult to find peace in environments of constant turmoil, but theres one source we can depend on, a peaceful refuge from the raging sea: Jesus Christ. That was declared in one of the Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

We have just celebrated the birth of Christ once more, reflecting on the world-changing meaning and impact of that singular event. From the beginning, peace was central to His message. After John the Baptist was born his father Zechariah, a temple priest, became filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. He said Jesus purpose included, to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace (Luke 1:79).

Then one night while a group of shepherds was watching over their flocks of sheep, Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests (Luke 2:13-14).

Why then do we still have so much strife and conflict in our world, if Jesus came to bring peace?

Because the peace He can provide is not a peace that involves treaties and truces and the ceasing of human hostilities. He didnt come to put an end to earthly, temporal problems. Jesus gives His followers peace that transcends the trials and tribulations that are unavoidable in this life.

Just days before His betrayal, mock trial, scourging and crucifixion, Jesus knew His disciples would be distraught to see their leader treated so unjustly. He spoke to reassure them that despite what was about to happen, they need not despair. He said, Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid (John 14:27).

Much of the book of Isaiah is filled with gloom and doom, forthtelling Gods acts of wrath and judgment. And yet, in the midst of the harsh warnings, the prophet offers this assurance: [The Lord] will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You (Isaiah 26:3). Its like listening to the evening news, filled with reports of wars, dire health scares, murder and mayhem, and then hearing God tell us, Dont fret. Its okay. Ive got this.

We find a related passage in the New Testament where were admonished, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Elvis Presley in 1957 popularized Peace in the Valley. Speaking of unwavering confidence in the Lord, the hymn includes this simple refrain:

There will be peace in the valley for me, some day

There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray

There'll be no sadness, no sorrow

No trouble, trouble I see

There will be peace in the valley for me.

The little baby who more than 2,000 years ago was proclaimed the Prince of Peace and was promised to be the one to guide our feet into the path of peace, can bring an inner peace to each of us that confounds human reasoning. All we have to do is trust in the Lord and ask Him for it.

* * *



Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor, and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 20 books. These include Marketplace Ambassadors; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Todays Workplace; Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. He writes and edits a weekly business meditation, Monday Manna, which is translated into nearly 20 languages and distributed via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for Bob's blog is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net.
Barbara Goettmann Payne, 91, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

Born in Detroit, Mi., to the late Hiram Edward and Viola Clark Goettmann, she was a member of First Alliance Church.

Barbara was a pioneer in the field of occupational therapy. After receiving her degree from Washington University in Saint Louis, she returned to Chattanooga where she was one of two occupational therapists practicing in the area. She assumed a position with Orange Grove Center when that organization was in its infancy. Barbara later earned her master's from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Over the years she went on to direct both Occupational and Physical Therapy Departments as well as teaching to mentor the next generation of therapists.



After retiring from her chosen field Barbara's next chapter included becoming a realtor with Crye-Leike and later with Re/Max Renaissance Realtors. She found this particularly rewarding especially when she could help marginalized buyers acquire their first home.



She is survived by her two sons, Thomas E. (Wanda) Payne Sr. of Aiken, South Carolina and John H. Payne of Chattanooga; three grandchildren, Thomas E. Payne Jr., Jennifer L. Payne and Susan N. (Craig Wilson) Payne; and great granddaughter, Mia Wilson.

Visitation will be held from 47 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, at the funeral home.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at Forest Hills Cemetery in Morganton, N.C.



Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.



Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.
Photo credit: Unsplash/ Tim Wildsmith

A verse from the New Testament book of 2 Timothy stood out as the most examined passage of the year, based on a sweeping analysis of how millions of people around the world are interacting with the Bible.

The findings come from a new report released Monday by Logos, which unveiled Logos Chronicled, a data-driven snapshot drawn from 76 million Bible study sessions recorded in 2025. The analysis reflects the habits of roughly 4 million users across 164 countries and 35 territories, including nations such as Brazil, Germany, Mexico, South Korea, and Singapore.

According to the report, the verse most frequently studied was 2 Timothy 3:16: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

Researchers suggested the prominence of this verse indicates that many users are beginning their study time by reaffirming belief in the divine inspiration of Scripture rather than viewing it as a purely human text.

When it came to entire books of the Bible, Matthew ranked as the most-studied, followed closely by John and Luke, which also appeared among the top five. The data further revealed that the Greek word most often searched by users was Logos, a term that can be translated as word, reason, or message.

Interest in original biblical languages was also evident. The Nestle-Aland 28: Novum Testamentum Graecewidely regarded as the leading critical edition of the Greek New Testamentplaced tenth among the most-opened Bible texts on the platform, suggesting strong engagement with Scripture in its original form.

The report also highlighted growth among Spanish-speaking users. The Reina Valera Revisada (1960), a well-known Spanish translation, ranked seventh in overall usage, which Logos said may point to an expanding international and multilingual audience.

Search behavior reflected a focus on core elements of faith. God topped the list of most-searched terms, followed by Jesus and Spirit, while Dios, the Spanish word for God, ranked sixth.

Separate research released earlier this year points to a similar trend of renewed engagement with Scripture in the United States. The State of the Church initiativeconducted jointly by Barna Group and Glooanalyzed responses from 12,116 online interviews conducted between January and October 2025.

That study found that about half of self-identified Christians now read the Bible weekly, marking the highest reported level of regular Bible reading in more than a decade.

While women have historically led in weekly Bible reading, the latest data show a shift among younger adults. Gen Z men reported a 54% weekly reading rate and millennial men 57%, compared with 46% among Gen Z women and 43% among millennial women.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Taylor Flowe

A federal court has ruled that public schools in California may not keep parents in the dark about their childrens gender identity at school, delivering a major victory for parental rights advocates.

U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez of the Southern District of California issued a permanent injunction Monday granting a permanent injunction against California Department of Education policies that prohibit schools from informing parents their children are using different names and pronouns without the child's consent.

In his order, Benitez directed state officials and school employees to stop misleading the parent or guardian of a minor child in the education system about their childs gender presentation at school."

The ruling makes clear that school staff may not engage in practices such as directly lying to the parent, preventing the parent from accessing educational records of the child, or using a different set of preferred pronouns/names when speaking with the parents than is being used at school.

The injunction further bars school employees from referring to a student by a name or pronouns that differ from the childs legal name and natal pronouns when a parent or legal guardian has formally objected to such usage.

Judge Benitez also ordered education officials to include explicit guidance in training materials and state-approved instruction reinforcing these requirements.

Parents and guardians have a federal constitutional right to be informed if their public school student child expresses gender incongruence, the court-mandated statement reads.

Teachers and school staff have a federal constitutional right to accurately inform the parent or guardian of their student when the student expresses gender incongruence. These federal constitutional rights are superior to any state or local laws, state or local regulations, or state or local policies to the contrary.

The ruling comes after California lawmakers enacted legislation in 2024 that prohibited school districts from requiring disclosure of a students sexual orientation or gender identity to parents without the students consent.

The case was brought as a class-action lawsuit by two public school teachers, Elizabeth Mirabelli and Lori West, who argued that the states policies conflicted with their sincerely held Christian beliefs regarding gender and honesty.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, has since asked the court to stay the injunction, warning that allowing the order to remain in effect during the appeals process would disrupt schools statewide.

If the Orders are allowed to stay in effect before the Court of Appeals has a chance to review them, they would irrevocably alter the status quo and will create chaos and confusion among students, parents, teachers, and staff at Californias public schools, the state argued in its filing.
The rescue initiative, Operation Northern Lights, ran from Dec. 1 to Dec. 12 to recover missing children from 14 counties across North Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. | Screenshot: YouTube/ Leon County Sheriff's Office

A coordinated law enforcement effort spanning multiple agencies has resulted in the safe recovery of more than 40 critically missing children who had been deemed at high risk of violence, exploitation and other serious harm.

The operation, known as Operation Northern Lights, led to the recovery of 43 endangered children, some as young as 12 months old, according to an announcement Thursday by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Carried out over a two-week period, the initiative involved more than 80 personnel drawn from 25 federal, state and local agencies. Authorities also partnered with social-service organizations, medical professionals and nongovernmental groups.

The effort ran from Dec. 1 through Dec. 12 and focused on locating missing minors across 14 counties in North Florida, as well as cases that extended into Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana.

In addition to the recoveries, the operation resulted in nine arrests. Officials said several of the cases may lead to criminal charges including human trafficking, child endangerment and custodial interference.

This was the most successful missing child operation ever conducted in Northern Florida, said Greg Leljedal, acting U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Florida. Because of the tireless dedication of the U.S. Marshals and our law enforcement partners, 43 endangered children will now be home safe for the holidays.

Leljedal noted that the children rescued ranged in age from approximately 18 months to 17 years old, emphasizing that the mission extended beyond locating the minors to ensuring they received immediate medical and psychological care to begin recovery.

One of the youngest children recovered was a 1-year-old reported missing from Leon County, who was found in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, through the assistance of U.S. Marshals operating in that state.

Another case involved both a 17-year-old and a 1-year-old missing from Okaloosa County. Authorities located them near Jackson, Mississippi, where a non-custodial adult was arrested on charges of interfering with child custody.

Marshals recovered a 17-year-old reported missing from Suwannee County in Meadville, Mississippi. That recovery also led to the arrest of a 24-year-old adult accused of custodial interference.

USMS personnel in Jacksonville also recovered a 13-year-old who had been missing out of Suwannee County for 8 months

Another recovery centered on a 15-year-old who had been abducted by a non-custodial adult. Both were found in Ocala, Florida, and the adult was taken into custody on related charges.

Authorities said investigations connected to Operation Northern Lights remain ongoing. The Florida attorney generals office indicated that additional details about charges will be released as cases proceed through the legal system.
Home News Christians beaten, held hostage and Bibles set on fire in brutal attack by Hindu extremists

NEW DELHI  A Hindu extremist mob in northern India assaulted two Christian couples and an attorney for several hours, accusing them of forced conversion.

In Haryana states Titoli village, 5 miles from the city of Rohtak, the mob forced one of the Christians, a pastor, to set fire to a heap of Bibles while the Hindu extremists recorded videos that immediately went viral, resulting in 32 complaints to the police.

Pastor Jehovah Das, 65, and Vinod Masih, 42, along with their wives, had been invited to a Christian familys home in the village to pray and bless the arrival of their second child on Nov. 7, sources said.

About 10 to 12 members of the Arya Samaj (Noble Society), a Hindu reform movement, learned of the Christians visit. They phoned several of their associates and gathered a mob of about 50 people that barged into the house.

They began to beat us with slaps, punches, elbows, kicked us with their legs and held us hostage, Masih told Morning Star News, adding that they beat the Christians from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The Hindu extremists, whose number had then reached 80, searched their car, pulled out all Bibles and tracts and cast them onto the ground into a heap. They shot videos that showed the two couples, disoriented and in shock, forced to repeat that they intended conversion in the village and that they would never return.

The mob kicked the Bibles and spoke disrespectfully about Christ, Masih said.

Pastor Das was forced to write a letter of apology that the video shows in his hand. A member of the mob then took a bottle of flammable liquid from the hands of a boy standing with the mob and forced three of the Christians to sprinkle it on the Bibles and literature. After forcing Pastor Das to set the Bibles on fire, the mob then shouted praises to the Hindu god Rama.

The mob dragged the Christians to their car and locked them inside.

We were locked in our car for two hours. We were not allowed food, water or to relieve ourselves during this time, said Masih.

While held hostage, Masihs wife, Reena, called attorney Satish Arya for help. Arya, who once belonged to the Arya Samaj sect, has been a practicing Christian for five years. He quickly drove 10 kilometers (6 miles) to reach Titoli village.

While on my way to the village, I called the police helpline and informed them about the hostage situation and requested that any inquiry against the Christians be taken up in the police station, and that they should not let the mob take the law into their own hands, Arya told Morning Star News. Police assured me that they will arrive soon.

When Arya reached the village, he saw that the Christians were gathered at one area and about 20 to 25 Hindu women were assaulting the two Christian women.

They were slapping the Christian women, pulling their hair, punching them. The scene was terrible, said Arya. The Hindu men were assaulting the Christian men likewise.

Arya stood at some distance waiting for the police, but they did not arrive, he said. The mob called police, and responding officers soon arrived, he added.

One of the Hindu extremists noticed Arya and the words, Jai Masih Ki [Praise the Lord] written on his cars back window, and about 12 of them approached and asked about his background. They quickly learned that he was a Christian.

Arya told them that he was an attorney and insisted that they take the Christians to the police station and let officers, rather than the mob, question them.

I objected to their act of holding the Christians hostage for four hours and questioned their inhumane behavior, Arya said.

Wearing his black court robe, he was dragged to the site where the other Christians were being beaten and assaulted.

They tore my black gown, my shirt and my innerwear, he said. They stripped my upper body and continued to beat me for 25 minutes, and that too in the presence of the police.

The mob proposed that they put all five Christians in a car and set them on fire within, and Arya told them the law would not spare them for such a horrendous act.

A man from among the Hindu mob somehow managed to set Arya free, and the attorney left and called his wife, asking her to bring him a fresh set of clothes.

Officers responding to Aryas initial helpline call finally arrived, detained the Christians and took them to the police station, sources said. After Arya went to a doctor and received first aid, he then went to the police station.

By the time I reached the police station, the Christians were pressured to give a written statement that they did not want to press charges against the mob and promised that they would not enter that village in the future, he said.

Arya wanted to take legal action, but when he held a meeting with the host family in Titoli village, he learned Hindu residents had threatened to drive them from the area if they sided with the Christians.

This family, though in faith for almost 18 years, came under pressure from the Hindu extremists, Masih told Morning Star News.

The following day, about 80 Haryana pastors met with Arya and registered a police complaint against the assailants. They also submitted a written complaint on Nov. 10 with the Superintendent of Police, demanding strict action against the perpetrators. Though the administration assured full cooperation and necessary action in the matter, no arrests were made and no action taken.

Arya gave statements to local media outlets, disclosing the hostage-taking and assault. Police summoned the Christians to the station and pressured them to reach a compromise with the assailants on Nov. 23, pre-empting any arrests of either party.

The police came under obligation to act and called together the village council and the perpetrators, Arya said. The village head apologized for their action in writing, kissed the Bible and placed it on his head.

Christians submitted 32 complaints at different police stations for hurting religious feelings after the video of the burning Bibles went viral.

Both couples were severely traumatized. Pastor Das left the district to reside with his children in Bangalore (officially Bengaluru), Karnataka state.

The hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, against non-Hindus has emboldened Hindu extremists in several parts of the country to attack Christians since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took power in May 2014, religious rights advocates say.

India ranked 11th on Christian support organization Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, up from 31st in 2013 before Modi came to power.

This article was originally published at Morning Star News
Home News Kristi Noem urges illegal immigrants to self-deport with $3K bonus or risk deportation, never returning to the US

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is offering a $3,000 stipend to Illegal immigrants who voluntarily leave the United States through self-deportation by the end of the year.

The agency announced in a press release on Monday that, in addition to the $3,000 stipend, those who sign up to self-deport through the rebranded CBP Home app by Dec. 31 will receive a free flight to their country of origin.

Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home program. During the Christmas Season, the U.S. taxpayer is so generously TRIPLING the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally  offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement.

Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they dont, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return, Noem added.

Those in the country unlawfully can self-deport through the CBP Home app by entering their information.

The DHS warned, however, that illegal immigrants who do not take advantage of the monetary incentive will instead be arrested, deported, and they will never be able to return to the United States.

The monetary incentive offered by the U.S. government during the Christmas season is triple the amount that the Trump administration initially offered to incentivize illegal immigrants to self-deport.

The $3,000 offer is available only to those who register for self-deportation by the deadline, according to DHS.

According to CBS News, the DHS said that illegal immigrants who self-deport now will be deprioritized for arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Under the Biden administration, illegal immigrants used what was then known as the CBP One app to schedule asylum appointments. As part of the Trump administrations efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, migrants are encouraged to use the remodeled app  the CBP Home app  to leave the country.

In a Dec. 10 press release, the DHS said that the Trump administration had achieved historic progress in securing the homeland, announcing that more than 2.5 million illegal immigrants had been deported. This number included over 605,000 people the DHS removed through enforcement operations, as well as 1.9 million who have voluntarily self-deported since January.
Home News Embattled chaplains group forms new denomination named Anglican Reformed Catholic Church

A chaplains group facing a legal battle with the Anglican Church in North America has launched a new denomination known as the Anglican Reformed Catholic Church.

Bishops with the Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy recently established the ARCC, with it being officially incorporated in Alabama as a new nonprofit organization.

JAFC Bishop Derek Jones will serve as the leader of the new denomination, according to Virtue Online. The group's leaders are calling ARCC classic Anglican.

We live in the tradition and prayer book expression we have all known and loved in the JAFC for nearly 20 years, they told Virtue Online.

It is Reformed and Catholic as Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, Bishop John Jewel, Bishop Lancelot Andrewes, and other Anglican reformers envisioned  ancient in faithfulness to the witness of the Apostles and formulated in the ancient Creeds and Councils.

According to the ARCC website, which was accessed by The Christian Post on Friday and is still identified as being under careful construction, the new denomination exists to provide a stable ecclesiastical home for those who love Anglican tradition but seek clear accountability, uncompromised doctrinal standards, and a deep connection to the broader catholic Church.

The ARCC lists three dioceses: The Anglican Diocese of Saint Andrew, which covers the western United States; The Anglican Diocese of Saint Martin Tours, which covers the eastern United States; and the JAFC.

ARCC's launch comes as its leadership is in a legal dispute with the ACNA over which party owns the JAFC, established in 2014 as the endorsing agency for Anglican chaplains.

In September, ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood wrote a letter alleging that, beginning in the summer, the denomination's leadership received credible complaints regarding Bishop Derek Jones, alleging abuse of ecclesiastical power.

These complaints did not involve physical or sexual misconduct, nor did they involve any doctrinal concerns, wrote Wood. Nevertheless, they were concerning because abuse of ecclesiastical power violates the trust that is essential for effective ministry.

JAFC disputed the accusations and the investigation, claiming that Jones was the victim of a targeted attack by Wood because he had been critical of errors, missteps, and mismanagement within the Archbishop's office.

JAFC Chairman David van Esselstyn sent a letter to Wood in September stating that the chaplains group was terminating its relationship with ACNA and demanding that the denomination quit using its trademark.

ACNA refused to recognize the JAFC disaffiliation, instead appointing new leadership for the group. In response, JAFC filed a complaint in October in district court against ACNA.

The lawsuit claimed ACNA was enacting a failed corporate takeover of JAFC when it attempted to suspend Plaintiffs corporate president and assume their responsibilities.

In November, United States District Judge Bruce Hendricks of the District of South Carolina, Charleston Division, issued an order partly granting JAFCs request for a temporary restraining order against ACNA.

Earlier this month, ACNA Board of Inquiry charged Jones with four alleged violations of canon law: Refusal to follow a Godly Admonition, Disobedience to, or willful contravention of the Canons of the Church, conduct giving cause for scandal or offense, including the abuse of ecclesiastical power and having promoted and caused schism within this Church.

The Court for the Trial of a Bishop will determine the next steps, according to Anglican Ink, with the possibility that Jones could be tried in absentia if he refuses to participate in the proceedings.
Home News King Charles III, incoming archbishop of Canterbury push 'diversity,' immigration on Christmas

King Charles III and the incoming archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Sarah Mullally, delivered Christmas messages that emphasized diversity and immigration as the U.K. faces simmering tensions over the issue.

The king opened his address by highlighting his historic meeting with Pope Leo XIV in October, during which he participated in an ecumenical worship service in the Sistine Chapel that featured both Anglican and Roman Catholic liturgy.

"A few weeks ago, the queen and I were delighted to make a state visit to the Vatican, where we prayed with Pope Leo in a historic moment of spiritual unity," he said.

The event marked the first time a reigning British monarch has attended such a service since the English Reformation nearly 500 years ago.

While some claimed that the service was a symbolic healing of the rift from the Reformation, which manifested politically in England when King Henry VIII broke with Rome in 1534, others found it to be an affront to historic English Protestantism and indicative of the king's syncretism that also seeks to appease Islam.

During his Christmas address, King Charles III went on to emphasize the importance of the Vatican's 2025 Jubilee Year theme, "Pilgrims of Hope."

"Pilgrimage is a word less used today, but it has particular significance for our modern world, and especially at Christmas. It is about journeying forward into the future while also journeying back to remember the past and learn from its lessons," he said, going on to praise the sacrifices of those who fought for Great Britain in the World Wars, before appearing to pivot back to present-day issues.

"Journeying is a constant theme of the Christmas story. The Holy Family made a journey to Bethlehem and arrived homeless, without proper shelter. The Wise Men made a pilgrimage from the East to worship at the cradle of Christ; and the shepherds journeyed from field to town in search of Jesus, the Savior of the World. In each case, they journeyed with others, and relied on the companionship and kindness of others," he said.

Journeying is a constant theme of the Christmas Story. The Holy Family made a journey to Bethlehem and arrived homeless without proper shelter. The Wise Men made a pilgrimage from the East to worship at the cradle of Christ; and the Shepherds journeyed from field to town in pic.twitter.com/j0wbYdPWa9  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 25, 2025

"Through physical and mental challenge, they found an inner strength. To this day, in times of uncertainty, these ways of living are treasured by all the great faiths and provide us with deep wells of hope; of resilience in the face of adversity, peace through forgiveness, simply getting to know our neighbors, and by showing respect to one another, creating new friendships."

"Indeed, as our world seems to spin ever faster, our journey may pause to quieten our minds  in T.S. Eliot's words  'at the still point of the turning world,' and allow ourselves to renew."

"In this, with the great diversity of our communities, we can find the strength to ensure that right triumphs over wrong. It seems to me that we need to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation, the way our Lord lived and died," he said.

The king later reiterated his admiration for different faiths, suggesting they have much in common.

"As I meet people of different faiths, I find it enormously encouraging to hear how much we have in common, a shared longing for peace and a deep respect for all life. If we could find time in our journey through life to think on these virtues, we could all make the future more hopeful," he said.

The king's Christmas address was met with mixed reactions on social media, with some praising him for mentioning Jesus Christ and calling for unity, while others criticized him for promoting "diversity" in the wake of mass migration that is putting a strain in the economy and public services, and has sparked protests that have roiled the U.K. this year, including the "Unite the Kingdom" march in London that drew more than 100,000 people in September.

"King Charles used his Christmas message to gush about Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and the 'diversity of our communities,'" said Connor Tomlinson, a U.K.-based Gen Z political commentator. "He appealed to the Boomer mythology about the Second World War and 'our values' to overcome 'division at home.' Give it a rest, it's Christmas. Today is about Christ, our traditions, and not foreign religions or liberal platitudes. Take our side, for a change."

U.K.-based journalist Joseph Robertson criticized the king for "leaning into the 'diversity is our strength' bollocks  almost verbatim."

"Delivered without a flicker of self-awareness. Our Christmas message to the monarch is very simple  you stand for nothing. Least of all your subjects," he added.

Mullally, who currently serves as bishop of London and will be formally installed as the first female archbishop of Canterbury in January, delivered a Christmas sermon at the historic St. Paul's Cathedral that also drew on the Nativity story to warn that the debate over immigration in the U.K. has grown too divisive, according to The Guardian.

"Joy is born exactly where despair expects to triumph. As joy breaks through in our lives it gives us the opportunity to become people who make room," she said. "Room in our homes. Room in our churches. Room in our public conversations and in the attitudes we hold."

Mullally went on to imply that those concerned over the scale of immigration to the U.K. are exhibiting the same attitude that shut the Holy Family out of the guest rooms in Bethlehem.

"The joy asks us to allow our lives to be interrupted by the needs of others, just as the people of Bethlehem were interrupted," she said.

"This insight matters because our own society carries uncertainties that can wear us down. Many feel the weight of economic pressure. Some feel pushed to the margins."

"Our national conversations about immigration continue to divide us, when our common humanity should unite us," she added.

After the announcement in October that Mullally would serve as the Church of England's next ceremonial head, the GAFCON movement of orthodox Anglicans announced its intention to renounce the spiritual leadership of the archbishop of Canterbury and launch the Global Anglican Communion founded on the Bible alone.

The impending installation of Mullally, who has openly affirmed abortion and homosexuality, prompted some in the global Anglican Communion to claim that the Church of England has been given over to apostasy.
Home News Okla. lawmaker urges constituents to pray after massive Islamic development gets preliminary OK Proposed 15-acre development plans include mosque, retail space

An Oklahoma state lawmaker is urging his constituents to turn to prayer after city planning officials gave preliminary approval to a massive development in northern Oklahoma that includes a mosque and a retail center.

City officials in Broken Arrow, the largest suburb of Tulsa, voted Dec. 18 to approve rezoning 15 acres of land for a proposed retail center and mosque, following hours of public comment from residents, according to local news outlet KJRH -TV.

The Broken Arrow Planning Commission gave preliminary approval to the construction proposal at the commissions regular meeting, where more than 60 people signed up to speak over the course of the four-hour meeting  the majority of whom said they opposed the project.

Robert Goransson, chair of the Planning Commission, clarified the vote was strictly on the feasibility of the construction plans and not the cultural ramifications, he said.

Explaining his vote in favor, Planning Commission member Jason Coan said he considered property rights when casting his vote. "With a lot of comments that have been made, if it was your religious organization trying to build a temple, how would you feel about having your rights denied? he said. You all have the right to do what you want with your land as long as [it] meets the criteria set by [the] city and government."

But most attendees were concerned about the impact on their community.

"I have a daughter who is 15 years old, one resident said. I don't want this ideology imposed on her."

A supporter of the project told the commission, "Our Muslim neighbors are already part of the heartbeat of this community we call Green Country. They are teachers, doctors, business owners and parents.

The land for the proposed development was purchased in 2014 by the North American Islamic Trust (NAIT), according to city records. Founded in 1973 by the Muslim Students Association of the United States and Canada (MSA) and affiliated with the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), NAIT holds title deeds to properties in more than 40 states, according to the NAIT website.

As many as 10,000 Muslims live in the greater Tulsa area, according to the Islamic Center of Tulsa.

Ahead of the commission vote, Republican Oklahoma state Rep. Gabe Woolley, who was on hand for the meeting, noted an In God We Trust display in the Broken Arrow Planning Commissions meeting room.

"Those words reflect a government meant to be submitted to and established upon the God of the Bible  the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, he wrote on Dec. 18. This statement once carried a strong & clear meaning. I pray we can restore that to America on all levels of government.

Following the commissions vote, however, Woolley struck a more concerned note: This is not the direction many of us want to see our state or nation heading. Please seek discernment and strategy in prayer.

The final decision rests with the Broken Arrow City Council, which has scheduled a special meeting for Jan. 20, 2026, to consider the rezoning and conditional use permit applications.
Home Opinion The Rob Reiner tragedy: How should Christians respond?

Like tens of millions of Americans, I was shocked by the heartbreaking and tragic deaths of prizewinning film director Rob Reiner and his gifted photographer wife, Michele. Rob and his wife were apparently viciously murdered by his drug-addicted and much-troubled son, Nick.

The Reiners deaths at the apparent hands of their son once again underscores the terrible scourge of drug addiction in the United States and the terrible, heart-wrenching anguish it creates in millions of American families, regardless of income or social status.

It is estimated that 50 million Americans struggle with alcohol and drug addictions. Approximately 17% of people 12 or older in the U.S. reported having a substance abuse disorder in the past year.

This terrible tragedy seems to be particularly painful during the Christmas holiday. At Christmas, we gather as families (I am so grateful that my wife and I will have all three of our children and their families with us this Christmas). I cannot help but think of the millions of Americans who will have empty chairs at the dinner table this Christmas because of the scourge of drug addiction.

I am reminded of an answer that Ambassador Mike Huckabee once gave to a reporter who was inquiring about his qualifications to be president of the U.S. as a former Baptist pastor (before becoming governor of Arkansas). I will never forget his answer. Huckabee said, when you are pastor of a local congregation in America, there is not a crisis in our country that as a pastor you cannot put a personal, human face to because you have had to help some family face it, whether it is domestic abuse, sexual abuse, addiction, homicide, suicide, etc. Ambassador Huckabee was absolutely correct.

I disagreed with Rob Reiner about virtually everything that you can disagree with someone in the public policy arena about. However, my heart aches for the suffering that he and his wife went through as they tried to rescue their troubled son from the horrible grips of drug addiction. I pray for their other children as well as Nick.

The Reiners evidently did everything they could to rescue their son. Nick was in drug treatment programs 18 times while still a teenager. He spent periods being homeless on the streets in a seemingly relentless cycle of relapse upon relapse. The Reiners story serves as an incandescent example of the fact that, despite having almost limitless financial resources and access to the best expertise that money can buy, such things are no guarantee that you will be spared agonizing heartbreak.

I find my response to the Reiner tragedy falling into two categories. The first is my response as a born-again Christian. My second response is as an American citizen.

As a Christian, I found myself asking the question, How do people who do not have a personal Christian faith possibly cope with such personal agony and loss? As a born-again Christian, I know that this physical existence here on earth is not the end, that we all have an eternal soul which is going to continue to exist with God or in eternal separation from Him.

And I think of my love as a parent. When my oldest child was born, I remember looking down at that precious little girl and thinking, Now I really understand John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have life everlasting.

I realized that there were things for which I was willing to die  my wife, my family, my faith, my country. However, there was no one I had enough love for to sacrifice my child. God, however, as the perfect Father, was willing to send His perfect son, Jesus, to die a cross kind of death for you and for me. Such love is incomprehensible and can only be accepted with eternal gratitude.

Also, for the first time I really understood what my parents would tell me when they had to spank me for misbehavior. They would always say, this hurts me more than it hurts you. When I saw my newborn daughter, I understood. People who are not parents simply cannot fully understand parental love and the hurt you feel for a child in pain and danger.

As a Christian, the Reiner tragedy compels me to renew my efforts with even more vigor to tell people how much Jesus loves them and how He has a wonderful plan for their life, and that there is a new beginning in Christ Jesus. As I thought about the Reiner family and how people cope with such tragedy when they dont have a personal relationship with Jesus, my mind went to the wonderful and moving hymn, It is Well with My Soul.

The hymn was written by Horatio Spafford after a ship carrying his wife, Anna, and their four daughters sank in 1873. After Annas rescue, she sent a telegram to her husband that said, Saved alone. In the depth of his grief and loss, he wrote these enduring words,

When peace like a river, attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll,

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught

me to say, It is well, it is well

with my soul.

Only the Lord Jesus can produce that kind of faith and comfort in His children who have been born again from above.

My second response is as an American citizen. I believe we have been dulled by the sheer numbers of our drug crisis into not really understanding the true scope of the human tragedy it represents. I believe we should insist that our government at every level make a maximum effort to eliminate the drug trade in America, including everything that needs to be done, including life sentences for everyone producing or selling such drugs after the first offense. I refuse to believe we as a people cannot confront and eliminate this scourge. Somebody had to produce and sell these life-killing substances to our citizens, and they should be eliminated from society.

In conclusion, President Trumps recent actions to liberalize marijuana laws are a dramatic step in the wrong direction. Virtually all drug addicts start with marijuana, the gateway drug.
Home Opinion Trump admin's drug policy is incoherent

Has the Trump administration staked out a paradoxical position on illegal drugs?

On December 15, President Trump issued an executive order declaring illicit fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction. With that declaration, the administration elevated fentanyl from a public health crisis to a national security threat  opening the door to expanded military engagement against drug traffickers and transnational cartels.

That designation is not without justification. Over the last five years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked illicit fentanyl and related synthetic opioids to more than 300,000 American deaths. A CDC-cited analysis estimates the annual societal cost of illegal opioid use exceeds one trillion dollars, factoring in health care, lost productivity, criminal justice costs, and premature death. Few threats have inflicted this level of devastation.

Yet just three days later, on December 18, the president signed another executive order reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I drug to Schedule III. While the move stops short of full decriminalization, it significantly loosens federal restrictions, reduces criminal penalties, and opens the door for banks and investors to more freely participate in the so-called medicinal cannabis industry. Wall Street reacted immediately  cannabis stocks surged following the announcement.

This shift did not occur without warning. Prior to the order, nearly two dozen members of Congress urged the president not to move marijuana toward decriminalization. Several signatories were physicians. Their argument was direct: Schedule I drugs are addictive and lack accepted medical value, and marijuana, they said, still fits that definition.

Their concerns are supported by extensive research. A major review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found substantial evidence that cannabis use increases the risk of developing other substance use disorders. For many users  especially adolescents  marijuana functions as a gateway drug, increasing for some the path to harder drugs, addictions fueling the demand that is at the core of the fentanyl crisis.

Compounding the risk is the dramatic change in the drug itself. Todays marijuana averages four to five times the THC concentration of cannabis from the 1970s, undercutting claims that modern use is comparable to past recreational use. Studies also show adolescent cannabis use is linked to permanent IQ loss and altered brain development, particularly in areas governing impulse control, judgment, and risk assessment.

The real-world consequences are already visible. States like Colorado that have legalized marijuana have seen increases in traffic fatalities involving drivers testing positive for THC. Emergency room visits tied to marijuana have also risen, especially for acute anxiety, paranoia, and psychotic episodes. And legalization has not eliminated criminal activity. According to DEA reporting, major drug cartels remain deeply involved in marijuana trafficking  even in states with legalized markets  supplying untaxed and unregulated demand while using cannabis profits to fund broader criminal operations.

The Trump administrations drug policy is incoherent.

The federal government is waging a shooting war against drug traffickers in the Caribbean while simultaneously decriminalizing marijuana and normalizing its use at home. You cannot tell our troops these substances are dangerous enough to light up drug boats with missile strikes, while suggesting to teenagers that lighting up a joint in the backyard is no big deal. That contradiction isnt just confusing  its dangerous.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  The Cleveland Museum of Natural History received global recognition as one of the worlds most beautiful museums.

The museums $150 million architectural redesign and commitment to sustainability was recognized at the 2025 Prix Versailles World Ceremony, held at UNESCO in Paris, France. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History was one of the finalists for the 2025 Worlds Most Beautiful Museum list, with the Kunstsilo art museum in Norway landing at the top spot.

The annual Prix Versailles World Ceremony, held on Dec. 4 this year, honors global feats in architecture and design, highlighting some of the most impressive campuses, airports, hotels, restaurants and more in the world.

RELATED: Reimagined Cleveland Museum of Natural History to unveil its evolutionary change

In the museum category, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History landed among museums in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, France and South Korea. The Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, was the only other U.S.-based museum to make the list.

Every aspect of our transformed museum aims to achieve one unified vision: to promote healthy humans, a healthy planet, and a better future for all, Sonia Winner, the museums president and CEO, said in a press release. We are thrilled that this commitment to architecture in the service of science has been recognized on an international stage.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is also in the running for USA TODAYs 2026 Best New Museum category, which will be announced in January.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History unveiled its $150 million redesign at the end of 2024, completely transforming the interior design and more than 2 acres of outdoor space. The redesign took a decade of planning and three years of construction.
Google just unveiled a Christmas gift for Gmail users who are still stuck with their embarrassing email addresses from high school.

In a long-requested change, account holders can now replace their existing @gmail.com address with a new one while retaining all data and services, according to an update to Google's account help page.

However, the updated guidance on email address changes appears only in the Hindi version of Google's support page, suggesting the rollout may begin in India or Hindi-speaking markets.

The support page said the feature is gradually rolling out to all users, suggesting full global adoption is coming, but could take some time.

The English-language page retains prior guidance stating that @gmail.com addresses "usually cannot be changed." Google did not immediately respond to CNBC's inquiry about which regions would be the first to receive the feature.

Under the new policy, users who change their address will automatically keep their original address as an alias. Emails sent to the old address will continue to arrive in the inbox, and the original address will still work for signing in to Google services like Drive, Maps and YouTube.

Previously, users seeking a new Gmail address had to create a new account and transfer their data manually through a complicated and fraught process that could disrupt integrations with third-party apps.

Google said existing data, including photos, messages and emails would remain unchanged after an address update. Users can also reuse the old Google account email address at any time, according to a Google translation of the support page in Hindi.

However, accounts that change their Gmail address won't be able to create another new Gmail address for the next 12 months and cannot delete the new chosen address.

Google has not issued a formal press release or announcement about the change, which was reportedly first discovered within user forums and tech communities.
The internet was becoming mainstream in the late 90s, but Miro Mitev was head-down exploring something that wouldn't become popular for decades: AI.

Now an asset manager, Mitev was an early adopter of AI in finance after discovering the capabilities of neural networks in 1997 while studying at the Vienna University of Economics and Business.

He told CNBC he saw the potential of neural networks for financial forecasts. "I fell in love with these kinds of possibilities," he said.

Mitev spent his 25-year career forecasting for banks and tech firms like Siemens. He founded SmartWealth Asset Management, whose decisions are made entirely by a network of AI systems. Its latest fund, IVAC, is eyeing $2 billion in assets under management and has an annualized returns target of 14-15%.

Despite no human involvement in the AI's decisions, Mitev said that "humans are the most important part of the equation" as they're the ones selecting training data, inputting variables, building the parameters, and consistently tweaking the model.

Once a model is created, "it's very dangerous to start intervening," Mitev said. Indeed, trusting the model is his golden rule, he added.
After years of steep increases, renters are finally seeing sustained price relief, a trend that appears to be carrying into early 2026.

In November, the median asking rent across the 50 largest U.S. metro areas was $1,693, down about 1% from a year earlier and marking the 28th consecutive month of year-over-year declines, according to Realtor.com listings data. Nationally, the median rent fell to $1,367, down 1.1% from a year earlier, according to Apartment List's data.

November is typically the slowest month for rentals, but rents fell more from October to November this year than they did over the same period last year, according to Apartment List.

With new apartment supply still hitting the market, rents are expected to remain lower into 2026.

"Barring a major economic shock, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the more renter-friendly periods we've seen in a decade," says Michelle Griffith, a luxury real estate broker at Douglas Elliman.
Check out the companies making the biggest moves midday: Freeport-McMoRan  The miner rose 3.1% as gold and other metals scaled to record levels. Target  The retailer rose more than 1% after the Financial Times reported, citing sources, that hedge fund Toms Capital Investment Management made a big investment in Target. Pressure from the activist investor comes as Target is down more than 27% for the year. Coupang  The Korean e-commerce company rallied 8% after the company said the perpetrator of a cybersecurity incident had been identified. The company added that leaked data pertained to only 3,000 accounts and was limited . Nvidia  The semiconductor firm's stock rose 1% after it agreed to pay $20 billion to acquire assets from artificial intelligence startup Groq, marking its largest purchase ever. Airline stocks  Shares of airlines fell as a winter storm threatened to foil flight schedules. United Airlines and American Airlines shed 0.7% and 1.9%, respectively. Delta lost 0.6%.  CNBC's Liz Napolitano contributed reporting.
U.S. President Donald Trump takes questions as he announced the creation of the Trump-class battleship during a statement to the media at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate on December 22, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida.

The United States carried out a strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, President Donald Trump and the U.S. military said on Thursday, claiming the group had been targeting Christians in the region.

"Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

The U.S. military's Africa Command said the strike was carried out in Sokoto state in coordination with Nigerian authorities and killed multiple ISIS militants.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar told the British Broadcasting Corp the strike was a "joint operation" targeting "terrorists", and it "has nothing to do with a particular religion".

Without naming ISIS specifically, Tuggar said the operation had been planned "for quite some time" and had used intelligence information provided by the Nigerian side. He did not rule out further strikes, adding that this depended on "decisions to be taken by the leadership of the two countries".

The strike comes after Trump in late October began warning that Christianity faces an "existential threat" in Nigeria and threatened to militarily intervene in the West African country over what he says is its failure to stop violence targeting Christian communities.

Reuters reported on Monday the U.S. had been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November.

'More to come'

Nigeria's foreign ministry said the strike was carried out as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States, involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to target militant groups.
The terror attack in Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, marked one of the darkest moments in Indias internal security landscape in 2025. Indian authorities later identified the four attackers as Pakistan-backed terrorists, triggering nationwide outrage and setting off a chain of military, diplomatic and strategic actions that would define IndiaPakistan relations for the rest of the year.Less than three weeks later, on May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, a calibrated and non-escalatory military response aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across the border. The operation targeted nine terror base camps belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).According to the Indian Army, the strikes were executed with precision and without civilian casualties. Four of the targeted camps were inside Pakistan, including facilities in Muridke and Bahawalpur, while five were in PoK. Among them was Markaz Taiba in Muridke, a site Indian intelligence agencies have long identified as a key training hub for terrorists involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The government said the operation resulted in the death of around 100 terrorists.Despite India characterising the action as restrained, Pakistan responded by escalating hostilities. Drones, artillery fire and shelling targeted civilian and military installations along Indias western frontier. Areas such as Amritsar, the Poonch sector in Jammu and Kashmir, and parts of Rajasthan came under attack.India retaliated swiftly. The Indian Air Force carried out strikes on 11 Pakistani military installations, including key air bases at Noor Khan, Sargodha, Bholari and Skardu. Ammunition depots were destroyed and critical infrastructure crippled. New Delhi claimed that nearly 20% of the Pakistani Air Forces infrastructure was rendered inoperable during the counter-offensive.The Indian Navy, too, remained on high alert. Offensive deployments and weapon firings in April forced the Pakistani Navy to stay close to its own harbours, significantly constraining its operational posture. Senior naval commanders later indicated that the credible threat of maritime action played a role in Pakistan seeking de-escalation.On May 10less than three days after Indias counter-strikesPakistan reached out for a ceasefire. While the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries spoke to formalise the arrangement, reports of ceasefire violations by Pakistani ground troops continued to surface in the days that followed. India warned that any further breach would invite a strong response.Parallel to military action, New Delhi launched a series of diplomatic and economic measures to increase pressure on Islamabad. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, shut the AttariWagah border and halted bilateral trade. Pakistans objections in international forums failed to reverse these decisions, many of which remain in place months later.The episode also triggered a sharp exchange of narratives globally. US President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed credit for halting the conflict, asserting that he had intervened to prevent a war and facilitated talks between New Delhi and Islamabad. India publicly rejected these assertions, maintaining that the ceasefire was a strictly bilateral decision based on military and strategic calculations, and that Pakistan had initiated the request.India also moved aggressively to counter what it described as Pakistans misinformation campaign. Claims by Islamabad that it had shot down six Indian Air Force aircraft or emerged victorious from the standoff were denied and debunked by Indian authorities. To reinforce its zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, New Delhi dispatched seven all-party delegations across the world, presenting a unified political message against cross-border terror.As 2025 draws to a close, the guns along the Line of Control may have fallen silent, but the broader standoff shows little sign of resolution. Airspace restrictions remain in place on both sides, and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty continues despite Pakistans protests. Operation Sindoor has reshaped deterrence dynamics in the region, underscoring Indias willingness to respond decisively to terror attacks while recalibrating the rules of engagement with its western neighbour.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, December 26, praised the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack and Delhi blast cases stressing that they are not cases of ordinary policing but outstanding examples of watertight investigation.Lauding the security forces for neutralising the perpetrators of the Baisaran Valley (Pahalgham) terror attack, Shah said the terrorists wanted to disrupt communal harmony in the country and deliver a blow to the new era of development and tourism that has begun in Kashmir.Inaugurating a two-day Anti-Terror Conference organised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) here, he said that the results of the investigation into the Pahalgam terrorist attack will put Pakistan in the dock on international platforms.The home minister said that the security forces neutralised all three terrorists based on extremely precise intelligence, delivering a stern message to Pakistan.This is the first terrorist incident in which those who planned the terrorist act were punished by us through Operation Sindoor, and those who carried out the act with the weapons provided to them were neutralised through Operation Mahadev, he said.Shah said at both ends, the government of India, the Indian security forces and the people of the country have given a strong and befitting reply to Pakistan's terrorist masters through security forces and intelligence agencies.The minister said a complete and successful investigation was conducted of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which agencies around the world will study.Shah praised the investigation of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Delhi Police in exposing the complete network behind the Red Fort area blast case."...investigations into the Pahalgam and Delhi blast cases are not ordinary policing but outstanding examples of watertight investigation. This is also a great example of how an alert officer can save the country from such a major crisis by remaining vigilant at all times," he said.He mentioned that the landscape of terrorism in the world is now changing due to the use of technology in terrorist incidents alongside technological advancements, and we too must prepare to prevent this. He said that it is the national responsibility of this conference to anticipate invisible future challenges and to prevent them.Shah said that all agencies of the government of India, together with the state police, should form a 'Team India' that works effectively for national security.
Shravan Singh, a 10-year-old boy from Punjabs Ferozepur district, was on Friday, December 26, awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President Droupadi Murmu. Shravan was honoured for his extraordinary courage and compassion during Operation Sindoor. He risked his safety to serve soldiers during the operation conducted along the India-Pakistan border.

Who is Shravan Singh?

Shravan hails from Mamdot village in Punjab's Ferozepur district.

Ten-year-old Shravan came into the spotlight when he delivered water, tea, milk, ice and lassi to the soldiers stationed at the border near his house in Ferozepur, amid all the risks associated with war during Operation Sindoor.

"When Operation Sindoor began against Pakistan, soldiers came to our village. I thought I should serve them. I used to take milk, tea, buttermilk, and ice for them daily... I feel great to be awarded. I had never dreamt of it," ANI quoted Shravan as saying.



#WATCH | Delhi | A 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar' awardee says, "When Operation Sindoor began against Pakistan, soldiers came to our village. I thought I should serve them. I used to take milk, tea, buttermilk, and ice for them daily... I feel great to be awarded. I had pic.twitter.com/q7Tcfr9ig4

 ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2025

India carried out Operation Sindoor after the ghastly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 people in April.

Shravan is the youngest civilian contributor towards the operation. He has earned national recognition for his humanitarian efforts to support the soldiers of the Indian Army in hostile border conditions.

According to Indian Masterminds, Shravan's family comes from a rural background, while his upbringing remains rooted in values of discipline and patriotism. During Operation Sindoor, Shravan voluntarily extended humanitarian support and assisted troops during extreme heat and long duty hours.

Earlier this year, the Indian Army recognised Shravan as the 'Youngest Civil Warrior' during Operation Sindoor. His dedication earned him a special felicitation by Major General Ranjeet Singh Manral, GOC of the 7 Infantry Division.



#IndianArmy honours little boy Shravan Singh, who helped soldiers in Amritsar border by bringing water, milk, lassi, ice from his house during #operation_sindoor .#Sardar for a reason. Nation First! pic.twitter.com/1r686sFpYV

 Major Madhan Kumar (Retd)???????? (@major_madhan) May 28, 2025

At that time, his father, Sona Singh, told PTC News that the family never stopped Shravan from doing his work as he "found happiness in serving the army."

"He kept visiting them regularly, and it made us proud. He now dreams of becoming a soldier one day," Singh said.

Shravan too has expressed his wish to serve the army in future. "I want to become a soldier when I grow up and serve the nation. They gave me a special gift, treated me to a special meal, and even gave me ice cream. That made me very happy," he earlier said.

ALSO READ | Who is Vyoma Priya, 8-year-old Chennai girl posthumously honoured with national child bravery award

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awards are given to children for their exceptional achievement. It serves as the highest civilian honour for children in the country. Awarded annually, these honours are given to children in the 5-18 years age group for their exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements in the categories of Bravery; Art And Culture; Environment; Innovation; Science and Technology; Social Service; and Sports.
Another Hindu man was lynched in Bangladesh following allegations of extortion, barely days after a similar killing of a minority community member in the country.The latest incident took place on the night of Wednesday, December 24, in Pangsha upazila of Rajbari district, Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star reported, citing police officials.The deceased was identified as Amrit Mondal. Local police said Mondal was allegedly involved in criminal activities, including extortion, and had formed a gang operating in the area. On the day of the incident, Mondal and his associates reportedly went to a residents house to demand money, triggering a violent backlash from locals.Police rushed to the spot after receiving information and rescued Mondal in a critical condition. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 2:00 am, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Pangsha Circle) Debrata Sarkar said, as per The Daily Star. His body was later sent to Rajbari Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination.Most of Mondals associates fled the scene after the incident, but police arrested one man and recovered firearms from his possession, according to law enforcement officials. Police records show that Mondal had at least two cases filed against him, including a murder case.The incident has drawn attention as it comes just a week after another Hindu man, Dipu Das, was lynched in Mymensingh over alleged blasphemy, with his body later set on fire. Police have arrested 12 people so far in connection with that case, as per news agency PTI.Das killing triggered widespread protests by factory workers, students and rights groups in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, prompting India to formally express its concerns. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus interim government had said it would take responsibility for the welfare of Das minor child, wife and parents.Responding to the Rajbari incident, the Bangladesh government issued a statement on December 25, strongly rejecting claims that the killing was communal in nature.According to police information and preliminary investigation, this incident was in no way a communal attack. It arose from a violent situation triggered by extortion and terrorist activities, the statement said.The government described Mondal as a top terrorist named Amrit Mondal alias Somrat and said he had outstanding arrest warrants in multiple serious cases. It added that police arrested his associate Selim from the scene and recovered weapons, while three cases have been filed in connection with the incident.The government strongly condemns this killing, the statement said, adding that it does not support any form of extrajudicial activity, mob lynching, or violence in any manner. It also warned against attempts to portray the incident as communal, saying such claims were completely baseless and motivated by ulterior motives.
Indian-origin US official Ricky Gill has received the National Security Councils Distinguished Action Award for his role in ceasefire negotiations between India and Pakistan this year. The award was presented by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a confirmed official citation.Gill currently serves as Special Assistant to the US President and Senior Director for South and Central Asia at the National Security Council (NSC).US officials said the recognition was for Gills contribution to internal coordination and diplomatic outreach.India has consistently maintained that the ceasefire understanding was not mediated by any third country, including the United States.Senior Indian government figures, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, have on multiple occasions stated that India and Pakistan arrived at the ceasefire understanding bilaterally, through established military and diplomatic channels.The government has also reiterated that New Delhi does not accept third-party mediation on issues relating to Pakistan.Indian officials have previously said that the reaffirmation of the ceasefire followed direct communication between the two sides military leadership, in line with existing agreements.Gill currently oversees the India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and broader South and Central Asia portfolio at the NSC.He served in the first Trump administration as Director for Russia and European Energy Security at the NSC, and earlier as Senior Advisor at the US State Departments Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations.After leaving government, Gill ran Gill Capital Group as its principal and general counsel. He has also advised TC Energy on European and Asian energy matters, including infrastructure projects with geopolitical implications.Born in Lodi, New Jersey, Gill is the son of Jasbir and Param Gill. He holds a bachelors degree from Princeton Universitys Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.
An internal intelligence note detailing the strategic nuances behind the landmark speech delivered by Tarique Rahman upon his return to Dhaka on Thursday has been exclusively accessed by CNN-News18. According to the assessment, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) adopted a deliberately low-temperature" tone, marking a calculated departure from the partys traditional image as an agitation-driven force.By eschewing direct confrontation, street mobilisation, and Islamist rhetoric, Rahman is reportedly attempting to rebrand the BNP as a responsible, governance-oriented national alternative ahead of the February general elections.Tarique Rahman claimed that Bangladesh has changed significantly since he left. He praised the development and infrastructure, acknowledging the progress made under Sheikh Hasinas leadership. This admission is significant, as it comes from a leader who has often criticised the current government.The note highlights that Rahmans repeated emphasis on peace, the rule of law, and the protection of minorities was a carefully calibrated message designed for two audiences. While it sought to reassure the domestic populace, it was equally aimed at international stakeholders who have historically viewed the BNP with caution.Analysts suggest that this soft-rebranding" is intended to distance the party from its more turbulent past and project a vision of stability that aligns with democratic norms.Central to the intelligence findings is Rahmans subtle but clear outreach to India. Although there was no direct mention of New Delhi in his address, the note interprets his focus on non-violence and minority rights as a reassurance signal" to the neighbouring capital.Intelligence agencies suggest that Rahman is seeking to convey that a future BNP government would not revert to the 200106 template", which was characterised by anti-India permissiveness, including the presence of insurgent sanctuaries and radical networks.The assessment concludes that the BNP is currently testing an India-neutral" rather than an India-friendly" posture. By stressing national sovereignty and a peoples mandate", Rahman is purportedly aiming to alleviate New Delhis historical security fears without offering a direct strategic role or appearing subservient.This nuanced diplomatic positioning appears to be the cornerstone of his strategy to secure both domestic legitimacy and regional acceptance as he prepares for a direct role in Bangladeshs evolving political landscape.
Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photos: Stephen Kent Johnson, Thomas Loof, Ethan Herrington, Michael Mundy, Annie Schlechter

The common thread among the most-read Great Rooms stories of the year is the cleverness of homeowners who made the most of their often modest spaces. From the West Village to the Hudson Valley, Wendy Goodman found New Yorkers living in secret Narnias behind closed doors. On Bleecker Street, the shop proprietress Claude-Noelle Toly turned her 275-square-foot studio into her own private Avignon. Charles FitzGerald and Kathy Cerick fashioned a cabin in the middle of St. Marks Place. And Amy Sedaris, who originally imagined a department store vibe for her guest apartment, gave up that notion and made the one-bedroom into a sort of tree house for friends. The exception to the rule is a grand mansion that appeared in our Hamptons issue: The countess who lived in the Port of Missing Men had more rooms than she knew what to do with. The solution was to give each one a theme and let her children run amok. Sometimes there would even be ghost parties. Weve had multiple people tell us that they have seen a little girl, the countesss son told Wendy. Shes not mean, just lost. Well, thats understandable enough in a 600-acre estate that has been owned by the same family since the early 1920s. Erik Maza

10. Photo: Albert Vecerka/Esto An L.A. couple bought their pied-a-terre sight unseen. Architect Andrew Franz opened it up. Read the story 

8. Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson Fernando Santangelo, a designer with a knack for fixer-uppers, transformed a West Village railroad apartment with finds from his travels. Read the story 

7. The Home Gallery in a Soho Loft The Library: The renovation is by Maurizio Bianchi Mattioli. His firm, Studio MBM, designed the rugs as well as the custom millwork and furniture throughout. Photo: Sean Davidson A young couple with a growing art collection reimagines the top floor of a 1903 cast-iron building. Read the story 

3. John Derians Apartment Is Full of Wonderful Things Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson His shops and his apartment share the same fairy-tale aesthetic, which dates back to when he started making trees out of buttons and shells for a flower shop in Boston in 1985. His home has papier-mache birds, decoupage, flea finds from Paris, antiques, furniture he designed, and more. Read the story

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Rosemary Thornton had been praying for a miracle after the tragic death of her husband.

But, instead, she was dealt with the devastating health blow of her own.

In 2018, two years after her husband died by suicide, the Midwestern author noticed unusual vaginal bleeding, which prompted her to rush to a gynecologist.

A biopsy in the following days revealed Thornton, 59 at the time, had stage two cervical cancer, which affects about 13,000 American women every year and kills 4,000.

Soon after diagnosis, Thornton underwent emergency surgery to assess the cancer and remove the tumor from her cervix.

While this operation is generally considered safe, Thornton began to bleed out on the operating table and her blood pressure plummeted.

As the monitors measuring her vital signs displayed an 'error' message, Thornton claims, she raised her arms toward the ceiling, with her fingers reaching up as though she was about to hold somebodys hand.

When she flatlined seconds later, she was considered clinically dead and said she was 'catapulted out of her body.'

Rosemary Thornton, pictured here, suffered a near-death experience while undergoing surgery to remove cervical cancer

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Thornton, now 66, said: 'It was the most extraordinary moment.

'It wasnt gentle. I was catapulted out of my body like a ping. The first thing I declared was that my heart had stopped beating. I then told the universe I was no longer dying, I had died.

'I didnt feel any terror, though, only release. All the anxiety, regret and sadness was gone. What was left was me  every part of my personality, even my giggle - went with me.

'I realized we carry everything that really matters when we leave this world.'

Thornton claimed she was floating through a 'velvety blackness' that was filled with peace.

Rather than the afterlife being an empty void, it was calm.

'For someone whos always struggled with anxiety, this place was surely Heaven itself,' she said.

Thornton is one of the one in 10 Americans who have had a near-death experience (NDE), a transformative event that occurs during a severe medical crisis.

Some feel themselves being propelled down into a black hole, blinded by a bright light or wandering a Matrix-like grid. Many are met by an angel and taken to heaven for a visit.

But not all NDEs are pleasant. A recent study out of the University of Virginia found that a small percentage of NDEs experienced [are] distressing.' The team also suggested between 10 and 22 percent of these experiences are negative.

Thornton is pictured here two days after her near-death experience. She claims the experience was so peaceful that she begged angels not to end her back

Thornton claims that as she floated through the darkness, she felt a 'presence' behind her that said: 'You are the image and the likeness. I am the Original.'

She then entered a white room filled with 'radiant light and a swirling mist' that she compared to a 'spiritual car wash.'

'I was told I had been restored to wholeness and that it was time for me to push through,' she said.

She was then shown a vision of a nurse who had been caring for her sitting in a supply room sobbing uncontrollably, convinced she had failed her patient. Thornton absorbed the grief as if it were her own and claims she made the decision then to return to her body.

She said: 'I lowered my hand from deaths door and next thing I knew, I was in the hospital.

'I felt disappointed. I even argued with the angels not to send me back.'

Tests concluded Thornton had suffered a heart attack, which caused her to cross over to the other side. But she was more surprised that four days later, she had no evidence of cancer and that her blood work was 'textbook perfect.'

'The surgeon said my tissue was so pink and perfect she would have never believed Id had cancer,' Thornton said. 'The cancer was gone, but more than that, my soul was made whole again.'

Thornton (pictured here) said the experience strengthened her faith in God and taught her how to enjoy the small aspects of life

It's unclear if the surgery she had was considered successful from a medical standpoint.

Thornton now claims she is visited by angels dressed in light who surround her and sing during moments of sadness.

The experience also helped her strengthen her faith in God and has shown her how to appreciate the small aspects of her life, prompting her to move to the countryside.

She said: 'In the afterlife, I discovered God not only loves us, but really likes us, just as we are. Its changed everything for me.

'To anyone facing the end, I can promise you dont need to be afraid. Whats waiting is peace, joy and more life than we can imagine.

'Death really is like waking up from a very intense dream. And this whole time on Earth is reduced to this tiny little grain of salt. Its not a big deal.'
A man with confusion and signs of a brain injury actually had an extremely rare condition diagnosed in just 50 people over the past century.

The unidentified 76-year-old was rushed to his local emergency room in Waterford, Ireland, in January 2024 after caregivers found him lying on the floor beside his bed.

Doctors noted he seemed confused and agitated, insisting he felt his right arm levitating and moving involuntarily, sometimes hitting him in the head. He told doctors he hallucinated visions of animals.

The man had also been suffering from a long list of chronic conditions, including heart failure, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, high blood pressure and a pulmonary embolism, a blockage in the artery.

Caregivers reported he often seemed disoriented and that he would try to grab at his bed and move his arm sporadically, which left him distressed. Within 24 hours in the hospital, the patient also started involuntarily lifting his left arm, in addition to his right, in the air as he claimed it was 'acting on its own.'

The arm tightly grasped at the man's clothing and torso, causing the arm and hand to become swollen from the force and activity.

A CT scan showed the man had suffered severe brain damage from what doctors believe was a stroke in his left temporal lobe, which controls language comprehension and word storage, and occipital lobe, which helps the brain interpret colors, shapes and motion from vision.

The damage extended into his corpus callosum, a C-shaped bundle of nerve fibers in the brain that connects the left and right hemispheres. This structure is essential for coordinating motor skills, sensory processing and cognition.

A man in Ireland was diagnosed with alien hand syndrome, an extremely rare condition in which a person's hand moves on its own uncontrollably. Only 50 cases have been identified (stock image)

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Doctors writing about his case in the Journal of Medical Case Reports believe the brain damage was a sign of a stroke, which had triggered alien hand syndrome (AHS), an extremely rare condition in which a person's hand moves on its own uncontrollably.

Also referred to as Dr Strangelove syndrome, the hand in question often performs actions or movements without a person's consent or knowledge, as if it has a mind of its own.

It may grab items, try to unbutton clothing or harm the patient or others.

The affected hand, usually the left one, also doesn't have sensation and cannot feel anything it touches.

Only about 50 cases have been recorded since AHS was first identified in 1909.

For many patients, the disease causes the hand to act inappropriately or violently.

One patient in a case report told doctors her alien hand tried to intermittently choke her and the hands of some study subjects fondled them or reached out to the study examiner without the patient being aware.

The exact cause of AHS is unknown, but one study suggested it could occur just before or during a stroke, much like in the case of the unidentified man.

The above CT scan image shows damage to the man's brain tissue, likely due to a stroke. A healthy brain would have distinct gray and white brain tissues, but in this case, the tissue gray and white colors have blended together, signaling a potential lack of oxygen

The syndrome has been reported after surgery on the corpus callosum and in patients with brain tumors, aneurysms and degenerative brain diseases.

The man in the new case report also had a history of alcoholism, which has been shown to raise the risk of Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD), a rare neurological condition that causes damage to the corpus callosum.

Doctors believe AHS may be a manifestation of this condition.

Only around 300 to 400 cases of MBD have been reported in medical literature.

There are no standard treatments for AHS because it is so rare, though some studies suggest cognitive behavioral therapy and distraction techniques can minimize symptoms.

The case study authors also pointed toward Clonazepam (Klonopin), which is used to treat seizures and panic disorder, and Botox, as it may temporarily block nerve signals in overactive muscles.

Doctors treating the man gave him the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam to manage his agitation and delirium, which also controlled his hand levitation episodes. He also started a program to manage signs of alcohol withdrawal.

The patient was discharged after several days and continues to be monitored with brain scans and blood thinners to reduce the risk of another stroke. It's unclear if the AHS has been fully resolved.
A social media page allegedly trying to scam Boots shoppers by promoting fake, AIgenerated weightloss adverts has been taken down.

The account had been running ads for prescriptiononly slimming drugs, falsely appearing to show Boots health professionals smiling and promoting the products, the BBC revealed.

The videos were posted on TikTok, where clips showed what looked like health workers drinking a vial of blue liquid, before cutting forward several months to dramatic weightloss transformations.

Before the page was removed, the videos linked to a website selling weightloss drugs. The site featured customer testimonials which the BBC said were either AIgenerated or lifted from elsewhere online.

Other clips appeared to reuse real people's weightloss videos without permission, repurposing their content to sell the drugs.

The fake account used branding and names similar to the official Boots social media page, including the handle @BootsOfficial, potentially misleading shoppers.

Boots has stressed that it only runs adverts through its genuine social media account @BootsUK.

In the UK, it is illegal to advertise prescriptiononly weightloss medicines to the public.

It has been revealed a fake account allegedly pretended to be Boots on TikTok promoted AIgenerated weight loss medications

A Boots spokesperson told the BBC the company was aware of the videos and reported them, which led to their removal.

A spokesperson for the platform said it does not allow 'harmful or misleading AIgenerated ads' and bans 'the depiction, promotion, or trade of controlled substances'.

However, the BBC found that while the videos were initially taken down, the account  reportedly based in Hong Kong  remained live, allowing the same clips to be reuploaded.

After being alerted again, the fake account was removed entirely.

Some clips included what appeared to be health professionals drinking blue liquid from small vials.

The linked website also carried warnings from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

An MHRA spokesperson told the BBC that weightloss medicines 'should only be obtained from a registered pharmacy against a prescription issued by a healthcare professional'.

'Taking these medicines sourced in any other way carries serious risks to your health with no guarantees about what they contain,' they added.

Clips included what appeared to be health professionals drinking a vial of blue liquid

Sam Gregory, an internationally recognised AI expert, told the BBC it is becoming easier for scammers to exploit artificial intelligence to target consumers.

He said: 'AI now makes it trivially easy to generate a convincing series of videos or images showing an apparent change in a plausibly real generic health professional, or to impersonate specific health professionals wholesale.

'The underlying question is how quickly and comprehensively platforms act when they detect  or are notified of  scams that clearly breach their terms of service.

'Major brands like Boots will get prioritised over an individual business owner who's been targeted.'

The case follows another warning this summer over fake weightloss adverts using doctored images of a top TV star.

A slimming pill falsely claiming endorsement from BBC's Dragons' Den appeared in dozens of misleading online ads.

Researchers at consumer group Which? found 62 adverts for the product, Nixol, in Meta's ad library, many of which appeared to have been placed by scammers.

Some ads falsely claimed the tablets had been pitched to the Dragons, while others used the show's logo, images of investor Sara Davies MBE, or were posted from accounts named after the programme.

Several linked to websites impersonating Daily Mail news articles, mimicking MailOnline branding to appear legitimate.

Which? warned the adverts were designed to mislead and could put consumers' health at risk.

Many claimed Nixol could help users lose 26.5lb in just two weeks, despite no clinical evidence. Others said it had no side effects, was clinically tested on 29,000 people and was 100 per cent natural.

Earlier this year, Ms Davies told BBC Morning Live she had been made aware of fake adverts using her image.

In an Instagram post, she said: 'They are all scams,' adding that she is working with legal teams at the BBC to have the ads removed.
Millions of couples are hoping that 2026 is the year that they start a familybut due to an international sperm quality crisis, a huge percentage of these perspective parents will need to turn to IVF to achieve their dreams.

Previous research has suggested that sperm quality has dropped by half over the past 50 to 70 years, meaning more people than ever are reliant on medical help to fall pregnant.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF)when eggs are fertilised with sperm manually in a lab before being transferred back into a women's uterusis a huge emotional and financial investment, with one round exceeding 10,000 once all costs and medications are factored in.

One of the most frustratingand heartbreakingparts of undergoing IVF is that there is no guarantee that it will work, with success rates dropping to around 16 per cent if the mother or egg is aged over 40.

But new research has suggested one way that couples can boost their chances of creating a viable embryo, and it all comes down to when the wannabe father ejaculates ahead of producing a sperm sample for the clinic.

Previously, men had been told to not ejaculate for two to seven days before giving a sperm sample, but new research suggests that ejaculating within 48 hours can yield better results.

A team from the First Hospital of Jilin University in Changchun, China looked at a cohort of nearly 500 men, half of whom were asked to ejaculate 48 hours before proving a sample, and half who did so within the previously recommended two to seven days.

They discovered the group with the shorter abstinence had a 10 per cent higher pregnancy rate, even after taking into account other factors.

The group with shorter abstinence had a 54.4 per cent clinical pregnancy rate

As reported by medical journal The Lancet, who published the findings, the authors said: 'To our knowledge, this is the first investigator-initiated prospective randomised controlled trial on the impact of abstinence duration on pregnancy outcomes in c-IVF.

'Using the trigger-day as the last ejaculation time point, compared to the conventional timing, can improve the pregnancy rate in c-IVF.

'The CPR and ongoing pregnancy rate were higher in the trigger-day group.'

The researchers looked at clinical pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate. This is different to live birth rate, which measures how many pregnancies are successfully carried to term.

The clinical pregnancy rate is thought to be confirmation of a gestational sacthe first fluid structure seen on a scanwith a foetal heartbeat via ultrasound.

Their results revealed the group with shorter abstinence had a 54.4 per cent clinical pregnancy rate compared to the control groups 44.9 per cent.

An ongoing pregnancy rate is a measure that pregnancy continues past milestones, typically past 12 to 20 weeks.

They found this was slightly lower at 46 per cent but still higher in comparison to the control group which had a 36 per cent ongoing pregnancy rate.

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However, one expert not connected with the study said that while the findings are promising, it is key to distinguish between pregnancy rates and live birth rates.

Dr David Miller a male fertility expert at the University of Leeds, told New Scientist: 'The better pregnancy rate looks encouraging.

'But of course, this doesn't necessarily reflect fully, the final treatment outcome, which is live birth rate.'

Their findings comes amid a worrying decline in male fertility which has left experts deeply concerned.

The international decline in sperm quality is believed to be due to several factors, including exposure to industrial chemicals, such as pesticides.

These hormone disrupters can lead to testicular dysgenesis, which is when testicles don't work as they should, affecting fertility.

In around 40 per cent of male infertility cases, men do go on to have a baby with their partners.

Typically, this is following a cycle of ICSI or intracytoplasmic sperm injection  where sperm is inserted directly into the egg, rather than IVF where the eggs are 'bathed' in the sperm).

This rises to around a 70 per cent success rate after three cycles.

But experts warn that male infertility shouldn't be dismissed or forgotten about once that longed-for baby arrives, because it's an important signal of other health problems.

Male infertility is linked, for instance, with shorter life expectancy and an increased risk of testicular cancer and heart disease.
A husband who repeatedly liked photos of other women on social media has been ordered to pay alimony and compensation after Turkey's highest appeals court ruled his online behaviour breached his duty of marital loyalty.

The unusual case was first filed in the central Turkish city of Kayseri, where a woman identified only as HB accused her husband of humiliating and berating her.

She also claimed he spent excessive time on social media, liking photographs of other women and leaving suggestive comments.

Her lawyers argued that the behaviour violated his legal obligation of loyalty within marriage, a duty explicitly set out in Turkish civil law, and demanded financial compensation.

The husband, identified as SB, denied the allegations and counterfiled for divorce, claiming his wife had insulted his father and that her jealousy had damaged his reputation.

After examining both sides, the local family court ruled that the husband was more at fault, finding his social media behaviour was sustained and public, rather than a oneoff lapse.

Judges ordered him to pay 1,000 Turkish lira a month in alimony (around 25), as well as 60,000 lira in compensation (around 1,500). In its written judgment, the court said online behaviour could not be brushed off as trivial.

The case comes amid warnings from relationship counsellors that Christmas and the New Year typically heralds a surge in relationship issues  and in January, a spike in couples filing for divorce.

A husband who repeatedly liked photos of other women on social media has been ordered to pay compensation after a court ruled his online behaviour breached his duty of marital loyalty

'These seemingly harmless online interactions can actually intensify emotional insecurity and upset the balance of the relationship,' the ruling stated.

SB appealed the decision, arguing that the payout was excessive. However, the ruling was upheld by Yargtay, Turkey's Court of Cassation  the equivalent of a supreme court in civil cases.

By backing the lower court's findings, Yargtay confirmed that repeatedly liking photos of other women on social media could amount to a breach of marital loyalty under Turkish law.

While the case has sparked jokes online, lawyers say the decision carries real weight because it was endorsed at the highest judicial level.

Some have warned that screenshots, messages and other digital records could increasingly be used as evidence when courts assess fault in divorce cases.

'Now, screenshots, messages, and all digital interactions will be considered when determining the fault of each party. I advise citizens to keep this in mind when using social media,' one lawyer told Turkish newspaper Haberler.

The ruling reflects growing concern about socalled 'microcheating'  a term used by psychologists and counsellors to describe subtle behaviours that fall short of a physical affair but can still undermine trust.

Microcheating is generally understood to involve repeated or flirtatious engagement with someone outside the relationship, particularly when it is public, secretive or dismissed as harmless.

Experts stress that it is rarely about a single 'like', but about the pattern of behaviour and what it signals over time.

Counsellors say warning signs can include increased secrecy around phones, defensiveness when questioned, deleting messages or prioritising online attention over a partner.

While such behaviour does not amount to infidelity, specialists say it can steadily erode emotional security and fuel resentment.

They also warn that the festive season can heighten existing tensions in relationships, as office parties, alcohol, reunions and increased social media use put pressure on boundaries. Relationship charities say Christmas is a common flashpoint for rows over phones, messages and online behaviour  particularly where trust is already fragile.

In the UK, family lawyers regularly report a surge in divorce enquiries in January  particularly in the first working week of the new year, sometimes dubbed 'Divorce Day'  as couples reassess relationships after the pressures of Christmas.

Official court data suggests formal divorce filings often follow later in the spring, once those decisions turn into legal action.
British researchers say a cure for Alzheimer's disease could one day be possible, with experts suggesting truly lifechanging treatments may emerge within the next five to ten years.

Speaking on the Today programme during Sir James Dyson's guest edit, scientists said advances in dementia research mean the disease is no longer viewed simply as an inevitable part of ageing, but as a condition that could ultimately be treated, prevented and potentially cured.

Almost one million people in the UK are living with dementia, the majority of them with Alzheimer's disease  and numbers are expected to rise significantly over the next decade.

Until recently, treatment options have been limited, largely focusing on easing symptoms rather than slowing or altering the disease itself.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh told the BBC it should be possible to go further in the future  stopping Alzheimer's from progressing, preventing it from starting, and, over a longer timeframe, curing people who have already begun to develop symptoms.

Dr Clare Durrant said there is now genuine optimism in the field. 'The evidence we have at the moment is that it's a disease, and that we know from past experiences that disease can be cured,' she said.

'Maybe one day we'll find evidence in the future that Alzheimer's disease is inherently part of being human, and if we all lived to be 200 it would be so intertwined. But at the moment I don't see that evidence.'

However experts cautioned that the brain's complexity means certainty will depend on the results of future clinical trials.

British researchers say a cure for Alzheimer'sdisease could one day be possible, with experts suggesting truly lifechanging treatments may emerge within the next five to ten years

During the show, BBC health and science correspondent James Gallagher was granted access to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where neurosurgeons were performing brain surgery to remove a tumour.

Small amounts of healthy brain tissue, normally discarded during such procedures, were instead rushed straight from the operating theatre to Dr Durrant's laboratory.

She described the tissue taken from patients as a 'precious gift', donated on what is often the worst day of their lives.

'We never forget the kind of amazing altruism that we see in these patients,' she said. 'They'll sign a form and say, you know what, something good is going to come out of this bad day.'

Speed is critical. Once removed, the brain tissue must reach the lab and be placed into incubators within two hours to remain viable.

There, it is sliced into sections around a third of a millimetre thick  thinner than a human hair  and kept alive using oxygenated fluid and specialised equipment.

By working with what she calls a 'perfect human brain model in a dish', Durrant and her team can expose healthy brain tissue to toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, including amyloid and tau, extracted from the brains of people who died with the condition.

The researchers then observe how synapses are damaged  and crucially, how that damage might be intercepted.

The Duchess of Edinburgh, Patron of Race Against Dementia, with Dr Claire Durrant during a visit to Edinburgh Neuroscience to hear about the work of Race Against Dementia, which funds pioneering research into the prevention and cure of dementia

'This is a problem that can be done,' she said. 'I've not seen so much hope in Alzheimer's disease research than I do right now and there's just so much to look forward to.

'I'm really hopeful that we'll see meaningful change in my lifetime.'

That optimism is shared by Professor Tara SpiresJones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, who said recent breakthroughs have transformed the outlook for patients.

'I'm very optimistic that in the short term we will have treatments that can meaningfully slow or stop disease progression,' she said.

'In the long term I think we should be able to prevent dementias entirely and hopefully we'll get to a cure as well for people who already have symptoms.'

She said future treatments are likely to combine multiple strategies rather than rely on a single target.

Crucially, the arrival of lecanemab and donanemab, the first diseasemodifying drugs  which slow Alzheimer's progression rather than simply treat symptoms  has changed the culture of dementia research.

'Things have really accelerated,' SpiresJones said. 'Now that we have the first treatments that can modify the disease even a little bit, it's opened the door to more funding, it's bringing in smart people and it's bringing in the pharmaceutical colleagues that we need to run these very expensive clinical trials.'

She added: 'I'm hopeful that within the next five to ten years we should have something that's much more meaningful.'

Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy & Research Officer at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Unfortunately, most of us know someone affected by the devastating diseases that cause dementia.

'It's often felt like there's been little hope, but that's really changing as we're on the cusp of huge breakthroughs in truly life-changing research.

'We're building our understanding every day and treatments are being developed that can not only treat symptoms but also slow progression.

'We can finally be confident that research and innovation built over decades is coming to fruition - and we're going to beat dementia.'
An expat living in Melbourne for the past four years has shared a list of Aussie social interactions that initially baffled him  but has now come to wholeheartedly embrace.

'These are the seven things I didn't understand about Australians until I became friends with them,' Carlos Gomez explained in his Instagram post.

The Latin American man, who moved to Victoria to study and now works as an engineer, listed seven observations about how Aussies interact  and how he's come to appreciate them.

Top of the list was the way Australians use sarcasm as a sign of affection.

'If an Aussie roasts you, congratulations! You've been accepted,' Carlos explained.

He said that he 'used to think people were being rude' when Aussies spoke to him sarcastically but eventually came to realise that there's subtle affection in it.

'Now I know it's their love language,' he added.

A related observation was the way Australians speak with 'brutal honesty - but respectfully'.

'They'll tell you the truth straight to your face, but somehow without making you feel bad,' Carlos said. 'That balance is elite.'

Expat Carlos Gomez shared an Instagram post detailing 'seven things I didn't understand about Australians until I became friends with them'

Another aspect that took Carlos some time to adjust to was the passion Australians feel for their footy teams, regardless of the code.

'Footy loyalty is on another level,' he wrote on Instagram. 'I thought it was 'just a sport' until I heard an Aussie explain why their team is the greatest with stats, passion, family history and full pride. Footy isn't a game, it's identity.'

The next point Carlos made was a poignant one about how he noticed that 'everyone's equal here'.

'Your job, your status, your background  none of that matters. You're just another mate at the table,' he reflected.

The expat was also struck by how Aussies live for their downtime.

'Weekends are sacred,' he wrote. 'When Friday hits, they don't just relax they vanish. Into beaches, hikes, campsites, anything outdoors.'

And on a related note, Carlos was struck by how many Aussies plan their holidays well in advance.

'Somehow every Aussie already knows what they're doing next Easter, next Christmas and next summer. And yes, winters are to go to the northern hemisphere,' he said.

The Latin American engineer provided a list of social observations about Aussie interactions - including our penchant for sarcasm and brutal - but respectful - honesty

Carlos' Instagram post saw loads of locals weigh in on his observations about Australian social culture - with many agreeing that he 'nailed it'

Carlos Gomez: Seven things I didn't understand about Australians 1. Sarcasm = affection 2. Brutal honesty (but respectfully) 3. Footy loyalty is on another level 4. Everyone's equal here 5. Weekends are sacred 6. Planning holidays a year in advance 7. Aussies genuinely trust other people Advertisement

Carlos' final observation shared to his @carlosgomzs account was about the level of trust he'd noticed  highlighted by Aussies' ability to leave a bag or shoes unattended in a public place.

'At first I thought, 'Aren't you scared someone will take it?'... but no. Trust is the default here, not the exception.'

He concluded: 'These are things I only understood after almost four years here. Once you get close to Aussies, you see how unique the culture is.'

The viral post was met with hundreds of replies, including from many Aussies who appreciated Carlos' insights about Australian culture and society.

The first two points  our penchant for sarcasm and brutal honesty in interactions  resonated with many.

'Good observations. Sarcasm is definitely a sign of affection, as is brutal honesty,' replied one person.

'I love our sarcasm!' an Australian woman wrote, before giving a brilliant example: 'Like, you're with your bestie and say to them, 'Hey look! There goes your mate!'. You can guarantee that person is definitely NOT their mate.'

Many Australians who have lived or travelled overseas noted that they realised they had to 'hold back' with their innate sarcasm and brutal honesty abroad, where it often isn't understood.

Carlos was surprised at the way Australians often left their belongings like shoes or a bag unattended in a public place like the beach, noting that 'trust' was integral to the culture

Carlos' point about the deep sense of identity Aussies have with their footy clubs also resonated. One man elaborated further on this, explaining that it's not about which team you support, but the story behind why you follow them that connects you intrinsically to the team.

Perhaps the most discussed topic was Carlos' reflection on how Australians treat each other as equals, regardless of status.

'I have all kinds of friends. Whether they are cleaners or millionaires, as long as you respect me, I don't care what your occupation is,' read one reply.

'My family includes doctors, nuns, teachers, brickies - yet all feel the same around the table at Christmas or BBQs,' said one more.

Several people laughed at the point about Aussies' passion for organising their holidays early, admitting they already had their next break planned.

But one person suggested a logical explanation. 'Planning holidays a year in advance is only because we're far away from the places we want to go.'

Carlos and his partner relocated to Australia four years ago

The final point around trust sparked lively discussion.

While some said this isn't universal across all places in Australia, many agreed it's a point of pride in the culture.

'I especially agree with your statement that 'trust is the default, not the exception'. This one made me particularly proud to be Australian. Thank you.'

'Wholeheartedly agree, trust is huge here,' replied another. 'That's why anything that breaks that sacred bond in Australia absolutely rocks us to the core.'

Many replies congratulated Carlos on capturing the essence of the Australian experience.

'Well done mate! You're spot on. Welcome to the club  you're an adopted Aussie now,' one said.

'Spot on. I lived there for 14 years. I miss it like crazy because of all these things you listed. Melbourne has my heart, it's my home and my family (best mates) live there,' another shared.

'Thanks for seeing all the good in our culture and way of life,' one shared.

'Thank you for reminding me why Im proud to be a born and bred Australian,' another added.

Meanwhile, one summed it up: 'When they say we don't have culture, there it is! It's our way of life, our attitude, our interactions. Thank you for acknowledging it.'
Ivanka Trump was seen hitting the slopes in a fiery red ski suit as she shared an inside glimpse into her family trip to Aspen, Colorado, for the Christmas holidays.

On Thursday, the 44-year-old took to Instagram to post some snaps from her vacation with her husband, Jared Kushner, and their three children - daughter Arabella, 14, and sons Joseph, 12, and Theodore, nine.

The first snap that Ivanka shared was an adorable family photo, which saw her in an emerald-green suede skirt, black Western-style hat and black boots.

Arabella wore a houndstooth dress and similar boots as her mother, while her two sons matched in sky-blue crewneck sweaters.

It seemed like the family had tons of fun on the trip, as they appeared to enjoy hitting the ski slopes and making arts and crafts by a cozy fire.

In one photo, Ivanka wore a bright red ski suit as she posed with her skis on the mountain, while her two sons also sported matching red ski pants in another snap.

Another picture showed her and Arabella cutting out pictures from magazines as they seemed to be working on a collage.

She also posed for a smiling selfie with her son on the slopes.

Ivanka Trump shared a glimpse into her vacation to Aspen, Colorado, which she took with her husband, Jared Kushner, and their three children

In one photo, Ivanka wore a bright red ski suit as she posed with her skis on the mountain, while her two sons also sported matching red ski pants in another snap

'Merry Christmas from the mountains,' Ivanka wrote in the caption of her post.

'The greatest gift is time together. Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas filled with love, gratitude, and family,' her message continued.

Of course, this isn't the first time that the former presidential adviser has spent time in the mountains during the holiday season.

Last year, she was spotted leaving Aspen sushi restaurant Matsuhisa after dining there with her husband and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Aspen is a big hotspot for celebrities during ski season, with Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn and Mariah Carey all spotted in town over the past few days.

Ivanka's family trip comes just a few months after she celebrated her 44th birthday at the end of October, and shared 15 life lessons that she's learned over the years to mark the milestone - including her advice on overcoming 'pain' and 'sitting with what shattered.'

On Instagram, she shared a carousel of different photos from the past few years, including a snap of her family at Donald Trump's inauguration this past January, and one of her and husband Kushner, also 44, in Italy for Bezos's wedding to Lauren Sanchez this summer.

'Each birthday (and today is my 44th!) invites reflection - on what Ive learned, what I hold dear, and how I want to walk forward with greater clarity, courage and grace,' Ivanka wrote in the caption of her post, before she listed the various lessons that she had learned.

It seems like the family had tons of fun on the trip, as they appeared to enjoy hitting the ski slopes and making arts and crafts by a cozy fire

Ivanka and Kushner's children, Arabella, 14, Theodore, nine, and Joseph, 12, on the slopes

In one snap, she wore an emerald-green suede skirt, black Western-style hat and black boots

Ivanka's family trip comes just a few months after she celebrated her birthday at the end of October, and shared 15 life lessons that she's learned over the year in honor of the milestone

Her first lesson was about family, as she emphasized the importance of being close to her loved ones.

'Family remains the heartbeat of my life. Everything expands outward from there,' Ivanka continued.

However, her second wisdom was a bit more cryptic, as she quoted 13th-century poet Rumi about 'true healing.'

Ivanka typed: 'Peace is born not of forgetting, but of transforming pain into wisdom.

'As the poet Rumi wrote, "The wound is the place where the Light enters you." True healing asks for patience.

'The strength to sit with what shattered before building whats next. In that stillness, empathy becomes architecture.'

The third piece of wisdom on her list had everything to do with kindness.

'Kindness is the simplest form of greatness. In a world that rewards noise and self-interest, being kind is an act of quiet rebellion. To be kind is not naive, it is powerful, brave, and radical,' Ivanka wrote.

In total, Ivanka shared 15 of these life lessons with her followers.
Fashion comes and goes, and while more permanent, plastic surgery is also a victim to the trend machine.

In the past, bolder and more obvious tweaks were in hot demand, whereas surgeons are now finding that less is more - or at least, it should appear that way.

It's been a big year for cosmetic tweaks, from Kris Jenner turning back the clock with her age-defying face to the Mar-a-Lago makeover sweeping Washington DC; celebrities have not shied away from attempting to embrace the best - and youngest - version of themselves.

It's not only facial procedures that have had Hollywood in a chokehold - with GLP-1 becoming Hollywood's worst-kept weight-loss secret, and celebrities like Meghan Trainor and Kelly Osbourne flaunting their new stick-thin physiques.

As the year comes to a close, plastic surgeons have spoken exclusively to the Daily Mail about the procedures they predict will skyrocket in popularity in 2026.

Dr. Bob Basu, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, told the Daily Mail that patients will prioritize procedures that embrace their natural features, rather than seeking dramatic changes.

'In facial and breast surgery, this means focusing on lifting, reinforcement and structural restoration instead of relying on volume alone,' he shared.

'Procedures like the deep plane face and neck lift address foundational support rather than surface changes,' Dr. Basu said.

As the year comes to a close, plastic surgeons have spoken exclusively to the Daily Mail about the procedures they predict will skyrocket in popularity in 2026 (stock image)

'The result is a more natural appearance with greater longevity and stability.'

Dr. Basu theorized that artificial intelligence will heavily influence how patients research plastic surgery going forward, particularly when they are at the beginning stages of the process, which could have disastrous results.

However, he acknowledged that there are some 'real risks' with patients using AI to explore procedures, as it can create unrealistic expectations.

'AI can be used to create fabricated before-and-after images or even construct entirely fictional patient journeys, which can contribute to misinformation and unrealistic expectations,' he pointed out.

'As AI continues to evolve, it should be viewed as a starting point, not a substitute, for consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon, where individualized evaluation, informed consent, and trust remain essential.'

Here are the plastic surgery trends expected to rise in 2026, according to surgeons.

Deep plane facelifts

Deep plane facelifts have become one of the most talked-about cosmetic surgery procedures, thanks to Kris Jenner's jaw-dropping youthful visage at 70.

Kris Jenner, 70, stunned fans after debuting the results of her lower facelift (pictured left in 2011 and right in 2025)

While the Kardashian matriarch has admitted to having some cosmetic work done in the past, including a facelift and using Botox, a doctor who didn't treat her alleged that her new look can be attributed to the pricey procedure, which can cost $80,000.

According to plastic surgeon Amir Mahan Ghaznavi, demand for the facelift will skyrocket in 2026 due to the dramatic changes that it can cause.

A deep plane facelift, often regarded as the gold-standard facelift technique, is different from a traditional facelift because it lifts beneath the SMAS (the strong fibrous layer that supports the face), and releases the deeper ligaments that cause sagging. It then repositions the mid- and lower-face from the inside out.

Instead of simply pulling the skin tighter, surgeons work under the muscle layer, creating a longer-lasting, more natural and less 'done' appearance.

'This is being heavily promoted on Instagram and TikTok due to its visual format,' Dr. Ghaznavi said.

'Young patients are asking for mini-facelifts, thread lifts and SMAS lifts for varying results and longevity.'

Dr. Paul N. Afrooz, an award-winning facial plastic surgeon based in Florida, said the technique is used for patients who need 'more correction.'

'By repositioning deeper structures rather than pulling skintight, we can achieve results that last while still allowing the face to move naturally,' he explained. 'Longevity matters, but natural expression matters more.'

Deep neck lift

Facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Alemi predicted that 2026 will see more people investing in deep neck lifts as people realize the 'power' of deep neck contouring.

'One of the hottest topics that is sure to continue to be an emerging trend is the management of the neck and the rising popularity of the deep neck lift,' he told the Daily Mail.

The term 'deep neck lift' typically refers to the management of the deep neck contents, the deep neck fat, muscle and salivary gland tissue, which can be contoured and sculpted as needed during a neck lift procedure.

'I feel that the deep neck lift procedure will continue to increase in popularity as surgeons and patients alike see the power of deep neck contouring,' Dr. Alemi shared.

Ricki Lake opened up about undergoing a deep plane lower facelift and deep neck lift. Left, before and right, after

Some plastic surgeons have predicted that 2026 will see an increase in deep neck lifts as people realize the 'power' of deep neck contouring (stock image)

Earlier in the year, TV host and actress Ricki Lake opened up about her own experience of going under the knife in 2024 to have loose skin around her neck removed following her dramatic weight loss.

The 56-year-old also admitted to undergoing a deep plane lower facelift.

Body contouring

The doctors also believe that body contouring after GLP-1 medication for weight loss and skin tightening technologies to restore shape will rise in popularity in 2026.

With people dropping significant amounts of weight with GLP-1 medications, board-certified plastic surgeons are seeing increased demand to address changes in the face, breasts and body.

'Common concerns include facial hollowing, skin laxity, and loss of shape - often referred to as "Ozempic face,"' Dr. Basu explained.

He added that patients are seeking solutions that restore balance and proportion without looking overfilled or unnatural.

Body contouring after GLP-1 medication for weight loss and skin tightening technologies to restore shape are set to rise in 2026 (stock image)

With more people dropping weight with GLP-1 medications, plastic surgeons are seeing increased demand to address changes in the face, breasts and body (stock image)

'These changes are also driving greater interest in regenerative treatments, facial fat grafting, refined volume-restoration techniques, and the entire gamut of plastic surgery procedures for the face, breast, and body,' Dr. Basu said.

Dr. Andrew Cohen agreed, adding that he thinks tummy tucks will be on the rise, as well as treatments such as CO2 laser, to help with texture and rebuilding of collagen on the skin surface.

'All contribute to the slimming down and tightening up happening in 2025,' he pointed out.

'Additionally, procedures that focus on natural, regenerative results like facelifts, blepharoplasty, etc., will continue to rise.'

Celebrities such as Meghan Trainor (left) and Kelly Osbourne (right) have been showing off their new stick-thin physiques recently

Regenerative treatments

The surgeons predicted that regenerative treatments will become more mainstream in 2026.

They suggested there will be an increase in growth factor therapies to improve skin quality, elasticity and tissue strength.

Dr. Jeffrey Lisieci, a New York-based plastic surgeon, said that regenerative therapies to improve skin quality, especially exosome-based treatments and nanofat, an injectable treatment using your own processed fat, are set to rise in popularity.

'This is essentially a fat transfer stripped of actual fat cells but retaining the stem cells and other regenerative factors of fat,' he explained.

Dr. Basu agreed, adding that rather than filling or masking changes, these treatments stimulate the bodys own ability to rebuild collagen and improve tissue health from within.

'Surgeons are also using them strategically to support healing and help both surgical and nonsurgical results last longer, particularly in patients experiencing significant weight loss or tissue thinning,' he said.

Surgeons predict that regenerative approaches will become more mainstream in 2026 (stock image)

Dr. Paul N. Afrooz said he's already seeing a shift towards prejuvenation, with the age of his patients getting younger.

'Im seeing is patients in their late 30s and 40s coming in earlier, instead of waiting until their 50s or 60s,' he observed. 'It's now about maintaining what you already have.'

The Miami-based plastic surgeon added: 'Small, strategic procedures done earlier often mean less surgery overall and far more natural aging long term.'

'Patients want to slow the clock, not rewind it,' he said.
Chris Brown fans have been left disappointed after many claimed they have yet to receive products from his clothing line despite purchasing them weeks ago.

The 36-year-old artist launched his Nami Frequency Low Top sneakers last month, much to the excitement of his supporters.

The shoes, exclusively sold through his co-founded brand The Auracles, are described as the 'most anticipated footwear drop.'

Made of soft high grade foam, the sneaker, priced at $125, 'molds to your foot for maximum comfort.'

While Brown continues to promote his clothing line on his social media, angry customers have claimed that their orders have yet to arrive.

Taking to the brand's official Instagram account, one alleged: 'Don't buy, they never come.'

'Bruh y'all have yet to ship my slides, socks and keychain I ordered almost a month ago nor respond to any of my emails,' another claimed.

Responding to the previous comment, someone else alleged: 'I ordered in October, still nothing and no responses either.'

Chris Brown fans have claimed that their orders from his clothing label have not arrived. He's seen in 2023

A number of fans have alleged they are still waiting on their orders of his Nami Frequency Low Top sneakers

'Where [are] my shoes? It has been three weeks and it said two to three days it would be shipped,' a fourth alleged.

Another frustrated fan said: 'I wish I would have read the comments before purchasing.'

'Sooo like when will my shoes arrive?' a sixth asked.

The Daily Mail has contacted Brown and The Auracles for comment.

Brown is the co-founder and creative director of The Auracles along with CEO John Dean. The pair launched the label in 2022.

'The Auracles was founded in Los Angeles through a mutual interest in art and design,' the brand's website reads.

'The agency is our creative vehicle that utilizes various art mediums to tell the story of our culture.

'From fashion to collectables, we are pushing culture forward through innovative design and craftsmanship.'

Brown has been selling a variety of products with his co-founded label The Auracles

The Auracles was founded in Los Angeles through a mutual interest in art and design. Brown is seen in April

The Auracles prides itself on creating for the future and states that it exists to 'bend time and space to our desires.'

The website says that standard delivery takes between five and seven business days.

Free domestic shipping is also offered, but it is unclear whether it is for purchases over $100 or over $175 due to contradictory messaging.

For free international shipping, shoppers must spend over $300.

Besides the sneakers, shoppers can purchase slides for $95, with kids versions for $30.

Boots are currently available to preorder for $228 while socks and keychains are listed at $28.
A woman who decided to give away her engagement ring from a previous marriage has revealed how the act of kindness led to a heartwarming Christmas proposal.

According to CTV News, Martina Boreland, from Prince Edward Island, Canada, decided to give away her engagement ring on Facebook after she decided that she 'didn't need it anymore.'

'I wanted to give someone something really meaningful and special that they could share with the love of their life, especially around Christmas,' Boreland told CTV News.

She explained that she was looking for someone who was hardworking and saving up for a ring.

After she posted the giveaway on Facebook, Boreland said that she received tons of replies, but one person's message stuck out to her in particular.

That was Kalen Macadam's, who wanted to use the ring to propose to his partner, Amanda Rogers.

'Shes the definition of my world, she changed me for the better and brought me out of such a dark spot in my life,' Macadam's message about Rogers read, according to the outlet.

'She gave me more than I ever thought anyone ever could  Ive been trying and trying to save up for a ring for her, but life just wont let me.'

Martina Boreland gave away her engagement ring to Kalen Macadams, who then used the ring to propose to his partner, Amanda Rogers (seen with Macadams)

According to CTVNews, Boreland, from Prince EdwardIsland, Canada, decided to give away her engagement ring on Facebook after she decided that she 'didn't need it anymore'

Boreland picked Macadam as her lucky winner and met him in person to facilitate the handoff.

Macadam, who has been wanting to propose to Rogers for a very long time, said that the gesture 'melted' his heart.

'Its just bills and everything else like that is simply more important, taking care of the children,' he explained to the outlet about why he hadn't proposed yet.

'Itll take a financial burden, we could say, off our shoulders.'

And, interestingly enough, Facebook is where Macadams met his now-fiancee, Rogers.

They've been together now for four years.

He decided to propose on Christmas day, and of course, she said yes.

'I dont think I could ask for a better woman, nor would I want to,' Macadam told CTV News.

'I dont think I could ask for a better woman, nor would I want to,' Macadam told CTV News

It looks like Macadams will be in good company, as a 2015 survey found that Christmas Eve was the most popular day to propose.

Sitting at a close second is Christmas Day, followed by New Years Eve and Valentines Day.

In a survey of over 2.6 million engaged people, Facebook found that 30 percent of them became engaged across November and December.

The date of choice could be for a number of reasons - the ability to give a Christmas present and engagement ring at once or perhaps, it allows a more than year to plan ahead of a summer wedding.
Joe Rogan has decried Donald Trump's tentative plans to pursue open conflict with Venezuela.

Rogan - who endorsed Trump late last year but has soured on him in recent months - told comedian Shane Gillis any type of war 'would be a terrible idea'.

The conversation with Gillis, 38, was pre-recorded and aired on Christmas.

The former SNL star hence wondered whether 'we're at war with Venezuela' given recent headlines.

The United States deployed large amounts of troops and special operations aircraft to the region this week as tensions continue to escalate.

A visibly tired and frustrated Rogan replied, 'I don't think anybody's going to really support that at all.

'It's- it would be a terrible idea,' the popular podcaster added with a low groan.

'Obviously he doesn't give a f**k,' Gillis - a former SNL star who did not vote for Trump during last year's election - chimed in.

Joe Roganbrushed off Donald Trump's plans to pursue open conflict with Venezuela on his podcast this week

Trump defended a recent US buildup in the region during a press conference Monday. Rogan, 58, said any type of conflict between the two countries 'would be a terrible idea'

The two proceeded to poke fun at the president's newly installed wall plaques that took aim at Joe Biden and Barack Obama before turning to a December 19 report from The Guardian that a producer pulled up.

The headline - which Rogan read out - stated that Trump and his top aides have 'refuse[d] to rule out war with Venezuela' at that point, which has not changed.

'All right. That's fair. That's fair,' Gillis said.

Rogan, continuing reading, noted how Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro had urged his navy to escort oil tankers in direct defiance of a US fleet that's been in the region for decades.

The US has continued to carry out a series of increasingly aggressive measures against Venezuela over the past several months.

Officials have seized oil tankers and killed dozens in various military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats.

Trump defended a recent US buildup in the region during a press conference Monday. He has long floated the idea of 'a military option' to address Venezuela's autocratic regime.

He also announced that the US Navy will spend billions of taxpayer dollars per ship to build a new class of warships named after him, despite many conservatives opposing a conflict overseas.

Rogan made the remarks to fellow 'manosphere' comic Shane Gillis

He said it would be 'smart' for Maduro - widely considered a dictator - to step down.

Rogan endorsed Trump late last year but has broken with the president in recent months.

He has slammed the administration's tariffs on Canada as 'ridiculous' and called its deportation policies 'horrific.'

The clashes started in March, when Rogan used his podcast to rant about Trump imposing tariffs on Canada and his desire to make Canada the 51st state.

'I can't believe there is anti-American, anti-Canadian sentiment going on. It's the dumbest f***ing feud,' Rogan said during the March 14 episode.

'I just want America and Canada to get along, I think it's ridiculous. And I don't think they should be our 51st state.'

A week later, Rogan took things a step further, slamming Trump's approach to the mass deportation of immigrants, after reports emerged that innocent people had been mistakenly rounded up and thrown into maximum security prisons in El Salvador alongside gang members and criminals.

'You got to get scared that people who are not criminals are getting, like, lassoed up and deported and sent to, like, El Salvador prisons,' Rogan said at the time.

Rogan endorsed Trump late last year but has broken ranks with the president in recent months

'This is kind of crazy that that could be possible. That's horrific. And that's, again, that's bad for the cause.'

The recent clashes are a sharp contrast to the two men's cozy alliance in the days leading up to the election, when Rogan welcomed both Trump and his former 'First Buddy' Elon Musk onto his podcast.

Rogan was among the leading voices to back Trump during the 2024 election, along with fellow 'manosphere' comics Andrew Schulz and Tim Dillon.

All three have come to regret their endorsements, after a year of seeing the conservative's policies in action.
Former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz was caught off-guard when asked whether he had a romantic relationship with fellow representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Tucker Carlson was the one to air the inquiry, roughly two years after his former Fox News colleague Greg Gutfeld floated the idea of a hypothetical romance between the two on a May 2023 episode of The Five.

Gaetz, 43, was married at the time and Ocasio-Cortez was engaged to her fiance, Riley Roberts. Gaetz slammed the hopeful speculation as 'childish.'

Still, Carlson, 56, popped the question the second time the New York congresswoman came up in conversation during an interview Monday.

Gaetz and Ocasio-Cortez became unlikely allies during their tenures in congress, working together in various bipartisan efforts before Gaetz's resignation late last year.

Ocasio-Cortez, 36, is a democratic socialist and Gaetz is an outspoken member of the MAGA faithful.

'Did you ever date her?' Carlson asked on his web show.

'I did not, no,' Gaetz simply said.

Carlson followed up: 'Did you try?'

Former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz was asked whether he ever dated New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by Tucker Carlson this week

Gaetz said his old colleague could stage a 'compelling run' against California Gov. Gavin Newsom for the Democratic presidential nomination. The two are seen together on the House floor on January 3, 2023

'No, and uh, not my cup of tea,' the former Florida lawmaker answered.

He went on to explain the extent of their relationship, claiming that Ocasio-Cortez had previously been 'incredibly chummy' with her GOP House colleagues prior to the insurrection on January 6, 2021,

After that, she 'treated us all like we had horns or something,' Gaetz said.

Carlson then brought up how Ocasio-Cortez claimed that she suffered 'trauma' due to being present when the Capitol was stormed.

Gaetz panned the reaction as 'bad performance art,' less than a year after his nomination as Donald Trumps attorney general fell apart after it was revealed he was under federal investigation for an alleged sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

'You cant be in charge of anything if youre a terrified little girl,' Carlson quipped.

'Yeah, but we are a society that is increasingly built on grievance identity,' Gaetz noted.

He did concede his old colleague could stage a 'compelling run' against California Gov. Gavin Newsom for the Democratic presidential nomination if she wanted.

'I think she will be formidable as well,' Gaetz said.

Fox News' Greg Gutfeld first floated the idea of a hypothetical romance between the two as a joke during a May 2023 episode of The Five

Gaetz rejected any rumors of a romance, after seeing his nomination as Donald Trumps attorney general fall apart earlier this year

The hardline Republican resigned from the House in November 2024 after Trump announced his attorney general nomination.

Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration after members of his own party refused to back him.

Within weeks, the House Ehtics Committee released a report from its 2021 investigation into allegations of sex trafficking and other improprieties by Gaetz.

The Justice Department declined to seek charges against Gaetz at the time, but did charge his associate Joel Greenberg with federal sex trafficking of a minor, for which he received an 11-year prison sentence.

Gaetz now hosts a show on One America News, a conservative cable station.

He and wife Ginger Gaetz gave birth to a baby boy in August. The two tied the knot in 2021.
I ordered two Victoria Beckham Beauty Portofino 97 perfumes online from Space NK  one for me and one for my sister.

They cost a total of 416.50, including a discount. My package was delivered four days later, but one bottle was missing.

After I complained, the company told me the package was correctly packed and there would be no further action.

I contacted its chief executive but got the same response. I was horrified as not only am I missing an expensive perfume, but I have effectively been accused of lying. Please help.

S.H., Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

Disappointment: This reader only received one of the two perfume bottles she ordered from the beauty retailer Space NK (stock image)

Sally Hamilton replies: You were understandably distressed not to be believed, as well as being well out of pocket. The whole case had a whiff of dismissiveness about it.

The only evidence you had that something was amiss was that there was so much paper packaging stuffed into the box you couldnt see how two bottles of the perfume could possibly have fitted in.

You sent me photos, and I could well believe that the package had been sent without one of the items  either through oversight or deliberately. There was certainly a lot of black paper spilling out.

You were furious to have your complaint batted away, your pleas to the top management ignored. You were then blanked by customer services when you made a further appeal.

You even emailed Victoria Beckham Beauty to inform it about how you had been treated, though you knew the situation was nothing to do with this company. You werent surprised to get no response, but it helped to vent your frustration.

You should have been protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which states that it is the retailers duty to get orders safely into the customers hands. If they dont arrive, they must replace it or offer a refund.

The loss of more than 200 is one thing, but you were seriously aggrieved by the beauty retailers reaction, which you said effectively called into question your integrity.

Consumer rights expert Martyn James says: In such a situation, if a business refuses to replace or refund, its basically saying the customer stole the items or is lying. If its going to accuse customers, then it had better have proof.

In the absence of evidence, its the accuser who needs to prove the allegations, not the accused. Id want to know what had been done to investigate the missing items during their journey to the recipient, whether it is checking weight or inspecting the wrapping for potential tampering.

You had requested Space NK check CCTV footage to prove irrevocably that no error or theft had taken place in its packing department. As far as you know, nothing happened.

As well as the photos you sent me, you explained that the parcel received weighed 765g (a 520g single bottle of the scent plus a free sample of another product of 245g) but the label stated the package weight was 1,240g.

The mystery of what happened may never be solved, but I am pleased to say that on my intervention Space NK leapt into action to apologise, with the rather odd explanation that it hadnt completed its investigations on your case. This smelled a bit off considering the radio silence you faced when escalating your complaint.

But it came up smelling of roses in the end. Space NK not only refunded you for the missing bottle, but sent you a replacement as well. I wish you and your sister a Happy Christmas.

NS&I won't accept my mum's Lasting Power of Attorney

My mother is 96 and lives in a care home. I have a registered Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for her financial and property affairs, as well as health and welfare.

I need access to my mothers National Savings and Investments Premium Bonds account so I can top up her current account to pay for her 6,500-a-month care bill. But I am having trouble getting NS&I to accept the LPA. Please help.

A.S., Hampshire.

Blocked: This reader has an LPA which allows them to manage their mum's finances, but NS&I has not accepted it as proof they can access her premium bonds

Individuals can use an LPA, a legal document, to appoint people they trust to manage their affairs if they lose capacity.

Your mother was sensible to have organised this, and you were wise to set things up so that financial firms can see your mothers LPA online rather than having to send the paper version of the document to all involved. This requires a special access code that enables financial firms to log on and see the details.

You rang NS&I to let it know you wanted to be able to transfer funds from your mothers premium bonds into her current account, and gave it the code.

Unfortunately, NS&I said this wasnt enough and instead wrote to you explaining it needed a letter from your mothers GP or other medical specialist confirming that she did not have the capacity to manage her own affairs.

You were baffled and frustrated, firstly by NS&Is insistence on communicating by post, but more importantly by its request you source a doctors report, something which other firms had not asked for and which can be time-consuming and costly.

You asked for my help as your mothers current account is dwindling fast and you need urgent access to her premium bonds to pay her care home fees.

I asked NS&I why you were being forced to jump through this extra hoop by providing a medical report.

It turns out the savings organisation is only doing what your mother herself requested when the LPA was set up. NS&I did access her LPA online, following your contact, but found the documents wording specifies that her attorneys can act on her behalf only if they have obtained a written medical opinion.

NS&I quoted the LPA, which stated: My attorneys and replacement attorney shall only act under this power if they have obtained a written medical opinion that I am no longer mentally capable of managing and administering my property and financial affairs.

A spokesman for the firm said: As a legal document we are required to follow her instructions.

I passed this information to you, and you have accepted it, though now must face a month-long wait to get the necessary medical report completed by her busy GP  and pay up to 100 for the privilege.

The GP also needs to see your mothers health and welfare LPA, which requires a separate code to access it online.

More red tape, but hopefully you will finally be able to get access to her NS&I funds early in the new year.

An NS&I spokesman said as your mother had made the stipulation in the LPA of getting a written medical opinion first, as a legal document we are required to follow her instructions.

Straight to the point

In June 2020 I booked a trip with 23 friends to Tenerife with Alpha Holidays and paid a 5,000 deposit, but it was cancelled due to the pandemic. I tried to get my deposit back from Alpha Holidays and its parent company Truly Holdings, but it collapsed in late 2021.

I was told to contact the Travel Trust Association (TTA) to get the deposit back, but it has not done so despite many promises.

S.K., Liverpool.

We recently moved into our new home but I have been given two Southern Water accounts for the property.

There seems to be a ghost account with no direct debit or payment plan, unlike the other account for which I pay 69.41 a month. However, Southern Water has demanded I pay two outstanding bills  54.43 and 46.49  on this ghost account.

J.M., Horsham, West Sussex.

Southern Water apologises and says it has closed the other account and cleared the balance on it.

In May, BT said we must switch to Digital Voice. But since then our internet connection has become very poor, despite visits from nine engineers. BT told us to switch provider, but I don't want to lose my BT email address. We're in our 80s and rely on the internet for food shopping and banking.

C.B., Buckinghamshire.

BT says that it has carried out tests and found no issues with the broadband speeds being delivered to your home. The problem may be with the devices you are using. If you do switch, it will allow you to keep your email address.
UK markets delivered the best performance in years in 2025 and investing experts are optimistic - despite some major caveats - about future prospects.

The stalling economy and London becoming a backwater for major listings remain serious concerns, yet London's blue chip FTSE 100 index was nudging record highs at the end of the year.

The UK was the fourth best achieving asset class in 2025 against the year before, according to a markets snapshot by Fidelity International in mid-December.

'The UK stock market has also performed surprisingly well, given the challenges facing the domestic economy,' says pensions and investment specialist Jemma Slingo.

'Never at the top of the performance table, rarely at the bottom, the FTSE 100 has ground out an impressive 22 per cent total return in the year to date, reminding us that stock markets and the economy can march to a different beat.'

Asset class performance in 2025 and 2024

Source: Fidelity International, December 2025. Datastream: Annualised total returns in GBP. 2025 data from 01.01.2025-05.12.2025

The UK is predicted to be a top performer next year and over the next five years too, the runner-up only to emerging markets, according to a fund manager poll conducted in late November by the Association of Investment Companies.

The UK got the vote of 19 per cent of the 22 investment trust managers surveyed as offering the most attractive prospects for next year, compared to 38 per cent for emerging markets.

The results were 19 per cent and 28 per cent respectively looking ahead for five years, with China and Europe tied at 14 per cent.

Two thirds forecast the FTSE 100 index will climb above 10,000, against 24 per cent who believe it will stick between 9,000 and 10,000c, and 10 per cent who think it will fall below 9,000.

UK is riding high but value can still be found

'The London market looks primed to deliver its best total return since 2009,' says AJ Bell's investment director, Russ Mould.

'The FTSE 100 is ending 2025 near record highs and dividends and share buybacks are neatly supplementing the capital gains.'

That flies in the face of major challenges, which he sums up as follows: 'Concerns over a sluggish domestic economy, a stronger pound, brittle government finances, a dearth of new listings and an ongoing exodus of companies owing to takeovers and moves to other exchanges.'

Looking ahead, Mould reckons ongoing merger and acquisition activity suggests there is still value to be found in the UK, especially as many deals are being struck at big premiums to share prices.

'As we enter 2026, the UK market may still feature stocks that could appeal to a wide range of investment strategies and risk appetites.'

Imran Sattar, fund manager of Liontrust UK Equity fund, warns the UK presents a mixed picture.

'Corporate and consumer debt have trended lower, improving balance sheet health. However, employment levels have been persistently weak for over a year, reflecting structural challenges beyond post-Covid normalisation. Short-term risks remain elevated across markets.'

Sattar favours 'advantaged businesses' that are well-positioned to deliver durable returns.

'These include high-quality companies with above-average returns on equity, strong growth prospects and prudent leverage structures. Building portfolios that are both economically and thematically diversified will enhance resilience against market uncertainties.'

Stock ideas for 2026

Online broker AJ Bell highlights four shares with potential appeal for different kinds of investor.

Cautious investors: GSK

The one thing that neither equity, nor fixed income nor currency markets, seem to be pricing in for 2026 is a global economic slowdown or recession, so it makes sense to include a stock with defensive qualities just in case, says AJ Bell.

GSK trades on barely 10 times forward earnings and comes with a 3.9 per cent dividend yield for 2026, according to consensus analysts earnings forecasts, it notes.

'The early vibes are that incoming chief executive Luke Miels is not planning on major surgery at the FTSE 100 index member when he takes over from Dame Emma Walmsley in January, given how he is already publicly backing existing targets for profit margins in 2026 and revenues for 2030.

'Analysts are treating both goals with scepticism, especially the one for sales, given patent expiries in 2028 and 2029 in GSKs HIV portfolio in particular. Lingering uncertainty over US policy on vaccinations under Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr is also weighing on sentiment.'

AJ Bell says GSK's management counters that its drug development pipeline is more than capable of driving future growth, while a first share buyback since 2013 speaks of confidence and tops up the total cash return from the stock.

Telecom Plus provides mobile, broadband and other services to more than 1.4m customers

Balanced investors: Telecom Plus

'A share price chart that goes from the top left-hand corner of the screen straight down to the bottom right is not a pretty sight, and shares in Telecom Plus are no higher now than seven years ago, after a fall of more than 30 per cent in the past six months,' says AJ Bell.

'Yet this fall could represent an opportunity to tuck away a stock with a strong long-term record of growing its customer base, profits and dividends.'

Telecom Plus provides energy, mobile, insurance and broadband services to more than 1.4million customers, and higher costs related to meter installation, a supply deal with E.ON, increased bad debts and higher customer churn all hit first year profits, it notes.

'An increase in the interim dividend spoke of managements faith in the outlook, and Telecom Plus can point to dividend payments worth 922p a share in the past decade, a figure which bears scrutiny in the context of the current share price and the healthy balance sheet carrying relatively little debt.

'Forward earnings multiples of around 12 times and 11 times for the fiscal years to March 2026 and 2027 respectively, with a forward dividend yield of more than 7 per cent, may also provide the right mix of upside potential and downside protection.'

Adventurous investors: Bellway

The current share price reflects scepticism about the scope for and pace of any upturn in the UK housing market, says AJ Bell.

Bellway trades at 0.9 times its year-end tangible net asset value per share figure, and that discount of 10 per per cent provides investors with some downside protection and potential for capital appreciation, it reckons.

The broker says Bellway is well positioned for an upturn as it is carrying inventory worth 4.8billion on its balance sheet, the equivalent of 748 days sales, so improved sell-through and completion volumes would release cash to invest in the land bank and the competitive position, and once that is done fund dividends and share buyback programmes.

'Analysts consensus forecasts for dividends for the year to June 2026, coupled with a 150million buyback, already equate to nearly 8 per cent of the current stock market capitalisation, as an added potential attraction.'

The UK was the fourth best achieving asset class in 2025 against the year before, according to a markets snapshot by Fidelity International in December

Income investors: Lancashire Holdings

'Lloyds of London syndicate manager Lancashire has a strong record of skilled underwriting in its specialist areas of insuring and reinsuring across aviation, property, marine and energy and generating healthy profits and dividends for its shareholders,' says AJ Bell.

'Between 2008 and the first half of 2025, it has paid out more than 900p a share in ordinary and special dividends, a figure which catches the eye in relation to the current share price.

'Consensus analysts forecasts for dividends which imply a double-digit percentage forward dividend yield may also intrigue income seekers, particularly as Lancashire is expected to pay a special dividend payment for the fourth consecutive year in 2026.'

The broker says that some investors will shy away from catastrophe insurance and reinsurance as they look at climate change and fear the worst, but Lancashires exposure to the California wildfires proved more than manageable and the 2025 storm season has been relatively quiet, even allowing for the awful treatment handed out to Jamaica by Hurricane Melissa.

'The outlook for 2026 earnings and return on equity is good. Although, perversely, fewer pay-outs across the industry means more capital is retained within it and competition for business could hit prices as a result.'
A remarkable aspect of British life is how well critical sectors of the economy are doing despite Labours efforts at sabotage through high taxation and spiteful targeting of aspiration and entrepreneurship.

The narrative that those with the broadest shoulders must bear the greatest burden may work wonders on the rebellious backbenches in the Commons for the Left.

When it comes to industrial policy, the Government finds it easy to throw money at sunset industries such as steel and the railways.

But it is incapable of understanding how the real opportunity is to become the next Silicon Valley or Californias bridgehead in Europe.

When, in the dying days of the Tory government, the then Chancellor Jeremy Hunt tried to enthuse over this mission he was mocked. Yet there is growing statistical and physical evidence that this is happening.

The diagnosis of Brexit doomsters such as Wes Streeting, that getting closer to a moribund EU trading bloc will boost flat output, could not be more wrong.

The solution to Britains sluggish growth is to make research, innovation and technology a core mission of the economy  not worrying about potholes.

Made in Britain: To boost growth we must back the British tech star firms that are among the world's best

The bits of national infrastructure which really work are our great research universities and scientists  people such as 2024 Nobel chemistry prize-winner Demis Hassabis, of University College London.

This is not just me fishing around for some end-of-year good cheer  it already is under way.

Despite the effort of Rachel Reeves to make us all feel miserable, latest data shows that in 2025 the UK tech sector outpaced France, Germany and Switzerland to grab the greatest share of start-up venture capital funding at a whopping $21bn (15.6bn).

As Saul Klein, executive chairman of venture investor Phoenix Court noted in The Observer, the UK sits on an underpriced long-term asset.

That explains why Britain has become such an easy target for overseas predators seeking shortcuts to the nations discoveries.

In a recent conversation with the boss of one of Britains home-grown real estate giants, I heard a degree of optimism about Britains tech prospects never articulated by politicians: Reeves likes to trumpet corporate vulture Blackstones promised 10bn investment in the UK but we know from experience with care homes and much else how badly that can work out.

Along the Euston-Kings Cross corridor, with easy access to Londons research universities, a revolution is taking place.

At Triton Square, British Land has refurbished a building as a science and tech park and is understood to have 60 per cent of the new space almost immediately under offer.

Next on the list is to rebuild and refurbish the architecturally suspect 1960s Euston Tower for New York and Californian tech champions thirsting to head to London for a share of the AI revolution.

If Business Secretary Peter Kyle had imagination, he would press the Chancellor to shift the tax burden away from tech and innovation. A big chunk of the 150bn promised in capital spending should fund R&D support and science infrastructure.

Failure to do so will condemn Britain to Continental-style stagnation.
The Government has hailed a record year of defence exports after Britain agreed 20bn worth of deals in 2025.

Deals to sell warships to Norway and jets to Turkey helped drive the total to the highest level since records began more than 40 years ago, the Ministry of Defence said.

It said more than 25,000 jobs would be directly supported as a result for decades, at a time when defence contractors such as BAE Systems and Babcock face surging demand as global threats rise  most notably as a result of Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine.

And European nations are racing to re-arm as it becomes clear Donald Trumps America is increasingly reluctant to come to the continents aid.

The Eurofighter Typhoon built by a four-nation European consortium including BAE Systems

Defence minister Luke Pollard said: We are committed to working with our allies and defence industries to make sure the UK is a leader in global defence exports, and theres more to come in 2026.

Deals in 2025 included the 10bn sale of five frigates to Norway and an 8bn sale of 20 Typhoon jets to Turkey.

Britain will look to increase exports to allies of aircraft, maritime tech and armoured transport vehicles.

But the industry is frustrated as a defence investment plan has been delayed until next year.
The number of homeowners leaving London fell to its lowest level since 2013, data shows.

And of the London residents who did move from London to live elsewhere, many did not go far.

Over half of London homeowners who bought a property this year moved within 50 miles of the capital, according to Hamptons - 54 per cent versus 47 per cent in 2024.

Meanwhile, 68 per cent who left London purchased a property in the south of England, with the Home Counties enjoying a notable resurgence.

Hotspots around the M25 such as Chigwell, Chatham and Caterham also rose in popularity among homeowners exiting London. All are more affordable options within easy reach of London.

Escaping: London residents are flocking to Chigwell in Essex, new data shows

A hefty 53 per cent of buyers in Chigwell, Essex, came from London, representing a 33 per cent increase year-on-year.

The number of buyers quitting London and moving to Chatham in Kent surged by 28 per cent annually - and make up half of all buyers.

Basildon and Thorpe Bay in Essex, Gillingham in Kent and Luton, Bedfordshire also proved a hit with London capital fleeing the capital and moving elsewhere this year, according to the analysis.

AREAS WITH BIGGEST RISE IN SHARE OF BUYERS FROM LONDON Location Region % of London buyers in 2025 Year-on-year change Chigwell East of England 53% 35% Chatham South East 50% 28% Caterham South East 29% 26% Fryerns East of England 42% 23% Esher South East 27% 17% Gillingham South East 28% 16% Basildon East of England 40% 16% Thorpe Bay East of England 20% 11% Luton East of England 34% 10%

In 2025, 18.2 per cent of homes sold in the Home Counties were bought by a Londoner, the highest share since 2017.

The figure was up from 15.4 per cent last year and more than 7 percentage points higher than the pandemic low of 11.1 per cent in 2022.

Within the Home Counties, expensive locations like Esher in Surrey saw a spike in interest from London movers.

In total, Londoners purchased 57,600 homes outside of London this year, which is around 44 per cent fewer than the 2021 peak of 103,000 moves.

With London residents largely opting to stay relatively close to the capital, the pandemic-induced trend of snapping up a home further afield in locations like the Midland of north of England has 'reversed', Hamptons said.

Londoners purchased 5.6 per cent of homes in the rest of England and Wales this year, down from 5.7 per cent in 2024 and far below the 8.2 per cent recorded in 2022 at the height of the pandemic when buyers rushed for more space.

Quitting the capital: The number and share of homes outside the capital bought by a London resident

Too busy: London residents quitting the capital are flocking to locations like Chigwell

The average mover traded a London home for one 71.6 miles away, 10 miles less than last year and back to 2021 levels.

First-time buyers moved 52.3 miles on average, down from 54.8 miles in 2023 when mortgage rates peaked.

Despite a subdued London market, households with equity have been able to move as borrowing costs eased.

On average, first-time buyers spent 298,360 on their first home outside of London, 13,450 more than last year.

Meanwhile, movers spent 457,480 on their new home outside the capital, almost 98,000 more than in 2024, reflecting the boost to purchasing power from lower mortgage rates and the shift back towards more expensive locations close to the capital.

Investor and second-home purchases outside the capital by Londoners softened, slipping to a combined total of 26.5 per cent, from 28.8 per cent last year.

Hamptons said: 'This reflects a more cautious stance toward tax and regulatory changes in general'.

How far? Most London residents stay reasonably close to the capital when moving elsewhere

Where are London residents steering clear of?

Certain locations further from the capital saw demand from London buyers fall in 2025.

Sittingbourne, near the Kent Coast, recorded the largest decline, with the share of homes bought by a London resident falling to 8 per cent, down from 21 per cent in 2024.

Billericay, Leighton Buzzard and Gravesend also slipped, while further afield, Portsmouth, Leeds, and Derby posted smaller falls, reinforcing the shift away from long-distance lifestyle moves toward locations closer to the capital.

TABLE TITLE Area Region % homes bought by a Londoner 2025 Year-on-year change Sittingbourne South East 8% -13% Billericay East of England 12% -10% Leighton Buzzard East of England 5% -9% Gravesend South East 22% -9% Southend East of England 20% -8% Portsmouth South East 2% -6% Walton Vale North West 36% -6% Leeds Yorkshire & the Humber 36% -6% Derby East Midlands 2% -5% Bletchley South East 6% -5%

Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons, said: 'London leavers are moving back into familiar territory.

'While the pandemic pushed buyers deep into the countryside, this year's moves have concentrated around the M25.

'Falling mortgage rates have eased the pressure to chase affordability hundreds of miles away, and the return to office-based working has made proximity matter again.

'It's a pragmatic shift - people still want more space and are keen to future-proof, but they're balancing that with connectivity and value.'

She added: 'Looking ahead, affordability will remain the key driver of London outmigration.

'If borrowing costs continue to fall, we expect more households to stay in the capital or move shorter distances.

'The strength of the London market will also play a big role - but with prices unlikely to rise significantly in the coming years, equity gains will remain limited. That means aspiration for a large country manor will be tempered by economics for some time yet.'

Data published earlier this month by the Office for National Statistics revealed that average property prices fell in October as rumours of tax hikes in the Budget put people off moving, according to official figures released today.

But Jonathan Hopper, a buying agent at Garrington Property Finders, said house prices may start to rise again in the New Year.

He said: 'Since the Budget, buyer sentiment has recovered well and the market could rebound strongly at the start of 2026.'

While the price of houses is trending upwards, it's a different story for flats.

The average price of a flat has fallen to 192,892, according to the data, which is 2.6 per cent lower than it was a year ago.

In London, where flats comprise much of the housing stock, the average flat price fell by 5.1 per cent, from 450,756 to 427,689.
The idea of an eight-year-old girl being forced down the aisle to marry a man three times her age by her own parents seems unimaginable in a modern Britain.

But stories like Jasvinder Sanghera's, Shafilea Ahmed's, Banaz Mahmod's, or Rania Alayed's, tell a stark reality: abhorrent abuse done in the name of so-called 'honour' is happening behind closed doors every day.

Honour-Based Abuse (HBA) covers forced marriages, rapes, beatings, and even familial murders that women, girls or boys are subjected to at the orders of their own families if they are seen to have 'dishonoured' their parents, their culture, or their religion.

In the year ending March 2024, 2,755 HBA-related offences (nearly five per day) were recorded by the police in England and Wales.

Survivors and campaigners told the Daily Mail how they continue to battle the horrific crime happening across the country, right under our noses.

They said that some children will be deliberately taken out of school on the days that they are set to give speeches to raise awareness about forced marriages and female genital mutilation (FGM).

Others will simply stop attending entirely, following in the wake of older siblings who were also married off and have been long forgotten in the schooling system.

And the reason why their battle is not being won against abusers is, campaigners say, because professionals who have the power to prevent HBA are too scared of being labelled 'racist' to call it out.

The areas with the highest prevalence of HBA last year according to Home Office statistics were Leicestershire, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands.

But survivors and campaigners argue the real numbers are much higher - and the root of the problem is a refusal by professionals and organisations to acknowledge the clear racial and religious aspects of the crime.

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Dame Jasvinder Sanghera

Dame Jasvinder Sanghera was just eight years old when she was promised to marry a stranger by her parents.

Having witnessed three of her seven sisters already go missing after being forcibly married, Jasvinder was terrified of facing the same destiny at just 14. She was padlocked in her bedroom by her parents as a prisoner until she agreed.

Jasvinder said yes, using the little time she had before the wedding to plan her escape. She then ran away from home aged 16 and has not spoken to her parents since.

Now Jasvinder is an author, expert witness and campaigner against forced marriages and abuse.

She told the Daily Mail: 'It is a sad indictment when you have professionals who are very worried about upsetting cultural ties and being called a racist, which I've seen in my time.

'I'm someone who has had to educate them to look at this as abuse and a part of culture - all you're doing is giving the perpetrators more power by not doing so.'

Jasvinder explained: 'My family was Sikh and they were Indian, and they practised arranged marriages.

'Pakistani families or Muslim families are, for example, more likely to force their children into marriage where there is a first cousin marriage, and those children will be married far younger.

'It is a sad indictment when you have professionals who are very worried about upsetting cultural ties and being called a racist, which I've seen in my time'

Dame Jasvinder Sanghera was just 8 years old when she was promised to marry a stranger by her parents

'My mother told me "the worst insult you can bring to my front door is if you behave like a white woman".'

Jasvinder said that nearly half of the people who called her charity's helpline, Karma Nirvana, were teachers and doctors unsure about what to do when confronted with signs of HBA.

She believes it is a lack of proper integration into Britain among settled communities that allows HBA to continue to go unreported.

'People who are victims of HBA are being prevented from integrating...There is a feeling of "them" and "us".

'I fundamentally went against that and I am proud to be here in Britain and have the freedoms that I have.'

Jasvinder said she encounters the same British awkwardness when discussing HBA as she did when taking part in a nationally televised debate about the ethnicity of the Rotherham grooming gangs.

'In a conversation about ethnicity and grooming gangs, all I could see was denial and deflection.

'Likewise, the demographic of the communities where HBA is happening IS significant - and I'm not surprised by the statistics.

'Cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford, Leeds, Luton, where you have very settled communities of Somalians, Pakistanis, Indians, even Ukrainians now - arranged marriages are deemed a tradition.

'But that is where the line is crossed: when a young person is saying "mum and dad I don't want this" but are forced to go through with it because their parents are trying to protect the tradition.'

The CPS's latest statistics also showed that one in two HBA and forced marriage cases resulted in convictions, most often due to 'evidential gaps' and 'victim/witness withdrawal'.

Aneeta Prem

Aneeta Prem founded Freedom Charity in 2009, which helps to support victims of forced marriage, female genital mutilation, and family dishonour

Aneeta Prem was born in London to Northern Indian parents.

One of her earliest projects was working with her father to foster equal education in Kote, India, by building a further education college to provide a safe environment for Indian girls to continue their studies.

Aneeta is now an author, human rights campaigner and magistrate and she founded the Freedom Charity in 2009. Freedom helps support victims of forced marriage, female genital mutilation and family dishonour.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Aneeta warned against letting cultural stigmas prevent people from calling out HBA when they see it.

'The majority of cases come from Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indian families.

'It happens in these cities because of the demographic makeup. There is a stigma when talking about traditional practices like arranged marriages in these communities, but you have to call it what it is - HBA - and not be afraid of that.'

Aneeta added that HBA happens when integration into British society fails.

Whilst there are high rates of HBA in deprived areas however, Aneeta noted that the crime happens across the wealth and class spectrum.

'It happens among diverse families from one community living together thinking these practices are acceptable. People should be integrated.

'We need to raise awareness through having open conversations with people that have come through the other side and can really call it out as a criminal offence.'

Payzee Mahmod

Payzee Mahmod has called on the government to introduce a legal statutory definition of Honour-Based Abuse in the UK

Payzee Mahmod is a British Kurd and child marriage survivor who now works as a campaigner at Iranian & Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation (IKWRO).

Payzee works to raise awareness and end HBA, and is campaigning for a legal statutory definition of HBA - having successfully campaigned to change the law in 2023 on child marriages in the UK.

She told the Daily Mail: 'There is a lack of understanding in naming the abuse, but when we avoid naming HBA for fear of stereotyping, we allow abuse to go unchecked and survivors to remain invisible.

'HBA remains far more prevalent in the UK than many people realise.

'It is pretty widespread but it can be even more prevalent where traditional or patriarchal norms are deeply embedded.

'It remains underreported due to a fear of not being believed or coming across professionals who truly understand it and can respond to it.'

Payzee said: 'We urgently need a clear, survivor-informed definition of Honour-Based Abuse that reflects it in all of its layered forms: not just physical violence, but emotional control, surveillance, shame, isolation and coercion.

Banaz Mahmod was murdered aged 20 in 2006 on the orders of her family for ending her abusive forced marriage and starting a relationship with someone of her own choosing

'Until then, it remains an overlooked and misunderstood form of abuse, despite its devastating impact.'

The UK government set up the Forced Marriage Unit in 2005 to tackle the rise in domestic forced marriage and introduced a law in 2014 making FGM illegal.

But continually rising cases being reported to the police and charity helplines, as well as the shockingly low conviction rates of HBA have led campaigners to plead with the government not only to change the law but their stigma around the topic too.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips, said: 'So called "honour"-based abuse has no place in our society.

'Anyone who is aware of these crimes taking place in any community should not hesitate to come forward and report it so that victims can receive the support they need, and so the perpetrators of this abuse can face justice.

'We are determined to tackle these crimes and have recently increased funding for the national "honour"-based abuse helpline to support more victims.

'We will lay out more ways we plan to tackle "honour"-based abuse in our upcoming strategy to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade.'

Shafilea Ahmed, who was murdered by her parents in an honour killing at the age of 17 for refusing to accept a forced marriage

A force spokesperson for Leicestershire Police, the region with some of the highest rates of HBA in the country, said: 'The work the force has undertaken - and continues to undertake - has helped raise awareness of honour-based violence within our communities.

'We believe that an increase in the number of offences reported is an indication that victims are prepared to speak out so that offenders can be brought to justice.'

Whilst awareness about the issue might be growing, so too are the most shocking cases of HBA - in the worst instances resulting in murders like Shafilea Ahmed's and Banaz Mahmod's.

Assistant Chief Constable Emma James, national policing lead for Honour-Based Abuse, said: 'So called "honour"-based abuse is a complex crime type which often happens within community or family networks, making it very difficult for victims to speak out and get help.

'In all cases, our priority is to safeguard vulnerable victims from this appalling form of abuse, and we will work to put protection orders in place as soon as possible, even where a conviction is not possible.

'Officers and staff, alongside partner organisations, must properly understand the complexities of different cultures to be able to identify and protect those at risk. We have been working with forces to improve cultural awareness and understanding of honour-based abuse to ensure that victims are effectively safeguarded and that cases are investigated properly.

'Forces have been working with organisations, such as Karma Nirvana, to train officers and staff, recognising the importance of listening to lived experiences to inform our response.

'However, there is still inconsistency in the recording of ethnicity for both abusers and victims, which we know is a key barrier to being able to identify risk indicators and ensure appropriate safeguarding is put in place for victims. We are working at a national level to improve data recording as a priority.'
In a small TV studio in the depths of the Welsh countryside, a man speaks to hundreds of tiny faces on a wall of screens with a deep religious fervor.

Pacing back and forth restlessly, he touches the faces around him, or approaches the camera with a look of ferocity, while uttering prayers and advice to his hundreds of thousands of followers.

'Pray for a spiritual awakening,' he tells viewers. 'Pray for the United Kingdom right now... We need a spiritual revival, a spiritual renewal. Pray for this nation right now.'

This relatively unknown man - in the UK at least - has amassed more than 430,000 followers on Facebook alone, with another 230,000 following his teachings.

But Brother Chris, as he is known to his followers, has a rather complex back story that starts two decades ago in west Africa.

The Englishman, 38, came to preaching after spending years as a disciple of a shamed pastor accused of sexually abusing his followers and 'breaking' Constance Marten in a cult in Nigeria.

Christopher Tonge lived in a compound run by TB Joshua in Lagos from his teenage years in the 2000s.

Along with his parents he was a follower of Joshua - who faced a catalogue of allegations of physical and sexual abuse, faked miracles and brainwashing and died in June 2021, before returning to the UK for good.

Brother Chris, as he is known to his followers, is a former disciple of TB Joshua and previously lived with the disgraced pastor in Lagos, Nigeria

Temitope Balogun Joshua, known as TB Joshua, founded an evangelical Christian church called the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in 1987

Joshua, pictured with Christopher Tonge who is also known as Brother Chris, has faced a catalogue of allegations of sexual and physical abuse since his death

Chris is now the face of his own brand of Christian preaching from a small room in the heart of the Welsh countryside.

He has continued to express support for Joshua through an online church, God's Heart TV, which was set up by his parents Gary and Fiona Tonge in January 2022.

Now a close relative of one of TB Joshua's female victims told the Mail she is concerned about Brother Chris's failure to condemn the disgraced pastor.

She said her relative is 'still quite lost' after returning to the UK following almost two decades spent living in Joshua's compound.

'Vulnerable people are at risk,' she told the Mail. 'She [family member] is still feeling very lost, even years later she still can't think straight.

'She is still not aware she was in a cult and still talks of TB Joshua as a good man. I'm concerned about the ongoing pull [of God's heart TV] for her.'

A 2024 BBC documentary, The Disciples, first revealed claims from multiple survivors that TB Joshua had used his global following to systematically physically and sexually abuse his followers.

Chris is the voice and face of online church God's Heart TV, which was set up by his parents

Women interviewed by the documentary makers revealed they had been sexually assaulted and raped by Joshua while living in his compound in Lagos, Nigeria, as his 'disciples'.

Others told how Joshua would physically assault them and force his disciples to work long hours while allowing them as little as three hours sleep per night.

They told how so-called 'miracles' were faked or exaggerated, such as people claiming to have been cured of cancer by Joshua when they in fact never had the disease.

For Chris's part, he dismisses the allegations as a distraction.

'I want to emphasise that my personal experiences do not correlate with any of the allegations in this documentary,' he said in a video after its release.

'As Christians we should be careful not to shift our attention, our focus from the spiritual, the natural, and get distracted from the Great Commission'.

The 'Great Commission' refers to the instruction Christians believe was given by the Holy Spirit to spread Christianity throughout the world.

And on the second anniversary of Joshua's death, Chris described the day as 'an opportunity for reflection but also a time for thanksgiving - in recognition of the millions worldwide impacted by his [Joshua's] life of selfless service and sacrifice for God's Kingdom.'

God's Heart TV was set up by Chris and his parents, Fiona and Gary Tonge

It was at the Holy Trinity Brompton Church in South Kensington where the Tonges are understood to have first met Constance Marten's (pictured) mother, Virginie De Selliers

Marten, left, and her partner Mark Gordon, right, were convicted of gross negligence manslaughter of their baby in September

To this day, Brother Chris describes himself as a 'Disciple of TB Joshua' in his social media accounts.

The family has now set up their own religious movement in a quiet corner of north Wales, seemingly with a basis in Joshua's own evangelism.

God's Heart TV provides a 24/7 stream of prayer sessions, sermons and preaching for followers from around the world to tune in at any moment, with just the touch of a button.

Chris shares endless testimonials from followers who claim desperate situations have all been cured after submitting prayer requests through his site.

The cure of disease and sickness, miracle births and healing to intimate genital problems are all attributed to Brother Chris's interactive prayers - as are more commonplace life events such as being successful in applying for a new job, passing a driving test or having an offer approved on a house.

His 'interactive' prayer sessions, which are livestreamed once a month and posted online, see hundreds of people tune in and appear on screens surrounding Chris and other members of his organisation.

The wall of faces, made up of people from all over the world, remain on screen for hours, punctuated only by conversations with those who have applied to have Chris pray for them ahead of the session.

Filled with passion, Chris paces around the studio preaching before reaching out and touching figures on screen, or gesturing towards the camera - in an eerily similar manner to Joshua.

TB Joshua was accused of abusing his followers and faking the miracles that were filmed and streamed to millions around the world

TB Joshua's compound was usually guarded and access was strictly controlled (pictured surrounded by mourners after his death in 2021)

This is of little surprise given Chris first preached to thousands while a disciple to Joshua, having first met him aged just 16.

While he is the on-screen face of God's Heart TV, his parents Gary and Fiona are directors of the company behind the scenes.

They too travelled to the compound in Lagos, even sending their children to live in the compound as teenagers.

Back in the UK, survivors said the couple were responsible for recruiting new followers from their local church in London, the Holy Trinity Brompton in South Kensington.

They spread word of Joshua at the church and further afield, with many they encountered then travelling to Lagos to visit, or even become disciples themselves.

It was at the Holy Trinity Brompton Church in South Kensington where the Tonges are understood to have first met Constance Marten's mother, Virginie De Selliers.

Survivors who knew Marten while living in Lagos told the Mail that after learning of TB Joshua from Fiona Tonge, she later sent her own daughter to live at the compound.

Several survivors have told how Marten's time in Nigeria appears to have triggered a downward spiral that would ultimately end in her conviction, alongside boyfriend Mark Gordon, for the gross negligence manslaughter of her baby daughter.

One told how Marten had been 'broken' by Joshua, while a second said she was brought to Nigeria by her mother 'to get help  help in the sense that she was rebellious, strong-willed, disobedient'.

Some years after her return to the UK, and while working for Al-Jazeera as a researcher, Marten is said to have pursued making a documentary to expose Joshua in the mid 2010s, but it never came to fruition.

By all accounts, on her return the aristocrat's daughter was not the same person who had left for Lagos six months previously.

This, according to those who knew her, was a natural result of being 'brainwashed' by Joshua - with his compound described in a BBC interview as 'a place of torture, psychological abuse, physical abuse, spiritual abuse, and sexual abuse.'

God's Heart TV and Christopher Tonge have been contacted for comment.
As more than 3.5million people say they don't need a TV licence, we spoke to outraged Brits who complain of having a 'disillusionment with the woke BBC'.

One in eight people now avoid payment despite admitting they use the BBC's services, with some seeing the 174.50-a-year fee as 'another tax', arguing that the BBC 'should be self-funding'.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, many angry Brits have explained why they no longer pay the licence fee, with claims that the BBC's 'high standards have plummeted' in recent years and that they 'no longer trust' the corporation.

A series of scandals in recent months has also seen households across the UK cancel their TV licence as they ditch the BBC, described by some as a 'bully' for their 'threatening letters' demanding payment.

Former Tory MP and ex-BBC staffer Matthew Offord revealed that he stopped paying the licence fee after standing down from his position.

He said: 'I stopped paying the licence fee in April, having struggled to do so for many years.

'I concluded that I would pay it while I was an MP, but when it expired, I could not bring myself to do so. I also withdrew all my pension contributions from the scheme at the BBC.

'The atmosphere was toxic when I was employed, but the continuing behaviour of individuals, the groupthink and the rejection of anti-Semitism in their reporting was too much for me.'

One in eight people now avoid payment despite admitting they use the BBC's services, with some seeing the fee as 'another tax', arguing that the BBC 'should be self-funding'

A series of scandals in recent months has also seen household cancel their TV licence as they ditch the BBC, described by some as a 'bully' for their 'threatening letters' demanding payment

Former Tory MP for Hendon and ex-BBC staffer Matthew Offord revealed that he stopped paying the licence fee after standing down from his position

Another former BBC staffer, Robin Whelan, 53, from Surrey, also said he stopped paying the fee when he left the corporation.

He said: 'After many years of paying as a BBC staff member, I stopped. I took stock of what I actually used the BBC for. Its website, radio and a little catch-up.'

The future of the licence fee has come under scrutiny amid a sharp decline in the number of people watching traditional TV channels as viewers.

In November, it emerged that Panorama edited footage of a speech by Donald Trump to make it look like he encouraged supporters to 'fight' in the Capitol riots, culminating in the resignation of boss Sir Tim Davie.

A report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee revealed that 2.9million BBC viewers evaded paying the 174.50-a-year fee, costing the broadcaster 550million in lost income. While 617million was lost from 3.6million households declaring they don't need a licence.

Reverend Norman Nicoll, 70, from Angus, cancelled his licence fee a year ago due to his 'disillusionment with the woke BBC'.

He claims that the corporation's 'high standards have plummeted' in recent years. The BBC don't seem to be interested as to why I cancelled it,' he said.

'They just responded with an over-the-top, bordering on accusatory letter as to what might happen if it is found out that I am watching programmes without a licence.'

Jane Delmege, 71, from North Yorkshire, said she sees the fee as 'another tax' and the BBC 'should be self-funding'.

'BBC used to be the go to for news, but I no longer trust them and I am sick and tired of all the woke programmes,' she said

'I prefer to choose what I pay for.'

Pictured left to right: Robin Whelan, 53, from Surrey; Jane Delmege, 71, from North Yorkshire and Norman Nicoll, 70, from Angus

Cheryl Allen, 69, from Kent, added: 'I am sick of everything the BBC has come to represent, moral corruption, fanciful 'wokeish' reporting and blinding hypocrisy.

'Any decent programme they do make is usually sold on to the streaming platforms, so I rarely miss out and the long running successful programmes like Strictly no longer appeal to me.'

Warwick Alderman, 60, from London, admitted he has 'never paid a penny' of the licence fee and says he 'never will'.

He claimed he was covered by his mother's licence, but when she died in 2012, he says his details were passed over by the Department for Work and Pensions.

He said: 'I began to be bombarded by their threatening letters. I have never buckled to their threats, and never will.'

Simon Mellish, 53, from Dorset, revealed he hasn't had a TV since 2016 and claimed he 'will never have a TV licence ever again'.

He said: 'I don't watch any live TV, and back in 2016, my children were very much into films which were accessible via Netflix.

'In fact, on one occasion, I put the licence people on notice in an attempt to get to them to stop contacting me.

'In all reality, I'm never at home enough to watch a great deal of TV, so another reason to not have a licence.

'The BBC is largely irrelevant now and doesn't serve the public as it did 30-odd years ago.

'I even received a refund of 66.00 when I notified the BBC.'

Pictured left to right: Cheryl Allen, 69, from Kent; Warwick Alderman, 60, from London and Simon Mellish, 53, from Dorset

Denise Colby, 69, from Henley-on-Thames, stopped paying the licence fee this year, saying the BBC 'has had enough from me over the years.'

She said: 'Netflix is only 5.99 per month, and I watch catch-up on other channels.

'I no longer feel obligated to pay for things I don't watch.'

After paying the fee in November, Denise Smith, 61, from London, said she felt like a 'mug' when she found out the number of households that evade the fee.

She said: 'I regretfully paid 174.50 two weeks ago, which I could not afford due to being a self-employed working widow who hadn't had any work for the previous five weeks, and never claims benefits.

'Literally was too frightened not to pay it. Seems like I've been a mug!'

Pete Cannon, 70, from London, moved to Asia in 1995 for work, and said that 'it broke the habit of watching British television' and he hasn't paid the fee since returning.

He said: 'TV became an intrusive waste of time. TV became numbing, irritating and emasculating; comics unfunny and TV personalities grotesques. Life is too short.

'I watch movies, read books, newspapers and periodicals. I watch footy at the ground or pub.'

He did admit that he 'would be happy to pay a separate subscription' for BBC Orchestras and Radio 3, saying they must be 'funded and protected'.

Pictured left to right: Denise Colby, 69, from Henley-on-Thames; Pete Cannon, 70, from London and Denise Smith, 61, from London

Speaking to The Telegraph in April, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy acknowledged that there are 'problems' with the fee and that 'fewer and fewer people are paying it'.

'It's unenforceable and particularly I've been concerned about the way it's been enforced in the past, with women - particularly vulnerable women - targeted for enforcement action, and the BBC itself has accepted that', the MP for Wigan added.

On December 16, Ms Nandy set out her vision for the funding of the BBC from 2028 as it enters its once-a-decade charter renewal. Ms Nandy defended the scandal-hit national broadcaster, heralding it as 'an institution like no other'.

The charter sets out the BBC's public purpose and is the constitutional basis for the corporation, which is predominately funded through the licence fee, as paid by UK households who watch TV.

The Culture Secretary has published a Green Paper, setting out potential reforms of the broadcaster, which 'consults on a wide range of options being considered for the future of the BBC', the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said.

Ms Nandy is looking at other options for the corporation to raise funds, including allowing the BBC to run adverts across all of its services. Another option would see the corporation restrict adverts to iPlayer, the BBC website, and videos posted on YouTube.

One possibility is that older shows on iPlayer will become premium content behind a paywall after being free-to-air for a limited period.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: 'We welcome the publication of the Governments Green Paper and the start of the public consultation on the future of the BBC.

'We urge everyone who cares about the success of the UKs world-leading creative industries to have their say.

'At the BBC, we want change, so we can continue to deliver for the UK for generations to come.

'We want to secure a public service BBC that is independent, sustainably funded for the long term, and meets our audience's needs.'

In November, a report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said that the BBC is 'not doing enough to enforce collection of the licence fee, which is unfair to the vast majority of households who do pay for a licence'.

The BBC said that it has 'become harder to get people to answer their doors' compared to five years ago 'which limits the enforcement effectiveness'.

The corporation spent 166million, 4.3 per cent of its entire income, on collecting the licence fee.

A BBC spokesperson said: 'Funding is one of the considerations of the Governments ongoing consultation on the future of the BBC.

'We welcome this debate, and we will be responding to this consultation in full.

'Latest figures show 23.8million households have a licence, which is nearly 9 in 10 households that require one.'

A spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport said: 'We need to make sure the BBC has a sustainable funding model that supports its vital work, but is also fair to those who pay for it.

'The Charter Review will provide an opportunity for people to have their say on the broadcaster's long-term future.'
Having Tom Cruise fly in on a helicopter and land in a quaint British market town would ordinarily send locals into a fevered frenzy.

But people living in East Grinstead have had enough. When the Mission: Impossible star, 63, arrived in October, he wasn't greeted with the flashing of bulbs and the clamber for an autograph.

Instead, the Hollywood actor sparked outrage with his 'low' flying entry and was met by chanting protesters holding placards.

Cruise was there, of course, as the Church of Scientology's 'poster child' for the org's red carpet Patrons Ball at its sprawling British headquarters at Saint Hill Manor.

The annual three-day glitzy fundraising bash saw 7,000 people descend on the small West Sussex town, according to the church.

It saw Scientologists blasting out bagpipe music in an attempt to drown out the protesters. The antic led to one local complaining to Mid Sussex District Council, which could see the church lose its booze and events permits.

The application for the review claims the fundraising event causes 'considerable disruption' to the local community by causing congestion and excessively loud noise.

It asks the council to consider limiting the scale of events held on the property and proposes measures to safeguard vulnerable people.

The organisation said residents and 'town and district councillors' were on the guest list alongside Cruise. It was lauded as a 'resounding success', but not for locals who have grown fed up with East Grinstead being dubbed Britain's 'Twin Peaks'.

The town's relationship with Scientology has been a fractious one since science fiction writer and the church's founder L Ron Hubbard bought the Grade II-listed manor home in 1959.

Tom Cruise enraged locals in East Grinstead in October with his 'low' flying entry to the quaint market town as he arrived for the Church of Scientology's annual Patrons Ball

The Hollywood actor, 63, was among the 7,000 people who had gathered at the church's British headquarters for the annual bash

The three-day fundraiser took place at the Church of Scientology's sprawling country estate at Saint Hill Manor (pictured)

Every year, protesters - made up largely of locals and a few former Scientologists - say the fundraiser brings heavy traffic and noise that disrupts people's lives.

But the reminders of the org's presence in East Grinstead are constant throughout the year.

There are claims that Scientologists have been spotted carrying out 'recruitment campaigns' on the high street and putting pamphlets in charity shops.

The church recently batted away suggestions by one local in a report by The Guardian that it had been preaching on a bus, saying it 'is just not something we do'.

Diane Juchau told the newspaper she often sees the church's followers outside Sainsbury's 'wearing their black suits with the red tie'.

Meanwhile, the church made a request for a Public Space Protection Order in July 2024, saying protests held outside its premises caused 'harassment, disturbance and alarm' to its members.

Mid Sussex District Council's cabinet was due to make a decision - recommended for refusal - on June 30 about whether to put a PSPO in place. The church withdrew the application.

Former Scientologist Alexander Barnes-Ross, 30, led the recent protest group wearing a medieval knight's costume adorned with the St George's flag.

Former Scientologist Alexander Barnes-Ross, 30, led the recent protest group wearing a medieval knight's costume adorned with the St George's flag

Mr Barnes-Ross told the Daily Mail that locals are 'extremely frustrated and angered' by being 'inundated by thousands of Scientologists travelling to attend this event'

Former mayor of East Grinstead, Frazer Visser, right, met Tom Cruise at the Mission: Impossible premiere in Leicester Square in July 2023

He told the Daily Mail that locals are 'extremely frustrated and angered' by being 'inundated by thousands of Scientologists travelling to attend this event, and Tom Cruise flying in on his helicopter'.

'It causes a lot of noise and nuisance and he [Tom Cruise], you know, doesn't stop for photos or anything,' he said.

'He flies in, he attends this event, probably donates a large sum of money, and then flies out again, and the town gets absolutely nothing in return. A couple of charities might get a 50,000 donation, but that's about it.'

The Church of Scientology says in the last 10 years it has raised more than 2million for local causes, including hospitals, and more than 6,500 residents have attended its events since October.

One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the fundraiser as 'very disruptive'.

He said: 'For six to eight weeks they were laying down pallets in the field to make a car park, so we had the disruption and noise of that, with lorry after lorry coming.

'Then they made all the neighbours listen to bagpipe music on a loop all day. In the evening, they had two generators to power floodlights in the car park, and we could hear the generator no more than 60 yards from our back door.

'One didn't go off until 1am and the second generator stayed on all night, so all night an empty car park was lit up.

'I'm tolerant - I don't have religion but don't object to others having it. Scientology say they've cleaned up their act, but they still have the same boss, and I don't really believe they have changed their spots.'

Protesters gather at the Church of Scientology's headquarters in East Grinstead during the org's annual fundraiser

The Church of Scientology is currently led by its controversial leader David Miscavige (pictured in Perth, Australia, in 2018)

Tom Cruise (pictured in 2004) is the Church of Scientology's 'poster child' and its most famous member. The voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright, and John Travolta also have links to the church

Much of the town's discontent is claims that local dignitaries are becoming unlikely bedfellows with their Scientologist neighbours.

Yoga teacher and former East Grinstead mayor Julie Mockford was pictured 'just chillin' with her 'pal' Tom Cruise on a Mission: Impossible film set in 2018.

While another former mayor, Frazer Visser, was pictured with Cruise in 2023.

'I had the unforgettable experience of attending the premiere of Tom Cruise's newest Mission: Impossible film in Leicester Square, along with some previous mayors,' he said.

There is no suggestion Ms Mockford and Mr Visser did any wrong by attending.

A Daily Mail investigation in 2024 established that the Scientologists had certainly become involved in the affairs of local politicians in East Grinstead to a considerable degree.

Local council representatives have attended a number of Scientology events; the church's controversial leader David Miscavige has been given a guided tour of council offices; the local fire service had been using the Scientologists' headquarters for training and was offered 50,000 by the church; and the Scientologists were involved in running East Grinstead's Christmas lights switch-on ceremony as well as a celebration for the Coronation of King Charles.

The links have raised eyebrows in the local community, with Mr Barnes-Ross saying it is making people feel 'helpless'.

He said: 'The [Patrons Ball] event is a big, chaotic thing that sort of gridlocks all the roads and so on. But I think just over the years, East Grinstead has grown to be fed up with this cult in their town, building inroads with the local politicians, and the mayor and councillors and such going to events and saying how wonderful this organisation is and when actually they aren't.

'[The Church of Scientology] has lots of events throughout the year that cause different levels of disruption. And I think just the fact that they have no due regard for the local authority or the local community has really annoyed people.'

The Daily Mail has contacted the Church of Scientology for comment.

Cruise is not the only high-profile member of the church. The voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright, and Grease actor John Travolta are linked to the organisation.

Lisa Marie Presley, who died aged 54 in 2023, spoke out about her time in the Church of Scientology in her memoir, which was released posthumously.

'Scientology actually helped,' she wrote, before adding: 'The church felt radical in an exciting way  it didn't feel like an organized religion, really. It attracted cool, unusual, artistic people. It became my tribe.'

She left the church around 2014.
An east London restaurateur has been blasted for his 'beyond ridiculous' decision to surrender to the 'woke mob' and close his kebab shop because he is English.

Dirty Donny's, a DJ-owned 'neighbourhood' kebab shop in hipster Hackney's London Fields, shut its doors after the owner faced accusations of 'cultural appropriation' for serving kebabs as a 'white guy'.

Simon Paul Bays, 35, who charged 17 for a kebab, said he was a 'total idiot' and 'didn't understand the cultural dynamics' of running the shop in Hackney, home to one of the country's largest Turkish communities.

The DJ, who has the stage name Alien Communications, was criticised for his 'tone deaf' merchandise which featured a man with a hairy chest and a bushy moustache and haircut.

He said he faced major backlash for 'cultural appropriation and gentrification' - most notably a TikTok video which lightly teased him for his inauthentic doners and how it is 'run by DJs so there will be really interesting music and cool people'.

Following the 'east London witch hunt', he issued a grovelling apology and rebranded as a deli - albeit without noting they also originate from outside the UK.

In an Instagram post in August, he said: 'A lot of criticism has been levelled at Donny's, especially online, around cultural appropriation and gentrification.

'I've listened, taken it seriously and done a lot of reflecting on where I went wrong and how I can make meaningful changes going forward.

Simon Paul Bays, 35, rebranded his kebab shop to a deli after accusations he was culturally appropriating doners

The DJ was criticised for his 'tone deaf' merchandise which featured a man with a hairy chest and a bushy moustache and haircut

'The backlash has really made me think. I've asked myself if I'm a total idiot or a bad person  hopefully it's just the former, as I know I've never had bad intentions or meant to upset anyone, especially not the communities who inspired this in the first place.

'But I realise that impact matters more than intent, and I'm absolutely mortified that I've caused such offence.

'It's been difficult to process and come to terms with how naive and ignorant I was just a few weeks ago.

'A lot of people have reached out directly, offering constructive feedback and highlighting issues in our branding, and I want to say thank you.

'I appreciate the honesty and effort from those genuinely looking to bring about positive change, and I'm deeply sorry for any harm caused.

'Donny's was born out of a love for food and music. The character we created - open shirt, perm, moustache - was meant as a playful nod to 70s nightlife.'

But the rebranding has been labelled 'absolutely ridiculous' by the owner of one local Turkish-run business.

He told the Daily Mail: 'The fact he has had to change it is absolutely ridiculous. For what reason do you need to be a certain ethnicity to serve a certain food?

He said he faced major backlash for 'cultural appropriation and gentrification' - most notably a TikTok video which lightly teased him for his inauthentic doners

The doner restaurant previously charged 17 for a kebab before it rebranded to a neighbourhood deli

'There are so many owners of fish and chips shops or cafes in Hackney serving full English breakfasts who are Turkish, which is great.

'It definitely wasn't people of Turkish origin who complained - it was probably white middle class yuppies.

'Ask any Turkish person and they think it's a cool concept and business model. But ask the woke east London brigade and they think it's cultural appropriation. But it's not.

'Why can't someone who is not Turkish own a kebab shop? What world have we come to?

One person added: 'I am Turkish and I am not offended. I would love to try their kebab. Let him cook.'

Another questioned Mr Bays' apology.

'I don't know about 'harm caused'. What harm has been caused beyond some people have been ripped off for a hipster kebab?'

'It's beyond ridiculous. Next up it will be the coffee shop owner cancelled for serving espresso with no Italian heritage,' another person added.

Locals claim there are constant queues outside Donny's Deli and the business is thriving despite charging up to 25 for a sandwich.

'I think rebranding to a deli is the wokest thing he could do,' the business owner said.

'It's a clever move which is showing because it's always really busy and popular. It's a great way of making money off the woke mafia and gentrifiers.

'It is ridiculous people were offended but it shows he's done the right thing. The whole thing is so stupid.'
When airline pilot Rachel Maxwell is not soaring through the sky, then by land she pursues a side hustle clipping the wings of Meghan Markle.

The 36-year-old aviator is also a lifestyle brand satirist with a website 'Montecito Minimalist' - offering cosy-seeming products such as 23 candles, 10 mugs, 20 sweaters and 16 bags, reminiscent of the Duchess of Sussex's As Ever range.

Yet the slogans on Rachel's products are a little more pointed - bearing phrases such as 'No Titles, Just Taste', 'Burnt Bridges and Backpedaling', 'Privacy and Paparazzi', 'Let Them Eat Flower Sprinkles', 'Keep Calm And Mind The Spare' and 'As If'.

Among her best sellers bear the words 'Recollections May Vary' - the phrase used by the late Queen Elizabeth II taken as a rejection of Harry and Meghan's claims alleging royal family racism during their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Rachel described her website to the Daily Mail as 'a cheeky, satirical brand based off of a certain someone who lives in Montecito' - and the top of the page declares: 'These products are real but the intent is purely satirical and not affiliated with any individuals, institutions, or royally dramatic memoirs.'

Harry and Meghan moved to their Montecito mansion in California in 2020 after announcing their 'Megxit' from frontline royal duties - and the Duke has gone on to heavily criticise his estranged family, including in his 2023 memoir Spare.

As well as touting products which she supplies as order-to-print options, produced only when bought - Rachel's website also offers a series of spoof blog posts by an unnamed socialite under the heading 'Notes From The Manor'.

The product descriptions also poke fun, with the 'Recollections May Vary' candle described as being 'for those moments when the lighting is soft, the camera is rolling, and the truth is... flexible'.

Airline pilot Rachel Maxwell has a sideline selling lifestyle products with satirical slogans

Her website shows evident signs of being influenced by - or else, that is, satirising - Meghan Markle's As Ever lifestyle brand promotions. She is seen here in her series With Love, Meghan

The 'Burnt Bridges and Backpedaling' equivalent comes with this blurb: 'A rich blend of contradictions, rebranding, and strategic victimhood - because why stick to one narrative when you can have them all?

'This candle captures the essence of Montecito melodrama: a warm, flickering reminder that privacy is best enjoyed with a multi-million-dollar media deal.'

And a T-shirt branded, 'As If, why even bother', is said to be 'your official response to performative soft launches, jam jars with agendas, and whatever that was'.

The entry adds: 'Draped in elegant script and paired with a deadpan whisper of why even bother, this tee doesnt shout - it sighs. And somehow, that's worse.

'Crafted for the quietly judgmental and the aesthetically superior, this shirt is what you wear when someone asks your thoughts on "the new lifestyle brand" and you'd rather not say it out loud (but still want the room to know exactly how you feel).'

Yet Rachel insists that the venture is more about having fun rather than any personal animus - and has described her fascination with the royal family since visiting Britain with her mother.

She was also intrigued by the rise of lifestyle and wellbeing brands taking off online in recent years and wondered whether she might be able to make a little extra money doing similar - albeit with tongue planted firmly in cheek too.

Rachel, who grew up in southern California not far from Montecito and now lives in Hawaii, told the Daily Mail: 'I'm actually an airline pilot but in my downtime I like to work on my company where I have gained a bit of a following.

Rachel, while American, is fond of the UK - posing here by Buckingham Palace with her mother

Items including tote bags bear the late Queen Elizabeth II's renowned quote, 'Recollections May Vary', following Harry and Meghan's claims of royal family racism

She has a range of candles carrying different messages, seeming influenced by not only the Duchess of Sussex's lifestyle brand but also the Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow's

The 'Montecito Minimalist' site also appears to nod to Meghan's enthusiasm for floral sprinkles

This is among the products advertised as part of Meghan's own As Ever range

'I'd seen these lifestyle sites and wondered whether I could do that in a fun kind of way. I'm not a millionaire, I'm not married to anyone famous, and thought I'd just see how hard it might be.

'I bought a domain for $11 and a shop trial, a month for a buck. I thought I'd see if it would work and found people in different countries did understand the joke, so I thought I might have something there.

'It started off as a creative outlet, but when I began selling to customers in Singapore and Dubai I realised the collective eyeroll wasn't just by Americans and Brits - it was global.

'My site is all based on satire - all the slogans are based on everything that's been published, that's in the public domain. I never make assumptions.

'It doesn't come from a place of cruelty - instead meant to be fun, light-hearted, letting people be in on the joke. It's a bit of catharsis.'

Yet she does admit feeling some scorn for celebrities and influencers bemoaning their lot while cashing in on such business ventures themselves.

Rachel said: 'These people have enormous power and influence and access to PR people - and we're meant to sympathise with them? There's a disconnect. I think that's why "Montecito Minimalist" holds the mirror up.

'The global economy is not in a great position - I ask, why is someone trying to get us to feel sorry for them in a mansion? That's hard for us to reason.

Rachel Maxwell has been flying professionally since 2019, having first been a flight attendant

She initially felt cautious about this mash-up of World War Two rallying cry 'Keep Calm and Carry On' and a reference to Prince Harry's 2023 memoir named Spare

'It's celebrity culture in general - fame doesn't give you authority or make you authentic.

'I want to be anti-pretension in an ironic way - a fun experiment, meant to be cheeky and playful.

'The "Recollections May Vary" product line, that's the big seller - because of what it doesn't say. It was such a powerful statement by the Queen.'

But she does feel cautious at times when creating her new designs, recalling: '"Keep Calm And Mind The Spare" - that's two Britishisms put together. I didn't want people to think I was making fun of the war, where "Keep Calm And Carry On" came from.

'If I got any negative feedback, I'd remove it from the website. I checked with some British friends and people said they wear the shirts on the Tube and get nodded at - that was really touching, in a way. They got it.

'I love the UK. I've always been an aviation enthusiast, since I was a child. Before I was an airline pilot, I was a flight attendant. I wanted to see if that would scratch the itch.

'My first international trip was to London, with my mom. I fell in love with it - it was as magical as I hoped it would be.'

And she has a blend of feelings herself towards the royal family, saying: 'The passing of Diana was a really big moment in cultural history.

Rachel first visited Britain in the 1990s - she and her mother are seen here beside the Thames, with London's Tower Bridge in the background

Rachel described this product on her Montecito Minimalist website as 'a satirical self help workbook/journal - all about "feeling" like a founder'

'As if, why even bother?' is the slogan on this T-shirt - Meghan's lifestyle brand is As Ever

'I remember seeing Harry walking behind his mother's coffin. I looked at my mum and thought, what if I had to do that?

'Whether you're a monarchist or not, the royals are a part of everyone's life in Britain. I imagine it would probably hurt anyone who grew up in the UK and grew up with the royal family - and Harry and Meghan have now become cultural lightning rods.'

Meghan is not the only famous figure with a lifestyle brand who gets a nod on the Montecito Minimalist site, with an evident allusion to Gwyneth Paltrow's scented candle called This Smells Like My Vagina.

Rachel said: 'The candles on my site - the ones saying "Smells Like: Todger and Night Cream" seem to have taken off most by far.

'There's another lifestyle brand that released candles which smell like a certain part of the female anatomy - I thought, wouldn't it be funny if I could do something like that? And the candle really took off.'

She combines her Montecito Minimalist design and sales sideline with the day job of flying regularly throughout each week as a professional - having started as a flight attendant 10 years ago and flying professionally since 2019.

Rachel said: 'I fell in love with aviation as a child but when I looked into becoming a pilot, the entry jobs were getting paid $8 an hour. I was getting paid more working in Starbucks. My parents were telling me to go to college and get a degree.

'I became a normal flight attendant and the world opened up to me.

She spent recent months preparing special festive versions of her Montecito Minimalist items

Rachel says: 'I'd seen these lifestyle sites and wondered whether I could do that in a fun kind of way. I'm not a millionaire, I'm not married to anyone famous'

'I saved up all my money for a couple of years to finally train to be a pilot and get my certificate.

'I'd seen a lot of guys flying planes and thought, if they can do it, why can't I?'

She had grown up in the southern Californian town of Arcadia, about a one-hour road trip from Montecito.

She added: 'My dad used to like driving us over there - we were always going, coming back with big bags of oranges.

'But I've been in Hawaii since 2023. It's always sunny and warm and the people are lovely. The beaches are great. It's a little slice of Paradise.'

The launch of the Duchess of Sussex's As Ever product range last March coincided with the first series of her Netflix show Love, Meghan, in which she offers hosting tips while she cooks with celebrity friends.

The brand sells products including raspberry jam and flower sprinkles, which she repeatedly promotes throughout the show.

There was also a recent, critically-panned festive edition - called With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration.

Rachel produced a twist on the 'Recollections May Vary' range as a Christmas decoration

As well as bags, T-shirts, sweaters, mugs and fridge magnets, there is also a padel set

Prince Harry has made occasional appearances in his wife's Netflix series With Love, Meghan

That came as new seasonal items were added to the asever.com website, such as a 43g spiced cider mulling spice kit priced at $16 and a three-pack of spreads in a gift box for $42.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex secured a lucrative contract with Netflix, thought to be worth more than $100million in 2020, after quitting as senior working royals.

Harry and Meghan announced they had signed a new 'multi-year, first-look deal for film and television projects' with the streaming platform in August.

Yet media analysts suggested the new deal was a 'downgrade', amid suggestions Netflix was 'pivoting away' from the Duke and the Duchess for future projects.
The opening of a huge new museum in Egypt has renewed calls for the Rosetta Stone to be returned to Cairo  but an expert has said there is no way it could be sent back, unless Keir Starmer capitulates.

The huge Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, said to be the largest collection in the world dedicated to a single civilisation, opened to the public in November.

The scale and prominence of the museum has reignited calls for one of Britain's most prized artefacts  the Rosetta Stone  to be given back to Egypt.

The stone, carved between 323BC and 30BC, has been on show almost constantly at the British Museum in London since 1802.

The artefact was the key to the decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs, which allowed scholars to unlock the secrets of the ancient civilisation.

The stone has inscriptions in three texts, hieroglyphic, hieratic, and classical Greek, and was made as an official message to King Ptolemy V.

Former Egyptian minister of antiquities Dr Zahi Hawass has long called for the return of the Rosetta Stone to Egypt, alongside all artefacts from the country including the Bust of Nefertiti.

And Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the secretary general of Egypts Supreme Council of Antiquities, has once again called for the stone to be returned.

Speaking ahead of the opening of an exhibition in London, Mr Khaled said tens of thousands of Egyptian artefacts were now part of London identity but agued the Rosetta Stone was taken 'illegally'.

However, the former curator of Egyptian exhibit and managing editor of Returning Heritage, Lewis McNaught, said returning the stone would be a 'capitulation' and it would be a foolish step for politicians to cave to pressure from the Egyptians.

The Rosetta Stone has been on display at the British Museum for more than 200 years

Egyptian expert Lewis McNaught said any deal to return the stone to Egypt would be a 'capitulation'

Dr Hawas said the British Museum's continued ownership of the artefact was a 'symbol of Western cultural violence against Egypt' and argued that the 'iconic' object was in 'careless hands', after it was revealed more than 2,000 artefacts had gone missing from the museum.

He argued the Rosetta Stone would be 'safe' if taken to the new Grand Egyptian Museum.

However, historian Mr McNaught said Egypt is still no closer to receiving the stone unless 'Britain's government discovers a new strain of benevolence'.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: 'It would require an act of unbelievable generosity to return the Rosetta Stone to Egypt.

'Frankly there is no legitimate or legal reason why or how we would return the stone. Even if the government did wish to return the stone, it would require an act of Parliament.

That could then have an impact on other objects. There is precious little chance of it happening in the foreseeable future.

'Any politician who steps forward and suggests returning the Rosetta Stone would be taking a foolish step in their political career.

'They would be acting in a way completely out of step with the public. It would be a complete climbdown to change an Act of Parliament.'

Mr McNaught said there is no legal argument as to why the UK would need to return the stone to Egypt

The Rosetta Stone was the first of its kind found with trilingual texts in Egyptian and Greek

The Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799 during France's brief occupation of the country under Emperor Napoleon.

While preparing to build a fort, engineers found the artefact and observed its three lines of text in different languages.

Recognising it may be important, it was sent to Cairo where it could be studied.

In 1801, after French army was defeated by the British in Egypt, scholars attempted to move the stone to Alexandria for it to be shipped back to Paris.

However, under the Treaty of Alexandria as part of the French surrender, important artefacts were taken by the British army as war loot.

Mr McNaught suggested that if the stone had remained in Cairo, it may not have ended up in British hands.

After its arrival in 1802, the Rosetta Stone's position in the UK has been protected by the British Museum Act 1963.

It is also unlikely that the museum would ever want to give up one of their most important assets.

After Napoleon's army were defeated by the British, the stone was taken to London as war spoils

The stone is not only the most popular exhibit at the museum, but postcards and other products inspired by the artefact are also the top selling items in the museum's gift shop.

The Museum has also claimed it has not received any formal requests for a return or a loan of the Rosetta Stone from the Egyptian Government.

Mr McNaught added: 'The British Museum has been tasked with raising 1 billion in order to pay for reconstruction and modernisation. There are parts which leak significantly already and affects the Egyptian gallery.

'To hand back one of the most prominent objects and then try and raise that money would be ridiculous. I just cannot see the trustees ever considering it.

'I believe we serve Egypt better by keeping the stone. More and more people will see it in London. The British Museum has 6.5 million visitors last year.

'A lot of people probably decide to visit Egypt off the back of seeing the exhibition in London.

'It is a great promotion for them. To have everything in one place does not serve Egypt at all.'

The three scripts finally provided the code for unlocking the mysteries of hieroglyphs

A monumental capitulation and change of law may yet be possible though, as the museum's chairman, former chancellor George Osborne, has suggested a deal to return another treasured item to its former home.

The Elgin Marbles, a series of Ancient Greek sculptures created between 447BC and 432BC by Greek architect Phidias, may be returned to Athens on a long-term basis.

After standing for 2,000 years, the Acropolis was for the most part destroyed as the Ottoman Empire - which at the time ruled Greece - became embroiled in a war with Venice.

The remaining sculptures were removed from the ruins of the Parthenon by Lord Elgin, then British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and brought to Britain between 1802 and 1812.

In 1816, the marbles were handed over to the care of the British Museum, where they have remained ever since.

Talks between the British Museum and Greece over the return of the Elgin marbles have been ongoing since 2021.

A 1963 law prevents the British Museum from permanently disposing of key items from its collection, although it would not stop a loan deal.

It was reported earlier this year that Osborne has already agreed to give the Elgin Marbles to Greece as part of a permanent loan deal.

The stone is not only the most popular exhibit at the museum, but postcards and other products inspired by the stone are also the top selling items in the museum's gift shop

Since the Greek government still claims legal ownership of the sculptures, it was 'extremely unlikely that they would ever return to Britain', the report added.

Mr McNaught argued that for both the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone, there has been a lack of a strong case made by either Greece or Egypt on why the items should be returned.

Referring to Egypt's case for the Rosetta Stone he argued that the efforts of Dr Hawas and a few other historians does not amount to a legal argument for their return.

A source from the British Museum said the Rosetta Stone is part of a group of stones which were engraved with a royal decree issued by Egyptian priests.

They said 29 have been discovered across Egypt, with 22 remaining in the country and one complete example already on display at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

The Museum holds strong relations with the Egyptian Embassy in London and hosted a celebration on November 1, celebrating the opening of the museum in Cairo, the source added.

They said the Museum is unable to return objects permanently from its collection under the British Museum Act 1963 - and can only loan items to other museums.

A British Museum spokesman said: 'We have received no formal request from the Egyptian Government for the Rosetta Stone.

'The Museum works with partners all over the world including with colleagues throughout Egypt on projects, exhibitions and research and we enjoy a long-standing and collaborative relationship with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.'
Pahrump, Nevada, is a tiny town tucked into the desert about an hour outside of Las Vegas, but receives plenty of visitors on a daily basis thanks to its two legal brothels.

I traveled to Pahrump in the name of science.

Over lunch at a conference a few months earlier, my colleagues and I had hatched a plan to collect some preliminary observational data on the daily lives of brothel employees, and the habits and preferences of clients.

We chose the brothel with the better Yelp reviews for our initial field research, and before I knew it, I was heading west to join my fellow scientists in the middle of the desert.

Our car pulled up to the ranch as the sun was setting, the neon lights rising from the oasis of the desert floor.

The building, which looked like a converted one-story motel, had two entrances: one to a restaurant and bar, the other to GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS!

We chose door number two, showed our IDs to a cheerful middle-aged woman in business-casual who introduced herself as the house manager, and filed into a long, high-ceilinged vestibule. Tile floors recently polished, air smelling of lilac and Lysol - it was dark, but inviting, in a luxurious way.

Justin R Garcia and his team of researchers chose the a brothel with good Yelp reviews to examine the operations of a legal brothel

The list of sex acts on offer was fairly straightforward, he said, except for the most expensive option: intimacy (File photo)

The manager rang a bell, summoning our guide who entered behind us, drawing our gaze to a large poster propped on an easel, which turned out to be a menu of sexual acts.

Raquel was a former flight attendant turned sex worker with bright yellow hair and a Minnie Mouse voice. Married with two children, she began working at the brothel after losing her job during the economic crash of 2008.

She was a gracious guide, affable in her understanding that we were on a scientific scouting mission of sorts.

My colleagues and I arrayed ourselves around the easel, and Raquel took us through the options.

'Our clients come from a huge range of backgrounds,' she explained. 'We get bachelor and bachelorette parties from Vegas, as well as guys and gals who have hit it big at the craps table and come on over to celebrate.'

The list of sex acts on the menu seemed fairly straightforward. I scanned the less expensive options, which included everything from sexual intercourse to shower parties to breast massages to drag dress-up, before my attention was drawn to the 'special' section of the menu - role-playing, lingerie, couples' threesomes and more. That was when I spotted the most expensive item on the menu.

'What's the White Whale?' I asked.

Starting at a base price of $20,000 (each worker set her own rates), it was clearly not an act for the faint of heart.

'Oh, that's the full Girlfriend Experience. A great choice for someone who wants something personal,' she said, adding, 'A house favorite among high rollers.'

The option was dubbed 'the full girlfriend experience' - not unlike what Richard Gere's character got with Julia Roberts's character in the movie Pretty Woman

An employee told the researchers that clients of the brothel are often high rollers who have won big in Vegas

'Sex isn't necessarily a part of it,' she told us. 'But you'll get a hell of a cuddle.'

We were struck silent by this revelation. Here was the most expensive sex act money could buy in a legal brothel, and it didn't necessarily involve sex.

What people were buying was intimacy.

Intimacy is a broad term and a nebulous scientific concept. We use the word to describe a wide range of connections: the bond shared by a romantic couple, the unconditional love between parent and child, even the trust and support of close friends.

But what do we really mean when we talk about intimacy?

In the abstract, intimacy is the pleasurable and comforting feeling associated with any close connection that grows between humans in a huge variety of contexts.

In practice, it's making eye contact across the table at a dinner party and knowing exactly what the other person is thinking; it's feeling safe enough to lower your emotional armor and expose your deepest insecurities; it's someone else sensing what you need, even before you know it yourself.

In other words, it's the experience of closeness, of feeling and being seen, and heard, and known.

Intimacy is at the core of every successful romantic relationship - whether it be between two people of different genders or two people of the same gender; whether among the young experiencing first love, or among seniors hoping to recast their closest connections; whether the relationship is monogamous, nonmonogamous or polyamorous.

There can also be intimacy in other types of relationships with friends, with family, even with coworkers. Intimacy is at the very core of the human condition, explaining so many of our best and worst behaviors.

Intimacy can also exist in other types of relationships: friends, family, even coworkers

Yet so few of us understand this essential drive - how it has impacted the evolution of our species, how it lives just under the surface of our desires or even how to harness it. We might not even recognize the need for intimacy as a biological drive, perhaps because it lives in the shadow of that other primal urge: our sex drive.

We tend to think of our 'sex drive' as the most powerful evolutionary motivator of modern relationships. For decades, evolutionary biologists have focused on what's technically termed the 'incentive motivational system,' which assumes that our sex drive is an evolutionary adaptation designed to motivate the reproductive behaviors necessary for the species' survival.

But in focusing on sex and reproduction as the primary motive for romantic relationships, we have neglected a complementary core truth: that our motivation for intimacy and love is distinct from our sex drive. And it is also much stronger than we have been led to believe.

As my collaborator and friend the late Dr Helen Fisher would say, 'Everywhere in the world people pine for love, live for love, kill for love and die for love.'

As an evolutionary biologist, sexologist and university professor, I have devoted most of my professional life to researching romantic and sexual relationships and the many variations of human sexual behavior and intimacy.

The range of wants and needs I am fortunate enough to study is bountiful, beautiful and sometimes mind-boggling. This diversity in our intimate lives reveals something profound about the complexity of the human experience.

At the intersection of love and sex lies a fundamentally intractable evolutionary paradox: humans are wired to be socially monogamous - that is, we have a remarkable capacity and desire to form intense pair-bonds with other humans, usually one at a time, and sometimes lifelong - but we are not necessarily wired to be sexually monogamous.

What this means is that our sexual impulses are often in direct opposition to our existential need for love and intimacy.

My research, in the broadest sense, seeks to provide scientific context to what poets have pondered for centuries: our desire for sex coupled with our need for connection are powerful forces that underwrite so many of the peaks and valleys of our romantic and sexual relationships.

Justin Garcia (left) is the executive director of the Kinsey Institute and serves as an advisor for dating apps Tinder and Hinge

Humans are wired to be socially monogamous, but we are not necessarily wired to be sexually monogamous, Garcia said

Our sexual impulses are often in direct opposition to our existential need for love and intimacy, Garcia said

These forces are baked into our deep evolutionary story as a highly social mammal and are intertwined with our biology, psychology and cultural systems.

When these two evolved drives - for sex and for intimacy - are in sync, we feel the kind of love and passion that poets dream of: all-consuming in its power and pleasure.

The highs can be magically high. But the lows can also be painfully low.

When our desires for intimacy and sex are at odds, we often find ourselves unhappy. We may pick a partner who satisfies us sexually but not emotionally - or vice versa - leaving us disappointed, heartbroken, unfulfilled.

Many of the mistakes or bad choices that we make in relationships, both big and small - dating people who are wrong for us, drifting apart from a long-term partner, shattering the trust we share with another person - arise from this fundamental tension between our evolutionary desire for sex and our biological need for intimacy.

So, we're left with a whale of a question: Can we reconcile our competing desires to enjoy a deeper and more satisfying form of romantic love?

I think we can. But it requires a new understanding of the evolutionary processes that continue to shape our romantic and sexual lives.

I've argued that humans have evolved with an intimacy instinct - that we seek out romantic love not just for reproduction and survival but also in the pursuit of selfexpansion.

We are a variable and adaptive animal, and so we find ways to make intimacy work. But in the face of a loneliness epidemic and the increasing digitization of our social worlds, our ability to satisfy our drive for intimacy across our lifespan is being challenged more than ever.

Failure to appreciate the science behind our choices is something we do at our own peril. Ultimately, if we fail to understand why we do what we do, we will be unable to achieve happiness and satisfaction with our relationships and our lives.

Exclusively excerpted from The Intimate Animal - The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love by Justin R Garcia, published by Little Brown Spark, January 27
More than 20 local authorities have five or less butchers and abattoirs as mounting pressure is placed on the British meat industry, damning new figures reveal.

The City of London, Windsor and Maidenhead, Southampton, Midlothian, Blaenau Gwent, and Merthyr Tydfil have less than five butcheries each, according to NOMIS.

Meanwhile, Torfaen, the Vale of Glamorgan, Rutland, Bracknell Forest as well as East and West Dunbartonshire also fall into the same category.

Elsewhere in Southampton, there are only two meat manufacturers per 100,000 people despite boasting a population of over quarter of a million.

Our interactive map is based on the most recent NOMIS Business Counts data, which rounds the number of butchers and abattoirs to the nearest five.

Among the hardest hit cities was Liverpool, with less than three butcheries per 100,000 people between its population of over half a million.

In the Isle of Scilly there is only one singular butchers, while some areas in the UK have hemorrhaged around 70 butchers and abattoirs since 2010.

It comes as farmers fear that a sharp decline in smaller abattoirs could spark disruption in rural beef and lamb supply chains across the UK.

An industry source told the Daily Mail: It is pretty alarming, how quickly butchers and abattoirs are disappearing.

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The decline doesn't only impact the person who owns the abattoir, it affects the farmers who want to have their animals slaughtered a certain way.

'It's a threat to not only the meat industry but the agriculture, rural areas and the UK's food security as a whole.'

Around 1305 slaughterhouses and butchers have closed their doors since 2010 - a time when there were over seven thousand across the UK.

In the last fifteen years, Lancashire, Norfolk and Lincolnshire have seen the largest fall in meat producers and sellers.

Each local authority has seen a decrease of around 70, 60, and 45 respectively.

And as of 2025, a total of 22 councils across the UK have five or less butchers and abattoirs.

Of the around 85 meat manufacturers to close this year, was the much-loved family business Anderson Butchers in Buckie, Scotland.

In September, the local firm confirmed with a heavy heart that they would be closing their doors due to sleepless nights and a constant rise in costs.

Five-hundred-eighty-three miles south in Penarth, Cardiff, family-run Thompsons Butchers also shut its doors in July of this year.

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Residents were left in mourning after the shock of discovering the closed sign which appeared after the firm had been serving generations of locals.

Ive used Thompsons Penarth for all my meat purchases for over 36 years and am devastated that it has had to closed, a local told the Penarth Times.

And smaller slaughterhouses are also feeling the pinch with around 10 percent closing every year amid fears they may disappear in the next decade.

Luke Smith, who runs Down Land Traditional Meals in West Sussex, said he was incredibly concerned about the meat industrys future.

The small abattoir owner believed without financial help from the government his business will struggle to survive.

Among the challenges are an aging workforce among slaughtermen with the average age being 63, and the thousands spent on disposing of animal waste.

The abattoir is not viable and is making a loss. I'm running a wholesale butchery, that's what's keeping our business alive, he told the BBC

We do need support and funding.

Meanwhile the number of abattoirs has declined from 2,500 in the 1970s to just 203 in 2023, the publication reported.

In Farnborough, Hampshire, farmers feared for their future after Newmans slaughterhouse closed this April.

Around 1305 slaughterhouses and butchers have closed their doors since 2010 - a time when there were over seven thousand

An industry source told the Daily Mail: It is pretty alarming, how quickly butchers and abattoirs are disappearing

The family-run abattoir had been responsible for slaughtering livestock on the Isle of Wight since the 1950s, which was returned to the island for sale.

Richard Salter, a beef farmer, said the small slaughterhouse tended to the needs of smaller farmers and they knew how the animals would be treated.

Angus Baird, a sheep farmer on the island, said: That's why small abattoirs have got to be about because the big ones are usually tied up with supermarkets and they wouldn't want to do this.

It's nice to have Isle of Wight produce back here. People like local meat now.

Newmans then owner, Ben Brown told the BBC: Small abattoirs and local livestock farmers producing high quality, high welfare animals are an important part of our supply chain,

He warned moving towards generic factories would impact the quality of food and also the feel of the countryside.

The Isle of Wight's natural beauty is reliant on the farmed environment, he said at the time`

It comes after the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) issued a stark warning about the closure of smaller abattoirs.

The AHDB said the sharp decline of smaller abattoirs would be detrimental to both the farming industry and rural communities.

The UK meat industry plays a major role in adjacent industries such as dairy, which contributes over half the cattle slaughtered for beef in Britain.

As of 2023, the UK meat industry employed as much as 97,000 people and supported around 50,000 farmers, Farmers Digest reported.

And the number of abattoirs in England producing meat and lamb fell by 16 percent and 15 percent, respectively, between 2019 and 2024.

The decline has mostly been attributed to the closure of small and medium sized, while larger abattoirs upped their production volume.

Meanwhile, the restructuring has seen the slaughter of cattle rise by 5.5 percent in Britain.

But it has meant darker times for the sheep slaughtering business, which reported a 13 percent decline to 11.4 million head in the same time frame.

Annabel Twinberrow, livestock, retail and consumer analyst at AHDB said the closure of small abattoirs is detrimental to the wider supply chain.

As well as the social and welfare benefits they bring, smaller and localised abattoirs provide vital business to farmers, butchers and rural communities, including private kill services that support direct sales to consumers, she explained

The AHDBs report maintained a resilient meat industry is key in backing domestic production as well as protecting food security.

It comes as UK government data showed a huge spike in imported sheep meat of 40 percent, around 67,880 tonnes - the highest since 2018.

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Meat shipped from New Zealand and Australia, increased by 14,300 and 6,500 tonnes respectively, according to The Farmers Guide.

This now means sheep imports from the two countries make up 86 percent of sheep meat imports, an increase of eight percent since 2023.

The Daily Mail has contacted the AHDB, the British Meat Processers Association and the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers for comment.

Last year, Britains meat industry feared disaster as new rules to limit cheap foreign labour mean it would be forced to pay migrant workers 12,000 more than locals.

There where fears the price of meat could have soared and businesses would go under due to laws that raise the salary threshold for skilled worker visas by nearly 50 per cent, from 26,200 to 38,700.

EU citizens currently make up 70 per cent of the UK's abattoir staff as the industry has struggled to recruit British workers.

A spokeswoman for the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) said the government's plan to stop the UK becoming swamped with cheap foreign labour has led to a disastrous 'one size fits all' policy.
Loren Schauers' life changed irreversibly in a matter of seconds when he was just 18 years old.

He was faced with a level of excruciating pain unimaginable to most people when he suffered a horrific accident which saw him literally cut in half.

In September 2019, the teenager was driving a forklift across a bridge when he was forced to veer off the road. He plummeted 50ft and was pinned beneath the heavy industrial truck.

Remarkably, he remained conscious the entire time and remembers looking down to see his right arm had exploded and everything below his hips had been completely crushed.

The resilient young man told doctors he was determined to fight on - even if he was just a 'head on a plate'.

He underwent a hemicorperectomy surgery - an extremely complex procedure understood to have been carried out on less than 100 people globally - where everything below the waist is amputated, and survived.

Despite having his future goals shattered, Loren has defied every setback and rebuilt a new life for himself with his childhood sweetheart and now-wife Sabia Reiche.

Now, speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail six years after his accident, he has opened up about the life he had once dreamt of, his new dreams, and the one thing he misses the most.

Loren Schauers in hospital in Montana after having the bottom half of his body amputated following the horror forklift crash in 2019

Loren pictured with a bionic arm attending physiotherapy after the operation in Montana

Loren and Sabia - who tied the knot in 2021 - in a selfie posted in September

Loren, speaking to a UK publication for the first time, has revealed what his dreams once were, what his new goals are, and the one thing he misses the most

The courageous man, now 24, revealed how himself and Sabia had together hoped to purchase a campervan and travel the state while he worked in construction.

'The dream and goal we had before the accident was that we were going to buy ourselves either a camper or bus, turn it into a tiny home, and just travel the state of Montana to whatever job site I'd be stationed to work at.

'Sabia was just going to get a waitressing job or whatever is available in whatever area my job might have stationed me at the time.

'It's not really much of a goal we want to achieve anymore; just cause I'm unable to do physical labor work like construction.

'It's had a big impact on what exactly I want to do to make a living in life.

'I don't have any skills or schooling.'

Loren had planned to continue working in construction in the future, but was forced to give up the dream post-accident.

He also had to give up one of his biggest passions.

'The biggest thing I miss is being able to just hop in my truck that has a clutch and drive!

'Vehicles and driving around were and are one of my biggest loves outta life, so losing that has to be one of the biggest things I miss.'

Following Loren's accident, both himself and Sabia have made their living through sharing their day-to-day experiences with viewers on YouTube.

The couple, who have purchased their own home, say they would not be nearly as financially stable if it hadn't been for social media.

However, he told the Mail that their once viral channel 'isn't doing too good anymore' six years after the accident.

He said: 'Giving updates on how life was this month for the dude who got cut in half by a forklift is getting old/stale.'

He now has two career goals, gaming, and reviewing businesses specialised in disability equipment.

'Playing video games and getting paid to do that seems like the only real viable option, given my social media presence and what not', he said.

'I'd like to start producing content on YouTube of me going around the state of Montana, reviewing businesses and places handicap accessibility, what could be better, what works, what doesn't. Along with starting to stream on Twitch and YouTube.

'I think the two things would give me a job that I'd look forward to doing.

'But our current goal is just to get me set up with proper prosthetics, equipment, and technology that provides the help for day to day independence I need and am looking for.

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Sabia provides round-the-clock care for Loren and the pair document their adventures through social media

In a video in 2020, Loren shared that he got a new bionic arm. He said: 'It's a prosthetic arm, of course, but it gives you whole function in each individual digit. So I will be able to move each finger on its own'

'I hope to get the needed referral to be able to travel to St. Louis in order to get a new body prosthetic made, one I can put on independently, that's lined up better on my body, lighter, and slimmer in it's overall design, hopefully giving me the ability to walk around in my hands and swing around on monkey bars.

'There's a few things I'm looking to get done to hopefully improve my day-to-day, like a remote controlled wagon that has a lift, big tires, [and] side rails that drop down.

During his chat with the Mail, the first time he has spoken to a British publication, Loren also revealed a bitter rift with his family which began following his horror accident.

He told of how he felt people were more concerned with seeing 'the spectacle' than actually caring about him.

'It seemed like as soon as my family knew I wasn't going to just up and die, they all quit showing up and providing any support.

'Once I got home my friends and family came around but quickly I noticed it was to more see what's up than caring about me.

'They just wanted to see the spectacle.'

He also expressed his frustration that his family were 'not able to understand' that Sabia and Loren 'are truly in love'.

Loren added: 'For the most part it's honestly my fault I don't have more better friendships with people or my family cause I don't really try to go out of my way to try and hang out and have a relationship with them anymore.

'I just keep to myself and whatever I'm doing.

'Don't get me wrong, I hit up my family every so often regardless saying I love and miss them but no one is ever messaging me first, trying to hang out, or willing to do anything so I've just over time become more and more of a hermit.'

Despite obstacles most would find insurmountable, Loren remains upbeat and puts this down to the support of his sister, wife and her family.

Loren explained: 'My half sister is the only one of my immediate family members that has supported Sabia and I since the beginning.

'Honestly, my sister is to thank for me being alive today, she's the one who did the research in the hospital that day and found the hemicorperectomy surgery.

'She got in contact with the surgeon and then fought the doctors to let me be the one to make the decision on going through with the surgery.

'I thank God my sister was there and that Sabia was also there to help egg me on to fight, sat with me through all the ketamine induced trip outs [and] panicked moments.'

Loren got a bionic arm in 2020 and has mobility thanks to a specially-made wheelchair, but still requires around the clock care due to the complex nature of his injuries.

He said: 'Life has changed drastically in that my independence, ever since getting the final body prosthetic, has been absolutely 100 per cent dependent on my caregivers helping me get sat up in said prosthetic, allowing me to sit up in my wheelchair and move around.

Pictured: Loren working on the bridge construction job before his accident where he plummeted 50ft and was crushed by a forklift

Schauer, who was a construction worker, underwent hemicorperectomy surgery - where everything below his waist was amputated - to save his life

'The last few years I'd say I was stuck in a slump of not knowing what to do, what I want to do, and just waiting for things to just happen instead of taking action myself and making things come to fruition; instead of just waiting and hoping someone will come along with an answer to ask my prayers.

'So now I'm making an active effort to gaining back the absolute most independence I can possibly get in life.'

Early last year, after marrying and buying a home with Sabia, the couple revealed a desire to start a family and their hopes of having children through adopting or using a donor.

However, Loren told the Mail that he does not 'really see it on the cards'.

He said: 'We would like to have a family of our own but given how much of a problem my care has been, I don't really see it in the cards for us.

'Unless we really buckle down, start saving and planning for a future with kids, having a caregiver in place of Sabia for my care and then taking care of kids.

'With all the extracurricular activities that come with raising children, it really wouldn't be fair of us to bring a child or adopt a child in life and saddle them with a lifestyle like ours, just not conducive for raising children in my opinion.'

In September, Loren and Sabia spoke out about how trolls were attempting to steal their identity using fake social media profiles.

He hit out at a Facebook account that was purporting to be him and Sabia, and urged followers to report it, writing: 'Yet another impersonator page y'all, you know the drill'.

The false profile garnered 25,000 followers with pictures and videos taken from Loren's official page.

He explained to the Mail: 'Social media has been an absolute blessing.

'We wouldn't be nearly as financially stable without all the help we've gotten from all the fans online through the years, we really cannot be more thankful for the amount of viewers we've had in the past.

'Our channel isn't doing too good anymore, we're struggling with what exactly to post for content cause it's been six years since the accident.

Sabia was initially told six times after the accident that he would not be able to pull through. However, he insisted to doctors to save him even if he were a 'head on a plate'

An image posted by Loren prior to the life-threatening accident which the courageous man fought through

'Giving updates on how life was this month for the dude who got cut in half by a forklift is getting old.

'That [is] about the only negative is that we're struggling with what exactly to post anymore, given we've provided videos in the past on how we do this or that.

'The way I look at it is there's always gunna be trolls, someone with no morals, who doesn't care who they're screwing over cause all they care about is themselves.

'That is what it is, we just report the pages we come across, and let our fans know that said page is in fact not us.

'So I'd say our followers are kind and great unless you do something where you're trying to take advantage of our lives.

'It's really great to have all the support we do have and have been able to maintain.

'I doubt we'd be living in our own house if it wasn't for all the support, probably still be stuck in an apartment.'
He can't vote, can't drive a car, and still needs a permission slip for field trips  but 14-year-old Dean Roy believes he's ready to run Vermont.

While most high school freshmen set their eyes on student council or homecoming king, the teenager is looking to make history with an eye-popping campaign for governor.

'I really hope that this mission of mine leads to more youth getting involved,' Roy told the Daily Mail.

If elected, he'd be the first-ever US governor under the age of 18.

In 2018, 13-year-old Ethan Sonneborn ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Vermont. The youngest-ever US governor was Democrat Stevens Mason, who had just turned 24 when he began serving his term in Michigan in 1835.

Speaking from his bedroom with an American flag hanging vertically behind him, Roy told the Daily Mail his long-shot campaign all started with an offhand comment. At his 8th-grade graduation, his teacher joked that he wanted the campaign manager job if Roy ever ran for office.

What was likely intended as a throwaway comment struck a moment of curiosity for the youngster, who rushed home and looked up the requirements.

He found that Vermont is the only state with no age restrictions to run for governor. A handful of states allow citizens to apply at 18, but the majority require a candidate to be 30 on the date of the election.

Dean Roy, 14, is running to be the youngest-ever governor in US history

Roy is a freshman at Stoew Middle & High School in Vermont. Pictured: Dean Roy and his parents, Chessie and James, who own a pizza shop

Roy's classmate Charlie Bass, also 14, is running as lieutenant governor. Both are working to collect the 500 signatures needed to get on the ballot  and they only need a few dozen more to make the cut

That unnamed teacher decided to keep his day job, but Roy and his fellow 14-year-old Lieutenant Governor candidate Charlie Bass are now collecting signatures and shaking things up in the halls of Stowe High School in northern Vermont.

Roy and Bass are hoping to mobilize young voters on social media. Both are active on Instagram, regularly posting Reels expressing political stances and promoting the long-shot bid to be the youngest governor and lieutenant governor in US history.

And what's on the ballot for the high schoolers?: Housing, freedom from electric vehicle mandates and restructuring the school system in Vermont.

'The cornerstone of my platform is housing, by far housing is the biggest issue for Vermont, for New England and for the country,' Roy said in a Zoom interview with the Daily Mail, echoing an issue championed by New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

The son of small business owners, Roy said that it's his goal to build houses for $150,000 or lower so 'younger generations could actually afford' to buy a home in Vermont.

'We seriously need new young people in Vermont because our population is aging out,' the 14-year-old claimed. 'We are a dying state. We need new workers to keep our economy alive. The only way to get new workers is to incentivize young people to live here.'

Vermont is home to one of the oldest politicians in America  84-year-old Senator Bernie Sanders. Vermont's median age is 43, making it the third-oldest state in the country, behind Maine and New Hampshire.

Roy isn't running as a Democrat or Republican. And while that decision is partially strategic to avoid a primary, it's also in line with his political beliefs. It also allows him to become the youngest person ever to found a political party  the Freedom and Unity Party.

He likes the Republican Party in Vermont but thinks the national level stances are too far right, while he believes the Vermont Democratic Party is too far left. Therefore, a third-party bid made the most sense to Roy.

'I don't align with the Vermont Democrats politically. They are probably one of the more left Democratic parties in America. And I personally do not sit that far to the left.'

So he made a party with a name paying homage to the Vermont state motto.

If the gubernatorial run isn't successful, it won't be the end of the political road for Roy. He hopes the bid will help him in future aspirations for office. He also plans to continue the Freedom and Unity Party.

Current Vermont Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, is eligible for another term, as there are no limits in Vermont. He has not yet announced if he will run for a sixth term. If he does not run, Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers has been mentioned as a successor.

On the Democratic side, Attorney General Charity Clark is considering a statewide run, possibly for governor; also reportedly exploring a bid is State Treasurer Mike Pieciak.

No formal declarations have been made outside of Roy's long-shot bid.

If anything, Roy hopes his gubernatorial campaign will at least inspire young people to get more involved in politics.

On the off chance he does win, Roy told the Daily Mail that he would finish off high school with online classes while serving his duties in the Vermont government.

Roy says he spends time at the Post Office to meet older voters, present his platform and garner the 500 signatures he needs to make it on the Vermont ballot

Roy spent six weeks during the winter of his 8th grade year working as an intern in the Vermont State House, and says that work 'really inspired me to start getting involved in politics'

Roy says he spoke with the Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas (pictured) to make sure his run is legally sound

The high school freshman has spoken with the Vermont Secretary of State and says he was assured his run is legally sound.

The requirements to run for governor in Vermont are being a resident of the state for at least four years, obtaining 500 signatures and filing on the specified date to make sure your name appears on the ballot. That's it.

Roy has lived all 14 of his years of life in Vermont, needs only 20 more signatures and is prepared to file the first day he's able. Major parties must file by the Thursday after the fourth Monday in May of an election year.

But for a minor party candidate, like Roy, he must file by early August, which is usually when the primary election takes place.

The gubernatorial hopeful spends time door-knocking for signatures and hanging out at the local Post Office to make inroads with older voters, whom he says have had a very positive reaction to his bid.

Roy's parents, Chessie and James, own a pizza shop and were shocked but supportive when their son decided to embark on a long-shot bid.

They help him with rides and collecting signatures but have otherwise let Roy take the lead on his political aspirations.

(And, don't worry, Roy's parents gave the Daily Mail permission to interview their son.)
Britain faces mass GP practice closures within five years if business models are not radically overhauled, a leading medical accountant has warned.

A dispute is raging between Sir Keir Starmer's government and resident doctors over pay and an alleged shortage of posts for newly qualifying GPs.

Meanwhile, beleaguered local surgeries are said to be in desperate need of financial restructuring.

Vijay Acharya, whose medical accountancy firm represents hundreds of GP practices across the UK, has now raised alerts about the potential impact on surgeries.

He said: 'I've seen the trajectory and we're looking at mass practice closures within five years.

'This requires urgent attention but is being largely overlooked because of the noise about pay and job vacancies.'

He believes GPs should be given more business training and financial support to manage increasing workloads and challenging economic periods.

He also urged ministers to encourage freshly-trained medics to commit to GP practice life rather than being locums.

Britain faces mass GP practice closures within five years if business models are not radically overhauled, leading medical accountant Vijay Acharya (pictured) has warned

A dispute is raging between the Government and doctors over pay and an alleged shortage of posts for newly qualifying GPs - putting pressure on Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured)

Mr Acharya, proprietor of Charles Rippin and Turner, a medical accountancy firm that has supported GP practices since 1948, warned of a possible GP exodus ahead.

He said: 'GP practices across the UK are screaming they can't recruit doctors yet newly qualified GPs are taking to social media claiming there are no jobs with some even threatening to become Uber drivers instead.

'The claim that there are no jobs is misleading because practices need permanent, committed GPs who'll take on the full scope of general practice while many newly qualified GPs want highly-paid locum work with no responsibilities.'

Locum staff can cost at least 800 each day - with critics highlighting a drain on budgets needed to keep local surgeries running as small business enterprises.

Mr Acharya said: 'Practices can't afford to rely on locums as core staff and newly-trained doctors do not want to enter General Practice under the current conditions so something has to give.

'Either the funding model changes, or expectations change, or both.

'But we can't keep pretending this paradox doesn't exist - the longer we avoid the truth, the worse it gets.

'A practice gets roughly 150 to 200 per patient per year from the NHS.

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'If you're paying a locum 120 an hour and they're seeing four patients an hour, that's 30 per patient just for GP time - before premises, staff, equipment, indemnity, everything else.

'The margins don't work and it is the patients who suffer.'

Mr Acharya called on the Department of Health to invest in business skills training and support for GPs to stem the exodus of doctors from local surgeries.

The Royal College of GPs, which represents more than 54,000 family doctors across the UK, reported that the number of practices fell by 1,000 to 6,229 between 2017 and 2025 - while patient numbers rose by 4.8million over the same period.

Mr Acharya added: 'We are at a tipping point with GP surgeries and need to take drastic action if we want to see them maintain their role in treating the public locally and providing vital support to communities.

'If we don't, then care will be diminished and the prospects of newly qualified doctors will become even worse.'

GPs at hundreds of practices are seeing fewer than 10 patients a day on average, a Daily Mail investigation recently revealed.

Family doctors in the busiest surgeries, meanwhile, appear to be churning through at least 100 appointments each day  four times above 'safe' limits.

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Beleaguered local surgeries are said to be in desperate need of financial restructuring

Campaigners demanded an end to the 'postcode lottery' experiences endured by millions as they warned that rushing patients out of the door can lead to symptoms of serious illnesses being missed.

And they bemoaned how GPs  who pocket 120,000 a year, on average, before tax  were under-utilised in swathes of England.

Our audit exposing the situation in all 6,000 practices across the nation comes as family doctors hinted they could strike over changes to make it easier for patients to book appointments.

GP surgeries in England are now required to keep online forms open for the duration of their working hours for non-urgent appointment requests, medication queries and admin requests.

Officials said the move, introduced nationwide on October 1, would be 'subject to necessary safeguards in place to avoid urgent clinical requests being erroneously submitted online'.

But the British Medical Association (BMA), which warns doctors that carrying out more than 25 appointments a day is dangerous, has dangled the threat of a formal dispute. Union chiefs said safeguards were never put in place and no additional staff were brought in to manage what it predicts to be a 'barrage of online requests'.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has vowed to not back down over the changes, in a row that raises the prospect of GPs capping daily consultations to the BMA safe limit  described as 'arbitrary' by NHS bosses.

NHS Digital figures, crunched by the Mail, named 49 Marine Avenue Surgery in Whitley Bay as being the quietest in the country, with just 189 appointments over the period split between 3.1 FTE GPs, the equivalent of 59.2 each.

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It, however, went through a merger and was only technically open for one day during the three month period between 1 May and 31 July  skewing its figures.

Behind 49 Marine Avenue Surgery came Benfleet Surgery in Castle Point, Essex.

Despite having 2,547 patients on its books in July, it recorded performing just 168 appointments either with a GP or 'unknown' professional between the start of May and end of July.

Separate workforce stats show Benfleet Surgery, which shuts on weekends, employed 1.6 full-time equivalent GPs  defined as working 37.5 hours a week  in July.

This would equate to an equivalent of 108 appointments per doctor over the course of 64 working days over three months  or just 1.6 each per day, if the figures the practice submitted to NHS Digital are correct.

Mail analysis showed GPs at 13 practices carried out the equivalent of fewer than five appointments a day. In total, 378 did no more than 10.

At the other end of the scale was the Old School Surgery in Canterbury.

Over the same three-month period, it recorded 9,536 appointments.

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But NHS staffing records show the practice had the equivalent of 1 FTE GP.

That would mean, if the NHS figures were recorded accurately, all appointments were seen by one GP and would equate to 149 per day.

At the typical 37.5-hour week, that would equate to one every three minutes.

NHS Digital says the figures it publishes do 'not show the totality of GP activity/workload'.

When they are not seeing patients, GPs triage requests, process prescriptions and carry out other admin tasks as well as visiting care homes and undertaking training.

Dennis Reed, director of senior citizen campaign group Silver Voices, told the Daily Mail: 'The varying practices across the country can offer far more face-to-face appointments depending on where you live, some are full up and others appear to hardly see any at all.

'If you go into quite a few waiting GP surgery rooms, theres hardly anybody there at all because appointments are done either over the phone or virtually.

'We are very worried about the postcode lottery on access to GPs and that's all been brought into relief by the changes to GP availability announced this week.'

He added: 'The industrial action is a real counterintuitive move because people are being forced into online appointments, which doctors said not long ago they wanted more of. You really do wonder sometimes whether they want to see patients at all.'

Shimeon Lee, policy analyst at the Taxpayers Alliance, told the Daily Mail: 'Taxpayers won't be surprised at the yawning disparity between the most productive and efficient GP practices and the least, with this pattern being found in NHS services right across the board.

'But what is troubling is that this isn't delivering value for money for the NHS given funding for GPs is calculated on a per patient, not per appointment basis.

'This suggests that some particularly quiet practices may be taking the mickey with the number of patients they're seeing.

'Ministers need to explore ways to match up unusually busy GP practices with unusually quiet ones to ensure the best allocation of patients around the system. And for all reforms ministers need to be willing to stand up to unions standing in the way of necessary improvements.'

Under the BMA guidance, anything above 1,600 appointments per doctor between the beginning of May and the end of July would technically be unsafe and equate to an average of more than 25 a day. Some days will, however, be busier than others.

Almost three quarters of practices, or 73.2 per cent, fell short of that figure.

In total, there are now over 28,000 fully-qualified full-time GPs in England. Numbers have dwindled over the past decade despite attempts to recruit thousands more.

Mr Streeting has vowed to make it easier for patients to access their GP practice.

Defending his changes to make all surgeries allow patients to book appointments online, Mr Streeting said there were 'clear' safeguards already in place.

He added that it was 'absurd' people can book a haircut online but some GPs still refuse to let patients make appointments in the same way.

Many surgeries already have a system that allows patients to request consultations online, with staff reviewing these and booking appointments accordingly.

But the Department of Health says there is a lack of consistency, with some surgeries choosing to switch the function off in busier periods.

Care Minister Stephen Kinnock previously said: 'We promised to tackle the 8am scramble and make it easier for patients to access their GP practice  and through our Plan for Change, that's exactly what we're delivering.

'We are bringing our analogue health service into the digital era, giving patients greater choice and convenience. We've learned from GPs who are already offering this service and reaping the rewards.

'We've invested an extra 1.1billion in general practice  the biggest increase in over a decade - and hired an extra 2,000 GPs across England.

'There's more to do, but this government is fixing the front door to the NHS.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'After years of neglect, we are giving general practices the support they desperately need - a 1.1billion boost, the biggest funding increase in more than a decade.

'In addition to boosting the GP contract, weve recruited an extra 2,900 family doctors and halved the number of targets theyre held to, so they spend less time box ticking and more time caring for patients.

'As a result, patient satisfaction with general practice has improved after a decade of decline.

'Recognising GPs are the front door of the NHS, their work is at the heart of the governments landmark 10 Year Health Plan, through pivotal Neighbourhood Health Centres which will shift care from hospitals to the community.'
Since the dawn of mankind, countless hours have been dedicated to trying to figure out what happens to us when we die.

Christians broadly believe that there is a heaven and hell, and that those deemed to have lived virtuous enough lives will end up living in eternity with God, while those who lived in sin and vice will spend their immortal lives being tortured by the Devil.

Jews, meanwhile, broadly see hell not as a place of eternal damnation, but as a sort of washing machine that cleanses souls of their evil before they can be sent to Gan Eden to live in peace forever more.

And Buddhists see death as part of a near-perpetual cycle known as Samsara.

This process only ends if Nirvana, or liberation, is achieved through the shedding of material desire.

But the truth is that few of us truly know what happens beyond the veil.

For most, death is a one-way street whose mysteries can only be solved by those who can never return.

However, some fortunate, or perhaps unfortunate, few have managed to come back after dipping their toes in the River Styx.

Those who have come back have reported wildly different visions of what they see after death, from endless voids to eternal light.

Scientists say that a combination of oxygen deprivation, chemical surges, and neurological shutdowns can trigger hallucinations that make these near-death experiences feel intensely real.

But for those who have bore witness to these experiences, they are more than mere tricks of the brain - theyre proof of a larger truth.

Bodybuilder who took 'toxic' supplement sees the 'movie' of his own resuscitation

Vincent Tolman (pictured) fell unconscious in January 2003 after taking a dodgy workout supplement

Tolman explained how he was transported to a 'very comfortable movie chair' and that he was watching his death unfold from the comfort of what he believed was a theatre

He claimed to have seen paramedics place his body in a bag, adding that he could hear one of them thinking to himself

A former bodybuilder who was dead for up to 45 minutes after taking a 'toxic' supplement he bought with a friend online claimed to have seen heaven.

Vincent Tolman fell unconscious in January 2003 after taking the dodgy chemical, and said he could see himself lying on the ground.

Recounting his near-death experience, he said: 'They think I was dead for at least 30 to 45 minutes before they found me, but I was cold, like cold to the touch.

'Back in the day, I was an amateur bodybuilder, I was taking a fairly new supplement. Turns out, the supplement was toxic, and I ended up aspirating in a public bathroom.

'So I had passed out and started to vomit, and I aspirate on that vomit and and I ended up dying right there on the bathroom floor.'

Tolman explained how he felt he was suddenly transported to a 'very comfortable movie chair' and that he was watching his death unfold from the comfort of what he believed was a theatre.

He continued: 'The movie was the scene of this body on the ground, and I was looking at everything from above. But what's weird is it didn't feel like it was me at all - even though I was sitting there looking at my own dead body, I couldn't recognise it.

'It would almost be like going to a movie, like a real movie, and seeing someone dressed like you and looking like you on the movie, but you're like, that's not me, because he's over here watching the movie - that's what it felt like.

'So I had no idea that what I was watching was my own death.'

He then claimed to have seen paramedics place his body in a bag, adding that he could hear one of them thinking to himself.

'I actually saw light, a real light, start glowing from inside this rookie medic,' he shared.

'And it felt as if like someone put a light bulb inside his shirt, like light was actually coming out from his heart space and out of nowhere, this really strong voice says, this one's not dead'.

The medic broke protocol and unzipped the body bag, before checking for signs of life.

Though he felt no pulse, he felt a spark near Tolman's upper thigh and set about resuscitating him, thankfully bringing him back to life.

Author transported to a 'completely different dimension' after gym workout goes wrong

Philip Hasheider (pictured) collapsed while working out in 2015

Philip said of his experience: 'It was like being in a huge open amphitheatre, realising that there is no sky, there is no stars, there is no moon, there is no galaxies'

What started off as a bog-standard morning workout quickly devolved into a terrifying battle for the life of farmer-turned-author Philip Hasheider.

As he began a set of bicep curls in his gym in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 2015 he felt his arm tingling.

And just seconds later, he collapsed. Emergency services were called, as his heart had stopped and his skin began turning blue owing to a lack of oxygen.

Doctors said he had died for six minutes.

He told Coming Home, a YouTube channel dedicated to telling stories of those who have nearly died that he felt he had been transported outside our universe.

Philip said: 'The next moment, I find myself in a completely different dimension. It was like being in a huge open amphitheatre, realising that there is no sky, there is no stars, there is no moon, there is no galaxies'.

He said he saw a huge golden orb that filled his entire vision: 'I instantly knew that this was the nest of the source of all creation.

'This is where everything is created and this is where everything is created anywhere. Each of us carries the DNA of that creator energy and we take that with us wherever we go'.

All the while, the author said, he was entirely unaware of the efforts being made to save his life: 'There were a dozen EMTs and hospital staff trying frantically to restart my heart.

A paramedic who worked to save his life said: 'Philip was clinically dead. His heart had stopped. He wasn't breathing on his own'.

'Had I known that, I couldn't even call them to tell them "don't bother, this is great"', Philip quipped.

When he regained consciousness, he said he didn't realise how close to death he had been: 'A door had been opened up to me and I had stepped through it. I still did not realise that my body was back on the floor. I didnt have any awareness that I had died'.

He was later told by paramedics that he'd had just a 5% chance of survival.

He revealed that he struggled to come to terms with why he had come back from the brink: 'I thought, Why do I want to stick around here?

'And its not because I dont love my wife, its not because I dont love my family, its just because everything was so far beyond great where I was, he admitted.

A dream he had some time later revealed he had been sent back as a 'conduit of hope': 'The hope of which I speak has to do with not being afraid of what comes next.

'This life that we understand is not the end. The internal spirit is what continues on. That essence of us that goes on is part of the God creation  and that doesnt get destroyed'.

Paramedic's 11 minutes in 'perfect inky blackness' after woodworking accident

Adam Tapp (pictured) said he witnessed a 'perfect inky blackness'

Adam Tapp, a Canadian paramedic, found himself in an unusual position in February 2018.

His day job requires him to provide first aid to the sick and needy. But, for once, he was the one needing urgent care.

While working on a woodshop project, his hand was pieced by a tool known as a Lichtenberg device.

These send a high-powered electrical current through materials to etch nerve-like lines into products.

But when they cut through human flesh, they can be incredible dangerous, sending up to 2,000 volts into the human body.

A friend who was with Adam disconnected the device and called for his wife, who is a cardiac nurse.

Adam said: 'I was moving the electrodes one-by-one and it just arcs into my hands. And it was just this snap from reality. And it was almost overwhelming.

'It was like this intense, intense level of absolute pain, like every single cell in my body was being pulled into pieces'.

He said he found himself 'falling' before he saw himself as a single point of awareness in a dark, endless void.

Though most people would be terrified by the prospect of endless eternity, Adam felt nothing more that tranquillity.

He said: 'It was this perfect inky blackness. I wasn't Adam. I wasn't dead. I wasn't anything. I was just perfect, like absolute contentment. Then I felt sort of this frequency started washing over me, and it was, it was like this fractal patterns.

'And it was like gasoline on water, this rainbow effect that was iridescent to some extent and it was just this juxtaposition of thoughts and feelings and emotions'.

He said he felt as if he were being pulled apart and reconstituted as part of the wider universe: 'It was like basically becoming [the] fabric of the universe. And it was absolutely perfect. Like there was no fear and it was nothing.

'This was just the natural progression of what every single one of us is going to do, which is go back to the source, go back to this infinite consciousness or infinite complexity'.

But he also felt shocks of electricity passing through him, which he later realised came from paramedics using a defibrillator on his unconscious body.

Adam said: 'At the time, I didn't understand what was happening. But in hindsight, it was me being defibrillated. I was defibrillated twice. I was in a ventricle fibrillation arrhythmia, which is basically the heart spasming'.

He said upon his arousal from an eight-hour coma: 'If someone had told me it had been five years or a decade, I would have been completely on point with that'.

Adam added that he was hyper-aware of his senses after leaving the hospital.

Over time, he began to believe that human life is only one stage of true consciousness: 'This is just the stage, it's simply an evolution of consciousness.

'This is simply transient, where we exist right now, and there wasnt any anthropomorphic figures or people in robes, it was just going back to the source of everything which is the infinite consciousness that permeates everything'.

The woman who died twice - and lived to tell the tale

Deborah Prum (pictured) revealed she nearly died twice

She said her second near-death experience saw her get 'dropped in a vat of yellow pudding'

Deborah Prum is in the lucky, or perhaps unlucky, position of being one of the few people who can say they've died twice and lived to tell the tale.

Her first near-death experience came when she went into labour to give birth to her son four weeks before she was due.

Deborah said: 'All of a sudden, the essence of my being was in the corner of a room, looking down at everything'.

Thankfully, her out-of-body experience didn't last long and her healthy boy came out fine, despite warnings from doctors that a premature birth may have affected him.

But her second near-death experience came a decade later, when she and her husband were involved in a car crash.

She said that immediately after the incident: 'Im in this yellow space. Its like Ive been dropped in a vat of yellow pudding, not in a bad way. Im completely surrounded by this yellow glow.

'But I did not feel an attachment to myself, and I felt this most profound peace and almost like a quiet joy  not like a happiness bouncy joy but I felt a peace and I felt more at home in that space than Ive ever felt.

'It felt timeless. I couldnt tell you that I was there a minute, or a century. And at a certain stage, I began hearing something which was like my husbands frantic voice.

'He later told me that I was out for something like three or four minutes, and I felt so guilty about this but I did not want to come back. I mean, I didnt know where I was but I didnt want to come back.'

She claims that after she was brought back to the land of the living, she was helped out of the car wreck by a young man.

But her husband said this did not happen.

Deborah revealed she had since become more spiritual, and no longer fears death: 'One of my biggest fears in life is that Ill die alone or Ill be abandoned or whatever, but this experience took the edge off this fear.

'These days, Im less religious but more spiritualMy near death experiences brought the finiteness of life into sharp focus. I rarely procrastinate because I am never completely convinced that I will be given the gift of another tomorrow'.
As the prison bus rattled through the barren Idaho desert, beneath the baking summer sun Bryan Kohberger could perhaps convince himself he was still in control.

Yes, he had been arrested for and convicted of the 2022 murder of four University of Idaho college students. Yes, his home for the rest of his life would be a prison cell.

But he himself had entered the guilty plea, controlling his own narrative. The 31-year-old had shown no emotion in court when the sister of one of his victims tore into him; gave no clues to his motive; and kept his movements and methods to himself. He even refused to say where the murder weapon was.

'He has a self-important personality. His ego transcends everything else,' Howard Blum, a Pulitzer-nominated investigative reporter, who wrote a book about the Idaho college murders, told the Daily Mail. 'He was training to be a professor and he has this imperious detachment about him. He always feels that he's right.'

Fast forward five months and Kohberger's perceptions of himself may be slipping away.

'Murder is about control,' said Blum. 'And prison is the ultimate situation where you have no control. He's not responding well to that.'

Bryan Kohberger is pictured at his sentencing, on July 23 this year. He was given four consecutive life sentences for the November 2022 murders of the college students in Idaho

Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen (left) and Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle (right) were murdered on November 13, 2022

Guards at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution where Kohberger is being held view him as a 'diva', a prison source has told Chris McDonough, a retired homicide detective who now works for the non-profit Cold Case Foundation, which advocates for crime victims and their families.

'The prison is already short-staffed,' said McDonough. 'They're working 12-hour shifts. And then they are also dealing with his constant complaints. He takes up extra time because whenever a complaint is in writing, they have to respond to it.

'He is just relentless in sending communications to the prison guards. And that's taking away from other duties that they have.'

Kohberger's problems began as soon as he arrived at the 535-man prison near the town of Kuna, 18 miles south of Boise.

The facility, said bail bondsman Kevin Corson, is 'an awful, dark place'.

'I certainly wouldn't want to be sent there,' he told the Daily Mail. 'It's isolated. It's depressing. It's in the South Boise desert, so it's very hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

'Every prison here is tough - Idaho's kind of a cowboy state as far as punishment is concerned. It's a little tougher here, but that is definitely one of the toughest prisons in the state.'

Kohberger has since his sentencing in July been kept in isolation, in Unit Two of J Block. He spends 23 hours a day in his cell, with an hour for exercise.

Kohberger is seen pacing inside a prison cell inside Idaho's maximum security prison in Kuna

It's unclear whether Kohberger has been visited by any of his relatives - his parents Michael and Maryann live in Pennsylvania's Poconos Mountains. He has two older sisters: Amanda lives in Pennsylvania while Melissa is believed to live in New Jersey.

In Kohberger's first two days, he filed two complaints: one requesting a move to another part of the prison; another complaining about the food.

His aunt and uncle said at the time of his 2022 arrest that he was 'OCD' about meals and once demanded that they buy new pots and pans that hadn't touched meat before they prepared food for him.

On Kohberger's first night behind bars, the menu included hot dogs, salad and Jello pie, a prison official told the New York Post: an assortment unlikely to appeal to the picky Pennsylvania-born killer.

'I have on several occasions not received all items of food on my tray,' he complained on July 31 in a handwritten note, obtained by The Idaho Statesman. 'The policy book confirms items missing which are pointed out during service will be replaced. I wish to, without exception, receive these replacements. The nutritional standard is not being upheld unless I receive my full tray.'

The complaints kept coming: the bananas were the wrong type, and his fellow inmates were yelling abuse and threats at him. They would heckle him through the vents between cells, menacing him with warnings of sexual assault.

By the end of his fifth week in prison, he had filed five formal complaints.

'Bryan is staying very consistent with his taking up of the staff's time,' said McDonough.

Kohberger's sister Amanda and mother Maryann Kohberger attending his sentencing in July

Left to right: Dylan Mortensen, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee's shoulders) Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Bethany Funke. Mortensen and Funke were the only survivors

Last month, an Idaho prison insider told the Daily Mail that Kohberger was threatening to harm himself unless he was moved to another part of the prison.

'He has continued to complain to the staff that he's going to harm himself, but he's still in J-block,' said McDonough, noting that Kohberger had not been moved to a cell for inmates deemed high-risk. 'They must have done some type of evaluation because they would have moved him into a mental health cell if they felt he was a danger to himself.'

McDonough warned that Kohberger is also deeply unpopular with other inmates.

'It's a bad thing to draw attention to yourself when you're in prison, because the inmates take note of everything in the facility. They've got all the time in the world, for the rest of their lives, so they watch and they listen.

'Complaining about other inmates is not ever the right position to take in prison. You just want to shut your mouth and do your time,' said McDonough.

Indeed, Kohberger's attitude towards fellow inmates and guards is reportedly not winning him any sympathy.

'He doesn't talk to people: He talks down to people. He thinks he's all that,' said McDonough. 'He's patronizing.'

The student home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, where the murders were committed

Perhaps, some of the apparent animosity from fellow inmates towards Kohberger is due to his 'wealth.' Supporters of the quadruple murderer donated $28,000 to him while he was in jail awaiting trial.

That money is available to Kohberger in a prison commissary for the purchase of hygiene products, extra food, writing implements and other items, which are not regularly provided to the general population.

'The amount of money put onto his books actually may have put him in a more high-risk situation from extortion in the prison,' said McDonough.

'If two people are in for the rest of their lives for murder and they have nobody outside, and their inmate next door has $28,000 on the books, and you have 50 cents - what are you going to do? They are going to say we're going to share while you're in prison.

'It's not like our culture outside. There's a subculture within the prison system, and it's a pecking order.'

Blum suspects that Kohberger will soon tire of his games with the guards and turn to another pastime.

'I think sometime down the road, he's going to be talking to people,' he said. 'I think that will be the next shoe to drop.

'The question is, how soon does it occur? Will it be his old professor? Will it be someone else? But I think he will try to give his view of things, and I think he would like to be seen as an authority.'

Dr Katherine Ramsland, a professor of forensic psychology at DeSales University, taught Kohberger while he was studying for his master's degree in criminal justice.

So, is his seemingly haughty, arrogant demeanor behind bars in character? 'Nothing about offenders surprises me,' Ramsland told the Daily Mail.

'He thinks he's a professor in many ways,' added Blum, 'he's going to be his vision of a Hannibal Lecter who can both be a serial killer and be above being a serial killer, being above the fray, commenting on it, and offering introspection and insight into the mind of a killer.'

For now, Kohberger seems content to keep complaining - regardless of the resentment it causes.

'He keeps swimming upstream without realizing he's in a fast-flowing rapid river,' said McDonough.
Stevi Allen just wanted her body back.

The 38-year-old, admittedly, hadn't been 'taking care' of herself. Her figure had changed after giving birth to her son in 2019, then the pandemic hit, and, as a result, the stressed single mom 'lost a lot of weight.'

It left her feeling unattractive - and she wanted her 'curves' again, Miami-based Allen told the Daily Mail.

And that look would come at a cost  both financial and physical.

Six fractured ribs and $38,000 later, Allen achieved the hourglass figure she so badly desired, thanks to a Brazilian Butt Lift (her second, she said) and a startling new procedure that's gaining popularity.

It's dubbed 'rib remodeling.'

The controversial surgery sounds like something conceived in Viktor Frankenstein's lab: three ribs on each side of the thoracic cage are partially fractured and forced to heal under the pressure of a corset.

Recovering patients' waists are cinched so tightly that they look astonishingly cartoon-like.

Allen said she underwent rib remodeling surgery with the desire to get her 'curves' back. She said the pain during recovery, however, was worse than giving birth to her son

Allen is pictured, left, in March 2024 before her procedure, which she underwent in October that year.

'We started to call it Invisalign for the ribs,' board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Thomas Sterry, who has been offering the procedure in New York City for about a year, told the Daily Mail.

'The result really depends on how snugly the patient wears the garment. If you wear it really tight, you're going to get a smaller waist.'

After going under the knife in October 2024, Stevi Allen estimates that her waist shrunk two to four inches  a standard amount, multiple surgeons told the Daily Mail  but not without an excruciatingly painful recovery.

'It was the absolute worst pain of my life,' she said. 'Worse than childbirth, worse than labor, worse than getting a nose job, worse than getting my heart broken when I was 19 years old.'

While she's no stranger to plastic surgery, she was ill-prepared for just how painful rib remodeling would be, leaving her unable to do 'simple things' like pick up her young son or go to work as a cosmetic tattoo artist. It took eight months, she said, for the pain to subside completely.

In hindsight, would she do it all over again if she had the chance?

'Knowing the pain, it's something that I would not have done because it held me back from everything else in life that is honestly more of a priority,' she said, though conceded, 'The results were great.'

Rib remodeling has emerged as an alternative to rib removal, a hotly contested procedure which multiple surgeons who spoke to the Daily Mail criticized.

'Historically, when women had wanted a much narrower waistline, the way that they went about doing it was with rib removal,' Beverly Hills double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Josef Hadeed told the Daily Mail.

Dr Josef Hadeed has been performing the surgery for over a year

'Our ribs are there to serve a function, which is to protect yourself, and by removing the ribs number one, you remove that protective function. But also, it created a little bit of an unnatural, almost sunken-in appearance to the waist.'

Rib remodeling, then, seems to be the new frontier. Hadeed, who said he was one of the first to offer the surgery on the West Coast, has been performing the procedure for over a year. He makes small incisions less than one centimeter in length in the skin and uses a specialized saw, equipped with a safety guard, to create fractures in the ribs.

'We notice the difference right away on the operating room table,' he said.

One of his patients, 33-year-old Jessica Lasher, had attempted non-invasive measures to shrink her waistline, but all the pilates and waist training in the world would not give her the physique she desired.

'I have kind of a straight body. I've always been naturally quite thin, and I just wanted to have more shape,' Lasher, an accountant and real estate investor, told the Daily Mail.

Removing ribs, however, was too 'extreme,' and she wanted to 'keep all the bones in my body.'

Allen said she notices the results more in a waist trainer or form-fitting clothing

Lasher traveled from Vancouver, British Columbia to Beverly Hills, for the procedure, which is not yet offered in Canada

Lasher is pictured lacing up her waist trainer. The procedure, she said, 'helped with my confidence'

So, in February, she traveled from Vancouver, British Columbia to Beverly Hills, for the procedure, which is not yet offered in Canada. She, however, did not experience the same level of pain as Allen, describing the feeling as if she had 'the wind knocked out' of her.

'It's really helped with my confidence, and it looks like I have more curves than I did before,' she said.

Similarly, Samantha Garofalo, 43, said pulling her ribs inward to address her 'boxy' waist was the last resort when liposuction wasn't enough.

The Chicago-based licensed massage therapist and esthetician underwent the $7,500 procedure in July. By the ninth day of recovery, she claims she was driving to her Botox appointments and taking her son to the movies. By six weeks, she says, she was totally 'normal'  and had shed five inches from her waist.

'People say remodeling is crazy, you know, maybe it is, but I had a great experience with it,' she said.

'I don't feel like it's any crazier than breaking a nose for a nose job.'

Some experts beg to differ.

Dr Darren Smith believes it is too soon to determine just how safe the procedure is

Dr Darren Smith, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Manhattan, believes rib remodeling 'has a lot of potential,' but that it's too soon to say just how much.

'It is a very invasive procedure, and it's just not something that we have a ton of great data on yet,' he told the Daily Mail, noting safety risks involved with the 'extreme' surgery.

'I find it really hard to justify an elective operation when there's a real reported rate of chronic pain afterwards.'

The modern approach to rib remodeling emerged in 2017 in Russia, according to the New York Times, yet the more widely adopted technique, RibXcar, was only conceptualized in 2022 by Dr Raul Manzaneda Cipriani in Peru. (Though, there are other approaches that yield similar results, such as the Riboss technique with osteosynthesis, which requires plates and screws to hold the bones in place.)

Smith called rib remodeling the 'perfect social media operation' - surgeries that yield drastic transformations with 'high viral potential' online. But Smith wonders: 'Is it okay to do this from an ethical standpoint? And I don't think there's a clear answer there.'

Garofalo (pictured) underwent the $7,500 procedure in July this year

She lost five inches off of her waist as a result

Garofalo is pictured before and after the procedure

Hadeed brushed off such concerns, insisting that, because the operation 'maintains the protective function of the ribs' it is safer than total removal  so long as the surgeon is adequately trained.

'With any new procedure, there's always going to be some degree of skepticism and doubt about the efficacy of the procedure,' said Hadeed.

'Unfortunately, there are surgeons out there who just think that they can do it.'

NYC-based Sterry was also initially skeptical of rib remodeling. But 18 months ago, when he found himself in a lecture about the technique RibXcar, the alternative to total removal piqued his interest.

Dr Thomas Sterry, too, was initially skeptical. Now, he performs the surgery in Manhattan

He was concerned about the numerous risks that accompany the procedure, namely, chronic pain, impaired respiratory function, internal bleeding, and even a punctured or collapsed lung. But eventually, Sterry became more comfortable with the surgery.

'If I'm doing, for instance, a deep-plane facelift, and I'm a hair's breadth away from the facial nerve - that's dangerous, that's technical... [Rib remodeling] is just basic surgery, and it's really not complicated whatsoever,' he claimed.

In August, Philadelphia-based Shiqi Ma, 26, went to him to address her 'flared ribs.' She's getting married next year and, she told the Daily Mail, wanted to 'look better in [her] wedding dress.'

She whittled her waist down three inches, measuring now approximately 25 around.

'I really do think it's going to catch on now,' Sterry said. 'I suspect that ten years from now... Everybody's gonna have to have this tool in the toolbox.'

Indeed, time will tell.

For now, a recent systemic review of 12 studies of rib remodeling procedures concluded: 'Further high-quality studies, including randomized trials, are needed to inform surgical practices and patient decision-making regarding rib-based body contouring.'
Jeffrey Epstein gave several of his victims 'backstage passes' to magician David Copperfield's shows as a treat for their services, prosecutors claimed in the newly released emails.

In bombshell messages seen by the Daily Mail, one unnamed prosecutor described the famous illusionist as Epstein's 'favorite cohort' and said tickets to his performances were used as 'birthday gifts' for the girls the pedophile abused.

The explosive claims appear in emails dated October 2007, written shortly after the FBI raided a Las Vegas warehouse owned by Copperfield amid allegations he raped an adult woman - allegations the magician has always denied and for which no charges were filed.

The emails were included in the trove of documents released by the Department of Justice this week related to its investigation into Epstein.

Among the files were three photos showing Copperfield dressed in matching white bathrobes with Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving 20 years in prison for trafficking minors to Epstein.

The two are pictured playfully hugging each other and fooling around with candy while Copperfield, 69, whose real name is David Kotkin, smiles.

But the newly released emails give fresh insight into the depth of the relationship between Epstein, who hanged himself in 2019, and Copperfield, who has been accused of sexual misconduct in the past but always denied it.

In the October 2007 email, the prosecutor  whose name is redacted  wrote: 'FYI FBI Seattle and FBI Las Vegas executed a search today on a warehouse owned by Epstein's favorite cohort, David Copperfield, in connection with allegations that Copperfield raped an adult female.

A trove of files released this week by the DoJ related to the Epstein investigation included photos of Copperfield and Ghislaine Maxwell wearing matching white bath robes together

The files also included emails from prosecutors describing Copperfield as Epstein's 'favorite cohort' and claiming the pedophile often gave backstage passes to the magician's shows to several of his victims as birthday gifts

'Copperfield spoke with the girls at Epstein's home on several occasions and tickets with 'backstage passes' were a favorite 'birthday gift' for Epstein to give the girls.

'I asked (redacted) to contact the case agent to just stay in touch'.

The email appears to have been written by one of the prosecutors working on the investigation in Florida into Epstein, who infamously served just 15 months in a state prison after pleading guilty to child prostitution offenses in 2008.

According to a 2024 report in The Guardian, the investigation began based on claims by Lacey Carroll, who alleged that Copperfield raped her in Musha Cay, an island in the Bahamas he reportedly bought for $50 million in 2006.

But after two years the investigation was closed with no charges being brought.

At the time Copperfield's lawyer David Chesnoff 'categorically' denied Caroll's allegations.

Chesnoff told CNN: 'Mr Copperfield's reputation precedes him as an impeccable gentleman.

'So we're obviously disturbed that those kinds of allegations are being made, but we believe that that's a common event now, unfortunately, for celebrated people to be falsely accused'.

The famous illusionist and magician is pictured in front of a 'tornado of fire' on stage in New York in 2001

The newly released, undated photos show Copperfield and Maxwell playfully hugging each other and fooling around

Copperfield's name appears in another document that was released in the files: a front of house manager's report for a show he did in 2005.

There is no explanation as to why the FBI would be interested in such a show but the email from 2007 indicates a possible reason.

The show at the Au-Rene Theater in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was 'very good', according to the audience response recording in the form for one of the two shows on February 1.

The audience thought that the show was 'great' but some were 'very, very disappointed', according to the report from one of the two shows from the next night, February 2.

The documents include a weekly breakdown of earnings and expenses for the first week of the show and details how there were 580 complimentary tickets in total versus 7,395 sold, a statistic the FBI may have wanted for proof of Epstein's victims getting free passes.

The files are far from the only time that Copperfield and Epstein have been mentioned in documents related to the case.

Copperfield left messages 16 times according to notes on pads that were found at the pedophile's house in Palm Beach, Florida, including one which read: 'Magic David called.'

Epstein victim Johanna Sjoberg claimed in a deposition that in 2004 when she was in her 20s, she went to a dinner at Epstein's house where Copperfield did some tricks for her and another girl who looked very young.

The newly released emails give fresh insight into the depth of the relationship between Epstein and Copperfield, who has been accused of sexual misconduct in the past but always denied it

Copperfield is pictured in a Las Vegas court after testifying in an unrelated negligence lawsuit in 2018

A lawyer asked Sjoberg: 'Did Copperfield ever discuss Jeffrey's involvement with young girls with you?'

She replied: 'He questioned me if I was aware that girls were getting paid to find other girls'.

According to Sjoberg, she was invited backstage on one of his shows and he showed her his tour bus, but nothing untoward happened.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Copperfield's agent for comment.

Speaking to Oprah Winfrey in 2012, he claimed to have been 'exonerated' by the FBI over its 2007 investigation.

His lawyers have previously said that the idea he was friends with Epstein 'is totally false and a mischaracterization made by the media'.
Joe Rogan said that Donald Trump's behavior has been 'nutty' of late, prompting concerns about the 79-year-old president's age.

Fellow comic Tom Segura appeared on Rogan's show and suggested that Trump was 'losing it' based on some recent decisions, including the renaming of the Kennedy Center after himself.

'I think everybody does when you get to a certain age,' agreed Rogan, before agreeing that Trump's recent behavior was 'nutty.'

Rogan, who endorsed Trump in 2024, then brought up the president's new 'wall of fame' plaques that brutally trolled Joe Biden and Barack Obama on his podcast.

'There's nothing nuttier than the plaques underneath the president's names,' Rogan said.

Biden is referred to by his nickname 'Sleepy Joe Biden' and dubbed 'by far, the worst President in American History' in his plaque.

As Rogan went on reading the plaques, he asked: 'How is this real? How are you allowed to do that?'

Amid his befuddlement, Rogan suggested that Trump get 'a right-hand man' who would talk him down from his worst impulses.

Joe Rogan said that Donald Trump's behavior has been 'nutty' of late, prompting concerns about the 79-year-old president's age

Fellow comic Tom Segura appeared on Rogan's show and suggested that Trump was 'losing it' based on some recent decisions, including the renaming of the Kennedy Center after himself

Rogan suggested it might be something Trump needs, given his age and the stress of his job and life in recent years.

'The stress of going through what that guy went through, where they were trying to jail him when they were going after him with the Russia thing, the Russia hoax, and all that s**t,' he said.

He also pointed out that the president was still under 18 months from when he faced an assassination attempt.

'Like they were trying everything they could to destroy him, just that alone has gotta break your brain, and then they took a shot at him.'

Rogan's age concerns come at the end of a year where the administration has consistently tried to set the record straight on the president's health.

Earlier this month, a leaked version of his schedule showed that Trump is regularly working over 10 hours a day.

Over nearly two weeks, the president averaged about 21 meetings a day, with travel and other events adding to the long, grueling hours in the White House.

The president regularly begins his day at around 8:30 in the morning with a series of calls, then takes an average of 21 different meetings with staff, politicians, and dignitaries. One day, he had a meeting with an unnamed 'television personality.'

Rogan was aghast as the White House's Presidential Walk of Fame got upgraded this week with new descriptive plaques under each of the president. Some use very Trumpian language

President Joe Biden was already portrayed as an autopen on the Presidential Walk of Fame, but the new plaques go even further criticizing his record

The president also regularly checks in with America's business community, as meetings with various CEOs populated 10 of the 12 days.

Some of these meetings take as little as a few minutes, but others can go on for much longer, as Trump met with the likes of 'Ice Maiden' Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and other key cabinet figures.

On December 3, Trump held a total of 32 events, easily his busiest day, while the day of the Pennsylvania rally, December 9, was his longest, running from 9:46am to 10:55pm.

The average day doesn't tend to end for Trump until well after 8pm, though he doesn't even hold to that sometimes, as his appearance at the primetime Congressional ball showed Thursday.

This came after a New York Times piece claimed that, on average, Trump would start scheduled events at 10.31 am during his first tenure in 2017.

However, this year, the President started attending events later in the afternoon, on average at 12.08pm.

'Name-calling and personal insults don't change that, nor will our journalists hesitate to cover this administration in the face of intimidation tactics like this,' A Times spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

'Expert and thorough reporters like Katie Rogers exemplify how an independent and free press helps the American people better understand their government and its leaders.'

The president averages about 21 meetings a day, with travel and other events adding to the long, grueling hours in the White House

Earlier this year, pictures emerged from the Oval Office showing Trump with bruising on his hand, which was sometimes covered up by makeup. The White House claimed the bruising originates from the president shaking too many hands

The overall number of Trump's official appearances at White House events has declined by 39 percent compared to his first term, according to the New York Times's analysis.

Earlier this year, pictures emerged from the Oval Office showing Trump with bruising on his hand, which was sometimes covered up by makeup. The White House claimed the bruising originates from the president shaking too many hands.

After photos showed him with swollen legs and ankles, the White House revealed in July that he had been diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency - a condition where leg veins can't send blood back to the heart efficiently.

On Tuesday, Trump traveled to Mount Pocono, in the northeast part of the commonwealth, to give what was billed as an address on the economy.

In reality, the event had the makings of a campaign rally, as he defended his second-term record ahead of next year's midterm races in front of a raucous crowd of MAGA faithful.

Throughout Joe Biden's time in the White House, Trump and his Republican allies slammed the Democratic leader over his old age, lack of public appearances, and cognitive ability.
Thieves have carried out a brazen ATM heist early on Christmas Eve at a Texas 7-Eleven, using a stolen SUV to rip the cash machine out as surveillance cameras captured the carnage.

Police say the suspects hit the store in northwest Fort Worth around 3:45am, while it was open and the lights were on.

One suspect smashed through the entrance and rushed inside while an accomplice waited outside in an SUV.

Moments later, the pair hooked a metal cable from the vehicle to the ATM inside the store and floored it, dragging the machine out through the doorway and leaving the store badly damaged.

The force of the ATM being violently ripped from its position demolished shelves in an instant, leaving packets of chips and other products all over the floor.

The store's doors were demolished, leaving a considerable amount of debris in their wake.

The video shows the ATM eventually breaking loose. The machine was later abandoned along a nearby highway service road, along with the stolen vehicle.

Police say the getaway mirrors a pattern tied to similar ATM heist attempts across the DallasFort Worth area.

The robbers entered the 7-Eleven along with a huge metal hook on the end of a metal cable

Surveillance footage captures the moment the suspect attaches the hook to the ATM machine

The machine was ripped from its fittings with enormous force demolishing shelves and sending stock all over the place in the process

The White Settlement Police Department later released extended surveillance footage showing multiple camera angles of the destruction, including the ATM crashing through the entrance as the suspects fled.

The ATM eventually broke loose from the cable, forcing the suspects to abandon it along a nearby highway service road.

Officers recovered the heavily damaged machine, along with the safe still inside, police said.

The SUV used in the heist attempt was also abandoned not far from where the ATM was found.

Investigators determined the vehicle had been stolen from a Dallas apartment complex roughly an hour before the attempted robbery.

Police believe the suspects either fled the area on foot or were picked up by another vehicle.

Authorities say the wrecked 7-Eleven may be just the latest stop in a string of similar crimes.

White Settlement Police Chief Christopher Cook said investigators believe the same crew has carried out multiple ATM theft attempts at convenience stores across the DallasFort Worth area - possibly all owned by the same business owner.

An accomplice could be seen waiting outside for their partner to afix the hook to the ATM

The men, one of whom was wearing distinctive orange gloves, could be seen pulling the cable

The SUV pulled away dragging the ATM behind it leaving destruction in its wake

The ATM machine was later found abandoned with the safe still inside

'He's been hit three times. He's got a lot of convenience stores in Dallas-Fort Worth,' Cook said.

'He really feels like the same people were involved. It is always a stolen SUV, it's always two guys, and they do the same thing.'

Cook described the attempted heist as especially alarming given the circumstances.

He called the crime 'brazen' because the store was open, 'well lit,' and located in 'a small town.' Despite the extensive damage, no injuries were reported.

The police chief said the case is being treated as a 'pretty serious felony' and urged anyone with information to come forward as investigators work to track down the suspects.

Police described the two suspects as men wearing black hooded sweatshirts, black pants, and face masks.

Both wore orange gloves; one wore white sneakers and the other, black sneakers.
Furious locals have slammed Christmas Day revellers as 'filthy' after one of Australia's most iconic beaches was left covered in 20 tonnes of rubbish.

Thousands of people descended on Coogee Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Christmas Day, in scenes some likened to a nightclub.

But as the crowds dispersed late on Thursday evening, 20 tonnes of rubbish including cans, food packaging and abandoned cooler bags were left behind.

The disgusting scenes echo those from last year at Bronte Beach, where more than 15,000 people flocked to an unauthorised gathering dubbed 'Orphan's Christmas' or 'Backpacker Christmas'.

Waverley Council urged beachgoers to avoid Bronte this year amid safety concerns over ongoing construction work.

Bottles of alcohol, blankets, leftover cooler bags, plastic bottles and food packaging were just some of the items left behind at Coogee as council crews began a major clean-up on Friday.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker assured locals next year will be different, with the council to consider putting fences around the public park.

'While we absolutely recognise how important it is for people to have a fun and enjoyable Christmas, we want it to be respectful,' he told the Daily Telegraph.

Dozens of Aussies flocked to the beach for Christmas festivities on Thursday

Drone footage shows Coogee teeming with visitors as Sydneysiders flocked to the seaside

Thousands of people partied as music blared across speakers set up in makeshift tents

Rubbish is seen on the ground at Coogee Beach as festivities get into full-swing

Police were seen keeping an eye on the celebrations at the iconic Sydney beach

Bottles of alcohol, blankets, leftover cooler bags, plastic bottles and food were left behind

The mayor thanked council workers for their efforts in a statement on Facebook.

'In total, more than 20 tonnes of rubbish was picked up and sent to the tip in four truck-loads,' he said.

'Staff used beach rakes, footpath sweepers, high-pressure hoses and hands-on cleaning to clear rubbish and clean toilets, sand and grassed areas.

'While many people behaved responsibly, its disappointing that some chose to litter heavily and urinate in public spaces.'

Locals were also left unimpressed by the sight, taking to social media to blast revellers for leaving so much rubbish behind.

'Some people are filthy f***ing pigs. All the rubbish at Coogee Beach yesterday. f***ing disgusting. No excuse for those stinking maggots,' one man wrote.

'Sick of those f***ing backpackers trashing beaches on Christmas Day. Bronte was off the list this year so they went to Coogee and trashed it,' another said. 'It's about time councils started charging entry fee to make the pigs pay for the clean-up.'

Others thanked the council workers for the mammoth clean-up efforts.

Join the debate Should backpackers face stricter penalties for trashing Australian beaches on major holidays?

Bins were overflowing with rubbish as the sun began to set at Coogee Beach

Council workers returned to Coogee on Friday morning to clean up and look for broken glass

'Randwick Council has done an incredible job and there are now locals combing the ground for broken glass,' one woman said. 'I have no issue but there ought to be some responsibility for the mess... hasn't been like that for over a decade.'

Another added: 'We cannot continue to destroy the only planet we have to live on'.

Despite reminders from the Randwick Council that Coogee Beach and the nearby park were alcohol-free zones, drinks were flowing on Christmas Day.

The riot squad made an appearance at the festivities, however, no arrests were made.

Smaller-than-usual crowds were spotted at Bondi and Bronte Beach.

While the iconic beach was busy, the tourist mecca seemed quieter than in previous years as the nation mourns the horrific Bondi attack.

In the wake of the shooting, a flower memorial floral memorial lingered on the footbridge, while police patrolled the promenade.
Notorious one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge spent his first Christmas as a father behind bars after he was charged with assaulting his partner and breaching an apprehended violence order (AVO) just hours after it was issued.

Loveridge remains on parole for the 2012 Kings Cross attack that killed teenager Thomas Kelly and sparked Sydney's lockout laws.

He was released last year after serving a decade in prison.

Police were called to his partner's Penrith unit in the early hours of December 22 after neighbours raised the alarm about a domestic dispute.

Officers arrested Loveridge but later released him after issuing an AVO to protect his partner.

Just hours later, Loveridge and his partner were spotted at Sydney Domestic Airport.

He was charged with breaching the AVO and assault over the earlier incident.

Loveridge appeared in the Bail Division Court on Tuesday, where the court heard he is now a father, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Kieran Loveridge (pictured) spent Christmas behind bars after being charged with assault. He was jailed for 10 years over the one-punch attack that killed teen Thomas Kelly in 2012

Loveridge (pictured) went to jail after killing Thomas Kelly in Kings Cross on a night out (he is pictured being led from the St James Supreme Court in 2013)

Loveridge (pictured) was released from jail last year after serving a decade in prison

Thomas Kelly, 18, died as a result of the unprovoked assault in Kings Cross in 2012

Police said when officers arrived at the Penrith unit, Loveridge's t-shirt was ripped and his partner was injured.

She is reported to have told officers her injuries were 'a result of mopping'.

Loveridge's lawyer, Matt Fordham, argued the assault case was weak.

'Importantly, the facts do not describe that the neighbour heard any words that were evidence of an assault,' Fordham told the court.

'That is in our words, insufficient evidence for the court to determine that an assault actually took place.'

Fordham said Loveridge's partner denied there had been an argument and said his client's electronic ankle monitor provided 'additional security to the alleged victim'.

He added his client was 'very keen not to breach his parole' and willing to 'forego (contact with his partner) in the short term in order to obtain his liberty'.

Magistrate Daniel Covington noted the assault case was not as 'strong' as the breach allegation, but stressed Loveridge's violent history.

'He does have a history of violence, he's on parole for violence, and I can't lose sight of that,' Covington said.

Loveridge will remain in custody until his next court appearance at Penrith Local Court on January 13.
Police abandon investigations into almost four crimes every minute.

There were 2,040,976 offences reported in England and Wales in the year to June where no suspect was identified  equivalent to 5,592 every single day, or 3.8 per minute.

Out of the 5.3million crimes logged by police in England and Wales in the year, 38.6 per cent were closed as 'investigation complete  no suspect identified'.

The figures showed only 3 per cent of rapes reported to police led to a suspect being charged.

The respective number for 'violence against the person' was 6.3 per cent, robbery 8.1 per cent and theft 7.6 per cent, including just 4.8 per cent of house burglaries.

A further 679,802 cases where victims still wanted to seek justice were abandoned due to 'evidential difficulties'. Investigations into another 1.3million crimes ended in cases where the victims no longer supported police inquiries.

Only 402,692 reported crimes led to a suspect receiving a charge or a court summons  7.6 per cent of the total.

The proportion charged was up from 6.7 per cent in the previous 12 months but is still far below the 15 per cent from a decade ago.

Police abandon investigations into almost four crimes every minute (stock photo of police officers escorting a man in handcuffs)

The charge rate has risen slowly from a low of 5.4 per cent in 2022 despite the previous Conservative government's massive investment in police recruitment. In March 2024, the number of full-time equivalent police officers hit a record 147,745, but the total has since fallen by more than 1,300.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to outline plans to shake-up police forces in a bid to improve performance. It has been reported she is to slash the number of regional forces in England and Wales from the current 43 to just 12, after last month describing the current set-up as 'irrational'.

She has also warned top officers that members of the public who make 'perfectly legal' remarks online should not be investigated, amid widespread concern that politically motivated complaints are eroding free speech.

The Home Office also said last week that police budgets will rise by 798million in the next financial year to 19.5billion, a 4.3 per cent increase.

Analysis of the official Home Office data also revealed an increasing number of offenders are being handed an informal 'community resolution' by the police instead of being taken to court.

Just under 161,000 were given this type of 'slap on the wrist', which sees the offender admit their crime.

As part of the punishment, they may agree to apologise to their victim, pay damages or do unpaid work such as litter picking or graffiti removal, while the offence is logged as 'no further action' on their criminal record.

Community resolutions were used in 3 per cent of reported crimes in the 12-month period, up from 2.4 per cent two years earlier.

Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, said: 'The police are not solving enough crimes. They should use technology such as facial recognition and geo-tracking to bring more perpetrators to justice. Evidence should always be followed up and never ignored.'

Referencing the low number of crimes resulting in charges being brought, he added: 'This makes it even more concerning that police officer numbers are now falling under this Labour Government.'

A National Police Chiefs' Council spokesman said: 'Every crime reported to police is assessed under THRIVE principles (Threat, Harm, Risk, Investigation, Vulnerability, Engagement) and where possible all lines of inquiry will be followed.

'Not every case will result in criminal charges being brought this depends on the evidence available and whether it meets the legal threshold for charge.

'What we can assure the public is that we pursue all reasonable lines of inquiry to seek justice for victims wherever the evidence allows.'
Standing in spacious grounds among pine trees, the Brasserie restaurant at the Copthorne Hotel was once a much-loved venue where local families enjoyed a meal out at weekends.

The hotel website still chirps that the Brasserie, overlooking a Japanese-style lake and courtyard, offers 'British cuisine', including a traditional Sunday roast.

'Your little ones will love the play area and children's menu too,' it burbles.

Yet today, the Brasserie is no longer open to the public. The Copthorne, just three miles from Gatwick in West Sussex, became a migrant hotel in 2021 offering accommodation to hundreds of Afghan asylum seekers.

When they moved on, it became home to 1,000 men, women, and children of different nationalities, many of whom have arrived illegally on Channel traffickers' boats.

This week, as Christmas beckoned, I visited the Copthorne, so becoming the first newspaper journalist to see inside a government-run migrant hotel.

The hotel is just one of the hundreds scattered around the country which, despite promises by Labour to shut them down and 'smash' the smuggling gangs, remain a central cog of an asylum system beleaguered by the sheer numbers of arrivals.

I had been invited to tour the Copthorne by a group of migrants hailing from a range of countries including Iraq, Iran, Palestine and Eritrea, whom I met earlier this year in Calais shanty camps as they waited to make illegal crossings to Britain.

The Brasserie restaurant at the Copthorne Hotel was once a much-loved family venue. Yet today, it is no longer open to the public after the hotel, just three miles from Gatwick in West Sussex, became migrant accommodation in 2021. Pictured: Sue Reid with a group of migrants living in the hotel, who invited her to tour it

This week, as Christmas beckoned, Sue Reid (pictured at the hotel) visited the Copthorne, so becoming the first newspaper journalist to see inside a government-run migrant hotel

What she found was the good, the bad and, indeed, the ugly. Pictured: Sue Reid inside the hotel

What I found was the good, the bad and, indeed, the ugly.

I met a boastful migrant drug dealer, black marketeers working for cash at local car washes and construction sites, and some who have languished here at the Copthorne for three years at taxpayers' expense because, as they put it, 'no one has decided what to do with us'.

Incredibly, I was told that migrants can check out for a 'three or four-day' break from the hotel to visit their friends and relatives around Britain. 'They tell the reception desk the date they are going and when they will return,' said a young Syrian Kurdish man as we shared a cigarette and a coffee in the courtyard outside the Brasserie, which is now the migrants' main restaurant.

'The room is still paid for when they are on their little holiday,' he added. 'Of course, some never come back. They join their own communities and slip into underworld work in the UK.'

Another migrant from North Africa said: 'We are free to come and go as we please. We are not in a prison, although it costs 3 each way to go on the bus to Crawley and the shops. If we walk, it is an hour and 20 minutes.'

They are paid just under 10 each a week in pocket money loaded on to a special Home Office cash card  although, for some, there are also alternative sources of income.

'It is hard for us because e-bikes are no longer allowed on the premises,' he said. 'They were used by some here to go out and work each day on the black market. Now, the bosses of the car wash and construction places come and pick them up in the morning instead, and deliver them back at night. There aren't any real checks on us.'

When I visited, it was early evening. I arrived with my passport and my birth certificate, ready to prove my identity. However, the documents were requested neither at the main gate nor by security guards at the entrance to the hotel itself.

I signed in and was given a red lanyard saying 'Visitor', before my migrant hosts offered me coffee (from the Brasserie, where supper cooked by Indian chefs was under way).

Then they showed me around and told me their personal stories. On Monday night this week, the place was calm, orderly and warm  there are no worries about energy bills for the residents.

I saw two small Christmas trees (one outside the Brasserie and another in the lobby) but no other sign that a Christian festival was taking place.

'Apart from a few [Christian] Eritreans, the rest of us are from Islamic countries,' explained one Iraqi migrant who has been at the hotel for seven months.

'We won't be celebrating your Christmas here with a special lunch. Anyway, the Brasserie chefs are Indian.

'They give us rice, which we like, but it is always too spicy because that is how they cook it back home.'

The walls of the hotel are still bedecked with incongruous paintings of idyllic British scenes in mass-produced golden frames. A billiard table stands unused 'because the balls and sticks [cues] disappeared a long time ago' my hosts tell me.

The carpets are frayed from the enormous footfall of sandals and trainers over the past four years.

She met some who have languished at the Copthorne (pictured, as migrant accommodation) for three years at taxpayers' expense because, as they put it, 'no one has decided what to do with us'

Migrants are paid just under 10 each a week in pocket money loaded on to a special Home Office cash card  although, for some, there are also alternative sources of income. Pictured: Bank notes on a bedside table in a room at the Copthorne

I am shown a bedroom now shared by two Middle Eastern migrants, where the luxurious bed of yesteryear has been replaced with two Home Office singles with cheap, spongy mattresses. The bathroom paint is peeling and the tiles on the wall are dirty.

'There is a laundry service once a week when the sheets are changed by housekeeping staff who are from Thailand and have visas to work in Britain. There is no one English working at the hotel apart from a few security guards,' the occupants of the room explain.

Yet the Copthorne seems to tick along. There are entire families here and, occasionally, I see a child poking his or her head out of a doorway or running down the long corridor.

An African mother carries a newborn baby past me. In a sitting room, a couple of teenage boys are glued to their laptops as they play a game together shouting in a foreign language.

But, be in no doubt, there is an undercurrent of discontent among the migrants themselves  mainly about their 'human rights' to a home of their own, which traffickers and charities in Calais assured them they will get  and among locals, who have mounted flag-waving protests outside this hotel and outside another Copthorne a few miles away, where a further 500 migrants are in residence.

One local man recently wrote on social media: 'My last trip to the West Sussex Copthorne [it is not made clear which one of the two he means] was for a meal with my father in 2014. He reminded me of the business meetings he had there in the 1980s, and how he had such fond memories of staying and hosting clients. Not one inch of Britain is not affected negatively by our traitorous Government.'

In the lobby, there are piles of Home Office leaflets in a multitude of languages, including English, Arabic and European tongues, which inform the migrants what to expect from what is described as 'initial accommodation'.

It warns that waiting times to 'move on' can be long because of a shortage of local housing and a significant increase in those arriving in the UK 'seeking protection'.

Many clearly see Britain as their 'last chance' after asylum-shopping through Europe  and being turned down elsewhere.

'So many arriving have a smattering of German because they have been rejected from there,' a migrant tells me.

'I, myself, was refused the right stay in Germany as an asylum seeker. I ran, fearing deportation if I waited. I was in such a hurry I left all my clothes there. I had nothing when I went by train to Paris, then Calais and got on a boat to Britain.'

I also found migrants at the Copthorne who have blatantly lied their way into this country. Egyptians, Moroccans, Algerians, and Tunisians (whose home countries are deemed by the Home Office to be safe for deportation flights) were pointed out to me by my hosts. 'Many pretend to be Libyans because they will not be returned there by your Home Office as it is a dangerous country,' said one of my courtyard friends.

'They learn-up about Libya, such as remembering street names in the capital, before they leave France so they can fool the Home Office when they are questioned at the Kent border. The Iraqis pretend to be Libyans, too.'

There are plenty of Eritreans in the hotel. They are fleeing an evil, totalitarian regime where all men are forced, often indefinitely, into the army aged 19 to fight neighbouring Ethiopia in a bitter ongoing border dispute.

A group of three in their 20s told me that they want to send money home to help their loved ones but that, if they do, the country's dictator would burden their families with a 'special' punitive tax for having a relative who has fled abroad.

I met a Middle Eastern father in his 30s who, in March, boarded a Channel boat along with his father, mother, wife and several young children. They have lived in the hotel ever since.

Sue Reid was shown a bedroom (pictured) now shared by two Middle Eastern migrants, where the luxurious bed of yesteryear has been replaced with two Home Office singles with cheap, spongy mattresses

Be in no doubt, there is an undercurrent of discontent among the migrants themselves  mainly about their 'human rights' to a home of their own. Pictured: A bedroom at the Copthorne

'I was in Britain a few years back', he said, 'and I liked it then. I went back all the way to my home country to collect my family to bring them here.'

This extraordinary character told me he worked on the black market in East Sussex and London for extra money.

'Oh, what do you do?' I asked him, innocently enough.

'I am a drug dealer,' he replied without shame. 'That's what happens if you don't let us work. I have grown to hate Britain and now I am trapped here in this hotel.'

I talked to 20 or so migrants during my three-hour visit. A frequent complaint was that they are bored stiff, despite the English lessons, singing and music classes (provided by a renowned arts foundation) on offer, and despite frequent visits from refugee-charity volunteers. 'They promise to help but do nothing for us. They just talk at us,' said two Iranian men in faltering English.

The hotel is plastered with posters put up by Migrant Help, a charity which received 47million from the government last year to run an advice helpline for migrants (including details of how to complain to the Home Office).

I spoke to many who tried calling and was repeatedly told that 'they do not answer', or that 'you get left in the queuing system for hours'.

One migrant claimed: 'I have never heard of one person who has been helped by this charity.'

Perhaps the last word should go to a 29-year-old Libyan.

He came on a boat in September, has been refused asylum but is now appealing against the decision.

An educated man, he said through my translator: 'What the British government has done for us is good. We just need to live normal lives, including studying and working. Then this nightmare will end. The smugglers and the charities in Calais did not tell us there were so many thousands in the queue ahead of us. We only realise it now.'

He finished his plea with the word 'Inshallah', used by Muslims and Arabic speakers of all faiths with the meaning 'God willing'. He is relying on divine intervention to rescue him.

I responded with a few home truths: that more than 41,000 people, mostly young, single, men like him have sailed illegally across the Channel this year, 1,374 last week alone, on rubber boats.

Many of them, I added, will join the 36,000 migrants living free in Home Office hotels, with three meals a day, no bills whatsoever, as more and more Britons grow angry at paying higher taxes for the 5.77million-a-day cost of an asylum free-for-all which is wildly out of kilter with British sentiment.

I said that even the Home Office appears to suspect it is being taken for a ride.

In an unusual statement on the social media site X this week, the department warned: 'As asylum claims fall across Europe, in the UK they are rising. Whilst some are genuine refugees, others seek to game the system. Even genuine refugees are crossing safe countries (in the EU) to come here.'

Then, it was time to go. Three of my hosts led me from the Brasserie courtyard to the hotel entrance. One planted a kiss on my forehead and gave me a tangerine as a gift. I called 'Happy Christmas' as I drove away  but never heard a response.
Tradwife influencer Estee Williams shared heartbreaking news about her infant daughter as she asked for prayers and support in a Christmas Eve update.

Williams, who has more than 300,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, posted a photo from the hospital on Wednesday, showing her three-month-old daughter's legs in one corner, with various lines running from the baby's body to a nearby machine.

'My little Estelle went into cardiac arrest in the middle of the night,' Williams captioned the photo. 'Chest compressions were done for 47 minutes and she's now on full life support (ECMO).

'Please keep my sweet girl in your prayers,' she continued, adding, 'This next week is a scary time as we see what her next option will be.'

Williams and her husband, Conner, welcomed their daughter on September 5.

But about 14 hours after she was born, a hospital pediatrician detected a heart murmur, and baby Estelle would go on to fail two oxygen tests as she spent five days in the NICU, according to an online fundraiser started by the girl's grandmother, Holly Nielsen.

'During that time, doctors discovered something no parent is ever prepared to hear. Baby E had two ventricular septal defects - two holes in the walls of her heart,' it says.

Even after Estelle was able to leave the NICU, her grandmother wrote, 'her first weeks at home were filled with constant monitoring and weekly cardiology appointments and echocardiograms.

Tradwife influencer Estee Williams shared heartbreaking news about her infant daughter, Estelle, as she asked for prayers and support

She posted a photo on her Instagram Stories from the hospital on Wednesday, showing her three-month-old daughter's legs in one corner, with various lines running from the baby's body to a nearby machine

'By her second week, she was already on Lasix [a diuretic] and then potassium was added as her heart and lungs worked overtime.'

'She began refusing breastfeeding and required bottles of breast milk fortified with powdered formula to add desperately needed calories. She would gain a few ounces, only to lose them again.'

Soon, the baby also developed a cough and became fatigued, 'sleeping a lot more than an infant would,' which her grandmother said 'were all signs that her tiny heart and lungs were struggling.

'We hope that by sharing her story, we can help others recognize these signs early,' Nielsen said. 'Congenital heart defects like VSDs aren't always seen on ultrasound.'

The condition is common amongst newborns, and smaller VSD holes can close naturally, causing the infant no problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Infants with larger VSDs, though, may need surgery to prevent complications.

Such was the case with baby Estelle, who underwent open-heart surgery on November 20.

When the surgeon then had her chest opened, he found that the upper VSD was 'extremely large and rare' while the lower VSD was smaller, but difficult to reach, Nielsen said.

Williams and her husband, Conner, (pictured) welcomed their daughter on September 5

Surgeons then had to cut into her heart muscle to attach a patch to close the largest hole, as Estelle spent three hours and 46 minutes on a heart-lung bypass machine.

Since then, the infant has remained in the PICU, where she was placed on a breathing tube and supported by a pacemaker as she experienced 'oxygen instability and heart rhythm issues.'

By December 13, the infant had to undergo a second open chest surgery, after which her breathing tube was removed.

'Finally, after those long three weeks, Conner and Estee were able to finally hold their little girl for the first time,' Nielsen wrote about her son and daughter-in-law in an update.

Four days later, though, Nielsen shared that her granddaughter may need to remain on a ventilator for longer than expected.

'Taking everything into account, the possibility is being carefully considered [that] baby E ultimately will need... a heart transplant,' the worried grandmother wrote.

'At this time, no final decisions have been made, and we are all continuing to pray for a miracle.'

The young girl may now need a heart transplant, as her family waits to hear about the next steps they could take

The family is asking for donations to help with the child's medical care and help them with lost wages as Conner takes off from his full-time and part-time jobs to watch over his child

But on Tuesday, Nielsen said doctors had to perform CPR on the little girl after she experienced 'multiple dangerous spikes in her lactose levels.'

She described in the GoFundMe how her granddaughter suddenly turned blue overnight, prompting doctors to increase Estelle's oxygen levels and give her more medication to try to stabilize her - only for her oxygen levels to once again plummet and the baby to turn gray.

Yet there were some signs of hope as an ultrasound showed Estelle did not suffer from a brain bleed and an EEG machine showed normal brain activity.

'The next few days are incredibly critical,' Nielsen wrote. 'If she continues to stabilize, the next step would be transitioning to [ventricular assist devices]. At that point, she will need to show that her lungs can function fully on their own.

'If she can do that, she will be eligible to be placed on the heart transplant list - a process that could take anywhere from three to six months.'

In the meantime, the family is asking for donations to help with the child's medical care and help them with lost wages as Conner takes off from his full-time and part-time jobs to watch over his child.

As of Thursday, the online fundraiser had raised nearly $22,000 for the family.
Terrified holidaymakers were forced to flee a popular caravan park after a 30-tonne crane collapsed during a wild storm on Christmas Day.

The 30-tonne crane at Southport toppled at around 3.15pm on Thursday after severe winds and torrential rain battered the Gold Coast.

Nearby holidaymakers at Broadwater Tourist Park were forced to duck for cover, as wind gusts of 83km/hour overturned gazebos, damaged caravans and flipped boat trailers in scenes that some described as a 'war zone'.

Two fire and rescue crews also cut through a fence to help residents of a nearby tower evacuate the caravan park as a precaution. No injuries have been reported.

Police declared an exclusion zone under the Public Safety Preservation Act at around 3.45pm for the Gold Coast Highway, North St, Loders Creek and the Broadwater.

The exclusion zone remains in place on Friday morning with police, engineers and two additional cranes at the scene to dismantle the crane in mid-air.

It comes as locals compared the storm to the 2023 Christmas Day tornado that left parts of the northern Gold Coast without power for weeks.

'Our house survived the 2023 Christmas storm and the more recent cyclone but it didn't with this event. Clean up day and assess the damage. Praying for no rain. Don't need anymore water through the house,' one person wrote.

Wild winds toppled a 30-tonne crane in Southport on Thursday evening

Boats at the nearby caravan park were knocked over by the strong winds

Dozens of holidaymakers were forced to flee after police declared the area an exclusion zone

Gold Coast resident Liz Freeman said the storm was 'very quick but massive'.

'It threw our heavy furniture around the balcony like it was made of paper and this crane snapped in half at the end of our street shows just how strong the winds were,' she wrote on Facebook.

Broadwater Tourist Park on Friday said most of their guests had sustained damage to their property in the wild storm.

'This was something that resembled worse than anything we saw during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Except this time our park was full of families trying to enjoy their Christmas Day,' the park wrote in a statement online.

'We are more than thankful to report no serious injuries, some worse for wear trying to secure and hold what they could in the midst of this.'

The park also confirmed that some guests have been unable to return to their sites to fetch their belongings due to the emergency declaration.

It's understood guests in the affected area were offered alternative accommodation.

Among those affected were former Broncos star Corey Parker and his wife, Brisbane radio host Margaux Parker, who were staying at the park when the storm hit.

Brisbane radio host Margaux Parker and former Brisbane Broncos player Corey Parker were staying at the caravan park when the storm hit

Ms Parker said the family were put up in a hotel overnight after the massive crane snapped

She shared terrifying footage of torrential rain and strong wind on social media (pictured)

'A crane has folded in half up there, everybody has lost their marquees, their boats, cars, annexes, but we still have each other and no one got hurt,' Ms Parker said.

'Unfortunately, we're not allowed back into our caravan, they have blocked off an exclusion zone for about 100 caravans, and no one is allowed to go in there to retrieve any belongings or get any of their personal items or things or check on their property.'

The storms across southeast Queensland knocked out power to thousands of properties, with more than 7,400 outages reported by Energex at the peak of the storm activity.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued another severe wind warning on Friday, with more showers expected throughout the day
A top police officer who has appeared as a 'hunter' on Channel 4's Hunted show has been suspended over allegations he made sexist remarks to junior female officers.

Sergeant Shazad Sadiq, a temporary inspector with Durham Constabulary, is accused of making discriminatory comments which could amount to gross misconduct.

He was suspended on full pay in February and an investigation was launched by the force's Professional Standards Department.

Ten months on, the investigation remains ongoing, with Sgt Sadiq under suspension.

It is understood that, among the allegations, Sgt Sadiq, 49, is accused of telling three female Police Community Support Officers that he did not expect them to have accounts on Only Fans, a website where users can subscribe to people often providing raunchy or pornographic content.

The women alleged they were singled out and men on the shift were not given the same warning.

Sgt Sadiq is also accused of making a derogatory comment towards a female PC about not being able to 'hide her sexuality' while gesturing his hands down her body, according to a source.

In another incident, he is alleged to have allocated the same officer to a woman who regularly went missing from her home who was 'struggling with her sexuality' and said the PC could 'relate to the female based on her sexuality' and would be a 'motherly figure'.

Sergeant Shazad Sadiq (right, on Hunted), a temporary inspector with Durham Constabulary, is accused of making discriminatory comments which could amount to gross misconduct

The 49-year-old (pictured, on the Channel 4 programme) is accused of telling three female Police Community Support Officers that he did not expect them to have accounts on Only Fans

He is also accused of refusing to allow the same officer to pursue a Taser course because her 'hormones needed to settle' after a period of parental leave.

It is understood Sgt Sadiq vehemently denies the allegations.

Sgt Sadiq has been a police officer for 28 years, working for the Metropolitan Police in London before moving to Durham in 2001.

He has served as general secretary of the National Black Police Association and was chairman of the Durham Ethnic Minority Support Association.

In 2021, he began appearing as a hunter on Hunted, where police and intelligence personnel track down contestants 'on the run'.

The contestants must reach an 'extraction point' if they survive 21 days on the run, and can win a share of 100,000.

Durham Constabulary said: 'In February, a sergeant was suspended pending an investigation into allegations surrounding potential breaches of standards of behaviour. That investigation remains ongoing.'

Channel 4 declined to comment.
Donald Trump announced a 'powerful and deadly' Christmas Day strike on ISIS 'terrorist scum' in Nigeria and warned that radicals will continue to pay for the persecution of Christians.

The President, who previously threatened to send the US military to the West African nation 'guns-a-blazing,' made the announcement in a Truth Social post Thursday evening.

'Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!' he wrote.

A spokesman for the Pentagon confirmed to the Daily Mail that the Nigerian government approved of and worked with the US military on the strikes.

The US Africa Command posted on X that it had 'conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Soboto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists.'

Nigeria's foreign ministry said the strikes were carried out as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States, involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to target militant groups.

'This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,' the ministry said in a post on X.

A video posted by the Pentagon showed at least one projectile launched from a warship. A US defense official said the strike targeted multiple militants at known ISIS camps.

Donald Trump announced a 'powerful and deadly' Christmas Day strike on ISIS 'terrorist scum' in Nigeria and warned that radicals will continue to pay for the persecution of Christians

A video posted by the Pentagon showed at least one projectile launched from a warship. A US defense official said the strike targeted multiple militants at known ISIS camps

Trump, 79, said in his lengthy post that the ISIS militants have had it coming for some time.

'I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.'

'The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper,' Trump added.

The president signed off with a warning: 'May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.'

Trump's post did not include information about how the strike was carried out and what effects it had. The White House did not immediately provide further details.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed the President's message in a social media post of his own.

'The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight  on Christmas. More to come Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!'

Join the debate Should the US intervene militarily in other countries to protect persecuted religious groups?

Nigeria has been roiled by internal violence in the wake of a jihadist insurgency spearheaded by extremist group Boko Haram in the northeast since 2009

Trump, 79, had already designated Nigeria a 'country of particular concern,' but he took his condemnation of the situation in the country even further after hearing it on Fox News

Nigeria has been roiled by internal violence in the wake of a jihadist insurgency spearheaded by extremist group Boko Haram in the northeast since 2009.

In November, Trump threatened to take on the terrorists with 'guns-a-blazing.'

He had already designated Nigeria a 'country of particular concern,' but he took his condemnation of the situation in the country even further after hearing about it on Fox News, threatening to cut aid and even send in US troops.

Some Christian communities have welcomed the US President's menace, believing that foreign armies are needed to restore peace in their homeland.

Amid the various forms of bloodletting around the country - including ethnic rivalry and banditry - the Islamist militants have been slaughtering Christians as well as Muslims they regard as 'apostates' for failing to comply with their brand of Islam.

There has also been a separate onslaught by Fulani Muslim tribesmen against mainly Christian farming communities, a protracted crisis linked to a tangle of issues like religion, ethnicity and a scramble over the dwindling supply of arable land.

While Christians are among those targeted, analysts say the majority of victims of armed groups are Muslims in Nigeria's Muslim-majority north, where most attacks occur, according to the Associated Press.

Trump's threat, which came after he watched a Fox News segment about the conflict in Nigeria, triggered alarm bells across West Africa.

Anonymous sources from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which directs American military operations across the continent, told The Washington Post Trump's announcement prompted concern.

They said a US military operation in an area where there is little US intelligence was unlikely to make a difference, and leaders called for their sovereignty to be respected.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has said that the country 'welcomes' the US help

'We welcome US assistance as long as it recognizes our territorial integrity,' Daniel Bwala, an adviser to President Tinubu, told Reuters.

Trump's explosive announcement also came via Truth Social.

'If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, 'guns-a-blazing,' to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,' he wrote.

'I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action.

'If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!'

Bwala sought to play down tensions between the two states, despite Trump calling Nigeria a 'disgraced country.'

'We don't take it literally, because we know Donald Trump thinks well of Nigeria,' Bwala said.

'I am sure by the time these two leaders meet and sit, there would be better outcomes in our joint resolve to fight terrorism,' he said.

Trump had threatened to send the US military to the West African nation 'guns-a-blazing'

Nigeria, a country of more than 200 million people and around 200 ethnic groups, is divided between the largely Muslim north and mostly Christian south.

Islamist insurgents such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have wrought havoc in the country for more than 15 years, killing thousands of people, but their attacks have been largely confined to the northeast of the country, which is majority Muslim.

While Christians have been killed, the vast majority of the victims have been Muslims, analysts say.

In central Nigeria there have been frequent clashes between mostly Muslim herders and mainly Christian farmers over access to water and pasture, while in the northwest of the country, gunmen routinely attack villages, kidnapping residents for ransom.

Nigeria 'does not discriminate against any tribe or religion in the fight against insecurity,' Bwala said. 'There is no Christian genocide.'

In mid-December, Trump placed the country on a list of 15 that faced partial travel bans to the US in a response to anti-Christian violence in Nigeria.

'The United States is taking decisive action in response to the mass killings and violence against Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and beyond,' Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
A teenage boy accused of performing multiple Nazi salutes and plastering National Socialist Network stickers on public buildings has been arrested by cops.

Detectives allege the 18-year-old directed two of the outlawed salutes at people inside local shopping centres in Canberra.

In October, a member of the public confronted the teen after he allegedly plastered 'propaganda-style' stickers around a shopping centre.

Police allege the teen performed the Nazi salute and then left the premises. He allegedly performed a second salute at a different shopping centre on December 12.

Police also allege the 18-year-old repeatedly trespassed at the Australian National University campus during August and September, where he allegedly placed extremist stickers on buildings and other public property.

On Christmas Eve, the AFP's National Security Investigations team, with support from ACT Policing, executed a search warrant at a home in Weston.

Officers seized mobile phones, a computer, stickers, storage devices, a video camera and clothing from the home, about 12km southwest of Canberra's CBD.

The teen was led out of his home in handcuffs and later charged with two counts of publicly displaying prohibited Nazi symbols or performing a Nazi salute.

An 18-year-old Canberra man (pictured) was arrested by ACT Police on Christmas Eve

One of the flyers allegedly seized by police from the Weston teenager's home during the raid

The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

The teen also faces two counts of damaging Commonwealth property which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years and two counts of offensive or disorderly behaviour on Commonwealth premises, which may attract a fine.

AFP Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Stephen Nutt condemned the teen's alleged actions.

Nutt said the AFP established the National Security Investigations team in September specifically to target individuals and groups spreading hate and division.

Authorities said signs of radicalisation can include withdrawing from family and friends, adopting extremist rhetoric, fixating on conspiracy theories, and spending increasing time in fringe online forums.

They urged Australians to report any concerns about extremist behaviour.

His arrest follows a neo-Nazi assembly outside NSW parliament two months ago and an Islamic State-inspired attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi less than two weeks ago that killed 15.

Meanwhile, John Argento, 47, has been named as a person of interest after a car bearing a Hanukkah-related symbol was set alight outside a rabbi's house in Melbourne in the early hours of Christmas Day.

Prosecutors have charged the 18-year-old with publicly displaying prohibited Nazi symbols

Investigators allege the teen performed two Nazi salutes in shopping centres in recent months

Stickers displaying the name of the National Socialist Network were found at the property

No one was inside the vehicle at the time, but the home's occupants were evacuated as a precaution.

The attack was designed to frighten Jews for being visibly Jewish, Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said.

'After Bondi, and with the number of recent threats and investigations around the country, Australia has to treat anti-Semitism as a public safety issue, not a niche community concern,' he said.

A federal royal commission or an equivalent national inquiry with real powers into the Bondi attack and wider anti-Semitism crisis is the only way the nation can get the truth, accountability and lasting reform, Mr Leibler said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the suspected firebombing was 'beyond comprehension'.

The prime minister has so far resisted calls for a royal commission in the wake of the Bondi mass shooting, instead backing a NSW inquiry and prioritising a faster but more limited review of intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

Hate speech reforms and an overhaul of ministerial powers to cancel or reject visas for sowing division or potentially inciting violence are also on the agenda.

Victoria has vowed to follow NSW in cracking down on hate crimes and giving police power to veto protests after terror attacks.

NSW Police late on Christmas Eve moved to ban protest rallies from key metropolitan areas in Sydney following the December 14 Bondi attack.
A $400,000 shipment of live lobsters destined for Costco stores in the Midwest vanished somewhere between Massachusetts and the heartland, hijacked before it could ever reach Illinois or Minnesota.

It is the latest high-dollar theft in what authorities say is a growing, organized assault on America's supply chain.

The shipment was picked up in Taunton, Massachusetts, and was supposed to be delivered to Costco locations hundreds of miles away, but never arrived.

Dylan Rexing, CEO of Indiana-based logistics firm Rexing Companies, confirmed the theft and said investigators believe the stolen lobsters were targeted by an organized cargo theft ring that specializes in high-value goods moving through the transportation system.

'This is a huge issue across the country,' Rexing said in an interview with WFLD. 'It directly impacts businesses and contributes to higher prices for consumers.'

The loss has triggered a federal investigation, with the FBI now probing the disappearance of the shipment. No arrests have been announced.

According to Rexing, the theft appears far from random. He said law enforcement informed him that another seafood shipment was stolen earlier this month from the same Massachusetts facility.

The detail that has raised concerns about systematic targeting and inside knowledge of shipping schedules.

A $400,000 shipment of live lobsters was hijacked while in transit to Midwest Costco stores, authorities say

Costco locations in Illinois and Minnesota were expecting a delivery before it vanished en route

For Rexing Companies, which is based in Evansville, Indiana, the impact is significant.

Rexing said the loss affects more than just balance sheets, noting it could ripple through hiring plans and employee bonuses at his company, which employs more than 100 people.

The hijacked lobster shipment is the latest example of a nationwide surge in cargo theft that has drawn increasing attention from federal authorities.

Earlier this year, Homeland Security Investigations launched 'Operation Boiling Point,' a coordinated effort aimed at dismantling organized retail and cargo theft networks.

In announcing the operation, HSI said cargo theft is responsible for an estimated $15 billion to $35 billion in losses annually, with organized groups targeting shipments at ports of entry, truck stops, freight trains and other points along the supply chain while goods are in transit.

HSI also warned that while cargo theft rings are not always directly involved in organized retail crime, 'they can be linked to common fences/fencers that are purchasing the stolen goods,' effectively feeding a broader underground market.

The Department of Transportation has also raised alarms.

Investigators believe the stolen lobster load was targeted by an organized cargo theft ring (file)

In September, the agency issued a request for information seeking input from law enforcement, transportation agencies, freight carriers, and the public on how to better protect the US supply chain.

'Cargo theft is a growing concern for the US transportation system, costing the economy billions annually,' the DOT said in summary.

'These crimes involve opportunistic 'straight thefts' of trailers, containers, and loads at truck stops or multimodal distribution hubs and highly coordinated operations conducted by organized criminal networks.'

The department added that such crimes not only disrupt supply chains and cause significant economic losses, but can also help fund broader illicit activities, including narcotics trafficking, counterfeiting and human smuggling.
A young newlywed has been charged after allegedly making an offensive phone call to a top nutritionist based in Sydney's ritzy eastern suburbs.

Leading child nutrition expert and author Mandy Sacher, 49, frequently graces television screens offering parents and consumers advice on how to eat and live well, sharing healthy recipes, and exposing hidden nasties in common groceries.

The mother-of-two and entrepreneur, who boasts more than 100,000 followers on Instagram, is also the founder of Real Food Rating - which seeks to provide families with independent, science-backed nutrient information on consumables.

But the renowned paediatric nutritionist has become embroiled in a court matter after she allegedly received a frightening phone call to her business.

Police will allege Ms Sacher received a phone call on Sunday, December 21, that caused her immediate fear.

She reported the matter to police and detectives launched an investigation.

Officers arrested Serena Tonuri, 26, at a home in Meadowbank, in the city's inner north-west, about 4.30pm on Monday.

She was taken to Gladesville Police Station and charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend.

Child nutritionist Mandy Sacher, 49, was the alleged victim of an offensive phone call last week

Tonuri married her partner of three years in Queensland two months ago

Police have taken out an AVO on Ms Sacher's behalf against Tonuri, who has been granted strict conditional bail to face court next month.

Under the conditions, Tonuri must not assault, threaten, stalk, harass or intimidate Ms Sacher or anyone she has a domestic relationship with.

Tonuri is also forbidden from intentionally or recklessly destroying or damaging Ms Sacher's property, harming any animals she owns or is caring for, contacting or approaching her, or going within 100metres of any place where she lives or works.

The charges come as part of NSW Police's hate crime crackdown, with officers under Operation Shelter already conducting more than 2,600 proactive taskings since the Bondi terror attack that killed 15 on December 14.

Daily Mail can reveal Tonuri, a self-proclaimed digital entrepreneur, is a new bride who also goes by the name Serena de Florian after marrying her partner in a lavish ceremony in October.

According to social media, she is a graduate of Loreto Kirribilli, a private all-girls Catholic school that costs up to $35,160 per year, and a current equine science student at Charles Sturt University.

Tonuri touts herself online as a 'network marketer, trader, and investor', who can 'help others make an online income'.

'If you're reading this right now, it's probably because something inside you knows you're meant for more. More income. More freedom. More purpose. More opportunities. More LIFE,' one of her web pages reads.

The couple are seen holding their marriage licence in this photo from their wedding

Ms Sacher is a popular health expert who often appears on television to discuss nutrition

'Maybe you're tired of the work sleeprepeat cycle. Maybe you want to break free from the stress, the routine, or the feeling of being stuck. Or maybe you're simply ready for a change.'

Tonuri's TikTok and Instagram pages are filled with inspirational posts urging others to 'make money online', alongside photos of her attending plush events.

In one post, she said she did network marketing for a financial education company that 'gives you tools, education and research to succeed in financial markets'.

'Two years ago, I was serving up fast food. Today, I'm serving up success as a business owner,' another post reads.

'What my life is like now when I decided to take a risk and make a change for 2024.

'What a difference a leap of faith can make.'

Another video shows Tonuri eating breakfast in a hotel room while working on a laptop before attending a work conference.

'When you create your own wealth, you don't follow the rules - you make them. If you are ready to live life on your terms, welcome to the team,' she wrote.

Sacher is the author of bestselling book The Wholesome Child, a healthy recipe book for kids

Tonuri describes herself as a network marketer who 'helps others make an online income'

Meanwhile, Ms Sacher is a practising consultant, speaker, author, blogger, and influencer who has shared her expertise on various media programs, including the Today Show, Sunrise, 9News, The Morning Show, ABC News, and The Project.

She has partnered with a number of infant and child foods, eating utensils and lifestyle brands including Munchkin, Aldi, Blackmores, Nourishing Bubs, Pure Good Bars, Little Bellies and Bellamy's Organic.

She is also the author of bestselling book The Wholesome Child, a healthy recipe book for kids published in 2018, and the Unfussy Eaters Club, due for release in 2026.

According to her website, Ms Sacher became passionate about childhood nutrition when she found a 'vast number of 'healthy' products aimed at babies and children were far from ideal'.

She is an active opponent of the Health Star Rating System used on grocery products' packaging material, with Ms Sacher arguing it's a marketing gimmick that misleads consumers into buying unhealthy ingredients.

Earlier this year, she launched Real Food Rating - which she describes as 'Australia's first independent, science-backed food rating system built to cut through misleading health claims and expose the truth about ultra-processed foods'.

'Developed using enhanced NOVA classification and strict ingredient standards, Real Food Rating empowers families to make informed choices and supports brands committed to transparency and reformulation.

'At Real Food Rating, we're closing the gap between conventional nutrition science and a whole food philosophy - because food should nourish, not confuse.'

Tonuri is due to face Burwood Local Court on January 15.
A 47-year-old man has been named as a person of interest after a rabbi's car was allegedly targeted in an arson attack on Christmas Day.

John Argento has been urged to come forward as Victoria Police continue to investigate the alleged firebombing in Melbourne's south-east.

The rabbi's family were forced to flee their home when a 'Happy Chanukah' sign on their car suddenly erupted into flames.

Emergency services raced to the home on Balaclava Road in St Kilda East, the heart of the city's Jewish community, about 2.50am.

Firefighters evacuated the family inside the home as a precaution while they worked to bring the blaze under control.

Police confirmed nobody was injured.

Argento, who has an outstanding warrant for deception-related offences, is known to police and lives a 'transient lifestyle'.

He is often seen in Melbourne's inner southern and northern suburbs.

Pictured is a man police are interested in speaking to regarding the alleged incident

The car, which had a 'Happy Hannukah' sign on the roof was firebombed on Christmas Day

The attack has been condemned by the local Jewish community, who called it 'despicable'

He is described as 185cm tall with a thin build, blue eyes, grey hair and a fair complexion.

Police have urged anyone who knows his whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.

Detectives say the arson attack appears targeted, but there is no evidence Argento poses a specific risk to the Jewish community.

Police also want to question Argento about a car break-in that occurred just 20 minutes after the firebombing.

'We understand the devastating impact this type of offence has on our Jewish community, and we are continuing to prioritise this investigation,' Chris Gilbert, Assistant Commissioner for the Southern Metro Region, said.

'We won't fully understand the motives of this [alleged] arsonist until we get them into custody.'

Gilbert reiterated that there is no broader threat to the Jewish community and thanked those who had assisted in the investigation.

Jewish leaders have since warned of rising violence over the festive season.

Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann told the Herald Sun it felt like an 'open season on Jews,' condemning the alleged firebombing as 'abhorrent' and 'despicable.'
More than 500 workers at a Louisiana factory walked away with six-figure bonuses totaling $240 million after their boss fought for them when he sold the company for $1.7 billion.

Graham Walker, who is set to step down as CEO of Fibrebond on December 31, told prospective buyers he would only sell the company his father founded if they earmarked 15 percent of the proceeds for the company's employees.

The requirement was non-negotiable, Walker told the Wall Street Journal, arguing that without the stipulation, his employees - who did not own stock in the company - would walk out.

Ultimately, executives at power management company Eaton agreed to Walker's terms, and in June, 540 full-time Fibrebond workers began receiving payouts averaging $443,000, to be allocated over the next five years.

Long-time employees received even more.

When each worker started receiving their bonus amounts in envelopes, some were overwhelmed with emotion, while others thought it was a prank.

Lesia Key, a 29-year veteran at the factory who started in 1995 making $5.35 an hour, broke down when she opened her letter.

'It was surreal, it was like telling people they won the lottery. There was absolute shock,' recounted Hector Moreno, a business development executive at Fibrebond.

'They said, "What's the catch?"'

In June, 540 full-time Fibrebond workers started to receive payouts averaging $443,000, which would be allocated over the next five years

For Key, 51, who had three young children and a pile of debt when she started at the factory, the funds represented a new start.

She used the money to pay off her mortgage and even open her own clothing boutique.

'Before, we were going paycheck to paycheck,' she said. 'I can live now.'

Moreno, meanwhile, used his money to take his entire extended family on a trip to Cancun, Mexico.

Others also paid down credit cards, bought cars outright, funded college tuition, or boosted their retirement savings.

Longtime assistant manager Hong 'TT' Blackwell, 67, even used the several hundred thousand dollars she received to retire.

Blackwell, an immigrant from Vietnam who spent more than 15 years in Fibrebond's logistics operation, explained that she used part of the bonus to buy her husband a Toyota Tacoma and set the rest aside.

'Now I don't have to worry. My retirement is nice and peaceful,' she told the Journal.

The bonuses also boosted Minden's economy, a town of about 12,000, with Mayor Nick Cox saying: 'There's a lot of buzz about the amount of money being spent.'

That is one of the reasons Walker said he wanted to give each of the employees bonuses, telling the Journal he wanted to do something good for the town, which had spent years losing jobs, residents and watching businesses move to Texas.

'It seems sometimes progress evades us,' he said. 'We don't often see good things here.'

Walker also sought to reward the employees who had stayed by the company's side through tumultuous times.

The bonuses provided a boon to the economy of Minden, a town of about 12,000

Fibrebond was founded in 1982 by Walker's father, Claud Walker, with a dozen employees building shelters for electrical and telecommunication equipment.

It thrived during the cellular boom of the 1990s, when it shifted to build concrete enclosures for cellphone towers, then nearly collapsed when its factory burned to the ground in 1998.

Hard times continued into the early 2000s amid the dot-com bubble, which slashed Fibrebond's customer base to just three clients, forcing layoffs that cut the workforce from roughly 900 to 320.

Still, the Walkers continued to pay their employees even as production stalled.

Graham and his brother later took over the day-to-day operations, selling assets and paying down debt while searching for a new market.

And the staffers stuck around, some treasuring the close-knit work environment, where they enjoyed snacks every Thursday at 2pm.

Choices were also limited in Minden, where Walmart is the only other major employer.

When the Walkers then had to freeze salaries for several years, Fibrebond set up a fund to help employees struggling to pay their bills.

By 2015, Graham became the CEO and rehired some of those who had been laid off during the rough times.

He then decided that instead of handing out individual bonuses, Fibrebond would begin giving ground bonuses when the company met safety and other targets.

Prospects improved, he said, but the business's ups and downs caused 'whiplash.'

Graham (second from left) became the CEO in 2015, and hired back some of those that were laid off during the rough times

Walker said he wanted to do something good for the town, which had spent years losing jobs, residents and watching businesses move to Texas

Graham then had to plead with employees to trust his leadership, promising they would benefit if the company ever made it big.

'We were scratching and clawing for any order, let alone profitable ones,' Moreno recounted.

The turnaround finally came with a risky $150 million investment to pivot into building modular power enclosures for data centers, which paid off when cloud computing demand surged during the COVID pandemic.

Interest in artificial intelligence further boosted sales, as has the demand for terminals exporting liquefied natural gas.

As a result, sales jumped 400 percent over five years, drawing interest from large industrial players, before Eaton finally agreed to Graham's 15 percent demand.

'We came to an agreement with this second-generation family-owned business that honors their commitments to their employees and the community,' a spokesperson for the company told the Journal.

Graham said he is now just asking his employees one favor - to let them know how the money changed their lives.

'I hope I'm 80 years old and get an email about how it's impacted someone,' he said.
A top cop has urged troublemakers to skip a Cronulla-style riot, vowing to enforce a zero tolerance policy for anybody who does attend.

NSW Police on Monday night confirmed the force was aware of a planned 'bashing day' on Cronulla Beach in south Sydney on December 27.

A flyer advertising the event has been widely shared across social media.

'WE RIOT. WOG/MIDDLE EASTERN BASHING DAY. SATURDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2025,' it states.

'SPREAD THE WORD AUSTRALIA! STAND THE F*** UP.'

While not explicitly stated in the post, it's understood the 'bashing day' was a response to the mass shooting at Bondi Beach - which saw two men allegedly shoot dead 15 attendees at a celebration of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

NSW Police are concerned that Saturday's event might spark a riot similar to when 5,000 people gathered to attack minorities at the same beach in December 2005.

'Everyone in NSW deserves to be safe and feel safe,' NSW Acting Assistant Commissioner Brendan Gorman told 9News on Friday.

Police are urging anyone hoping to attend a 'bashing day' at Cronulla Beach in south Sydney on Saturday to stay home instead

Officers fear it could descend into chaos similar to the racist Cronulla Riots of 2005 (pictured)

Ryder Shaw (pictured), who is accused of organising Saturday's protest, has been refused bail after being charged over his alleged 'violent call to action'

'Now is not the time for any behaviour that will cause division in our community.

'Action will be taken against anyone who engages in criminal activity that is motivated by hate.'

It comes as Ryder Shaw, who is accused of organising the protest, faced court over his 'violent call to action' on Cronulla Beach.

The 20-year-old Central Coast barber appeared in court on Monday charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass, offend and to publicly threaten violence on the grounds of race or religion.

Magistrate Margaret Quinn said the allegations were very serious and could possibly result in jail time if proven.

'I dont know if that young man who [allegedly] killed all those people in Bondi had a record either, she said.

'Inciting people to violence because of race or religion is repulsive.

'That young man [Shaw] should realise that the person who saved people [at the Bondi shooting] was a Muslim.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon (pictured) previously asked everyone in NSW to resist violence in their response to the Bondi Beach Shooting

The 'bashing day' was advertised across social media earlier this week following the Bondi Beach terror attack (people gathered following the shooting on December 14)

'This young man seems to be a Muslim hater. That is what his text suggests.'

Magistrate Quinn said the alleged offending was made even more serious by the fact feelings are running high at the moment and event details were specified.

There is a date involved and a place. They are not just a random declaration to kill or do something to others. It actually sets down a date and place, she said.

Magistrate Quinn denied Shaw bail, arguing there was an unacceptable risk of endangering others in the community.

In the last week, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon announced there would be restrictions on unauthorised public gatherings after the Bondi Beach terror attack.

The restrictions were put in place on Wednesday and will remain until January 7.

Police allege Shaw did not obtain the correct authorisation for a 'riot' at Cronulla, making anyone who chose to attend the event on Saturday 'not legally protected'.

Although Shaw has been denied bail and police have issued warnings, officers will have an active presence on the beach on Saturday.

They will be routinely patrolling up and down the area to respond to any reports of people inciting violence or hatred.

Those who commit violent offences, participate in anti-social behaviour or harass and intimidate others will face an immediate confrontation with police.
Prince William spotted 'Diana's biggest superfan' in the crowd of people lined up to greet the royals at Sandringham yesterday.

But the Prince delighted him further by calling out to royal fanatic John Loughrey, 70, by name - before introducing him to Charlotte, Louis, and George.

Mr Loughrey, wearing a hat covered in pins of the Royal Family and bearing presents for William's children, wished the family a merry Christmas and told Prince George: 'Diana would be proud of you'.

The royal children politely greet the superfan and thank him for their gifts, with Charlotte adding: 'Thank you very much, that's so kind'.

Even King Charles II recognised the man who has been called Princess Diana's biggest superfan.

As the monarch shook hands and greeted the festive well-wishers who were lined up outside the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk yesterday, he noted Mr Loughrey's impressive badge collection, saying: 'You've collected more badges since last year!'

John Loughrey, from Wandsworth, south west London, arrived at 9pm on Christmas Eve and spent the night on a fold up chair outside the gates and was first in the queue outside Sandringham's War Memorial gates to greet the royals on Christmas Day.

He told the Daily Mail: 'It was cold but I had heat pads inside my jumper and hand warmers.

Prince William spotted John Loughrey and introduced him to his three children - George, Louis, and Charlotte

Princes George and Louis are seen shaking Mr Loughrey's hand and accepting gifts as they walk through the crowds

Mr Loughrey brought Prince William a gift - a 2012 portrait of himself bearing the Union Jack

King Charles noted Mr Loughrey's impressive badge collection, remarking that it had increased since last year

Princess Kate looked radiant as she greeted fans yesterday wearing a silk scarf and purple tartan coat

Theres something special about sharing Christmas Day with the royals at Sandringham.

The royal megafan also came armed with a portrait of himself painted in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales, back in 2012, which he hoped to pass on to Prince William.

The retired chef assist was painted by artist Rebecca Francesca Cartwright de Fontenelle and featured in the Royal Society of Portrait Painters 2012 exhibition.

'I have met him several times before,' Mr Loughrey said of Prince William.

'I last saw William at the Centrepoint homeless charity a few weeks ago and I told him I would bring a special gift for him to Sandringham.'

Mr Loughrey had also met William back in March when he visited mental health charity established in 2017 by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales called Mental Health Innovations (MHI) in White City.

Prince William also stopped in March to greet Mr Loughrey then, where he discussed his plans to have more royal memorabilia commissioned.

The superfan well known to the Press is a regular visitor to St Paul's Cathedral and, when the Queen died in 2022, he planned to camp outside Buckingham Palace for ten days in mourning.

Join the debate Should superfans camp for days to see the royals, or does it cross a line into obsession?

King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royals as they passed crowds of fans waiting for a glimpse of the family on Christmas Day

The Princess of Wales looked radiant as she greeted fans with her daughter, Princess Charlotte

An unexpected appearance was also made by Princess Beatrice and her husband Eduardo Mapelli Mozzi, despite rumours they would spend Christmas elsewhere

Yesterday, senior Royals greeted crowds as they passed to and from Mary Magdalene Church in traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.

King Charles led the procession alongside Queen Camilla, who stood out in a bright red overcoat and matching hat. The couple appeared relaxed and cheerful as they acknowledged the crowds on the sunny but chilly morning.

After the hour-long service, the family returned to Sandringham House for a Christmas lunch hosted by the King, once again pausing to greet members of the public on their walk back.

The day also brought a surprise appearance from the Kings nieces, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who attended despite speculation they might spend Christmas elsewhere this year.

Beatrice was joined by her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who later wished members of the press a merry Christmas as the family departed.

Other royals spotted included Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, with their children Lady Louise, 22, and James, Viscount Severn, 17, as well as Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence.

Zara and Mike Tindall attended with their children Mia, Lena and Lucas, while Peter Phillips was joined by his daughters Savannah and Isla.
British Police are set to ask the FBI about a person's outlandish claims they were driven to 'paedophile parties' allegedly attended by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Ghislaine Maxwell where they were tortured with electric shocks.

The alleged victim, whose claims have been published in the recent releases of the Epstein files from the US Department of Justice, said they were driven to the parties by their father when they were between six and eight years of age.

The latest batch of files to be released include a series of wild claims of criminality by Andrew and others that are said to have taken place in England, although they are not independently verified and have not been proven.

Surrey Police has confirmed they were not previously aware of the allegations and are set to ask the FBI for more information, reported today.

The alleged victim, now aged 35, claims they were drugged and then taken to the parties by their own father.

According to the latest tranche of documents, released on Monday night, the victim was once taken to royal property Frogmore Cottage, where they were restrained and tortured with electric shocks by Ghislaine Maxwell.

They claim that Andrew and other men watched on as the torture took place.

The individual is said to have spoken to the FBI in anticipation of Maxwell's bail hearing ahead of her trial in the United States. She was convicted of numerous offences including sex trafficking in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is pictured with Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she had been forced to have sex with the royal after being trafficked from the US

New documents show another victim claimed they had been abused at 'paedophile ring' parties were Andrew was present

The files also recount a second unverified incident in which the alleged victim reported being hit by a car being driven by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

They told the FBI that after one party in Surrey, a dark blue vehicle with a personalised number plate with the then-Prince behind the wheel collided with them.

A figurine on the bonnet was said to have been knocked off by the force of the impact and was later buried near their home.

Reacting to the claims, Surrey Police told the Mail: 'Following a review of our systems using the limited information available to us, we can find no evidence of these allegations being reported to Surrey police.

'We are therefore engaging with relevant agencies to obtain access to the redacted information.

'We take all reports of child abuse seriously and encourage anyone with information in relation to these allegations to report this to us online, or via 101.'

The individual also claimed that they were subject to sexual abuse outside of the UK, including by Epstein himself.

Documents state the victim's claim they were taken by their father to Epstein's house in Florida, which was located near to a property owned by their grandparents where the family would frequent on holiday.

With a wolfish grin on his face, the former prince is draped over the laps of five young women in the Saloon at Sandringham, while Ghislaine Maxwell looks on

In one photo released by the US Department of Justice, Epstein and Maxwell are seen with Andrew in the Royal Box at Ascot racecourse. They were his personal guests on June 22, 2000, when both the Queen and the Queen Mother were in attendance

They said: 'I remember on one occasion being driven by my father over an hour away to a mansion with a gated driveway and a large rectangular swimming pool.

'I was molested by a man that I later recognised as Epstein when he was in the news.'

They added: 'He took pornographic photographs of me in a skirt.'

According to the FBI statement from December 2020, the victim said they had reported their father to the police, but the man was not spoken to or arrested by American authorities.

More than 11,000 new documents in the Epstein case were published on Monday night, although it is thought there are hundreds of thousands still to come.

The Department of Justice said this week that it had 'discovered' another million documents which could relate to the case.

The latest claims against Andrew come after the emergence of correspondence between Maxwell and an individual calling themselves 'the invisible man', with emails signed off 'A'.

One of the emails showed the mystery 'A' asking Maxwell: 'Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?'

Speculation has been mounting this week that the unidentified person exchanging emails with Epstein's ex-girlfriend and sex trafficker Maxwell could be Andrew. The former prince has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Wearing a tweed cape, Epstein, with Maxwell and an unknown man, on a shoot on the hills above Balmoral Castle. It has been previously reported that they were guests on the Scottish estate in 1999

In August 2001, 'A' messages Maxwell: 'How's LA? Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?'

He adds: 'Let me know when you are coming over as I am free from 25th August until 2nd Sept and want to go somewhere hot and sunny with some fun people before having to put my nose firmly to the grindstone for the Fall.'

Maxwell also discusses 'two-legged sight seeing' and a range of other plans with the mystery person.

Elsewhere in the files, Andrew is photographed at Sandringham with Maxwell while he lays across several women's laps.

Others show him with Epstein and Maxwell at Ascot racecourse.

The allegations come at a time when Andrew is being further shunned by the royals in response to his close friendship with the convicted paedophile.

He made no appearance at the royal family's traditional Christmas events and was not in attendance at their celebrations in Sandringham yesterday.

His daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, were invited to the annual gathering.

Surrey Police has been contacted for comment.
A top Conservative peer has pressed Sir Keir Starmer to give Reform UK a voice in the House of Lords.

In August, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage wrote to Sir Keir, calling for his party to be granted lifetime peerages.

Conservative House of Lords leader Lord True said Reform winning seats in the House of Commons meant their view should be heard in the upper chamber as well.

'The beauty of this house is its complete freedom, so any person here wants to put down an amendment, that amendment must be heard,' he told the Daily Telegraph.

'Having someone from a party that is represented in the House of Commons, to take a detailed part in examination and to put forward that party's point of view, I think, is a sensible principle.'

The Tory leader said he had also called for more Labour peers in the House of Lords under Conservative prime ministers Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss.

'Every party needs a refresh in the chamber, particularly a chamber where the average age is 70,' he said.

'You must have new people coming in.'

In his letter to the Prime Minister, first reported by The Times in August, Mr Farage said his party was keen to see life peers appointed to the upper house 'at the earliest possible opportunity'.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (right) at the MacDonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa in Falkirk, with Lord Malcolm Offord

Former Conservative life peer Malcolm Offord announced his defection to Reform UK in December

'My party received over 4.1 million votes at the general election in July 2024. We have since won a large number of seats in local government, led in the national opinion polls for many months and won the only by-election of this parliament,' he said.

Former Conservative life peer Malcolm Offord announced his defection to Reform UK in December.

During a speech, Lord Offord confirmed he would give up his place in the House of Lords as he prepares to stand at the Scottish Parliament election in May.

While the Prime Minister has full discretion over appointments to the Lords and is not required by law to grant seats to opposition figures, it is not uncommon for leaders to invite nominations from other parties.

In December, Sir Keir created 25 new Labour peers, while the Liberal Democrats received five and the Conservatives three.

Other minor parties in the upper house include the DUP with six seats, the UUP with three, and the Green Party and Plaid Cymru with two each.
Kim Jong Un has demanded a major expansion of North Korea's weapons programme as he toured the country's latest nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine alongside his young daughter.

The dictator ordered officials to step up missile production and build new munitions factories to meet what he described as the military's growing need for advanced weapons, according to the country's state media.

Pyongyang describes the new weapon as an 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine being built at an undisclosed shipyard.

Kim visited key arms manufacturing sites with senior officials and instructed them to prepare for an especially intensive year ahead.

He said factories must 'further expand the overall production capacity' to keep pace with demand from the country's armed forces.

'The missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering up the war deterrent,' Kim said, ordering the construction of additional munitions plants.

The visit comes as North Korea continues a sharp escalation in missile testing, which analysts say is aimed at improving precision-strike capabilities, deterring the United States and South Korea, and trialling weapons systems that could later be exported.

Pyongyang's deepening military ties with Russia have intensified those concerns.

Since Moscow invaded Ukraine nearly four years ago, North Korea has supplied Russia with troops, artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems, according to Western officials.

Pyongyang describes the new weapon as an 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine being built at an undisclosed shipyard

Kim toured the facilities with his daughter, identified as Kim Ju-ae, who has accompanied him on numerous state events

In return, analysts believe Russia has provided financial assistance, food and energy supplies, and sensitive military technology.

Washington has also accused Moscow of helping North Korea with advanced space and satellite technology, which overlaps with intercontinental ballistic missile development.

Ahn Chan-il, a researcher originally from North Korea, told Reuters: 'Satellite launchers and intercontinental ballistic missiles share much of the same underlying technology.'

He added that with Pyongyang's ICBM programme widely seen as having met its core goals, the regime is likely to accelerate development further next year.

Kim's inspection of the submarine facility was reported a day after state media said he toured a nuclear submarine factory and vowed to counter what he described as the growing threat posed by South Korea's plans to develop similar vessels with US backing.

State-run Korean Central News Agency said Kim was also briefed on research into 'new underwater secret weapons' during the visit.

Analysts believe North Korea is seeking advanced military technologies from Russia, including nuclear-powered submarine expertise and modern fighter jets, to address long-standing weaknesses in its navy and air force.

Kim was also reported to have overseen the test launch of new high-altitude, long-range anti-aircraft missiles over the Sea of Japan this week.

Kim visited the sites to get himself acquainted with missile and shell productions. He is now demanding that the country develops more sophisticated weapons

He said 'new modernisation and production plans' would be unveiled at the ruling Workers' Party's first congress in five years, expected in early 2026.

Experts estimate Pyongyang has around 50 nuclear warheads, and enough fissile material to build significantly more if it chooses, although exact totals are uncertain because the programme is secretive.

The IAEA has repeatedly flagged ongoing activity linked to North Korea's nuclear fuel cycle, including signs associated with enrichment and reactor-related work, even though inspectors are not allowed into the country.

Western governments oppose North Korea's weapons build-up because they see it as a direct threat to regional and global security, and a challenge to the international system designed to limit the spread of nuclear arms.

Pyongyang's missiles are explicitly built to deter or strike South Korea and Japan.

Its intercontinental systems are intended to put the United States within range, raising fears of miscalculation or escalation during any crisis.

Meanwhile, Kim's appearance with his young daughter has also fuelled fresh speculation about her future role in the regime.

The girl, widely identified by South Korean intelligence as Kim Ju-ae, has accompanied her father to a series of high-profile military events since late 2022, including missile tests, weapons factory inspections and naval facilities.

During a military parade on October 10, North Korea unveiled the Hwasong 20, which it described as 'the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon'

Kim daughter, Kim Ju-ae has increasingly accompanied him to a number of events since 2022

She was also seen with him when he arrived as a guest for China's military parade earlier this year.

State media has referred to her as Kim's 'beloved daughter', an unusually prominent label in North Korea's tightly controlled propaganda system.

While Pyongyang has never officially named an heir, analysts say her repeated presence at strategic weapons sites appears intended to familiarise the public with dynastic succession and project long-term continuity.

South Korean officials caution it is still too early to say she has been formally chosen as successor, but note that no other child of Kim Jong Un has been presented so publicly alongside him.
Cabinet minister Steve Reed has warned MPs that voters 'will never forgive' Labour if they oust Sir Keir Starmer from No 10.

The Communities Secretary has warned colleagues as well as activities to not go against one another in a bid to boot the Prime Minister from the top spot.

The MP for Streatham and Croydon North said his party ought to remember that their voters were fed up with the Conservatives 'chopping and changing' leaders.

His recent remarks come after Sir Keir confessed leadership rumours were 'rife' as he faced scrutiny from MPs over briefings against the Cabinet and Budget leaks.

The PM squirmed as he was pressed on the behaviour of his own No10 aides during an intense session at the powerful Commons Liaison Committee earlier this month.

And damning YouGov research recently found half of the public expect the PM to be gone within a year, including 19 per cent who are 'definite' about his demise.

Among those rumoured to run for leadership if Sir Keir receives the boot are Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, health secretary Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester.

Mr Reed warned Labour to learn from the Tories' mistakes, remarking how there was 'absolutely no stability' in the UK during their reign of 'chopping and changing.'

Cabinet minister Steve Reed (pictured) has warned MPs that voters 'will never forgive' Labourif they oust Sir Keir Starmer from No 10

Voters believe Keir Starmer is spending his last Christmas in No10 as anger mounts within Labour ranks

'When the British people last year voted for change, they wanted to get away from that kind of instability and chaos,' he told the Huffington Post.

Noting how laying foundations for change 'hasn't been easy' or 'visible', he recognised his peers and the public's frustration.

He was adamant that remaining 'on course' on issues such as the NHS, the cost of living, the economy, as well as immigration was essential for prosperity.

'The British people will never forgive us if we fall inwards on each other rather than focusing on the crisis that is facing them out there on the streets,' he added.

'Under the previous government, we started to sink into decline and division and a lot of people believe that we can't get out of that doom loop now. But we can.

'This country has always achieved incredible things  looks at what we did after the Second World War, look at what we did when we built the National Health Service.'

Describing the UK as a country 'of incredible talent and ambition', he urged the government to remain focused on its potential.

Join the debate Is this Starmer's last Christmas at No10?

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He went on to assure the public that's what both he and his colleagues 'spend [their] waking hours doing.'

It comes as believe Keir Starmer is spending his last Christmas in No10 as anger mounts within Labour ranks.

YouGov research found half of the public expect the PM to be gone within a year, including 19 per cent who are 'definite' about his demise.

That compared to just 35 per cent who thought he has a chance of surviving until the next festive season.

The growing sense of doom surrounding the premier is a stark contrast to his triumphant arrival in Downing Street just 17 months ago, on the back of a landslide election victory.

The government's misery deepened earlier this week as it announced another humiliating U-turn, watering down the inheritance tax raid on family farms just days after Sir Keir insisted it was 'sensible'.

Despairing Labour insiders have complained that the leadership seems to have learned nothing from the debacle over the winter fuel allowance and abortive effort at benefits reforms.

They now braced for a climbdown on business rates increases, which have seen Sir Keir and other Labour MPs banned from pubs across the country.

Labour Party chair Anna Turley told Sky News at the weekend that Sir Keir would 'absolutely' still be PM next Christmas.

Voters also appear pessimistic about the prospects in 2026, with just 15 per cent hopeful their own financial situation will improve over the next year, while 40 per cent expect things to get worse.

Some 39 per cent anticipate little change.

Despite the grim backdrop, the latest YouGov poll did show Reform's advantage on headline voting intention narrowing from 10 points to five.

Sir Keir's allies will be watching closely to see if that trend continues to show up in the New Year.
The Titanic, Sinclair C5 and Fyre Festival all started as bright, optimistic ideas which drew in astounding levels of excitement. Yet now, they all have one thing in common: abject failure.

The 'unsinkable' sunken ship, largely ignored electric tricycle and flop of a fiesta might all be consigned to history - but for a novel exhibition which looks to jettison the failures of yesterday into the lessons of tomorrow.

Dr Samuel West, founder of the Museum of Failure, is looking to change how society thinks about failure, to show it as a 'universal and necessary part of innovation and learning'.

And now he is bringing his travelling exhibition home to the UK, where visitors will be able to marvel at everything from Snapchat spectacles to the Nintendo power glove and Tesla Cybertruck.

'I've travelled all over the world with the museum but I've always wanted to bring it back home because of our black humour and our support of the underdog,' Dr West told The Guardian.

Although a venue and opening date have not yet been confirmed, fans will soon be able to see everything from failed cars to disappointing gadgets, flawed ideas and AI disasters.

The exhibition contains many British concepts including the Titanic, Sinclair C5, The Body Shop, Dyson's Zone headphones and even the NHS's national IT system.

The Titanic famously sunk on its maiden voyage from the UK to America in 1912 after striking an iceberg, while the three-wheeled sit-on tricycle from Sinclair failed to take off due to a combination of safety concerns and skepticism over electric vehicles.

The Titanic was billed as 'unsinkable' before its disastrous maiden voyage in 1912, which saw it strike an iceberg and sink, killing more than 1,500 people

Inventor Sir Clive Sinclair unveiled his Sinclair C5 electric tricycle in 1985, but it failed to take off

The Fyre Festival was billed as a luxury music festival but guests were shocked to discover soaked mattresses and catering consisting largely of cheese sandwiches on arrival

Meanwhile the Fyre festival was billed as a luxury music festival in the Bahamas in 2017, and was advertised by a host of celebrities and influencers.

However, when attendees - who paid up to 75,000 each - arrived, they were faced with mattresses on soaked floors, being fed on cheese sandwiches and having their luggage abandoned in a car park.

But perhaps most interesting to many visitors will be the designs that, while ultimately failing, paved the way for some of the greatest innovations of the last century.

Among these treasured items are the Apple Newton, which was the forefather of the iPhone, and Google Glass, which was among the first in a now successful range of wearable items that augment reality.

Innovator Ben Strutt, who specialises in turning failures into success, told the paper the exhibition is designed to change attitudes towards those ideas that don't succeed.

Pointing out that 42 per cent of start-ups end in failure, he said many products often ultimately die out not due to the inherent nature of the items themselves, but simply because something better comes along - such as the transition from VHS tapes.

Founder Dr West added: 'I want to reframe failure and show it is a universal and necessary part of innovation and learning.

'The museum's message is that we need to take bold meaningful risks to solve the largest problems of our times, environmental, social, economical. If we continue to glorify success and stigmatise failure we will not be able to experiment with and explore the solutions that we need.'

The Snapchat spectacles are just one example of dozens of products by major firms to fall flat that are featured in the Museum of Failure

Some products paved the way for greater successes, such as the Apple Newton messenger pad, which led to the evolution of the iPhone

Co-founder of Google Sergey Brin models Google glasses

But he also acknowledged that while failure can be a learning curve, it can also have darkly serious consequences for some, depending on a person's culture, financial and family circumstances.

The exhibition is currently in Paris, France but has already travelled all over the world.

It has had mixed receptions, according to Dr West, with Americans treating it as a joke while South Koreans struggled to understand the concept of celebrating failures.

The man behind the collection hopes the reception will be somewhat more nuanced when it returns to the UK.
A young mother who tried to smuggle 285,000 worth of cannabis into the UK from Thailand has been spared jail after claiming traffickers would have murdered her child unless she agreed to be a drug mule.

Poppie Kudiersky was arrested after customs officers at Manchester Airport stopped a companion she had been travelling with and seized two suitcases containing 28.5kg of the drug.

When quizzed about the haul, the 22-year-old insisted she had 'reluctantly' agreed to go to Thailand to help facilitate a stolen credit card racket.

But she alleged that on arrival she was sent photographs of criminals outside her family home in Denton, Greater Manchester.

She was then presented with two suitcases containing 57 packages of cannabis and warned the house would be burnt down and her five-year-old son killed unless she smuggled them into Britain, she claimed.

During investigations, police found pictures of Kudiersky lounging around the beaches of Phuket in her bikini, sipping cocktails, riding a jetski and taking a boat trip to the Phi Phi islands.

One message on social media showed her sunbathing by a hotel swimming pool with the caption: 'Blessed with the foreign skin that tans easily.'

At Manchester Crown Court, Kudiersky faced jail after she pleaded guilty to importing cannabis.

Poppie Kudiersky, 22, was arrested on arrival from Thailand after customs officers at Manchester Airports seized two suitcases containing 28.5kg of cannabis

Poppie Kudiersky, pictured during her 'free holiday' to Thailand, which she later claimed she accepted on the basis she would return with cases filled with clothing purchased with stolen credit cards

Kudiersky faced a prison sentence after she pleaded guilty to importing cannabis, but a judge agreed to suspend it after hearing she accepted the cases following threats to her young son

But she was given two years in prison suspended for two years despite figures showing the number of airline passengers caught smuggling cannabis into the UK has rocketed by 3,625 per cent in just two years.

Her male travelling companion, Dutch national Mohammed Jacfer, 26, who was living in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, was jailed for two years at an earlier hearing after admitting drug importation.

Drug traffickers caught in Thailand can face the death penalty.

The investigation began on February 2, 2024 when Kudiersky and Jacfer arrived at Manchester Airport on a flight from Thailand via Doha.

Philip Hall, prosecuting, said: 'Both were seen on their respective phones before Kudiersky departed the luggage carousel with a trolley, upon which there were a number of pieces of luggage.

'Jacfer was stopped by the customs officer, as he was going through the green customs channel with two suitcases and a rucksack.

'He said he had been in Thailand for eight days and the customs officer asked: "Are these all your bags?"'

The court heard Jacfer said 'Should be', but then looked at the cases and said: Wheres the name on them?

Following her arrest for smuggling cannabis worth 285,000, police found pictures on Poppie Kudiersky's phone of her lounging around the beaches of Phuket in her bikini, sipping cocktails, riding a jetski and taking a boat trip to the Phi Phi islands

Kudiersky pictured during her trip to Thailand, which led to her own mother quizzing her on how she was funding it, a court heard

'No these aren't my bags, mine must be out there. Can I go and look for them?'

The customs officer established the luggage tags of both cases were in the name of Poppie Kudiersky.

One was X-rayed and found to contain a total of 57 vacuum packages containing approximately 28.5kg of cannabis.

Three days later police attended Kudiersky's home, arrested her and seized her mobile phone.

When cautioned, the court heard she replied: His suitcase is gone. Ive ripped the tag off it.'

Later she claimed: I never had a choice.

On her phone was a conversation with an unidentified person 'in which accepted the cases seized from Jacfer were in her name and that he had been there for her when she had "meltdowns" when they were away,' Mr Hall said.

'That conversation became heated following the realisation that Jacfer had been arrested.'

Other messages made it clear that Kudiersky was 'trying to get a free holiday', the prosecutor added.

'Pictures on her phone suggest that she took full advantage of hotels and beaches and her mother questioned how she was funding the holiday.

Kudiersky was spared jail and given a suspended prison sentence after a judge said she was taking an 'exceptional course' because the 22-year-old had attempted to smuggle the cannabis almost two years ago

Kudiersky said she was told 's***'s gonna happen' if she did not agree to bring a suitcase she had been given in Thailand back to the UK

'The defendant then goes on to say that "they" are turning on her and that she has to fly with some case.

'She also says she was told "s***'s gonna happen" and that some threat was made towards her family.'

Kudiersky gave no comment in police interview.

But she later gave an accepted basis of plea in which she said she had reluctantly agreed to travel to Thailand and return with clothing that had been purchased with stolen credit cards.

However whilst there, she received two suitcases which did not contain any clothing and was instructed to transport them back to England.

She claimed she refused to transport the cases, but then received threats to herself and her family, including a photograph of people outside her mothers address where her child was staying.

She was warned the address would be burnt down and her child killed unless she agreed to take the cases.

Her counsel Patrick Buckley said in mitigation: 'It is accepted by all parties that she was subject to threats of violence both to her and her family.

'We understand that there are complications in her life.'

In a statement the National Crime Agency said in 2022 there were as few as 20 air passengers arrested for attempting to import cannabis into the UK.

But in 2023, that rose to 134, and in 2024, 745 airport passengers were arrested.

In the first nine months of this year, 680 air passengers were detained.

The court heard Kudiersky had previous convictions for battery and possession of cannabis.

Sentencing her, Judge Hilary Manley ordered Kudiersky to complete 15 days of rehabilitation activity and 150 hours of unpaid work.

She said: 'The NCA describes a continuing rise in this type of crime having a huge impact on the UK law enforcement agency and increasing demand on resources.

'Because of the how this sort of offending has become much more common, and much more prevalent, it is very important for all people to understand that those people who allow themselves to get involved with importation of drugs in this way, will receive deterrent sentences of immediate imprisonment.

'If this offence had been committed in more recent months, the sentence would have been one of immediate custody regardless of vulnerability and youth.

'But because it occurred in early 2024 when the NCA were just beginning to see an increase, I can take a particularly exceptional course today.'
Penny Wong sorry Labor did not do 'more' to curb anti-Semitism

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has apologised days after she was called out by the Opposition for her seemingly cold response to the Bondi Beach massacre.

'I'm desperately sorry for what has occurred in our country and what the Jewish community have experienced,' she told The Advertiser on Friday.

'I think none of us are anything other than filled with grief about what has happened, the worst terrorist attack in Australian history.

'ISIS ideology on Australian soil, which has caused the murder of 15 Australians and injured many more.'

Naveed Akram, 24, and his 50-year-old father Sajid allegedly opened fire with military-grade weapons on hundreds attending the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach.

During the nine-minute attack, 16 people, including gunman Sajid, were killed, and 42 others were injured.

Authorities have declared the incident a terror attack and will allege two IS flags were located at the scene. A propaganda video was later recovered during a raid on a property rented out by the alleged gunmen - father and son duo Sajid, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, in the lead-up to the attack.

Wong, on Friday, acknowledged that there was more her government could have done to curb anti-Semitism and hate speech prior to the attack.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has apologised to Australians, and specifically the Jewish community, following the Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14

Wong said she had not attended the memorial event as she had been working with foreign counterparts and expressing her sorrow privately following the attack

'Always in politics and in life you always regret what more could have been done. I think we've made that clear. We acted, but we have to do more  and we are,' she said.

'I think the two aspects of reform that we're engaging in now are really important, both in terms of gun control, but also we acted on hate speech, but we clearly need to go further.'

Wong was then asked if she would or should have taken action earlier.

'Of course. Of course, we know you can always do more and I think the (Prime Minister has) said that,' she replied.

Her comments came the same week she was criticised by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley for not attending funerals or memorials for victims of the attack.

Ley also claimed she had not seen Penny Wong 'shed a single tear' on 7News' Sunrise on Tuesday.

But Wong claimed during the interview with The Advertiser that she had been speaking to foreign counterparts, and had shared her grief over the attack privately.

The discussion also turned to the announcement last week that NSW Premier Chris Minns would ban hateful symbols and slogans in the state following the massacre.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley (pictured) previously criticised Wong for not 'shedding a tear'

This included the phrase 'Globalise the Intifada', which calls for international support of resistance against Israeli military occupation of Palestinian territories.

Wong said she feels the chant - and the phrase 'From the River to the Sea' - fuels anti-Semitism in Australia.

'Look, I think this is a time we have to make sure we don't have hatred or slogans and images which seek to incite hatred in our streets,' she said.

'I agree with (anti-Semitism envoy) Jillian Segal that these are slogans which have been used to whip up anger and hatred of the Jewish people.

'I was asked about River to the Sea and I said, look, it's not consistent with two states. It's not consistent with the existence of both an Israeli state, the state of Israel, and the state of Palestine.

'Globalise the Intifada, I think it's clearly been used, as Jillian says, to whip up hatred.'

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke introduced tougher laws on hate speech following the Bondi Beach attack, but drew the line at banning the chant via federal legislation.

But she swerved discussion of a federal royal commission into the Bondi Beach massacre, which has been called for by the Opposition and Jewish community leaders.

'I think the Prime Minister has outlined our response pretty clearly, he said we want unity and urgency, not delay and division,' she said.

'We've got a criminal investigation and an intelligence review, which will go to motivation and what more needs to be done.'
A Brazilian waitress at a Western-themed bar has won a race discrimination case after a colleague 'humiliated' her over her accent.

Ana Beatriz Machado, 30, was harassed over her accent after a fellow Coyote Ugly waitress told her she 'didn't like her voice' and that customers 'don't understand her'.

Ms Machado was also accused of stealing money and sending it back to her home country and was fired over the unsubstantiated claims.

The single mother living in Liverpool is originally from Sorocaba in Brazil and is now in line to receive compensation after successfully suing Coyote Ugly for race harassment.

Speaking after the case, she said the experience caused her anxiety and depression that became so severe she stopped eating and was left unable to sleep.

She also said she had to rely on food banks to provide food for her five-year-old daughter after losing her job.

An employment tribunal heard that Ms Machado started employment at Coyote Ugly in Liverpool in December 2021.

During her time at the restaurant, Ms Machado was harassed by fellow waitress Rhiannon Freeman, who told another colleague not to pass the bar's microphone to the Brazilian.

Ms Machado is now in line for compensation after an employment tribunal found she was harassed and fired due to her race

Ana Beatriz Machado, 30, was harassed over her accent while working at Coyote Ugly before being fired in 2022

Staff members had to use the microphone at work to speak to customers but Ms Freeman said they 'don't understand her' in reference to Ms Machado.

It was also found at the tribunal that Ms Freeman said Ms Machado was 'weird', 'struggled to communicate', and that she 'did not like her voice'.

Employment Judge Jane Callan ruled that Ms Freeman's comments were race harassment.

Judge Callan said: 'It was unwanted conduct which had the effect of humiliating [her] or creating an offensive environment for her.

'[Her] accent is intrinsic to her nationality and we therefore find the act of unlawful harassment is made out.'

Ms Machado also successfully sued for harassment over her dismissal because it was ruled that her assistant manager, Rebecca Fitzsimmons, was influenced by her nationality when sacking her.

She was accused by her assistant manager of stealing money and sending it back to her family in Brazil.

Ms Fitzsimmons accused her of not charging some customers for drinks and taking cash payments but not putting them all into the till.

An employment tribunal heard that Ms Machado started employment at Coyote Ugly in Liverpool (pictured) in December 2021

The tribunal heard: 'On December 22, 2022, Ms Fitzsimmons noticed that [Miss Machado's] tip jar was quite full for a weekday.

'She decided to look at the CCTV of the bar area.

'Ms Fitzsimmons' evidence was that [Miss Machado] served two pints of lager but only charged for one and served a double spirit to a former colleague but only charged for a single.

'[Miss Machado] then served a large group of customers and did not charge for some of the drinks she served.

'Ms Fitzsimmons said that [Miss Machado] took a cash payment for a round of drinks but did not enter all the drinks into the till.

'She then allegedly put cash in the tip jar along with a printed drinks ticket from the order and also placed that in the tip jar.'

Judge Callan said the available evidence did not prove she was stealing from the business.

'We observed the CCTV and found it to be inconclusive', Judge Callan said.

The tribunal heard that despite this, when Ms Machado was sacked in December 2022 for gross misconduct, Ms Fitzsimmons suggested she had stolen money for her family.

Judge Callan ruled: 'Ms Fitzsimmons was influenced by [Ms Machado's] nationality in dismissing her.

'She expressed a view that [she] may have been sending money back to family in Brazil, and could have been doing this for some time.

'We find that the dismissal was related to [her] nationality and was an act of harassment.

'It was clearly unwanted conduct which had the effect of violating the dignity or alternatively creating a proscribed environment for her.'

Compensation has not yet been decided.

Speaking after the tribunal, Ms Machado said the comments about her accent made her lose confidence and feel that she was being used as a 'joke' because she was an immigrant.

She said: 'I had people doing bad jokes about my accent and using this against me. I shouldn't have been used as a joke.'

Ms Machado said that her dismissal gave her anxiety and said she 'could not sleep' because of the 'fear, shame, and 'insecurity'.

She did not think anyone would believe her and wanted to clear her name from accusations.

She said: 'As a person and as a mother, the experience was very difficult.

'I became very depressed and had to take medication to cope with the whole process, while also carrying the shame and fear that people might believe the false allegation of theft made against me.

'For me, the greatest fight was to clear my name. When an employer takes everything from you, including the most important thing- your name -you are left trapped in fear, shame, and insecurity.

'I was worried nobody would trust me ever again. I felt like nobody would ever believe me.

'I am a single parent. Without work, I couldn't afford anything for my daughter. I would be going to the food bank to get some food.

'It was December, nearly January, and all the bills for December weren't paid. So, at this time, I was very scared. So, I had no money. I had no money for food.

'It made me feel so bad. I started to question myself way too much. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat. I went to bed at 5am in the morning. I had to go to the NHS for pills to sleep and calm my anxiety. I couldn't live.'

It took Ms Merchado a year to find another job, which caused her financial troubles and she worried for her daughter. She is now employed as a waitress at Hooters.

She said: 'When I finally found my new job, I lived in fear for a long time that they might dismiss me for any mistake I could make.

'I was afraid of opening the till and I was afraid of the tips I might receive, since the reason my ex-boss dismissed me was because the tip jar looked 'too full' in her view.'

At Coyote Ugly, female bartenders - called 'Coyotes' - often wear cowboy boots, denim shorts, tops and perform line-dancing to entertain crowds.
Jeffrey Epstein denied that he would commit suicide days before dying alone in his jail cell, according to the latest batch of files released about the dead pedophile.

Documents from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, where Epstein was being held ahead of his trial on sex trafficking charges, reveal new details about Epstein's 'possible suicide attempt' in the early hours of July 23, 2019.

The disgraced financier was found dead in his New York prison cell on August 10, with his death officially ruled a suicide.

But notes from his time in custody indicate that Epstein rejected the idea that he would ever kill himself - apparently, for faith-related motives.

'He said he is Jewish and he said in his religion suicide is against the religion,' per an August 1 suicide risk assessment from the Bureau of Prisons psychology services, which was released earlier this week as part of the eighth set of the Epstein files.

Other notes from prison said that Epstein 'denied current suicidal or self harm ideation.'

'I'm a coward,' he was quoted as saying on July 27.

Epstein also added that he 'does not like pain and even does not like when he has to give blood.'

Documents from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York noted a 'possible suicide attempt' from Jeffrey Epstein on July 23, 2019

The convicted sex offender was photographed in the aftermath of the alleged attempt, although Epstein claimed that suicide was 'against [his] religion'

As part of the latest batch of Epstein files, detailed records were released in relation to the convicted sex offender's supposed suicide attempt in the Special Housing Unit at the Metropolitan Correction Center in New York.

Notes from a 'clinical intervention' on July 27 said Epstein claimed he could not remember the incident.

'He stated he is anxious about going back to SHU because he stated he is going back to a place where he had gotten marks on his neck and he does not know why it happened,' the report said.

Epstein was described as being in a 'neutral mood' with 'logical and coherent' speech.

He said he had an appetite, but complained about feeling dehydrated and not getting enough sleep.

The assessment concluded that Epstein was 'future oriented' and 'does not appear to be an immediate danger to self.'

According to the notes, Epstein was regularly observed by the prison's psychology services while in custody.

Epstein told prison officials that he did 'not like pain and even does not like when he has to give blood'

One day later, Epstein told observers that he 'may have something on the Autism spectrum.'

'He said in the movie Rain Man, the person with Autism had an aversion to noise,' the report noted. 'He stated he is also really good with numbers.'

In further consultations, Epstein claimed that 'his memory for the incident' - referring to his supposed suicide attempt - may be 'impaired because of his sleep apnea.'

As a result, the convicted sex offender had 'requested to have one good night of sleep with his CPAP' machine, per July 29 notes, and 'then asked if he could remain down here where it is "safe" for the entire week.'

Epstein was told that he could 'stay down one more night' for a 'good night's sleep,' but that he would then be returned to the prison's special housing unit.

Observations from August 1 insisted that Epstein denied 'feeling hopeless' or 'like a burden to anyone.' He also did not fear for his life.

'[Epstein] stated he lives for and plans to finish this case and go back to his normal life,' the assessment read.

The circumstances around Epstein's 'possible suicide attempt' on July 23 remain unclear.

According to a memorandum from that day, Epstein was found in his T-shirt and boxers breathing heavily and snoring.

He was placed in restraints, dressed in the suicide smock and put on suicide watch.

The document read: 'I asked inmate Epstein what happened prior to staffs arrival. He stated that at approx. 1:00 AM, he'd gotten up to get a drink of water, as he gets up every thirty minutes.

He only recalled 'walking back to his bunk and waking up with staff there in his cell.'

Epstein was 'asked if he'd waken up and seen staff, why didn't he respond when we were calling out to him?'

He replied that he 'only remembered hearing himself making a noise like snoring.'

Two days before Epstein's death on August 10, notes from the Bureau of Prisons said the convicted sex offender was 'feeling okay'

Epstein was found hanging in his New York prison cell on August 10, and his death was officially ruled a suicide

Records showed the pedophile was treated for a 'circular line of erythema at the base of his neck, one section on the front with marks of friction and a small erythema in his left knee.'

Epstein's cellmate at the time was Nicholas Tartaglione, who said he tried to revive him.

When Epstein was asked about the allegations against his cellmate, he said that 'he was told, if he hurt him, staff wouldn't care.'

Tartaglione was later cleared of any wrongdoing in the incident by prison authorities, and had been moved out of the cell by the time of Epstein's death weeks later.

On August 8, two days before his death, notes from the Bureau of Prisons described Epstein's state of mind as 'feeling okay.'

He 'denied any suicidal ideation, intention, or plan' and was spending his time 'with his attorney's in the attorney's conference room.'

'Other than complaints about the prison and concerns regarding his housing, [Epstein] had no mental health concerns today,' that day's notes concluded. 'He did not appear to be in any distress and the SHU Staff have not reported any unusual behaviors on his part.'
A balding German tourist has gone to the police in Thailand after discovering he was allegedly duped into paying over 500 for herbal products that promised to regrow his hair.

The 57-year-old man, identified as Yilmaz Yuezbazi, arrived at Mueang Pattaya Police Station shortly after midnight on Wednesday to report what he believes was a targeted scam aimed at foreign visitors.

Mr Yuezbazi told officers that he was walking through the busy tourist area near Pattaya Soi 13/2 when a stranger approached him and began chatting in a friendly manner.

During the conversation, the man allegedly steered the discussion toward hair loss and claimed he was selling a powerful herbal treatment capable of stimulating new hair growth.

According to the complaint, the suspect insisted the product was highly effective and persuaded the tourist to buy two bottles for a combined price of more than 22,000 baht (524).

Mr Yuezbazi said he agreed to the purchase and was then accompanied to a nearby herbal medicine shop, where the payment was made, and the products were handed over.

It was only later, after examining the bottles more carefully, that he began to doubt the claims.

He told police there was nothing on the packaging or in the contents to support the promise of hair regrowth, and he became convinced the items had been sold at an excessively inflated price.

The German tourist told police he was scammed after he was approached to buy a hair growth product

He said upon careful inspection of the products, he realised it did not have the ingredients capable of stimulating hair growth

Feeling he had been deliberately misled, Mr Yuezbazi returned to the police to formally lodge a complaint, submitting the two bottles as evidence.

The local Facebook page We Love Pattaya reported that the suspect is believed to be a Pakistani national.

It said this was based on information given by the victim and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The page also claimed that groups of Pakistani nationals are allegedly operating herbal medicine shops in the area and frequently target foreign tourists, approaching them in popular locations and promoting products with so-called 'miracle' properties.

Such cases are not new in Pattaya. In previous incidents, police have reportedly summoned sellers and instructed them to refund victims.

In most cases, however, the suspects were often released without facing significant legal consequences.

Last month, another German tourist filed a complaint after paying 140,000 baht for what was advertised as miracle hair oil, according to The Thaiger.

Around the same time, an Australian man reported being talked into buying two bottles of herbal medicine for 13,500 baht, later learning they were worth only about 100 baht.

Police are now assessing the latest complaint as part of ongoing efforts to curb tourist-targeted scams in the resort city.

He had paid more than 500 for the product, according to local media

Foreign nationals are frequently targeted by scams in Thailand, particularly in major tourist hotspots such as Pattaya, Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, according to tourism officials.

Scammers often exploit language barriers and unfamiliarity with local prices to sell fake or vastly overpriced goods and services.

Common schemes include bogus gem and herbal medicine scams, jet-ski and motorbike damage claims, taxi and tour overcharging, and fake investment or rental offers.

In many cases, victims only realise they have been deceived after inspecting products more closely or comparing prices later. While police sometimes intervene, penalties are often limited, allowing similar scams to persist.
Australians travelling to Cambodia have been advised to take more caution and avoid certain areas as tensions continue along the Asian nation's border.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) quietly updated its information on the Smartraveller website on Thursday.

The change is due to the ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, with armed clashes including military strikes and violence and the presence of landmines.

'We now advise (you) exercise a high degree of caution overall due to ongoing conflict and its security risks,' the advice said.

'The security situation remains unpredictable.'

Tourists have been told not to travel to areas within 50km of the Cambodia-Thailand border.

They were also urged to reconsider the need to travel within an additional 30km of that border, and all of Battambang city.

This danger zone covers multiple provinces including Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat and Koh Kong.

Australians heading to Cambodia have been urged to take extreme caution due to clashes at its border with Thailand, which include the risk of landmines

Tourists have been told not to travel to areas within 50km of the Cambodia-Thailand border

Land border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand remain closed, meaning those routes are no longer viable.

'Terrorist and politically motivated attacks could happen in Cambodia,' the warning added.

'Possible targets could include tourist areas and a range of other locations frequented by foreigners, or during major events or holidays that attract large crowds.

'Take official warnings seriously.'

The Australian government has urged anyone visiting Cambodia to keep an eye on local and international media, follow warnings from local authorities, and prioritise their personal security.

Cambodia and Thailand have each blamed the other for clashes that took place earlier this month, which saw 98 people killed on both sides and more than half a million people displaced.

The neighbouring countries remain at odds over a diplomatic solution to the border tensions that have been simmering for months.

They have previously disputed sections of their 817 km land border and, according to Reuters, the latest fighting has stretched from forested inland areas near Laos to coastal provinces.

Thai and Cambodian officials have been holding talks at a border crossing since Wednesday to resolve issues.
A gas mask-wearing knifeman has allegedly stabbed eight people and injured seven others with bleach in a rubber factory attack in Japan.

Although the suspect has been arrested by police, investigators say the motive for the attack on Friday was not immediately known.

According to the Fujisan Nanto Fire Department, the incident took place at the Yokohama Rubber Company in Mishima, a city in Shizuoka prefecture, west of Tokyo.

Eight victims were taken to the hospital after being attacked with a knife.

Fire officials told The Associated Press that five of those stabbed were in serious condition, although further details were not available.

Seven additional people were injured after the suspect threw what was believed to be bleach during the attack, the department said.

Shizuoka prefectural police said a 38-year-old man was arrested at the factory on suspicion of attempted murder.

Japanese newspaper Asahi reported, citing investigators, that the suspect was carrying a survival knife and was wearing what appeared to be a gas mask.

Police have cordoned off an area after a gas mask wearing knifeman allegedly stabbed eight people

According to police and local media, seven people were also attacked with bleach

Reports indicate that the man was carrying a survival knife

Japan has strict gun control laws and is known for rare violent crimes.

However, there have been a number of high-profile attacks where suspects are armed with knives in recent years.

No further information about the recent attack has been released.
A former cop faces jail for holding a child's head underwater in a resort pool because he dunked her autistic son.

Tiffany Lee Griffith, 36, was charged with child abuse and hauled before Osceola County Court in Florida on Tuesday, where she was released on bail.

The mother-of-two was on vacation at the four-star Gaylord Palms Hotel in Kissimmee, Florida, last Friday and was watching her seven-year-old autistic son play in the pool.

He was playing with two children who were 'aggressively splashing' each other, until one of them pulled him underwater, police wrote in their report.

Griffith jumped in and started yelling at that boy, then 'placed her hands on the victim's shoulders and forcibly dunked him underwater for several seconds', police alleged.

Her actions were filmed by security cameras and show her submerging the six-year-old boy's head for two to four seconds, the court heard.

Tiffany Lee Griffith, 36, faces jail for holding a child's head underwater in a pool at the Gaylord Palms Hotel in Kissimmee, Florida, because he dunked her son. She was charged with child abuse and hauled before Osceola County Court in Florida on Tuesday, where she was released on bail

The mother-of-two was on vacation at the four-star Gaylord Palms Hotel in Kissimmee, Florida, last Friday and watching her seven-year-old autistic son play in the pool

The boy was 'visibly upset' and left the pool with a nosebleed, according to witnesses. Griffith then yelled at the child's mother before leaving the pool area.

Osceola County Sheriff's deputies arrived about 4.30pm and detained Griffith, who insisted she was defending her son, who is autistic and non-verbal.

Griffith's husband defended her as he testified in court during Tuesday's bail hearing, claiming the other boy dunked their son more than once.

'Tiffany and I basically looked at each other and asked where this kid's parents were, why they weren't watching him,' he said.

'He came up crying. The kid pushed him under again. That's when Tiffany got into the water and basically separated them.'

Her actions were filmed by security cameras and show her holding the six-year-old boy's head underwater for two to four seconds

Griffith, under her maiden name Viola, was a policewoman at the Punta Gorda Police Department from 2013 to 2018 where she was a school resource officer

Griffith was released on bail after an appearance before Osceola County Court on Tuesday

Griffith, under her maiden name Viola, was a policewoman at the Punta Gorda Police Department in 2013 to 2018 where she was a school resource officer.

She appeared in videos lecturing school students on bullying, and was named employee of the quarter in 2016.

Griffith's initial aggravated child abuse charge was reduced to one count of child abuse and she was released on a $20,000 bond.

She must not contact the boy she held underwater or his parents, must not drink alcohol, and cannot go near the resort.
Footage shows the astonishing moment a man armed with an AK-47 assault rifle began shooting in a Ukrainian supermarket.

The gunman opened fire indiscriminately, triggering panic from shoppers and staff - who 'ducked' and fled the building.

Astonishingly, none were hurt before police in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine 'risked their lives' to overpower and detain the shooter.

A saleswoman said: 'People ran to the exit, I also rushed out and fled into a utility room. The sounds [of gunshots] kept repeating.'

Another cowering staff sales assistant said: 'The police officers arrived very quickly and managed to disarm this man.

'And then, in fact, they sorted out the situation. And only after that we were called and told that we could go out.'

The man apparently shot not at people but at the shelves in the supermarket.

He is seen firing in the alcohol section and near the shelves with spaghetti, rice and sugar.

Footage shows the astonishing moment a man armed with an AK-47 assault rifle began shooting in a Ukrainian supermarket

began shooting in a Ukrainian supermarket. The gunman opened fire indiscriminately, triggering panic from shoppers and staff - who 'ducked' and fled the building

He is seen being confronted by police who ran towards him near the vegetable counter and throwing down his firearm before being taken into custody.

A report said female shop employees had pressed a panic button, after which police officers 'arrived and neutralised him'.

'One of the officers opened fire on the attacker with a pistol, then ran towards him and was able to disarm him.'

It was unclear what injuries the shooter sustained or if he was hit.

He was seen tied to a chair. The incident was on the evening of Christmas Day but the footage has only emerged now.

No immediate reason was given for the motive of the Kalashnikov-wielding man.

The Putin-appointed puppet ruler of Donetsk Denis Pushilin awarded bravery medals to the police officers who 'distinguished themselves in the capture of the criminal'.
Liz Truss has divided the nation after revealing Yorkshire puddings are banned from Christmas dinners in her home.

The UK's shortest-serving Prime Minister joined Nick Ferrari on his LBC radio show to discuss how she and her accountant husband, Hugh O'Leary, take on the big day.

But during the chat, where she gave listeners a glimpse into her Christmas preparations, she made a shocking admission about her festive plate.

Ferrari was not taking a back by the fact her husband was taking on the Turkey, but by the lack of Yorkshire puddings on their table on December 2025.

'What do you do then? Do you do the spuds? Do you do the Yorkshires?' he asked Truss to which she replied: 'Yeah I do the spuds. There are no Yorkshires.'

Ferrari seemingly shocked by her confession, said: 'Hang on, you've got a Yorkshire background.'

The former Conservative MP said she thought Yorkshire puddings should only be plated with beef, and it was 'wrong' to serve them with turkey.

But one festive tradition that remains in their home is a glass of Buck's Fizz to kick off the festivities.

Liz Truss (pictured on October 2, 2023) has divided the nation after revealing Yorkshire puddings are banned from Christmas dinners in her home

Ferrari seemingly shocked by her confession, Nick Ferrari said: 'Hang on, you've got a Yorkshire background' (stock image)

Her Christmas dinner decisions have sparked feverish debate online (Pictured above)

However, her Christmas dinner decisions have sparked feverish debate online, with one passionate listener lambasting her lack of Yorkshire puddings a 'disgrace'

'Sorry, Liz is correct. Yorkshire pudding only with beef, never with anything else,' one penned.

'You can criticise Liz Truss for plenty, but it is not "her rule" not to have Yorkshire puddings with Christmas Lunch. It is a universal rule.'

But, others firmly disagreed with one declaring: 'Yorkshire pudding belongs on Xmas Dinner. Case closed.'

Last month, a YouGov poll found that more than half of Brits said they would avoid adding Yorkshire puddings on their Christmas dinner.

Meanwhile, 68 percent of those surveyed said they would prefer to have roast beef over turkey.

However, in recent years, Yorkshire puddings have enjoyed newfound fame thanks to social media content creators preparing them in new ways.

The Daily Mail previously provided a step-by-step guide for making the perfect Yorkie, according to science

For example, influencers have been making them in air fryers, proving that they are much more versatile than people might first think.

Yorkshire puddings were even recently named Britain's most treasured regional delicacy.

They have found their way into desserts and sandwiches, with M&S launching the Yorkshire Pudding Wrap in the M&S Cafe last month.

Customers were delighted, calling it 'the best thing they've had from M&S', 'better than the Christmas markets' and describing it as 'unbelievable.
A US judge has blocked a move to detain a British social media campaigner who has been accused of threatening free speech by President Donald Trump.

Imran Ahmed, the Center for Countering Digital Hate founder, was sanctioned alongside several others by the US State Department over allegations they were trying to 'coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose'.

Mr Ahmed had warned that any move to detain and even deport him would lead to his separation from his American wife and child.

He filed a legal complaint this week against the sanction, which could have seen his visa, enabling him to remain in the country, revoked.

And on Thursday, US District Judge Vernon S Broderick granted Mr Ahmed's request for a temporary restraining order, as well as temporarily blocking officials from detaining Mr Ahmed without the chance for his case to be heard.

After the ruling, Mr Ahmed told the BBC: 'I will not be bullied away from my life's work of fighting to keep children safe from social media's harm and stopping antisemitism online.'

He was sanctioned alongside Clare Melford, of the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), and Thierry Breton, the European Commission's former top tech regulator, who was a key figure behind the EU's Digital Services Act.

In a series of posts on X, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah B Rogers accused Mr Ahmed, Ms Melford, Mr Breton, and two figures in a German anti-disinformation organisation of engaging in 'extraterrestrial censorship of Americans'.

Imran Ahmed had been accused by Donald Trump of threatening free speech. A judge has now blocked a move to detain him

Trump and other officials in the US had argued that the campaigner was trying to undermine free speech in the US

She wrote: 'For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose.

'The Trump Administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.'

The CCDH, a US-registered non-profit, has repeatedly criticised high-profile figures, including Elon Musk and US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, accusing them of failing to curb or actively amplifying online misinformation.

On Christmas Eve, lawyers representing Mr Ahmed lodged a legal challenge against the US government in the Southern District of New York.

Mr Ahmed, who lives in Washington DC with his American wife and young child, contested the move that could have seen him removed from the US.

In the 31-page filing, his legal team argued that there was no lawful basis for his expulsion.

The complaint alleged that the government's actions amount to retaliation for CCDH's research and public reporting.

'Rather than conceal its retaliatory intent, the federal government made clear that Mr Ahmed is being 'sanctioned' for the work carried out by his organisation,' the document stated.

It warned that Mr Ahmed now faces 'the imminent prospect of unconstitutional arrest, punitive detention and expulsion' for exercising rights protected under the First Amendment.

Mr Ahmed's legal representatives filed a complaint to challenge the move on Christmas Eve

Tesla head Elon Musk speaking at an event in 2023. Mr Ahmed has repeatedly criticised figures such as Musk

Mr Ahmed once worked as a political adviser to the Labour Party, serving MPs Andy Slaughter and then-shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn, and led communications for Angela Eagle's 2016 leadership bid.

He founded the Centre for Countering Digital Hate in 2018 as a response to what he saw as a rise of antisemitism on the left and an increase in political violence, including the murder of his colleague, Jo Cox MP, by a man partly radicalised online.

Companies House records show Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff in Downing Street, served as a director from its inception until April 6 2020, two days after Sir Keir became leader of Labour.

In 2021, it published its 'Disinformation Dozen' report naming 12 people it said were responsible for around two thirds of vaccine misinformation during the pandemic, including US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

In 2023, billionaire Musk launched a lawsuit against Mr Ahmed's CCDH after it published a report claiming X had become a breeding ground for hate speech and disinformation; the case was dismissed by a federal judge in March 2024.

Reacting to news of the block, Mr Ahmed's lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said: 'The federal government can't deport a green card holder like Imran Ahmed, with a wife and young child who are American, simply because it doesn't like what he has to say.'
Sir James Dyson has said that Rachel Reeves' 'really, really damaging' inheritance tax changes have put his family business at risk.

The billionaire founder of Dyson said today that he fears being unable to pass his business onto his children because of the Labour Chancellor's changes to Business Property Relief (BPR).

From April 2026, companies will not be able to pass assets down through generations without paying inheritance tax.

On BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning, Sir Dyson said his company would have to find 'billions of cash' to pay the death duty on Dyson, which would be impossible as his company would have to 'sell the business to pay it'.

He said private family-owned companies will struggle under the tax changes next year, explaining: 'You have to pay a 20 per cent inheritance tax.

'Actually it's 40 per cent because you have to take a dividend, if you could, to pay the 20 per cent.

'What it means is you'd have to sell the business. And who wants to start a family business if you can't leave it to your children, if it can't carry on in the same ethos to which it started.'

The changes to the 'death duty' or inheritance tax means that full relief will only apply to the first 2.5million of a business' assets when the company owner dies, with any amount above that threshold subject to a 20 per cent tax.

Sir James Dyson (pictured) said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning that Rachel Reeves' changes to inheritance tax were 'really, really damaging' to privately-owned family businesses

Sir James Dyson's son, Jake Dyson (pictured) is already involved in the business. But his father fears that Rachel Reeves' tax changes will make it impossible to hand the business down when he dies

The tax threshold was initially even lower before it was changed by the prime minister earlier this week, from 1.5 to 2.5million.

The Dyson vacuum mogul said simply: 'You cannot pay that tax.

'We haven't got billions of cash. You know, we don't have it, so you have to sell the business to pay it. But a company has no value.

'There's no assets that you can sell. Its value is a multiple of its profits, so it's paper money. You simply don't have that money.'

But the engineering tycoon said that the changes to BPR were different from altering Agricultural Property Relief (APR) - the so-called 'family farm tax' which caused widespread protests this year - because a farm's value is in its land.

Sir Keir Starmer had watered down the inheritance tax raid on farmers after a sustained backlash from rural voters this summer, and the new threshold also applies to inheritance tax on family businesses.

The Dyson founder said he had already introduced Jake Dyson, his son, into the family business.

'In my last gasp, I would like to see it going from strength to strength  for my son to take it over and for it to remain a family business,' he said.

Manufacturing businesses would stay in the UK if the Government and the country 'wanted it', billionaire Sir James Dyson also said.

The businessman and inventor said that children's 'enthusiasm for making things' seemed to 'get stamped out of them'.

The vacuum mogul moved his operations to east Asia in 2002, and has been a long-standing critic of the Government's industrial policies

He said: 'They see a problem and they go about solving it imaginatively.

'If only society was like that, we had lots of engineers who could develop new technologies, make things work better and create wealth and jobs.'

Sir James, who moved his company's production operations to east Asia in 2002, has been a long-standing critic of the Government's industrial policies.

He has previously called on both Conservative and Labour governments to do more to protect UK manufacturing.

On Friday, he said he had moved production to east Asia to be nearer suppliers, denying that he had been motivated by lower labour costs.

He said: 'When we moved our production to Asia, which I didn't want to but I was forced to, everyone else was moving their production to Asia.'

Sir James added: 'You can't have a factory where you have no suppliers, you've got to be close to your suppliers for quality, for improving the technology, and for quick supply.'

Asked what the UK could do to keep manufacturing in the country in future, he said: 'What would keep manufacturing here is if the Government wanted it, and the country wanted it.'

He added: 'We talk an awful lot. I mean, politicians obviously talk an awful lot, but I don't think we get things done. I don't think we're keen on making things.

'We've lost our interest in engineering and lost our interest in manufacturing, and it's a great shame, because it is a wealth creator and it creates jobs.'

While Dyson's production is in Asia, and the company moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2019, it maintains a research and development operation in Britain, employing around three times the number of people it did in its UK factories.

Sir James dismissed the suggestion that manufacturing was something 'developing countries' did, while the future of the British economy was in services.

He said: 'China makes things, and you would hardly call it a developing country, it's probably the most powerful and richest country in the world.

'So it's really, really important to make things, and I think in the end, services will die if you don't make things.'

While China has the second largest economy in the world, its large population means that its GDP per capita - a key indicator of living standards - is around a quarter that of the UK.
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan wore a hijab in a new video defending the state's Somali population amid attacks from President Trump.

Flanagan was flanked by Somali leaders as she appeared at the Karmel Somali Market in Minneapolis on Friday, opening her remarks by saying the traditional Arabic greeting: 'Salam alaikum.'

'I am incredibly clear that the Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota,' Flanagan said.

Flanagan cited her friendship with the Somali leaders she appeared with as she said she was thankful for her ties to the community.

'Being part of Minnesota and growing up here, the Somali community has always been a part of my Minnesota,' she continued.

'So, I wanted to encourage the community to just know that we're with you, we've got your back.'

Flanagan's remarks come weeks after Trump called Somali migrants 'garbage' after a massive healthcare scam in the state was exposed, in which a majority of the dozens of defendants were of Somali descent.

Flanagan's campaign spokeswoman Alexandria Fetissoff told the Daily Mail: 'While the Lt. Governor was showing her support for small businesses and communities being terrorized by ICE, she was handed a scarf by a friend and briefly wore it out of respect.

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan came under scrutiny for donning a hijab as she defended the state's Somali population amid attacks from President Trump

Flanagan's remarks come as President Trump has accused the Somali community in Minnesota of being responsible for an alleged healthcare scam in the state, and has demanded they repay hundreds of millions he says was stolen

'The real outrage should not be a scarf, but masked men throwing American citizens into vans and violating the constitution.'

Flanagan toured a Somali market as she spoke the day after Christmas, and she said she was using the appearance to encourage others to 'show up and support our Somali businesses and our immigrant neighbors.'

'I know that things are scary right now, and just know there are more people who are looking out for you, and there are more people who are here to support you.

'I will continue to stand with the Somali community and to do all I can to return the friendship that the Somali community has shown me.'

The Lieutenant Governor is the highest-ranking Native American woman to hold elected office in the US, and has said she is a Catholic.

Flanagan is a leading contender for the US Senate election in Minnesota next year, a fact another critic cited as they offered a one word response to her speech: 'Wow.'

Flanagan is Lt. Governor to Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz

The Lieutenant Governor is the highest-ranking Native American woman to hold elected office in the US, and has said she is a Catholic, leading some to question why she wore a hijab to show her support

Flanagan is a leading contender for the US Senate election in Minnesota next year, a fact another critic cited as they offered a one word response to her speech: 'Wow'

Another compared Flanagan's remarks to Democrats including Nancy Pelosi donning traditional African scarves in 2020 to show their support for the Black Lives Matter protests at the time

The Daily Mail has contacted Flanagan's office for comment.

Flanagan did not elaborate on Trump's attacks beyond saying it was a 'scary time' for Minnesota's Somali community.

But her support comes as Trump's administration is moving to claw back hundreds of millions of dollars stolen in a massive healthcare scam in Minnesota.

Last week, Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill fired off repayment demands to the sponsors of immigrants who became dependent of public benefits.

Longstanding federal law requires the sponsors of immigrants to repay means tested public benefits, but the law is rarely enforced.

The letters, seen by the Daily Mail, warn that anyone who fails to pay up will face aggressive federal action 'by all available means.'

The crackdown is the latest escalation in the Trump administration's response to mounting evidence of rampant fraud in Minnesota  much of it centered in parts of the state's Somali community.

'Federal records indicate that as a sponsor for [redacted] immigration to the United States you agreed to provide financial support so that [redacted] would not be excludable as a public charge who is dependent on government benefits, read a letter from O'Neill to reported fraudsters obtained by the Daily Mail.

The deputy secretary signed at least ten letters tied to sponsored individuals enrolled in Medicaid, according a source familiar with the department's actions.

Medicaid and Medicare are taxpayer funded programs for individuals in the United States who are in the most need.
New York City announced plans for a second Times Square ball drop in 2026 to help launch celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary.

Organizers scheduled the additional drop for July 3, 2026, placing the ceremony on the eve of Independence Day and breaking with a tradition that has tied the iconic event exclusively to New Year's Eve since 1907.

The plan came from America250, the congressionally chartered body overseeing the nation's semiquincentennial, which partnered with One Times Square and the Times Square Alliance to stage the event.

Organizers said the July ceremony will follow the familiar structure of the annual New Year's Eve countdown, with the ball set to glow in red, white and blue as confetti falls across Times Square and music closes the program.

Planners also added a brief ceremonial moment to the New Year's Eve broadcast just after midnight on January 1, 2026, linking the traditional countdown with the anniversary year ahead.

The decision marked a rare departure from the events longstanding tradition. The ball did not drop in 1942 or 1943, when New York City suspended the celebration during wartime blackouts.

Rosie Rios, chair of America250, told thye Daily Mail that Times Square was chosen for its unmatched global visibility and symbolic role in American history, calling it the most watched celebration on the planet.

She said the July 3 ball drop is meant to resonate with the same power as New Years Eve, honoring the nations founding while inspiring all 350 million Americans to take part in a year of reflection, service and celebration.

The New Year's Eve ball designed for the US's 250th year

Officials say the tradition will expand with a rare second ceremony scheduled for July 3, 2026

Crowds gather in Times Square for the annual New Years Eve ball drop

Beyond Times Square, America250 outlined a broader slate of initiatives tied to the anniversary, including a nationwide volunteer campaign, participation in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, and locally organized events ranging from fireworks displays to historical exhibits.

Organizers also unveiled plans for a redesigned Times Square ball, known as the Constellation Ball, featuring crystal panels and illuminated patterns inspired by Morse code.

The group has planned to reveal the version designated for the July 3 ceremony ahead of the New Year's Eve countdown.

Michael Phillips, president of Jamestown L.P., which owns One Times Square, said the building has long served as a focal point during moments of national significance.

The anniversary planning coincided with other federal efforts tied to the milestone. President Donald Trump also announced a separate 'Freedom 250' initiative aimed at coordinating additional commemorations nationwide.

Organizers said they designed the semiquincentennial to encourage broad participation, using the Times Square ball drop as a visible opening signal for a year of nationwide observances.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Rios and America250 for comment.
BBC bosses have not pulled tonight's Would I Lie To You Christmas special featuring David Walliams despite recent harassment allegations against the comedian.

The 54-year-old was accused of 'harassing' junior female employees at HarperCollins following an investigation that began last year.

A junior colleague is said to have complained about his behaviour, leading to other staff members being interviewed.

One of the women who raised concerns was allegedly given a five-figure payout and has since left the company.

Former employees also described how they were advised to work in pairs when meeting with him and told not to visit his home.

The Little Britain comedian, who is one of the UK's most successful children's book authors, has since been dropped by his publisher HarperCollins.

But, despite mounting pressure on the BBC to remove Walliams from its TV schedule, the broadcaster has kept him in tonight's festive episode.

Walliams has denied any wrongdoing and says he was not informed of any allegations or party to an investigation. He is currently taking legal advice.

David Walliams, 54, is accused of 'harassing' junior female employees at the firm, resulting in one staff member being offered a five-figure settlement

Walliams seen here laughing on tonight's festive edition of the award-winning panel comedy show with Lee Mack

Pictured left to right: David Walliams, Lee Mack and Helen George on tonight's episode of Would I Lie to You

It was also previously reported in June that the author made two Nazi salutes during a recording of the Christmas edition of the Would I Lie To You?.

The comedian apparently 'jokingly' made the salutes while Call the Midwife actress Helen George was telling a story from her time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015.

The host, Rob Brydon, condemned Walliams and reminded him that the show went out before the watershed.

However, as George continued to explain her Strictly story, Walliams is said to have made the gesture for a second time, this time with a sexual twist.

Walliams's team captain, Lee Mack was said to have looked unimpressed while one audience member revealed the salutes landed 'awkwardly'.

Earlier this week, the BBC also broadcast two TV adaptations from Walliams's books, Mr Stink and The Boy in The Dress. Both were shown on CBBC.

It is understood the BBC also has no plans to remove any content featuring Walliams' from iPlayer

Mr Stink, in which Hugh Bonneville plays Mr Stink and David Walliams the Prime Minister, aired on CBBC tomorrow

A BBC spokesperson said: 'While we're not making any changes to the festive schedules, we have no future projects directly involving David Walliams.'

Last week, HarperCollins said it had taken the decision 'not to publish any new titles by David Walliams' following its internal investigation.

The decision to drop Walliams comes after the sudden departure of former UK CEO Charlie Redmayne in October. Mr Redmayne has since been replaced by Kate Elton.

A spokesman for Walliams denied any wrongdoing. They said: 'David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins.

'He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.'

A spokesman for HarperCollins said: 'After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision.

'HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns. To respect the privacy of individuals we do not comment on internal matters.'

Join the debate Should the BBC prioritize viewers' trust over airing shows featuring stars accused of misconduct?

The children's author, who began writing books in 2008, has published more than 40 works which have been translated into 55 languages and sold more than 60 million copies

The children's author, who began writing books in 2008, has published more than 40 works which have been translated into 55 languages and sold more than 60 million copies.

HarperCollins published his first children's book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008, while some of his other books, including Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, have also been adapted into television films.

While Mr Walliams was once TV royalty, a string of scandals in recent years have seen him step back from the spotlight.

The comedian left Britain's Got Talent when vile sexual comments he made about female contestants emerged.

In 2022, a leaked transcript revealed that he called one auditioning contestant a 'c**' and said of another: 'she thinks you want to f*** her, but you don't'.

The comments, made in January 2020 during auditions at the London Palladium, were picked up on the programme's microphones.

Mr Walliams apologised at the time the comments became public and acknowledged they were 'disrespectful', adding they were part of a private conversation that was 'never intended to be shared'.

The children's author has published more than 40 works which have been translated into 55 languages and sold more than 60 million copies

He later left the show and sued the production company Fremantle for misuse of private information and breaching data laws. The company apologised and Walliams is thought to have walked away with about 5million.

It was revealed by the Daily Mail last week that alarm bells were also raised with ITV bosses after they learned Walliams had a habit of inviting fans back to his dressing room and dishing out cupcakes.

He has not truly returned to primetime since, despite his books continuing to be a hit and reportedly making up more than 40 per cent of revenue for HarperCollins' children's department in 2018.

By 2019, it was estimated that he and HarperCollins had sold 100million of his books.

But his book sales have since been on the decline, falling by more than 60 per cent this summer.

Meanwhile, the showbiz giant behind Britain's Got Talent, Simon Cowell, is said to have since gone to great lengths to distance himself from Mr Walliams, with the pair 'no longer on speaking terms at all'.

It comes as Walliams enjoyed a pre-Christmas holiday 5,000 miles away in the Maldives with his 12-year-old son, Alfred.

In a series of what appear to be sponsored Instagram posts, Walliams is shown scuba diving, swimming and enjoying afternoon tea while tagging the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa resort.

One clip sees Walliams scuba diving with a turtle, set to music from the Bond thriller You Only Live Twice and posted with the caption 'a dream'.

A second post is captioned 'floating in heaven' while a third describes the resort as Walliams's 'new favourite place in the world' and 'complete and utter perfection'. The resort has reshared his posts on their own Instagram page.

Photos show the former Britain's Got Talent judge enjoying tea, cocktails and biscuits at the resort, where villas for this week cost as much as $6,105 per night - around 4,563.
A chilling new discovery has been made in an investigation into the deaths of a wife and her two young children in rural Arkansas.

Charity Beallis and her two six-year-old twins were found shot to death on December 3 in their $780,000 mansion in Bonanza earlier this month amid a bitter divorce and custody battle with her abusive husband, who has been cooperating with the police investigation.

Now, it has emerged personal belongings from the slain family were found discarded in a dumpster miles from their home days after the killings, according to local news station KNWA/FOX24.

The items were discovered on December 6 by a dumpster diver in Fort Smith, roughly 15 miles from the family home.

Inside the black trash bag were intimate family keepsakes: printed photographs of Beallis with her children, framed portraits, a child's painted artwork, handwritten notes and medical paperwork bearing her name and home address.

Also recovered was a delicate gold necklace engraved with the names of Beallis' children, along with a religious or spiritual art print depicting a woman embracing a robed figure.

The woman who found the bag said she initially pulled it from the dumpster and did not examine its contents until the following morning, when she realized the photographs and paperwork appeared to belong to the slain family. She contacted police immediately.

Charity Beallia and her six-year-old twins (pictured) were found shot dead on December 3

The Bonanza, Arkansas home where Charity Beallis and her two six-year-old twins were found shot to death on December 3

Detectives later collected the items and returned to the dumpster site, which was located near an apartment complex, according to local news.

Charity's adult son from a previous marriage, John Powell, later corroborated the woman's account, saying he met her at his attorney's office and heard the same details firsthand.

Powell said that when he later raised the discovery with a detective assigned to the case, the response caught him off guard.

'How did you find out?' the detective allegedly asked.

The discovery comes as the case remains under intense scrutiny following bitter divorce proceedings between Charity Beallis and her estranged husband, Dr Randall Beallis, which had reached a critical stage just days before the killings.

Dr Beallis is a family medicine physician based in the Fort Smith area.

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, he still has an active medical license, which does not expire until February 2027

Charity filed for divorce weeks after Randall Beallis was convicted of third degree battery for allegedly strangling her in front of their children earlier this year.

He was originally charged with aggravated assault on a family member, third-degree domestic battery, and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.

But the charges were amended in October to only include third-degree battery.

Randall pleaded guilty to the charge and received a 1-year suspended imposition of sentence and was ordered to pay more than $1,500 in court fees.

A judge also barred him from having contact with Charity or any members of her family unless authorized by a court order.

She had obtained a restraining order and sought sole custody of the twins, telling the court she feared for her safety despite protective measures being in place.

Following her death, attorneys for Randall Beallis moved to dismiss the divorce on the grounds that it had not been finalized, a move that would legally classify him as a widower.

Printed photographs of Charity Beallis posing with her two young children were among the personal items found inside a black trash bag discarded in a Fort Smith dumpster days after the killings

A framed photograph of Beallis seated beside her husband was found among the items turned over to police

Attorneys representing Charitys eldest son, John Randall Powell, later sought to have the decree entered and to appoint him administrator of her estate.

Daily Mail further revealed that Randall Beallis previous wife also died from a gunshot wound in 2012, a death that was ruled a suicide.

Family members have questioned that conclusion, though no connection to the current case has been established by investigators.

Authorities have not named a suspect, and Randall Beallis has denied any wrongdoing. His attorney has said he is cooperating fully with the investigation.

Officers were sent to the familys home on First Avenue in Bonanza for a welfare check shortly before 9.30am on December 3.

After receiving no response, they entered the residence with assistance from workers on site and found three people dead, all suffering apparent gunshot wounds.

The bodies were transported to the Arkansas Crime Lab in Little Rock for autopsies to determine the exact cause and timing of death.

The Sebastian County Sheriffs Office said its Criminal Investigation Division is leading the investigation.

Multiple search warrants have been executed, and additional interviews are ongoing.

No arrests have been announced.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appeared tense as he was photographed driving near his Windsor home for the first time since the emergence of new allegations.

The sighting came after UK police confirmed they are seeking information from the FBI following outlandish claims published in recently released court documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

The unverified allegations refer to so-called 'paedophile ring parties' said to have involved high-profile figures in the UK.

The claims were made by a US individual whose account appears in files released by the US Department of Justice.

The person alleges they were driven to the gatherings by their father when they were between six and eight years old, and claims they were later drugged.

The latest release contains a series of allegations said to have taken place in England, none of which have been proven or independently verified.

Surrey Police confirmed they were not previously aware of the allegations and said they are seeking further information from US authorities.

The alleged victim, now aged 35, claims they were drugged and then taken to the parties by their own father.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appeared tense and uncomfortable as he broke cover in Windsor, gripping the wheel of his Range Rover while being photographed in public for the first time since the latest allegations emerged

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is pictured with Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she had been forced to have sex with the royal after being trafficked from the US

New documents show another victim claimed they had been abused at 'paedophile ring' parties where Andrew was present

According to the latest tranche of documents, released on Monday night, the victim was once taken to royal property Frogmore Cottage, where they were restrained and tortured with electric shocks by Ghislaine Maxwell.

They claim that Andrew and other men watched on as the torture took place.

The individual is said to have spoken to the FBI in anticipation of Maxwell's bail hearing ahead of her trial in the United States. She was convicted of numerous offences including sex trafficking in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The files also recount a second unverified incident in which the alleged victim reported being hit by a car being driven by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

They told the FBI that after one party in Surrey, a dark blue vehicle with a personalised number plate with the then-prince behind the wheel collided with them.

A figurine on the bonnet was said to have been knocked off by the force of the impact and was later buried near their home.

Reacting to the claims, Surrey Police told the Daily Mail: 'Following a review of our systems using the limited information available to us, we can find no evidence of these allegations being reported to Surrey police.

'We are therefore engaging with relevant agencies to obtain access to the redacted information.

'We take all reports of child abuse seriously and encourage anyone with information in relation to these allegations to report this to us online, or via 101.'

With a wolfish grin on his face, the former prince is draped over the laps of five young women in the Saloon at Sandringham, while Ghislaine Maxwell looks on

In one photo released by the US Department of Justice, Epstein and Maxwell are seen with Andrew in the Royal Box at Ascot racecourse. They were his personal guests on June 22, 2000, when both the Queen and the Queen Mother were in attendance

The individual also claimed that they were subject to sexual abuse outside of the UK, including by Epstein himself.

Documents state the victim's claim they were taken by their father to Epstein's house in Florida, which was located near to a property owned by their grandparents where the family would frequent on holiday.

They said: 'I remember on one occasion being driven by my father over an hour away to a mansion with a gated driveway and a large rectangular swimming pool.

'I was molested by a man that I later recognised as Epstein when he was in the news.'

They added: 'He took pornographic photographs of me in a skirt.'

According to the FBI statement from December 2020, the victim said they had reported their father to the police, but the man was not spoken to or arrested by American authorities.

More than 11,000 new documents in the Epstein case were published on Monday night, although it is thought there are hundreds of thousands still to come.

The Department of Justice said this week that it had 'discovered' another million documents which could relate to the case.

The latest claims against Andrew come after the emergence of correspondence between Maxwell and an individual calling themselves 'the invisible man', with emails signed off 'A'.

One of the emails showed the mystery 'A' asking Maxwell: 'Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?'

Speculation has been mounting this week that the unidentified person exchanging emails with Epstein's ex-girlfriend and sex trafficker Maxwell could be Andrew. The former prince has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Wearing a tweed cape, Epstein, with Maxwell and an unknown man, on a shoot on the hills above Balmoral Castle. It has been previously reported that they were guests on the Scottish estate in 1999

In August 2001, 'A' messages Maxwell: 'How's LA? Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?'

He adds: 'Let me know when you are coming over as I am free from 25th August until 2nd Sept and want to go somewhere hot and sunny with some fun people before having to put my nose firmly to the grindstone for the Fall.'

Maxwell also discusses 'two-legged sight seeing' and a range of other plans with the mystery person.

Elsewhere in the files, Andrew is photographed at Sandringham with Maxwell while he lays across several women's laps.

Others show him with Epstein and Maxwell at Ascot racecourse.

The allegations come at a time when Andrew is being further shunned by the royals in response to his close friendship with the convicted paedophile.

He made no appearance at the royal family's traditional Christmas events and was not in attendance at their celebrations in Sandringham yesterday.

His daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, were invited to the annual gathering.

Surrey Police has been contacted for comment.
She was dubbed Britains loneliest sheep after falling over a coastal cliff before spending two years on a Highland beach cut off from her flock.

And even when she was dramatically rescued from her unintended exile, Fiona the ewe struggled for months to bond with other animals.

But now, after a spruce-up and a strict weight-loss programme, Fiona is set to become the heart of a new family after it emerged she is pregnant with twins.

Ben Best, manager of Dalscone Farm in Dumfriesshire, revealed the happy news in a video on the farms Dalscone Daily Facebook page, posting: Fionas having twins. What have we done? We have actually got her in lamb. The pressure is on.

Fiona became an internet sensation after a kayaker who first spotted her in 2021 stranded by cliffs near Balintore, Easter Ross, was amazed when she saw the sheep was still stuck two years later.

Fiona became stranded after falling over a coastal cliff

Fiona spent two years on a Highland beach before being dramatically rescued

Ben Blast with Fiona, who is expecting twin lambs

Jill Turner, from Brora, Sutherland, pleaded for someone to rescue her and a petition calling for a rescue operation gathered more than 55,000 signatures.

Donations to help with the rescue came in from as far away as Australia, the USA and Canada and it raised four times its initial target of 2,500.

Specialist climbers used a winch mounted on a truck parked at the top of the cliff, 200m of rope and a feed bag fashioned into a makeshift sling in what was described as an epic mission.

Two men stayed at the top to operate the winch while three others were lowered 250m down the steep descent where they found Fiona in a cave and guided her up the rock face.

They were amazed to discover how fat the three-year-old had become.

Fiona the sheep was winched up the cliff in the rescue

Fiona the sheep pictured with her rescuers

In November 2023, she was brought to Dalscone where Mr Best noticed she struggled to socialise with other sheep, suggesting that she has kind of forgotten how to be a sheep.

The farms social media channels and webcam had topped three million hits in the first days after she arrived as interest in her story grew internationally.

Viewers watched as the once-tubby Fiona slimmed down to 90kg and she was given hormones to help her conceive before she was put to a Suffolk ram.

The plan worked only too well as she is now expecting to give birth at the beginning of February.

Mr Best said Fionas weight loss had also helped her cope with arthritis in her front leg, adding: Shes doing really well. She is the worlds most famous sheep.

She is having regularly blood tests.
Nearly half of Republican leaders in the US Senate are out of touch with the slight majority of Republican voters when it comes to the issue of marijuana.

A majority of Americans  and every group in society  back legalization of marijuana, per a JL Partners poll conducted exclusively for the Daily Mail earlier this month.

Some 51 percent of Republicans support legalization, compared to 53 percent of poll respondents overall and 62 percent of Democrats.

JL Partners polled 1,000 registered voters via an online survey on December 20 and 21.

The results also showed that 58 percent of men support legalization, compared with 50 percent of women.

Respondents between the ages of 30 and 49 favored legalization the most, with 61 percent of respondents in that age range supporting the proposal.

Donald Trump signed an executive order to free up federal restrictions on marijuana on December 18, despite deep reservations from his fiercest allies on Capitol Hill.

North Carolina Republican Senator Budd led 21 of his Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to the President urging him to reconsider his decision.

Donald Trump displays an executive order reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug in the Oval Office last Thursday

A majority of Americans  and every group in society  back legalization of marijuana, per a JL Partners poll conducted exclusively for the Daily Mail earlier this month

Budd was joined on the letter by fellow Republicans including John Barrasso of Wyoming - the Senate majority whip - Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Roger Marshall of Kansas, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, John Cornyn of Texas, Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Jim Banks of Indiana, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Crapo of South Dakota, Rick Scott of Florida, Jim Risch of Idaho, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

In the letter, senators note that 'evidence shows that marijuana is harmful to its users.'

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.

When signing his executive order, Trump said that he promised to be 'the president of common sense and that is exactly what we are doing.'

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 as well.

'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 allow it to be researched.

Marijuana business stocks spiked on Wall Street as news of the President's decision on the issue was made public.
Submarine sails during maritime training exercise

China Military Online) 10:56, December 25, 2025

A submarine attached to a flotilla under the Chinese PLA Navy steams towards the designated area during a maritime training exercise in early December, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Pang Zhiwei)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
American troops may be deployed on the ground after the US's bombing of ISIS targets, a Nigerian official has suggested.

The foreign affairs minister said his government had not ruled out working with US servicemen, something Donald Trump has suggested in recent weeks.

Yusuf Tuggar said the issue would be something for the Nigerian government to 'consider', when asked by CNN about Trump's threats to send in the US military 'guns-a-blazing' this week.

On Thursday the Pentagon said the Nigerian government approved the strikes and collaborated with the US military to carry them out.

However, the official also pushed back on Trump's justification for the strikes, which he has said were because ISIS terrorists in Nigeria have been 'targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.'

Tuggar rejected the framing of the conflict as a religious one, and said the action 'would show clearly that it is a strike against terrorism... and that it is not to do with religion, is to do with protecting Nigerians and innocent lives.'

'When you try to reduce it to just say, 'Oh, no, it's Muslims killing Christians in Nigeria,' you see how you can get it completely wrong. It's a regional conflict,' he told Nigerian broadcaster Channels Television on Friday.

Nigerian officials have not elaborated on the possibility of accepting US troops on the ground or of other strikes in the near future, and Tuggar said only that it would be considered following Trump's suggestion he could send in troops 'guns-a-blazing.'

Donald Trump announced a 'powerful and deadly' Christmas Day strike on ISIS 'terrorist scum' in Nigeria and warned that radicals will continue to pay for the persecution of Christians

A video posted by the Pentagon showed at least one projectile launched from a warship. A US defense official said the strike targeted multiple militants at known ISIS camps

Trump announced the 'powerful and deadly' strike on ISIS 'terrorist scum' in Nigeria on Christmas Day, and warned that radicals will continue to pay for the persecution of Christians.

The President, who previously threatened to send the US military to the West African nation 'guns-a-blazing,' made the announcement in a Truth Social post Thursday evening.

'Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!' he wrote.

Nigeria's foreign ministry said the strikes were carried out as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States, involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to target militant groups.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has also said that the country 'welcomes' the American help.

But there is a sense the government publicly cooperated with the US to avert humiliating unilateral military action threatened a month ago by Trump.

The strikes divided opinions in Congress, as Democrat Representative Debbie Dingell said Congress received 'very little' information on Trump's move.

Dingell described the lack of information sharing from the White House as a 'continuing pattern,' and said she believes it is Congress that 'needs to be making a lot of these decisions about escalating.'

Join the debate Should the US get more involved militarily in Nigeria, or is this crossing a dangerous line?

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has said that the country 'welcomes' the US help

Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who has been a top defender of Trump's strikes on Venezuelan drug boats, praised the actions in Nigeria.

'I commend President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and our brave troops for these strikes against bloodthirsty ISIS savages who are not only persecuting Christians, but also have killed many Americans,' Cotton, a former army officer who is chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, wrote on X.

Nebraska Republican Congressman Don Bacon celebrated US strikes on ISIS as well, calling the military action 'right' despite criticizing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's attacks on Venezuela earlier this month.

Brad Brandon, chief executive of Across Nigeria, exclusively told the Daily Mail that 'members of Congress criticizing the President's counterterrorism actions in Nigeria demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation on the ground,' and that 'their hostility toward President Trump has clouded objective judgment.'

'There is no doubt that this action was fully justified and that the use of US military capabilities disrupted ISIS's ability to continue massacring innocent civilians,' Brandon added.

A US defense official said the strikes hit multiple militants at known ISIS camps.

Trump said in his lengthy post that the targets have had it coming for some time.

'I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.'

'The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper,' Trump added.

Nigeria has been roiled by internal violence in the wake of a jihadist insurgency spearheaded by extremist group Boko Haram in the northeast since 2009

The President signed off with a warning for the terrorists that they will continue to pay if the murder of innocent Christians goes on.

'May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.'

The President's post did not include information about how the strike was carried out and what effects it had. The White House did not immediately provide further details.

Hegseth affirmed the president's message in a social media post of his own.

He wrote: 'The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.

'The Department of War is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight  on Christmas. More to come Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!'

The northwestern area where Thursday's airstrikes took place has been plagued since 2024 by increasing violence from members of the Lakurawa sect, a strict Sunni Islamist movement that claims affiliation with the Islamic State group.

Formed as a vigilante outfit, the group evolved into a jihadist movement enforcing strict Islamist rule across hundreds of villages in the area. Nigeria declared the group a terrorist organization early this year.

'It's very likely this is the group Trump referred to when mentioning U.S. military strikes in Nigeria,' said Confidence MacHarry, senior analyst at Lagos-based SBM Intelligence. 'They've also been linked to widespread cattle theft, with most of the stolen animals ending up in markets along the Nigeria-Niger border.'
A new policy across US airports that will collect facial recognition data from noncitizens entering and leaving the country comes into effect today.

The measure is designed to curb visa fraud, identify criminals, detect overstays and prevent illegal reentries, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said.

Going forward, visitors from abroad will have their facial biometric data collected when they come into and leave the country by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Previous exemptions, such as those for diplomats and most Canadian visitors, were also removed as part of the change.

Biometric facial comparison technology is already used to process travelers entering America at 238 airports, according to CBP.

'This final rule marks a major milestone towards our efforts to successfully implement the Biometric Entry/Exit mandate and strengthen the security of the United States,' Diane J. Sabatino, the acting executive assistant commissioner of CBP's field operations office, said.

She added that the increased funding would be used to 'expand facial biometrics and advanced technology for identity verification to further secure and innovate the entry/exit process at air, land, and sea.'

Starting today, December 26, biometric data from noncitizens entering and leaving the US will be collected

A final notice on the Federal Register said that facial comparison technology was the 'best available method for biometric verification'

The airport policy was first announced on November 20, although it only goes into effect today.

While the new rule focuses on facial recognition, border officers will continue collecting fingerprints from incoming travelers. Every inspection booth upon entry has a fingerprint reader.

The decision has raised fears regarding 'privacy, data security, and the potential for discriminatory or unauthorized surveillance', according to a public comment sent to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke last Friday.

In total, the letter was signed by 49 other members of lawmakers - including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jasmine Crockett.

'Biometric identifiers are permanent and cannot be changed if compromised, making the risks of misuse or breach uniquely severe, irreversible, and lifelong,' the comment read.

The new measure was also met with some concerns over how simple it was to incorporate.

'The ease of implementation is what, in part, makes facial recognition such a dangerous technology to implement at such a broad scale,' Jeramie Scott, a lawyer with the Electronic Privacy Information Center, told The New York Times.

He worried that 'the government will seek to expand its use' of the facial recognition technology.

US citizens are not required to participate in the facial biometrics program, although they are are able to opt in

Donald Trump's interest in expanding the oversight of travelers entering the US goes back to 2017.

Then, the US President signed an executive order requiring an 'expedited' biometric entry-exit system.

About three years later, the DHS proposed a rule requiring all foreign nationals to undergo facial biometric scans for identity verification.

The agency also asked to expand the technology to more locations, which has now been approved.

US citizens are not required to participate in the facial biometrics program but are able to opt in when entering or leaving the country.

Those who would rather not participate are asked to notify a CBP officer or airline representative about their decision, so that they can undergo a manual passport check instead.

Photos of US citizens are discarded within 12 hours, per the DHS, while images of noncitizens are stored in the agency's biometric identity management system for up to 75 years.

Border officers will continue collecting fingerprints from incoming travelers. Every inspection booth upon entry is equipped with a fingerprint reader

This is meant to serve as 'confirmation of entry or departure,' per the DHS.

Facial comparison technology was called the 'best available method for biometric verification', as it is 'accurate, unobtrusive, and efficient', per a final notice posted on the Federal Register.

Biometric data has been collected from some noncitizens entering the US since 2004, but there is no 'comprehensive system' currently in place to do so for those exiting the country.

While the new rule focuses on facial recognition, border officers will continue collecting fingerprints from incoming travelers. Every inspection booth upon entry has a fingerprint reader.

Before today, CBP could only run pilot programs at a small number of airports and seaports.

This change comes as the US braces for a particularly hectic travel season during the winter holidays.

More than 44million travelers will cross the country's airports between December 19 and January 4, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Before the changes went into effect today, CBP was only able to run pilot programs at a limited number of air and sea ports

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem received a comment from Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke last Friday raising concerns about privacy and data security

The busiest days of the festive period are expected to come immediately after the strengthening of the biometric entry-exit system.

December 28 will feature nearly 2.9million travelers, per the agency, with similarly heavy travel the day before.

The US could also soon ask tourists to provide a five-year record of their social media history to enter the country, per a proposal posted December 10 on the Federal Register.

People entering the country would also be asked to provide email addresses, phone numbers and information about their family members.

Biometrics are also mentioned as part of that proposal, and are said to include 'face, fingerprint, DNA, and iris.'

That notice said that the American public had until February 9, 2026, to provide comments.
A Russian diplomat has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after he was caught selling secrets to US intelligence.

The moment Arseniy Konovalov was ambushed by Federal Security Service (FSB) agents was captured on video.

The clip, which was shared today across Russian news outlets, shows the 38-year-old looking shocked as he is detained while travelling in a van after being told he was suspected of treason.

A separate video shows the diplomat behind bars as he awaited trial.

A Moscow court on Friday found the former Russian diplomat guilty of treason and sentenced him to 12 years in a maximum-security penal colony.

He was also fined the equivalent of $1,200.

'It was established that AS Konovalov, an employee of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a long-term foreign assignment in the United States, proactively transferred secret information to American intelligence for money,' the FSB said in a statement.

Konovalov was first detained by the FSB, which leads Russian counter-intelligence, in March 2024.

Join the debate What do you think drives diplomats to betray their country for a rival nation's intelligence?

The moment Arseniy Konovalov was ambushed by Federal Security Service (FSB) agents was captured on video

A separate video shows the 38-year-old diplomat behind bars as he awaited his trial

Konovalov will spend 12 years behind bars after a Moscow court found him guilty of treason

The FSB did not say what information Konovalov had passed to US intelligence, or which US agency he was accused of working with.

There was no immediate comment from American spy agencies.

Russia's Kommersant newspaper said Konovalov had served as second secretary of the Russian Consulate General in Houston.

He worked in the United States from 2014 to 2017, the publication said.
Sir Keir Starmer said he is 'delighted' by the safe return of a British democracy activist who was held in an Egyptian prison for six years.

Alaa Abd El-Fattah was pardoned in September after a desperate campaign by his family and British diplomatic pressure, and the Prime Minister today revealed that he has reunited with his family in the UK.

Mr Abd El-Fattah, who has dual British-Egyptian nationality, was detained in the north African country in September 2019, and in December 2021 was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of spreading false news.

His imprisonment was branded a breach of international law by UN investigators, and he was only set free after a presidential pardon from President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi.

In her efforts to secure her son's freedom, Mr Abd El-Fattah resorted to an excruciating hunger strike that lasted almost 300 days.

On Friday, Sir Keir wrote on X: 'I'm delighted that Alaa Abd El-Fattah is back in the UK and has been reunited with his loved ones, who must be feeling profound relief.

'I want to pay tribute to Alaa's family, and to all those that have worked and campaigned for this moment.

'Alaa's case has been a top priority for my government since we came to office. I'm grateful to President Sisi for his decision to grant the pardon.'

Alaa Abd El-Fattah with his mother Laila after arriving back in the UK

Al-Fattah, with his sister Sanaa Seif on the right, was released in September but as only just returned to the UK

Alaa Abd El-Fattah spent years in and out of prison thanks to his pro-democracy activism

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper similarly stressed that Mr Abd El-Fattah's release had been a 'top priority' for the Government, and paid tribute to the activist's family.

Ms Cooper wrote on X: 'I'm delighted that Alaa Abd El-Fattah has arrived in the UK and is with his family.

'Alaa's case has been a top priority for our Government and I welcome President Sisi's granting of this pardon.

'I pay tribute to Alaa's family for their tireless determination to be reunited.'

Mr Abd El-Fattah was accused of spreading false news in the course of his democracy and human rights activism, which often involved unauthoritsed protests that were critical of the government.

He grew to become one of Egypt's most prominent political prisoners after spending much of his adult life in and out of detention due to his activism, and offered a rare symbol of opposition to a far-reaching crackdown under Sisi.

Egpytian authorities kept him locked up beyond the date when he should have been released, when his pretrail detention was taken into account.

The COP27 climate summit that Egypt hosted in 2022 was a focus of the family's efforts, with them urging then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to raise their plight, but still El-Fattah was detained.

Sir Keir Starmer said he was delighted byu El-Fattah's return

Yvette Cooper also celebrated the reunification

El-Fattah's mother, Laila, on the 134th day of her hunger strike

His family campaigned tirelessly for his release

Then, his mother, Laila Soueif, embarked on a hunger strike to bring attention to her son's case in late 2024.

After beginning as a partial strike, it escalated into a full hunger strike in the summer of this year - and she was hospitalised and warned she was on the brink of death.

Keir Starmer promised to do everything possible to ensure Mr El-Fattah's release - but the activist previously said the perceived lack of support from the British government was making him consider giving up his citizenship.

He wrote in a letter in December 2024, according to the Guardia: 'I wonder if he's [Starmer] paying any attention to me.

'I've said from the start that if they can't or don't want to or don't care to argue about a consular visit then one can't look to them for a release, because it means they basically don't recognise me as citizen and they endorse the local authority not recognising me as a human being.

'So probably the next step is to give up both nationalities and live without either (optimistic, of course, since this assumes life in some future stage).'
The Free Speech Union's top lawyer has claimed he was targeted by Chinese spies pretending to be researchers.

Bryn Harris, the chief legal counsel at the FSU, suspects he was the target of a 'China capture' campaign after he began receiving emails from supposed computer and artificial intelligence researchers.

Speaking to The Times, Mr Harris said he knew something wasn't right when the researchers, who all had Chinese names, claimed to work in complicated areas of technology, made several basic mistakes.

'They claimed to be working for IBM and Google, but they wrote to me from Gmail addresses. The language was flawless, but felt like it was AI-generated', said Mr Harris.

'They were extremely obsequious in the way that they talked to me, perhaps trying to get to me in some way. It just didn't feel right'.

Mr Harris said he was suspicious that he was being targeted because of the FSU's work to promote free speech on university campuses.

Free speech in China is extremely limited due to the communist government's efforts to maintain political stability and social order.

Mr Harris says his name was associated with the FSU's submissions to the government on higher education legislation to strengthen legal protections for free speech across universities.

Bryn Harris, the chief legal counsel at the FSU, suspects he was the target of a ' Chinacapture' campaign

He said he was first contacted by a researcher called Lala Chen in June, another in July who called herself Ailin, and then a third woman called Emily in October.

A UK-China transparency charity, known as UKCT, who Harris had contacted for help, concluded that the trio, who claimed to be working from the US, were in fact in Asia.

It also found that one of the supposed researchers had used a photograph of a well-known Korean actress, while another had used an avatar from a Facebook dating service.

While Mr Harris said he was suspicious immediately, he said he wanted to raise further awareness so that other professionals would be wary of similar approaches and job offers.

Daily Mail has approached the FSU for comment.

It comes after MI5 warned that Chinese spies are creating fake job adverts to trick civil servants, military staff and academics into handing over State secrets.

In a new escalation in Beijing espionage targeting Britain, hundreds of thousands of suspicious job ads are appearing on online platforms offering bumper salaries and tempting fees in exchange for 'unique insight' reports.

MI5 fears scores of Britons may have been lured in by fake recruitment consultancies set up by China.

The National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), a branch of MI5, has issued an alert warning that foreign intelligence services are daily posing bogus job adverts to target government staff, academics, think-tank employees, private defence contractors and others.

In October 2023, MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum warned that Chinese spies had targeted 20,000 officials on LinkedIn.

But since then, tactics have evolved with false employment sites, bogus recruitment firms or spoof legitimate companies being set up. In some cases, people are being offered 2,000 for a single report on matters such as foreign policy, defence and government insight.

Sir Ken hinted at the issue in a wide-ranging speech in October, warning Britons to be wary of a 'tempting job advert in your sector [that] is just too good to be true'.

The NPSA alert warns professionals: 'Your insights and network of contacts can form valuable 'pieces of the jigsaw' when brought together with other information.' Anyone with access to sensitive information are told to be wary of generic job titles such as 'geopolitics', 'international affairs' and 'political risk', or buzz words such as 'unique insights' and 'hot topics'.

The practice often involves payment through unconventional means such as cryptocurrency. Once hooked, victims can be enticed into flying to a non-Western country where they are directly pressed into spying for China.
A Utah mother has been captured on airport surveillance footage calmly guiding her four young children through Salt Lake City International Airport before boarding a one-way international flight and vanishing overseas.

The video, obtained by authorities, captures Elleshia Anne Seymour walking with the children through the terminal, luggage in tow, before departing the United States as part of what investigators say was a carefully planned abduction carried out in violation of joint custody agreements.

The mom allegedly absconded with the children over irrational fears that Salt Lake City would be destroyed in a Biblical 'end times' event.

Police say the flight marked the final step in a plan that had been quietly unfolding for weeks.

Seymour, who shares partial custody of the children with two fathers, allegedly obtained travel arrangements without their knowledge or consent and left her vehicle behind at the airport before exiting the country.

Investigators believe she has no intention of returning the children to the US.

Days after the flight, on December 2, Seymour left a voicemail for one of the fathers claiming she was already in France with the children.

In the message, she said she planned to seek permanent residence and had taken the children because the 'end times' were coming.

Law enforcement later determined Seymour had discussed obtaining passports for the children and had made plans to shred documents and discard phones before leaving the country.

Elleshia Anne Seymour is seen walking through Salt Lake City International Airport with her four children in newly released surveillance footage

Elleshia Anne Seymour, 35, is charged with four counts of custodial interference after police say she removed the children from the country without the consent of either father

For Kendall Seymour, the father of three of the children, the airport footage is devastating.

'We're hoping to get a state warrant turned into a federal warrant, turned into an INTERPOL warrant out there,' he told ABC4.

'Hopefully the next step is I get a phone call that she's been found and then I can fly out and find the kids. As soon as that happens, me and my fiance were going to drop everything and go get them.'

Kendall last saw his children between November 24 and 25, when he dropped them off at school at the start of their mother's scheduled custody time.

He said concerns were raised days later when a babysitter called asking why the children had not shown up for daycare.

'She's been planning this because she took off on the 30th of November during my long custody break for Thanksgiving,' he told KSL-TV.

'It has been three weeks now. She has no family in Europe. As far as I know, no contacts out there.'

Charging documents say Seymour had recently discussed fleeing the country while expressing fears about biblical events and the 'end of times.'

Detectives later found a notebook in her West Jordan apartment outlining plans to shred documents, discard phones and take passports.

Airport surveillance shows Seymour and the children boarding a one-way flight bound for Amsterdam, with a final destination in Croatia. In her voicemail, she later claimed to be in France, telling the children's father she was looking for permanent residence.

Kendall said the beliefs outlined in the documents came as a shock.

'She's not in the right mind,' he said.

Join the debate Should parents ever take drastic action if they believe their children are in danger, even if illegal?

The footage captures Seymour appearing calm as she and the children move through the airport, days before police issued an endangered missing advisory

The four children were reported missing in December after police say they were taken overseas in violation of a joint custody agreement

'I didn't know about any of these ideas of hers until a couple of weeks ago when someone found her TikTok account She thinks Salt Lake is going to be destroyed and she is trying to get the kids to safety. My only hope is that she is motivated to protect them.'

'There were no signs of that when we were married or divorced in the last five years.'

Authorities appear to share concerns about Seymour's mental state. According to charging documents, a no-bail arrest warrant was requested after witnesses reported she had previously suffered from emotional breakdowns and hallucinations.

On December 10, police issued an endangered missing advisory for the four children, listing Seymour as the abductor. Charges for custodial interference and removing the children from the state were filed six days later.

Family law attorney Marco Brown said Seymour could face serious legal consequences once located.

'She's chasing four felony counts, assuming this is the first time this has happened and [if] she has some mental health problems, then she is likely not looking at any jail time at all,' he told ABC 4.

'What I think is more likely is they get the kids back to the United States and if they share 50-50 custody, then he goes and modifies the custody, so he gets the majority of it and holds the kids' passports.'

'If the police find her and arrest her, because they have an international warrant and work with the FBI, then they could detain her and the United States would extradite her back.'
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was left firmly out in the cold today, with even his daughters abandoning him at Christmas.

While Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were surprise guests at the King's royal revelries at Sandringham, the disgraced former Duke of York was seen leaving Royal Lodge, his Windsor mansion, alone.

He cut a solitary figure, driving himself out of the royal estate, wrapped in a scarf and casual waterproof, in stark contrast to his smartly-dressed daughters and their husbands who joined senior royals on the traditional Christmas morning walk to church.

There was no sign of Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and her spokesman refused to discuss her plans.

King Charles has quietly made clear that while his shamed brother is unwelcome at any family festivities, his nieces  who remain 'blood princesses' and have retained their York titles  should not be made to pay for their father's 'sins'. A source said: 'His Majesty is very fond of them.'

It comes as victims of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein called for Andrew to be prosecuted amid continuing public uproar over their friendship.

Marina Lacerda, 37, who was 14 when she was abused by the predatory financier, told the Daily Mail that the former Duke of York would have been arrested by now 'if he were a regular guy'.

Andrew  who has always denied any wrongdoing  has already been stripped by the King of all his remaining titles and forced to downsize from his 30-room Windsor mansion, but his presence continues to loom over the Royal Family's public activities.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was left firmly out in the cold today, with even his daughters abandoning him at Christmas. Pictured: Princess Eugenie at Sandringham on Christmas Day

While Princesses Beatrice (pictured, in attendance, with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi) and Eugenie were surprise guests at the King's royal revelries at Sandringham, the disgraced former Duke of York was seen leaving Royal Lodge, his Windsor mansion, alone

He cut a solitary figure (pictured), driving himself out of the royal estate, wrapped in a scarf and casual waterproof

Earlier this month the Daily Mail revealed he would get to spend one last Christmas in Royal Lodge before his expected departure to the King's private Sandringham estate early next year.

It can be revealed that while no firm date has been set for him to quit, removal vans have already been taking boxes of belongings away.

In Norfolk today his daughters  who had been predicted by some to skip the festivities this year, such is their embarrassment over the debacle  were pointedly welcomed by the rest of the Royal Family.

Beatrice, 37, accompanied by her husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi, looked pale and slightly haunted, hanging to the rear of the party walking down from the 'big house' to St Mary Magdalene Church.

But Eugenie, 35, smiled and beamed at the front of the group, along with her husband, Jack Brooksbank.

More than 500 well-wishers  some camping out in the bitter cold overnight in Santa hats, tinsel necklaces and reindeer antlers  had gathered to catch a glimpse of the family, who were led by a beaming Charles. He was accompanied by Queen Camilla, bringing festive cheer in a striking red coat and hat.

Charles joked with Joan Beale, 67, from Cambridge, that it was 'like Crufts here' as he bent down to make a fuss of her dog, Millie.

Asked afterwards if they had anything to say about Andrew, she shook her head and said: 'The royals have acted in the right way, with some dignity.' Her friend, Sarah Burgoyne, 57, added: 'I'm glad that his girls are here.'

Hilary Marsh, 73, voiced her opinion that it was 'only right' that Beatrice and Eugenie were there.

Mrs Marsh, from Burwell, Cambridgeshire, said: 'Beatrice and Eugenie are marvellous girls. They've done nothing wrong and it must be quite hard for them with everything that's going on.'

She said it was 'marvellous' to see the King looking well and added she had gifted the Prince and Princess of Wales' children boxes of chocolates.

'The children were very polite and courteous,' she continued. 'They're an absolute credit to them.'

James Taylor, 41, from Nottinghamshire, said the removal of Andrew's titles showed the family were taking matters 'seriously'.

'It's been a source of embarrassment for the family, but this shows how seriously they're taking it.

'It has reflected badly on the family. I'm sure it's the right thing he's not here to take the focus away from the King and Queen,' he said.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh brought their children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex, along for the festivities, while Princess Anne was accompanied by her daughter, Zara Tindall, and grandchildren.

Join the debate Should Beatrice and Eugenie be embraced by the public despite their father's scandals?

Beatrice, 37, accompanied by her husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi, (pictured, the couple together) looked pale and slightly haunted, hanging to the rear of the party

But Eugenie (centre), 35, smiled and beamed at the front of the group, along with her husband, Jack Brooksbank (left)

More than 500 well-wishers had gathered to catch a glimpse of the family, who were led by a beaming Charles. He was accompanied by Queen Camilla, bringing festive cheer in a striking red coat and hat. Pictured: The King and Queen leading the Christmas Day party

The Duke of Edinburgh (pictured) was also present, with his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh

They brought their children, Lady Louise (right) and James, Earl of Wessex (left), along for the festivities. Pictured: The children with their mother, the Duchess of Edinburgh, centre

Princess Anne (centre left) was accompanied by her daughter, Zara Tindall (far right), and grandchildren

The crowds seemed particularly delighted to see the Wales family (pictured, accompanied by Zara Tindall's daughters Lena, left, and Mia, centre) who were out in force

The children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and little Prince Louis (pictured, with a chocolate gift from a well-wisher), stole the show as they collected armfuls of gifts and festive chocolate selection boxes

The crowds seemed particularly delighted to see the Wales family who were out in force, with the children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and little Prince Louis, stealing the show as they collected armfuls of gifts and festive chocolate selection boxes.

Catherine, 43, and her ten-year-old daughter were in complementary shades of brown and caramel, while Louis, seven, and 12-year-old George were smartly dressed like their father.

Gemma Clark, 45, from Long Sutton, and a regular at the event, gave the young princess a bookmark and a ballerina brooch as presents, saying: 'I asked Charlotte for a hug and she said yes. It was absolutely amazing. I loved it.'

Her father, Paul Clark, 75, handed William a set of origami planes for his sons to make and said: 'William told me George would be able to name all those planes, they're historic ones like Spitfires and Hurricanes.'

Louis couldn't resist giving a twirl of excitement when he was given a huge box of chocolates as a gift, especially for him.

The Princess of Wales dawdled long after the other family members had started walking back, shaking hands and greeting well-wishers for almost 20 minutes and thanking them for turning up despite the cold.
Princess Charlotte has been showered in praise by Royal fans after stopping to take a selfie with a woman during the family's walkabout around Sandringham.

King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Waleses and other senior members of the royal family greeted adoring crowds on Christmas morning.

Yesterday, Princess Charlotte, 10, and her brothers, Prince George, 12, and Prince Louis, seven, made their way around the Norfolk village on the annual walkabout.

A short 28-second clip shows the young royal waving to onlookers while wearing a light and dark brown coat on the chilly morning.

And as Charlotte leans in to shake the hand of one fan, kindly wishing them a 'merry Christmas', a woman asks for a photograph with the young royal.

In the video, which now has over 2.2million views, the woman said, 'Charlotte, can we have a photo with you?' to which Charlotte softly replied, 'Yes.'

After asking if she would be able to take the snap, a sweet photo of the lady and the young princess is shown on screen.

The TikTok user's comments have since been flooded with praise for Charlotte, who has been described as 'so polished' and 'polite'.

Princess Charlotte of Wales attending the Christmas Morning Service yesterday in Sandringham

Princess Charlotte has been praised after politely agreeing to take a photograph with a woman while on the Sandringham walkbaout

'Princess Charlotte is becoming a very popular young royal. The future of the royal family is safe in her hands,' one wrote.

'Oh, she's so polished and confident,' a second penned, while another noted how 'polite' Prince William and Princess Catherine's children were.

'She looks so much like her father,' one remarked as one fan dubbed her the 'double act of her grandmother,' the late Queen Elizabeth.

'I see Charlotte getting more confident around the public these days. Good on her.'

'She is so polite and adorable,' a viewer said. 'Such a well-mannered young lady.'

It comes after adorable photos captured the moment Charlotte and Louis took it upon themselves to say hello to the crowd - with their big brother George just a few steps behind.

Gifts for the children were in abundance throughout the morning as Louis was seen clinging onto a giant red Lindor chocolate, which he eyed up gleefully.

The hope of catching a glimpse of the youngsters on their walk to church is a major draw for royal fans who gather close to the church in Sandringham every year.

In the short 28-second clip, the young royal politely accepts to take the photograph with the fan on Christmas day

Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at yesterday's Christmas morning service

Camilla wore a festively red overcoat and stylish hat as she walked alongside King Charles

Kate beamed yesterday a wide smile as she arrived at Sandringham with Princess Charlotte, 10

Kate and William were joined by their children Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven

The Prince of Wales is seen greeting royal well-wishers who don Christmas hats for the occasion

King Charles and Queen Camilla looked in good spirits as they left the church afterwards

In one adorable photo, Charlotte and Louis are also seen greeting members of the public at Sandringham

Kate warmly smiled at the crowds who had turned out to see the royal family walk to the church

Fans were delighted to see so many members of the royal family reunited for Christmas

Other family members seen on the walk include the King's other brother Prince Edward, his wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh, his son, James Viscount Severn, 17, and daughter, Lady Louise, 22.

Meanwhile, Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, were on the guest list, alongside daughter Zara and son-in-law Mike Tindall and their three children, Mia, 11, Lena, seven, and Lucas, four.

Anne's son Peter Phillips was also in attendance with his two daughters, Savannah and Isla. Earlier this year, Peter announced his engagement to girlfriend Harriet Sperling.

Now, the rule that only married couples can attend has been relaxed, it's very likely she was asked by King Charles to join the family. She has already met the King and Queen and members of the wider family at events such as Royal Ascot.

As the family left the service afterwards, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Beatrice's husband, wished members of the Press a merry Christmas.

The royals were watched on by a 500-strong crowd of fans, some of whom had been queuing for hours to catch a glimpse of the family.
The bones of Saint Nicholas, who inspired the story of Santa Claus, have mystified the world for nearly 1,700 years following his death.

Housed in the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, Italy, the relics include his skull, long and short bones, numerous tiny fragments, and even small stones

In the 1950s, the tomb of the fourth-century bishop was opened for the first time since 1089 during renovations, allowing the relics to be carefully examined.

The bones, which had lain undisturbed for 866 years, were found scattered in the tomb with clear liquid at the bottom and moisture still in the marrow cavities.

Church officials proclaimed the sight as a remarkable preservation that confirmed their authenticity and set the stage for the mysterious fluid known as the 'manna' of St Nicholas.

The manna, an aromatic liquid, has been used for centuries to perform miraculous healings, as it is applied to the sick or added to a drink.

The remains date back around 343 AD, when St Nicholas died, and belong to the early Christian bishop who lived in what is now modern-day Turkey during the Roman Empire.

Saint Nicholas is revered by both Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians and became famous for his acts of generosity, particularly secret gift-giving, such as leaving coins in people's shoes.

Housed in the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, Italy, the relics include his skull, long and short bones, numerous tiny fragments, and even small stones

Believers say that the 'Manna' has healing powers

After his parents died in an epidemic, Nicholas distributed their wealth to the poor, and he became the patron saint of merchants, brewers, and toymakers.

One legendary story recounts how he rescued three girls from being forced into prostitution by dropping gold coins through a window so their father could pay dowries for them.

Many of the details of his life were recorded long after his death, leaving only fragmentary contemporary evidence of his miracles.

Though his reputation passed into the figure of Father Christmas or Santa Claus, St Nicholas's remains are preserved in Bari, where they continue to inspire devotion.

Every May 9th, pilgrims gather at the Basilica as the relics release the sweet-smelling fluid, a phenomenon first reported centuries ago in Myra, Turkey, where he was originally buried.

Archaeologists have not definitively found his untouched tomb, but recent excavations in 2022 to 2024 at the St Nicholas Church in Demre uncovered the original church floor and a potential, well-preserved limestone sarcophagus that might hold his remains.

St Nicholas was bishop of Myra, and by the sixth century, pilgrims were already reporting that the remains exuded a liquid capable of healing the sick.

Legend has it that Italian sailors stole the bones from the tomb in 1087 to protect them from invading Turks, bringing them back to Italy.

Scientists used the bones to reconstruct the face of St Nicholas

The Manna ceremony for Saint Nicholas in Bari Basilica (St Nicholas Center)

The remains of Saint Nicholas are in a church in Italy

Adam English, author of The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus, calls it 'essentially a holy robbery,' noting that some fragments of the bones were left behind and later taken by Venetian sailors, now housed in the Church of St. Nicholas in the Lido, Venice.

Once in Bari, the relics continued to exude the same sweet-smelling liquid, whereas the remains in Venice did not.

Initially believed to be myrrh or another aromatic oil, scientific testing in 1925 at the University of Bari determined that the fluid was water. Nevertheless, believers continue to ascribe healing powers to the manna, which is gathered annually, diluted in larger containers, and bottled for pilgrims.

Father Gerardo Cioffari, director of the Centro Studi Nicolaiani at the Basilica, explained the ritual: 'On the evening of May 9th, the Feast of the Translation of Saint Nicholas from Myra to Bari in 1087, the stone sarcophagus is opened.

In the crowded crypt, the Archbishop of Bari extracts one or two glasses of the water that has formed around the Saint's bones over the year.

A Father of the Dominican Community pours this manna into large containers of blessed water, which is then used to fill small bottles for sick pilgrims.

Occasionally, extremely small bottles of pure manna are given as relics, but only after official requests from the Orthodox or Catholic hierarchy.'

Every year, on May 9th, the manna is collected

St Nicholas's connection to Santa Claus emerged centuries later. By the 16th century, stories of his generosity became widespread, particularly in Holland, where his feast day, December 6, is still celebrated in many European countries.

His acts of secret gift-giving inspired the traditions we now associate with Father Christmas.

Skeptics have suggested that the manna might simply be condensation forming in the tomb of the Saint.

However, devotees argue that there is no way water could naturally seep into the crypt.

They point to the exhumation in 1954, when the bones themselves reportedly 'perspired' a fluid, and the linen sheet containing the relics was found to be wet.

From 1980 onward, the extraction of the manna has been formally performed every year, maintaining the mysterious tradition that continues to draw pilgrims from around the world. The combination of history, legend, and the inexplicable fluid ensures that the relics of Saint Nicholas remain a source of fascination nearly 1,700 years after his death.

Whether seen as a miracle, a historical curiosity, or both, the ritual surrounding the relics of Saint Nicholas continues to captivate believers and skeptics alike, linking the life of an early Christian bishop to one of the world's most enduring cultural icons: Santa Claus.
A state of emergency has been declared in New Jersey, just miles from where a major winter storm is expected to dump the largest snow totals seen in over three years.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that residents in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut are in the direct path of the storm that is expected to slam the region with heavy snow and ice starting around 4pm ET.

Over 20 million people in the Northeast have been added to the official winter storm warning issued by NWS, with the alert expanding to parts northern New Jersey, central and upstate New York, Long Island, and western Massachusetts.

Parts of Rhode Island, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia have also been placed under a winter weather advisory and could see snow and ice accumulating on roadways this weekend.

New York is expected to take the brunt of the storm, with four to eight inches of snow predicted in the heart of the city.

According to Matt Brickman of NBC 4 New York, Friday's storm could deliver the most snow New York has seen since January 2022. Up to a foot of snow has been predicted for northeastern Pennsylvania and parts of upstate New York.

New Jersey Acting Govornor Tahesha Way said: 'This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel. We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to the roads.'

However, AccuWeather has also warned that a fast-moving 'bomb cyclone' storm is already in the forecast for Sunday, which will bring even more freezing rain, ice, snow, and blizzard-like conditions to the Northeast and Midwest.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Northeast, including New York City, where four to eight inches of snow may fall Friday night

New York City has not seen this much snow since January 2022 according to meteorologists (Stock Image)

Travelers in the New York area have already been impacted by the storm as over 300 flights have been cancelled at John F Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International Airports as of Friday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also announced that an official ground stop or delay may be issued at all three major airports in the New York City area starting at 4pm.

Potential delays and ground stops have also been announced for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Philadelphia International Airport starting Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the storm's path through the Great Lakes region has already impacted departure times at Chicago O'Hare Airport, which reported delays due to 'low visibility' at the major Midwest travel hub.

A record 122million Americans were expected to travel at least 50 miles during the final two weeks of December. Nearly 110million of those holiday travelers will be driving, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

AccuWeather meteorologists have forecasted that the Tri-State Area, including New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut could see nine inches of snow fall by Saturday afternoon.

The fast-moving storm is expected to clear out by 1pm on Saturday, but not before impacting millions of post-Christmas travelers returning home this weekend.

Hours later, however, forecasters have said that a 'bomb cyclone,' a powerful winter storm that strengthens quickly when air pressure drops sharply, is set to form over the Great Lakes, bringing hurricane force winds to several states.

Meteorologists have warned that another storm will immediately follow Friday's snow, affecting an even larger portion of the Northeast and Midwest on Sunday

Friday night's snowstorm is expected to impact millions of holiday travelers driving and flying this weekend (Stock Image)

On Sunday, forecasts show this bomb cyclone intensifying with peak impacts including blizzard conditions, gusty winds between 40 and 70mph, icy roads from freezing rain, and heavy snow accumulations up to 12 inches in some spots.

It will mainly affect states around the Great Lakes like Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and New York, as well as parts of Pennsylvania and other areas in the Northeast and New England heading into the final week of 2025.

'Travel plans could be delayed or disrupted for millions of people trying to visit loved ones or returning home after Christmas. The busy period for shopping, gift exchanges and returns after Christmas may also be impacted,' Roys added in a statement.

NWS has also issued an ice storm warning throughout central and western Pennsylvania on Friday, potentially causing blackouts as ice weighs down local power lines and causing dangerous road conditions.

'Freezing rain, sleet, and snow are all on the table for this system. Travel will become treacherous after the onset of precipitation,' NWS officials in State College, Pennsylvania posted on Facebook Friday morning.

Friday's fast-moving snowstorm is the third winter blast, also called a clipper, to move across the northern US this week.

A clipper on Tuesday night brought the first wave of snow to New England and upstate New York, while major cities to the south saw a brief mix of sleet and rain on Christmas Eve Eve.

A much smaller system passed through in the Ohio Valley, the mid-Atlantic, the Northeast, and New England, bringing a mix of rain, snow, and ice on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

A string of winter storms have been sweeping down from Canada this week, causing freezing rain, ice, snow, and damaging wind gusts

Friday night into Saturday's storm is projected to be the biggest of the bunch, and could upend one of the busiest travel days of the entire year - the day after Christmas.

AccuWeather's senior meteorologist, Chad Merrill, said: 'The snow will quickly accumulate on paved surfaces and pile up fast, making for dangerous travel overnight Friday. Snowplows will be out in full force clearing the snow, with most of it falling in a 12-hour span late Friday.'

Merrill warned that Central Michigan, including cities such as Lansing, the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, and parts of western Maryland should brace for 'significant ice accumulations.'

'Farther east, although ice accumulation will be less, there will still be slippery spots in central to southeastern Pennsylvania overnight Friday into early Saturday. Bridges and overpasses are more susceptible to icy spots because they tend to get colder than other pavement.'
Tens of thousands of airline passengers are being warned to brace for major delays as federal officials say US airports have been overwhelmed by the holiday travel rush.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued eight separate airspace flow restrictions on Friday, which affect nearly every major air traffic control center in the US, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, and Miami.

The widespread series of Airspace Flow Programs (AFPs) will impact almost any major airport in the US or Canada flying to Florida or the Caribbean on Friday, one of the busiest travel days of the year, with some delays reaching over six hours.

Specifically, the FAA is slashing the number of planes allowed to take off and enter certain busy sections of airspace to prevent any dangerous situations of overcrowding as hundreds of flights all head to the same destinations.

Hourly limits have been set on how many flights can cross the FAA's Flow Constrained Area (FCA) boundaries, specific zones over or around the US created by the agency marking flight routes which they expect to be too busy with holiday travel.

Friday's zones include flight routes over the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea leading to southern Florida, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, St Lucia, Aruba region, Mexico, and San Diego.

Between 3pm and 6pm, the FAA expects the average delays to be the worst, with some routes over Mexico and the Dominican Republic expecting peak delay times exceeding three hours.

Maximum delays for flights traveling through the FCA over Florida will reach a staggering 398 minutes, or more than six and a half hours Friday afternoon.

A holiday traveler waits for her flight amid major airport delays due to high volumes of flyers during the Christmas travel week (Stock Image)

Travelers at San Francisco International Airport stand in long lines waiting for flights. Over eight million people are expected to fly during the final two weeks of December

Most of the travel restrictions began Friday morning and are scheduled to last until between 6pm and 10pm ET tonight.

Other major US travel regions being affected by the Monday restrictions include Salt Lake City, Houston, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Denver, Oakland, Kansas City, Memphis, Minneapolis, and Seattle.

Several major airports throughout Canada have also been impacted by the FAA's holiday travel announcement, including Toronto Pearson International Airport, MontrealTrudeau International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport.

Contributing to the overcrowding over Florida are the record 122million Americans who were expected to travel during the final two weeks of December. Over 8million of those holiday travelers will be flying, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

In their annual report, AAA revealed that Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami were the top three domestic destinations for holiday travelers this year.

Meanwhile, Cancun, Mexico and the Dominican Republic's Punta Cana were the top travel getaways internationally this week.

As of 12pm, over 3,600 flights entering or exiting the US have been delayed. Over 1,300 have been cancelled, with some forced to postpone due to a major winter storm expected to slam the US East Coast Friday night.

The FAA has also issued ground delays at Aspen/Pitkin County and Eagle County Regional Airports in Colorado, Witham Field in Florida, and Southwest Florida International Airport due to issues with 'volume,' or overcrowding.

Hundreds of flights to Florida and the Caribbean have been delayed Friday due to overcrowding at airports throughout the US and Canada heading to these destinations (Stock Image)

For travelers heading to the airport on Friday, AAA recommended flyers regularly check their flight status before leaving home and also sign up for airline alerts.

Travelers are also urged to arrive at the airport early, allowing at least two hours for domestic flights and three hours if you're leaving the US.

Due to the massive crowds expected at airports throughout the US, passengers should also pack smart and keep any vital medications, chargers, and a change of clothes in their carry-on bags.

With delays and potential cancellations now expected to increase throughout the day, flyers should also go over their chosen airline's policies on rebooking flights and refunds for any cancelled trips.
Martin Scorsese penned a heart-wrenching tribute to his lifelong friend Rob Reiner and his wife Michele after their brutal murders earlier this month.

The director, who has known Reiner since the early 1970s, described what happened to the couple as 'an obscenity' and 'an abyss in lived reality.'

Scorsese broke his silence on the Reiners' tragic deaths in a highly-emotive first person piece published in the New York Times on Christmas Day.

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Deeply missed: Martin Scorsese described what happened to Rob and Michele Reiner as 'an obscenity' and 'an abyss in lived reality' in a piece for the New York Times on Christmas day

The letter comes 11 days after Rob and Michele were found with their necks slit inside their bedroom at their multimillion-dollar mansion in Los Angeles.

Their son Nick Reiner was arrested and charged with their murders. He is expected to make a plea when he returns to court in California on January 7, 2026.

Scorsese said that only the 'passing of time' will help him cope with the tragic loss.

He wrote: 'I have to be allowed to imagine them alive and well,' before sharing an idyllic daydream that will likely play on repeat in his head.

'I'll hear his laugh and see his beatific face and laugh at his stories and relish his natural comic timing, and feel lucky all over again to have him as a friend.'

In court:Nick Reiner (pictured in court on December 17) was arrested and charged with his parents' murders. He is expected to make a plea when he returns to court on January 7, 2026

Scorsese shared how he 'loved hanging out' with Reiner and claimed that they had a 'natural affinity' for one another.

He hailed Reiner as hilarious and 'bitingly funny,' but not one to overshadow others around him. He highlighted his friend's 'uninhibited freedom' and how he tried to live life to its fullest.

Scorsese added that the loss of Reiner has left him with 'profound sadness.'

Awful end: The couple were found dead in their bedroom at their home in Los Angeles; pictured together in 2019

Gruesome discovery: Rob and Michele Reiner were found with their necks at their multimillion-dollar mansion (pictured)

The LA County Medical Examiner's office released the couple's death certificates on Tuesday, revealing their bodies were cremated.

Authorities previously said that the couple passed away after suffering 'multiple sharp force injuries', and newly-released death certificates add that this was caused 'with a knife, by another'.

Both of their deaths have been ruled homicides, with the place of death listed as their residence.

Their remains were given to their oldest son Jake, and they were cremated at Mount Sinai Mortuary, according to the New York Post.

Nick Reiner was arrested on December 14 and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the killings of his parents.

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.

He made a brief court appearance last week, wearing an anti-suicide vest. He did not enter a plea.

His defense attorney Alan Jackson asked the judge for a continuance, saying that he 'needed more time' to prepare his case.

Close pair: Scorsese accepts the Feature Film Nomination Plaque for The Wolf Of Wall Street from Rob at the 66th Annual Directors Guild Of America Awards

Got him: Reiner was arrested roughly 15 miles away from his parents' Brentwood mansion

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 judgement' about the case.
Donald Trump announced a 'powerful and deadly' Christmas Day strike on ISIS 'terrorist scum' in Nigeria and warned that radicals will continue to pay for the persecution of Christians.

The president, who previously threatened to send the U.S. military to the West African nation 'guns-a-blazing,' made the announcement in a Truth Social post Thursday evening.

He wrote: 'Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!'

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Christmas attack: Donald Trump announced a 'powerful and deadly' Christmas Day strike on ISIS 'terrorist scum' in Nigeria and warned that radicals will continue to pay for the persecution of Christians

A spokesperson for the Pentagon confirmed to The Daily Mail that the Nigerian government approved of and worked with the U.S. military on the strikes.

The U.S. Africa Command posted on X that it had 'conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Soboto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists.'

Nigeria's foreign ministry said the strikes were carried out as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States, involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to target militant groups.

In a post on X the ministry said: 'This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.'

A video posted by the Pentagon showed at least one projectile launched from a warship. A U.S. defense official said the strike targeted multiple militants at known ISIS camps.

Taking aim: A video posted by the Pentagon showed at least one projectile launched from a warship. A U.S. defense official said the strike targeted multiple militants at known ISIS camps

Trump said in his lengthy post that the ISIS militants have had it coming for some time.

He wrote: 'I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.

'The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.'

The president signed off with a warning for the terrorists that they will continue to pay if the murder of innocent Christians goes on.

He said: 'May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.'

Ongoing tension: Nigeria has suffered internal violence in the wake of a jihadist insurgency spearheaded by extremist group Boko Haram in the northeast since 2009

The president's post did not include information about how the strike was carried out and what effects it had and the White House did not immediately provide further details.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed the president's message in a social media post of his own.

He wrote: 'The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight - on Christmas. More to come Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!'

Nigeria has been overcome by internal violence in the wake of a jihadist insurgency spearheaded by extremist group Boko Haram in the northeast since 2009.

In November, Trump threatened to take on the terrorists with 'guns-a-blazing.'

He had already designated Nigeria a 'country of particular concern,' but he took his condemnation of the situation in the country even further after hearing about it on Fox News, threatening to cut aid and even send in U.S. troops.

Strong warning: Trum]p had already designated Nigeria a 'country of particular concern'

Some Christian communities have welcomed the Trump's menace, believing that foreign armies are needed to restore peace in their homeland.

Amid the various forms of bloodletting around the country - including ethnic rivalry and banditry - the Islamist militants have been slaughtering Christians as well as Muslims they regard as 'apostates' for failing to comply with their brand of Islam.

There has also been a separate onslaught by Fulani Muslim tribesmen against mainly Christian farming communities, a protracted crisis linked to a tangle of issues like religion, ethnicity and a scramble over the dwindling supply of arable land.

While Christians are among those targeted, analysts say the majority of victims of armed groups are Muslims in Nigeria's Muslim-majority north, where most attacks occur, according to the Associated Press.

Trump's threat, which came after he watched a Fox News segment about the conflict in Nigeria, triggered alarm bells across West Africa.

Anonymous sources from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which directs American military operations across the continent, told the Washington Post Trump's announcement prompted concern.

They said a U.S. military operation in an area where there is little U.S. intelligence was unlikely to make a difference, and leaders called for their sovereignty to be respected.

Thank you: Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has said that the country 'welcomes' the U.S. helping the situation

Daniel Bwala, an adviser to President Tinubu, told Reuters: 'We welcome U.S. assistance as long as it recognizes our territorial integrity.'

Trump's explosive announcement also came via Truth Social.

He wrote: 'If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, 'guns-a-blazing,' to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

'I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action.

'If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!'

Bwala sought to play down tensions between the two states, despite Trump calling Nigeria a 'disgraced country.'

'We don't take it literally, because we know Donald Trump thinks well of Nigeria,' Bwala said.

He continued: 'I am sure by the time these two leaders meet and sit, there would be better outcomes in our joint resolve to fight terrorism.'

Nigeria, a country of more than 200 million people and around 200 ethnic groups, is divided between the largely Muslim north and mostly Christian south.

Islamist insurgents such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have wrought havoc in the country for more than 15 years, killing thousands of people, but their attacks have been largely confined to the northeast of the country, which is made up of a Muslim majority.

While Christians have been killed, the vast majority of the victims have been Muslims, analysts say.

In central Nigeria there have been frequent clashes between mostly Muslim herders and mainly Christian farmers over access to water and pasture, while in the northwest of the country, gunmen routinely attack villages, kidnapping residents for ransom.

Nigeria 'does not discriminate against any tribe or religion in the fight against insecurity,' Bwala said. 'There is no Christian genocide.'

In mid-December, Trump placed the country on a list of 15 that faced partial travel bans to the U.S. in a response to anti-Christian violence in Nigeria.

'The United States is taking decisive action in response to the mass killings and violence against Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and beyond,' Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
Tylor Chase's heartbroken dad has told how he has fought for more than a decade to help his son defeat his drug and mental health demons.

It was revealed this month that Nickelodeon star Chase, 36, had plunged into a spiral of homelessness and drug addiction in Riverside, California.

His father, Joseph Mendez Jr, said the family has struggled to help Chase deal with his addictions, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

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Struggles: Tyler Chase's father has spoken of his son's addiction and mental health woes

Child star: As a teenager, Chase had a recurring role as Martin Qwerly in the Nickelodeon series Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide

Treatment: Joseph Mendez Jr, Chase's father, said his son has been struggling since 2015 with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Fans of Chase - who played Martin Qwerly in Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide in the 2000s - were shocked to learn of his tragic decline.

And this week his dad old the Daily Mail that problems had plagued Chase  whose legal name is Tylor Kurtis Mendez  since before 2015.

'He's a wonderful person when he's Tylor,' Mendez, 60, said.

'For over a decade, the family has sought treatment options for Tylor, including support for substance use as well as mental health care,' the Georgia-based realtor added.

'In addition to addiction, Tylor has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, which require consistent medical treatment.'

Mendez said that the family had gotten Chase into a rehab around 2021, but the progress did not stick.

'Approximately four years ago, he received treatment in Georgia, and while there was progress for a time, he later chose to discontinue medication and resumed substance use,' he said.

He continued: 'More recently, Tylor returned to California to be with his mother in hopes of stabilizing his situation; however, despite continued support, he has refused ongoing treatment and assistance.'

Riverside police also said Chase consistently declined shelter, drug or alcohol treatment, or mental health services offered by the department's outreach division.

Riverside County court records list 12 criminal cases against him since August 2023, including eight this year.

His two most recent arrests were for alleged shoplifting and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

A judge issued a warrant in both cases, which are still ongoing, though police say he is not wanted for any crimes.

Unkempt: Chase's family tried to get him into rehab but he stopped taking his medication and relapsed, his father told the Daily Mail

'During all of our interactions, he has been cordial and cooperative with our officers,' Riverside Police Department Public Information Officer Ryan Railsback told the Daily Mail on Monday.

'We do not know how long he has been experiencing homelessness,' he said, adding the department's Public Safety Engagement Team 'contact him at least once a week and consistently offer a variety of resources, including assistance with temporary shelter options.'

Mendez revealed he had spoken with former Disney actor Shaun Weiss, who publicly pledged to arrange rehab treatment for Chase in an Instagram video posted on Monday.

Weiss, 47, who voiced in the animated Disney show The Mighty Ducks, received professional help himself after a 2020 video showed him at the lowest point of his substance abuse battle.

Smoke break: The Daily Mail found Arizona-born Chase on Monday, digging in the dirt behind a 7-Eleven on a busy street near Riverside, east of LA

In a video on Instagram, Weiss said he had 'received many messages about Tylor Chase.'

'I reached out to some friends of mine, and we have a bed for him at a detox, and we have a place for him to go and get long-term treatment thanks to my buddy Mike Jordan at 1111 Recovery,' he said.

'We have also spoken with Shaun Weiss and are working together in an effort to help Tylor,' Mendez said.

'His family has been trying for many years to get him the support he needs, but ultimately, he must be willing to accept help.

'Tylor is deeply loved by his family and friends, who remain hopeful and are praying that he will accept the help being offered. Their focus continues to be on his safety, health, and well-being.'

This week, Chase's former costar Daniel Curtis Lee, 34, checked him into a hotel room.

In a video clip obtained by the Daily Mail, the pair were seen hugging in an emotional reunion.

The Daily Mail found Arizona-born Chase on Monday, digging around in the dirt behind a 7-Eleven on a busy street near the City of Riverside, an hour's drive east of Los Angeles.

'Deeply loved': Chase's family and friends 'remain hopeful and are praying that he will accept the help being offered'

He was dressed in a torn purple waterproof, a scruffy LA Raiders polo shirt and ill-fitting pants emblazoned with the faces of characters from the animated Nickelodeon show Rugrats.

Tylor's hands were cut and blistered, dirt caked under his fingernails.

He shuffled along the street, constantly working his jaw, grimacing and gurning while squinting hard and occasionally looking up at the sky.

In one hand, he was clutching a fistful of Christmas cards  and he seemed joyful to hear it was three days until December 25.

'They're very beautiful. I just like to cherish the idea of them, I would say,' he told the Daily Mail.

Chase said he regularly sees his mother, realtor Paula Moisio, who lives nearby, and that he was grateful for food, shelter and clothes he received from friends, family and strangers.

He told the Daily Mail that he 'likes to vape' and takes 'Prozac, Adderall, Sudafed, Wellbutrin or also Zoloft,' all of which he said he received from a psychiatrist  though he denied having a diagnosis of any serious mental health conditions.

'I'm not really active homeless at this time. I'm thinking that I would like to go see my dad, relatively shortly, in the state of Georgia,' he said.

'I have the whole setup to stay out there, a room out there hopefully [...] Probably a housing assistance program in Georgia most likely.'
On the vast terrace of Peponi Hotel on the Kenyan archipelago of Lamu, I'm tucking into a coconut curry while listening in on an eclectic group of Brits talking about Jeremy Clarkson.

'I heard he's coming back again,' one says, while others point out that the house he rented last time has since been commandeered by a wellknown actor, who first fled to Lamu when his marriage was on the rocks.

A quick Google search reveals that this could well be Dominic West, who spent five weeks here in 2021 hiding from the paparazzi after rumours of his affair with the actress Lily James emerged.

Cheaper than the Caribbean, offering equal hours of winter sun, with frequent, wellpriced flights from the UK to Nairobi, the Lamu archipelago, of which Lamu and Manda islands are most visited, is just a one-hour hop from the Kenyan capital.

The archipelago has been a favourite with A-listers and royalty since the 90s, when Mick Jagger, Jerry Hall and Madonna hung out in the bar at Peponi.

These days it's Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi who often escape to his father's holiday home on the outskirts of Shela village.

Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Jude Law, Sting and Sienna Miller have all fallen for Shela's charms, while party-loving make-up guru Charlotte Tilbury is the latest to move in.

'They've had to ask her to dial the noise down,' my friend Alex, who has been holidaying regularly on the island for more than 20 years, tells me. 'This isn't a party island, her neighbours are insistent that her music goes off by midnight.'

The Lamu archipelago, off Kenya's coast, is cheaper to visit than the Caribbean and has just as good weather

The unknown destination is frequented by celebrities and royalty, with Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss both fans

Despite its pristine, white-sand beaches, warm turquoise waters and popularity among A-listers, Lamu has managed to remain under the radar.

It was 1997 when I first visited Lamu town, a traditional Swahili settlement - now a Unesco world heritage site - which is known for its coral stone architecture and labyrinth of sandy streets and vibrant markets.

And for anyone seeking a Robinson Crusoe experience, close by is the remote and unspoilt Kizingoni Beach, where stunning sunsets are assured.

TRAVEL FACTS

Double at The Cabanas (full board excluding drinks) from 455 per night (thecabanaslamu.com).

Heathrow to Nairobi returns from 525 (ba.com). Nairobi to Lamu returns from 115 (jambojet.com)
On a shuddering December night, the Old Lady of Lime Street looms up towards the low clouds over Liverpool like an ocean liner, a stranded ship of white stone and dark windows.

I climb the steps, push through the antique revolving door and enter the wild dilapidation and haunted grandeur that is the Adelphi Hotel.

The most charismatic hotel in Britain is also, according to hundreds of travellers, easily the most awful and the most ghost-ridden. Working in the city and living far away, it was for a time my weekly base. I came to love its eccentricities  and to dread its desperate spirits.

On nights like this it exists in an older time. The herring gulls which live on the hotel roof turn and wheel in the winter darkness, lit from below by streetlights, laughing and crying.

The receptionist hands over a key to a room on the notorious third floor  the floor I have learned is riddled with stories of encounters with the uncanny.

One of the lifts is out and the other is up to its usual tricks. They say The Whistler haunts these lifts  a spirit which breathes down the back of your neck and occasionally taps guests on the shoulder.

I recall, too, that in 1961, the hotels bell boy, Raymond Brown, 15, died in the luggage elevator. His ghost reportedly stalks the hotel to this day, offering to help with baggage.

Seeking my room along the cavernous corridors is a disturbing business. Echoes of riotous nights gone by combine with snatches of conversation, spiralling laughter, cries of passion, angry disputes and blurts of TV.

Residents of these rooms have reported waking to find a shadowy figure standing by the bed. A pickpocket also supposedly haunts this floor. You wake to see a human shape rifling through your clothes  she looks like a young woman, they say  but when you cry out, she vanishes into thin air.

The most charismatic hotel in Britain, the Adelphi Hotel, is also, according to hundreds of travellers, easily the most awful and the most ghost-ridden

Antique time and restless energies swirl through eavesdropping silences. You feel watched and accompanied, with that sense of something beside you

Antique time and restless energies swirl through eavesdropping silences. You feel watched and accompanied, with that sense of something beside you which makes you glance over your shoulder.

My room is somewhere at the back of the hotel. Last winter, another traveller reported seeing a chandelier in one of these passages swinging  by itself. Hurry on! I think. Get to the room and shut the door. The lock clicks and the door opens. But when I turn on the light there is a kind of lurch in the air, as though I have interrupted something.

As a travel writer, I have worked and journeyed in more than 50 countries and stayed in many strange places. Bugs, bats, snakes, thieves, insects, lunatics, spiders and conmen are all in a nights work  all I ask for are clean sheets and a lock on the door, and I do not do ghosts.

But I hesitate, now. It is a large room; one of the old ones with a high ceiling and dingy drapes. I take three steps forward and my breath catches. As the door closes behind me the dim space prickles with an awful feeling, as though the whole room is filled with a frigid stillness  something malevolent and horribly present.

In flashes of thought I try to imagine spending the night here. I will hunch under the covers. I will face the door.

But there is a dreadful anticipation in the mere idea of it: that feeling of something at your back, something there, something you cannot shut your eyes to because you fear to wake and see it.

I try to dispel the notion. My philosophy of ghosts is that you dont see them if you dont want to. I have a way of warding them off. Hello room! I say. No ghosts, please.

The sound of my voice makes the silence worse. The air itself seems to bristle and the feeling now is quite terrifying. I have never known anything like this atmosphere of absolute hostility.

A reek of dankness overcomes me. There is something horribly near and watchful here. I grab my bag, turn and flee as the door bangs angrily behind me. I speed back along the corridor to the lifts.

The Adelphi opened in 1914, the third hotel to occupy the site since 1826. It has a soaring Grand Court, with its pilasters and chandeliers, while the Hypostyle Halls ionic columns, huge corridors and high-ceilinged bedrooms, were all designed with Edwardian dash in the Empire style by architect R. Frank Atkinson.

I wish I could have asked him about the weird mezzanine floor I once came across, discovered half-hidden somewhere in the back of the hotel, with a spy window looking down into the palatial hall. In another corner of the building, I stumbled into a Freemasons Lodge, all high oak panelling, secret vows and rituals.

There is no end to the secrets, legends and stories of this hotel. In the early 20th century, when it hosted wealthy passengers of the Atlantic liners travelling from

Liverpool to America, its basements accommodated tanks of live turtles destined for turtle soup.

Horatio Clare, who called the Adelphi his weekly base for a while. 'I came to love its eccentricities  and to dread its desperate spirits'

Harry Haycock, a former night porter, once described Grand National nights when the hotel was packed out.

For many years two parties used to get the big ten-foot tables and use them as toboggans down the two staircases, and there used to be a bookmaker at the bottom taking bets on which load of people would win, he recalled.

Part of the attraction of the Adelphi is its power to travel in time. You can feel it as soon as you cross the threshold and the tales of past guests come to life.

Winston Churchill holds meetings upstairs, Franklin Roosevelt had lunch earlier, Bob Dylan signs autographs in the lobby, that uproar is Cilla Blacks wedding in the ballroom, and the horse signing the register with a pencil between its teeth is Roy Rogers steed, Trigger.

Charles Dickens dashes by en route to the docks to board the RMS Britannia to America. Dickens will be horribly seasick on his crossing  and the Adelphi has hard times ahead, too. The bleakest days arrive at the hands of the present owners, the ironically named Britannia chain.

Rated the nations worst hoteliers 11 years in a row by Which?, Britannia Hotels has been roundly damned for the current state of the place. The local MP, Kim Johnson, calls todays Adelphi a blight on Liverpool and wants Britannia to move on.

Reading the hotels reviews is an adventure in itself. Recent guests describe mould in the bathrooms, water dripping from ceilings, wires hanging from walls, string in the bed, sticky carpets, razor blades in the bathroom, bloody handprints on walls, corridor drunks, in-room karaoke, boiling radiators, freezing windows, gusts of skunk smoke and harassment from people demanding money and cigarettes at the main door, who turn out to be other guests.

In the lobby, celebrated Liverpool writer Jeff Young once watched an outraged guest approach the receptionists counter. Ive just been mugged on the fourth floor! he wailed. Not again... groaned the receptionist.

But for the eccentric, the atmospheric  and the haunted  I believe there is nowhere to touch it.

Enthusiasts of the paranormal scour the place with recording equipment, to the spirits chagrin.

A postcard of the Adelphi, which opened in 1914, the third hotel to occupy the site since 1826

Residents of these rooms have reported waking to find a shadowy figure standing by the bed. A pickpocket also supposedly haunts the third floor

Rotherham-based ghost hunters Lee and Linzi Steer claim they were called b******s on one ghostly recording, while Jessica Sims and Ellie-May Ramsey, YouTubers from the Isle of Man, reported being advised, Dont try it by something which did not want to be recorded by silly girls, as the disembodied voice put it.

A guest who stayed on the third floor back in February with her daughter wrote in a review: The room and floor had an oppressive feel. The night was horrendous, I just wanted it to be over. Weird noises in the night, strange growl-like sounds and eerie laughing.

Barely slept a wink and was praying for morning to come round. Lots of banging and doors opening on their own. Dont like thinking about it to be honest.

In 2015, among the audience for local paranormal writer and expert Tom Slemens talk in the Sefton Suite, modelled on the smoking lounge of the Titanic, there appeared three figures in full naval uniform.

There were gasps of shock when this trinity of ghosts vanished, Slemen later told reporters.

Many of the Adelphis rooms are wide spaces where marble mantlepieces preside over assemblies of furniture from another age, where you could imagine sitting and conversing with an apparition.

Your bathroom might contain a huge 1930s cast-iron bath with a mighty faucet and a clanking mechanical draining mechanism.

Steaming in a bath the size of a turtle tank, you hope you will not encounter George, a forlorn figure with a toothbrush moustache who took his own life here in the 1930s, since when he has occasionally waved from a hotel window at passers-by on Liverpools busy streets below.

Another December night in 1942 saw the end of another desperate man. Sir Henry Jock Delves Broughton was in exile from Kenya, where he had been acquitted of the murder of his wifes lover, Josslyn Hay, Earl of Erroll.

While the law was unconvinced of his guilt, his Happy Valley set  a notorious society of racy aristocratic colonials whose decadent lives were immortalised in the film White Mischief  believed him guilty and ostracised him. His famously beautiful and promiscuous wife, Diana Caldwell, had moved on.

The whole world, he must have felt, knew him for a cuckold and believed him a killer, which subsequent findings suggest he was.

Shortly after arriving in Britain, Delves Broughton checked into the Adelphi, cast his last glances around his room and ended his life with a morphine overdose.

He numbers among a mournful legion of souls who have died here. In 2006 Madhav Cherukuri, 25, drowned in the hotel pool, which was subsequently closed.

In 2022 Chloe Haynes, 21, died tragically, crushed by a falling wardrobe. Last year Gary Wrest, 25, recently released from prison, took his own life in his room.

All the great hotels see their share of death and tragedy. They are wells of souls in the hearts of their cities  the overnight homes of the joyfully in love, the determinedly on business, the delightedly on holiday, the questing, the fleeing, the haunted, the hoping, the anguished and the regretful. In my Adelphi years I was all of these, too.

Most of the buildings stories are told in private, when the room doors shut, but the structure holds the echoes of all it witnesses. More than any priest, any doctor or any spy, the walls and ghosts of the Adelphi see humanity as we really are. What truths do they not know of us? No wonder their spectral voices taunt todays pursuers.

No way, I told the receptionist firmly, when I got back to the front desk. That room is haunted as hell!

I know, she said, very matter of fact. The only other one is by the lifts. This one was small and cosy and the lift fooled about all night, but I was perfectly happy.

There are only three certainties at the Adelphi. You never know what you will find. You will never forget your stay. And the ghosts, and all their stories, are included in the price.

Horatio Clares latest book, We Came By Sea: Stories Of A Greater Britain, is out now
An upgraded London Underground station has opened a new first-of-its-kind ticket hall following a 30 million revamp.

Colindale Tube station's new landmark entrance opened this week - the first to use timber construction.

It gave the station on the Edgware branch of the Northern line step-free access for the first time.

The new ticket hall replaces the former 1960s-built entrance and includes a distinctive curved ceiling with laminated timber and a sustainable blue-and-green roof drainage system.

It also has a lift, giving access from street to platform.

As a result, Colindale becomes the 94th step-free station on the Underground network.

It comes as part of the Mayor and TfL's ongoing work to make the capital's transport network more accessible.

The new ticket hall also provides additional capacity, providing rail connection for the growing number of new homes springing up in the area and helping to prepare for the projected increase in demand in the future.

Colindale Tube station's new entrance opened earlier on this week

The sustainably designed new entrance hall has a distinctive curved roof

The area outside the new station entrance has a wider pavement for pedestrians.

The station's new sustainable blue-and-green roof captures rainfall before releasing it gradually, preventing local drainage systems from becoming overwhelmed.

Wildflowers and shrubs have also been planted on the roof to increase biodiversity and create habitats for wildlife.

Work started on the station's major upgrade in January 2024, with funding from the Government and contributions from Barnet Council, local developers and TfL.

After a six-month closure for construction work, the station partially re-opened in December 2024 while the rest of the station was still under construction.

Now that Colindale's new ticket hall is open, TfL will complete the final parts of the station's major upgrade.

This will include installing an enhanced accessible customer toilet (available from mid-2026), permanent signage, new cycle parking facilities and letting the station's new retail space.

The previous ticket hall will be demolished, and TfL will continue discussions with Barnet Council about potential future uses of the site following completion of the upgrade.

The revamped station is designed to be more accessible to travellers

London's Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: 'I'm delighted that Colindale is now the 94th step-free Tube station and will benefit from a whole host of other improvements to not only improve accessibility but also support major housing developments in the local area, as well as boosting local businesses and inclusive economic growth.

'More than a third of Underground stations across the capital are step-free and we are determined to keep growing this number as we build a fairer, better London for everyone.'

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy, said: 'With nearly 30 million in Government investment, the new step-free Colindale station is a testament to what delivering a modern, inclusive transport system can do for local communities.

'This upgrade will not only make journeys easier and more comfortable for thousands of Londoners, but will support thousands of new homes and boost local growth for years to come.

'Improving accessibility across our transport network is a priority for this Government and this is a brilliant example of that commitment in action.'
Call The Midwife (BBC1)

Rating:

Ronnie and Reggie Kray revered the nuns of Nonnatus House, or so says Dr Turner, in Call The Midwife. And he claims he's stitched up enough victims of the East End gangland twins over the years to know.

If the boys ever had tried on the protection racket with Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter), they'd have got short shrift. One stern look and they would have dropped their knuckledusters before emptying their pockets into the poor plate.

Organised criminals in Hong Kong, the infamous Triads, are not such softies. A detachment of nuns and nurses, led by Sister J, dashed to Hong Kong after a church orphanage collapsed, in the first part of the show's Christmas double bill.

But the Triad welcoming committee wasn't much in awe of their wimples. The aid packages, including medical supplies, were ransacked. 'These have been forced open!' gasped Dr Turner (Stephen McGann). 'It's all gone.'

And when Sister Julienne handed over all the money they could raise, as a deposit on a new orphanage in Kowloon's Half Lotus Street, a scowling thug took the keys off her at gunpoint.

Violet and Fred Buckle happened to be over in Hong Kong at the time, trotting about by rickshaw to visit their policeman son, Derek. 'Mum,' he said, 'Kowloon isn't the East End. It's about as dodgy as it gets.'

Ronnie and Reggie Kray revered the nuns of Nonnatus House, or so says Dr Turner, in Call The Midwife. And if the boys ever had tried on the protection racket with Sister Julienne ( Jenny Agutter), they'd have got short shrift. Pictured: The show's Christmas special

Organised criminals in Hong Kong are not such softies. A detachment of nuns and nurses, led by Sister J, dashed to Hong Kong after a church orphanage collapsed, in the first part of the show's Christmas double bill (pictured)

Dear old Fred (Cliff Parisi) stuck out his jaw defiantly: 'It's the same as Poplar, innit? Bad things happen, good people sort it out.'

Winning habit of the week: Model Vogue Williams, who trounced Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes on Bear Grylls: Mission Survive ten years ago, beat another gold medallist, Nicola Adams, on Gladiators: Celebrity Special (BBC1). One more and she's got enough for a podium. Advertisement

That sums up the annual lesson of Call The Midwife's Christmas specials. We've seen the nuns trapped on a Scottish island in a snowstorm, an escaped convict, and even a fire at a circus. But good always triumphs.

How our brave ladies will overcome the Chinese mafia in tonight's conclusion is difficult to guess. It might require more than the power of prayer. On the other hand, Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett) is one of the missionaries, and Sister Hilda (Fenella Woolgar) has returned to bolster numbers. Perhaps everybody's gonna be nun-fu fighting.

Back in Poplar, the usual festive baby rush was under way. A gypsy matriarch and her oldest daughter both needed the assistance of midwives, and it turned out that Dr Turner's stand-in had no idea how to perform a forceps delivery... so that even venerable Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) had to attend a birth.

Trixie (Helen George) is back from New York again, though her main role now is to be half of a double act with her Harley Street brother, Geoffrey (Christopher Harper). He's meant to be adorable but camp osteopaths always make me think of seedy Stephen Ward, of the Profumo scandal.

Doctor's son Timothy (Max Macmillan) is back, too, with a haircut straight out of a 1970s sitcom. He's acquired a taste for cocktails and cigarettes. With the nuns away on the other side of the world, I'm starting to fear for Poplar's moral standards.
Olivia Colman was crowned the winner of Christmas Bake Off's Peep Show special - as another star of the show made a surprise appearance.

The Oscar-winning actress, 51, who played Sophie in the beloved sitcom, bested four of her former castmates in the tent.

This included series star David Mitchell (Mark), Matt King (Super Hans), Isy Suttie (Dobby) and Sophie Winkleman (Big Suze).

They aimed to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, while regular presenters Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond fronted the Channel 4 special.

Writing online, fans shared their delight at Olivia's involvement, with posts including ''Olivia Colman on celebrity bake off might have saved Chrismas tv;'

'Olivia Colman on Bake Off is a perfect appearance.'

Olivia Colman was crowned the winner of Christmas Bake Off's Peep Show special - as another star of the show made a surprise appearance

The Oscar-winning star rose to the occasion and emerged victorious in the Channel 4 show's famous tent

Olivia defeated four former co-stars - including David Mitchell - to take first place in the special episode

Olivia Colman on bake off is all I ever wanted;'

'Olivia Colman deserves 17 more Oscars for recreating this scene of herself from Peep Show on Celebrity Great British Bake Off.'

Despite this enthusiasm, other viewers were disappointed that fan favourites Robert Webb (Jez) and Paterson Joseph (Johnson) weren't taking part.

They said: 'I'm a big fan of Peep show bake off but no Johnson or Jez?????'

'Still can't understand how they've done a Christmas Bake Off Peep Show special without Jez;'

However, Robert Webb, who played Jez, did ultimately make a surprise appearance - in a video, sending Christmas wishes.

Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain's Peep Show ran from 2003 to 2015 with 54 episodes across nine series.

It focused on the lives of Mark Corrigan and Jeremy Usborne, played by double act David and Robert respectively, in their flat in London.

Writing online, fans shared their delight at Olivia's involvement, while others shared their disappointment that some stars were absent

Although not competing, fans were treated to a surprise cameo from Robert Webb, who played Jez in the beloved comedy

Mark owns the flat and frequently references Jeremy's resistance to paying rent and his abuse of the home, thanks to his love of weed and reluctance to work.

After her time on Peep Show, Olivia notably starred in ITV police drama Broadchurch and later won an Academy Award for her role in The Favourite.

This year, David and Robert launched a new show called Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping.

It's their first new sketch show in 15 years and was previously announced by Channel 4 at the start of the year.

Previously speaking about their new show together, the pair said: 'When Channel 4 asked us to do another sketch show we were startled, bemused and available.

'It's a perilous time for the industry, and so it's our hope that relaunching the trickiest genre of comedy is a brilliant piece of counterintuitive commissioning.

'And we're confident that, unlike Roger Moore with his shoe on the bonnet of a car teetering on the edge of a cliff in For Your Eyes Only, we're not about to give British TV comedy a final lethal nudge into the abyss.'
Profile of the dogged American investigative journalist Seymour Hersh

Year: 2025

Certificate: 15

Watch now on Netflix

The dogged American journalist Seymour Hersh has been behind many scoops over the years, including exposing the torture of prisoners at Abu Ghraib in Iraq, and the My Lai massacre in Vietnam. He's never had a public profile of the likes of Woodward and Bernstein, though - perhaps because no one has made a film about his reporting starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, but it also feels like that's partly because he doesn't want one.

This prestige documentary turns the focus squarely on Hersh, following his methods and his life and seeing his many, many notebooks, and he doesn't seem comfortable with the attention. 'It's complicated to know who to trust. You know I barely trust you guys,' he remarks, wary of letting something slip that he shouldn't in a punchy series of interviews that carry a unique tension. The film is co-directed by Oscar-winner Laura Poitras, who first asked Hersh to do the film in 2005. He refused, and went on refusing for years, until he didn't. You feel like that co-operation could stop at any time during the film.

We'll leave the final word to President Richard Nixon, who commented: 'This fellow Hersh is a son of a bitch.' Then the disgraced US leader admitted: 'But he's usually right.' (117 minutes)
Love Actually is one of the most loved and replayed Christmas movies of all time.

It follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London.

Directed by Richard Curtis in 2003, the two hour production stars some of the biggest names in showbussines as Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy and Alan Rickman all have their own storyline.

And while festive fans may have rewatched the romance comedy more times than they care to admit, there are many nuggets in the film that even the biggest of film buffs won't know.

From huge plot changes involving an angel to a very unique fear of antique furniture, Love Actually had many twists and changes through out its entire production.

How many do you know?

Love Actually is one of the most loved and replayed Christmas movies of all time. It follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales (Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon pictured)

And while festive fans may have rewatched the romance comedy more times than they care to admit, there are many nuggets in the film that even the biggest of film buffs won't know - but how many do you know? (Andrew Lincoln pictured)

Rowan Atkinson's character was originally a Christmas Angel

One of the most heartbreaking storylines in the movie is when Harry (Alan Rickman), a married executive who has a devastating emotional affair with his young secretary, Mia (Heike Makatsch).

In one scene, Harry can be seen buying Mia an expensive necklace from Selfridges.

This purchase led to wife Karen (Emma Thompson) discovering his infidelity, heartbreakingly realising her marriage is broken despite their decision to stay together.

But as Harry makes the cruel decision to purchase the gift, he is served by meticulous jeweller, Rufus (Rowan Atkinson).

His elaborate gift-wrapping was indeed deliberate, as the original storyline was that he was to be an angel on a secret mission to stop him from having the affair.

The shot was also filmed at midnight as the crew wanted to avoid crowds at the iconic shopping centre.

Rowan also starred in another scene which was later deleted.

Originally, Rowan Atkinson's character was supposed to be a Christmas Angel. His elaborate gift-wrapping was indeed deliberate, as the original storyline was that he was to be an angel on a secret mission to stop Alan Rickman's character from having the affair

The shot was also filmed at midnight as the crew wanted to avoid crowds at the iconic shopping centre

His angel character was to disappear into thin air after he helped Sam (a young child in love with a class mate played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster) get past airport security.

But the idea of Rowan being an angel was later dropped.

Billy Bob Thornton had antique furniture fears

Billy Bob Thornton plays the crude, womanising U.S. President who visits the UK - however, he has an unusual fear of antique furniture

Knowing this, his co-star Hugh Grant would sometimes flash a piece of furniture in front of him just before cameras rolled to freak him out

Billy Bob Thornton plays the crude, womanising U.S. President who visits the UK.

He causes trouble by making unwanted advances on junior staffer Natalie (Martine McCutcheon), leading to a showdown with Britain's Prime Minister David (Hugh) who stands up to him.

He asserts his country's strength against American bullying during a joint press conference and stood up for what was right for the country.

And while their characters did not see eye-to-eye in scenes, off-camera, the two actors enjoyed some light hearted pranks.

Billy has an unusual fear of antique furniture, and just as the cameras would begin to roll, Hugh was flash a piece of the set to freak him out ahead of his lines.

Gold-carved chairs with the velvet cushions, the Louis XIV type, are particularly triggering for the star.

Billy also accepted his part in the film without even reading the script, he was so flattered by the accompanying letter asking him to be part of the ensemble.

The airport opening scene is real

The footage in the sweet opening airport scene and at the end of the movie is actually real footage of people greeting each other at Heathrow Airport

Hugh's soft spoken voice opens the movie as he reflects on the Heathrow Airport arrivals hall as proof that love is everywhere.

He explains that love is not just in grand gestures but in everyday connections, famously concluding, 'if you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around'.

And while the movie stars some of the biggest A-listers in the business, the scene showing loved ones hugging one another at the airport are real moments involving normal people.

Writer and director Richard had a team of cameramen film at the airport for a week and whenever they noticed a moment that would fit the film, they would people to reenact their moment for use in the film.

This documentary footage was shot before any scripted scenes, serving as the first part of filming, and participants signed waivers for their appearances

The idea came from Richard who was inspired by seeing overwhelming emotion at an L.A. airport. It made him realised that love is abundant in every day life.

Four storylines were axed

Four plot lines were also cut from the film as the original idea is said to have included 14 stories. Two stories were fully shot but were cut during the post editing phases while another two were removed before filming started (Billy Nighy pictured)

Four plot lines were also cut from the film as the original idea is said to have included 14 stories.

Two stories were fully shot but were cut during the post editing phases while another two were removed before filming started.

One story included an African couple supporting each other during a famine and another storyline that followed a school headteacher and her long-time commitment to her lesbian partner.

Another also involved a boy who records a love song for a classmate who eventually fell for his drummer.

Richard previously revealed that he 'so wanted' to keep two scenes in the film but wasn't able to.

'In the end the film got very complicated and this was just one complication too far,' he explained.

'But the idea was meant to be that love literally is all around. You have a pre-conception in places in the world where life is very hard that love wouldn't be one of the things that people's minds are on, whereas my experience when I go to Africa is that that's completely not true.'

In another interview shared by the channel, Richard expressed he was also sad to lose the storyline with Anne Reid, which was there to get across that everyone in life 'has their own complicated tale of love'.

Keira Knightley and Thomas Brodie-Sangster's age gap

Keira's character, Juliet, marries Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor), but Peter's best man, Mark (Andrew Lincoln), is secretly in love with her (Keira and Andrew pictured)

And while her script involved a very mature and grownup storyline, she was aged 17 and was just five years older than Thomas (seen), who played the youngest love story in the movie

Keira's character, Juliet, marries Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor), but Peter's best man, Mark (Andrew Lincoln), is secretly in love with her.

This led to a famous scene where he confesses his feelings using cue cards on her doorstep, ending with a brief kiss before he leaves, and she returns inside to her husband.

And while her script involved a very mature and grownup storyline, she was aged 17 and was just five years older than Thomas, who played the youngest love story in the movie.

Thomas played Sam, the young stepson of Daniel (played by Liam Neeson) - a boy grieving his mother who learns to play drums to impress his crush, Joanna (played by Olivia Olson), culminating in an airport dash to confess his feelings.

After his airport dash, Thomas and Joanna share a kiss, which is believed to have been Joanna very first kiss in real life.

And this wasn't the only time Thomas and Olivia starred as characters in love as they also had a romantic storyline on Phineas And Ferb, where Thomas voiced Ferb and Olivia voiced Vanessa Doofenshmirtz.

Ferb has a long-standing crush on Vanessa, the daughter of Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

Their story line evolves from chance encounters during their childhood to a confirmed romantic relationship when they are teenagers in a flash-forward episode.

Colin Firth's lake scene led to injury

The lake in which Colin Firth and his co-star Lucia Moniz swam in was only 18 inches deep and they had to kneel down, pretending to be in deeper water

Colin plays writer Jamie, who retreats to Portugal after finding his girlfriend cheating with his brother.

He falls for his Portuguese housekeeper, Aurelia (played by Lucia Moniz) and their romance blossoms despite having a language barrier.

Their day-to-day romance culminates the iconic scene where she jumps into a lake to save his dropped papers.

This lead to a proposal where he learns Portuguese to ask her to marry him.

But during their lake accident the two actors were actually swimming in 18 inches of water and had to kneel down to pretend the water was deep.

Colin was also injured during this scene as the lake was over run with mosquitos. He was bitten so badly that his elbow swelled up to the size of an avocado and needed medical help.

It is also believed that it took nearly 45 minutes to pick the underwear that Aurelia strips down to before jumping in the lake.

The unusual way Laura Linney got the part

When casting Sarah, writer and director Richard Curtis had many women audition, however, he kept saying that he wanted 'someone like Laura Linney' (Laura and Rodrigo Santoro pictured)

The casting director was said to have snapped and said 'oh for f***s sake, get Laura Linney then'. Sooner after, Laura auditioned for the part and was cast for the role (Richard Curtis pictured)

When casting Sarah, a woman deeply in love with her attractive colleague Karl (played by Rodrigo Santoro), but her potential romance is constantly derailed by her overwhelming responsibility to care for her mentally ill brother, Michael.

But when doing the auditions for the role, Richard kept saying that he wanted 'someone like Laura Linney.'

The casting director was said to have snapped and said 'oh for f***s sake, get Laura Linney then'.

Sooner after, Laura auditioned for the part and was cast for the role.

Both Laura and Rodrigo were also both going through a breakup off camera with their ex-partners.

The real reason Keira Knightley wore her baker boy hat

In another scene Keira wore an iconic baker boy hat to cover up a "massive spot" (pimple) on her forehead

The spot was said to be too big for makeup or lighting to hide when she was 17, leading to it becoming an accidental, beloved part of her character Juliet's look

In another scene Keira wore an iconic baker boy hat to cover up a 'massive spot' on her forehead.

The pimple was said to be too big for makeup or lighting to hide when she was 17, leading to it becoming an accidental, beloved part of her character Juliet's look.

She wore memorable garment during the wedding video scene, where she watches the wedding video filmed by her husband's best friend Andrew and realises he's in love with her.

Richard's children were cast as extras in the festive flick

The nativity scene is one of the most memorable as it featured kids dressed as various creatures - however, many may not know that Richard cast his children as extras in the school Nativity play scene (his daughter Scarlett pictured as the lobster)

The nativity scene is one of the most memorable as it featured kids dressed as various creatures like angels, sheep, and notably a lobster.

With a little girl playing first lobster, the play leads to a funny debate about crustacean historical accuracy at Jesus' birth.

But as each child takes on their own special part, Richard's son, Thomas, also got involved and played the Spider-Man in the school Nativity play scene.

While his daughter, Scarlett, was one of the costumed children playing various sea creatures, including a lobster, in the same scene.

The truth behind the heartbreaking Love Actually scene

The heartbreaking Christmas Eve scene, where Emma Thompson's character realises her husband is having an affair, took 12 takes to perfect

When Karen finds an expensive, heart-shaped gold necklace in husband Harry's coat pocket, leading her to believe it is a Christmas gift for her.

The illusion is shattered on Christmas Eve when she unwraps a present from him and finds a Joni Mitchell CD of the album instead.

He tells her the CD is "to continue your emotional education," a line that solidifies her realisation that the necklace was for someone else.

She excuses her self away from the grandchildren and in one of the most saddest scenes, begins to cry.

And this very emotional scene which had the UK reaching out for a tissue, actually took Emma 12 attempts to perfect.

The actress spent the day continuously walking into their bedroom, realising the reality of her marriage before continuing to cry.

It is also believed that Emma wore a fat suit during her scenes.

Kris Marshall's scene came from another film

Kris Marshall plays the character of Colin Frissell, who attempts to flirt with a woman at a wedding reception by insulting the quality of the food, not realising she is Nancy, the caterer (played by Julia Davis)

The scene was originally written for Four Weddings and a Funeral, but although it was filmed, it was cut from the final version. It was later reused in Love Actually (Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell pictured)

Kris Marshall plays the character of Colin Frissell, who attempts to flirt with a woman at a wedding reception by insulting the quality of the food, not realising she is Nancy, the caterer (played by Julia Davis).

The scene was originally written for Four Weddings and a Funeral, but although it was filmed, it was cut from the final version. It was later reused in Love Actually.

The moment has since become one of the most iconic and memorable scenes in Love Actually.

Colin's character proved so popular that Marshall is still closely associated with the self-styled 'God of Sex' more than 20 years later.

Colin Firth's epic kiss was choreographed

In the comedy-romance Christmas movie, Colin's character publicly declares his love for Aurelia in broken Portuguese, and the pair share a very passionate kiss (Colin and Lucia Moniz pictured)

However, what fans of the film may not know is that the romantic kissing scene was choreographed by kissing consultant Emma Freud (Richard and Emma pictured 2022)

In the comedy-romance Christmas movie, Colin's character publicly declares his love for Aurelia in broken Portuguese, and the pair share a very passionate kiss.

However, what fans of the film may not know is that the romantic kissing scene was choreographed by kissing consultant Emma Freud.

Writing on X (formerly Twitter) in 2015, Emma explained how the scene came together.

She revealed: 'In the restaurant in Portugal (was Marseille actually). I WAS THE KISSING CONSULTANT. And that is a real job.

'I 'designed' the kiss between Firth and the Portuguese girl. My signature move? His thumb on her lip before they snog. #boom.'

Hugh Grant's iconic dancing scene

Hugh's dancing scene is widely regarded as one of the movie's most iconic and beloved moments, and arguably one of the most memorable rom-com scenes of the 2000s

Yet, despite its iconic status, director Richard recalled that Hugh was reluctant to do the dance at all, let alone rehearse it

Hugh's dancing scene is widely regarded as one of the movie's most iconic and beloved moments, and arguably one of the most memorable rom-com scenes of the 2000s.

Alongside Colin's proposal and kissing scene, and Emma's Joni Mitchell moment, Hugh's dance is often cited as the first thing people think of when Love Actually is mentioned.

The mix of goofy moves, confidence and sheer charm made it instantly memorable.

Yet, despite its iconic status, director Richard recalled that Hugh was reluctant to do the dance at all, let alone rehearse it.

Speaking at an event marking the film's 20th anniversary, Curtis explained: 'He kept saying no.

'I think he was hoping I'd get ill or something and wed say, "Oh, well, what a shame, well have to lose that dancing sequence."

Hugh later admitted: 'I saw it in the script, and I thought, "Well, Ill hate doing that," I didnt fancy doing the dance at all, let alone rehearsing it.

'To this day, there's many people  and I agree with them  who think its the most excruciating scene ever committed to celluloid.

He concluded: 'Then some people like it. But I will give myself this credit  it was my idea to have that secretary lady catch me. Genius.'
Tylor Chase is getting much-needed medical care in a Southern California hospital after friends and family rallied to help the struggling former child star, the Daily Mail has learned.

His former Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide costar Daniel Curtis Lee told the Daily Mail that Chase's father had 'instructed' Jacob 'Jake' Harris  a Los Angelesbased influencer and business owner  to do whatever it takes to help his son.

'I was able to finally get ahold of a crisis center that would come out and do a same-day evaluation,' Harris told the Daily Mail on Christmas Day. 'They determined he needed immediate help and brought him to a local hospital for 72-hour treatment.'

Harris added: 'Hes in good care now. And the future is looking bright. He just needed someone to actually do something to help.'

Harris, for his part, became involved in spearheading Chase's recovery because he is an acquaintance of Shaun Weiss, the former Mighty Ducks star who struggled with his own addiction issues for years, but has since been in recovery.

Weiss also told the Daily Mail via his representative: 'Tylor has been taken to a facility by a mental health crisis team. He is under the care of Riverside county officials.'

Former Nickelodeon child star Tylor Chase is now receiving medical care after shocking fans with viral videos of him living on the street, the Daily Mail has learned; pictured Wednesday on a rainy Christmas Eve in Southern California

The one-time child star kept warm in a red coat over a black hooded sweatshirt with gray pants and black Nike sneakers on the winter day

'The public outpouring of support came at a very crucial time. He is not well. He requires care beyond the scope of standard detox facilities. He needs weeks to stabilize,' Weiss added.

'From the bottom of my heart, we are truly grateful for the tips and additional aid everyone has offered, but now is a time to respect Tylor's privacy.

'He has all the resources necessary and we should pray that he's able to recover.'

Chase's old costar Lee, 34, said he was one of many pals to recently FaceTime with his former costar to 'encourage him to go into treatment.'

'His father informed me that he instructed Jake to get Tylor into treatment however possible,' Lee told the Daily Mail. 'I pray this is a step to get him to stay in treatment.'

The much-needed good news for Chase, 36, comes after he was pictured on a rainy Christmas Eve as a fan gave him warm clothes to help brave the elements  as well as some food  before saying a prayer for the former child star.

Chase appeared to thank the people for helping him out.

The one-time child star was seen wearing a red coat over a black hooded sweatshirt with gray pants and black Nike sneakers on the wet winter day.

In video of the encounter, the man who brought the coat to Chase at first draped it over him, before awkwardly helping the former actor pull his arms through the sleeves.

When the fan asked if he could pray for Chase, the former actor briefly beamed and said, 'I appreciate that!'

As Chase hunched forward, the man placed his hands on his shoulder and back and prayed for God to 'release the demonic activity' and to 'take him out of the darkness.'

Weiss, 47, made a public plea about Chase on Monday, claiming he wanted to track him down to help him, as he had received many touching messages about the actor online.

Chase's former costar Daniel Curtis Lee told the Daily Mail: '[Chase] is at a hospital now and I pray this is a step to get him to stay in treatment'

Jacob 'Jake' Harris, seen here, arranged phone calls between Chase and his father and his costars in order to encourage him to get help

Harris told Daily Mail on Christmas Day Thursday of Chase: Medical officials 'determined he needed immediate help and brought him to a local hospital for 72-hour treatment'

A few hours later, he confirmed via a separate video: 'I have reached out to some friends of mine and we have a bed for him at a detox and we have a place for him to go and get long-term treatment.'

Weiss exclusively revealed to the Daily Mail, however, that his and Harris's first attempt on Monday night did not go as fully planned. While they were able to get Chase to a hotel room, he did not follow through on their wishes to go to a hospital or detox center shortly thereafter.

'Jake had established a conversation with him and was working on establishing a rapport, which is difficult  and it can be tricky  considering the state that Tylor's in,' Weiss explained. 'He said that Tylor seemed to be very receptive to getting treatment and to the idea of going into a detox.'

The Heavyweights star said Chase got 'spooked' at one point, and then allegedly became resistant to help at the time, adding: 'I think a comment he made was, "I like my life the way it is," and I can assure you he does not like his life the way it is.'

Weiss said that Harris had also contacted local police for additional assistance, and pointed out that the authorities had been 'incredibly cooperative.'

He added: 'We're just doing whatever we have to do to sort of get him off the street.'

Police previously told the Daily Mail that Chase had been 'cordial and cooperative' with them, but mentioned to TMZ that Chase had also consistently declined their shelter, drug or alcohol treatment or mental health services.

Harris posted via his Instagram late Monday a message, though, explaining that he had sat with Chase 'for an hour' while the latter's father and costars called him.

Actor Shaun Weiss, who had his own addiction and mental health struggles, spearheaded help for Chase by putting him in touch with a friend in Los Angeles who then made arrangements at a rehab center

Chase was out on the street as massive storms engulfed Southern California on Christmas Eve

Photos and video obtained by the Daily Mail show a Good Samaritan dropping by to give Chase a red raincoat to protect him from the elements

The man, who also gave Chase a bag of food, asked to pray for him

As Chase hunched forward, the man placed his hands on his shoulder and back and prayed for God to 'release the demonic activity' and to 'take him out of the darkness'

A fan posted a clip of Chase to TikTok revealing he'd fallen on hard times

Lee, who starred with Chase (not pictured) on Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide told the Daily Mail that he was 'deeply saddened' to learn of his former costar's struggles and that he would periodically check on him

'They explained their love for him and how much they want/need him to agree to getting help,' Harris wrote.

'He's now in contact with all the right people to get him the help he needs. He has a hotel room tonight to give him time to make the decision on his own.'

Lee commented under Harris's post: 'Thanks for getting the ball rolling for his treatment Jake.'

The concerned friend also exclusively told the Daily Mail that he had been worried about Chase ever since learning back in November via a TikTok video that he was dealing with mental health and substance abuse problems.

'It was devastating to see someone I grew up with in this condition,' Lee added.

The Nickelodeon alum admitted that 'like many former castmates,' he had not been 'in close contact' with Chase in recent years, but was still 'deeply saddened to learn of his struggles.'

Chase portrayed Martin Qwerly on 33 episodes of the show from 20042007, while Lee played the role of Simon 'Cookie' Nelson-Cook on 54 episodes.

Lee - who has been busy with producing and directing a reality show for two-time US Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields - said he made time to check in on his former castmate and 'reminisce on simpler childhood days.'

'Despite the rough exterior shaped by years on the street, [I] can still see the light in Tylors eyes, which gives [me] hope,' Lee said of Chase, seen here as Martin Qwerly on Nickelodeon

'Despite the rough exterior shaped by years on the street, [I] can still see the light in Tylors eyes, which gives [me] hope,' the actor said.

Lee also got in touch with Chase's mother, Paula, who has 'emphasized that giving money directly is not beneficial and could put Tylor at risk.'

However, the matriarch 'shared that her door is open' to her son, Lee said.

The Zeke and Luther alum said that he continues to keep Chase in his prayers but asked that 'Tylors privacy be respected and that people refrain from recording him when offering help.'

He concluded by being appreciative for 'the outpouring of support from fans and those Tylor inspired as a young actor could help guide him toward a healthier path.'

The Daily Mail talked with Chase exclusively on Monday, as he roamed the streets of Riverside, California, near a 7-Eleven convenience store.

He was wearing a tattered purple jacket, oversized gray T-shirt, dark pants and brown loafers. He was spotted at the time rummaging through cigarette butts and Christmas cards.

In a heartfelt message to his mother, he said: 'I love you. I'll talk to you soon.'

Chase's mom has reportedly warned that donating 'money directly is not beneficial and could put Tylor at risk'

Prior to becoming homeless, Chase still lived at home with his family, where he recorded many moody and tragic videos that gave a glimpse into his inner battles.

In a resurfaced video from 2014 titled 'Bipolar', he said: 'I'm a leaf in a running gutter with the inevitable fate of ending up in a drain.

'I have a hard time in life. I know that I can make it better, but right now, I'm a magician who has misplaced his top hat and rabbits. No one comes to my shows any more.'

In an apparent cry for help, he added: 'I'm chained into my bedroom by the gravity of bipolar. Perhaps I am doomed. Perhaps I have done nothing. Perhaps I am nothing.'
Nicole Kidman returned home to Australia for her first Christmas since splitting from husband Keith Urban.

The actress, 58, flew Down Under this week with daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14.

According to People, Kidman was more than happy to be back in Australia for the holiday season.

'This is all she wanted after a tumultuous fall,' a source told the publication.

'She just wanted to celebrate Christmas at home. She's very excited,' they added.

Nicole Kidman is feeling 'very blessed' after returning home to Australia for her first Christmas since splitting from husband Keith Urban

The insider also said that Kidman is feeling 'very blessed' despite the end of her 20-year marriage.

'She's been super positive and focused on things that she's grateful for,' they said.

Earlier this week, the actress was spotted heading to a Christmas party in Sydney with her close friends, Australian journalists Jessica Rowe and Peter Overton.

Kidman looked effortlessly elegant with her strawberry blonde hair styled in a soft, voluminous perm.

The following day, she was seen outside St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Lavender Bay, dressed modestly in a plain, long black dress as she attended Christmas morning mass.

It follows reports that reality may be starting to sink in for Keith following his divorce from Nicole.

The country star, who parted ways with his Hollywood star wife in September after 19 years of marriage, is allegedly 'wondering if he's made a huge mistake' following their split.

After recently performing private shows for members of Donald Trump's inner circle, the 58-year-old is reportedly feeling more isolated than ever.

Kidman, 58, flew Down Under this week with daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14

'He's got to pay the bills - and divorce lawyers don't come cheap,' a source told Woman's Day magazine of the couple's settlement.

Keith has forked out for the couple's daughter Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret's private school tuition and, according to the publication, needs to make a living in any way he can.

'It's a lonely existence for Keith right now - he's exhausted, isolated and looking at a future he never imagined,' the source added.

'He's also lost his best friend, Nicole, who was also his greatest supporter in life. He's wondering if he's made a huge mistake.'

Keith made headlines in November after he performed at an Australian billionaire's party at Mar-a-Lago.

The private gig, hosted by Anthony Pratt, was attended by Donald Trump, who received $10million from the Visy executive chairman for his election campaign.

Urban parted ways with his Hollywood star wife in September after 19 years of marriage

Nicole and Keith's breakup shocked fans earlier this year - and the Oscar-winning actress had reportedly been dreading the public's response for months prior.

'She's been stressed because she knew the separation would eventually become public and she was dreading it,' a source told People in early October.

'But she's surprisingly level-headed now that it's out, she's just focused on what's ahead and her girls,' the insider said of the couple's daughters Sunday and Faith.

The actress and musician's separation was confirmed by Daily Mail on September 29, and Nicole filed for divorce on September 30, citing irreconcilable differences.

Their marriage began to fall apart at the beginning of summer 2025. The split was reportedly a long-term development, stemming from months of quiet separation and diverging paths due to work commitments, according to Daily Mail sources.

Nicole has requested to be the primary residential parent in the custody arrangement.
Pregnant Perrie Edwards cradled her baby bump as she posed for gorgeous Christmas snaps in front of her tree.

The Little Mix star, 32, said she feels 'content and blessed' after spending a festive day in her pyjamas with her fiance Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and son Axel, four.

Perrie looked radiant and glowing in her matching loungewear as she neared her due date.

She penned: 'Merry Christmas everyone! Excitement pumping through the family, amazing food, Christmas magic on repeat, house is now a pigsty, overstimulated, stayed in pjs all day.

'Axels hair is a birds nest, Im the size of a beach whale, cant consume any more chocolate if I tried, need fork lifting off the sofa but my goodness I feel content and blessed.'

Perrie and her fiance Alex announced their joyful news in a sweet Instagram post in September.

Pregnant Perrie Edwards, 32, cradled her baby bump as she posed for gorgeous Christmas snaps in front of her tree

The Little Mix star said she feels 'content and blessed' after spending a festive day in her pyjamas with her fiance Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and son Axel, four

Announcing her pregnancy news, the Forget About Us songstress appeared in an adorable clip with partner Alex and son Axel.

She penned in the caption of her post: 'Guess what hunnies'

Perrie gave a nod to her new single If He Wanted To He Would as she featured the lyrics on a white T-shirt which she revealed after turning round to show her blossoming bump.

Her famous pals were quick to congratulate her in the comments of the post - which comes after she opened up about some difficult times.

Perrie recently opened up after two heartbreaking miscarriages before welcoming Axel.

She spoke about her devastating losses on an episode of Paul C Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast.

Perrie shared that she first miscarried early into her first pregnancy, and discovered the devastating loss when she started bleeding and headed to the doctors.

She then went onto reveal that a year after giving birth to her 'rainbow baby' Axel, she discovered she was pregnant again, but tragically lost her baby at 24 weeks.

Perrie and her fiance Alex announced their joyful news in a sweet Instagram post in September

Perrie recently opened up after two heartbreaking miscarriages before welcoming Axel. She spoke about her losses on the recent episode of Paul C Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast

Pictured during her pregnancy with Axel

Speaking about her son, Perrie said: 'Axel's a rainbow baby.

'So I had a miscarriage very early on with my first ever pregnancy, and it was so early. I remember finding out I was pregnant.

'Obviously, I started bleeding not long after, and I went to the hospital and I had the scan and they were like, 'There's no baby.''

'And I was like, 'oh, I've made this up. Maybe I got a false positive or something.' And I remember being on my own at the appointments because nobody was there.'

Perrie added that due to her miscarriage, she was 'on edge' while she expecting her son Axel, admitting she 'just wanted to get past' the 12-week scan.

'And then when I had Axel, when I was pregnant with him, like, I loved being pregnant, it was one of the happiest times of my life. Like, I just love carrying babies,' she said.

'And it was lovely. But I was a bit on edge thinking, oh, gosh, like, I want to get past the 12 weeks. I want to get past this. And when I get past every scan and that pregnancy was complete bliss, it was perfect.'

Perrie then revealed the heartbreaking moment she learned she'd miscarried again following her 20-week scan, having learned she was pregnant again while rehearsing for Little Mix's final tour in 2022.

She continued: 'And then we fell pregnant again after. So maybe a year and probably not even. Actually, yeah. Not even a year, because Axel wasn't even walking yet and we were pregnant.

'And I remember thinking, right, I found out when I was rehearsing for the Little Mix tour, the last Little Mix tour, I was at rehearsals and I thought, oh, I don't feel good. Every, every symptom under the sun. I was like, I think I'm pregnant.'

'And then we went for what was a 20-week scan, but we were actually 22 weeks, and that was just the worst day of my life. Like horrendous.

'And I just knew something was wrong in the scan, and he just kept going over the same thing, over the same thing... I've never experienced an out-of-body experience where everything goes in slow motion.'

Perrie welcomed her son Axel into the world on August 21, 2021.

The Little Mix star and Alex started dating in 2016 and they got engaged in 2022.

Perrie shot to fame on the eighth series of The X Factor in 2011.

If you have been affected by this story, visit www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk or call 01924 200 799.
Bruce Willis wife Emma Heming explained how her interpretation of the holiday season has shifted amid Willis' yearslong health battle with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia.

Heming, 47, delved into detail about what she faces as she cares for her ailing spouse in an essay she posted to her website titled The Holidays Look Different Now.

'The holidays have a way of holding up a mirror, reflecting who weve been, who we are, and what we imagined they would be,' said the one-time model, who shares daughters Mabel Ray, 13, and Evelyn, 11, with the Die Hard actor, 70.

Heming said that 'when youre caring for someone with dementia, that reflection can feel especially poignant.

'Traditions that once felt somewhat effortless require planning- lots of planning. Moments that once brought uncomplicated joy may arrive tangled in a web of grief.'

Heming, who has a skincare company called CocoBaba and a wellness organization called Make Time Wellness, said she remained hopeful that the end of the year could bring positive developments amid the adversity.

Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming, 47, explained how her interpretation of the holiday season has shifted amid Willis' yearslong health battle with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. Pictured 2017 in NYC

Heming delved into detail about what she faces as she cares for her ailing spouse in an essay she posted to her website titled 'The Holidays Look Different Now.' Pictured in LA last month

'There can still be warmth,' Heming said. 'There can still be joy. Ive learned that the holidays dont disappear when dementia enters your life. They change.'

Heming said she believed it was appropriate for people experiencing a loved one's failing health to grieve, even if the person hasn't died yet.

'Grief doesnt only belong to death,' Heming said. 'It belongs to change and the ambiguous loss caregivers know so well. It belongs to the realization that things wont unfold the way they once did.

'It belongs to the absence of routines, conversations, or roles that were once so familiar you never imagined them ending.'

Heming, who wed the Pulp Fiction actor in March of 2009, looked back on the years in which her spouse especially enjoyed holiday celebrations.

'For me, the holidays carry memories of Bruce being at the center of it all. He loved this time of year- the energy, family time, the traditions,' Heming said. 'He was the pancake-maker, the get-out-in-the-snow-with-the-kids guy, the steady presence moving through the house as the day unfolded.'

Heming said that being 'a creature of habit,' she found 'comfort in the routine of knowing exactly how the day would go' - a routine erased by The Sixth Sense star's ongoing health battle.

'Dementia doesnt erase those memories,' Heming said. 'But it does create space between then and now. And that space can ache.'

Heming, who wed the Pulp Fiction actor in March of 2009, pictured with Willis in LA in 2010

(L-R) Scout Willis, Bruce Willis, Victoria Rowell and Samuel L. Jackson pictured in 2003 at a holiday parade

Heming said that 'grief during the holidays can show up in unexpected ways' via common triggers.

She said, 'It can arrive while pulling decorations out of storage, wrapping gifts or hearing a familiar song' or 'it can catch you off guard in the middle of a room full of people, or in the quiet moment when everyone else has gone to bed.'

Heming said she missed 'the way he once led the holiday charge' and is annoyed at yet another 'reminder of how things have changed' in the wake of his health crisis.

'If youre feeling that mix of grief (and yes, annoyance), youre not doing the holidays wrong,' she said. '

Heming added, 'Youre responding honestly to a very real loss. You can miss what was and still show up for what is.'

Heming said she found 'one of the hardest parts of the holidays as a caregiver is the pressure, both external and internal, to make everything feel "normal."

'Were surrounded by images of what the holidays are supposed to look likeperfectly decorated homes, lighthearted gatherings, smiling faces captured in matching pajamas.'

She added, 'Even when we know these images are curated, they can still create a sense of failure and extra loss when our reality doesnt match. When dementia is part of your family, "normal" becomes a moving target.'

Heming pictured at a book signing at Carefest 2025 at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice on November 19 in NYC

Heming has been a caretaker for her ailing spouse amid his yearslong health battle

Heming said that while she had hoped for 'the holidays to remain exactly as they were,' she's learned 'that flexibility isnt giving up.'

Heming continued, 'Its adapting. Its choosing compassion and reality over perfection.'

Heming reminded her followers of a few keynote lessons to keep in mind as the year winds down: 'Youre not failing if things look different; youre adapting.'

Heming continued: 'You dont owe anyone an explanation for how you choose to celebrate or not celebrate.'

She added, 'Its okay to simplify; less can be more; and that Grief is not a sign of ingratitude. Its a sign of love;' and 'Joy doesnt have to be loud to be real.'

It's been nearly four years since Heming released a joint statement via Instagram with her two daughters and Willis's ex-wife Demi Moore, 61, and daughters Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, Tallulah, 31, announcing that Willis was stepping back from acting amid his aphasia diagnosis.

In the March 30, 2022 statement, they said that Willis 'has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.

'As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him. This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support.'

They continued: 'We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, "Live it up" and together we plan to do just that.'
Stranger Things fans received a gift when multiple episodes from season five's volume two were made available to stream on Christmas Day.

In one particular scene from the three-episode drop, Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers, a fan-favorite couple, shared a tense and emotional moment in a dramatic, near-death scene.

In the scene, Jonathan  portrayed by Charlie Heaton  pulls out an engagement ring in front of Nancy, who is played by Natalia Dyer.

The moment initially seemed like a proposal, however, the show's co-creators clarified that the couple are not engaged and explained their intent with the scene.

Off-screen, the actors who play Nancy and Jonathan are still a couple in real life, but their on-screen characters ended up breaking up during the romantic 'un-proposal' scene, the showrunners explained.

Nancy and Jonathan have been dating since season two, but when they're stuck in a near-death moment and convinced this is the last chance to say their last words to each other, they let it all out.

Stranger Things fans received a gift when multiple episodes from season five's volume two were made available to stream on Christmas Day. In one particular scene, Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers shared a tense and emotional moment in a dramatic, near-death scene

The pair are trapped inside the Hawkins lab in the Upside Down when a toxic, poisonous substance begins melting everything in the room.

It's then Nancy tells Jonathan that she hates The Clash. Then, he confesses that he doesn't like to read her articles and finally admits that he never applied to Emerson.

At that moment, he pulls out an engagement ring from his pocket and extends a proposal-like offer.

'I figure that I have screwed up enough with you that it'd be nice to get something right for once, in the end. Nancy Wheeler, will you not marry me?'

She accepts his 'un-proposal' before telling him she loves him and they kiss. After they part, they see the substance had hardened around them and realize they're still alive.

The Duffer brothers Ross and Matt reveal Nancy and Jonathan's fate in an interview with People published on Thursday.

'That's a breakup,' Matt told the outlet as he clarified the intent of the scene. 'They are broken up.'

Matt said that he and Ross wrote that scene after having known for 'a while' that the couple were going to break up.

In the scene, Jonathan  portrayed by Charlie Heaton pulls out an engagement ring in front of Nancy, who is played by Natalia Dyer. The moment initially seemed like a proposal, however, the show's co-creators clarified that the couple are not engaged and explained their intent with the scene

Nancy and Jonathan have been dating since season two, but when they're stuck in a near-death moment and convinced this is the last chance to say their last words to each other, they let it all out

Their on-screen characters ended up breaking up during the romantic 'un-proposal' scene, the showrunners explained, while the protagonists are all working to defeat Vecna

'It's hard to recall when exactly that idea came, but I think us  and the writers  all felt that Nancy needed to end up on her own and be independent and have an opportunity to find herself,' he said.

Matt continued: 'I mean, how many people wind up with their girlfriend or boyfriend that they met in high school?'

He also noted that the couple 'have a little bit more of a complicated relationship than normal high schoolers.'

Because of what they've gone through, Ross said they were due to split up because they have a 'trauma bond.'

The Duffer brothers also linked their tense scene to major plot points in the new volume release as they discussed writing the final episodes in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

They explained that in the second part of the last season, they were trying to 'get our characters in a place where they all felt confident in themselves.'

'We wanted to get people, before they go into this final battle, having dealt with their internal fears and doubts,' Ross said.

'It was a challenging idea. We've been building to it, but to get it across in five-ish minutes, it's a complicated thing. It's not just a soap opera where it's shipping and who's going to end up with who.

Off-screen, the actors who play Nancy and Jonathan are still a couple in real life; pictured in January 2020

The Duffer brothers also linked the couple's tense scene to major plot points in other character arcs in the new volume release as they discussed writing the final episodes

Stranger Things' season five, both volumes one and two, are now streaming on Netflix. The two-hour series finale  fittingly called 'The Rightside Up'  will premiere in select theaters and on Netflix on December 31

Ross said: 'I've been through experiences similar to this, when you're with someone for a very long time, you grow so close and you go through so many things together, and it reaches a point where you go, "Well, how could someone else understand?" But at the same time, is that suffocating to your own self-growth?

'So when we were talking about Nancy and Jonathan, and where do they go from here, it felt like for Nancy to really grow,' he continued.

'And for Jonathan,' Matt chimed in. 'They both felt the same way, they just weren't expressing it. Especially when youre young, you have trouble understanding or expressing those feelings.

'We wanted to put them in a life-or-death situation where it's their last opportunity to confess,' he added.

Stranger Things' season five, both volumes one and two, are now streaming on Netflix.

The two-hour series finale  fittingly called 'The Rightside Up'  will premiere in select theaters and on Netflix on December 31.
An Australian TV star proved there were no flies on her this week as she enjoyed a family Christmas in Western Australia.

The blonde beauty, 45, took to Instagram on Thursday to share a series of images that showed her enjoying a very relaxing Christmas Day.

She was not afraid to flaunt her enviable form as the family celebration continued beachside.

One photo featured her showing off her enviable form in a skimpy two-piece bikini.

The cute light yellow balconette swimwear featured a smocked fabric, a subtle floral print, and a small red bow at the decolletage.

Her toned and bronzed form was on full display as she happily posed under a sweltering summer sun.

An Australian TV star proved there were no flies on her this week when she enjoyed a family Christmas in Western Australia

She was also sun smart for the outing, accessorising with a crocheted straw hat and a pair of black sunglasses.

So, do you know who it is?

Of course, it's The Project's Carrie Bickmore who opted to add another quintessentially Australian accessory to her beach ensemble  a head net to protect herself from an onslaught of flies

Wearing the item like a veil, Carrie was still able to smile, despite having to endure the pesky insects.

Captioning the images, Carrie said she refused to let the pesky critters ruin her week of Christmas tranquility.

'The worst fly season in 40 years did not dampen the most amazing week with my sisters and nieces and our kids in Eagle Bay,' she wrote.

'The most perfect slice of heaven.'

The post was met with a deluge of comments from Carrie's followers including Rove McManus who could not resist a cheeky quip.

The blonde beauty, 45, took to Instagram on Thursday to share a series of images that showed her enjoying a very relaxing Christmas Day

'Good to know head nets are in this year,' he joked.

Another follower also pointed out Carrie's unique headwear.

'Tres net chic  colour coded for outfits and all! Love,' they wrote

A third chimed in with a similar: 'Absolutely love the look, you look amazing with the net. Merry Christmas Carrie.'

It comes after Carrie was announced as the Victorian Australian of the Year back in November.

The radio star earned the top gong thanks to her significant contributions to brain cancer research and awareness, raising over $27million since she set up Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation in 2015.

The charity was set up in loving memory of her late husband Greg Lange, who passed away following his battle with brain cancer in 2010.

A few years later in 2021, the 44yearold started The Brain Cancer Centre, which 'brings together leading researchers, doctors and institutions to develop new treatments and clinical trials,' according to the website.

The program has managed to acquire an extra $45million of funding since its inception, which will help fund research projects across the country.

During the emotional ceremony, Carrie revealed that she felt uneasy about accepting the award.

It is, of course, Carrie Bickmore. 'The worst fly season in 40 years did not dampen the most amazing week with my sisters and nieces and our kids in Eagle Bay,' she wrote

'I feel like there are so many people, not only in the brain cancer space but in the world, that are doing incredible things. It made me deeply uncomfortable,' she confessed.

However, despite her initial discomfort, she admitted that she'd be a 'coward' if she didn't accept the nomination on behalf of the broader cancer community.

Carrie went on to reflect on her late husband's cancer journey, which was a catalyst in her involvement in brain cancer research.

'While I graciously accept the award, if I could go back and make that little 21yearold, young Carrie not have to watch her boyfriend have a seizure in bed and then endure a nine year battle with brain cancer  I would do that,' she shared.

She dubbed it 'one of the most horrific things' she's ever watched before admitting it took her a long time to know what to do afterwards.

'Then I realised with my platform, that I had the ability to make sure that no other amazing man like Greg, no other young girl like myself  who hadnt even had a chance to work out what life was going to be for her  (would) have to go through something like that.'
Timothee Chalamet's name was among those included on the gingerbread house the Kardashian family prepared for their 2025 holiday celebrations, as he continues his relationship with Kylie Jenner.

Model and influencer Atiana De La Hoya, the stepdaughter of Kourtney Kardashian's husband Travis Barker, shared an image of the gingerbread house on her Instagram Stories Thursday.

The name of the two-time Oscar-nominee, 29 - who has been linked to Kylie, 28, since 2023 - was located in a top corner of the house.

It was located alongside the names of Kylie's kids (with ex Travis Scott) - Stormi, seven, and Aire, three - and her sisters Khloe Kardashian, 41, and Kendall Jenner, 30.

Kylie's mother Kris Jenner on Instagram Stories earlier hyped Timothy's new movie Marty Supreme, which hit theaters Thursday.

The reality star, 70, captioned a shot 'MARTY SUPREME Christmas Day!!!!!!', as she was clad in a bomber jacket promoting the film.

Timothee Chalamet's name was among those included on the gingerbread house the Kardashian family made for their 2025 holiday celebrations, as he continues his relationship with Kylie Jenner. Pictured in May in Rome

Model and influencer Atiana De La Hoya, the stepdaughter of Kourtney Kardashian's husband Travis Barker, shared an image of the gingerbread house on her Instagram Stories Thursday

The fancy gingerbread featured more than 20 Kardashian family members - such as Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, Rob, Kylie and Kendall - as well as kids and in-laws.

De La Hoya is among them, along with her siblings Landon, Alabama and Rocky.

Kris Jenner's boyfriend Corey Gamble and her mother MJ also had spots on the family gingerbread house.

Khloe said the family was keeping things close this year with an 'intimate' holiday gathering, after a big party to celebrate Kris turning 70 in November.

She said that the smaller guest list didn't mean sacrificing style.

'Of course, we have to be still dressed up, because that's what we love to do,' she said.

The Good American entrepreneur said, 'We are just celebrating the holiday very glam and fab.'

Kylie in October donned clothing promoting the Josh Safdie-directed Marty Supreme while attending a New York Yankees game with the star of A Complete Unknown.

The name of the two-time Oscar-nominee, 29 - who has been linked to Kylie, 28, since 2023 - was located in a top corner of the house

De La Hoya donned a slinky black gown as she nursed a cocktail at the famed family's Christmas party

The couple is coming off a momentous year, most notably their debut as a couple on the red carpet in Rome, Italy, for the 70th David Di Donatello Awards.

They made social media waves in November wearing matching orange ensembles to the Los Angeles premiere of the motion picture.

Both were decked out in Chrome Hearts outfits: Chalamet a leather suit, Jenner a long gown.

Marty Supreme, which also features Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Larry 'Ratso' Sloman, Tyler the Creator, Fran Drescher and Sandra Bernhard, is in theaters now.
Lily Collins shared a series of rare snaps of her baby girl Tove on Instagram on Thursday as she and her husband Charlie McDowell celebrated their daughter's first Christmas.

The actress, 36, welcomed Tove via surrogate earlier this year - and she gave fans a glimpse into the festive celebrations as she wished followers a Merry Christmas.

In one heartwarming snap, Lily was seen sitting by a roaring log fire as she watched the tot play with one of her new toys.

Another adorable photo showed Lily beaming as she held her daughter up for a festive selfie alongside her husband, Charlie, on Christmas Day.

Tove looked adorable in a green and red dress adorned with a gold star print, while other snaps captured her opening presents from a personalised red stocking and reading a children's book in matching red pyjamas.

Lily also treated fans to a loved-up snap with Charlie, a picture of a homemade wreath filled with lush green foliage, and sweet photos of their daughter at home during her first Christmas.

Lily Collins shared a series of rare snaps of her baby girl Tove on Instagram on Thursday as she and her husband Charlie McDowell celebrated their daughter's first Christmas

In one heartwarming snap, Lily, 36, was seen sitting by a roaring log fire as she watched the tot play with one of her new toys

She captioned the festive photo dump: 'Our lil Tove's first Christmas and we're feeling all the magic of the holidays. Soaking in these moments in every way. Wishing you and yours the merriest Christmas and happiest holiday season...'

It comes after Lily admitted that she 'struggled' to balance life as a new mum while filming the latest series of Emily in Paris.

The actress became a first-time mother after welcoming a baby girl via surrogacy with her husband, film director Charlie, in January.

Filming for the fifth season of the comedy drama began in May in Rome before moving to Paris later in the summer.

In a recent interview, Lily, the daughter of Phil Collins, insisted that she is just like any new parent, juggling the demands of a newborn while trying to balance her day job.

She told The Sun: 'You have a different purpose and it's really tough... It's a struggle, and I'm just so grateful to be able to do both.'

Lily continued: 'I said to everyone this year, 'I'm really good with memorisation, I'm really good with knowing my lines, but this year, give me some grace.

'I've not slept, I'm very tired, and I may not be on my game.'

In another snap, Tove looked adorable in a green and red dress adorned with a gold star print as she played with a dragon toy on Christmas

While other snaps captured her opening presents from a personalised red stocking

Lily also treated fans to a loved-up snap with Charlie as they enjoyed a walk outdoors

Lily shared a picture of a homemade wreath filled with lush green foliage, displayed on a rustic wooden door

Meanwhile, she also shared sweet photos of their daughter at home during her first Christmas

She captioned the festive photo dump: 'Our lil Tove's first Christmas and we're feeling all the magic of the holidays. Soaking in these moments in every way'

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.

The actress became a first-time mother after welcoming a baby girl via surrogacy with her husband, film director Charlie, in January

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.

'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.'
Kim Kardashian turned up the heat in midwinter when she posed up a storm at Kendall Jenner's house for their family's Christmas Eve party.

The 45-year-old modeled a plunging silver dress with sparkling black pom poms over the bust, matching the glistening lining at the waist and hem.

Her gown was barely able to contain her ample endowments, which nearly spilled out from over her neckline as she swanned about in front of the Christmas tree.

When she posted photos of the fete, she revealed her ensemble was a vintage 1986 piece by the late Thierry Mugler, whose muse she once was.

The frock was a selection from Mugler's 1986/1987 collection Hiver Russe - French for Russian Winter - unveiled in March 1986 on a Paris runway.

He brought out Hiver Russe the year after his visit to the Soviet Union, where he met the exalted Moscow designer Slava Zaitsev, aka the 'Red Dior.'

Kim Kardashian turned up the heat in midwinter when she posed up a storm at Kendall Jenner's house for their family's Christmas Eve party

The frock was a selection from Thierry Mugler's 1986/1987 collection Hiver Russe - French for Russian Winter - unveiled in March 1986 on a Paris runway

Kim, a longtime friend of Mugler's, posted a glowing tribute to him in 2022 after he died of natural causes at home in Vincennes aged 73.

'I am so honored to have known you, spent time with you and be a muse for you,' she raved on Instagram. 'There was so much more for you to show the world and that we had planned to do together, but you already gave us so much.'

She appears to have bought her Hiver Russe piece from the appointment-only Los Angeles shop Tab Vintage, which posted in November that it had acquired the gown.

This year's Kardashian-Jenner Christmas Eve bash was held at the home of Kendall Jenner, who shed light on her plans in an interview earlier this month.

'Last year, we did a smaller Christmas Eve party, and it was super lovely. Usually, they're kind of these blowouts for the last, like, since I was born,' she said.

'But we're doing a smaller one again this year, and I'm really happy about it,' the supermodel told People. 'And so it'll be cozy vibes.'

Members of the family switch off on hosting the bash, and recently Khloe Kardashian revealed they 'all equally split the cost' of the endeavor each year.

A fleet of celebrities have been guests at the fete over the years, including Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, Paris Hilton, Elon Musk, Dave Chappelle, John Legend, Tyler The Creator and even Sean 'Diddy' Combs before his downfall.

The 45-year-old modeled a plunging silver dress with sparkling black pom poms over the bust, matching the glistening lining at the waist and hem

When she posted photos of the fete, she revealed her ensemble was a vintage 1986 piece by the late Thierry Mugler, whose muse she once was

Mugler brought out Hiver Russe the year after his visit to the Soviet Union, where he met the exalted Moscowdesigner Slava Zaitsev, aka the 'Red Dior'

Kim, a longtime friend of Mugler's, posted a glowing tribute to him on Instagram after he died of natural causes aged 73 in 2022 at home in Vincennes

She appears to have bought her Hiver Russe piece from the appointment-only Los Angeles shop Tab Vintage, which postedin November that it had acquired the gown

The annual party goes back to when Kris was a Beverly Hills housewife married to future O.J. Simpson lawyer Robert Kardashian, the father of her four older children.

Kris hosted the beano every year until her children grew older and acquired so many friends that the guest list swelled to '2-300 people,' at which point the venue began 'rotating' between members of the family, she shared on Khloe in Wonderland.

'I thought it was so much more fun, and then every time one of you took the reins and did it yourself -' Kris began, before Khloe cut her off.

'I won't take the reins. I don't want the reins. I don't want that many people in my home, and this year I was very proud of you for saving me,' Khloe told her mother.

Apparently a number of other Kardashian-Jenner homes were unavailable and Khloe's was suggested, only for Kris to leap in and table Kendall's as an alternative.

Kris gushed that as her children grow older 'it's so exciting to see how you guys interpret your own Christmas Eve and how we can all enjoy each other every year.'
Perry Bamonte, the longtime guitarist and keyboardist for iconic British band The Cure, has died, the group announced on Friday.

The band revealed on their official website that Bamonte passed away at his home following a short illness over Christmas.

The post described him as 'quiet and intense,' calling him an integral part of the bands story.

Their tribute included: 'It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate, Perry Bamonte, who passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas.

'Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, 'Teddy' was a warm-hearted and vital part of The Cure story.

'Looking after the band from 1984 through 1989, he became a full time member of The Cure in 1990, playing guitar, six-string bass and keyboard on the Wish, Wild Mood Swings, Bloodflowers, Acoustic Hits and The Cure albums, as well as performing more than 400 shows over 14 years.'

Perry Bamonte, the longtime guitarist and keyboardist for iconic British band The Cure, has died, the group announced on Friday; (pictured in 2023)

The band revealed on their official website that Bamonte passed away at his home following a short illness over Christmas

The tribute continued: 'He rejoined The Cure in 2022, playing another 90 shows, some of the best in the bands history, culminating with the Show Of A Lost World concert in London 12st November 2024.

'Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family'

Bamontes connection to The Cure began in 1984 when he traveled with the band as a roadie, serving as a personal assistant to frontman Robert Smith and working as a guitar technician.

When keyboardist Roger O'Donnell left the group in 1990, Bamonte stepped in, regularly performing on both keyboard and guitar.

Although Smith let Bamonte go from the band in 2005, the two remained on good terms, and Bamonte returned to tour with The Cure in 2022.

In 2019, he and the rest of the band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Fans quickly took to social media to express their grief following the news of Bamontes passing.

One user simply wrote, 'Im so devastated,' while another shared, 'He was so talented. RIP.'

Bamontes connection to The Cure began in 1984 when he traveled with the band as a roadie, serving as a personal assistant to frontman Robert Smith and working as a guitar technician; (Bamonte, Simon Gallup and Robert Smith)

The Cure were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, cementing their legacy

Many others paid heartfelt tribute, with one commenting, 'What a loss to the community. Condolences to his family and friends.'

Formed in 1976 in Crawley, England, The Cure became one of the most influential alternative rock bands in history.

Fronted by Robert Smith, the group gained fame for their moody, atmospheric sound, blending post-punk, gothic rock, and pop elements.

Albums like Disintegration, Pornography, and Wish produced hits such as Just Like Heaven, Friday Im in Love, and Lovesong, which remain staples of alternative music.

Known for their distinctive styledark eyeliner, brooding lyrics, and emotionally resonant melodiesThe Cure has maintained a devoted global fanbase for decades.

They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, cementing their legacy.
The robots are coming for even more jobs next year.

A new survey of Americas top marketing chiefs suggests companies are preparing to cut staff as they lean harder on artificial intelligence  a warning that AIs biggest impact wont be chatbots or viral deepfakes, but layoffs.

In November, executive search firm Spencer Stuart asked 90 chief marketing officers how aggressively they plan to use AI to shrink payrolls, the Wall Street Journal reported.

More than one in three executives said that they expect to hand out pink slips in the next 12 to 24 months as they deploy more computer agents.

The trend is even worse among bigger companies.

Nearly half the executives at firms worth more than $20billion said they're planning significant job cuts.

Spencer Stuart's survey  which focused on corporate America's vast marketing workforce, including copywriters, graphic designers, social media managers, data analysts, and PR staff  worsens the already bleak outlook for American workers.

Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 7.8 million Americans are unemployed, the highest number in four years.

Americans have become increasingly worried that executives will replace workers with robots and AI. Pictured above is Mika, the world's first so-called robotic CEO, developed by Hanson Robotics for Polish rum company Dictador

It comes as several massive tech companies have recently laid off thousands of workers, hiring has slowed, and private jobs data suggest that small businesses are quickly slashing staff.

And now, according to the survey, the outlook could sour even more.

The executives said there were three main reasons they would slash jobs: to fix pandemic-era over-hiring, to prepare for a slowing economy, and to launch more internal AI products.

There are more than 6 million Americans with marketing roles, according to the American Marketing Association.

The news also comes as America's biggest bosses say job cuts will multiply for workers who don't learn how to use AI tools now.

'AI will eliminate jobs,' Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, America's biggest bank, warned during an interview on Fox Business.

'My advice to people would be critical thinking. Learn skills. Learn how to be good at communicating and how to write. You'll have plenty of jobs.'

Doug McMillon, the top boss at Walmart; Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford; and Beth Galetti, the top HR lead at Amazon, have all issued similar warnings.

But Abigail Wright, a senior business advisor at the National Chamber of Commerce, told the Daily Mail that she believes the warnings from top leaders about AI-driven job losses are overblown.

Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, explicitly told American workers that AI will cull American jobs: 'My advice to people would be critical thinking. Learn skills. Learn how to be good at communicating and how to write'

AI has already made an impact in the marketing world. This holiday season, Coca-Cola's iconic 'Holidays Are Coming' ads have been generated by an AI studio

'The real transformation is task-level, not job-level,' she said. 'Workers who learn how to direct fast AI, instead of compete with it, will be the most resilient.'

She also said that the majority of marketing jobs appear safe for now. Instead, she argued that AI is helping make faster editorial decisions rather than replacing employees.

But Americans have already started to see the work of some robot marketers.

This year, Coca-Cola's iconic 'Holidays Are Coming' ad campaign  featuring snowy landscapes, big red trucks, twinkling holiday lights, and polar bears  was crafted by AI.

The soda company generated the ad with robots again this year.

Other giant companies like McDonald's, Amazon, Heinz, BMW, Nike, Adobe, Salesforce, Starbucks, Nutella, and Svedka have also produced AI-generated video ads.
ARC Group Worldwide, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ARCW  Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $0.09 and traded as low as $0.0489. ARC Group Worldwide shares last traded at $0.05, with a volume of 802,447 shares traded.

ARC Group Worldwide Stock Down 18.0%

The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $0.08 and a 200 day simple moving average of $0.09.

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About ARC Group Worldwide

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ARC Group Worldwide, Inc is a diversified global manufacturer specializing in packaging solutions, precision metal components and value-added distribution services. The companys Packaging & OEM Solutions segment provides custom injection-molded closures, containers and assemblies for the food, beverage, industrial and personal care markets, alongside metal-stamped and polymer parts for automotive and electronics customers. Its Distribution Solutions segment offers kitting, sequencing, fulfillment and logistics support to streamline industrial and consumer supply chains.

Over the years, ARC Group Worldwide has grown through strategic acquisitions and organic investments to build a broad geographic presence in North America, Asia and Europe.

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Ariana Resources plc (LON:AAU  Get Free Report) shares crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 1.55 and traded as low as GBX 1.45. Ariana Resources shares last traded at GBX 1.47, with a volume of 5,622,752 shares traded.

Ariana Resources Trading Up 1.3%

The firm has a market capitalization of 34.35 million, a PE ratio of 11.30 and a beta of 0.65. The firms fifty day moving average price is GBX 1.50 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 1.55.

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Ariana Resources (LON:AAU  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, September 29th. The company reported GBX 0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. On average, analysts predict that Ariana Resources plc will post 0.2 earnings per share for the current year.

About Ariana Resources

Ariana Resources is an AIM-listed mineral exploration and development company with an exceptional track record of creating value for its shareholders through its interests in active mining projects and investments in exploration companies. Its current interests include being a gold producer in Turkiye, a major gold development project in Zimbabwe that will become the Companys flagship project over time, and copper-gold exploration and development projects across the portfolio.

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Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE:SAN  Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Hold from the six research firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company.

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group cut shares of Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b+) rating on shares of Banco Santander in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research cut Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, DZ Bank downgraded Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th.

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Banco Santander Stock Performance

NYSE SAN opened at $11.88 on Tuesday. Banco Santander has a fifty-two week low of $4.43 and a fifty-two week high of $11.88. The firm has a market capitalization of $176.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.64, a PEG ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 0.74. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $10.68 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $9.71.

Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The bank reported $0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.25 by ($0.02). Banco Santander had a net margin of 17.90% and a return on equity of 11.68%. The company had revenue of $26.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.32 billion. As a group, analysts forecast that Banco Santander will post 0.83 earnings per share for the current year.

Banco Santander Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 6th. Investors of record on Friday, October 31st were issued a $0.0956 dividend. This represents a yield of 263.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 31st. Banco Santanders payout ratio is presently 20.21%.

Institutional Trading of Banco Santander

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SAN. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. raised its position in Banco Santander by 104.3% in the second quarter. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. now owns 241,250 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,002,000 after purchasing an additional 123,150 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Banco Santander by 17.8% in the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 362,080 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,426,000 after buying an additional 54,664 shares in the last quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of Banco Santander by 46.4% in the 1st quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC now owns 887,446 shares of the banks stock valued at $5,946,000 after buying an additional 281,101 shares during the period. Choreo LLC lifted its stake in Banco Santander by 20.4% during the 2nd quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 120,933 shares of the banks stock worth $1,004,000 after acquiring an additional 20,530 shares in the last quarter. Finally, TrueMark Investments LLC boosted its holdings in Banco Santander by 18.3% during the 2nd quarter. TrueMark Investments LLC now owns 271,453 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,253,000 after acquiring an additional 42,044 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 9.19% of the companys stock.

Banco Santander Company Profile

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Banco Santander, SA (NYSE: SAN) is a Spanish multinational banking group headquartered in Santander, Spain. Founded in 1857, the bank has grown from a regional institution into one of Europes largest banking groups, operating a diversified financial services platform that serves retail, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporate clients. Santander is publicly listed in Spain and maintains American Depositary Receipts on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SAN.

The groups core activities include retail and commercial bankingoffering deposit accounts, payment services, mortgages, personal and auto loans, and small business financingalongside corporate and investment banking services for larger institutional clients.

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Bancorp of New Jersey Inc (NYSEAMERICAN:BKJ  Get Free Report) crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a two hundred 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 trading hands.

Bancorp of New Jersey Stock Performance

The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $17.89 and a 200-day moving average price of $17.89.

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Bancorp of New Jersey Company Profile

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Bancorp of New Jersey, Inc is the bank holding company for Bank of New Jersey, a New Jersey-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Cliffwood, New Jersey. The bank commenced operations as a de novo community bank in early 2019 and is regulated by the Federal Reserve and the New Jersey Division of Banking. As a bank holding company, Bancorp of New Jersey oversees the strategic direction and regulatory compliance of its banking subsidiary.

Bank of New Jersey offers a full suite of deposit products, including checking, savings, and money market accounts, alongside certificates of deposit.

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The Chemours Company (NYSE:CC  Get Free Report) passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $12.54 and traded as low as $11.68. Chemours shares last traded at $11.7420, with a volume of 2,023,955 shares traded.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on CC shares. Mizuho cut their target price on shares of Chemours from $19.00 to $18.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. UBS Group cut their price target on Chemours from $21.00 to $18.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Truist Financial dropped their price objective on shares of Chemours from $21.00 to $18.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Chemours from $15.00 to $13.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Chemours from $19.00 to $17.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 10th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $17.00.

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Chemours Trading Up 2.2%

The business has a fifty day moving average price of $12.49 and a 200 day moving average price of $13.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.66, a current ratio of 1.71 and a quick ratio of 0.88. The company has a market capitalization of $1.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.40 and a beta of 1.59.

Chemours (NYSE:CC  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The specialty chemicals company reported $0.20 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.24 by ($0.04). Chemours had a negative net margin of 5.70% and a positive return on equity of 35.27%. The company had revenue of $1.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.50 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.40 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down .9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that The Chemours Company will post 2.03 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Chemours Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a dividend of $0.0875 per share. This represents a $0.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. Chemourss payout ratio is presently -15.77%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Chemours

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CC. MTM Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Chemours in the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new stake in Chemours in the third quarter valued at about $43,000. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its stake in Chemours by 130.7% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,175 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 1,799 shares during the period. Evelyn Partners Asset Management Ltd bought a new position in Chemours during the second quarter worth about $37,000. Finally, Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new position in shares of Chemours during the 3rd quarter worth about $54,000. Institutional investors own 76.26% of the companys stock.

About Chemours

(Get Free Report)

Chemours Company, established in 2015 as a spin-off from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, is a global chemistry organization headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. Since its formation, Chemours has focused on delivering performance chemicals that help customers lower their carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency and conserve water. The company operates with a commitment to safety, environmental stewardship and innovation.

Chemours principal business activities are organized into three core segments.

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City of London Investment Group Plc (LON:CLIG  Get Free Report) passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 370.72 and traded as low as GBX 370. City of London Investment Group shares last traded at GBX 370, with a volume of 16,833 shares.

City of London Investment Group Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of 183.97 million, a PE ratio of 9.54 and a beta of 0.47. The stocks fifty day moving average is GBX 371.87 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 370.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.72, a current ratio of 3.86 and a quick ratio of 2.68.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Peter E. Roth purchased 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 20th. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 368 per share, with a total value of 18,400. 43.90% of the stock is owned by insiders.

City of London Investment Group Company Profile

City of London Investment Group PLC is a United Kingdom-based asset management company, consisting of two wholly owned subsidiaries that invest primarily in closed-end funds for the benefit of their respective clients.

The Company, through its subsidiary City of London Investment Management Company Limited (CLIM), historically specialized in Emerging Markets and has expanded its range to International, Opportunistic Value and Frontier strategies, for primarily institutional clients.

The Company, through its subsidiary Karpus Investment Management (KIM), provides closed-end fund strategies across all asset classes to wealth management clients in the United States.

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Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (OTCMKTS:DSEEY  Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $8.20 and traded as high as $8.90. Daiwa Securities Group shares last traded at $8.90, with a volume of 4,178 shares changing hands.

Daiwa Securities Group Price Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $12.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.62 and a beta of 0.51. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $8.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is $7.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.52, a current ratio of 1.10 and a quick ratio of 1.10.

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Daiwa Securities Group (OTCMKTS:DSEEY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The financial services provider reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.15 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $2.44 billion for the quarter. Daiwa Securities Group had a return on equity of 7.00% and a net margin of 11.23%.

About Daiwa Securities Group

Daiwa Securities Group Inc is a leading Japanese financial services firm established in 1902 and headquartered in Tokyo. Operating as a holding company, Daiwa oversees a network of subsidiaries active in securities brokerage, investment banking and asset management. With a history spanning over a century, the group has evolved to meet the changing needs of individual and institutional clients, building a reputation for comprehensive capital markets solutions.

The groups core businesses include retail brokerage, offering equity, fixed income and mutual fund products to individual investors in Japan.

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International Paper (NYSE:IP  Get Free Report) and Rayonier Advanced Materials (NYSE:RYAM  Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, profitability, risk and dividends.

Profitability

This table compares International Paper and Rayonier Advanced Materials net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets International Paper -5.45% -0.16% -0.07% Rayonier Advanced Materials -28.21% -13.64% -3.64%

Institutional & Insider Ownership

82.0% of International Paper shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 68.6% of Rayonier Advanced Materials shares are held by institutional investors. 0.4% of International Paper shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 4.4% of Rayonier Advanced Materials shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Earnings & Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio International Paper $18.62 billion 1.12 $557.00 million ($2.61) -15.08 Rayonier Advanced Materials $1.63 billion 0.24 -$38.71 million ($6.25) -0.93

This table compares International Paper and Rayonier Advanced Materialss top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

International Paper has higher revenue and earnings than Rayonier Advanced Materials. International Paper is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Rayonier Advanced Materials, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Risk and Volatility

International Paper has a beta of 1.09, meaning that its stock price is 9% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Rayonier Advanced Materials has a beta of 2.17, meaning that its stock price is 117% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for International Paper and Rayonier Advanced Materials, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score International Paper 2 3 10 0 2.53 Rayonier Advanced Materials 1 1 1 0 2.00

International Paper currently has a consensus target price of $49.23, indicating a potential upside of 25.05%. Rayonier Advanced Materials has a consensus target price of $6.00, indicating a potential upside of 2.74%. Given International Papers stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe International Paper is more favorable than Rayonier Advanced Materials.

Summary

International Paper beats Rayonier Advanced Materials on 11 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About International Paper

(Get Free Report)

International Paper Company produces and sells renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products in North America, Latin America, Europe, and North Africa. It operates through two segments, Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers. The company offers linerboard, medium, whitetop, recycled linerboard, recycled medium and saturating kraft; and pulp for a range of applications, such as diapers, towel and tissue products, feminine care, incontinence, and other personal care products, as well as specialty pulps for use in textiles, construction materials, paints, coatings, and others. It sells its products directly to end users and converters, as well as through agents, resellers, and distributors. The company was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.

About Rayonier Advanced Materials

(Get Free Report)

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. manufactures and sells cellulose specialty products in the United States, China, Latin America, Canada, Japan, Europe, Latin America, other Asian countries, and internationally. It operates through High Purity Cellulose, Paperboard, and High-Yield Pulp segments. The companys products include cellulose specialties, which are natural polymers that are used as raw materials to manufacture a range of consumer-oriented products, such as liquid crystal displays, impact-resistant plastics, thickeners for food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cigarette filters, high-tenacity rayon yarn for tires and industrial hoses, food casings, paints, and lacquers. It also offers commodity products, such as commodity viscose pulp used in woven applications, including rayon textiles for clothing and other fabrics, as well as in non-woven applications comprising baby wipes, cosmetic and personal wipes, industrial wipes, and mattress ticking; and absorbent materials consisting of fluff fibers that are used as an absorbent medium in disposable baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, incontinence pads, convalescent bed pads, industrial towels and wipes, and non-woven fabrics. In addition, the company provides paperboards for packaging, printing documents, brochures, promotional materials, paperback books and catalog covers, file folders, tags, and lottery tickets; and high-yield pulps to produces hardwood aspen, maple, and birch species for paperboard, packaging, printing and writing papers, and various other paper products. The company was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.

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iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (NYSEARCA:EZA  Get Free Report) passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $66.22 and traded as high as $69.54. iShares MSCI South Africa ETF shares last traded at $69.54, with a volume of 122,006 shares changing hands.

iShares MSCI South Africa ETF Stock Up 0.5%

The companys fifty day moving average price is $66.30 and its 200 day moving average price is $60.54. The company has a market capitalization of $552.37 million, a P/E ratio of 14.34 and a beta of 0.78.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares MSCI South Africa ETF

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Strs Ohio acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI South Africa ETF during the 1st quarter worth $12,032,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in iShares MSCI South Africa ETF by 20.0% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 883,389 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $56,625,000 after acquiring an additional 147,200 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI South Africa ETF during the second quarter valued at $5,138,000. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI South Africa ETF by 386.7% during the third quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 27,327 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,752,000 after purchasing an additional 21,712 shares during the period. Finally, Innealta Capital LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI South Africa ETF by 138.7% in the third quarter. Innealta Capital LLC now owns 21,697 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,391,000 after purchasing an additional 12,608 shares during the last quarter.

iShares MSCI South Africa ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI South Africa ETF, formerly iShares MSCI South Africa Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded securities in the aggregate in the South African market, as measured by the MSCI South Africa Index (the Index). The Index seeks to measure the performance of the South African equity market. The Index is a capitalization-weighted index that aims to capture 85% of the (publicly available) total market capitalization.

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Laurentian Bank of Canada (OTCMKTS:LRCDF  Get Free Report) passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $25.22 and traded as high as $29.21. Laurentian Bank of Canada shares last traded at $29.21, with a volume of 300 shares trading hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada to a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Raymond James Financial downgraded shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from a market perform rating to an underperform rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Scotiabank restated a sector perform rating on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets restated a market perform rating on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Laurentian Bank of Canada has a consensus rating of Reduce.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on LRCDF

Laurentian Bank of Canada Stock Up 0.6%

About Laurentian Bank of Canada

The firms 50 day moving average price is $25.34 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $23.69.

(Get Free Report)

The Laurentian Bank of Canada (OTCMKTS:LRCDF) is headquartered in Quebec City and is one of Canadas Schedule I banks. Established in 1846, the institution has grown from a regional savings bank into a diversified financial services provider. While its core footprint remains in Quebec, the bank also serves customers in other Canadian provinces through a network of branches, digital channels and broker partnerships.

Laurentian Banks personal banking division offers chequing and savings accounts, mortgages, lines of credit, credit cards and payment solutions.

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PIMCO Income Strategy Fund (NYSE:PFL  Get Free Report) crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $8.42 and traded as low as $8.34. PIMCO Income Strategy Fund shares last traded at $8.36, with a volume of 199,351 shares changing hands.

PIMCO Income Strategy Fund Stock Performance

The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $8.40 and a 200 day simple moving average of $8.42.

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PIMCO Income Strategy Fund Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, December 11th will be given a dividend of $0.0814 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 11th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 11.7%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On PIMCO Income Strategy Fund

About PIMCO Income Strategy Fund

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of PIMCO Income Strategy Fund by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 307,144 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,641,000 after acquiring an additional 3,001 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its stake in shares of PIMCO Income Strategy Fund by 18.5% in the 1st quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 11,912 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $102,000 after purchasing an additional 1,863 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its holdings in PIMCO Income Strategy Fund by 9.6% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 167,070 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,437,000 after purchasing an additional 14,645 shares in the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC bought a new stake in PIMCO Income Strategy Fund in the first quarter worth $94,000. Finally, Integrity Alliance LLC. increased its position in PIMCO Income Strategy Fund by 42.1% during the first quarter. Integrity Alliance LLC. now owns 14,890 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $128,000 after buying an additional 4,412 shares during the last quarter.

(Get Free Report)

PIMCO Income Strategy Fund (NYSE: PFL) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to deliver a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. The fund employs a flexible, multi-sector approach to building a diversified portfolio of global fixed-income securities and may use leverage to enhance income potential. Managed by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO), the fund leverages the firms extensive credit research and risk management capabilities.

The funds investment strategy spans corporate debt, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, government and agency obligations, and emerging markets debt.

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Progressive (NYSE:PGR  Free Report) had its target price upped by Wells Fargo & Company from $242.00 to $247.00 in a report issued on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have an equal weight rating on the insurance providers stock.

Several other research analysts have also issued reports on PGR. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating on shares of Progressive in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Zacks Research cut shares of Progressive from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating on shares of Progressive in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of Progressive from $350.00 to $348.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Raymond James Financial dropped their price objective on shares of Progressive from $305.00 to $265.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $264.98.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on PGR

Progressive Trading Down 0.1%

Shares of PGR stock opened at $227.66 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $222.48 and a 200-day moving average of $239.64. The stock has a market cap of $133.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.49, a P/E/G ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 0.36. Progressive has a 52-week low of $199.90 and a 52-week high of $292.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a current ratio of 0.29.

Progressive (NYSE:PGR  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The insurance provider reported $4.45 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.04 by ($0.59). The business had revenue of $21.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.64 billion. Progressive had a net margin of 12.57% and a return on equity of 33.88%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $3.58 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Progressive will post 14.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Progressive Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd will be issued a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.2%. Progressives dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 2.19%.

Insider Activity at Progressive

In other Progressive news, insider Steven Broz sold 1,345 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $228.29, for a total transaction of $307,050.05. Following the transaction, the insider owned 27,698 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,323,176.42. This represents a 4.63% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CFO John P. Sauerland sold 5,000 shares of Progressive stock in a transaction on Friday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $228.48, for a total value of $1,142,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 223,024 shares of the companys stock, valued at $50,956,523.52. This trade represents a 2.19% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 9,034 shares of company stock valued at $2,047,481 in the last 90 days. 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Progressive

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PGR. New York Life Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Progressive by 1.4% during the second quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 87,760 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $23,420,000 after buying an additional 1,192 shares during the period. Baron Silver Stevens Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Progressive during the second quarter valued at $306,000. Wakefield Asset Management LLLP boosted its position in Progressive by 199.0% during the second quarter. Wakefield Asset Management LLLP now owns 9,411 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,511,000 after acquiring an additional 6,263 shares during the last quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al acquired a new stake in Progressive during the 2nd quarter worth about $13,583,000. Finally, Whalen Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Progressive in the 2nd quarter worth about $647,000. 85.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Progressive Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Progressive Corporation is a large U.S.-based property and casualty insurer that primarily underwrites personal auto insurance along with a broad suite of related products. Its offerings include coverage for private passenger automobiles, commercial auto fleets, motorcycles, boats and recreational vehicles, as well as homeowners, renters, umbrella and other specialty P&C products. Progressive also provides claims handling, risk management and related services to individual and commercial policyholders.

The company distributes its products through a mix of direct channelsonline and by phoneand an extensive independent agent network.

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Swiss Re (OTCMKTS: SSREY) recently received a number of ratings updates from brokerages and research firms:

12/17/2025  Swiss Re was downgraded by analysts at UBS Group AG from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating.

12/9/2025  Swiss Re was downgraded by analysts at Oddo Bhf to a neutral rating.

12/9/2025  Swiss Re was downgraded by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from a buy rating to a hold rating.

12/9/2025  Swiss Re was upgraded by analysts at DZ Bank AG from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating.

12/9/2025  Swiss Re was downgraded by analysts at Berenberg Bank from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating.

12/8/2025  Swiss Re had its underperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada.

11/14/2025  Swiss Re was downgraded by analysts at DZ Bank AG from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating.

Swiss Re (OTCMKTS: SSREY) is a global reinsurance company headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Founded in 1863, the firm provides risk transfer and insurance solutions to insurers, reinsurers, and large corporations worldwide. Its core activities encompass reinsurance for property & casualty and life & health lines, as well as tailored corporate insurance products designed to protect complex commercial and industrial risks.

Swiss Res product offering spans treaty and facultative reinsurance, structured reinsurance solutions, and capital marketslinked risk transfer such as insurancelinked securities.

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A number of firms have modified their ratings and price targets on shares of Fortive (NYSE: FTV) recently:

12/22/2025  Fortive was upgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating.

12/22/2025  Fortive had its price target raised by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $55.00 to $59.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

12/15/2025  Fortive had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/8/2025  Fortive had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

12/8/2025  Fortive had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $57.00 to $59.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

12/1/2025  Fortive had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/25/2025  Fortive had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/19/2025  Fortive had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/13/2025  Fortive had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

11/7/2025  Fortive was downgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating.

11/5/2025  Fortive had its price target raised by analysts at Morgan Stanley from $50.00 to $53.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

11/4/2025  Fortive had its price target raised by analysts at Robert W. Baird from $57.00 to $58.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

10/30/2025  Fortive had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $56.00 to $57.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

10/30/2025  Fortive had its price target raised by analysts at Barclays PLC from $54.00 to $56.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

10/30/2025  Fortive had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $53.00 to $55.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

10/30/2025  Fortive had its hold rating reaffirmed by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation. They now have a $58.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $55.00.

Fortive Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 26th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a dividend of $0.06 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. This represents a $0.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.4%. Fortives dividend payout ratio is currently 13.71%.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Fortive news, SVP Stacey A. Walker sold 2,192 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.35, for a total transaction of $110,367.20. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 59,488 shares in the company, valued at $2,995,220.80. This trade represents a 3.55% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.92% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Fortive Corporation (NYSE: FTV) is a diversified industrial technology company headquartered in Everett, Washington. The company was created through a spinoff from Danaher Corporation in 2016 and has since focused on building a portfolio of professional instrumentation and industrial technology businesses. In 2020 Fortive completed a further portfolio separation with the spinoff of Vontier, concentrating Fortives activities on highermargin instrumentation, software and services.

Fortives operations center on professional test and measurement, sensing and monitoring, softwareenabled solutions, and lifecycle services that support industrial and commercial customers.

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Inspire Investing LLC purchased a new stake in Hamilton Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE:HG  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm purchased 43,646 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,082,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Donald Smith & CO. Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Hamilton Insurance Group in the second quarter worth approximately $14,272,000. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Hamilton Insurance Group by 398.9% during the first quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC now owns 581,754 shares of the companys stock worth $12,060,000 after purchasing an additional 465,152 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Hamilton Insurance Group by 15.7% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,214,591 shares of the companys stock valued at $47,879,000 after purchasing an additional 301,334 shares during the last quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. grew its stake in shares of Hamilton Insurance Group by 66.8% during the 2nd quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 609,694 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,182,000 after buying an additional 244,262 shares during the period. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC grew its stake in shares of Hamilton Insurance Group by 260.5% during the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 330,254 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,846,000 after buying an additional 238,652 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 29.17% of the companys stock.

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Hamilton Insurance Group Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:HG opened at $28.34 on Friday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $26.25 and its 200 day simple moving average is $23.95. The company has a market cap of $2.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.75 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.66. Hamilton Insurance Group, Ltd. has a one year low of $16.80 and a one year high of $28.72.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Hamilton Insurance Group ( NYSE:HG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $1.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.61. The company had revenue of $667.65 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $537.70 million. Hamilton Insurance Group had a net margin of 15.95% and a return on equity of 15.07%. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Hamilton Insurance Group, Ltd. will post 4.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several research analysts recently weighed in on HG shares. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Hamilton Insurance Group from $29.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. BMO Capital Markets restated a market perform rating and set a $26.00 price target on shares of Hamilton Insurance Group in a research note on Tuesday. Citizens Jmp lifted their price objective on Hamilton Insurance Group from $31.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. JMP Securities set a $32.00 target price on Hamilton Insurance Group in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Citigroup reissued an outperform rating on shares of Hamilton Insurance Group in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $29.13.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on HG

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Alexander James Baker sold 18,350 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.19, for a total value of $480,586.50. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 84,136 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,203,521.84. The trade was a 17.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 17.46% of the companys stock.

About Hamilton Insurance Group

(Free Report)

Hamilton Insurance Group Ltd. is a Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance holding company that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HG. The company focuses on specialty lines of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, providing tailored solutions to clients around the world. Its underwriting platform is designed to address complex and niche risks across multiple industry sectors.

Established in 2016 and completing its initial public offering in 2017, Hamilton has concentrated on building a diversified portfolio of insurance and reinsurance products.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hamilton Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE:HG  Free Report).

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5N Plus Inc. (OTCMKTS:FPLSF  Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 62,653 shares, a decrease of 82.5% from the November 30th total of 357,432 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 15,878 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.9 days. Approximately 0.1% of the companys stock are sold short. Approximately 0.1% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 15,878 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.9 days.

5N Plus Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS FPLSF traded up $0.16 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $13.73. 460 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 14,483. 5N Plus has a one year low of $2.00 and a one year high of $15.64. The companys 50 day moving average is $13.84 and its 200 day moving average is $15.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 2.97 and a quick ratio of 1.39. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.02 and a beta of 1.91.

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5N Plus (OTCMKTS:FPLSF  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.10 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $104.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $89.88 million. 5N Plus had a net margin of 12.22% and a return on equity of 28.06%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating on shares of 5N Plus in a report on Friday, October 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, 5N Plus currently has a consensus rating of Buy.

Read Our Latest Analysis on FPLSF

5N Plus Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

5N Plus Inc is a Canadian specialty chemicals and materials company that develops, manufactures and commercializes highpurity metals and compounds for advanced technology markets. The companys product portfolio spans a range of elemental metalsincluding bismuth, antimony, tellurium, selenium, indium and germaniumalong with organometallic precursors, catalysts and radioisotopes. These materials are engineered to meet stringent purity standards (commonly known as fivenines or 99.999% purity) for critical applications in electronics, photovoltaics, catalysts and life sciences.

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Boucherville, Quebec, 5N Plus has grown from its roots in highpurity research to a global manufacturing and distribution platform.

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Polianta Ltd bought a new position in QXO, Inc. (NYSE:QXO  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 74,100 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,412,000.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cherry Creek Investment Advisors Inc. grew its position in QXO by 48.5% in the 2nd quarter. Cherry Creek Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 69,780 shares of the companys stock worth $1,503,000 after purchasing an additional 22,800 shares during the period. Seven Grand Managers LLC bought a new stake in shares of QXO in the second quarter worth $14,939,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of QXO by 91.0% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 47,192,412 shares of the companys stock worth $1,016,525,000 after acquiring an additional 22,484,977 shares during the period. Amundi increased its position in QXO by 26.4% during the first quarter. Amundi now owns 715,087 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,861,000 after acquiring an additional 149,504 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc boosted its position in QXO by 66.7% in the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 587,511 shares of the companys stock worth $12,655,000 after purchasing an additional 235,084 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.68% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on QXO shares. Zacks Research lowered shares of QXO from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, September 12th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of QXO in a research note on Monday. KeyCorp set a $28.00 target price on QXO in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Loop Capital began coverage on QXO in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. They issued a buy rating and a $31.00 price target for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley started coverage on QXO in a research report on Tuesday, September 2nd. They set an overweight rating and a $35.00 price objective on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $32.57.

QXO Stock Down 0.3%

Shares of QXO opened at $21.57 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $19.03 and its 200-day simple moving average is $20.10. QXO, Inc. has a 1 year low of $11.85 and a 1 year high of $24.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 3.06 and a quick ratio of 2.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -49.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.30 and a beta of 2.42.

QXO (NYSE:QXO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.14 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.02. QXO had a negative net margin of 3.81% and a positive return on equity of 3.70%. The business had revenue of $2.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.78 billion. QXOs revenue was up 20726.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts expect that QXO, Inc. will post -0.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About QXO

(Free Report)

QXO, Inc operates as a business application, technology, and consulting company in North America. The company provides solutions for accounting and business management, financial reporting, enterprise resource planning, human capital management, warehouse management systems, customer relationship management, and business intelligence. It also offers value-added services that focuses on consulting and professional, specialized programming, training, and technical support services. In addition, the company provides information technology managed services, such as cybersecurity, application hosting, disaster recovery, business continuity, cloud, and other services; and data back-up, network maintenance, and upgrade services.

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Alfa Laval AB Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:ALFVY  Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Friday . Approximately 58,108 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 142% from the previous sessions volume of 23,973 shares.The stock last traded at $50.5310 and had previously closed at $50.40.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms recently commented on ALFVY. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Alfa Laval in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Barclays reissued an overweight rating on shares of Alfa Laval in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Alfa Laval in a report on Monday, December 15th. Zacks Research cut shares of Alfa Laval from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of Alfa Laval in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Alfa Laval has an average rating of Hold.

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Alfa Laval Stock Up 0.3%

Alfa Laval Company Profile

The firms 50 day moving average price is $48.06 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $45.82. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.89 billion, a PE ratio of 25.39, a P/E/G ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23.

(Get Free Report)

Alfa Laval is an industrial engineering company specializing in heat transfer, separation and fluid handling technologies. Its product portfolio includes plate and tubular heat exchangers, separators and decanter centrifuges, pumps, valves and complete process systems designed to control temperature, separate liquids and solids, and move fluids reliably through industrial processes. The company supplies both standardized components and engineered systems for integration into customer plants and vessels.

The company serves a broad set of end markets including energy and power, marine and offshore, food and beverage processing, water and wastewater treatment, chemical and pharmaceutical production, and pulp and paper.

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Banca Mediolanum S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:BNCDY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 330 shares, a decline of 61.6% from the November 30th total of 859 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 406 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days. Based on an average daily volume of 406 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days.

Banca Mediolanum Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS BNCDY opened at $44.70 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $42.42 and its 200-day moving average price is $39.18. Banca Mediolanum has a 52-week low of $28.85 and a 52-week high of $45.75.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Banca Mediolanum in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy.

Banca Mediolanum Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Banca Mediolanum is an Italian banking and financial services group that operates through a network of financial advisors and direct banking channels. The company provides a broad spectrum of retail banking products, including deposit accounts, mortgages, personal loans and consumer credit. In addition to its core banking activities, Banca Mediolanum offers asset management solutions and life and pension insurance products through its subsidiaries.

The institution traces its origins to 1982, when entrepreneur Ennio Doris founded Mediolanum S.p.A.

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Bank Hapoalim B.M. (OTCMKTS:BKHPF  Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 11,004 shares, a decline of 80.7% from the November 30th total of 56,937 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 295 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 37.3 days. Based on an average daily volume of 295 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 37.3 days.

Bank Hapoalim B.M. Stock Performance

Bank Hapoalim B.M. stock opened at $22.00 on Friday. Bank Hapoalim B.M. has a 52 week low of $18.28 and a 52 week high of $22.70. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $21.45 and a 200-day moving average of $19.19.

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Bank Hapoalim B.M. Company Profile

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Bank Hapoalim B.M. is one of Israels largest and most established banking institutions, offering a comprehensive suite of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, the bank operates through an extensive network of branches and digital channels across the country, supporting individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporations.

The banks core offerings include deposit accounts, consumer and commercial lending, mortgage financing, credit cards and payment services.

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Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited (LON:BXP  Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 41.80 and traded as high as GBX 45. Beximco Pharmaceuticals shares last traded at GBX 45, with a volume of 285 shares traded.

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Stock Up 5.9%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.47, a current ratio of 2.13 and a quick ratio of 0.37. The firm has a market capitalization of 200.75 million, a P/E ratio of 0.03 and a beta of 0.61. The firms fifty day moving average price is GBX 41.84 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 42.42.

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Company Profile

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Beximco Pharma is a leading manufacturer and exporter of medicines based in Bangladesh. Incorporated in 1976, the Company started its operation by importing products from Bayer, Germany and Upjohn, USA and selling them in the local market. In 1980, Beximco Pharma began manufacturing of these products under licensing arrangement and in 1983 launched its own formulation brands. Since its inception, the Company remains committed to health and wellbeing of people across all the continents by providing access to contemporary medicines.

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Shares of British Land Company PLC Sponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:BTLCY  Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $5.26, but opened at $5.08. British Land shares last traded at $5.08, with a volume of 166 shares traded.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages recently commented on BTLCY. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of British Land in a research note on Friday, December 5th. UBS Group upgraded shares of British Land from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Panmure Gordon upgraded shares of British Land to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy.

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British Land Price Performance

About British Land

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.25 and a current ratio of 0.25. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $5.14 and a 200-day simple moving average of $4.91.

(Get Free Report)

British Land Company plc is a leading real estate investment trust primarily focused on the ownership, development and management of UK commercial property. The companys portfolio is centred on high-quality office and retail destinations in key urban locations, combining long-term holdings with active redevelopment projects. Its core business activities include leasing space to corporate and retail tenants, asset management, and undertaking new developments aimed at enhancing urban environments and driving sustainable value.

Founded in 1856 as the Land Mortgage and Agency Company, British Land adopted its current name in the 1970s as it expanded beyond mortgage lending into direct property investment.

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Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF) had its target price boosted by BTIG Research from $264.00 to $308.00 in a research report issued on Friday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the financial services providers stock. BTIG Researchs price target indicates a potential upside of 24.08% from the stocks current price.

COF has been the subject of a number of other reports. Zacks Research downgraded Capital One Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on Capital One Financial from $266.00 to $276.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Capital One Financial in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on Capital One Financial from $265.00 to $275.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Capital One Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 26th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $267.45.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Capital One Financial

Capital One Financial Trading Down 0.0%

Capital One Financial stock traded down $0.04 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $248.23. 491,419 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,118,069. The firms 50 day moving average is $223.90 and its 200-day moving average is $218.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.03. The firm has a market capitalization of $157.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 104.77, a PEG ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 1.16. Capital One Financial has a fifty-two week low of $143.22 and a fifty-two week high of $249.65.

Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF  Get Free Report) last posted 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 net margin of 2.24% and a return on equity of 10.94%. The company had revenue of $15.46 billion for the quarter. On average, analysts predict that Capital One Financial will post 15.65 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity at Capital One Financial

In other Capital One Financial news, insider Neal Blinde sold 43,200 shares of Capital One Financial stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $221.83, for a total transaction of $9,583,056.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 73,020 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,198,026.60. The trade was a 37.17% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Matthew W. Cooper sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $221.54, for a total value of $443,080.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel directly owned 94,486 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $20,932,428.44. This trade represents a 2.07% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 280,218 shares of company stock valued at $62,395,804 over the last three months. Company insiders own 1.26% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Capital One Financial

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Earned Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Capital One Financial during the 2nd quarter worth $254,000. Plancorp LLC acquired a new position in Capital One Financial in the second quarter valued at $272,000. CIBC Asset Management Inc increased its position in Capital One Financial by 53.9% in the 2nd quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 88,505 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $18,830,000 after acquiring an additional 30,991 shares during the period. Smith Chas P & Associates PA Cpas raised its stake in shares of Capital One Financial by 1,490.0% during the second quarter. Smith Chas P & Associates PA Cpas now owns 43,486 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $9,252,000 after purchasing an additional 40,751 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Montecito Bank & Trust acquired a new position in shares of Capital One Financial during the third quarter worth about $647,000. 89.84% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Capital One Financial

(Get Free Report)

Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) is a diversified bank holding company headquartered in McLean, Virginia. The companys core businesses include credit card lending, consumer and commercial banking, and auto finance. Capital One issues a wide range of credit card products for consumers and small businesses, and it operates deposit and digital banking services aimed at retail customers and small to midsize enterprises.

Products and services include credit and charge cards, checking and savings accounts (including the online-focused Capital One 360 platform), auto loans, and commercial lending solutions.

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Shares of Cap Gemini SA (OTCMKTS:CGEMY  Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $33.27, but opened at $34.55. Cap Gemini shares last traded at $34.32, with a volume of 3,784 shares trading hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Zacks Research downgraded Cap Gemini from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold.

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Cap Gemini Trading Up 1.7%

About Cap Gemini

The business has a fifty day moving average price of $31.43 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $30.85.

(Get Free Report)

Cap Gemini (OTCMKTS: CGEMY), commonly known as Capgemini, is a global professional services and consulting firm that provides technology-led business transformation services. The companys core activities include management and IT consulting, systems integration, application development and maintenance, cloud migration and managed services. Capgemini delivers solutions across the digital value chain, combining strategy, design, engineering and operations to help clients modernize legacy systems, implement cloud platforms, deploy data and AI capabilities, and secure IT environments.

Founded in 1967 by Serge Kampf and headquartered in Paris, Capgemini has grown through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions to broaden its capabilities and geographic footprint.

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Celestica, Inc. (NYSE:CLS  Get Free Report) (TSE:CLS)s share price fell 1.6% on Friday . The stock traded as low as $302.25 and last traded at $303.7230. 771,062 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 80% from the average session volume of 3,862,210 shares. The stock had previously closed at $308.59.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

CLS has been the topic of several analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on Celestica from $315.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. TD Cowen reissued a hold rating and set a $238.00 price objective on shares of Celestica in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. CIBC lifted their target price on shares of Celestica from $315.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. TD Securities increased their price target on shares of Celestica from $238.00 to $305.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, BNP Paribas restated an outperform rating and issued a $300.00 price objective on shares of Celestica in a report on Thursday, September 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $336.13.

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Celestica Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.47. The stock has a market cap of $34.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 49.31 and a beta of 1.83. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $314.08 and its 200-day moving average price is $237.36.

Celestica (NYSE:CLS  Get Free Report) (TSE:CLS) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The technology company reported $1.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.45 by $0.13. Celestica had a return on equity of 30.53% and a net margin of 6.35%.The business had revenue of $3.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.01 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.04 earnings per share. Celesticas revenue for the quarter was up 27.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Celestica, Inc. will post 4.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Laurette T. Koellner purchased 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $341.67 per share, with a total value of $2,050,020.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 6,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,050,020. This trade represents a  increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.52% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Celestica by 2.1% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 4,738,673 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,166,093,000 after acquiring an additional 97,755 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its position in shares of Celestica by 471.5% during the third quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 3,146,928 shares of the technology companys stock worth $775,133,000 after purchasing an additional 2,596,318 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its stake in Celestica by 4.8% during the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 1,921,417 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $473,386,000 after purchasing an additional 88,212 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in Celestica by 362.8% in the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 1,854,085 shares of the technology companys stock worth $146,122,000 after purchasing an additional 1,453,473 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. boosted its stake in Celestica by 17.6% in the 2nd quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 1,733,686 shares of the technology companys stock worth $271,045,000 after purchasing an additional 259,504 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.38% of the companys stock.

Celestica Company Profile

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Celestica Inc is a multinational electronics manufacturing services (EMS) company that provides design, engineering, manufacturing and supply chain solutions to original equipment manufacturers across a range of industries. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Celestica works with customers to develop and produce complex electronic and electro-mechanical products, integrating activities from product design and prototyping through high-volume assembly, testing and final system integration.

The companys service offering typically includes product engineering and design support, printed circuit board assembly, box-build and systems assembly, automated test and inspection, aftermarket repair and refurbishment, and end-to-end supply chain and logistics management.

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China Merchants Holdings International Co. (OTCMKTS:CMHHY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 81 shares, an increase of 710.0% from the November 30th total of 10 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,146 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,146 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days.

China Merchants Holdings International Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:CMHHY opened at $20.75 on Friday. China Merchants Holdings International has a one year low of $15.05 and a one year high of $21.81. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $20.63 and a 200-day moving average of $19.31.

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China Merchants Holdings International Company Profile

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China Merchants Holdings International (CMHI) is a Hong Kongbased port operator and logistics services provider. As a flagship subsidiary of China Merchants Group, the company specializes in the development, operation and management of container terminals and related maritime transport facilities. Its core activities include container handling, warehousing, intermodal transportation and terminal ancillary services, catering to global shipping lines, logistics companies and import-export operators.

CMHIs network spans major international and domestic port gateways.

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Crh Plc (NYSE:CRH  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $129.07 and last traded at $129.0260, with a volume of 1392681 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $127.54.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have weighed in on CRH. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of CRH in a research report on Monday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating on shares of CRH in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Sanford C. Bernstein raised their price target on CRH from $115.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, September 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on CRH from $130.00 to $135.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on CRH from $110.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $132.60.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on CRH

CRH Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $86.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.71, a PEG ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 1.35. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $118.93 and a 200-day moving average price of $109.61.

CRH (NYSE:CRH  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The construction company reported $2.21 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.94 by $0.27. The firm had revenue of $11.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.15 billion. CRH had a return on equity of 16.25% and a net margin of 9.30%.CRHs revenue for the quarter was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.97 EPS. CRH has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.490-5.720 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Crh Plc will post 5.47 earnings per share for the current year.

CRH Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Investors of record on Friday, November 21st were paid a dividend of $0.37 per share. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 21st. CRHs dividend payout ratio is presently 22.11%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Creekmur Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of CRH in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Park Place Capital Corp grew its stake in shares of CRH by 59.9% during the second quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 307 shares of the construction companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 115 shares in the last quarter. United Community Bank grew its stake in shares of CRH by 359.6% during the third quarter. United Community Bank now owns 239 shares of the construction companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 187 shares in the last quarter. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. increased its holdings in CRH by 1,835.3% in the second quarter. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. now owns 329 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 312 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cornerstone Planning Group LLC raised its stake in CRH by 139.3% in the third quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 268 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 156 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.50% of the companys stock.

About CRH

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CRH plc, originally formed as Cement Roadstone Holdings in 1970 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a global building materials group. The company has grown from its Irish roots into one of the largest international suppliers of construction materials, expanding primarily through acquisitions and regional business development. CRH operates an integrated network of manufacturing and distribution businesses that serve both public and private construction markets.

CRHs core activities include the production and distribution of aggregates, cement, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete and other bulk materials, together with a broad range of value-added building products such as precast concrete, masonry, bricks, roofing products, pipe and drainage systems, and construction accessories.

Further Reading

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Arcadis (OTCMKTS:ARCAY  Get Free Report) and KBR (NYSE:KBR  Get Free Report) are both mid-cap construction companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, risk and profitability.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Arcadis and KBR, as reported by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Arcadis 0 1 0 0 2.00 KBR 0 7 5 0 2.42

KBR has a consensus target price of $58.00, suggesting a potential upside of 44.14%. Given KBRs stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe KBR is more favorable than Arcadis.

Risk and Volatility

Dividends

Arcadis has a beta of 0.45, meaning that its share price is 55% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, KBR has a beta of 0.54, meaning that its share price is 46% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Arcadis pays an annual dividend of $0.96 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.3%. KBR pays an annual dividend of $0.66 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.6%. KBR pays out 22.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. KBR has increased its dividend for 6 consecutive years.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

97.0% of KBR shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.0% of Arcadis shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 1.1% of KBR shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares Arcadis and KBRs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Arcadis N/A N/A N/A KBR 4.71% 35.14% 7.63%

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Arcadis and KBRs top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Arcadis $4.20 billion 0.88 $262.95 million N/A N/A KBR $7.74 billion 0.66 $375.00 million $2.91 13.83

KBR has higher revenue and earnings than Arcadis.

Summary

KBR beats Arcadis on 12 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Arcadis

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Arcadis NV offers design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets in The Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through Places, Mobility, Resilience, and Intelligence segments. The company offers architectural and urbanism services; and asset management services, such as asset management strategy and planning, asset management decision making and operational optimization, life cycle planning and asset management systems, asset information/condition assessment, risk and review, organization and people, and asset management/O&M. It also provides business advisory services, including asset strategy and performance, business transformation and resiliency, investment and finance, operations and maintenance, and technology and information; contract solutions; cost and commercial management services; and design and engineering solutions for highways, railways, bridges, tunnels, power utilities, water utilities, ports and waterways, geotechnics, architecture, and structures, as well as building mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. In addition, the company offers digital environmental health safety and sustainability, environmental restoration, and project management solutions. Further, it provides mobility solutions for connected highways, intelligent rail and transit, integrated airports, and new mobility; places solutions; resilience solutions, such as energy transition, climate adaption, water optimization, enviro socio permitting, sustainable advisory, environmental restoration, and sustainable operations; and water supply and treatment, distribution, resource management, and industrial water and wastewater services. The company was formerly known as Heidemij NV and changed its name to Arcadis N.V. in October 1997. Arcadis NV was founded in 1888 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

About KBR

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KBR, Inc. provides scientific, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and commercial customers worldwide. It operates through Government Solutions and Sustainable Technology Solutions segments. The Government Solutions segment offers life-cycle support solutions to defense, intelligence, space, aviation, and other programs and missions for military and other government agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Its services cover research and development, advanced prototyping, acquisition support, systems engineering, cyber analytics, space domain awareness, test and evaluation, systems integration and program management, global supply chain management, and operations readiness and support, as well as command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services. This segment also provides various professional advisory services to the defense, renewable energy, and critical infrastructure sectors. The Sustainable Technology Solutions segment operates portfolio of various proprietary process technologies for ammonia/syngas, chemical/petrochemicals, clean refining, and circular process/circular economy solutions. This segment also provides synergistic services, including advisory and consulting focused on broad-based energy transition and net-zero carbon emission solutions; high-end engineering, design and program management centered around decarbonization, energy efficiency, environmental impact and asset optimization; and digitally-enabled operating and monitoring solutions. KBR, Inc. was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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Banco Bradesco (NYSE:BBDO  Get Free Report) and Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA  Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability, earnings, dividends and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares Banco Bradesco and Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentarias net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Banco Bradesco 9.27% 12.95% 1.06% Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria 28.58% 17.07% 1.32%

Dividends

Banco Bradesco pays an annual dividend of $0.02 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.7%. Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. Banco Bradesco pays out 5.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria pays out 31.4% 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.

Earnings and Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Banco Bradesco $37.55 billion 0.84 $3.20 billion $0.35 8.43 Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria $38.40 billion 3.56 $10.88 billion $1.91 12.25

This table compares Banco Bradesco and Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentarias gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria has higher revenue and earnings than Banco Bradesco. Banco Bradesco is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Risk and Volatility

Banco Bradesco has a beta of 0.62, meaning that its stock price is 38% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria has a beta of 0.83, meaning that its stock price is 17% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

3.0% of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria shares are held by institutional investors. 0.3% of Banco Bradesco shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.0% of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria shares are held by company 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.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings for Banco Bradesco and Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Banco Bradesco 0 0 1 0 3.00 Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria 0 3 2 1 2.67

Summary

Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria beats Banco Bradesco on 13 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Banco Bradesco

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Banco Bradesco S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services to individuals, corporates, and businesses in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Banking and Insurance. It provides current, savings, click, and salary accounts; real estate credit, vehicle financing, payroll loans, mortgage loans, microcredit, leasing, and personal and installment credit; overdraft and agribusiness loans; debit and business cards; financial and security services; consortium products; car, personal accident, dental, travel, and life insurance; investment products; pension products; foreign currency exchange services; capitalization bonds; and internet banking services. Banco Bradesco S.A. was founded in 1943 and is headquartered in Osasco, Brazil.

About Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria

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Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. provides retail banking, wholesale banking, and asset management services in the United States, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, South America, and internationally. The company offers savings account, demand deposits, and time deposits; and loan products, such as residential mortgages, other households, credit card loans, loans to enterprises and public sector, as well as consumer finance. It provides insurance and asset management business, including corporate, commercial, SME, payment systems, retail, private and investment banking, pension and life insurance, leasing, factoring, and brokerage. The company provides its products through online and mobile channels. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. was founded in 1857 and is headquartered in Bilbao, Spain.

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Custos Family Office LLC lessened its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IVW  Free Report) by 89.0% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 2,140 shares of the companys stock after selling 17,325 shares during the period. Custos Family Office LLCs holdings in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF were worth $258,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 1.9% in the third quarter. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,745 shares of the companys stock worth $573,000 after acquiring an additional 88 shares during the last quarter. Comprehensive Financial Planning Inc. PA grew its position in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Comprehensive Financial Planning Inc. PA now owns 16,981 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,870,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Dominguez Wealth Management Solutions Inc. grew its position in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Dominguez Wealth Management Solutions Inc. now owns 16,204 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,956,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Berger Financial Group Inc increased its stake in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Berger Financial Group Inc now owns 5,954 shares of the companys stock valued at $719,000 after purchasing an additional 93 shares in the last quarter. Finally, LongView Wealth Management raised its holdings in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 0.9% in the second quarter. LongView Wealth Management now owns 10,811 shares of the companys stock worth $1,190,000 after buying an additional 94 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA IVW opened at $125.00 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $122.70 and its 200-day moving average price is $117.20. iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF has a 52-week low of $79.31 and a 52-week high of $126.61. The company has a market cap of $67.86 billion, a PE ratio of 33.33 and a beta of 1.11.

iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF Profile

iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF, formerly iShares S&P 500 Growth Index Fund (the Growth Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500/Citigroup Growth Index (the Growth Index). The Growth Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market. The Growth Index is a subset of the S&P 500 and consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 exhibiting the strongest growth characteristics.

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Dollarama Inc. (OTCMKTS:DLMAF  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Friday . The stock traded as high as $160.86 and last traded at $160.86, with a volume of 691 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $150.30.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

DLMAF has been the subject of a number of research reports. CIBC restated an outperform rating on shares of Dollarama in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of Dollarama in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Dollarama in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Sanford C. Bernstein assumed coverage on shares of Dollarama in a research note on Wednesday, September 17th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. Finally, TD Securities reissued a buy rating on shares of Dollarama in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy.

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View Our Latest Analysis on DLMAF

Dollarama Stock Up 7.0%

The company has a 50 day moving average of $138.91 and a 200 day moving average of $137.31.

Dollarama (OTCMKTS:DLMAF  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, December 11th. The company reported $0.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $1.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.35 billion.

About Dollarama

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Dollarama Inc operates as a leading Canadian dollar store chain, offering a variety of everyday consumer goods at fixed price points. The companys retail format emphasizes value and convenience, providing a one-stop shopping experience for cost-conscious customers. Merchandise spans multiple categories, including household items, food and consumables, health and beauty products, stationery, seasonal and party supplies, and toys.

Founded in 1992 by Laurent Larry Rossy, Dollarama opened its first location in Montreal, Quebec.

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Voya Investment Management LLC decreased its stake in shares of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR  Free Report) by 36.1% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 79,257 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 44,682 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in Equity Residential were worth $5,130,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Rothschild Investment LLC raised its holdings in Equity Residential by 6.8% during the second quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 2,841 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $192,000 after purchasing an additional 182 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its stake in shares of Equity Residential by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 48,030 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,242,000 after buying an additional 183 shares in the last quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Equity Residential by 23.4% in the second quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. now owns 1,106 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $75,000 after buying an additional 210 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Equity Residential by 3.1% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 7,489 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $536,000 after buying an additional 226 shares during the period. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Equity Residential by 6.8% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,030 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $272,000 after buying an additional 257 shares in the last quarter. 92.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Equity Residential Stock Up 0.6%

NYSE:EQR opened at $62.73 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $60.96 and its 200 day moving average price is $63.96. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.70, a PEG ratio of 3.34 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a current ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75. Equity Residential has a 1-year low of $58.38 and a 1-year high of $75.86.

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 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate 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 quarter 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. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Equity Residential will post 3.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.6925 per share. This represents a $2.77 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.4%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. Equity Residentials payout ratio is currently 91.42%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on shares of Equity Residential from $70.00 to $68.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. BNP Paribas cut Equity Residential from an outperform rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $79.75 price objective on Equity Residential in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Equity Residential in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price target on Equity Residential from $80.00 to $77.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eleven have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $70.02.

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About Equity Residential

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Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that acquires, develops, owns and operates rental apartment properties. Headquartered in Chicago, the company focuses on delivering professionally managed, market-rate apartment homes and related services to renters. Its operations cover a range of property types, including high-rise and mid-rise assets, with amenities and on-site management designed to support resident retention and occupancy.

The companys core activities include property acquisitions, development and redevelopment, leasing, and day-to-day property management.

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Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF (NYSEARCA:FLSW  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 19,169 shares, an increase of 592.8% from the November 30th total of 2,767 shares. Approximately 1.3% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 4,762 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 4.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 4,762 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 4.0 days. Approximately 1.3% of the companys stock are sold short.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of FLSW. Innealta Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF by 0.5% in the second quarter. Innealta Capital LLC now owns 65,646 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,490,000 after buying an additional 297 shares during the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC grew its stake in Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 24,494 shares of the companys stock worth $939,000 after acquiring an additional 368 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 23,514 shares of the companys stock valued at $902,000 after acquiring an additional 703 shares during the last quarter. SSA Swiss Advisors AG lifted its stake in shares of Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. SSA Swiss Advisors AG now owns 28,820 shares of the companys stock worth $1,121,000 after purchasing an additional 720 shares during the period. Finally, Millstone Evans Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF by 69.3% during the third quarter. Millstone Evans Group LLC now owns 1,835 shares of the companys stock worth $70,000 after purchasing an additional 751 shares during the last quarter.

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Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF Trading Up 0.3%

FLSW traded up $0.12 on Friday, hitting $41.89. 5,341 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,120. Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF has a twelve month low of $31.84 and a twelve month high of $41.86. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $39.76 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $38.70. The company has a market cap of $62.84 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 207.56 and a beta of 0.80.

Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF Company Profile

The Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF (FLSW) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE Switzerland RIC Capped index, a market-cap-weighted index of Swiss equities, excluding small-caps. FLSW was launched on Feb 6, 2018 and is managed by Franklin Templeton.

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Freeport-McMoRan, First Majestic Silver, Hecla Mining, Pan American Silver, and Newmont are the five Gold stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Gold stocks are shares of companies involved in the gold industryincluding miners, explorers, processors and royalty/streaming firmsthat derive most of their revenue from finding, producing or financing gold. For investors they provide an equity (and often leveraged) way to gain exposure to movements in the gold price, but carry additional company-specific, operational and geopolitical risks that can make them more volatile than holding physical gold. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Gold stocks within the last several days.

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Freeport-McMoRan (FCX)

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile.

First Majestic Silver (AG)

First Majestic Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of mineral properties with a focus on silver and gold production in North America. Its projects include the San Dimas mine covering an area of approximately 71,867 hectares located in Durango State, Mexico; the Santa Elena that covers an area of approximately 102,244 hectares located in Sonora State, Mexico; and the La Encantada covering an area of approximately 4,076 hectares located in Coahuila State, Mexico.

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Hecla Mining (HL)

Hecla Mining Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides precious and base metal properties in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China. The company mines for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates, as well as carbon material containing silver and gold for custom smelters, metal traders, and third-party processors; and dore containing silver and gold.

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Pan American Silver (PAAS)

Pan American Silver Corp. engages in the exploration, mine development, extraction, processing, refining, and reclamation of silver, gold, zinc, lead, and copper mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. The company was formerly known as Pan American Minerals Corp. and changed its name to Pan American Silver Corp.

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Newmont (NEM)

Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ecuador, Fiji, and Ghana.

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InfraCap MLP ETF (NYSEARCA:AMZA  Get Free Report)s share price was down 0.1% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $39.31 and last traded at $39.61. Approximately 15,051 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 60% from the average daily volume of 37,947 shares. The stock had previously closed at $39.63.

InfraCap MLP ETF Stock Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $382.63 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.90 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $39.54 and a 200 day simple moving average of $41.21.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of AMZA. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in InfraCap MLP ETF by 8.3% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 66,390 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,154,000 after buying an additional 5,064 shares during the period. CoreCap Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of InfraCap MLP ETF by 24.5% in the 3rd quarter. CoreCap Advisors LLC now owns 2,014 shares of the companys stock worth $81,000 after acquiring an additional 396 shares in the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of InfraCap MLP ETF by 60.5% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,118 shares of the companys stock valued at $135,000 after purchasing an additional 1,175 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 7.34% of the companys stock.

InfraCap MLP ETF Company Profile

Infrastructure Capital Advisors, LLC is an SEC-registered investment advisor that manages an actively managed ETF and a series of private investment partnerships. The firm was formed in 2012 and is based in New York City.

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Inspire Investing LLC raised its stake in Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE:VMI  Free Report) by 212.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 3,803 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 2,584 shares during the period. Inspire Investing LLCs holdings in Valmont Industries were worth $1,475,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of VMI. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Valmont Industries by 357.1% in the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 96 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC bought a new stake in Valmont Industries during the 3rd quarter valued at about $485,000. F&V Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Valmont Industries by 0.5% in the third quarter. F&V Capital Management LLC now owns 35,705 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $13,844,000 after buying an additional 191 shares during the last quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. lifted its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 13.3% in the third quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. now owns 74,828 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $29,013,000 after buying an additional 8,764 shares in the last quarter. Finally, L. Roy Papp & Associates LLP lifted its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 0.5% in the third quarter. L. Roy Papp & Associates LLP now owns 14,005 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $5,430,000 after buying an additional 64 shares in the last quarter. 87.84% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Valmont Industries

In other Valmont Industries news, insider James Christopher Colwell sold 375 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $410.68, for a total transaction of $154,005.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 7,286 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,992,214.48. This represents a 4.89% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock.

Valmont Industries Stock Performance

VMI stock opened at $417.41 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 2.26 and a quick ratio of 1.50. Valmont Industries, Inc. has a 1 year low of $250.07 and a 1 year high of $432.68. The company has a market cap of $8.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.95 and a beta of 1.20. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $409.03 and its 200-day moving average price is $377.94.

Valmont Industries (NYSE:VMI  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The industrial products company reported $4.98 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.64 by $0.34. The company had revenue of $1.05 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.03 billion. Valmont Industries had a return on equity of 22.92% and a net margin of 6.33%.Valmont Industriess revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $4.11 earnings per share. Valmont Industries has set its FY 2025 guidance at 18.700-19.50 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Valmont Industries, Inc. will post 18.07 earnings per share for the current year.

Valmont Industries Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Friday, December 26th will be issued a $0.68 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 26th. This represents a $2.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.7%. Valmont Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 23.43%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

VMI has been the subject of several analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Valmont Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, October 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Valmont Industries in a research note on Friday, September 26th. They set an overweight rating and a $480.00 target price on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Valmont Industries from $475.00 to $491.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. DA Davidson boosted their price target on Valmont Industries from $400.00 to $415.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Valmont Industries in a report on Monday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $462.00.

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Valmont Industries Profile

(Free Report)

Valmont Industries, Inc (NYSE: VMI) is a diversified industrial manufacturer specializing in infrastructure and agricultural products. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, the company engages in the design, production and distribution of engineered products that support water management, power transmission, lighting and traffic infrastructure. Valmonts solutions range from center-pivot and lateral-move irrigation systems to utility poles, transmission towers, lighting structures and highway traffic signal support structures.

The company operates through several core business segments.

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Shares of iShares Global 100 ETF (NYSEARCA:IOO  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Friday . The stock traded as high as $128.00 and last traded at $127.8580, with a volume of 169 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $127.51.

iShares Global 100 ETF Stock Performance

The companys fifty day simple moving average is $125.09 and its 200-day simple moving average is $117.32. The company has a market capitalization of $7.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.21 and a beta of 0.93.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares Global 100 ETF

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. LWM Advisory Services LLC boosted its position in iShares Global 100 ETF by 5.0% during the 3rd quarter. LWM Advisory Services LLC now owns 23,132 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,776,000 after acquiring an additional 1,102 shares in the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd grew its stake in iShares Global 100 ETF by 53.9% in the third quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 14,154 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,699,000 after purchasing an additional 4,958 shares during the last quarter. Mariner LLC grew its stake in iShares Global 100 ETF by 1.3% in the third quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 86,238 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,349,000 after purchasing an additional 1,136 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI raised its holdings in iShares Global 100 ETF by 26.6% in the third quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 4,068 shares of the companys stock worth $488,000 after purchasing an additional 855 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV lifted its position in shares of iShares Global 100 ETF by 5.0% during the third quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 13,287 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,595,000 after buying an additional 637 shares during the last quarter.

About iShares Global 100 ETF

iShares Global 100 ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P Global 100 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 Global 100 Index (the Index). The Index is designed to measure the performance of 100 large-capitalization global companies. These companies are liquid and represent some of the multi-national businesses in the world. The Index is a subset of the S&P Global 1200 Index, and consists of 100 common stocks, screened for sector representation, liquidity and size.

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Custos Family Office LLC trimmed its position in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF (BATS:INDA  Free Report) by 41.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 65,439 shares of the companys stock after selling 46,206 shares during the period. iShares MSCI India ETF accounts for approximately 1.9% of Custos Family Office LLCs holdings, making the stock its 15th biggest position. Custos Family Office LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI India ETF were worth $3,407,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF during the second quarter valued at $311,000. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI India ETF by 19.4% in the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 22,162 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,234,000 after buying an additional 3,604 shares in the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC increased its stake in iShares MSCI India ETF by 14.0% during the 2nd quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 829,075 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,163,000 after buying an additional 101,950 shares during the period. Perigon Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF by 627.0% during the 2nd quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 30,526 shares of the companys stock worth $1,700,000 after buying an additional 26,327 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF by 1,053.7% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 366,050 shares of the companys stock worth $20,382,000 after acquiring an additional 334,321 shares during the period.

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iShares MSCI India ETF Price Performance

iShares MSCI India ETF stock opened at $53.95 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $54.14 and a 200-day simple moving average of $53.81. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.37 billion, a PE ratio of 25.20 and a beta of 0.48. iShares MSCI India ETF has a 12-month low of $47.60 and a 12-month 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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iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (NYSEARCA:EWS  Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-strong trading volume on Friday . Approximately 1,316,167 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 83% from the previous sessions volume of 718,040 shares.The stock last traded at $27.5350 and had previously closed at $27.55.

iShares MSCI Singapore ETF Price Performance

The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $28.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $27.61. The firm has a market capitalization of $846.70 million, a P/E ratio of 15.28 and a beta of 0.69.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EWS. Jane Street Group LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI Singapore ETF by 64.5% in the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 600,000 shares of the companys stock worth $14,256,000 after purchasing an additional 235,265 shares during the period. Amundi boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Singapore ETF by 37.6% during the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 372,900 shares of the companys stock worth $8,722,000 after purchasing an additional 101,900 shares in the last quarter. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Singapore ETF by 3,088.3% in the 1st quarter. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC now owns 7,693,749 shares of the companys stock valued at $182,803,000 after buying an additional 7,452,439 shares during the period. Sepio Capital LP increased its position in iShares MSCI Singapore ETF by 69.2% in the 1st quarter. Sepio Capital LP now owns 105,084 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,497,000 after buying an additional 42,993 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its stake in iShares MSCI Singapore ETF by 239.0% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 52,702 shares of the companys stock worth $1,252,000 after buying an additional 37,155 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 52.30% of the companys stock.

iShares MSCI Singapore ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Singapore ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Singapore Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund (ETF). The Funds seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the MSCI Singapore Index (the Underlying Index). The Underlying Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Singapore Stock Exchange. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. The Funds investment advisor is BlackRock Fund Advisors (BFA).

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Polianta Ltd lifted its position in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF (NYSEARCA:EWL  Free Report) by 6.3% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 249,300 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 14,800 shares during the period. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF comprises about 5.7% of Polianta Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest holding. Polianta Ltds holdings in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF were worth $13,771,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in EWL. Hsbc Holdings PLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 16.5% in the 1st quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 25,680 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,330,000 after acquiring an additional 3,642 shares during the last quarter. Comerica Bank boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 36.3% during the first quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 3,405 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $176,000 after buying an additional 907 shares during the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 7.9% in the 1st quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 18,169 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $941,000 after buying an additional 1,325 shares in the last quarter. DRW Securities LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 258.3% in the 1st quarter. DRW Securities LLC now owns 68,770 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,562,000 after buying an additional 49,575 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 26.8% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 185,839 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $9,624,000 after buying an additional 39,296 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.30% of the companys stock.

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iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Stock Performance

EWL opened at $60.53 on Friday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $57.48 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $55.81. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.82 and a beta of 0.81. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF has a 52-week low of $45.80 and a 52-week high of $60.59.

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). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Zurich Stock Exchange. The Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization weighted index with a capping methodology applied to issuer weights so that no single issuer of a component exceeds 25% of the Index weight and all issuers with weight above 5% do not exceed 50% of the Index weight.

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Shares of LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RAMP  Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the seven research firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have assigned a hold recommendation, two have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $43.50.

A number of research firms recently commented on RAMP. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of LiveRamp in a research report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of LiveRamp from $31.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Benchmark reiterated a buy rating on shares of LiveRamp in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of LiveRamp from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, September 13th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of LiveRamp from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on LiveRamp

LiveRamp Trading Up 0.6%

Shares of NYSE:RAMP opened at $29.81 on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $28.96 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $29.44. LiveRamp has a 12-month low of $22.82 and a 12-month high of $36.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 48.87 and a beta of 1.17.

LiveRamp (NYSE:RAMP  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.48 by $0.07. LiveRamp had a net margin of 5.15% and a return on equity of 4.44%. The firm had revenue of $199.83 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $197.31 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.51 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 8.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that LiveRamp will post 0.48 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Triumph Capital Management purchased a new position in LiveRamp during the third quarter valued at $122,000. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. purchased a new position in shares of LiveRamp during the third quarter valued at about $301,000. Danske Bank A S bought a new stake in shares of LiveRamp in the third quarter worth about $312,000. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co lifted its position in shares of LiveRamp by 2.4% in the third quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 65,319 shares of the companys stock worth $1,844,000 after buying an additional 1,535 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Woodline Partners LP lifted its position in shares of LiveRamp by 44.9% in the third quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 17,322 shares of the companys stock worth $470,000 after buying an additional 5,366 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.83% of the companys stock.

LiveRamp Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

LiveRamp Holdings, Inc is a leading provider of data connectivity and identity resolution services for marketers, publishers and platforms. The companys core technology enables organizations to link disparate data sourcessuch as CRM systems, web engagements and offline transaction recordsinto a single, privacy-safe view of individual consumers. By standardizing and anonymizing identifiers, LiveRamps platform facilitates targeted media activation, measurement and analytics across digital, mobile, addressable TV and offline channels.

The company offers a suite of products designed to support every stage of the data lifecycle.

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Metropolitan Bank & Trust (OTCMKTS:MTPOF  Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 3,920 shares, a decline of 80.4% from the November 30th total of 20,050 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 22,674 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 22,674 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Price Performance

Shares of MTPOF stock traded up $0.10 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $1.24. The companys stock had a trading volume of 17,826 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,433. Metropolitan Bank & Trust has a one year low of $0.76 and a one year high of $1.58. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $1.15 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1.23.

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About Metropolitan Bank & Trust

(Get Free Report)

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company, commonly known as Metrobank, is a leading universal bank in the Philippines offering a full range of financial products and services to individual, corporate and institutional clients. The banks core activities include deposit-taking, consumer and commercial lending, cash management, trade finance, treasury and foreign exchange services. Through its digital banking platforms and extensive branch network, Metrobank provides retail banking, wealth management, payment solutions, remittance services and electronic banking to meet the evolving needs of its diverse client base.

Founded in 1962 by Dr.

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Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. (CVE:YAK  Get Free Report) dropped 2.5% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as C$1.18 and last traded at C$1.18. Approximately 4,100 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 81% from the average daily volume of 21,180 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$1.21.

Mongolia Growth Group Stock Down 2.5%

The business has a fifty day moving average of C$1.19 and a 200 day moving average of C$1.19. The company has a market cap of C$30.04 million, a P/E ratio of -2.23 and a beta of 0.41.

About Mongolia Growth Group

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Mongolia Growth Group Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides property management, leasing, renovation, and development services in Mongolia. The company operates through three segments: Investment Property Operations, Corporate, and Subscription Products. Its investment portfolio consists of office, retail, land and redevelopment, and commercial and residential properties. The company also offers subscription services which allows customers the right to access its weekly data publications; and invests in securities portfolio.

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Nordea Bank AB (OTCMKTS:NRDBY  Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $18.91, but opened at $18.38. Nordea Bank shares last traded at $18.91, with a volume of 1,912 shares changing hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Nordea Bank in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Nordea Bank from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Nordea Bank in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Nordea Equity Research lowered Nordea Bank from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets upgraded Nordea Bank from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold.

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Nordea Bank Trading Down 0.2%

The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $17.61 and its 200-day simple moving average is $16.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.32, a current ratio of 1.23 and a quick ratio of 1.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $64.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.42, a PEG ratio of 3.90 and a beta of 0.62.

Nordea Bank (OTCMKTS:NRDBY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The company reported $0.42 earnings per share for the quarter. Nordea Bank had a return on equity of 15.38% and a net margin of 21.42%.The company had revenue of $3.40 billion for the quarter. As a group, analysts forecast that Nordea Bank AB will post 1.4 EPS for the current year.

Nordea Bank Company Profile

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Nordea Bank is a leading financial services group focused on serving retail, corporate and institutional customers across the Nordic region. The banks core activities include retail and commercial banking, corporate and institutional banking, asset and wealth management, and related financial services such as payments, cash management and trade finance. Nordea delivers these services through branch and digital channels, aiming to provide integrated banking solutions for everyday consumers, small and medium enterprises, and large corporations.

Product offerings span deposit and lending products including mortgages and consumer loans, transaction banking and treasury services for corporate clients, investment and pension solutions through its asset management businesses, and wealth management services for private clients.

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Pacer Advisors Inc. trimmed its position in shares of General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS  Free Report) by 7.1% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 3,061,673 shares of the companys stock after selling 232,728 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in General Mills were worth $154,370,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Garde Capital Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of General Mills by 101.5% during the 2nd quarter. Garde Capital Inc. now owns 524 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 264 shares during the period. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new position in General Mills during the second quarter valued at approximately $32,000. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. acquired a new position in General Mills during the first quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Pingora Partners LLC lifted its stake in General Mills by 416.7% during the first quarter. Pingora Partners LLC now owns 620 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Traub Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of General Mills in the 2nd quarter valued at $46,000. 75.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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General Mills Stock Performance

Shares of GIS stock opened at $47.00 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $25.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.11, a PEG ratio of 0.88 and a beta of -0.07. The company has a current ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $47.13 and its 200-day moving average price is $49.36. General Mills, Inc. has a 12 month low of $45.15 and a 12 month high of $67.35.

General Mills Dividend Announcement

General Mills ( NYSE:GIS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 17th. The company reported $1.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.03 by $0.07. General Mills had a net margin of 13.51% and a return on equity of 21.41%. The business had revenue of $4.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.78 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.40 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. General Mills has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.580-3.790 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that General Mills, Inc. will post 4.36 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.61 per share. This represents a $2.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 9th. General Millss payout ratio is 52.47%.

Insider Buying and Selling at General Mills

In related news, insider Paul Joseph Gallagher sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.15, for a total value of $72,225.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 48,568 shares in the company, valued at $2,338,549.20. This represents a 3.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

GIS has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price target on General Mills from $56.00 to $52.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Mizuho decreased their target price on General Mills from $57.00 to $52.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Cowen reissued a hold rating on shares of General Mills in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of General Mills from $54.00 to $52.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 19th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada set a $63.00 price target on shares of General Mills and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $53.44.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on GIS

General Mills Company Profile

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General Mills, Inc (NYSE: GIS) is a multinational consumer foods company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of branded food products. Its product categories include ready-to-eat and hot cereals, baking mixes and ingredients, snacks and bars, refrigerated and frozen doughs, yogurt and other dairy products, and a variety of shelf-stable meals and meal components. The companys portfolio features widely recognized consumer brands across grocery store, mass channel and foodservice outlets.

Founded in the early 20th century and incorporated under its current name in 1928, General Mills has grown through both internal brand development and strategic expansion to become a global food company.

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Pacer Advisors Inc. reduced its position in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Free Report) by 10.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 4,726,772 shares of the energy producers stock after selling 568,335 shares during the quarter. ConocoPhillips makes up about 1.1% of Pacer Advisors Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest position. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $447,105,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Primecap Management Co. CA boosted its position in ConocoPhillips by 66.0% during the second quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 7,883,455 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $707,461,000 after acquiring an additional 3,135,315 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 190.5% in the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 4,664,408 shares of the energy producers stock worth $484,539,000 after acquiring an additional 3,058,505 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 31.4% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 10,778,664 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $966,267,000 after purchasing an additional 2,575,803 shares during the period. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. boosted its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 145.8% during the 2nd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 2,933,286 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $263,233,000 after purchasing an additional 1,740,009 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Valeo Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in ConocoPhillips by 6,156.1% during the second quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 1,508,169 shares of the energy producers stock worth $135,343,000 after purchasing an additional 1,484,062 shares during the period. 82.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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ConocoPhillips Stock Performance

COP opened at $91.85 on Friday. ConocoPhillips has a 1-year low of $79.88 and a 1-year high of $106.20. The company has a market cap of $113.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.99, a PEG ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 0.32. The companys fifty day moving average price is $89.95 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $92.49. The company has a current ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35.

ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend

ConocoPhillips ( NYSE:COP Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy producer reported $1.61 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.20. ConocoPhillips had a net margin of 14.25% and a return on equity of 13.64%. The company had revenue of $15.03 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.51 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.78 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were issued a dividend of $0.84 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $3.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.7%. This is an increase from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio is presently 47.52%.

Insider Activity at ConocoPhillips

In related news, Director William H. Mcraven purchased 5,768 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $86.68 per share, with a total value of $499,970.24. Following the transaction, the director owned 5,768 shares of the companys stock, valued at $499,970.24. This represents a  increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of ConocoPhillips stock in a transaction on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total transaction of $46,315,490.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 325,972 shares in the company, valued at $30,152,410. This represents a 60.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Corporate insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

COP has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Mizuho boosted their price target on ConocoPhillips from $120.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Susquehanna lowered their price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips to $113.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Wolfe Research reissued an outperform rating and set a $131.00 target price on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Capital One Financial raised their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $111.00 to $112.00 in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips from $122.00 to $117.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Nineteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $114.08.

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ConocoPhillips Profile

(Free Report)

ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is a Houston-based international energy company focused on exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Formed in 2002 through the merger of Conoco Inc and Phillips Petroleum Company, the firm operates as an independent upstream company that explores for, develops and produces crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids across a portfolio of global assets.

The companys activities span conventional and unconventional resources and include onshore and offshore operations in multiple regions around the world.

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Precision Wealth Strategies LLC purchased a new stake in HudBay Minerals Inc (NYSE:HBM  Free Report) (TSE:HBM) during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm purchased 56,377 shares of the mining companys stock, valued at approximately $855,000.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Strong Tower Advisory Services increased its position in HudBay Minerals by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. Strong Tower Advisory Services now owns 94,175 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $1,428,000 after acquiring an additional 2,182 shares during the period. Impala Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of HudBay Minerals during the second quarter valued at about $762,000. L1 Capital Pty Ltd raised its stake in shares of HudBay Minerals by 4.4% during the second quarter. L1 Capital Pty Ltd now owns 15,054,087 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $159,864,000 after purchasing an additional 630,703 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC lifted its holdings in HudBay Minerals by 117.1% in the second quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 26,340 shares of the mining companys stock worth $279,000 after purchasing an additional 14,210 shares during the period. Finally, CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co grew its position in HudBay Minerals by 51.2% in the 2nd quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 65,672 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $695,000 after buying an additional 22,251 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 57.82% of the companys stock.

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HudBay Minerals Stock Performance

HBM opened at $19.82 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The firm has a market cap of $7.86 billion, a PE ratio of 17.09 and a beta of 1.39. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $16.83 and a 200-day simple moving average of $13.57. HudBay Minerals Inc has a fifty-two week low of $5.95 and a fifty-two week high of $20.16.

Analyst Ratings Changes

HudBay Minerals ( NYSE:HBM Get Free Report ) (TSE:HBM) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The mining company reported $0.03 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.06 by ($0.03). HudBay Minerals had a net margin of 22.38% and a return on equity of 8.89%. The company had revenue of $346.80 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $538.16 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.13 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 28.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts predict that HudBay Minerals Inc will post 0.79 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of research firms have commented on HBM. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of HudBay Minerals in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Bank of America boosted their target price on HudBay Minerals from $16.50 to $19.50 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of HudBay Minerals in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of HudBay Minerals in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Citigroup started coverage on HudBay Minerals in a research note on Monday, December 15th. They set a buy rating and a $23.00 target price for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $21.25.

View Our Latest Analysis on HBM

HudBay Minerals Profile

(Free Report)

HudBay Minerals Inc is a Canada-based mining company engaged in the exploration, development and production of base and precious metals. Its primary products include copper, zinc, gold and silver concentrates, which are sold to smelters and refiners worldwide. The companys operations span multiple stages of the mining cycle, from resource definition and feasibility studies to mine construction, extraction and reclamation.

The company traces its roots back to 1927, when it was established as Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting Co Limited.

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QSM Asset Management Ltd cut its holdings in shares of Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MHK  Free Report) by 12.0% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 66,536 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,073 shares during the period. Mohawk Industries comprises approximately 6.0% of QSM Asset Management Ltds holdings, making the stock its 8th largest holding. QSM Asset Management Ltds holdings in Mohawk Industries were worth $8,355,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. increased its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 436.4% in the first quarter. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. now owns 756,030 shares of the companys stock valued at $86,324,000 after acquiring an additional 615,095 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Mohawk Industries by 123.1% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 907,734 shares of the companys stock valued at $94,640,000 after purchasing an additional 500,934 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Mohawk Industries in the second quarter valued at approximately $48,276,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 28.0% during the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 1,820,314 shares of the companys stock worth $190,842,000 after purchasing an additional 398,349 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. raised its stake in shares of Mohawk Industries by 677.6% during the 1st quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. now owns 380,770 shares of the companys stock worth $43,476,000 after purchasing an additional 331,800 shares in the last quarter. 78.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Mohawk Industries Price Performance

NYSE:MHK opened at $109.70 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $6.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.33, a P/E/G ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 1.23. The firms fifty day moving average price is $112.78 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $117.69. Mohawk Industries, Inc. has a one year low of $96.24 and a one 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.

Insider Activity

Mohawk Industries ( NYSE:MHK Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $2.67 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.68 by ($0.01). Mohawk Industries had a return on equity of 6.97% and a net margin of 3.93%.The company had revenue of $2.76 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.73 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.90 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. Mohawk Industries has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.900-2.000 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Mohawk Industries, Inc. will post 9.8 earnings per share for the current year.

In other news, insider Suzanne L. Helen sold 2,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $109.00, for a total value of $294,300.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 67,893 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,400,337. This represents a 3.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders sold a total of 17,600 shares of company stock worth $1,945,754 in the last three months. Insiders own 17.40% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms recently weighed in on MHK. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Mohawk Industries in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Raymond James Financial reiterated a strong-buy rating and issued a $150.00 price target (up previously from $140.00) on shares of Mohawk Industries in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Mohawk Industries from $125.00 to $110.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on shares of Mohawk Industries from $134.00 to $128.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut Mohawk Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, December 20th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Mohawk Industries currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $135.79.

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Mohawk Industries Profile

(Free Report)

Mohawk Industries, Inc is a global flooring manufacturer that designs, produces and distributes a broad range of floor covering products for both residential and commercial applications. Headquartered in Calhoun, Georgia, the company traces its roots to 1878 and has expanded through a series of strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives. Over the decades, Mohawk has built a vertically integrated platform encompassing yarn manufacturing, fiber production, wood and laminate finishing, and ceramic tile fabrication, enabling tight control over product quality and supply chain efficiency.

The companys product portfolio includes residential and commercial carpet, ceramic and porcelain tile, laminate, wood and natural stone flooring, luxury vinyl, and innovative surface solutions.

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The RBB Fund, Inc.  US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF (NYSEARCA:XBIL  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $50.21 and last traded at $50.21, with a volume of 88455 shares. The stock had previously closed at $50.19.

RBB Fund, Inc.  US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF Stock Performance

The firm has a 50 day moving average of $50.14 and a two-hundred day moving average of $50.11.

RBB Fund, Inc.  US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF Company Profile

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The US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF (XBIL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ICE BofA US 6-Month Treasury Bill index. The fund is a passively managed, single-bond fund that invests in the most recently issued, on-the-run, 6-month US Treasury Bill. The fund is designed for those specifically required to track the 6-month tenor on the yield curve.

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Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft (OTCMKTS:HBGRF  Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 22,266 shares, a decrease of 73.1% from the November 30th total of 82,623 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently  days. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently  days.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft Price Performance

OTCMKTS HBGRF remained flat at $2.20 during trading on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $1.89 and its 200 day moving average is $1.85. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft has a fifty-two week low of $1.01 and a fifty-two week high of $2.20.

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Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft Company Profile

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Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft, commonly known as Heidelberg, is a German precision mechanical engineering company headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany. Tracing its roots back to the mid-19th century, the company has grown into a leading global manufacturer of printing presses and related technologies. Its core offerings include sheetfed offset pressesmost notably the Speedmaster seriesdigital printing systems under the Primefire brand, finishing equipment and a comprehensive range of consumables such as inks, blankets and chemicals.

In addition to hardware, Heidelberg provides a suite of software and services designed to streamline print shop operations.

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Shiseido Co. (OTCMKTS:SSDOY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 42,969 shares, a growth of 442.9% from the November 30th total of 7,915 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 187,530 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 187,530 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have weighed in on SSDOY shares. UBS Group upgraded shares of Shiseido to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, September 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Shiseido from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on Shiseido

Shiseido Stock Down 1.5%

SSDOY traded down $0.23 during trading on Friday, reaching $15.02. 8,045 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 66,559. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $15.85 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $16.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 1.35 and a quick ratio of 0.89. Shiseido has a fifty-two week low of $13.60 and a fifty-two week high of $20.04. The stock has a market cap of $6.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.98 and a beta of 0.37.

Shiseido (OTCMKTS:SSDOY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported ($0.12) earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $1.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.52 billion. Shiseido had a negative return on equity of 1.36% and a negative net margin of 5.80%. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Shiseido will post 0.29 EPS for the current year.

Shiseido Company Profile

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Shiseido Company, Limited is a leading Japanese multinational specializing in cosmetics, skincare, makeup and fragrance products. Founded in 1872 and headquartered in Tokyo, the company operates through a portfolio of brands that span premium, prestige and mass-market segments. Its core business activities include the development, manufacturing and sale of skincare treatments, decorative cosmetics, hair care and sun protection products.

Shiseidos brand portfolio encompasses flagship lines such as Shiseido, Cle de Peau Beaute, NARS and bareMinerals, alongside regional and heritage labels tailored to diverse consumer preferences.

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Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPR  Get Free Report) passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $38.79 and traded as high as $39.63. Spirit Aerosystems shares last traded at $39.4440, with a volume of 11,351,328 shares traded.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have recently commented on SPR shares. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Spirit Aerosystems in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research raised Spirit Aerosystems from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, September 15th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $38.63.

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Spirit Aerosystems Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $4.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.78 and a beta of 1.11. The businesss 50 day moving average is $37.70 and its 200-day moving average is $38.80.

Spirit Aerosystems (NYSE:SPR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The aerospace company reported ($4.87) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.37) by ($4.50). The firm had revenue of $1.59 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.92 billion. The businesss revenue was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted ($3.03) earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc. will post -11.88 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Ethic Inc. bought a new position in Spirit Aerosystems during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $400,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Spirit Aerosystems in the second quarter worth about $3,272,000. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Spirit Aerosystems during the second quarter worth about $340,000. XTX Topco Ltd grew its position in shares of Spirit Aerosystems by 70.6% in the 2nd quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 30,047 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,146,000 after purchasing an additional 12,438 shares during the period. Finally, Valeo Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Spirit Aerosystems during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,747,000. Institutional investors own 93.59% of the companys stock.

About Spirit Aerosystems

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Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc is one of the worlds largest independent manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial and defense aircraft. Established in 2005 as a spin-off from The Boeing Companys Wichita division, Spirit designs, builds and assembles complex assemblies and components such as fuselages, wing systems, pylons and nacelles. The companys core business activities center on lightweight composite and aluminum structures, advanced tooling, and aftermarket services to support the full life cycle of an aircraft.

In its commercial segment, Spirit AeroSystems supplies major airframers including Boeing and Airbus, producing critical sections for models such as the 737, 777, 787 and A350 families.

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Texas Permanent School Fund Corp lowered its holdings in St. Joe Company (The) (NYSE:JOE  Free Report) by 31.2% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 18,821 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 8,538 shares during the period. Texas Permanent School Fund Corps holdings in St. Joe were worth $898,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of JOE. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of St. Joe by 155.7% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 652 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 397 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its position in St. Joe by 2,265.5% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 686 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 657 shares during the period. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC grew its stake in St. Joe by 31.8% during the 2nd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 977 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $48,000 after acquiring an additional 236 shares in the last quarter. MAI Capital Management increased its holdings in shares of St. Joe by 120.8% in the 1st quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 1,104 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 604 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in shares of St. Joe by 21.1% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,295 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $62,000 after purchasing an additional 226 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.67% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts recently commented on JOE shares. Wall Street Zen raised shares of St. Joe from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of St. Joe in a report on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy.

St. Joe Price Performance

Shares of JOE opened at $58.95 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, a quick ratio of 2.25 and a current ratio of 2.25. The firm has a market cap of $3.40 billion, a PE ratio of 32.75 and a beta of 1.37. The firms 50 day moving average price is $57.76 and its 200 day moving average price is $52.41. St. Joe Company has a twelve month low of $40.19 and a twelve month high of $63.13.

St. Joe (NYSE:JOE  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The financial services provider reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $161.08 million for the quarter. St. Joe had a net margin of 21.40% and a return on equity of 13.96%.

St. Joe Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 13th were issued a dividend of $0.16 per share. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. This is an increase from St. Joes previous quarterly dividend of $0.14. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 13th. St. Joes dividend payout ratio is 35.56%.

Insider Buying and Selling at St. Joe

In other news, major shareholder Bruce R. Berkowitz sold 6,100 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.00, for a total transaction of $378,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 16,252,724 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,007,668,888. This represents a 0.04% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders sold a total of 71,900 shares of company stock valued at $4,480,854 over the last ninety days. 0.32% of the stock is owned by insiders.

St. Joe Company Profile

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The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE) is a leading real estate development and asset management firm focused on Northwest Florida. Headquartered in Jacksonville, the company owns and manages approximately 171,000 acres of land across Bay, Gulf, Franklin and Walton counties. St. Joes core businesses include residential community development, commercial real estate, and hospitality, with an emphasis on master-planned neighborhoods, office and retail campuses, resort hotels and mixed-use town centers.

Founded in 1936 as a paper manufacturing company, St.

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PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM  Get Free Report) was the recipient of unusually large options trading on Wednesday. Investors acquired 9,941 call options on the company. This is an increase of approximately 1,498% compared to the average volume of 622 call options.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

PHM has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Wedbush restated an outperform rating and set a $150.00 target price on shares of PulteGroup in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of PulteGroup from $136.00 to $149.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of PulteGroup from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 29th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of PulteGroup in a report on Monday. Finally, BTIG Research assumed coverage on PulteGroup in a research note on Monday, December 1st. They set a neutral rating on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and seven 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 an average price target of $137.25.

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PulteGroup Stock Performance

NYSE:PHM opened at $119.35 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $121.73 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $121.25. PulteGroup has a twelve month low of $88.07 and a twelve month high of $142.11. The company has a market capitalization of $23.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 1.31.

PulteGroup (NYSE:PHM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The construction company reported $2.96 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.86 by $0.10. PulteGroup had a net margin of 14.93% and a return on equity of 19.58%. The business had revenue of $4.40 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.31 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $3.35 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 1.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that PulteGroup will post 12.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

PulteGroup Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 16th will be given a dividend of $0.26 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 16th. This is a positive change from PulteGroups previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. PulteGroups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 8.01%.

Institutional Trading of PulteGroup

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PHM. Summit Financial LLC lifted its holdings in PulteGroup by 22.3% in the first quarter. Summit Financial LLC now owns 2,286 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $235,000 after acquiring an additional 417 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its holdings in shares of PulteGroup by 19.9% in the 1st quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 19,433 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,998,000 after purchasing an additional 3,228 shares in the last quarter. Synovus Financial Corp lifted its stake in shares of PulteGroup by 93.6% in the first quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 21,716 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,232,000 after purchasing an additional 10,497 shares during the period. Bank of Hawaii purchased a new stake in PulteGroup during the first quarter worth about $242,000. Finally, CreativeOne Wealth LLC grew its position in PulteGroup by 6.9% during the first quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC now owns 4,529 shares of the construction companys stock worth $466,000 after buying an additional 294 shares during the period. 89.90% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About PulteGroup

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PulteGroup, Inc (NYSE: PHM) is a U.S.-based residential homebuilder that designs, constructs and sells single-family homes and develops master-planned communities. The company operates multiple national and regional brands that target different buyer segments, including first-time buyers, move-up buyers and active-adult customers. Its operations encompass land acquisition and development, home design and construction, community amenities and ongoing customer service and warranty programs.

PulteGroup markets homes under several well-known brands, such as Pulte Homes, Centex and Del Webb, among others, offering a range of product types from entry-level detached homes to larger, higher-end residences and age-restricted active-adult communities.

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Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Suncor Energy Inc. (NYSE:SU  Free Report) (TSE:SU) by 155.2% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 95,051 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after buying an additional 57,810 shares during the quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc.s holdings in Suncor Energy were worth $3,631,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SU. Squarepoint Ops LLC lifted its stake in Suncor Energy by 452.2% in the 2nd quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 124,216 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $4,652,000 after acquiring an additional 101,721 shares in the last quarter. FORA Capital LLC bought a new stake in Suncor Energy in the second quarter valued at $950,000. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new stake in shares of Suncor Energy during the second quarter worth $31,000. Corient Private Wealth LLC raised its position in shares of Suncor Energy by 82.5% during the second quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 1,461,949 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $54,750,000 after acquiring an additional 660,914 shares during the last quarter. Finally, WealthCollab LLC grew its position in shares of Suncor Energy by 38.5% in the 2nd quarter. WealthCollab LLC now owns 1,701 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $64,000 after purchasing an additional 473 shares during the period. 67.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently weighed in on SU. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Suncor Energy in a report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of Suncor Energy in a report on Friday, October 17th. They set an equal weight rating for the company. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $65.00 price objective on shares of Suncor Energy in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Suncor Energy from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, December 20th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Suncor Energy from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $65.00.

Suncor Energy Stock Up 0.2%

Suncor Energy stock opened at $43.24 on Friday. Suncor Energy Inc. has a 12 month low of $30.79 and a 12 month high of $45.60. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $42.65 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $40.88. The company has a current ratio of 1.35, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The firm has a market cap of $51.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.18 and a beta of 0.46.

Suncor Energy (NYSE:SU  Get Free Report) (TSE:SU) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by $0.22. Suncor Energy had a return on equity of 13.01% and a net margin of 10.61%.The business had revenue of $9.04 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.82 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.48 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Suncor Energy Inc. will post 3.42 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Suncor Energy Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 24th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 3rd were issued a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 3rd. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.6%. This is a boost from Suncor Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. Suncor Energys payout ratio is presently 56.39%.

Suncor Energy Profile

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Suncor Energy Inc is a Canadian integrated energy company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. The companys operations span the full oil and gas value chain, with principal activities in oil sands development and production, conventional exploration and production, refining, distribution and retail marketing of petroleum products. Suncor supplies crude, synthetic crude and refined fuels as well as related products and services to commercial and consumer markets.

Upstream, Suncor is a major developer and operator of oil sands projects in Alberta, using both mining and in situ technologies to produce bitumen and synthetic crude.

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Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) were up 1.4% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $303.38 and last traded at $302.8660. Approximately 5,100,124 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 64% from the average daily volume of 14,099,743 shares. The stock had previously closed at $298.80.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

TSM has been the topic of several research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein raised their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $290.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Sunday, December 7th. Susquehanna raised their price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $300.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Monday. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $330.00 to $355.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $355.00.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Up 1.4%

The company has a current ratio of 2.69, a quick ratio of 2.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $292.18 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $262.07. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.57 trillion, a P/E ratio of 31.06, a P/E/G ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.31.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The semiconductor company reported $14.32 EPS for the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 43.72% and a return on equity of 34.34%. On average, equities analysts predict that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be given a dividend of $0.9678 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 17th. This is a positive change from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. This represents a $3.87 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 25.85%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TSM. Triumph Capital Management purchased a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $70,000. Sherman Porfolios LLC bought a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the third quarter worth $202,000. AIA Group Ltd purchased a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the third quarter valued at $2,659,000. Mirabella Financial Services LLP lifted its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 122.8% during the third quarter. Mirabella Financial Services LLP now owns 17,361 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $4,839,000 after purchasing an additional 9,570 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mainstay Capital Management LLC ADV purchased a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 3rd quarter worth $328,000. 16.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a leading pure-play semiconductor foundry that provides wafer fabrication and related services to the global semiconductor industry. Founded in 1987 by Morris Chang and headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, TSMC manufactures integrated circuits on behalf of fabless and integrated device manufacturers, offering contract chip production across a broad set of technologies and products.

TSMCs service offering covers logic and mixed-signal process technologies, specialty processes for radio-frequency, power management and embedded memory, and advanced nodes used in mobile, high-performance computing and AI applications.

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Taseko Mines Limited (NYSE:TGB  Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 3.4% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $5.92 and last traded at $5.8290. 2,533,837 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 70% from the average session volume of 8,407,564 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.64.

Taseko Mines Trading Up 2.9%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a current ratio of 1.71. The firm has a market cap of $2.09 billion, a P/E ratio of -193.50 and a beta of 1.35. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $4.75 and a 200 day simple moving average of $3.89.

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Institutional Trading of Taseko Mines

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sowell Financial Services LLC boosted its holdings in Taseko Mines by 8.7% in the 2nd quarter. Sowell Financial Services LLC now owns 62,331 shares of the companys stock valued at $196,000 after purchasing an additional 5,000 shares during the period. CenterBook Partners LP raised its position in shares of Taseko Mines by 0.7% in the third quarter. CenterBook Partners LP now owns 774,437 shares of the companys stock worth $3,276,000 after buying an additional 5,007 shares in the last quarter. Carrera Capital Advisors boosted its stake in Taseko Mines by 0.8% during the third quarter. Carrera Capital Advisors now owns 706,110 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,987,000 after buying an additional 5,425 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI boosted its stake in Taseko Mines by 12.2% during the third quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 58,640 shares of the companys stock valued at $247,000 after buying an additional 6,399 shares during the period. Finally, Focus Partners Wealth grew its position in Taseko Mines by 19.9% during the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 60,200 shares of the companys stock worth $135,000 after buying an additional 10,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 17.94% of the companys stock.

About Taseko Mines

Taseko Mines Ltd. is a Vancouverbased mining company primarily engaged in the exploration, development and production of copperbased projects. Its flagship operation is the Gibraltar copper mine in central British Columbia, which ranks among Canadas largest open pit copper producers. In addition to copper, Gibraltar yields byproducts such as molybdenum and silver, reflecting Tasekos focus on base and precious metals.

Beyond Gibraltar, Taseko holds two advanced development assets. The Florence Copper project in Arizona employs an insitu recovery process to extract copper, positioning it as one of North Americas first largescale applications of this technology.

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Kosmos Energy Ltd. (NYSE:KOS  Get Free Report) saw unusually large options trading on Friday. Stock investors bought 4,083 put options on the stock. This represents an increase of approximately 55% compared to the average daily volume of 2,642 put options.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $2.00 price objective (down from $3.00) on shares of Kosmos Energy in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. Johnson Rice lowered shares of Kosmos Energy from a buy rating to an accumulate rating and decreased their price target for the company from $4.50 to $3.50 in a report on Friday, December 5th. Bank of America reiterated an underperform rating and set a $1.00 price objective (down previously from $3.40) on shares of Kosmos Energy in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Clarkson Capital initiated coverage on shares of Kosmos Energy in a report on Friday, October 24th. They issued a buy rating and a $4.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Stephens started coverage on Kosmos Energy in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. They set an equal weight rating and a $1.75 target price for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Kosmos Energy has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $2.29.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Kosmos Energy

Kosmos Energy Stock Performance

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vident Advisory LLC acquired a new position in shares of Kosmos Energy in the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Foster Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Kosmos Energy during the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Blueshift Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Kosmos Energy during the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. Verum Partners LLC acquired a new position in Kosmos Energy in the second quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Baader Bank Aktiengesellschaft bought a new position in shares of Kosmos Energy in the second quarter valued at $30,000. 95.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

NYSE KOS traded down $0.04 on Friday, hitting $0.87. The stock had a trading volume of 8,304,652 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,707,202. The companys 50-day moving average is $1.25 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1.66. Kosmos Energy has a one year low of $0.84 and a one year high of $4.01. The stock has a market cap of $413.76 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.27 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a quick ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.04.

Kosmos Energy (NYSE:KOS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The oil and gas producer reported ($0.15) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.13) by ($0.02). Kosmos Energy had a negative return on equity of 26.28% and a negative net margin of 23.64%.The business had revenue of $310.96 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $360.82 million. On average, analysts expect that Kosmos Energy will post 0.42 earnings per share for the current year.

About Kosmos Energy

(Get Free Report)

Kosmos Energy Ltd. is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Since its founding in 2003, the company has focused on identifying and developing hydrocarbon reserves in frontier and emerging basins around the world. Kosmos combines geological and geophysical expertise with a disciplined approach to acreage acquisition and partner selection to pursue highimpact offshore exploration opportunities.

The companys portfolio is anchored by assets in West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico.

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Trium Capital LLP lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (NYSEARCA:EWW  Free Report) by 110.3% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 280,541 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 147,168 shares during the period. iShares MSCI Mexico ETF comprises approximately 7.5% of Trium Capital LLPs portfolio, making the stock its 5th largest holding. Trium Capital LLPs holdings in iShares MSCI Mexico ETF were worth $19,136,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Viewpoint Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Mexico ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. North Capital Inc. purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Mexico ETF during the second quarter valued at about $30,000. CWM LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI Mexico ETF by 90.2% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 466 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI Mexico ETF by 289.7% in the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 491 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 365 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Private Trust Co. NA purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Mexico ETF in the second quarter worth about $45,000.

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iShares MSCI Mexico ETF Stock Performance

iShares MSCI Mexico ETF stock opened at $70.95 on Friday. iShares MSCI Mexico ETF has a fifty-two week low of $46.41 and a fifty-two week high of $71.60. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $67.81 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $64.29. The stock has a market cap of $2.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.85 and a beta of 0.91.

iShares MSCI Mexico ETF Profile

iShares MSCI Mexico Capped ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Mexico Capped Investable Market Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the MSCI Mexico IMI 25/50 Index (the Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Mexican Stock Exchange. The Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization weighted index with a capping methodology applied to issuer weights so that no single issuer of a component exceeds 25% of the Index weight and all issuers with weight above 5% do not exceed 50% of the Index weight.

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Highland Capital Management LLC lowered its stake in shares of Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC  Free Report) by 23.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 127,328 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 38,241 shares during the period. Highland Capital Management LLCs holdings in Truist Financial were worth $5,821,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. First Hawaiian Bank grew its position in Truist Financial by 8.6% during the first quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 11,991 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $493,000 after buying an additional 948 shares during the period. Brookstone Capital Management raised its position in shares of Truist Financial by 12.3% in the third quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 336,095 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $15,366,000 after acquiring an additional 36,916 shares during the period. Hilltop National Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Truist Financial during the 2nd quarter worth about $543,000. Federated Hermes Inc. grew its position in shares of Truist Financial by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 9,632,481 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $414,100,000 after acquiring an additional 120,842 shares during the period. Finally, SCS Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Truist Financial by 383.7% in the 2nd quarter. SCS Capital Management LLC now owns 382,554 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $16,446,000 after purchasing an additional 303,466 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.28% of the companys stock.

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Truist Financial Stock Up 0.5%

Shares of NYSE TFC opened at $50.74 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $64.91 billion, a PE ratio of 13.64, a P/E/G ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. Truist Financial Corporation has a 12-month low of $33.56 and a 12-month high of $50.86. The company has a 50-day moving average of $46.32 and a 200 day moving average of $44.96.

Truist Financial ( NYSE:TFC Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The insurance provider reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.99 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $5.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.20 billion. Truist Financial had a return on equity of 8.73% and a net margin of 16.84%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.97 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Truist Financial Corporation will post 4 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Truist Financial declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program on Tuesday, December 16th that permits the company to buyback $10.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the insurance provider to purchase up to 15.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Truist Financial Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a $0.52 dividend. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.1%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. Truist Financials dividend payout ratio is presently 55.91%.

Insider Activity

In other Truist Financial news, Director K. David Jr. Boyer sold 5,160 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.45, for a total value of $239,682.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 10,153 shares of the companys stock, valued at $471,606.85. This trade represents a 33.70% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.17% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

TFC has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Robert W. Baird reiterated a neutral rating and set a $52.00 price target on shares of Truist Financial in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Piper Sandler set a $48.00 target price on Truist Financial in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on shares of Truist Financial from $48.00 to $50.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Truist Financial from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Truist Financial from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $49.93.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Truist Financial

Truist Financial Company Profile

(Free Report)

Truist Financial Corporation is an American bank holding company that provides a broad range of financial services through its primary subsidiary, Truist Bank, and other operating units. The company offers traditional retail banking products and services such as deposit accounts, consumer and residential mortgage lending, and credit and debit card services. Truist also serves commercial clients with middle-market and corporate lending, treasury and payment solutions, and specialty finance products.

Beyond core banking, Truist operates wealth management, asset management, insurance and capital markets businesses.

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Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH boosted its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 231.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 158,750 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 110,815 shares during the quarter. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OHs holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $7,160,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Bristol Myers Squibb in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb during the second quarter valued at $25,000. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 107.2% in the third quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 605 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 313 shares during the period. REAP Financial Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 202.8% during the second quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 639 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 428 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC lifted its stake in 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 in the last quarter. 76.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have commented on the company. Guggenheim reiterated a buy rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday. Scotiabank reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $53.00 price objective (up from $45.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating and set a $37.00 target price (up previously from $36.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Friday, December 12th. BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Finally, HSBC reissued a hold rating and issued a $53.00 target price on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Six 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 companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $54.62.

Bristol Myers Squibb Trading Up 0.6%

Shares of Bristol Myers Squibb stock opened at $54.63 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $48.61 and a 200 day moving average of $47.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.27. The firm has a market capitalization of $111.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.45, a PEG ratio of 8.37 and a beta of 0.29. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a fifty-two week low of $42.52 and a fifty-two week high of $63.33.

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $12.22 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.75 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a net margin of 12.57% and a return on equity of 76.53%. The businesss revenue was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.80 EPS. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.400-6.600 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 earnings per share for the current year.

Bristol Myers Squibb Increases Dividend

The company 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. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.6%. This is a boost from Bristol Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. Bristol Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 83.78%.

Bristol Myers Squibb Company Profile

(Free Report)

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, focused on discovering, developing and delivering medicines for serious diseases. The companys core activities include research and development, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of prescription pharmaceuticals across multiple therapeutic areas. BMS concentrates on advancing therapies in oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular disease and specialty areas through both small molecules and biologics.

BMSs marketed portfolio and latestage pipeline reflect a strong emphasis on cancer and immunemediated conditions.

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Mirabaud & Cie SA cut its holdings in United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE:URI  Free Report) by 33.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,900 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 1,460 shares during the period. United Rentals accounts for about 0.9% of Mirabaud & Cie SAs holdings, making the stock its 23rd biggest position. Mirabaud & Cie SAs holdings in United Rentals were worth $2,769,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in URI. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P acquired a new stake in United Rentals in the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Flaharty Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of United Rentals in the first quarter worth approximately $30,000. Maseco LLP purchased a new stake in United Rentals in the second quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH purchased a new stake in United Rentals in the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its position in United Rentals by 103.7% during the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 55 shares of the construction companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.26% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have recently commented on URI shares. Baird R W upgraded United Rentals from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Citigroup reduced their price objective on United Rentals from $1,140.00 to $950.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $1,025.00 target price on shares of United Rentals in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Barclays cut their price target on shares of United Rentals from $620.00 to $600.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Truist Financial decreased their price objective on shares of United Rentals from $1,169.00 to $1,045.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $954.83.

United Rentals Stock Performance

United Rentals stock opened at $824.77 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.84. The firms fifty day moving average price is $841.79 and its 200 day moving average price is $862.35. The company has a market capitalization of $52.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 1.68. United Rentals, Inc. has a 12-month low of $525.91 and a 12-month high of $1,021.47.

United Rentals (NYSE:URI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The construction company reported $11.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $12.43 by ($0.73). United Rentals had a return on equity of 31.30% and a net margin of 15.83%.The business had revenue of $4.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.16 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $11.80 earnings per share. United Rentalss revenue for the quarter was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that United Rentals, Inc. will post 44.8 EPS for the current fiscal year.

United Rentals Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 12th were paid a $1.79 dividend. This represents a $7.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 12th. United Rentalss dividend payout ratio is 18.42%.

United Rentals Company Profile

(Free Report)

United Rentals, Inc (NYSE: URI) is a leading equipment rental company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. The firm provides rental solutions and related services to construction, industrial, commercial, and municipal customers. Its business model centers on providing access to a broad fleet of equipment on a short-term or long-term basis, enabling customers to avoid the capital expenditure of ownership and to scale equipment use to match project needs.

The companys product and service offerings span general construction equipment and a range of specialty categories, including aerial work platforms, earthmoving and excavation machines, material handling equipment, pumps, power and HVAC systems, trench and shoring solutions, and tools.

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Vista Investment Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 236.1% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 69,613 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 48,900 shares during the period. Vista Investment Partners LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $1,774,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Fiduciary Alliance LLC raised its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 46.4% in the third quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 145,263 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,701,000 after buying an additional 46,043 shares during the last quarter. Westbourne Investments Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the first quarter valued at $2,411,000. Bourne Lent Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Pfizer by 90.8% in the 2nd quarter. Bourne Lent Asset Management Inc. now owns 38,255 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $927,000 after acquiring an additional 18,200 shares during the period. Ossiam raised its stake in Pfizer by 71.2% in the 2nd quarter. Ossiam now owns 5,650,573 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $136,970,000 after acquiring an additional 2,349,058 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Generali Investments CEE investicni spolecnost a.s. raised its stake in Pfizer by 76.4% in the 3rd quarter. Generali Investments CEE investicni spolecnost a.s. now owns 109,269 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,784,000 after acquiring an additional 47,319 shares during the last quarter. 68.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Pfizer Stock Up 0.7%

Pfizer stock opened at $25.05 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $25.15 and its 200 day moving average price is $24.88. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The firm has a market cap of $142.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.56 and a beta of 0.46. Pfizer Inc. has a 52 week low of $20.92 and a 52 week high of $27.69.

Pfizer Dividend Announcement

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $16.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.94 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.17% and a net margin of 15.65%.Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently declared 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. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 100.00%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have weighed in on PFE. Wall Street Zen downgraded Pfizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, September 28th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Wolfe Research set a $24.00 price target on shares of Pfizer and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, UBS Group restated a neutral rating and set a $28.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $28.06.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Pfizer

About Pfizer

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) is a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and vaccines for human health. Its activities span discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and global commercial distribution across multiple therapeutic areas.

Pfizers portfolio and pipeline cover oncology, immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, rare diseases, hospital acute care and anti-infectives, along with a substantial vaccine business.

Further Reading

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Voya Investment Management LLC trimmed its position in shares of CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS  Free Report) by 22.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 68,589 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 19,436 shares during the quarter. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in CMS Energy were worth $5,025,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CMS. Tobam raised its position in shares of CMS Energy by 35.0% in the second quarter. Tobam now owns 559 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. Nicholson Wealth Management Group LLC grew its stake in CMS Energy by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Nicholson Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 23,495 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,628,000 after acquiring an additional 158 shares in the last quarter. Croban raised its holdings in CMS Energy by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Croban now owns 14,056 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $974,000 after acquiring an additional 167 shares during the last quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its stake in CMS Energy by 15.1% in the 2nd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 1,278 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $89,000 after purchasing an additional 168 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Crestwood Advisors Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of CMS Energy by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Crestwood Advisors Group LLC now owns 5,517 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $382,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.57% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on CMS Energy from $71.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. KeyCorp lifted their price target on CMS Energy from $76.00 to $79.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of CMS Energy from $78.00 to $82.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. UBS Group reduced their target price on shares of CMS Energy from $81.00 to $77.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of CMS Energy from $85.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $78.25.

CMS Energy Trading Up 0.1%

Shares of CMS stock opened at $70.07 on Friday. CMS Energy Corporation has a 1-year low of $63.97 and a 1-year high of $76.45. The firm has a market cap of $21.32 billion, a PE ratio of 20.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.67 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a 50-day moving average of $72.75 and a two-hundred day moving average of $72.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.84, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.60.

CMS Energy (NYSE:CMS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The utilities provider reported $0.93 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.86 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $2.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.83 billion. CMS Energy had a net margin of 12.62% and a return on equity of 12.10%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.84 EPS. CMS Energy has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.800-3.870 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 3.560-3.600 EPS. On average, analysts predict that CMS Energy Corporation will post 3.59 EPS for the current year.

CMS Energy Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th were given a dividend of $0.5425 per share. This represents a $2.17 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. CMS Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 62.72%.

Insider Activity at CMS Energy

In other news, SVP Brandon J. Hofmeister sold 4,000 shares of CMS Energy stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.47, for a total value of $289,880.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 64,259 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,656,849.73. The trade was a 5.86% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

CMS Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is an energy company based in Jackson, Michigan, whose principal business is the regulated utility operations of its subsidiary, Consumers Energy. The company is primarily focused on providing electric and natural gas service to customers in Michigan, operating the generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure necessary to deliver energy to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Headquartered in Jackson, CMS Energy conducts its core activities within the state and is regulated by state utility authorities.

Through Consumers Energy and related subsidiaries, CMS Energy develops, owns and operates a portfolio of generation assets and delivers a range of customer-facing services, including electricity and natural gas supply, grid management, energy efficiency programs and demand-response offerings.

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Voya Investment Management LLC cut its stake in shares of Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG  Free Report) by 22.0% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 20,510 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 5,796 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in Packaging Corporation of America were worth $4,470,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. bought a new position in Packaging Corporation of America in the first quarter valued at about $2,127,000. Vise Technologies Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Packaging Corporation of America in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,306,000. Atlas FRM LLC raised its holdings in Packaging Corporation of America by 59.7% in the 2nd quarter. Atlas FRM LLC now owns 535,000 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $100,821,000 after buying an additional 200,000 shares during the last quarter. Arvest Bank Trust Division bought a new position in Packaging Corporation of America in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $892,000. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its position in Packaging Corporation of America by 151.2% during the 2nd quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 4,843 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $913,000 after buying an additional 2,915 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.78% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

PKG has been the subject of several recent research reports. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $225.00 to $230.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Packaging Corporation of America from $238.00 to $245.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Wall Street Zen lowered Packaging Corporation of America from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, December 20th. Citigroup upped their price target on Packaging Corporation of America from $214.00 to $218.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Zacks Research cut Packaging Corporation of America from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Monday, December 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $230.67.

Packaging Corporation of America Price Performance

PKG stock opened at $207.33 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.00, a current ratio of 3.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. The firm has a market cap of $18.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.96, a PEG ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.89. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $201.22 and its 200 day simple moving average is $203.14. Packaging Corporation of America has a 12-month low of $172.71 and a 12-month high of $242.68.

Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The industrial products company reported $2.73 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.83 by ($0.10). Packaging Corporation of America had a return on equity of 19.72% and a net margin of 10.18%.The business had revenue of $2.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.29 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.65 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 6.0% on a year-over-year basis. Packaging Corporation of America has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 2.400-2.400 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Packaging Corporation of America will post 10.44 earnings per share for the current year.

Packaging Corporation of America Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $5.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. Packaging Corporation of Americas dividend payout ratio is currently 50.56%.

Packaging Corporation of America Profile

(Free Report)

Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) is a leading North American manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products. The company produces a range of paper-based packaging solutions including linerboard, corrugating medium, corrugated shipping containers, retail-ready packaging and point-of-purchase displays. In addition to core packaging products, Packaging Corporation of America offers packaging design, testing and supply-chain services intended to optimize protection, cost and sustainability for customers.

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, the company operates an integrated network of mills and corrugated manufacturing facilities across the United States and serves customers throughout North America in industries such as e-commerce, grocery and food & beverage, consumer packaged goods and industrial markets.

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Voya Investment Management LLC lowered its stake in Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV  Free Report) by 22.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 30,867 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 8,925 shares during the quarter. Voya Investment Management LLCs holdings in Dover were worth $5,149,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Czech National Bank increased its stake in shares of Dover by 3.9% in the third quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 34,830 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $5,811,000 after buying an additional 1,317 shares during the period. Ransom Advisory Ltd grew its holdings in Dover by 50.0% in the 3rd quarter. Ransom Advisory Ltd now owns 300 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC increased its position in shares of Dover by 61.0% in the third quarter. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC now owns 5,371 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $896,000 after acquiring an additional 2,035 shares during the period. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. increased its position in shares of Dover by 133.6% in the third quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 656,349 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $109,499,000 after acquiring an additional 375,333 shares during the period. Finally, Oak Thistle LLC raised its stake in shares of Dover by 100.7% during the third quarter. Oak Thistle LLC now owns 15,037 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,509,000 after acquiring an additional 7,544 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.46% of the companys stock.

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Dover Trading Down 0.2%

NYSE DOV opened at $199.56 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $27.37 billion, a PE ratio of 12.27, a P/E/G ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.31. The stocks 50 day moving average is $185.58 and its 200 day moving average is $180.31. Dover Corporation has a twelve month low of $143.04 and a twelve month high of $222.31. The company has a quick ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 2.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35.

Dover Announces Dividend

Dover ( NYSE:DOV Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, June 30th. The industrial products company reported $1.55 EPS for the quarter. Dover had a return on equity of 17.62% and a net margin of 28.37%.The business had revenue of $1.78 billion during the quarter. Research analysts forecast that Dover Corporation will post 9.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. Dovers payout ratio is presently 12.79%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have commented on DOV. Robert W. Baird set a $235.00 price target on Dover in a research report on Friday, October 24th. UBS Group set a $200.00 target price on Dover in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Wells Fargo & Company restated a positive rating on shares of Dover in a report on Monday, December 15th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Dover from $190.00 to $195.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, BNP Paribas began coverage on shares of Dover in a report on Thursday, December 4th. They issued a neutral rating and a $195.00 price objective for the company. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $210.64.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on DOV

Insider Transactions at Dover

In other Dover news, CFO Christopher B. Woenker sold 1,627 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $186.04, for a total value of $302,687.08. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 2,553 shares in the company, valued at approximately $474,960.12. This represents a 38.92% 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 this link. Also, SVP Ivonne M. Cabrera sold 2,630 shares of Dover stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $190.80, for a total transaction of $501,804.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 72,968 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,922,294.40. The trade was a 3.48% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Dover Profile

(Free Report)

Dover Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer of industrial products, components and specialty systems that serve a wide range of commercial and industrial end markets. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, the company has built a portfolio of operating businesses that design, manufacture and distribute engineered equipment, aftermarket parts and related services for customers around the world.

Dovers activities span several product and solution categories, including fluid-handling and pumping systems, material handling and processing equipment, refrigeration and foodservice technologies, product identification and printing systems, precision components and automation and sensing solutions.

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Whitaker Myers Wealth Managers LTD. purchased a new position in shares of GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE  Free Report) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm purchased 3,129 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $941,000.

Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Grove Bank & Trust boosted its holdings in shares of GE Aerospace by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. Grove Bank & Trust now owns 3,537 shares of the companys stock worth $1,064,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Perkins Coie Trust Co lifted its position in GE Aerospace by 7.9% during the third quarter. Perkins Coie Trust Co now owns 492 shares of the companys stock worth $148,000 after buying an additional 36 shares in the last quarter. Terril Brothers Inc. lifted its position in GE Aerospace by 2.7% during the second quarter. Terril Brothers Inc. now owns 1,406 shares of the companys stock worth $362,000 after buying an additional 37 shares in the last quarter. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC boosted its stake in GE Aerospace by 5.0% during the second quarter. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC now owns 772 shares of the companys stock worth $199,000 after buying an additional 37 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Financial Bank Trust Division grew its holdings in GE Aerospace by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. First Financial Bank Trust Division now owns 5,176 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,557,000 after buying an additional 37 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.77% of the companys stock.

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GE Aerospace Trading Up 0.3%

NYSE GE opened at $316.48 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 1.08. The firm has a market cap of $333.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.25, a PEG ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 1.40. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $301.02 and a 200-day simple moving average of $281.70. GE Aerospace has a one year low of $159.36 and a one year high of $317.75.

GE Aerospace Announces Dividend

GE Aerospace ( NYSE:GE Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The company reported $1.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.46 by $0.20. GE Aerospace had a return on equity of 34.01% and a net margin of 18.34%.The firm had revenue of $11.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.29 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.15 earnings per share. GE Aerospaces revenue was up 26.4% compared to the same quarter last year. GE Aerospace has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.000-6.200 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that GE Aerospace will post 5.4 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 26th. Investors of record on Monday, December 29th will be paid a $0.36 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 29th. This represents a $1.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. GE Aerospaces payout ratio is currently 19.23%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have issued reports on the company. Susquehanna assumed coverage on GE Aerospace in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. They issued a positive rating and a $350.00 target price for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of GE Aerospace from $271.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of GE Aerospace from $310.00 to $365.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Zacks Research cut shares of GE Aerospace from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, September 26th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a $350.00 price target on shares of GE Aerospace in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Sixteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $309.94.

Get Our Latest Research Report on GE

Insider Buying and Selling

In other GE Aerospace news, SVP Russell Stokes sold 8,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $297.71, for a total value of $2,381,680.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 150,434 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $44,785,706.14. This represents a 5.05% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.21% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

GE Aerospace Company Profile

(Free Report)

GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) is the aerospace business of General Electric, focused on the design, manufacture and support of aircraft engines, integrated propulsion systems and related aftermarket services. The company serves commercial airlines, airframers, business and general aviation operators, and defense customers, providing propulsion solutions for a broad range of aircraft types from singleaisle airliners to widebody and military platforms.

Its product portfolio includes a family of commercial and military jet engines as well as spare parts, components and systems engineering.

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China strongly urges U.S. not to implement negative China-related provisions in defense policy bill

Xinhua) 08:18, December 26, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- China strongly urges the United States to abandon zero-sum mindset and ideological bias, and refrain from implementing the negative China-related provisions in its defense policy bill, a spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress said on Thursday, in response to the U.S. side recently signing into law the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026."

Noting that the Act passed by the U.S. Congress was signed into law, spokesperson Xu Dong expressed China's strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the negative content targeting China.

He criticized the Act for continuing the usual tune of containing China, hyping up "China threat," blatantly interfering in China's internal affairs, and undermining China's core interests.

"We urge the U.S. side to view China's development and China-U.S. relations objectively and rationally, work with China in the same direction, and jointly implement the important consensus reached by the Chinese and U.S. heads of state at the Busan meeting," Xu said.

He added that should the United States insist on proceeding unilaterally, China will take firm measures in accordance with the law to resolutely safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A newly released mandated assessment from the Department of Defense paints a stark picture of the shifting global power balance, warning that the American homeland is at heightened risk of foreign threats. The comprehensive annual report, spanning over one hundred pages, details how the Peoples Republic of China has aggressively modernized its armed forces. These findings suggest that, despite recent diplomatic overtures and the executive branchs desire for friendlier relations, Beijing has significantly expanded its capabilities across critical strategic domains, including nuclear armaments, space-based operations, and cyberspace.

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The Taiwan Timeline and Invasion Rehearsals

Central to the Pentagons concerns is the acceleration of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) toward specific milestones set by Chinese leadership. The assessment indicates that the Chinese military is rapidly approaching the capability to secure a decisive military triumph over Taiwan by 2027, should the order be given. The report notes that throughout 2024, the PLA conducted exercises that functioned as dry runs for essential aspects of an invasion. These maneuvers included simulations of strikes against American forces stationed in the Pacific, attacks on maritime and land-based targets, and operations designed to blockade access to vital port facilities.

Expanding Nuclear and Missile Arsenals

The report provides a granular look at Chinas strategic weapons development. While the production rate of nuclear warheads appeared to slow slightly, leaving the stockpile in the low 600s through 2024, the long-term trajectory points toward a massive expansion. Defense officials project that Beijing is on track to possess more than 1,000 warheads by the end of the decade.

Dominance in Space and Cyberspace

Furthermore, the assessment highlights significant activity regarding intercontinental delivery systems. Intelligence suggests that the Chinese military has likely loaded more than 100 solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missiles into silos, a move intended to support early-warning counterstrike capabilities. This was underscored in September 2024, when Beijing launched an unarmed ICBM into the Pacific Ocean, the first such test in over four decades, signaling a practice of wartime nuclear deterrence.

Beyond traditional ballistics, the report details a dramatic buildup in orbital capabilities. Since 2018, China has tripled its number of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites. This expanded orbital network has vastly improved the PLAs ability to monitor, track, and target United States and allied forces on the ground and in space.

Simultaneously, the digital realm remains a contested battleground. The Pentagon found that throughout 2024, Chinese cyber actors engaged in widespread espionage and the pre-positioning of attack capabilities against American infrastructure. These actions align with Beijings broader objective to achieve information dominance.

Geopolitical Alignments and Political Contrasts

The assessment also touches on the deepening strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow. It references a joint bomber patrol flown near the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone in July 2024, as well as a combined coast guard patrol in the Bering Sea. While stopping short of a formal defense alliance, the two nations are driven by a shared interest in countering American influence.

The release of this military data contrasts sharply with the administrations political stance. The White House recently published a National Security Strategy that largely focuses on the Western Hemisphere and economic concerns, with minimal mention of China as a military adversary. While the administration continues to emphasize a strong personal rapport with President Xi and denies that new naval assets are targeted at Beijing, the Pentagons report attempts to thread a needle: supporting the administrations diplomatic goals while ensuring the armed forces remain prepared to defend fundamental interests in the Indo-Pacific.
The Millennium Forum has announced full casting details for Bill Kenwrights legendary, award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers.

The musical is running in the Millennium Forum from Tuesday, February 17, 2026 to Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Mrs Johnstone will be played by Irelands own musical theatre legend, Rebecca Storm. Rebecca is thrilled to return to a role she has truly made her own and join the Blood Brothers company for a limited run.

Kristofer Harding will perform as the Narrator, a role he first played in 2016 and returned to in the most recent 2025 tour.

Fresh from alternating the role of Elphaba in Wicked (Apollo Victoria) and covering Norma Desmond in Jamie Lloyd's production of Sunset Boulevard (Savoy), Laura Harrison returns to Blood Brothers. Harrison previously played Donna Marie in the 2015 tour and is now taking on the role of Mrs Lyons.

Sean Jones and Joe Sleight will also be returning as the twin brothers, Mickey and Eddie and Gemma Brodrick will continue to play Linda.

Also reprising their roles are Michael Gillett (Sammy), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Francesca Benton-Stace (Donna Marie/Miss Jones), Latesha Karisa (Brenda), Danny Knott (Perkins), Dominic Gore (Neighbour), Alex Harland (Policeman/Teacher) and Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor).

The Millennium Forum said: "Written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell, few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. Considered 'one of the best musicals ever' (Sunday Times), Bill Kenwrights production surpassed 10,000 performances in Londons West End, and has been affectionately christened the Standing Ovation Musical, as inevitably it brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval (Daily Mail).

"This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. The musical has since triumphed across the globe, completing sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, and scooping up four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway.

"Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.

"When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again - this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show's shattering climax.

"Willy Russell is one of this country's leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two-year run in the West End and was made into a movie starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti. The production made a triumphant return to the West End in 2023 with Sheridan Smith."

Blood Brothers performs at the Millennium Forum from Tuesday, February 17 until Saturday, February 21.

Tickets are now available from the box office. Telephone 71 264455 (option 1) or visit millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.
For years, the mechanical keyboard was the undisputed king of PC gaming peripherals. Gamers spent endless hours debating Cherry MX Reds versus Blues and obsessing over tactile bumps. But recently, a new challenger has usurped the throne in the competitive scene. Hall Effect (HE) keyboards are rapidly becoming the gold standard for esports professionals, promising a level of speed and precision that traditional mechanical switches simply cannot physically match.

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Magnets versus metal

To understand why Hall Effect keyboards are superior for gaming, you must first understand the limitations of a standard mechanical switch. In a traditional keyboard, pressing a key pushes a plastic stem down until two metal contacts touch to complete a circuit. It is a binary system where the key is either off or on.

Hall Effect switches remove the metal contacts entirely. Instead, they use a magnet attached to the key stem and a sensor on the circuit board below. As you press the key, the magnet moves closer to the sensor, measuring the strength of the magnetic field. This allows the keyboard to know exactly how far down the key is pressed at any given millisecond. This analog data unlocks software features that make these keyboards special.

Rapid Trigger

The primary reason to buy a Hall Effect keyboard is a feature called Rapid Trigger. On a normal mechanical keyboard, once you press a key, you must release it past a fixed reset point before you can press it again. This introduces a physical delay between actions.

Rapid Trigger eliminates this dead zone. Because the sensors constantly track the magnets position, the switch can reset the instant you start lifting your finger. This happens regardless of how deep the key was pressed.

Also read: ROG Ally X vs Legion Go vs MSI Claw 8 AI+: Which handheld Windows gaming PC is the best in 2025?

This is a massive advantage for first-person shooters like Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant. In these games, counter-strafing is a critical mechanic where you must stop moving immediately to fire an accurate shot. With Rapid Trigger, you can strafe left, lift your finger, and immediately stop. It shaves valuable milliseconds off your reaction time.

Customisable actuation points

The other major advantage is adjustable actuation. Since the switch reads a range of depth, you can tell the software exactly when you want a key to register. You might set your WASD movement keys to an ultra-sensitive 0.1mm for instant response while keeping your Grenade key at a deep 3.0mm to prevent accidental misclicks. This flexibility allows a single keyboard to have a typing profile with deep actuation for work and a hair-trigger profile for gaming.

The trade-offs

Hall Effect keyboards are not perfect. They are significantly more expensive than standard mechanical boards due to the cost of sensors. Additionally, the typing feel is almost exclusively linear. If you prefer the tactile bump or click of traditional switches, you may find HE switches smooth but somewhat lifeless.

For casual gamers playing single-player adventures, a Hall Effect keyboard is likely overkill. A good mechanical board will serve you just as well. However, if you play competitive shooters or rhythm games where every millisecond of latency dictates the winner, Hall Effect technology is objectively better. It removes the physical limitations of mechanical switches and leaves your own reaction time as the only bottleneck.

Also read: Remembering Call of Duty co-creator Vince Zampella: The major games he created
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In March we spoke to Joanne Murphy of the Dundalk Sub Aqua Search and Rescue Club for Louth Life magazine.

As a dedicated member of the Dundalk Sub Aqua Search and Rescue Unit for over two decades, Joanne Murphy has spent years navigating the depths, not just for the love of diving, but also to bring comfort and closure to families in need.

Joannes journey into diving began in 2003 when she first discovered the sport while on holiday. Enthralled by the experience, she sought out a local diving club upon her return home and quickly became a committed member. I remember my first Irish dive in Mulroy Bay, Donegal, she recalls. It was cold, but absolutely incredible. It was gorgeous and I remember feeling this is exactly what I wanted to do.

Beyond the thrill of sport diving, Joanne soon found a deeper calling. By 2005, she had completed her specialist training and became a certified rescue diver. Her role within the unit is both physically and emotionally demanding, often involving the search for missing persons. Theres always a family waiting, hoping for closure, she explains. You realise youre part of a small group and that you have an important job to do.

The work of the Dundalk Sub Aqua Search and Rescue Unit is not for the faint-hearted. Recovering remains and aiding in search efforts is challenging, but Joanne finds solace in knowing that her team plays a vital role in helping families move forward.

The longer that [a person missing] goes on, the more distressing that is for the family. After we have found them then theyre able to move forward with their grief and move forward into the next part of the grieving process.

Over the years, Joanne has been recognised for her dedication, including receiving a ten-year service medal from the Coast Guard. She has also taken on leadership roles within the club, serving as chairwoman for four years, secretary for five, and now as the clubs Safety Officer.

Read Next: Dundalk Sub Aqua to hold New Years Eve bucket collection

After all these years, Joanne remains deeply passionate about diving and encourages others to give it a try.

The underwater world is incredible; it's like leaving the planet. Theres a beautiful underwater world that you really cant believe exists.

For those considering joining, Joannes advice is simple: Its worth a try. The friends that you make and the places you will see are incredible. Theres a great bunch of people there to help you through training. It has been a real joy in my life.
After the lead-up to Christmas and the family-filled chaos of the day itself, St Stephens Day can feel like a welcome relief, making your way through the ample leftovers of food.

Chefs, even if they have the day off, are still likely to be cooking on Christmas Day for their families, so a low-effort meal is in order. Heres what top chefs and cookery writers like to create with the leftovers.

Rick Stein

December 26 for me is leftover turkey, leftover ham, baked potatoes with lots of butter, winter salad, cabbage salad with sort of beetroot in it, celery, nuts, apple, cabbage and some mayo, sort of slightly coleslaw thing, and lots and lots of condiments; chutneys and pickles, and so when I get, like, I dont know, 10 jars of stuff out of the fridge and the cupboard to serve with it. You have it cold except the baked potatoes.

Thats almost as enjoyable as Christmas lunch or dinner, says Stein, who also enjoys making bubble and squeak cakes - which I find delicious - or a Mexican taco. You use the turkey, chop it and reheat it, then put various Mexican flavours like coriander, raw onion, tomato, chilli, smoky pepper, chipotle, maybe some cream, then you make a fresh slow-cooked taco with it.

Rick Steins Christmas: Recipes, Memories & Stories For The Festive Season, BBC Books, is available now.

Donal Skehan

Were all about the leftovers, says Donal Skehan. You want something different after such traditional food the day before.

I do a lovely turkey banh mi I borrow from Vietnamese cuisine. I love those fabulous crusty baguette sandwiches with pate and pickled vegetables and then you can stuff it with leftover turkey, leftover ham, and its absolutely gorgeous.

If youre still in indulgence mode, I do a lovely mac and cheese, extra-gorgeous as you can fold through the contents of the leftovers of your cheese board, and add ham, turkey, whatever you fancy. To be honest, I tend to kind of go towards fresh flavours and a lot of Asian ingredients. I love crispy, crunchy salads with the leftover scraps.

Donals Real Time Recipes, by Donal Skehan, Yellow Kite, Hodder & Stoughton

James Martin

I cook Christmas Day, says James. Im at home cooking, Ive got my family around, but the 26th really is a time we kind of chill out as chefs. I think weve done our bit, its somebody elses turn now.

So what does the ITV Saturday Morning star rustle up?

Toasties are my thing - Im just obsessed with them at the moment. I want them to come back. Toasties used to be really popular in the Seventies and Eighties.

Weve got bloody air fryers. The toastie machine, I want to be the new air fryer. Its bloody great.

Caramelised onions and a bit of stuffing, on a bit of beef with some cheese. You put it in a toastie with sliced roast beef or stuff like that. But I bloody love it.

James Martins Saturday Morning Cookbook, by James Martin,Quadrille

Clodagh McKenna

The Cork chef says: I love a Christmas sandwich on St Stephens Day; turkey, crispy cos lettuce, I get my cranberry sauce, and I mix it with the mayonnaise and put that on top. I put stuffing on there, tomato.

Usually, if we have a bigger crowd around and were all out walking so its more of a kind of a supper thing.

Ill make a turkey curry, and Ill make it with butternut squash in it and a coconut base which is really yummy. Or if Ive cooked a ham, I do love a ham pie, which can be really delicious as well.

Clodaghs Happy Cooking, by Clodagh McKenna,Kyle Books, 25

Jon Watts

St Stephens Day, for me, is Christmas without the chaos, says Jon. All the good bits stay, the food, the family, the slow morning, but the pressure melts away. It feels like the first proper exhale after the big day, and it is also when my head naturally starts drifting toward the New Year and what is coming next.

I always spend it with family, usually still eating and drinking our way through the day. People assume I take a break from cooking, but that never really happens. I love the rhythm of it too much. The actual break comes a day or two later when I finally realise I have become 40% gravy!

Leftovers are the whole point of St Stephens Day in my house. Turkey is my non-negotiable, and my absolute comfort move is the simplest one, thick slices of turkey tucked into soft bread with butter and a pinch of salt. It is a small tradition that never gets old. But turkey is incredibly versatile, so I like pushing it in different directions. It is brilliant in a creamy casserole or folded into a proper pie with leeks and tarragon. One of my favourites is throwing it into a quick curry with coconut milk, tomatoes, and whatever veg is hanging about.

I also love using leftover pigs in blankets as the base of a hearty hash, or stirring chopped stuffing into an omelette, trust me, it works.

Speedy Comfort, by Jon Watts Bloomsbury Publishing, Hardback

Panettone Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Theres always panettone left over at Christmas.

There is so much seemingly wrong about this combination of melted, rich cheese with golden toasted sweet bread, yet - by some kind of alchemy - the two work exceptionally together, says cookery writer Skye McAlpine.

Trust me on the addition of mustard: you need a slick of something sharp and peppery to cut through the glorious greasy, buttery richness of the whole affair (indeed, by the same principle, this would be good with a few cornichons or pickled onions on the side).

Trust me also on the mayonnaise: I know it seems egregious to slather it over something as delicately flavoured as a slice of panettone, but you wont taste it. I promise. The mayonnaise seemingly evaporates into nothingness, but the combination of its constituent parts - eggs and olive oil - paves the way for a perfectly golden exterior on the sandwich.

Skye McAlpine's panettone grilled cheese sandwich recipe. Picture: Skye McAlpine/PA

This makes for a gloriously rich and indulgent breakfast, especially for those who like to start the day with something savoury, but I am also quite partial to a grilled cheese sandwich for supper, with a little crisp green salad on the side.

Ingredients

(Prep: 10 minutes, makes one)

80-90g panettone

10g salted butter

2 heaped tsps mayonnaise

1tsp Dijon mustard

2 heaped tbsp grated mild Cheddar

Method

1. Slice panettone into 2 evenly (and roughly equal) sized pieces. If its a round, crossways section, I like to cut it on the diagonal, so that when sandwiched together you have a rounded triangular sandwich.

2. Set a non-stick pan over a medium heat and melt butter. Spread mayo over 1 side of each of the pieces of panettone. Now turn a slice over so its mayonnaise-coated side is facing downwards and spread with a thin layer of mustard, then top with the grated cheese. Sandwich together with the second slice of panettone, mayonnaise-coated side facing upwards this time, then set in the pan.

3. Fry gently over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the bread turns golden, then carefully flip the sandwich on to the other side and fry for a further 2-3 minutes, until golden on both sides and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.

Yule Leftover Ragu

Throw everything into this pasta on St Stephens Day, by chef Tim Siadatan.

Slightly dry, fridge-cold turkey meat and stuffing? Perfect. A few lonely pigs in blankets and the sludgy fat theyve set in. The one sad sprout, the roast potato that didnt quite make it... and lets not forget the dregs of leftover gravy.

Theres no hard, fast rule on what to include (though Id draw the line at bread or cranberry sauce). The key is to lean heavily on the meat, with a little veg - a sensible ratio is 70% to 30%.

Ingredients (serves 4)

About 400g dried pasta (linguine or spaghetti if you have it)

About 350g leftover cooked meat (turkey, duck, goose, sausage and chestnut stuffing, pigs in blankets, etc.)

About 150g leftover cooked veg/pulses (Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, cavolo nero, pumpkin, carrots, roast potato, lentils, etc.)

1 heaped tbsp leftover fat (duck, goose, turkey or sausage fat) or a glug (about 40ml) of olive oil

50ml Marsala (or Vermouth or sherry)

About 150ml gravy (or milk will do if the gravy is finished)

75ml single or double cream (or creme fraiche or mascarpone)

50g unsalted butter, cubed

1tbsp finely chopped parsley (if you have it)

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Parmesan (or a good mature Cheddar or Comte), finely grated, to finish

Padella's Christmas leftover ragu. Picture: Sam A Harris/PA

Method

1. For the pasta, in a large cooking pot, bring 4-5 litres water to the boil and add a fistful of salt. Finely chop your cooked meat. Chop the veg and pulses slightly coarser than the meat.

2. Heat fat or olive oil in a saucepan or flameproof casserole large enough to easily fit all the ingredients, including the cooked pasta. Add chopped meat and fry over a medium heat until just starting to brown. Add chopped veg/pulses, stir and continue to fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

3. Add Marsala and stir for 30 seconds, then add gravy (or milk). Turn heat down to a low simmer and cook gently for 5 minutes. Take off heat, stir in cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Drop pasta into boiling water and follow packet directions for timing, but take 2 minutes off recommended cooking time.

5. Drain pasta as soon as its ready, keeping two mugs of pasta water. Add pasta to ragu along with half a mug (about 120ml) of pasta water, the butter and chopped parsley, if using. Stir over medium heat until butter is melted, the sauce is smooth and creamy, and the pasta is al dente (firm to bite but easy to chew) and fully coated. If sauce is too dry, add splashes of water to loosen it as you stir - you want the pasta to be loose and for strands to slide freely over each other as you stir.

6. Serve on hot plates, finished with grated Parmesan (or other cheese). A peppery, herby green salad dressed in lemon oil sits well alongside.

St Stephens Day Curry

For a low-effort, high-reward meal.

Leftover turkey is my favourite Christmas food and Ill always buy a bigger bird than I need, so I can enjoy it after the day, says chef Jon Watts.

This recipe turns those wonderful leftovers into a tasty curry. Over the rest of the year, you can also substitute cold roast chicken, or rotisserie chicken from the supermarket. Serve with rice and naan, if you like.

Jon Watts' best-of-Christmas curry. Picture: Andrew Burton/PA

Ingredients (serves 4)

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

1tbsp vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

3 cardamom pods

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated

20g root ginger, peeled and finely grated

3tbsp mild curry powder

1tbsp tomato puree

400g can of chopped tomatoes

300ml chicken stock, or vegetable stock

400g leftover cooked turkey, shredded

50ml plain yogurt

2tsp garam masala

Coriander leaves, to serve (optional)

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium-high heat. Add the onion and cardamom pods and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion softens.

2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for a further minute.

3. Now add curry powder and tomato puree and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Pour in tomatoes and stock, stir well, then bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium, then simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken.

5. Add turkey, then cover with a lid and simmer for a further 5-10 minutes.

6. Stir through the yogurt and garam masala, then taste for seasoning and serve, scattered with coriander.
Conditional planning permission has been granted for a large scale residential development (LRD) on the outer suburbs of Cork city.

The plans, lodged by Whitestone Corner Properties Ltd in July, were given the green-light by Cork City Council on Monday.

The development will see the construction of 114 apartments, comprising a mix of one-, two- and three-bed units, at a site along the Ballyhooly Road in Whites Cross, on the outer suburbs of Ballyvolane, approximately 2.7km from Cork city centre.

The approved plans will see the demolition and removal of the existing industrial building on-site for the construction of the complex, ranging in height from four to five storeys, comprising 45 one-bed, 43 two-bed, and 26 three-bed units across three blocks.

As part of the development, provisions will also be made for an additional pedestrian accessway, linking the adjoining Longview development, which surrounds the proposed development on the northern, eastern and southern boundaries.

Site development works will further include the implementation of a new footpath, cycle path, and bus stop along the Ballyhooly Road, which the development fronts on the western boundary.

More than 30 objections to the development were submitted in advance of Cork City Councils decision, with concerns including privacy and safety for children, insufficient parking facilities and concerns for unnecessary unit density.

One local resident, who submitted an objection, stated that the new proposed pedestrian accessway would impact the security and safety of children in the Longview development as a public shortcut would expose the estate to unknown foot traffic, and that those who purchased homes in the Longview development did so under the impression that it would be private and enclosed with no future link indicated at the time of purchase.

Cork City Council ultimately decided to approve the application for the LRD, subject to 45 conditions.

One condition stipulates that in the interest of orderly development and support of enhanced sustainable mobility, full details of the pedestrian link between the subject development and the adjoining Longview estate shall be submitted for the written agreement of the Planning Authority.

It further states that no physical barrier or fencing shall be erected at the connection point to allow for the unimpeded pedestrian access between the Longview estate and the hereby permitted development, and the pedestrian access shall be made open to the public after the completion of Block B, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Planning Authority.

Another condition stipulates that in the interest of the residential amenity, working hours during site clearance and construction will be restricted to between 8am and 6pm on Mondays to Fridays, and between 8am and 4pm on Saturdays. Any deviation from these times must be prior agreed with the Planning Authority.
Issues with staffing, training and absenteeism were recorded in a recent HIQA inspection report into Bantry General Hospital.

Overall, the hospital was marked compliant in two areas, substantially compliant in six and partially compliant in three.

Patients were very complimentary about the staff and the care they received in the hospital, and this feedback was consistent with what inspectors observed throughout the inspection.

However, inspectors noted an over reliance on agency and specific-purpose contract arrangements at consultant level to cover permanent approved posts.

The hospital was funded for 151.70 WTE (whole time equivalent) nursing posts, inclusive of management and other grades, of which 146.43 WTE were filled, meaning there was a vacancy rate of 3.5%. Inspectors noted that a risk was identified on the risk register in relation to the recruitment and retention of nursing staff.

The pharmacy department had an approved staffing complement of 1.5 WTE pharmacist posts, comprising one WTE pharmacist executive manager and 0.5 WTE basic grade pharmacist, in addition to one WTE pharmaceutical technician post.

All posts were filled at the time of inspection. However, inspectors were informed by staff that the 1.5 WTE resource provided pharmacy cover not only for BGH but also across four additional service locations, including mental health and community services. This distribution of resources was reported to impact the capacity of the hospital pharmacy service.

While training compliance with national clinical handover guidance was recorded as 100% for nursing staff, compliance with mandatory children first training was 82% and compliance with sepsis training was 80%.

The hospitals absenteeism rate in July 2025 was 8.94%, representing an increase from 8.23% in July 2024. The current rate remains above the HSEs target absenteeism rate of less than 4%.

Staff who spoke with inspectors were aware of, and had access to, occupational health services and the employee assistance programme. Inspectors were informed that back-to-work interviews were being conducted by the hospital duty officer.

The HSE told HIQA after the inspection that a targeted recruitment plan is underway to fill approved permanent consultant posts, and that improving compliance with essential and mandatory training is a priority for the team.

They said: We acknowledge the need to align our absenteeism rate with the HSE target of 4%. The hospital is reviewing current absenteeism management processes, including early intervention, return-to-work supports, and strengthened adherence to the HSE Managing Attendance Policy.
An aggravated burglary charge was brought against a 39-year-old Kanturk man arising out of an alleged offence at a house in Mayfield last August.

Malcolm Kelly of Coolageela, Kanturk, County Cork, appeared at Cork District Court where Detective Garda Martina Drew brought additional charges against him.

Malcolm Kelly had been previously charged with burgling a house at Lagan Grove, Mayfield, Cork, and causing criminal damage to the property on August 11.

At Cork District Court, two additional charges have been brought against him.

He was charged with aggravated burglary at the house in question, the particulars alleging that he produced a hammer in a manner likely to intimidate another person.

Malcolm Kelly was also charged with making a threat to a man at this house that he would kill him or cause him serious harm, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

On the application of Sergeant John Dineen, Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case to allow time for preparation and service of the book of evidence.

It is not anticipated that this will be done until sometime in early 2026.
A Meath man who stole beer from a convenience store while on a visit to West Cork told the district court he did so because he was langers drunk at the time.

Bantry District Court heard that John Nelson, aged 56 from Parnell Park, Navan, Co Meath was visiting friends in Schull, Co. Cork, in March 2025. Sergeant Trish OSullivan told the court Nelson went into the Centra Shop on Main Street Schull at 1.50pm on March 22, 2025.

While in the shop he put three packs of beer into a rucksack and put the bag on his back. He picked up some other items and brought them to the till and paid for them but he did not pay for the beers valued at 26.15.

Nelson left the store without paying for the beers and was later identified as the suspect. The court was told Nelson had 19 previous convictions, including one for theft, and had brought compensation to court for the injured party.

Defence solicitor, Flor Murphy, said Nelson was a native of Co Meath who had issues with alcohol over the years. The court was told there was a gap in Nelsons offending from 2010 to the incident in Schull and he appeared to have slipped while on the visit.

Mr Murphy said his client had previously worked but was no longer able to because of a hip infection. Nelson told the court he had been off alcohol for five weeks and previously had been drinking every day.

Judge Joanne Carroll asked Nelson why he had gone into the shop and taken the items to which he replied: I was langers drunk.

The judge said Nelson had previously had the benefit of the Probation Act and she convicted him of the theft and sentenced him to three months in prison suspended for 12 months. The sentence was suspended on condition that he attends alcohol treatment services.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
On the River Lee I saw a Cork City Fire Brigade crew aboard their rigid inflatable boat putting a new outboard engine through its paces.

Swift water rescue has become a feature of fire-brigade operations. The city brigade responds to between 50 and 80 river rescues every year. The engine upgrade will further enhance response capability in emergencies.

Pat Poland, a former member of the brigade, has been researching the origins of the Marine Service and Maritime Inscription 1939-46, which was the precursor of the naval service. He has unearthed interesting old pictures as part of his research of the Emergency years, as the Second World War was known in Ireland.

Pat sent me a virtual photograph of former naval service vessels, created with the help of Chat GPT artificial intelligence. The image is reproduced at the top of this column and it envisages how the former naval corvettes Macha, Maev, and Cliona might have looked at Christmas 75 years ago passing the former Daunt Rock lightship.

To create the image, I simply described what I wanted to the Chat. Its a bit unnerving, actually.

Indeed it is, Pat, but a nice image on this Christmas Eve.

Jakub Reaches South Africa

Flying the Irish flag, Jakub Ziemkiewiczs 19ft Bibi of Cork Harbour has reached Cape Town, placed seventh in the McIntyre mini-globe round-the-world race. His arrival was described by race organisers: Blasted flat by a sudden gust and a 35-knot headwind at the harbour entrance, he ducked into a private marina for the night. The next morning, he clawed off a lee shore breakwater, entering the harbour with just enough mainsail to save Bibi. He arrived in Cape Town still shaking, wearing a Snoopy aviator hat.

This was the end of a 15,000km race leg, including through the Southern and Indian Oceans, which was very testing for the sailors. Their average speed was 5.1 knots, though in gusts some reported eight knots. Thats very challenging for these plywood, home-made yachts, which faced wind gusts of 40-45 knots. Eleven of the original 15 starters remain in the race, which began at the end of December last year, from Lagos in Portugal.

All have faced incredible challenges and demands. None of it has been easy, say the McIntyre race team.

The next part of the race, leg four, will start from Cape Town after the fleet has spent Christmas there, on Sunday, December 28, at 12.00 UTC (thats 2pm local time) heading to St Helena.

After an eight-day pit stop there, they sail onto Recife, in Brazil, another pit stop and then leg five to the finish at Antigua of the total 24,300 nautical mile (44,000km) race. The yachts are predicted to begin reaching there from March 23 next.

Head of Maritime College to Join Cork Port

The National Maritime College is losing another head to Cork Port. Paul Hegarty will be going there as chief commercial officer. This follows previous college head, Conor Mowlds, who also moved from NMCI to the ports commercial role. He has been chairing Cruise Ireland and is leaving the port for an international job in the maritime sector.

Matthew to be Scrapped?

When the MV Mathew finally moves from Cork Harbour, it could be scrapped. The drugs ship has been in the harbour since its detention on September 26, 2023. Periodic movements from Cork Ports Marino Point to either Passage West or Cork Dockyard have been necessary when the Point is needed for operational discharging of other ships.

Cork TD Seamus McGrath, a member of the Public Accounts Committee, has questioned why there wasnt more preparatory work to dispose of the bulk carrier. Revenue is responsible for the vessel, whose detention has cost the State 12m, so far. Regulatory issues in ship sales can be difficult. Scrapping will cost more. It could be another few months before there is a final decision, with weekly costs to maintain it about 100,000.

Thats a societal cost, says Revenue Commissioner director general Ruth Kennedy, given that its cargo was 137m of cocaine.

Thanks

Happy Christmas to all readers, with thanks for the emails and maritime news and comment. More marine news and comment on my SEASCAPES Podcast

tommacsweeneymaritimepodcast.ie.

Email me: tommacsweeneymarine@gmail.com.
Brazilian regulators have reached a settlement with Apple after a yearslong investigation into the company's App Store fee practices as well as its policies against third-party app stores. As first reported by Brazilian tech site tecnoblog , the nation's Administrative Council of Economic Defense (CADE) said it has accepted Apple's proposed agreement that will address claims of anticompetitive practices.

The agreement will allow for third-party payment processing methods for in-app purchases and reins in Apple's anti-steering efforts by allowing links to external websites for transactions. The settlement requires that these payment options be shown next to Apple's own. Apple must also allow third-party app stores to be installed on its devices, though the company is allowed to display warnings to users if they are written in a neutral and objective way.

A new fee structure has also been agreed to, with Apple applying no fee if users are directed to outside payment methods in a text-only way. The use of a clickable link or button for an external payment option will incur a 15 percent fee. Purchases made within Apple's App Store will still be subject to a 10 percent or 20 percent commission. Developers using Apples payment system would also be subject to a 5 percent transaction fee.

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Additionally a 5 percent "Core Technology Fee" would be levied against all app downloads from third-party app stores. This new structure bears similarities to policy and fee changes made after the EU passed its Digital Markets Act, with Apple allowing third-party app stores and external purchases subject to varying fees.
The State of New York will now require social media platforms to display warning labels similar to those found on cigarettes. The bill was passed by the New York Legislature in June and signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday. It will apply to any platforms that feature infinite scrolling, auto-play, like counts or algorithmic feeds. The labels will caution those on the platform about potential harm to young users' mental health.

Social media companies will be required to display these warning labels when a user first interacts with any of the features the state considers predatory. The warning will also be displayed periodically after that interaction.

"Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use," Gov. Hochul said in a statement . The law will apply when any of these platforms are being accessed from New York. Gov. Hochul also signed two bills into law last year aimed at protecting kids from social media.

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Concerns over the mental health effects of social media platforms on younger users have been mounting and government bodies have been increasingly taking action. A bill similar to the one in New York has been proposed in California . This year Australia became the first nation to ban social media for children, with Denmark soon to follow.

Last year the US surgeon general said social media should come with warning labels and highlighted data associating social media use with increased anxiety and depression in youth. The risks of social media use on children's mental health are multifactorial and are still being studied .

We've reached out to Meta, Snap and TikTok for comment and will update if we hear back.
Movies like "Soul" and "Coco" have introduced audiences to some of the most thoughtful animated storytelling about life's biggest questions. These films don't shy away from exploring death, purpose, and what makes life meaningful. Instead, they present these themes in ways that feel both accessible and deeply moving.

What makes these movies special is how they balance heavy topics with warmth and hope. They don't talk down to viewers or sugarcoat difficult realities. Rather, they create spaces where families can watch together and find their own meaning in the stories.

If you've been touched by these stories, you'll find plenty of other animated films that tackle similar subjects with the same heartfelt approach. Here are some we recommend.

'Up' (2009)

"Up" opens with one of animation's most heart-wrenching sequences. The film shows Carl Fredricksen's entire life with his wife Ellie in just a few minutes, ending with her death. After Ellie passes, Carl isolates himself in their home, holding onto memories and refusing to move forward.

The movie portrays grief through multiple stages, from shock to depression and eventually acceptance. Carl's journey with young Russell teaches that honoring the past doesn't mean staying stuck in it. Moving forward requires remaining open to new relationships and experiences while carrying cherished memories. The film demonstrates that life continues to offer purpose and connection even after profound loss.

'The Book of Life' (2014)

This visually stunning film explores Mexican Day of the Dead traditions through the story of Manolo, a young man torn between family expectations and his own dreams. The "Book of Life" features two afterlife realms: the Land of the Remembered, where spirits live vibrantly as long as they're remembered, and the Land of the Forgotten, where abandoned souls fade away.

Like "Coco," it celebrates the idea that love and memory keep the deceased alive in meaningful ways. The film also addresses themes of authenticity, showing Manolo's struggle to honor his family's bullfighting legacy while following his passion for music.

'Onward' (2020)

"Onward" offers a unique perspective on grief, particularly for those who never knew the person they're mourning. Brothers Ian and Barley receive a magical spell to bring their deceased father back for one day, but it goes wrong, leaving them with only his lower half. Ian desperately wants to meet the father who died before he was born. "Onward's" emotional revelation shows that Ian has already experienced a father's love through his brother Barley, who stepped into that role.

'Kubo and the Two Strings' (2016)

This stop-motion film uses Japanese folklore to explore how memories define us. Young Kubo faces his grandfather, the Moon King, who wants to take his remaining eye and strip him of emotions. Through his journey, Kubo learns that memoriesboth painful and joyfulare what make us human.

The film presents storytelling itself as a way to process grief and keep loved ones alive. Rather than erasing the past to avoid pain, Kubo discovers that remembering fully, including the difficult parts, gives life its meaning.

'How to Train Your Dragon 2' (2014)

This sequel confronts loss directly when Hiccup's father, Stoick, sacrifices himself to save his son. The Viking funeral scene shows the community honoring Stoick's memory while Hiccup struggles with feelings of inadequacy. He questions whether he can ever live up to his father's legacy as a leader. His mother, Valka, reminds him that his father always believed in his unique strengths.

The film demonstrates that we honor the deceased not by becoming them, but by embracing who we are. Hiccup learns that grief doesn't mean abandoning his father's memoryit means carrying forward the values Stoick instilled while forging his own path as chief.

'The Iron Giant' (1999)

Set during the Cold War, this film follows young Hogarth and a giant robot from space. When the Giant encounters a dead deer, Hogarth explains death, telling him, "It's bad to kill, but it's not bad to die." Later, when a nuclear missile threatens the town, the Iron Giant sacrifices himself to save everyone. He chooses to be "Superman" rather than the weapon he was designed to be. The ending reveals the Giant's parts slowly reassembling, suggesting his consciousness survived.

'Grave of the Fireflies' (1988)

This Studio Ghibli film presents one of animation's most devastating portrayals of death. Set during World War II's final days, siblings Seita and Setsuko lose their mother in the Kobe firebombings. The film opens with Seita dying of starvation at a train station, then flashes back to show how the children struggled to survive. As food becomes scarce, Setsuko dies from malnutrition, and Seita follows weeks later.
Universal Pictures has released the first official trailer for Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," offering the clearest look yet at the director's ambitious take on Homer's classic poem ahead of its 2026 theatrical debut.

The new trailer centers on Matt Damon's Odysseus, showing him at the end of the Trojan War and on the dangerous sea voyage back to Ithaca. Viewers see glimpses of large-scale battle scenes, storm-tossed ships, and a looming Trojan Horse, confirming Nolan's focus on both spectacle and the emotional cost of war.

The footage also teases encounters with mysterious creatures and cavernous, shadowy locations, hinting at a blend of grounded historical detail and mythic horror, according to The Guardian. Nolan's signature use of practical effects and large-format cinematography is evident in the sweeping IMAX shots of oceans, cliffs and sprawling ancient cities, with the film reportedly shot entirely on 70mm IMAX cameras.

Damon leads an ensemble that includes Anne Hathaway as Penelope and Tom Holland as Telemachus, Odysseus' son, who sets out to learn what happened to his missing father. The cast also features Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Elliot Page, and others in key roles drawn from the poem's gods, allies, and enemies.

Brief shots in the trailer show Hathaway's Penelope waiting in Ithaca as rival suitors circle, while Holland's Telemachus appears in tense exchanges on stormy shores and in firelit halls, Variety reported. Pattinson's voice is heard in earlier footage as a narrator describing a broken kingdom and a missing leader, suggesting a central role in framing Odysseus' legend and the political stakes at home.

"The Odyssey" is Nolan's first feature since the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer and continues his partnership with Universal Pictures. With an estimated budget of around $250 million and a shoot that spanned locations such as Morocco, Greece, Italy, Scotland, and Iceland, it is described as one of the most technically ambitious and expensive projects of his career.

The trailer's online debut follows a longer six-minute prologue that screened exclusively in select IMAX 70mm theaters earlier this month, showcasing extended war sequences and early glimpses of the Cyclops Polyphemus. "The Odyssey" is scheduled to open in theaters on 17 July 2026, with Universal planning a major IMAX rollout that positions the film as one of next summer's biggest event releases, as per IMDB.
Many Netflix recommendations come with a catch: they require knowledge of previous seasons, prequels, or existing franchises to fully understand what's happening on screen.

Fortunately, Netflix has a collection of original films that work as complete standalone stories, requiring no prior context to enjoy. These films span multiple genres, from crime dramas and action thrillers to survival stories and intimate character studies. Here are our top recommendations.

'Hit Man' (2023)

Directed by Richard Linklater, "Hit Man" follows Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered psychology professor who works as an undercover operative for the New Orleans Police Department. His job is to pose as a contract killer and entrap people who solicit murder. Gary is highly skilled at creating convincing false personas to expose would-be criminals.

The story shifts when Gary breaks protocol to help Madison, a woman attempting to escape an abusive marriage. Rather than entrapping her as he would normally do, Gary begins a genuine relationship with her while maintaining his cover identity. The film explores how Gary's professional deception becomes entangled with real emotion.

The narrative is loosely based on a true story.

'Rebel Ridge' (2024)

Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier, "Rebel Ridge" centers on Terry Richmond, a former Marine who arrives in a small town to post bail for his cousin. When corrupt police officers seize the cash Terry carries, claiming it is proceeds from illegal drug activity, he becomes trapped in the town's broken justice system.

Terry attempts to navigate legal channels to recover the money and free his cousin, but finds himself at odds with Police Chief Sandy Burnett and the entrenched corruption within the department.

'Society of the Snow' (2023)

Directed by J.A. Bayona, "Society of the Snow" dramatizes the 1972 crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 in the Andes Mountains. The film follows the members of the Old Christians Club rugby team who were aboard the aircraft when it crashed in remote, snow-covered peaks.

The narrative covers the 72 days the survivors spent trapped in the mountains with limited supplies and extreme conditions. The film documents the group's struggle for survival, the decisions they made to endure, and the psychological and physical toll of their ordeal. The production was filmed in actual snowy locations and features mostly Uruguayan and Argentine newcomers portraying the real survivors.

'The Irishman' (2019)

Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman" is a crime epic spanning several decades. The film follows Frank Sheeran, a truck driver who becomes a hitman and eventually rises through the ranks of the mob while forming a close association with Jimmy Hoffa, the powerful Teamster leader.

The narrative traces Frank's involvement with the Bufalino crime family and his complicated relationship with Hoffa. The film uses visual effects to show the characters aging across the story's timeline, from the 1950s through their later years. It covers major historical events and criminal activities while exploring Frank's rise and eventual decline.

'Marriage Story' (2019)

Written and directed by Noah Baumbach, "Marriage Story" follows a couple navigating divorce proceedings. Adam Driver portrays a stage director, and Scarlett Johansson portrays an actress. Their marriage, once connected to their shared artistic world, begins to unravel as they live on opposite coasts.

The film documents their legal battle, with scenes split between New York City and Los Angeles. It depicts the emotional toll, financial complications, and logistical challenges of divorce. The narrative includes interactions with divorce attorneys and court processes, revealing how the separation affects both individuals.

'Roma' (2018)

Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, "Roma" is a black-and-white drama set in Mexico City during the early 1970s. The film centers on Cleo, an indigenous domestic worker employed by a middle-class family.

The narrative follows Cleo's daily life caring for the household and her personal experiences occurring simultaneously within the family's home. The film explores class divisions, family dynamics, and social change through Cleo's perspective.
The curtain has finally fallen on Stranger Things, and across Hollywood, one question refuses to fade. What happens next for Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp now that Netflix has aired the final episode of its global phenomenon?

The series ended production in the US during 2025, closing a chapter that shaped both actors from childhood into household names. Their futures matter because neither walked away unprepared.

Stranger Things Season 5 delivers an emotional goodbye while also marking a clean break. Netflix says farewell to one of its biggest franchises, while two of its most recognisable faces step into careers already mapped out. How they planned that move explains why this ending feels more strategic than sudden.

Brown Leaves Hawkins Behind

Brown finished filming, knowing her next phase had already begun. Her role as Eleven ended quietly, though her workload never slowed. Netflix continues to anchor her career, with several projects already wrapped or underway.

Brown reshaped her image long before Stranger Things closed. Films such as 'Enola Holmes', 'Enola Holmes 2', 'Damsel', and 'The Electric State' propelled her beyond child-star status.

Each project reinforced her position as both lead actor and producer, while keeping strong ties with Netflix. For the actress, that steady build matters now.

Instead of scrambling for roles, Brown exits Hawkins with momentum and leverage.

From Star to Power Player

Brown has been clear about her feelings on closure. She compared leaving Stranger Things to finishing school, expressing gratitude without regret. She revealed that the long shoots needed for the series limited her outside work, which influenced her readiness for change.

That shift started years ago through PCMA Productions. Brown moved behind the scenes while still leading on screen. 'Enola Holmes' became proof of that plan, with the franchise cementing her influence inside Hollywood.

'Damsel' followed, landing among Netflix's most-watched English-language films. Then came 'The Electric State', released in 2025 and directed by the Russo brothers, positioning Brown firmly within large-scale adult storytelling.

Brown's Packed Slate After Stranger Things Season 5

Brown shows no signs of slowing. Production on 'Enola Holmes 3' wrapped in the UK, with post-production continuing. Netflix eyes a late 2025 or 2026 release, revisiting unresolved storylines around Moriarty and Watson.

She also pivots genres. Brown stars alongside Gabriel LaBelle in 'Just Picture It', a Netflix romantic comedy built around unexpected futures revealed through mysterious phone images.

Another role remains under discussion. Brown holds final talks to portray Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug in 'Perfect,' directed by Gia Coppola, focusing on Strug's famous vault with an injured ankle at the 1996 Games.

Beyond acting, Brown develops original stories. Her novel 'Nineteen Steps', inspired by her grandmother and the Bethnal Green tube disaster, is being adapted for Netflix. She also develops a new series titled 'Prism' with Rachel Brosnahan and AGBO.

Life Beyond The Cameras

Away from sets, Brown continues growing Florence by Mills. Launched in 2019, the brand spans skincare, makeup, fragrance, and lifestyle lines stocked by major retailers, including Boots.

Brown's personal life also shifted. After marrying Jake Bongiovi in May 2024, Brown later announced their daughter's adoption. She addressed farm living directly, saying, 'I'm doing it because I love it'. She added, 'If you're not picking up horse s--- or washing a cow with your bare hands, then that life is not made for you.'

Noah Schnapp Closes a Long Chapter

Noah Schnapp also leaves Stranger Things with intention. His portrayal of Will Byers carried much of the series' emotional weight. Season 5 arrived in three parts, giving Schnapp a measured goodbye to a role played since childhood.

Rather than chasing another show, Schnapp shifted focus earlier. Right now, his education and business ventures take the centre stage of his life.

Education Comes First

Schnapp enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania on 2022, studying business and entrepreneurship at Wharton. Graduation is expected in May 2026 after balancing classes with filming.

He expressed that for him, education is essential. 'Education has always been a priority for me,' Schnapp said. 'It was never a question of whether I would attend college, but rather what I would study', he added.

On top of his acting career, finishing his studies opens up new interests and opportunities. Schnapp later said, 'I've discovered a potential interest in writing or directing my own projects'.

Building a Business Empire

Entrepreneurship now defines Schnapp's next act. He co-founded TBH, a vegan hazelnut cocoa spread, at seventeen. Now, the brand has raised over $700,000 and reached more than 2,500 US stores.

He followed with TenderFix, a delivery-only chicken tender brand operating from nearly 1,000 IHOP locations. In 2023, Schnapp also co-founded Drifts, a creator-led footwear brand that recorded $850,000 in sales during its first month on Amazon.

In September 2025, Schnapp fronted the 30th anniversary relaunch of the 'Got Milk?' campaign, blending celebrity reach with business credibility.

Acting Will Not Define Everything

Schnapp has made his position clear. 'I've played Will Byers for so long, I'm so ready to play another character.' He added, 'I want to defy expectations and do something completely different.'

Reflecting on the Stranger Things finale, he shared 'Both these chapters of my childhood are closing.' He also described that moment as 'both daunting and exhilarating'.

As Stranger Things ends, neither career pauses. Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp leave Hawkins not uncertain, but prepared, already shaping what comes next beyond Netflix.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered officials to step up production of missiles and construct more factories to meet his military's growing need for the projectiles, state media said Friday.

Pyongyang has significantly increased missile testing in recent years -- aimed, analysts say, at improving precision strike capabilities, challenging the United States as well as South Korea, and testing weapons before exporting them to key ally Russia.

In a visit to munitions factories accompanied by top officials, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Kim had ordered the factories to prepare for a busy year ahead.

The North Korean leader said they needed "to further expand the overall production capacity" to keep pace with demand from Pyongyang's armed forces and ordered the building of new munitions plants, KCNA reported.

"The missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering up the war deterrent," Kim said.

North Korea and Russia have drawn closer since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago, and Pyongyang has sent troops to fight for Russia, along with artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems.

In return, Russia is sending North Korea financial aid, military technology and food and energy supplies, analysts say.

Washington has also pointed to evidence that Russia is stepping up support for North Korea, including providing help on advanced space and satellite technology, in return for its assistance in fighting Ukraine.

Analysts say satellite launchers and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) share much of the same underlying technology.

"With its ICBM program already at a stage widely seen as having achieved core objectives, Pyongyang is likely to further accelerate development next year," said Ahn Chan-il, a researcher originally from North Korea.

The country is likely to shift "focus toward testing and producing systems linked to potential exports to Russia -- including medium- and intermediate-range missiles," he added.

- Nuclear-powered sub -

Kim's visit was reported a day after state media said he had toured a nuclear submarine factory and vowed to counter the "threat" of South Korea producing its own such vessels with Washington's backing.

The North Korean leader also learned about research into "new underwater secret weapons", KCNA said.

North Korea is expected to "seek advanced military technologies from Russia, including nuclear-powered submarine capabilities and fighter jets, as it looks to address its air force's relative weakness," analyst Ahn told AFP.

Kim was reported Thursday to have overseen the test launch of new-type high-altitude long-range anti-air missiles over the Sea of Japan.

And he said that "new modernisation and production plans" would be unveiled at his ruling Korean Workers Party's first congress in half a decade, expected in early 2026.

cdl/oho/abs
SALEM, Ohio  When the pandemic exposed how vulnerable her family was living on their isolated Ohio homestead, with spotty internet, unreliable cell service and long distances between neighbors, Polly Givens started thinking about what would happen if everything went dark.

If things had really gotten bad, we would have no idea what was going on, no communication outside of our area, said Givens, a retired registered nurse and lifelong farmer in Jefferson County, Ohio.

So, she turned to amateur radio.

Givens quickly moved through the ranks and earned her amateur extra license 2 years ago, joining a local club where camaraderie and mentorship helped her navigate a world of electronics she had been totally unfamiliar with when she began her radio journey.

I had to learn the vocabulary first. You know, it would be like if you didnt know anything about medicine, and all of a sudden they threw you in the hospital, she said.

Now, with the call sign W8PIK  once her late father-in-laws  Givens operates from her 500-acre property, a mix of hardwoods, livestock and homesteading projects. She keeps multiple radios on hand, from handheld UHF and VHF units for local communication to high-frequency rigs capable of reaching Belgium at dawn.

Getting my signal out was a challenge. But the first time I did, I was trying to be real professional while Im talking to the other ham, and I was making an ass of myself, you know, like I said the wrong things and I was nervous. He was very gracious. And I got off, and I put down my mic, and I told my husband, Oh my gosh, I just talked to Indiana.

For Givens, ham radio is about more than long-distance signals. Its about connection, especially in rural areas where neighbors are miles apart. She participates in weekly nets, virtual check-ins with other operators, and events like the popular Parks on the Air program, where operators set up temporary stations in state parks and wildlife areas to contact other hams across the world.

Its so superficial on social media and other things, she said. The ham radio, its a much more intimate type of communication, even if its over the air.

When all else fails.

Shes hardly alone. Across the country, from rural farms and small towns to emergency shelters and even the International Space Station, amateur radio  often called ham radio in reference to old slang for an operator with a poor or heavy-handed keying style  connects people without relying on the internet, cell towers or power grids, blending technical skill with public service and community.

The American Radio Relay League, or ARRL  the national organization for amateur radio  counts about 160,000 members exploring communications, technology and global connection. The organization coordinates licensing, works closely with the Federal Communications Commission and trains volunteers who step in when conventional communication systems fail.

The emergency communications, thats our number one responsibility, said Bob Wilson, a longtime ARRL section manager from eastern Pennsylvania. That role, he explained, has defined amateur radio for more than a century. After World War II, the government recognized the value of having trained operators ready for emergencies. Today, tens of thousands of licensed hams participate in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, or ARES, supporting emergency managers, shelters and relief organizations during hurricanes, winter storms and power outages. When the sky falls and cell towers, internet and landlines fail, amateur radio still works.

Our motto in the amateur radio emergency service is, When all else fails, Wilson said.

For Wilson, its more than just the mission: Decades earlier, as a teenager just discovering the reach of radio, he experienced firsthand the quiet thrill of realizing how far a signal and his voice could travel. In 1978, after receiving his novice license, he climbed onto the roof of his familys row house outside Philadelphia to install a simple antenna. Using a three-watt Morse-code transmitter he built from a kit, he sent out a call.

CQ, he tapped out. Is anyone there?

A reply came back from Kentucky.

The first time you hear your call in Morse code coming back to you, its like you dont believe it. You are really shocked. I think that most people probably will never forget their first contact.

Benjamin Murray knows that feeling well.

Born prematurely in 1989 at just 1 pound, 10 ounces, Murray grew up legally blind with mild cerebral palsy and other challenges doctors once believed might limit his future. To help cover his medical bills, his parents founded People Works of Northwest Ohio, a family-run livestock farm and service organization where he still lives and works, anchoring his life to this day.

From the beginning, Murray gravitated toward sound and found the power in his own voice.

When I was 4 or 5, my parents got me my first tape recorder, Murray said. I wore that thing out within a month.

He discovered ham radio almost by accident. In 2002, colleagues at his county EMS headquarters, where he was volunteering, gave him a police scanner for Christmas. He began listening, learning voices and jotting down call signs long before ever speaking on the air. At 17, he joined the Fulton County Amateur Radio Club.

I became obsessed, he said. I bought and sold more than I can think of, just to listen on.

Murray earned his technician license in 2008, his general license in 2010 and his amateur extra  the highest level  in 2012. That same year, he helped establish a local testing program. Today, he works part-time as a board operator at WBNO-FM radio.

Just to walk this earth and be part of something so magical every day as far as PeopleWorks, and then doing the ham radio stuff on the side, and making friends because of it, and working in radio; I love communications dearly, and theres plenty of ways to do it, he said.

In a time when communication systems seem more complicated, fractured and fragile than ever, ham radio endures for its simplicity: just one person calling out, hoping to hear an answer back.

When radio reaches The Final Frontier.

Radio is even powerful enough to connect a small Midwestern city to the farthest reaches of human exploration. On Oct. 25, as the International Space Station streaked across the sky 265 miles above Terre Haute, Indiana, at 17,000 miles an hour, a young voice spoke into a microphone and crackled across the airwaves.

NA1SS, this is W9UUU. Do you copy? Over.

At first, there was only static. Then a voice answered back.

I hear you, I hear you. Loud and clear. Over.

It was astronaut Michael Fincke, standing in for planned speaker Jonny Kim, who was busy making space station repairs. With views stretching across North America and both oceans, Fincke had just made contact with students, museum staff, guests and a state senator gathered at the Terre Haute Childrens Museum.

The moment was the culmination of more than a year of work that began when Laurel Tincher, the museums program manager, noticed a brief line in a NASA email inviting organizations to apply for ARISS, or Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, a collaborative program with the space agency.

Tincher said her love of space started young, watching episodes of Star Trek on TV.

I thought about what it would have meant to me if I had the opportunity to connect with someone directly involved in space. That would have made my entire childhood right there; that would have been like a dream come true, she said.

The museum had just hosted its first amateur radio day with the Wabash Valley Amateur Radio Association.

Theyd actually been looking into it already, Tincher said. They just didnt have an organization to partner with.

What followed was a yearlong crash course in radio, space and logistics. The application required educational plans, sponsors, partnerships and letters of commitment. Once accepted, NASA and ARISS assigned mentors and required regular reports, meetings and photos.

The radio club purchased new equipment with their own money, practiced satellite contacts and chose the more complex route of building a direct end-to-end radio link instead of using a remote telebridge.

It was a whole learning curve of being able to hit those satellites, Tincher said.

Organizers carried antennas, plywood, horse mats and sandbags up to the roof, clocking an estimated 80 hours of labor just to outfit the building and make the contact possible.

The kids had their work cut out for them, too. To even submit a question, they had to participate in educational programs at the museum or the local planetarium. They rehearsed, learned how radio waves propagate, and how materials for spaceships and spacesuits behave in space.

Tincher said she didnt fully exhale until the final transmission faded. By then, she couldnt wait to get on the air herself. Over the course of the past year, she went from knowing very little about amateur radio to earning her own ham radio license and stepping into a leadership role as secretary of the Radio Association. What started as a museum program had become a bold leap forward. She now owns a handheld radio and an older Kenwood transceiver she picked up secondhand. Her goal, she said, is to tune in, listen and eventually start making contacts well beyond Indiana.

I just want to be able to tune it, she said, and hopefully start talking to people overseas, all over the world.

That sounds a lot like Kevin Berlens story. He is the outgoing president of the Wabash Valley Amateur Radio Association in Indiana, having been involved with the organization for about 40 years.

Amateur radio has been a big part of my life, he said. Got started when I was in my teens. Its led to basically my lifelong career. Ive been involved in communications electronics since I graduated from high school.

He called the collaboration with the Terre Haute Childrens Museum a once-in-a-lifetime experience that highlighted the versatility and relevance of ham radio in todays world.

Its not an outdated hobby, he said. It continues to grow. With just a radio and an antenna, you can communicate globally without relying on the internet or cell towers. Thats incredibly powerful, especially in emergencies. But beyond that, its a way to connect, to learn and to inspire the next generation.

To learn more about the American Radio Relay League, visit arrl.org.
Blenders Pride Fashion Tour brought its curtain call to this year's edition with a show-stopping finale that reimagined the very language of Indian fashion. Against the majestic silhouette of Kolkata's iconic Howrah Bridge, the historic Hooghly River was transformed into an extraordinary runway, where designer Anamika Khanna unveiled her experimental AK | OK collection, with actor Ishaan Khatter closing the show in unforgettable style."Collaborating with Blenders Pride Fashion Tour allowed me to explore how Indian craftsmanship can be reimagined for contemporary expression," reflected designer Anamika Khanna.In partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the showcase celebrated craftsmanship as a dynamic, ever-evolving art form. Anamika Khanna's vision deconstructed traditional techniques like zardozi, chikankari, and mirror work, and rebuilt them through contemporary tailoring, metallic accents, and cosmic-inspired motifs that felt both rooted and revolutionary."Blenders Pride Fashion Tour has consistently championed the evolution of fashion and culture. Kolkata's finale embodied the transformative power of fashion," shared Debasree Dasgupta, CMO, Pernod Ricard India. "'Future Is Crafted' wasn't merely a presentation. It was a celebration of how tradition and innovation unite to create something truly exceptional."The show unfolded on a barge floating on the Hooghly, creating an immersive fashion experience unlike any other. Divers emerged dramatically as the show began, with scaffolding illuminated by light, smoke, and sound. Models stepped through the structure to a pulsating soundtrack, with responsive lasers tracking their every move. The narrative built to a powerful crescendo with striking chainmail ensembles presented as a unified force, followed by sculptural silhouettes that commanded attention. "Seeing the audience connect with this bold interpretation of heritage was absolutely thrilling," Anamika added.The finale reached its peak as Ishaan arrived via speedboat, culminating in a breathtaking collective moment framed by the Howrah Bridge. "Being part of Blenders Pride Fashion Tour felt completely in sync with my own instinct to experiment and move beyond the expected.," said showstopper Ishaan Khatter. "Watching craftsmanship break out of its traditional mould and take on a sharper, more expressive form made the experience incredibly exciting. Set against such an iconic backdrop, it felt like being part of a moment where fashion wasnt just shown, but actively shaped."Adding to the evening's elegance was The Bengal Paddle, a heritage vessel with museum-quality interiors that hosted the city's fashion elite before they boarded the barge. Its Riverine Museum, housed in a former boiler room and featuring rare marine artifacts tracing the Hooghly's rich legacy, provided a culturally immersive prelude to the show.Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, FDCI was delighted to collaborate with Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, uniting two powerhouses of fashion to shape its future. The Kolkata edition celebrated creativity, culture, and set the pace for whats next in Indian fashion. "
All-season, preparedness-focused portable power stations are now available at Worten stores, as TennRich strengthens Energizer's presence in the portable power category across Iberia.

LISBON, Portugal, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TennRich, a proud licensed partner of Energizer, today announced the launch of the Energizer Portable Power Station lineup in Portugal through a strategic partnership with Worten, one of the nation's leading consumer electronics retailers.

The rollout brings Tennrich's complete Energizer portable power portfolio to the Portuguese market, meeting growing seasonal demand for mobile, reliable, and eco-friendly energy solutions. This launch also marks a key milestone for TennRich in Energizer's European expansion, with Portugal serving as a gateway to the Iberian market.

Full Product Lineup Now at Worten

Energizer's trusted portable power stations are now available at Worten locations nationwide, providing dependable, versatile energy for outdoor activities, emergency preparedness, travel, and off-grid living:

PPS1500 - 1536Wh of power, expandable to 4608Wh with additional battery packs for extended use. Running at 1800W rated / 2700W peak pure sine wave AC output that can power most of your electronics and home appliances at home and on-the-go.

- 1536Wh of power, expandable to 4608Wh with additional battery packs for extended use. Running at 1800W rated / 2700W peak pure sine wave AC output that can power most of your electronics and home appliances at home and on-the-go. PPS550W1F & PPS1100W2F - Equipped with advanced LMFP battery technology (Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate) for safe, stable operation from -20C in winter to 60C in summer .

& - Equipped with advanced (Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate) for safe, stable operation from to . PPS300W2 - The PPS300W2, a compact, affordable, and easy-to-use solution ideal for home users. Designed for simplicity, it requires no technical knowledge, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers. Its low price point and support from Energizer's brand recognition further strengthen its market.

Year-Round Consumer Engagement

To build awareness and drive sales, TennRich and Worten have developed an annual promotional calendar for Energizer that includes:

In-store demonstrations to showcase product benefits

to showcase product benefits Targeted digital marketing campaigns for lifestyle and tech audiences

for lifestyle and tech audiences Seasonal activations timed with peak outdoor and travel periods

Next Stop: Spain

The successful debut in Portugal paves the way for Energizer's expansion into Spain, where the brand is currently in discussions with retail partners to broaden its Iberian presence. "With demand for portable energy growing in outdoor, home, and travel settings, we are committed to delivering dependable, high-performance solutions through the Energizer brand that fit seamlessly into modern lifestyles," said Yvonne Chen, Global Marketing Manager, TennRich.

About Energizer

Energizer is a global leader in the dynamic business of providing power solutions with a full portfolio of products including Energizer brand battery products Energizer MAX premium alkaline; Energizer Ultimate Lithium; Energizer Advanced Lithium; rechargeable batteries and charging systems; and portable flashlights and lanterns. Energizer continues to fulfill its role as a technology innovator by redefining power banks and wireless charging solutions to meet people's active lifestyle needs for today and tomorrow with Energizer power banks for rechargeable portable devices. Energizer's redefining where energy, technology and freedom meet to bring to market consumer-focused products that power the essential devices that help people stay connected and on the go at work and at play, even in emergency situations.

About TennRich

TennRich International Corporation is a global leader in energy solutions, specializing in product development and global distribution of advanced portable power products in Consumer electronics. As a long-term licensed partner of Energizer, TennRich delivers innovative, reliable, and user-friendly energy solutions to markets worldwide.

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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.
CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Condor Energies Inc. ("Condor" or the "Company") (TSX: CDR) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced brokered private placement of convertible debentures of the Company (the "Convertible Debentures") at a price of $1,000 per Convertible Debenture for aggregate gross proceeds of $13,650,000 (the "Offering"), including the partial exercise of the over-allotment option.

The Offering was led by Research Capital Corporation, as the sole bookrunner and co-lead agent, together with Canaccord Genuity Corp., as co-lead agent, on behalf of a syndicate of agents, including Auctus Advisors LLP (collectively, the "Agents").

Each Convertible Debenture has a principal value of $1,000, convertible into common shares of the Company (each a "Common Share") at a conversion price of $2.00 per Common Share (the "Conversion Price"), maturing on December 24, 2028 (the "Maturity Date"). Interest shall accrue on the Convertible Debentures at 12% per annum, payable semi-annually in cash. The Convertible Debentures will be repaid in cash on the Maturity Date.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to accelerate development activities in Uzbekistan by mobilizing a second drilling rig to execute the planned 12 well drilling program in 2026 and for in-field compression facilities which are expected to significantly increase production and cashflow from operations, working capital and general corporate purposes. The Company plans to operate two drilling rigs throughout 2026 drilling back-to-back wells, alongside a separate workover rig focused on production optimization and continued success from the Company's ongoing re-entry program.

The Offering was completed by way of private placement exemptions in each of the provinces of Canada and other qualifying jurisdictions, including the United States. The Convertible Debentures issued under the Offering and the Common Shares issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Debentures are subject to a hold period expiring April 25, 2026.

In connection with the Offering, the Company paid to the Agents a cash commission of $492,700 and issued to the Agents 111,675 broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants"). Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $2.00 per Common Share at any time until December 24, 2028. In addition, the Company paid to the Agents an advisory fee of $218,000 and issued 52,500 advisory warrants of the Company on the same terms as the Broker Warrants.

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 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.

The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

For further information, please contact:

Don Streu, President and Chief Executive Officer

Sandy Quilty, Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Telephone: (403) 201-9694

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, forecasts, estimates, plans, projections, targets, expectations and objectives for future operations and financial results, and the use of words such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "plan", "ongoing", "strive", "expand" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. These forward- looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the allocation and use of proceeds of the Offering; the timing and ability to mobilize a second drilling rig; the timing and ability to purchase in-field compression facilities; the timing and ability to increase production and cash flow; the timing and ability to drill back-to-back wells; and the timing and ability to optimize production through service rig workovers.

Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual actions, events or results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: general economic, market and business conditions; volatility in market conditions including market prices for natural gas; risks related to the exploration, development and production of natural gas and condensate reserves; risks inherent in the Company's international operations; risks related to the timing of completion of the Company's projects and financings; competition for capital; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; reliance on third parties to execute the Company's strategy; and increasing regulations affecting the Company's future operations. Additional risk factors relevant to the Company and the Common Shares are discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024 and under the heading "Forward-Looking Statements" in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, both of which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca-

The above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information is provided in this news release to assist prospective investors with understanding the risks associated with an investment in the Convertible Debentures and Common Shares and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements, and no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur. Readers are therefore cautioned that they should not unduly rely on the forward-looking statements included in this news release.

The forward-looking statements included in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and are made only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws.

ABBREVIATIONS

The following is a summary of abbreviations used in this news release:

$ Canadian Dollars
The contract is valued at approximately 20,2 billion Mexican pesos (approximately 920 million euros)

New, state of the art trains will be manufactured at Alstom's Ciudad Sahagun plant, with over 76% of national content

The contract also includes comprehensive maintenance for 5 years, fitting out of maintenance depots, inspection and refuelling stations.





26 December 2025 - Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has signed a contract with the Railway Transport Regulatory Agency (ARTF) for the supply of 47 DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) passenger trains, 33 long-haul and 14 short-haul, aimed for the Mexico City-Queretaro-Irapuato and Saltillo-Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo corridors, in Mexico. The ruling was announced on December 15 at a public meeting of the decentralized agency of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation. This project is part of the National Development Plan 2025-2030 and represents a decisive boost for passenger rail mobility in Mexico, connecting key regions in the center and north of the country and consolidating the revival of passenger train service.

The contract is valued at approximately 20,2 billion Mexican pesos (approximately 920 million euros)1. In addition to the supply of 47 trains, the contract also includes comprehensive maintenance for five years, fitting out of maintenance depots, inspection and refuelling stations, as well as technical training and commissioning of the trains.

With this new project, Alstom reaffirms its commitment to advancing railway mobility and innovation in Mexico. Alstom forecasts this project will allow them to create and retain upwards of hundreds of jobs, including both skilled engineering and project management roles as well as manufacturing opportunities.

"This project exemplifies Alstom's commitment to Mexico. 76.6% of the content for the trains will be made in Mexico. This level of local content boosts the Mexican railway industry, promotes technical specialization and strengthens the network of local suppliers, creating attractive jobs across the value chain. Manufacturing trains for Mexico, made in Mexico, isn't about just one project, it is our long-term contribution to sustainable mobility and the development of the country," said Maite Ramos, Alstom's general manager for the North Latin American region.

State of the art trains, which are comfortable and reliable

Locally called 'Trenes des Norte' (Northern Trains), Alstom's Adessia Stream trains for catenary-free operation will meet the highest international standards of modern mobility, reaching maximum speeds of around 165 km/h. Each unit will have an approximate length of 100 meters and will allow double coupling, forming configurations of up to eight cars. The capacity will be flexible: around 300 passengers on long-haul services and up to 600 on short-haul services, guaranteeing efficiency and comfort on each journey. The trains will offer a comfortable, safe and contemporary experience, with full accessibility for people with reduced mobility (PRM) and real-time information systems.

Alstom's Adessia commuter rail solutions are a global benchmark in urban and suburban mobility, connecting the heart of cities with the surrounding metropolitan areas. With more than 40,000 cars sold in 60 commuter systems in 15 countries, this platform offers a versatile portfolio that includes multiple units, ensuring efficiency and sustainability on every journey. Made from high-quality materials such as aluminium and stainless steel, Alstom's Adessia trains represent solutions that transform the urban experience and contribute to a more connected and sustainable future.

Design: inspiration and cultural pride

Beyond performance and efficiency, the design of the Trenes del Norte seeks to resonate with Mexico's identity and cultural pride, projecting a vision of modernity and innovation. The concept takes as a reference Nahuatl, a living language since the seventh century, and the Codex Boturini, an iconic manuscript that inspires the chromatic palette with earthy ochres, warm browns and pink tones that evoke the richness of the earth.

The front of the train is a striking embodiment of regional pride: inspired by the intense gaze of the puma, a symbol of strength and agility, with aerodynamic lines that convey dynamism and three horizontal lights that evoke the whiskers of the feline, creating a unique and recognizable visual signature.

On the outside, the long-distance train features a deep black ribbon flowing from the nose along the roof, reinforcing the sense of movement. A green band, taken from the Codex Boturini, provides refined contrast, while earth-brown doors ensure intuitive accessibility. The iridescent finishes reflect light and surroundings, giving the train a sophisticated and vibrant presence.

The short-distance design preserves this visual continuity, consolidating a solid identity for the Trenes del Norte. Windows integrated into a continuous black surface project modernity and safety, while the front light signature reinforces the promise of speed and cultural connection.

Five years of maintenance

In addition to the supply of 47 trains, the contract also includes comprehensive maintenance for five years, fitting out of maintenance depots, inspection and refuelling stations, as well as technical training and commissioning of the trains. Alstom stands out for delivering exceptional results in availability and reliability, supporting its solutions with strong technological and systems engineering capabilities. Alstom's expertise in maintaining railway assets and systems ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations, strengthening customer confidence in every project.

The company operates in more than 250 locations worldwide, performing corrective and preventive maintenance, overhauls, obsolescence management, cleaning, warehouse operation and modernization, and much more.

Moreover, as the largest private provider of operations and maintenance in North America, Alstom supports its customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their railway assets. From design and construction for operations, through modernization, to end-of-life, its solutions cover fleet maintenance, infrastructure, signalling, and specialized technical support.

Alstom's HealthHub predictive system, which will also be part of the Trenes del Norte service, monitors over 10,000 cars, operates in more than 30 cities, and has cut energy use by 20% since 2014.

Made in Mexico

The trains will be manufactured at the Alstom plant in Ciudad Sahagun, located in the state of Hidalgo, which has international certifications and advanced processes for working with stainless steel and aluminium, ensuring quality and efficiency at each stage of production.

The Sahagun Plant is Alstom's first largest manufacturing center in the Americas - and the company's third globally - and will be in charge of the manufacture of the 47 DMU trains. Located in an industrial area with more than seven decades of manufacturing experience, the location of the site offers strategic connectivity with the main logistics corridors of the country, allowing the efficient mobilization of materials, subassemblies and complete trains to any national or international destination. 2,000 locomotives and more than 3,500 train cars have been manufactured at the site.

In 2025, Alstom officially received the "Made in Mexico" label, a government distinction that certifies products designed, manufactured, and assembled in the country under high standards of quality and innovation-underscoring the company's commitment to strengthening the national industry and positioning Mexico as a key hub for world-class rail manufacturing. For more information, read the next Press Release: Made in Mexico.

Alstom in Mexico

Present in the country since 1952, Alstom has participated in the development of the first line of the Mexico City Metro. Since then, it has been a fundamental ally in the development of mobility and urban connectivity, as well as in the economic growth of the states where it operates. Over the years, Alstom has pioneered the introduction of the metro and its maintenance in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. In addition, it has developed modern railway systems, signalling and maintenance for trains and tracks of the main railways in the country. The company has a plant in Ciudad Sahagun (Hidalgo), where it has been manufacturing trains for national and international projects for more than 70 years. Alstom currently plays a key role in the Mayan Train project that drives connectivity and economic development, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and a more sustainable future.

ALSTOM, Adessia, Adessia Stream and HealthHub are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.





About Alstom



Alstom commits to contribute to a low carbon future by developing and promoting innovative and sustainable transportation solutions that people enjoy riding. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, Alstom offers its diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. With its presence in 63 countries and a talent base of over 86,000 people from 184 nationalities, the company focuses its design, innovation, and project management skills to where mobility solutions are needed most. Listed in France, Alstom generated sales of 18.5 billion for the fiscal year ending on 31 March 2025.

For more information, please visit www.alstom.com. Contacts



HQ

Coralie COLLET - Tel.: +33 (0) 7 63 63 09 62

coralie.collet@alstomgroup.com



Mexico

Silvia ARANDA

silvia.aranda@alstomgroup.com







Dulce ROJAS - Tel. +52 552940 6441

dulce.rojas@extrategia.com







Investor Relations

Cyril Guerin - Tel.: +33 (0) 6 07 89 36 16

cyril.guerin@alstomgroup.com







Guillaume GAUVILLE - Tel.: +44 (0)7 588 022 744

guillaume.gauville@alstomgroup.com







Estelle MATURELL ANDINO - Tel.: +33 (0)6 71 37 47 56

estelle.maturell@alstomgroup.com







Jalal DAHMANE - Tel.: +33 (0)6 98 19 96 62

jalal.dahmane@alstomgroup.com

1 This contract will be booked in the 3rd quarter of Alstom's 2025/2026 financial year.
PARIS, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 18, 2025, Smartee Denti-Technology successfully hosted the European Children's Orthodontic Summit at Disneyland Paris, bringing together 52 orthodontists from France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, and Syria. The summit, centered on the theme "Achieving Success with Children Through Aligners," provided clinicians with both theoretical insights and practical guidance on integrating clear aligner therapy into early orthodontic treatment for young patients.

Enhancing Pediatric Treatment with Disney's Magic: An Even More Interesting Treatment Experience

Smartee's pediatric orthodontic approach emphasizes a growth-based, staged treatment philosophy, integrating clear aligners, myofunctional trainers, and functional appliances into a unified system for treating young patients. Alongside this, patient engagement and compliance remain a core focus, especially in pediatric care.

Since launching its first early orthodontic product featuring officially licensed Disney character packaging in February 2022 in China, Smartee has gradually expanded its reach to 63 additional countries and regions worldwide starting in 2024. Smartee has effectively integrated Disney's beloved characters-including Elsa, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Stitch-into its pediatric orthodontic solutions. This collaboration, highlighted at the European Children's Summit held at Disneyland Paris, aims to make orthodontic treatment more engaging and emotionally resonant for young patients while maintaining clinical rigor.

By incorporating these characters, Smartee enhances the patient experience and fosters long-term treatment adherence, helping young patients feel more comfortable with their orthodontic journey. While the focus remains firmly on clinical effectiveness, this cross-industry partnership amplifies Smartee's commitment to making orthodontics more approachable without compromising its core treatment integrity.

Shifting the Paradigm of Early Orthodontics: From "Treatment" to "Guidance"

The event brought together leading orthodontists, including Pascal Baron, Dimitri Pascual, Paulo Retto, Constance Laloze, Capucine Batut, and Anne-Claire Loiseau, to share clinical insights on early orthodontics.

Prof. Dr. Pascal Baron, a leading French orthodontist, stressed the importance of transitioning from traditional "treatment-focused" thinking to a "growth-guidance" approach. He explained that early orthodontics isn't just about shifting teeth but creating a balanced environment for the child's dynamic growth, where the alignment of the teeth, jaw, and facial structure is systematically supported.

"Early intervention plays a critical role in managing the development of the jaw and teeth," Dr. Adrien Bizet further supported this view, stating, "In this context, Smartee stands out in France for its integrated mandibular advancement systems, which make aligners a clinically relevant solution for managing mandibular retrognathia at an early stage."

Dr. Constance Laloze also highlighted the growing clinical attention on Smartee's early orthodontic solutions, "Smartee's progressive, programmable mandibular advancement-integrated directly into the aligner sequence-offers a level of biomechanical personalization and digital planning that remains rare among aligner systems, particularly for treating skeletal Class II cases in children and adolescents."

Advancing Clinical Collaboration in Pediatric Orthodontics Across Europe

This summit served not only as an academic exchange but also as a platform for fostering clinical collaboration and advancing early pediatric orthodontics across Europe. Smartee reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based education and the advancement of clear aligner solutions for children and adolescents, while continuing to collaborate with clinicians, educators, and researchers to support the evolution of early orthodontic care across Europe.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2851938/Smartee_hosted_European_Children_s_Orthodontic_Summit_Disneyland_Paris.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2851939/Enhancing_Pediatric_Treatment_Officially_Licensed_Disney_Character_Packages.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/smartee-hosts-european-childrens-orthodontic-summit-at-disneyland-paris-302649585.html
With funding from Education Cannot Wait, UNICEF distributes urgently needed school supplies to help displaced children in Sudan get back to learning.

PORT SUDAN, Sudan, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wisam sits in her classroom, absorbed in her work. Her fingers grip a blue colored pencil as she carefully sketches a flower in her notebook, undistracted by the bustle of classmates packing up. When she's finished, she puts her beloved pencils back into her bag.

The supplies in her new backpack are a constant reminder of the hope she carries, even in the face of extreme hardship.

At just nine years old, Wisam has already experienced more hardship than many will in a lifetime. Forced to flee her home in Sinnar when the armed conflict reached them, Wisam and her family sought safety in Port Sudan. "I left my toys, books, uniform, bag and pencils. My school uniform was beautiful," says Wisam.

When schools finally reopened in Port Sudan, Wisam's family could not afford the necessary school supplies. Thanks to UNICEF, with funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), Wisam has received essential school supplies and even a new school uniform. This initiative is part of ECW's holistic response in Sudan and neighboring countries, which is supporting the establishment of children's safe spaces and temporary learning centres, teacher training, the provision of learning materials, mental health and psychosocial support, and more.

When Wisam and her siblings enrolled in their new school in Port Sudan, their excitement to learn again was tempered by their lack of necessary school supplies. The challenges of displacement meant that they didn't have the means to purchase everything that would be needed to thrive in the classroom.

Wisam's school is one of many in Sudan that is receiving vital school supplies thanks to ECW funding. Through this initiative - which aims to ensure that all children have the tools they need to return to learning - Wisam and her siblings received new uniforms and backpacks filled with notebooks, erasers, colored pencils, chalk, rulers and more. "I love my new bag," she says.

To Wisam, her new backpack contains more than just her school supplies; it carries her dreams for a brighter, more peaceful future in her homeland that allows her to learn, grow and reach her full potential.

Today, Wisam is in Grade 3. She participates in class discussions and raises her hand confidently to answer questions. After the school day ends, Wisam lingers in the classroom, absorbed in her drawings. The colorful flowers, sketched with so much care, are a testament to her creativity and determination to find beauty even in difficult circumstances.

Hundreds of school buildings have been damaged or destroyed since the beginning of the war in Sudan in April 2023. Many others are being used as shelters.

In times of crisis, education is critical - not just for academic learning, but also for providing a sense of normalcy, stability and safety. It protects children from harmful practices such as child marriage, child labor and forced recruitment into armed groups, giving them the chance to pursue their dreams and build a better future. Wisam is just one of the millions of children that have been displaced by the brutal conflict. The country is facing the world's largest child displacement crisis, with an estimated 13 million school-aged children currently out of school.

"Home is better than here. But we can't go back because of the war. The war is very bad," says the 9-year-old. Still, Wisam remains hopeful. With the support she has received, she now feels that education is her way forward.

ECW and partners like UNICEF continue to support girls and boys in the whole of Sudan to ensure that, even in the most challenging circumstances, displaced children can continue their education. ECW investments in the country support the building and rehabilitation of classrooms, provision of learning and teaching materials, teacher training, improvement of access to drinking water, gender-sensitive water and sanitation facilities, and improvement of access to quality, inclusive and child-friendly education. ECW and partners are also responding to the regional refugee education needs, with grants announced in the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan and Uganda.

Wisam's story is a reminder of the resilience and strength of children, and the transformative power of education. Her backpack, once a reminder of everything she was forced to leave behind, now carries the weight of all she hopes to achieve. With each lesson, she's stepping closer to the future she deserves.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2851208/ECW___Wisam.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1656121/Education_Cannot_Wait_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/packed-with-promise-wisams-journey-302648851.html
(All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated)

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 26, 2025) - American Pacific Mining Corp. (CSE: USGD) (OTCQX: USGDF) (FSE: 1QC1) ("American Pacific" or the "Company") announces that, pursuant to the terms of employment with three of its former employees (collectively, the "Employment Agreements"), the Company will be issuing an aggregate of 1,281,722 common shares in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") at a deemed price of $0.175 per Common Share to such former employees on or about January 5, 2026, subject to receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, in full satisfaction of employment-related liabilities totaling $224,301.35 (the "Employee Issuance"). The Employee Issuance is expected to close on or about January 5, 2026.

The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), 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 news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. "United States" and "U.S. person" are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.

About American Pacific Mining Corp.

American Pacific Mining Corp. is a precious and base metals explorer and developer focused on opportunities in the Western United States. The Company's flagship asset is the 100%-owned past-producing Madison Copper-Gold Project in Montana. For the Madison transaction, American Pacific was selected as a finalist in both 2021 and 2022 for 'Deal of the Year' at the S&P Global Platts Metals Awards, an annual program that recognizes exemplary accomplishments in 16 performance categories. Through a 2025 transaction with Vizsla Copper, American Pacific has established a major equity position and secured $15M in aggregate milestone upside exposure to the advanced exploration stage Palmer Copper-Zinc VMS Project in Alaska. Also, in American Pacific's portfolio are several high-grade, precious metals projects located in key mining districts in Nevada, on which the Company intends to transact. The Company's mission is to provide shareholders discovery and exploration upside exposure across its portfolio through partnerships, spin-outs and direct exploration.

American Pacific is incorporated pursuant to the laws of British Columbia and its head office is located at Suite 910 - 510 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8.

On behalf of the American Pacific Mining Corp Board of Directors:

Warwick Smith, CEO & Director

Corporate Office: Suite 910 - 510 Burrard Street

Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8 Canada

Full disclosure can be found in our NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Madison Project at www.americanpacificmining.com.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the completion of the Acquisition and the concurrent financing, and timely receipt of all necessary approvals.

Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be considered forward-looking information. The Company's forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release and include but are not limited to information with respect to, the Employee Share Issuance, and receipt of all necessary approvals therefor. Other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279068

Source: American Pacific Mining Corp.
Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2026) - Block & Leviton is investigating Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG) for potential securities law violations. Investors who have lost money in their Apogee Enterprises, Inc. investment should contact the firm to learn more about how they might recover those losses. For more details, visit https://blockleviton.com/cases/apog.

What is this all about?

Shares of Apogee Enterprises fell more than 13% in intraday trading on January 7, 2026, after the company reported quarterly results that missed analyst expectations and the company lowered its full-year outlook, citing weaker demand and margin pressure in its Architectural Glass segment. On the same day, Apogee disclosed that its Chief Financial Officer, Matthew Osberg, had resigned effective January 16, 2026. Block & Leviton is investigating.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who purchased Apogee Enterprises common stock and has seen their shares fall may be eligible, whether or not they have sold their investment. Investors should contact Block & Leviton to learn more.

What is Block & Leviton doing?

Block & Leviton is investigating whether the Company committed securities law violations and may file an action to attempt to recover losses on behalf of investors who have lost money.

What should you do next?

If you've lost money on your investment, you should contact Block & Leviton to learn more via our case website, by email at shareholders@blockleviton.com, or by phone at (888) 256-2510.

Whistleblower?

If you have non-public information about Apogee Enterprises, you should consider assisting in our investigation or working with our attorneys to file a report with the Securities Exchange Commission under their whistleblower program. Whistleblowers who provide original information to the SEC may receive rewards of up to 30% of any successful recovery. For more information, contact Block & Leviton at shareholders@blockleviton.com or by phone at (888) 256-2510.

Why should you contact Block & Leviton?

Block & Leviton is widely regarded as one of the leading securities class action firms in the country. Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars for defrauded investors and are dedicated to obtaining significant recoveries on behalf of our clients through active litigation in the federal courts across the country. Many of the nation's top institutional investors hire us to represent their interests. You can learn more about us at our website www.blockleviton.com, call (888) 256-2510 or email shareholders@blockleviton.com with any questions.

This notice may constitute attorney advertising.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280224

Source: Block & Leviton LLP
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the overall outcomes of the three-year Seoul Stepping Stone Income Project (SSIP) at the Seoul International Forum on Stepping Stone Income 2025 (SIFSI 2025) on Tuesday, December 23. Alongside world-renowned economics and welfare scholars, the city government presented policy effectiveness evaluation and discussed the future direction of income security systems.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251226302986/en/

The Seoul International Forum on Stepping Stone Income 2025 (SIFSI 2025) evaluated policy effectiveness and explored the future direction of income security systems. (Image: Seoul Metropolitan Government)

Held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in central Seoul, the forum featured a keynote speech by 2024 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, Professor James A. Robinson of the University of Chicago, followed by a special dialogue with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. The program continued with a presentation on the SSIP's third-year progress report, the results of in-depth research on its alignment with existing welfare programs, and a discussion on future income security systems focused on care-vulnerable groups.

In the keynote session titled "Inclusive Institutions: The Social Foundations for Sustainable Prosperity," Professor Robinson emphasized the role of government in economic growth, distribution, and welfare. He pointed out that the Korean society requires a "new social contract" with improved asset distribution and the restoration of social mobility, moving beyond the mere expansion of welfare. He also asserted that Seoul Stepping Stone Income could serve as a vital policy link in the process of establishing the new social contract.

In the subsequent special dialogue, discussions focused on the government's role in responding to "jobless growth" driven by the advancement of AI. Professor Robinson noted that the world is currently underprepared for the social risks associated with the AI transition and stressed the need for full-scale discussion on the matter.

During Session 1, Professor Jungmin Lee of Seoul National University presented the "Seoul Stepping Stone Income Project: Third-Year Progress Report." According to research, the average monthly income of participating households was KRW 250,000 higher than that of non-participating households. Furthermore, spending on essentials-such as transportation and groceries-increased, and both mental health and nutritional indices showed improvement. Conversely, while the labor supply of household heads decreased by an average of 11.4 percentage points, analysis indicated that the spare time was redirected into productivity-enhancing activities, including education, training, caregiving, and health and wellness. No significant reduction was observed in the labor supply of other household members.

In Session 2, researchers presented in-depth studies aimed at improving the implementation and alignment of the Stepping Stone Income with existing welfare programs. Topics included financing strategies, labor market impacts, integration with social services, and the potential for spatial expansion. The studies outlined mid-to-long-term fiscal requirement estimates, the necessity of parallel work incentives, the integration of social services to alleviate caregiving burdens, and unified or customized models for potential nationwide application.

Session 3 explored the proposition that care-vulnerable groups should be established as the core target of future income security systems. The researchers pointed out that existing systems do not sufficiently cover individuals with caregiving responsibilities within the working-age population. They suggested that in the new AI era, policy design must comprehensively offer support for both income and caregiving. Relevant international research shared during the session corroborated that income security has a positive impact on mental and physical health, housing and financial stability, and child education.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, "Behind the bright prospects of the AI era lies the risk of jobless growth." He added, "The Seoul Stepping Stone Income Project, which we have proactively pioneered over the last three years, serves as a crucial policy starting point to respond to these changes."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251226302986/en/

Contacts:

Seoul Metropolitan Government

Kyungmin Kim

+82-2-2133-8435

yyykkm00@seoul.go.kr
Subaru has provided more than $41 million to the ASPCA in support of the rescue, care, and adoption of more than 142,000 animals across the U.S.

Originally published by the ASPCA

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / December 26, 2025 / For the eighteenth year in a row, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has been selected as a national charity partner in the 2025 Subaru Share the Love Event to help support thousands of animals in need across the country. From November 20, 2025, through January 2, 2026, Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle, purchased or leased, to the customer's choice of participating local and national charities, including the ASPCA*.

Since the partnership's inception in 2008, Subaru has donated more than $41 million to the ASPCA, which has helped support the rescue, care, and adoption of more than 142,000 animals nationwide. Subaru and the ASPCA are committed to helping as many animals as possible again this year.

"We're grateful to Subaru for their longstanding support of the ASPCA and their dedication to the wellbeing of shelter pets across the country. With their help, we're able to reach more animals in need and strengthen the lifesaving work of shelters nationwide," said Matt Bershadker, president & CEO of the ASPCA. "Together, our work has positively impacted nearly 250,000 animals to date and demonstrates what's possible when corporate compassion meets local action. I'm deeply proud of what we've accomplished together-and excited for the road ahead."

The funding received from last year's Subaru Share the Love Event helped support the ASPCA's lifesaving work across the country, including its efforts to rehabilitate severely fearful, under-socialized dogs, such as those rescued from puppy mills and hoarding situations, as well as its cruelty and disaster response efforts to rescue animals in crisis from natural disasters and animal abuse. In addition, Subaru's funding supports the ASPCA's work to provide basic and preventative veterinary services to underserved pet owners, helping to make veterinary care more affordable and accessible nationwide and improving the health and welfare of dogs and cats.

For more information about the ASPCA's participation in the Subaru Share the Love Event, please visit aspca.org/sharethelove.

*Subaru of America, Inc. ("SOA") will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 20, 2025, through January 2, 2026, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. Pre-approved hometown charities may also be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 9, 2026. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by SOA.

###

About the ASPCA

The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) believes every animal deserves to live free from suffering. For more than 150 years, we've been on the frontlines to save, transform and protect millions of lives in the fight against animal cruelty. As the nation's first and leading animal welfare organization, we assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal relocation and placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary communities through research, training and resources. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than 2 million supporters nationwide, our commitment to eliminating animal cruelty is unwavering. For more information, visit aspca.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Subaru of America on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Subaru of America

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/subaru-america-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Subaru of America

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/aspcar-joins-the-subaru-share-the-lover-event-as-national-charity-part-1121531
Pasadena, California--(Newsfile Corp. - December 26, 2025) - Lions International will ring in the New Year with a vibrant celebration of service and unity during the 137th Rose Parade presented by Honda. This year's theme, "The Magic in Teamwork," perfectly captures the spirit that drives Lions and Leos around the world as they come together to make a difference through humanitarian service.





The 2026 Lions International Rose Parade float is titled "In Harmony We Serve".

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9869/278846_lionsintl.jpg

Lions believe there is truly something magical about coming together to achieve a greater goal. Whether providing vision screenings for children, supporting communities after devastating wildfires, feeding families in need, or empowering young people to lead through service, Lions are united by a core value that compassion and teamwork can change lives. That powerful spirit inspired this year's Lions International Rose Parade float, "In Harmony We Serve."

More than a float, "In Harmony We Serve" is a living tribute to the countless moments when Lions bring comfort, hope, and strength to communities everywhere.

"Lions and Leos around the world show us the true power of teamwork," said Lions Clubs International President A.P. Singh. "Our 2026 Rose Parade float brings that impact to life-four lions representing collaboration and thousands of flowers standing for the kindness and service of 1.4 million members in more than 50,000 clubs. Together, we're proving that when we unite, we can bring hope and service to those who need it most."

The Lions International float features the return of four young lions, first introduced during the 2025 Rose Parade, rowing together - a fun but powerful reminder that when service-minded individuals move forward side by side, they can achieve anything.

Behind them stands a log cabin proudly flying the Lions flag, symbolizing resilience and the strength of communities rebuilding after catastrophic emergencies. For example, when the Easton Fires in Altadena destroyed businesses, homes, and lives, Lions were there to help with recovery efforts. Volunteers remained long after other relief efforts had ended. Lions not only care about their communities, they are an integral part of them.

Riders on the "In Harmony We Serve" float include:

A.P. Singh, Lions Clubs International President

Sangeeta Jatia, Lions Clubs International Past International Director

Isabella Flores, 2025 Lion Student Speaker Contest Winner

Jaiden Ford, MD 4 2025 Leo of the Year Honoree

Watch the Lions International float live in action beginning at 8 a.m. PST, on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Find more ways to watch on the Tournament of Roses website.

To join in on the magic of service and find a Lions club near you, visit www.lionsclubs.org.

About Lions International

Lions International represents Lions Clubs International and Lions Clubs International Foundation. Lions take on some of the greatest challenges facing our communities and the world through the service of 1.4 million members in 50,000 clubs and the grant-funding support of our foundation. We improve health and well-being, strengthen communities and support those in need, locally and globally. At Lions International we are serving a world in need. Learn more about who we are and what we do at lionsclubs.org.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278846

Source: Lions International
By Nathan Atnikov

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / December 26, 2025 / The landscape of corporate citizenship is undergoing its most profound transition in a decade. It is no longer enough for companies to simply have a social impact program; they must demonstrate that these corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are strategically aligned, clearly supporting business objectives, outcomes-oriented and authentically woven into the fabric of the business.

In the Benevity Impact Labs 2025 State of Corporate Purpose Report, leveraging proprietary data from the collective giving, volunteering and granting activities of over 1,000 leading global brands, we reported that nearly two-thirds of companies significantly shifted their corporate purpose strategies in the past year. This transition - driven by rising stakeholder scrutiny, polarized social issues, a changing regulatory landscape and a tightening focus on talent - defines the challenge and opportunity for 2026 CSR and ESG planning.

There are several critical lessons from the 2025 data for corporate leaders and impact professionals to consider and potentially integrate into next year's strategy.

?The new risk frontier: Balancing caution and courage

As corporate purpose strategies mature, and regulatory complexities continue to evolve, a fundamental tension is emerging: the gap between cautious executive messaging and an activist workforce.

The 2025 State of Corporate Purpose Report data reveals this tightrope walk: while 52% of leaders expect their CEOs to be less vocal on contentious issues, 76% anticipate increased employee activism in the coming year. This corporate silence, while likely intended to mitigate external political risk, paradoxically creates internal brand risk. Benevity data suggests that when companies stay silent, their people will often fill the void through employee-led grassroots action, sometimes without the benefit of formal corporate support or compliance guidance.

The focus must shift from what is said publicly to how the work is done internally and shows up externally. The Benevity data shows that CSR teams are connecting with more departments than ever before, from the executive teams to legal, to HR with the biggest rise in work with communications. It's become essential that CSR teams must be integrated with both HR and corporate communications to craft transparent, authentic narratives about impact metrics and company values, rather than just react to socio-political events. This is critical for both internal and external communications, as consumer actions have also proven to be quite reactive over the past year.?

"Some CEOs may underestimate stakeholder expectations. They may assume that silence is golden when it comes to hot-button issues. But actually many employees, younger consumers, even investors, may interpret silence as avoiding issues that are particularly important to them." - Andrew Jones, Principal Researcher, Governance & Sustainability Center, The Conference Board, on the Speaking of Purpose podcast?

Employee-directed imperatives: Resilience through engagement

The 2025 Talent Trends report from the U.S. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reports that the recruitment challenges persist, with 69% of organizations reporting significant difficulties filling full-time, regular positions. Purpose programs have solidified their role as a critical contributor to business resilience and talent retention. Benevity data provides quantitative proof that employee participation is directly linked to enhanced retention, particularly among newer hires.

Retention: Newer employees who participate in corporate purpose programs are 52% less likely to leave their company.

Trust and inclusion: 91% of employees and leaders view Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as an important part of their employer value proposition, and 87% say they are a trusted source of information amid peak DEI polarization.

The volunteering renaissance: Driving engagement and resilience

Volunteerism is proving to be a key driver of business resilience - and 94% of companies agree. In fact, volunteerism is proven to be the only workplace intervention among 90 that were measured to suggest a positive impact on well-being and belonging.

With 2026 designated as International Volunteer Year by the UN, there is a big opportunity for companies that lean in. In fact, Benevity data shows that volunteering has been rising sharply within CSR programs since the world reopened after COVID-19 pandemic, with growth expected to be around 11% in 2025. There are shifts towards more structured, high-impact activities such as skills-based volunteering, teams-based volunteering, and virtual volunteering, which continues to draw attention from program administrators in the wake of the increased presence of hybrid work.?

Sharpening grantmaking focus: Prioritizing capacity and trust

Grantmaking is also evolving in response to the changing environment. Visible efforts are seen across the granting ecosystem to support capacity, trust and flexibility.

Shifting priorities: Grants to critical areas like BIPOC-led nonprofits and climate justice saw a relative slowdown in growth acceleration compared to previous years, as companies reframed their granting in favor of broader themes like STEM training, disaster response and local communities.

Building capacity: Community improvement and nonprofit capacity building jumped from ninth to fourth position among granting focus areas. Companies are recognizing that strengthening the nonprofit sector's infrastructure is a fundamental act of support.

Filling the funding gap: With significant shifts in government funding creating widening gaps in the social safety net, flexible grant programs are critical. Unrestricted grants allow nonprofits to be more nimble in times of need, and increase confidence in grantmakers that their programs are having the desired positive impact. ?

Closing the confidence gap: The Benevity Grants Confidence Gap Report shows that 74% of grantmakers execute on best practices, while only 51% feel they are doing it well. Closing the confidence gap requires the integration of trust-based practices, improved communication strategies and aligning granting with stakeholder expectations.

Planning for 2026: A Benevity checklist

To navigate the current transition successfully, corporate citizenship leaders should adopt a data-driven approach centered on accountability and engagement.

Strategic Imperative 2026 Action Plan Data Rationale Embed Purpose in Talent Strategy Fully integrate purpose program participation data into HR metrics (e.g., performance reviews, retention analysis). Empower ERGs with dedicated budgets and influence over granting decisions. Employees who participate in purpose programs are 52% less likely to leave; 87% of leaders say their ERGs are a trusted source of information. Prioritize High-Impact Volunteering Formally launch or expand structured skills-based and pro bono volunteering opportunities. Capitalize on the UN Year of Volunteering to create additional momentum. Ensure these programs are built for remote and hybrid participation. 94% of companies link volunteering to business resilience. Volunteering is the only workplace intervention among 90 studied that improved employee well-being. Close the Grants Confidence Gap Implement trust-based granting practices (e.g., offering general operating support, multi-year funding) to reduce administrative burden on nonprofits. Invest in tools to accurately measure and communicate grant outcomes. Only 51% of companies are confident in their granting effectiveness, despite adopting best practices. Leverage Communications as a Strategic Lever Partner with corporate communications early to articulate why the company is committed to specific issues and how employees are driving that impact, focusing on outcomes over statements. Corporate caution heightens brand risk; cross-functional alignment is necessary to manage internal and external expectations. CSR professionals are reporting an increase in their consultation with other departments in the past 24 months: +67% consult with corporate communications

+55% consult with legal

+59% consult with HR

+55% consult with CEO Commit to Sustained Support Use recurring donation and payroll deduction campaigns year-round, not just during traditional Giving Seasons. Increase peer-to-peer matching funds to amplify employee giving. Nonprofits often rely on sustained funding to fill increasing government/societal funding gaps.

The evolution of corporate citizenship as an enterprise-wide strategy is complete. In 2026, the businesses that will lead the way are those that use real-time data to deliver purpose at work. Those that implement authentic, employee-powered programs that are true to their values, build community, engage stakeholders and contribute to their business' bottom line will be the most successful and will have future-proofed their organizations beyond 2026.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Benevity on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Benevity

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/benevity

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Benevity

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/the-state-of-purpose-at-work-leveraging-2025-data-to-define-csr-s-1121541
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 26, 2025) - Data Watts Partners Inc. (CSE: DWTZ) ("Data Watts" or the "Company"), a technology-focused investment firm at the forefront of the Data Watts economy, is pleased to provide an update on the Company's activities.

On September 16, 2025, the Company finalized its acquisition of Agilitas Advisory Corp. (Agilitas). Pursuant to the definitive agreement with Agilitas, the Company did not achieve the required financial milestone required to retain the Agilitas shares, and as such, all shares in Agilitas are being returned at par value to Ron Loborec, the Director of Agilitas. The Company will continue to work productively with Agilitas for due diligence and other services that focus its investments on the future.

On September 23, 2025, and September 25, 2025, the Company announced that it had made a strategic investment in a high growth digital health technology company Genesis Partners Ltd. ("Genesis") subject to a consulting agreement between Agilitas and Genesis being entered into. Mutual terms could not be agreed between Agilitas and Genesis, and as such, no investment in Genesis has been made by the Company, nor will one be pursued.

On November 13, 2025, Data Watts signed a Letter of Intent to Acquire an interest in a Clean Energy Project with Kanata Clean Power & Climate Technologies Corp ("Kanata"). The Company has not been able to fulfil the contractual obligations with Kanata, and Kanata has agreed to release the Company from its contract. As such, the transaction is null and void and will not result in a definitive agreement between the parties. The Company has not subscribed for any shares of Kanata.

On February 14, 2025, the Company, then known as Canadian Nexus Team Ventures Corp., announced the execution of a Definitive Agreement with Ali Saheli ("AS") to acquire the assets of the GRID Platform. 2,900,000 shares in the Company were provided to Mr Saheli in exchange for intellectual property and platform revenues. The Management of the Company has determined that the assets acquired will be fully impaired, and no value will be assigned to the transaction in the Company accounts.

About Data Watts Partners Inc.

Data Watts Partners Inc. (CSE: DWTZ) is an investment issuer committed to the emerging "Data Watts Economy," focusing on uranium, SMRs (Small Modular Reactors), clean energy, data centers, AI applications, and quantum computing. The Company offers institutional and retail investors access to transformative opportunities in energy and deep tech, leveraging expertise in exploration, infrastructure, and wattage demand trends.

Forward-Looking Information

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" 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.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied 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. Readers are encouraged to read the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider 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/279078

Source: Data Watts Partners Inc.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - December 26, 2025) - A new luxury real estate developer is positioning itself for a measured entry into Dubai's increasingly quality-driven property market. ALA Developments, established in January 2025 and headquartered in Dubai, has outlined a strategic luxury residential development pipeline valued at approximately AED 1 billion, with multiple projects planned for launch from 2026.





Hassan Raza chairman & Zaman Abbas CEO



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Founded by Dubai-based entrepreneurs with more than three decades of cross-sector business experience in the UAE, ALA Developments enters the market at a time when end-user demand, architectural quality, and long-term value creation are shaping buyer preferences. The company's focus is on exclusive, design-led residential communities that prioritise privacy, refined living, and enduring asset value over volume-led development.

"Dubai's real estate market has evolved beyond scale alone," said Hassan Raza, Chairman of ALA Developments. "Today's buyers are discerning, globally exposed, and focused on how a home is designed and how it performs over time. Our developments are guided by that shift."

From Market Experience to Structured Development

ALA Developments represents the formal consolidation of decades of operational and investment experience into a dedicated real estate development platform. The leadership team, led by Zaman Abbas, Chief Executive Officer, brings long-standing expertise across hospitality, retail, consumer electronics manufacturing, and real estate through ventures including Iraz Developments, Star Track, Alfstar, and Kobe Sizzlers.

This diversified background has informed the company's disciplined, design-first approach-anchored in long-term fundamentals rather than short-term market cycles.

"Our move into structured development is a natural progression," said Abbas. "Having operated across industries in Dubai for decades, we understand what creates lasting value. ALA Developments allows us to translate that insight into thoughtfully designed residential communities."

Creek Views Marks First Development Milestone

Creek Views at Jaddaf Waterfront represents a significant milestone in the development journey led by Mr. Hassan Raza, marking the evolution of decades of experience in global asset ownership and management into a dedicated residential development platform.

The project, currently under development, is expected to be handed over by Q4 2026 and reflects a shared vision centered on architectural refinement, spatial quality, and lifestyle-driven planning.

In parallel, ALA Developments is advancing three additional luxury residential projects, collectively valued at around AED 1 billion, all currently in design and planning stages and scheduled for launch in 2026.

Design-Led and Privacy-Focused Living

ALA Developments follows a design-first philosophy, working with leading architects and consultants to deliver residences defined by thoughtful layouts, material sophistication, and timeless aesthetics. Privacy-driven planning, gated environments, and integrated sustainability standards form a core part of the company's approach.

As Dubai continues to attract long-term residents and global investors, ALA Developments positions itself as a next-generation luxury developer, focused on disciplined growth, architectural integrity, and legacy-led value creation ahead of its formal market launch in January.

Media contact

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279079

Source: Arc Digitech Private Limited
The "Navigating EU (European Union) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Regulations for Drug/Device and Device/Drug Combination Products Training Course (Mar 2nd Mar 3rd, 2026)" training has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Understand the regulatory frameworks governing drug/device and device/drug combinations in the European Union and the USA.

The demarcation between medicinal products and devices is becoming ever more important and, with the convergence of emerging novel technologies, the number of drug/device combination products and medical devices incorporating a medicinal substance is increasing.

At the same time, cell therapy and tissue-engineered products are being combined with both pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This course will address the European and FDA regulatory requirements, help you define the regulatory route for your product and offer practical guidance on Notified Body expectations, clinical trial considerations and post-market surveillance of borderline products.

Participants will have an invaluable opportunity to discuss the complex issues involved with key regulatory experts in this field.

By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex regulatory landscape for drug/device and device/drug combinations in the EU and the USA effectively. They will be equipped to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements and facilitate the successful development and commercialisation of these innovative products.

PRE-SEMINAR READING It is recommended that you have read the EU Medical Device Regulation, particularly, Article 120 and the General Safety Performance Requirements (Annex I) and Technical Documentation (Annexes II and III). For the US, review FDA's Office of Combination Products website prior to attending this seminar.

Benefits of attending

Understand the European regulatory guidance

the European regulatory guidance Know what your competent authority expects

what your competent authority expects Gain an insight into notified bodies' considerations on drug/device products

an insight into notified bodies' considerations on drug/device products Learn how to define the approval route for your product

how to define the approval route for your product Clarify the major differences in documentation and approval routes

the major differences in documentation and approval routes Consider quality systems requirements for combination products

quality systems requirements for combination products Discover the FDA's regulatory approach to combination products

the FDA's regulatory approach to combination products Hear how to deal with human tissue-engineered products

how to deal with human tissue-engineered products Stay up-to-date on post-market surveillance for combination products

Who Should Attend:

Development and regulatory personnel in the medical device, pharmaceutical and diagnostic industries, who need to understand the complex requirements applicable to medical devices incorporating 'pharmaceutical' ingredients, or pharmaceutical products incorporating a device or delivery system.

Certifications:

CPD: 12 hours for your records

Certificate of completion

Key Topics Covered:

Day 1

Introductory overview

Regulatory agencies in the EU and the USA

Impact of the revision to the MDD

Transitional period from the MDD to the MDR

EU regulatory reform proposals

EMA's viewpoint management

Evolving regulatory landscape

Emerging trends

European regulatory guidance: drug/device and device/drug combination products

European regulatory framework for drug/device and device/drug combinations

Legal EU definitions of a drug/device and device/drug combination

Article 117: EU requirements for integral drug/device combinations

'In exclusive use with'

Other combinations AI systems etc.

European regulatory guidance continued

Risk management and compliance strategies

Interactions with regulatory agencies and stakeholders

Best practices for navigating the regulatory landscape

Defining the regulatory approval pathway for your product

Product classification

Differences between devices containing ancillary medicinal substances and medicinal products

Responsibilities of regulatory affairs professionals in product development commercialisation

Medical device CE certification notified body expectations

CE marking process for medical devices

Devices containing ancillary medicinal substances

Post CE marking expectations and changes

Notified Body Opinion (NBOp)

MDR's impact on the medicinal product directive

Article 117

Documentation requirements

Preparing regulatory submissions for drug/device and device/drug combinations

General Safety and Performance Requirements (GSPR) checklist

Day 2

Clinical trial considerations

How the regulatory pathway for the final marketed product determines the clinical trial regulation to be followed

Clinical Trials Directive 2001/20/EC medicines

Requirements for clinical development of medical devices

Clinical data requirements and post-marketing surveillance

Product information

Labelling requirements under the MDR

Labelling for combination products

Electronic Product Information (ePI)

Companion diagnostics

Regulatory considerations

UK post-Brexit

UK IRP: International Recognition Procedure

Pharmacovigilance for combination products: vigilance or pharmacovigilance

Understanding the differences between medical device vigilance and pharmacovigilance

How to handle the challenges posed by combination products

Pharmacovigilance reporting

Device vigilance reporting

FDA's approach to combination products

Background and legal framework

Definitions of drug, biologics and medical device

"Borderline" issues and products (v. combination products)

Types of combination products

Primary mode of action and FDA's assignment algorithm

Jurisdiction and designation process

FDA's approach to combination products (continued)

Submission and regulatory pathways

Current GMP and quality system requirements

Post-market safety reporting requirements

Strategies for development and summary points

For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3gcfku

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251226968055/en/

Contacts:

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



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Finger-waging researchers direct marketplace managers to maintain greater vigilance against obscured stalkerware applications in their inventories

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS / ACCESS Newswire / December 26, 2025 / The 2025 APWG Symposium on Electronic Crime Research (eCrime 2025) gave a research team from the University of Cambridge its Best Student Paper award for their pioneering examination of the stalkerware ecosystem that undergirds a vast, penetrating covert surveillance ecosystem.

The eCrime 2025 conference chairs also awarded its best student paper runner up to an international research team that examined the effects of a wide-ranging devastating take-down operation on one of the world's largest ransomware platforms by law enforcement.

Principal author Anahitha Vijay of University of Cambridge

"Catch Me If You Scan: A Longitudinal Analysis of Stalkerware Evasion Tactics," by principal author Anahitha Vijay and co-authors Luis A. Saavedra and Alice Hutchings of University of Cambridge took the Best Student Paper award on November 6 for its groundbreaking examination that documented "how stalkerware developers navigate and subvert marketplace platform governance," thus illuminating their adaptive capabilities in order to inform development of more robust, future-proof detection and mitigation strategies.

The team's winning paper concluded, "Given the ongoing risk to survivors, it is important for platform owners, such as Google, and security vendors to re-evaluate and innovate their approach to this challenge. Merely implementing store-level policies is not a sustainable solution, as our study demonstrates these strategies are systematically circumvented through shared tactics such as malicious compliance and feature stripping."

Principal author Ian Gray of New York University

'The Best Student Paper Runner Up award was given to principal author Ian Gray (New York University) and his co-authors Dalyapraz Manatova (Indiana University Bloomington), Kris Oosthoek (Delft University of Technology), Damon McCoy (New York University) for "From Lamborghinis to Ladas: Empirical Analysis of LockBit's Business Operations." The paper mounted an extensive, exploratory analysis of ransomeware-as-a-service platform Lockbit's performance degradation after the Operation Cronos take-down in February and May of 2024.

"By eliminating vetting requirements and enabling immediate attack capabilities, the LockBit 4.0 program lowered barriers to entry, suggesting LockBit sought to mitigate diminished ransom revenues by expanding its affiliate base. However, the limited adoption panel underscores the constrained potential for revenue generation from signup fees alone," Mr. Gray and his co-authors concluded.

About the Symposium on Electronic Crime Research

The Symposium on Electronic Crime Research (APWG eCrime) was founded in 2006 as the eCrime Researchers Summit, conceived by APWG Secretary General Peter Cassidy as a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary venue to present basic and applied research into electronic crime and engaging every aspect of its evolution - as well as spotlighting technologies and techniques for cybercrime detection, response, forensics and prevention.

Since then, what had been initially a technology focused conference has incrementally expanded its focus to cover behavioral, social, economic, and legal / policy dimensions as well as technical aspects of cybercrime, following the interests of our correspondent investigators, the symposium's managers as well as the APWG's own directors and steering committee members.

Scores upon scores of papers exploring these dimensions of cybercrime at APWG eCrime have been published by the IEEE <APWG | eCrime Research Papers> as well as by Taylor & Francis and the Association of Computing Machinery (in the very earliest years of the symposium).

With its multi-disciplinary approach, APWG eCrime every year brings together the most heterogeneous community of counter-eCrime researchers and industrial stakeholders to confer over the latest research, and to foster collaborations between the leading investigators in this still nascent field of cybercrime studies.

The power of that community, over the years, has been expressed in their contributions to research in academia and industry, cited in the papers above, their innovations for industry - and the globally scaled research projects they've organizing today such as the PhishFarm browser block list latency measurement program that APWG ecrime-associated investigators are organizing: http://ecrimeresearch.org/phishfarm

A Short History of APWG eCrime

Academic and industrial researchers appeared at the APWG's door almost at the very genesis of the APWG, delineating phishing's contemporary nature, speculating on probable evolutionary trajectories - and proposing research that needed APWG's data corpora to shape their theses and inform their research. The APWG established APWG eCrime to honor that contribution, foster its spirit - and to organize the creative energy of researchers that would eventually overwhelm the APWG's other conference venues.

APWG organized the initial eCrime Researchers Summit in Orlando in early Spring 2006 in collaboration with Florida State University; the National Center for Forensic Sciences at University of Central Florida; and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, recognizing the interest in ecrime research by both researchers and within the law enforcement community. Secretary General Cassidy authored the initial CFP. FSU computer science researcher Judi Mulholland organized and managed the peer-review committee and edited the proceedings for publication by Taylor & Francis.

Since the first eCrime conference in 2006, the APWG eCrime management team and submission review committee - drawing from academic and industrial researchers from across the world - has produced conference with academic conference partners every year. Today, APWG eCrime is supported by the IEEE Standards Association which acts as Technical Sponsor to the conference and publishes the conferences proceedings in the IEEE XPlore Digital Library.

APWG eCrime will continue to be a collaborative project of its sponsoring institutions, its chairs, committee members, reviewers, and, of course, the researchers who share their findings. The APWG gives its thanks to all who are making eCrime the keystone event in the field and to all of those who have helped establish and maintain it. And to all of our new collaborators and contributors: welcome. If you've an interest in participating somehow in development this vital program, please contact admin [at]apwg.org.

SOURCE: ANTI-PHISHING WORKING GROUP

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/university-of-cambridge-takes-apwg-2025-ecrime-symposium-top-stud-1121403
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Under the theme "Towards the Horizon," SHACMAN (Shaanxi Heavy Duty Automobile Import & Export Co.,Ltd) officially unveiled its next-generation H3000S platform in Riyadh on Dec. 24, 2025. The event brought together over 300 distinguished guests, including local strategic partners, key account representatives, industry experts, and leading media outlets.

At the launch, SHACMAN and its partners showcased SHACMAN's strategic footprint and strong momentum in the Saudi Arabia market.

Witnessed by esteemed clients and the media, the next-generation H3000S made its official debut, with multiple models, including the 42 tractor and 64 tipper launched simultaneously. To further demonstrate real-world performance, SHACMAN announced the results of a 14-day, 4,653.6-km "Ultimate Test Drive" conducted across Saudi Arabia in collaboration with its local partner. Under real-world logistics conditions, the SHACMAN H3000S, powered by the next-gen M10 and WP12H high-efficiency engines, achieved an impressive fuel consumption of 25-28L/100km - a significant 2-3L/100km reduction versus comparable trucks under similar conditions. The results underscore SHACMAN's focus on helping fleets reduce operating costs and improve efficiency.

Furthermore, SHACMAN pledged to continuously expand its after-sales service network in Saudi Arabia and ensure the timely supply of key spare parts, supporting customers in reducing TCO over time.

The launch also featured a live signing ceremony between SHACMAN and its partners, solidifying their collaboration, as well as a case study shared by a client. The ceremony culminated in the recognition of SHACMAN's top 25 clients in the region, followed by a networking dinner and several key account customers were honored with commemorative plaques.

In 2025, SHACMAN reported over 60% year-on-year sales growth in Saudi Arabia, achieving a historic breakthrough. The Next-Gen H3000S, specifically engineered for Saudi Arabia's unique operating conditions, exemplifies SHACMAN's commitment to "tailor-made" solutions.

The launch of the H3000S marks a pivotal step in SHACMAN's commitment to the Saudi market. Moving forward, SHACMAN remains dedicated to empowering local business growth and driving the evolution of the regional transportation industry.

Disclaimer: Manufacturer test data is for reference only. Actual results may vary depending on operating conditions.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2851906/image.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/towards-the-horizon--shacman-next-gen-h3000s-officially-launched-in-saudi-arabia-302649572.html
Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - December 26, 2025) - Dunhill Partners, Inc., a Dallas-based real estate investment and management firm, announced today that it has successfully closed on the acquisition of Commerce Square Shopping Center, a premier, grocery-anchored retail destination located in Brownwood, Texas. The acquisition further advances Dunhill's long-term strategy of acquiring high-quality retail assets at below-market pricing in strong Texas communities with durable tenant demand.





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Commerce Square is a 150,459 square-foot, multi-tenant neighborhood shopping center situated on 22 acres in the number-one retail corridor within a 50-mile radius. The property is 100% leased at acquisition and is widely recognized as the highest-trafficked retail destination in Brownwood, attracting approximately 1.3 million annual visits, underscoring its role as a core daily-needs and destination retail hub for the region.

The center is anchored by Aldi, a leading national grocery chain, and features a strong roster of national and credit tenants including T.J. Maxx, Bealls, Boot Barn, Buffalo Wild Wings, Harbor Freight, Hibbett Sports, Pet Sense, Rent-A-Center, and Sherwin-Williams. Approximately 82% of the center's rental income is derived from credit or national tenancy, providing a highly stable and diversified income stream.

"We continue to focus on acquiring well-located, grocery-anchored centers that serve as essential retail destinations for their communities," said Bill Hutchinson, CEO of Dunhill Partners, Inc. "Commerce Square exemplifies our investment thesis-strong traffic fundamentals, national tenancy, and the ability to acquire a premier asset at an attractive basis below replacement cost."

Hutchinson added, "Grocery-anchored centers remain one of the most resilient segments in retail real estate. Aldi's presence, combined with a complementary mix of necessity-based, service-oriented, and value-driven retailers, positions Commerce Square to continue outperforming within its market. These are exactly the types of assets we seek to own for the long term."

Commerce Square features a diverse merchandise mix, with approximately 49% of gross leasable area dedicated to apparel, 32% to business and retail services, 26% to service-oriented uses, and 17% to food and beverage. This balance supports consistent daily traffic while also capturing discretionary spending from a broad regional trade area.

The acquisition aligns with Dunhill's broader strategy of selectively investing in key retail centers that serve as community anchors across Texas, particularly in markets where strong local demand, limited new supply, and national tenant penetration converge.

"Texas communities continue to demonstrate strong fundamentals, and Brownwood is no exception," Hutchinson said. "Commerce Square is not just a shopping center-it is the commercial heart of the community. We are excited to build upon its success and steward this asset for years to come."

About Dunhill Partners, Inc.

Dunhill Partners, Inc. is a Dallas-based real estate investment, development, and management company specializing in the acquisition and operation of retail shopping centers across Texas and select U.S. markets. With a focus on grocery-anchored and necessity-based retail, Dunhill targets well-located assets with strong fundamentals, durable cash flow, and long-term value creation potential. The firm is committed to disciplined underwriting, hands-on asset management, and investing in properties that serve as vital hubs for the communities in which they operate.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279038

Source: GYT
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 26, 2025) - All Painting Toronto, a premier name in the local home improvement industry, is proud to celebrate its 17th anniversary. Since its founding in 2008, the company has established itself as the go-to provider for homeowners and business owners seeking high-quality craftsmanship, fast turnaround times, and the most competitive pricing in the Greater Toronto Area.

For nearly two decades, All Painting Toronto has bridged the gap between luxury quality and affordability. By providing clients with direct access to the city's most skilled Toronto painters, the company ensures that high-end finishes-from complex decorative textures to seamless drywall repairs-remain accessible to the average homeowner.

Reliable Quality Meets Unbeatable Pricing

In an industry often marked by long wait times and fluctuating quotes, All Painting Toronto has built its reputation on the pillars of speed, price, and peace of mind. "Our mission has always been to be the painting contractor you can trust," says the management team. "Reaching the 17-year mark is a testament to our commitment to the community. We believe that everyone in the GTA deserves a beautiful space without having to overpay or wait months for a contractor to show up."

Comprehensive Services & Strategic Partnerships

Whether you are searching for a painting company near me or specialized commercial experts, All Painting Toronto offers a full suite of interior and exterior solutions:

Residential & Commercial Painting: Full-scale transformations for homes and businesses.

Full-scale transformations for homes and businesses. Specialized Finishes: Expertise in complex paint applications and modern finishes.

Expertise in complex paint applications and modern finishes. Drywall Repair: Essential prep work to ensure a flawless final coat.

Essential prep work to ensure a flawless final coat. Reliable Support: Access to the best painters near me with guaranteed fast turnaround.

To ensure long-lasting results, the company maintains strong industry partnerships with leading brands, including Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Dulux Paints. These collaborations, combined with a consistent 5-star track record on Google Reviews, underscore why they are a top-rated painting company in Ontario.

About All Painting Toronto

Founded in 2008, All Painting Toronto is a leading painting company based in the heart of Toronto. Serving the entire GTA, the company connects clients with professional painters who specialize in providing top-tier results with a focus on fair pricing. For those looking at various painting companies, All Painting Toronto stands out through its 17-year history of excellence and reliability.

For more information or to request a free quote, visit https://allpainting.ca/.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279082

Source: Niche Ranker
According to reports, both Harry and Meghan were left shaken when their beloved beagle, Guy, suffered a serious accident in 2017. In a recent interview, their former vet reveals

In a new interview with The Times, Harry and Meghans former vet, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, said that the couple sat on the floor of his clinic as their pet dog, Guy underwent surgery to repair his injured wrists.

In that interview, the vet said  Meghan rang me from Canada, where she was living at the time, to say Guy, her beagle, had escaped and had been found with two busted wrists [the carpus]. Would I operate? I agreed and she brought him over.

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The Supervet star further revealed, The Duke and Duchess sat on the floor. We had cake. Guy was fixed." Thankfully, the operation was a success, and the couple later sent a heartfelt note of gratitude to the professor. He lived until January this year and I had a wonderful note of gratitude from Meghan, which was sweet, added Noel.

About Guy, Harry and Meghans pup, Guy

Meghan was completely devasted when Guy underwent a surgery. Guy was a rescued pup. He lived until January this year and I had a wonderful note of gratitude from Meghan, which was sweet," added Noel. In 2015 Meghan adopted this beagle from a dog rescue in Canada. Meghan said, He had been at a kill shelter in Kentucky and given a few days to live. I swooped him up.and fell in love.

(With inputs from agencies)
Performances that deserve to be gazed beyond box-office and opening numbers. These are some performances that needed more attention and applause

Not all great performances arrive with noise, virality, or award chatter. Some slip through quietly, doing the real work while the spotlight looks elsewhere. Heres looking at actors who delivered some of 2025s strongest work. Performances that deserve to be gazed beyond box-office and opening numbers. These are some performances that needed more attention and applause. Here they are:

Monika Panwar- Khuaf

In Khauf, Monika Panwar proved how powerful stillness can be. Her performance relied on internalized fear rather than spectacle, making the horror feel personal and deeply unsettling. Genre performances are rarely celebrated for acting craft, but this one deserved far more attention.

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Shalini Pandey- Netflixs Dabba Cartel

Shalini Pandey avoided the obvious choices in _Dabba Cartel_. Instead of playing to type, she opted for nuance, letting silences, hesitation, and moral conflict do the heavy lifting. It was a performance that rewarded patience and proved her evolution as an actor.

Tillotama Shome- Paatal Lok 2

Tillotama Shome continues to be one of the most precise actors working today. In Paatal Lok Season 2, she made every scene her own and emotionally exact. Even when the narrative moved around her, her presence lingered long after.

Nikita Dutta- Jewel Thief

Nikita Dutta had a quietly impressive year, showing range without drawing attention to it. In Jewel Thief, she balanced polish and emotional opacity, while Khakhee demanded grit and restraint. The shift never felt forced, just confident. Its the kind of versatility that often gets overlooked because it looks effortless.

Triptii Dimri- Dhadak 2

Triptii has emerged as one of the most in-demand actresses of todays time, and her performance in _Dhadak 2_ placed her in a bigger mainstream world. The actress brings a unique sense of honesty through her performance in a film thats filled with love, heartbreak, and conflict, and she pulls it off with quiet power that keeps you hooked to every frame.

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Fatima Sana Shaikh- Gustaakh Ishq

_Metro In Dino_ pulled Fatima Sana Shaikh in a world where love is messy, jagged at the edges and weighed down by circumstances. With an incredible range, she showcases love thats not just smooth, but also makes you believe in the ache that accompanies.

Yami Gautam- HAQ

In HAQ, Yami Gautam served a performance built on conviction, intensity and emotional clarity. She gave a reminder of her ability to shoulder a film thats bold and reflects purpose. Through HAQ, Yami solidified herself as Hindi cinemas most consistent and compelling dramatic performer.

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Kriti Sanon- Tere Ishk Mein

In _Tere Ishk Mein_, Kriti Sanon served one of her most restrained performances by bringing vulnerability, strength and quiet intensity to a character grappling with love, loss and self-discovery. Her performance reflected her growth as a performer, earning incredible praise from the audience and critics alike.

Sanya Malhotra- MRS

In Mrs, Sanya Malhotra proved to be one of the most dependable performers. Her role in the film was highlighted through emotional honesty and nuanced expressions, and Sanya enhanced it through warmth and realism - all while amplifying the films emotional world.
Chase said that he received these drugs from a psychiatrist but said he has not been diagnosed with any mental health condition

Former Nickelodeon actor Tylor Chase has shared details about his life while living on the streets of Riverside, California.

Chase, who played Martin Qwerly on the popular show Neds Declassified School Survival Guide, recently spoke to a media outlet about his situation. According to the New York Post, Chase was seen behind a 7-Eleven store in Riverside.

What the actor said

He was wearing torn clothes, and his hands showed cuts and blisters. Dirt was also visible under his fingernails. During the interaction, he made it clear that he does not see himself as homeless. As per The New York Post, Chase, while speaking to a media outlet, spoke about drug use and openly listed the substances he is taking.

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I could use maybe a joint or a bong. Do you guys smoke weed? he responded.

He also said that he vapes and takes several medicines. While speaking to the outlet, he said that he likes vape, adding that he takes Prozac, Adderall, Sudafed, Wellbutrin or also Zoloft.

Chase said that he received these drugs from a psychiatrist but said he has not been diagnosed with any mental health condition.

During the interview, Chase spoke about support from people around him. He said that his mother lives nearby and that he gets help from family, friends, and others in the area. I stay around here locally. My mom is here, he said. I have a lot of good people helping me. Its not too shabby. A lot of people help out. It goes a long way. He also spoke about charity and support services.

I have family and friends, and the housing shelter assistance program. Theres graceful charity from the grace of Gods family people. Thats a pretty chill aspect of it all. Its a true privilege, obviously.

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Chase also told the media outlet that he is thinking about visiting his father in Georgia and may look for housing support there. Im not really active homeless at this time, Im thinking that I would like to go see my dad, relatively shortly, in the state of Georgia, he said. I have the whole setup to stay out there, a room out there hopefully  Probably a housing assistance program in Georgia most likely.

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Finally some help for Taylor Chase

American actor and comedian Shaun Weiss, famous for his role in The Mighty Ducks, has finally extended help to Chase post his video.

I have received many messages about [Tylor Chase], Weiss said in a video on Instagram. I reached out to some friends of mine, and we have a bed for him at a detox, and we have a place for him to go and get long-term treatment.

All we need to do now is find him. Im not in Los Angeles, or I would go look for him myself, Weiss added.

Taylor Chase: Battling addiction and mental health issues

Amid the actors video going viral, history about his mental health issues and addiction battle has resurfaced too. GoFundMe page that was opened to fund the actor was shut by its creator Citlalli Wilson, and there was a reason for the same.

With added inputs from agencies
Is Bangladesh safe for minorities? Thats the question after a second Hindu man has been lynched to death. Locals said that the victim, Amrit Mondal alias Samrat, was the leader of a criminal gang, called the Samrat Bahini. His death comes close on the heels of Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker being lynched after being accused of blasphemy

Days after the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, 29-year-old Amrit Mondal alias Samrat was killed in Rajbari's Pangsha sub-district. Image Courtesy: X

Bangladesh is in a crisis; the country continues to grapple with violence. Even as the country faces flak and condemnation for the lynching of a Hindu man, identified as Dipu Chandra Das, reports have emerged that another Hindu youth has been killed.

The killing of the second Hindu youth occurred on Christmas Eve in Rajbaris Pangsha upazila, with the authorities noting that it wasnt a communally motivated attack but related to extortion and terrorist activities.

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On the other hand, ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has criticised the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of committing unspeakable atrocities against non-Muslims and setting horrific precedents such as burning religious minorities to death.

So, whats exactly going on in Bangladesh? We explain.

Second Hindu man lynched in Bangladesh

On Wednesday night, news emerged of a 29-year-old Hindu man being beaten to death in Rajbaris Pangsha sub-district, which is around three-and-a-half hours from the capital, Dhaka.

The victim has been identified Amrit Mondal alias Samrat, with locals being quoted as telling The Daily Star that Samrat was the leader of a criminal gang, called the Samrat Bahini, which was involved in extortion, among other activities. Residents said that he had fled the country after Sheikh Hasinas ouster last year only to return to his village, Hosendanga in Kalimohor union, recently.

The Pangsha Model Police Station has revealed that there were at least two cases filed against him, including a murder case.

So, what led to his death on Wednesday?

Around 11 am on Christmas Eve, accompanied by members of his gang, Samrat reportedly went to the house of a villager, Shahidul Islam, to extort money. On seeing the gang approaching, Islams family alerted the other villagers, who believed they were thieves. The villagers then surrounded the gang members and Samrat and began to thrash them mercilessly.

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When the police arrived at the spot, they rescued Samrat from the mob and rushed him to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead.

The authorities were able to arrest one of Samrats associates, Mohammed Selim, who was carrying a pistol and another gun.

Bangladesh government speaks

Reacting to the incident, the Yunus-led administration said that going by what the police said, the killing of Samrat wasnt a communally motivated attack.

The interim government in Dhaka said that the matter was unfortunate but added that it was not at all a communally motivated incident. In a press release, the interim administration strongly condemned the killing but said that a particular segment was trying to project the incident as a communal attack.

From the information provided by the police and from preliminary investigation, it appears that it was not at all a communally motivated attack. It is related to extortion and terrorist activities.

The person killed is top terrorist Amrit Mandal, Samrat who came to the area seeking money and died after clashes with the angry local people, added the press statement by the interim government of Bangladesh.

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Activists from various Hindu groups scuffle with police during a protest against the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh over allegations of blasphemy last week, near Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, India. File image/Reuters

The lynching of Dipu Das

The death of Samrat comes days after factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was lynched, raising questions about the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.

On December 18, the 25-year-old resident of Mymensingh was beaten and set ablaze over alleged blasphemy. According to reports, news spread like wildfire within his factory that Das has reportedly made blasphemous remarks. Soon enough, an angry mob surrounded Das and subjected him to a savage beating. Following the assault, the mob then left Das body on the side of the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway and set it on fire, bringing traffic on both sides of the road to a standstill.

The victims father, Ravilal Das, told NDTV that they heard of the tragedy via social media. We saw it on Facebook. From Facebook we started hearing things, then more people were saying it  and then we found out when someone said to me , my brother my brother, he was beaten, beaten badly. Then my uncle came after half an hour later and told me they took my sonand they tied him to a tree, Ravilal Das said, describing how the lynch mob committed the crime.

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The father said the mob then poured kerosene on the man and set him on fire. His burned body was left outside. They tied the burned torso and head outside together. It was horrible, he said.

Das killing led to a massive uproar in India with many questioning the lack of safety accorded to minorities in the neighbouring country. Even the Indian government took note of the lynching, with Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urging the Bangladesh authorities to ensure justice and nab the perpetrators behind the incident.

Investigations into Das killing has revealed that there is no evidence that the factory worker had committed blasphemy. Until now, at least 12 people have been arrested in connection with the lynching. Moreover, Bangladeshs Education Adviser CR Abrar visited Das family on Tuesday to express his condolences. On behalf of the government, Education Adviser Professor C R Abrar visited the bereaved family in Mymensingh on Tuesday to convey the governments sympathy and assurance of support during this difficult time, Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, said in a post on X.

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Minorities under attack in Bangladesh

The lynching of Dipu Das is just the latest example of Hindus being attacked in Bangladesh since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina last year. Following the killing of youth leader Osman Sharif Hadi, reports emerged that houses of at least seven Hindu families were burnt down.

Last November, Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk, was charged and arrested for sedition.

There have also been numerous attacks on Hindus with Abhro Shome Pias, a 27-year-old Hindu student who studies at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), telling Al Jazeera that there have been countless incidents of violence and persecution of Hindus.

In fact, the Bangladesh Hindu Bouddho Christian Oikyo Parishad, the largest minority organisation in the country, noted that Bangladesh witnessed 258 incidents of violence against the minority communities in the first half of 2025.

A man holds a placard during a protest alleging that Bangladeshi groups are wrongly targeting Hindus in Bangladesh in Jammu, India. AP

Hasina attacks Yunus government on minorities

As Bangladesh continues to grapple with the violence against minorities, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, attacked the Yunus administration in her Christmas message, stating that the current ruling group has seized illegal power and is now subjecting minorities to unspeakable torture.

The former leader, who has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh, said: It is sad to say that the current ruling group that has seized illegal power is interfering with the freedom of people of all religions and communities to practice their own religion.

She further added that unspeakable atrocities are being perpetrated against non-Muslims. It has even set horrific precedents such as burning religious minorities to death. I firmly believe that the people of Bangladesh will not allow this dark time to continue any longer.

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With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday (December 25) that the American military conducted deadly airstrikes against the Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria. According to the US militarys Africa Command, it carried out attacks in Sokoto state, which borders Niger to the north, that killed several terrorists

US President Donald Trump has been flagging violence against Christians in Nigeria for months. File Photo/AP

The United States carried out airstrikes against the Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday (December 25). The attack comes amid the American leaders claims of the terrorist group persecuting Christians in the region.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that he ordered the US military to launch a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!

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US Africa Command (Africom) and the Nigerian government have confirmed the strikes.

Lets take a closer look.

US military strikes ISIS in Nigeria

The US militarys Africa Command said it conducted strikes in Sokoto state, which borders Niger to the north, that killed several terrorists.

The attack targeted two ISIS camps in Sokoto State, a US military official told New York Times (NYT) on the condition of anonymity.

As per Associated Press (AP), officials say the targets were likely members of Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), known locally as Lakurawa. The group has become more prominent in border states like Sokoto and Kebbi in the last year, often targeting remote communities and security forces.

The US attacks were in coordination with Nigerian authorities. Africoms initial assessment is that multiple Isis terrorists were killed in the Isis camps, as per a news release.

In a now-deleted statement posted on X, Africom said it had conducted the strikes at the request of Nigerian authorities, CNN reported.

A video posted by the Pentagon showed the launch of at least one projectile from a warship.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.

Confirming the attack, Nigerias foreign ministry said early Friday (December 26) morning that precision air strikes hit terrorist targets in the West African countrys northwest. It further stated that it remains engaged with the US in structured security cooperation.

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American President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social post, I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.

.@POTUS Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and pic.twitter.com/ct7rUW128t  Department of War  (@DeptofWar) December 26, 2025

Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues, he concluded.

In a statement to CNN, Daniel Bwala, special advisor to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, said: The US and Nigeria are on the same page in the fight against terrorism.

Bwala told The Washington Post that the Nigerian government considers the repeated emphasis on Christian killings as needless because firstly terrorists dont target any particular religion and, secondly, the rhetoric along that line will only feed into the desire of the terrorists to further create a broader crisis.

In a Christmas message posted on X before Trumps announcement, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for peace in his country, especially between individuals of differing religious beliefs.

He also said he would do everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence.

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Why US targeted Islamic State in Nigeria

The US strikes come after months of allegations by Christian evangelical groups and senior Republicans that Christians were being targeted in widespread violence in Nigeria.

The US president has repeatedly made references to what he said was the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria.

In late October, Trump accused Nigeria of religious freedom violations, saying that Christianity faces an existential threat in the West African nation. Later, he designated the nation as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, as per CNN.

After the US designation, Nigerian President Tinubu said on November 1 that the characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.

He said that the Nigerian government is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on [the] protection of communities of all faiths.

Last month, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he directed the Pentagon to prepare for possible action in Nigeria after accusing the countrys government of failing to stop violence against Christians.

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He threatened to immediately stop all aid and assistance to Africas most populous country, warning that the US would enter Nigeria guns-a-blazing to protect the Christian population and completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST! Trump said in his post last month.

Following Trumps order, US Africa Command in November chalked up plans to target insurgents in Nigeria and sent them to the Pentagon and the White House. These options included airstrikes on the few known compounds in northern Nigeria used by militant groups, officials told NYT.

The Christmas attack in Nigeria comes after Reuters reported earlier this week that the US had been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November.

Nigeria rocked by widespread violence

Nigeria has been gripped by an insurgency for more than a decade. The diverse, multiethnic country, which has more than 230 million (23 crore) people, houses both Christians and Muslims. While Muslims dominate the north, Christians primarily reside in the south.

Most insurgent attacks have targeted the northern region.

Nigerias government has reportedly said that both Christians and Muslims have been targeted by armed groups. It has also dismissed the assertion of a Christian genocide, saying such claims do not represent a complex security situation and ignore efforts to safeguard religious freedom.

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Responding to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who decried the slaughter of thousands of Christians," Bayo Onanuga, Tinubus press secretary, called the portrayal a gross exaggeration of the Nigerian situation, adding that Christians, Muslims, churches and mosques are attacked randomly."

On Wednesday, a suicide bombing at a mosque during evening prayers in the town of Maiduguri, in Nigerias Borno State, killed five people and injured 35 others. The officials attributed the attack to Boko Haram, an extremist Islamist armed group.

Most violent attacks in Nigeria have been reported in the northeast, where Boko Haram has regularly attacked churches and kidnapped children and killed tens of thousands of people over the past 15 years.

Human rights experts have said more Muslims have been killed by Boko Haram than Christians, Reuters reported.

Speaking to The Washington Post, Aneliese Bernard, a former State Department adviser who has a private consulting firm working in West Africa, said the part of northwest Nigeria, which US strikes targeted, are mostly affected by violence from bandits, who work with the Islamic State-Sahel Province and al-Qaeda affiliate Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).

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Bernard said evidence to support a specific Islamic State cell in that area is dubious at best.

This feels incredibly reactionary, and it doesnt feel like it will do anything, she said of the US strikes. There is very little evidence that targeted airstrikes reduce armed group activity.

With inputs from agencies
Graham Walker, the CEO of Fibrebond, has given a total of $240 million (Rs 2,154 crore) in bonuses to his over 500 employees. This came after he sold the company in Louisiana to Eaton, a power-management firm, for $1.7 billion. Heres what his workers have done with their six-figure payouts

Graham Walker, the CEO of Fibrebond, has given millions of dollars to his employees in bonuses. Image Courtesy: Fibrebond

Imagine going to work one fine day and returning with crores in bonuses. More than 500 employees working at a Louisiana factory were in for a surprise when their boss handed out six-figure bonus checks totalling $240 million (Rs 2,154 crore).

Graham Walker, the CEO of Fibrebond, turned real-life Santa Claus after selling the company for a whopping $1.7 billion, as per The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report. The deal made his employees millionaires.

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We take a look.

The journey of Fibrebond

Fibrebond was founded by Walkers father, Claud Walker, in 1982 with a dozen employees in Minden, Louisiana. At the time, the company built structures for telephones, electrical equipment and train tracks.

In the 1990s, the business shifted to constructing concrete enclosures for cellphone towers. The company thrived during the cellular boom.

However, it nearly collapsed in 1998 when Fibrebonds factory burned to the ground. While the operations took months to resume, Claud and the family continued to pay employees their salaries, which developed loyalty, they told WSJ.

After a rise in demand in 2000, Fibrebonds business took a hit when the dot-com bubble burst. The companys customers fell to just three, forcing it to slash the workforce from about 900 to 320.

Graham Walker and his brother took over the reins of Fibrebond in the mid-2000s, selling assets and clearing debt. They also tried to enter new markets, but without much success.

Despite turbulent times, staff stuck around, with some cherishing a tight-knit work environment and the companys perks.

As the hard times continued and the Walkers had to freeze salaries for years, the fund set up by the company for employees struggling to pay their bills turned out to be useful.

In 2013, the Walkers began a division called Fibrebond Power to develop more sophisticated industrial structures, departing from telecom and other markets.

Graham Walker, who became the chief executive officer in 2015, went on to recruit some of the workers laid off earlier.

Fibrebond started a culture of giving group bonuses when the company met safety and other targets, instead of individual bonuses.

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Walker told WSJ that while prospects improved, the ups and downs caused whiplash. He urged his employees to trust his leadership and promised that they would benefit if the company ever made it big.

It finally did when, in a risky move, Fibrebond invested $150 million to increase capacity to build infrastructure for data centres, including enclosures for power equipment.

This bet paid off in 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown when data demand for cloud computing skyrocketed.

The growing interest in artificial intelligence in recent years has further strengthened sales, along with demand for terminals exporting liquefied natural gas.

As a result, Fibrebonds sales surged nearly 400 per cent over the past five years.

This drew the attention of bigger companies, with Eaton, a power-management firm, buying the company earlier this year.

However, Walker, a history major from the University of the South, had a condition for the buyer of his company. He said that 15 per cent of the sale proceeds would have to go to his employees, a reward for their loyalty and dedication during rough times.

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An Eaton spokeswoman told WSJ: We came to an agreement with this second-generation, family-owned business that honours their commitments to their employees and the community.

ALSO READ: Do employees work harder after receiving incentives or slack off?

Retirement, trips & more

Fibrebond employees may have never imagined that their loyalty to the company would pay off one day.

In June, all 540 full-time employees started receiving $240 million in bonuses. The payouts averaged $443,000 (Rs 3.98 crore) to be provided over the next five years. Long-time employees received much more.

As the staffers started getting the bonuses in envelopes, some became overwhelmed, while others believed it was a prank.

Lesia Key, 51, who started working at the factory in 1995, making $5.35 (Rs 480) an hour, broke down crying as she received the sealed, blue-and-white envelope.

It was surreal, it was like telling people they won the lottery. There was absolute shock, Hector Moreno, a business development executive at Fibrebond, told _WSJ. _They said, Whats the catch?'

The employees have since used the money to pay off debt, buy cars, pay college tuition and fund retirements. Key spent her bonus to settle her mortgage and open her own clothing boutique in a nearby town.

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Before, we were going paycheck to paycheck, she said. I can live now; Im grateful.

Moreno used his own bonus to take 25 family members with him to a celebratory trip to Cancun, Mexico.

According to Mindens mayor, Nick Cox, the bonuses have boosted Mindens economy, a town of about 12,000. Theres a lot of buzz about the amount of money being spent at local retailers, he said.

Hong Blackwell, a longtime assistant manager, has used her several hundred thousand dollars to retire. An immigrant from Vietnam, she gave her more than 15 years to Fibrebond.

The day she got the bonus, Blackwell, 67, came home and apprised her husband, who was left in disbelief.

Are you serious?! he asked.

Im serious.

Blackwell is now enjoying her retirement. She purchased a Toyota Tacoma for her husband and the couple is mulling travelling. However, she plans on saving most of her money.

Now I dont have to worry, Blackwell said. My retirement is nice and peaceful.

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Walker has asked his employees to tell him know how the money has changed their lives.

I hope Im 80 years old and get an email about how its impacted someone, he said.

Walker will leave the company on December 31. Its time, for the good of the business and all involved, he added.

With inputs from agencies
If you are planning to order in food on New Years Eve, brace yourself. Delivery workers linked to Swiggy, Amazon and other platforms have announced a nationwide strike on December 31 to highlight their deteriorating working conditions. They are demanding better pay and the removal of the 10-minute model. But will their demands be heard?

Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon and other gig workers to go on strike on December 31 across India. Reuters

If you are planning to order food from Swiggy or Zomato this New Years Eve, prepare to face delays. And its not just food. Other deliveries via Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon and Flipkart may also be delayed.

Why?

This is because the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union have announced a nationwide strike on December 31, demanding better pay, improved safety and social security.

Interestingly, gig workers had even gone on a similar strike on Christmas, affecting deliveries across the country. Heres a deep dive into what exactly is going on.

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A delivery person leaves a dark store of the SoftBank-funded Blinkit, an Indian company which is offering 10-minute deliveries for groceries, in New Delhi, India, January 19, 2022. Reuters

Why are gig workers going on strike on New Years Eve?

The year-end peak delivery period may face disruption on December 31. Gig workers from major e-commerce, food delivery, and home service platforms, including Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon and Flipkart, have raised long-standing concerns over what they call deteriorating working conditions.

A strike is being held over low and failing wages, social security, lack of safety, dignity, and job insecurity. According to a CNBC-TV18 report, the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) have made the protest announcement.

Both TGPWU and IFAT, in a statement, noted that, Despite being the backbone of last-mile delivery, especially during peak seasons and festivals, delivery workers are forced to endure long working hours, falling earnings, unsafe delivery targets, arbitrary ID blocking, lack of job security, and absence of basic welfare protections.

Shaik Salauddin, founder president of TGPWU and co-founder and national general secretary of IFAT, asserted, Delivery workers are being pushed to the breaking point by unsafe work models, falling incomes, and total absence of social protection.

He added that this strike is a collective call for justice, dignity, and accountability. The government can no longer remain a silent spectator while platform companies profit at the cost of workers lives.

What are the gig workers key demands?

Along with fair pay structure and others, the unions are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the 10-minute delivery models.

Here are some other demands:

- Enhance safety measures, including restrictions on late-night deliveries during winter fog, and end account blocking without due process.

- Proper work allocation without algorithmic discrimination.

- Ensure respect at work, which includes human behaviour by platforms and customers.

- Reasonable eight-hour working day, and mandatory breaks.

- Robust technical support during redressal for routing and payment failures.

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- Full job and social security, including health insurance, accident coverage, and pension benefits.

How did the workers strike on December 25 impact deliveries?

Notably, many workers had gone on a similar strike in different parts of the country on December 25, disrupting food delivery operations. In Gurugram, food deliveries witnessed lengthy delays. A report by the Hindustan Times even noted that around 70-80 delivery partners gathered to protest at the Rodeo Drive Market Complex in Sector 47. Baani Square (Sector 50), ILD Tower near Subhash Chowk, Eros City Square (Sector 49), and HUDA Market (Sector 46) also suffered similar protests.

In fact, on December 25, gig workers protests across the city led to a massive disruption in food delivery operations. Cities like Gurugram experienced significant service disruptions, while Noida and Delhi were slightly impacted. After the strike was announced, in Gurugram, several sectors, including Badshahpur in Sector 66, Sohna Road, and Sectors 31, 47, and 48, witnessed lengthy delays in food deliveries, as reported by HT.

One delivery worker was even quoted by Hindustan Times as saying, If some problem were to happen to us, what would we do? Neither does Swiggy have an ambulance, nor does it do medical checkups, adding, We dont even have a bathroom. Food delivery companies pay us around Rs 5-6 for each kilometre travelled fuel expenses take away a major chunk.

Even in parts of Maharashtra, gig workers went on strike, affecting deliveries. According to Dr Laxman Aare, general secretary of the Gig Workers Union, an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 delivery riders from platforms such as Zomato and others refrained from work in cities including Mumbai, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Nagpur, Kolhapur, and Navi Mumbai.

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Nearly 50 per cent of gig workers in the state heeded our call today, Aare was quoted as telling the Indian Express. This is a peaceful protest. We are not blocking roads or causing inconvenience to anyone. Weve simply chosen not to turn up for work, thats the most non-violent way to express our dissent.

What steps has the government taken recently for delivery workers?

The strike unfolds in the backdrop of the governments recent labour reforms, primarily aimed at recognising gig and platform workers for the first time.

According to the revised Code on Social Security, which came into effect on November 21, 2025, delivery workers and digital platforms are needed to contribute between one-two per cent of their annual turnover into a Social Security Fund, capped at five per cent of payments made to aggregators and platform workers, MoneyControl reported.

The Press Information Bureau said that this move intends to finance welfare schemes, including health cover, accident insurance and maternity benefits. It also mandates Aadhaar-linked universal account numbers for delivery workers, ensuring social security benefits.

While many platforms welcomed the move, unions said that statutory contributions are the first step, and they do not entirely address structural wage issues, safety, security and others.

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With inputs from agencies
One of the worst natural disasters took place on December 26, 2004 following one of the strongest earthquakes in the oceans. As many as 2.3 lakh people were killed across 14 countries. On this day in 2012, China opened the worlds longest high-speed rail route between Beijing and Guangzhou

Survivors retrieve a cart from the rubble of the devastated commercial district of Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh on December 31, 2004. File image/AP

One of the worst tsunamis occurred on December 26, 2004, after a strong earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia. What ensued was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.

If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Todaywill be your one-stop destination to explore key events.

On this day in 2012, China opened the worlds longest high-speed rail route between Beijing and Guangzhou.

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Here is all that took place on this day.

Tsunami devastated Indian Ocean coast

A massive tsunami devastated the Indian Ocean coastline on December 26, 2004, after one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck off the coast of Indonesia. The undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 occurred near Sumatra and triggered giant waves that raced across the ocean at jet-plane speeds, hitting coastal communities with little warning.

Within hours, the tsunami struck countries thousands of kilometres away. Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand were among the hardest hit, but the waves also reached Myanmar, the Maldives and parts of East Africa. The repercussions were so bad that entire villages were flattened, fishing communities were wiped out, and infrastructure was destroyed along vast stretches of coastline. In Aceh province in Indonesia, whole neighbourhoods vanished under the force of the water.

More than 2,30,000 people were killed across 14 countries, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history. This was not all as millions of others were displaced, left without homes, clean water or medical care. Those who survived took up the daunting task of looking for their missing family members amid widespread devastation and grief.

A boat passes by a damaged hotel at Ton Sai Bay on Phi Phi Island in Thailand. File image/AP

At the time, the Indian Ocean region lacked a coordinated tsunami warning system. Many coastal residents had no understanding of the signs of an approaching tsunami, such as the sudden retreat of the sea. As a result, communities were caught off guard, with little time to evacuate.

The disaster prompted an unprecedented international humanitarian response. Governments, aid agencies and volunteers mobilised quickly, providing emergency relief, medical assistance and long-term reconstruction support. In the years that followed, countries invested heavily in early warning systems and disaster preparedness programmes to reduce future risks.

China opened the worlds longest high-speed rail route

On this day in 2012, China opened the worlds longest high-speed rail route that linked the capital city of Beijing with the southern metropolis of Guangzhou. The launch marked a major milestone in the countrys ambitious effort to modernise transportation and connect its vast regions through fast and efficient rail travel.

The BeijingGuangzhou high-speed railway stretches more than 2,200 kilometres, running through some of Chinas most densely populated and economically important provinces, including Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan and Guangdong. Trains on the route were designed to travel at speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour, cutting travel time between the two cities from about 22 hours on conventional trains to roughly eight hours.

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The railway also helped reduce congestion at airports and on highways. File image/Reuters

The opening of the line transformed long-distance travel within China. Business travellers, migrant workers and tourists gained a faster and more comfortable alternative to air and road transport. The railway also helped reduce congestion at airports and on highways, while offering a more energy-efficient mode of transportation.

Beyond convenience, the route had major economic significance. By linking northern political centres with southern manufacturing hubs, the railway strengthened trade, labour mobility and regional development. Cities along the corridor saw increased investment and growth as high-speed rail stations became new economic focal points.

The project was also a showcase of Chinas engineering capabilities. Built over challenging terrain and across multiple river systems, the railway required advanced construction techniques and strict safety standards. Its completion underscored Chinas emergence as a global leader in high-speed rail technology.

This Day, That Year

Mobster Bugsy Siegel opened the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on this day in 1946.

In 1805, Napoleon enforced harsh penalties on Austria with the signing of the Treaty of Pressburg.

With inputs from agencies
An Indian student, Shivank Avasthi, was fatally shot at Toronto Universitys Scarborough Campus on Tuesday (December 23).The 20-year-old was a third-year life sciences student as well as part of the cheerleading team on campus. The police are now on the hunt for the suspect, who fled the scene after the shooting

An Indian doctoral student was shot dead in a shooting incident near the University of Toronto. This comes just days after an Indian woman, Himanshi Khurana, was found dead in her home in Toronto.

The incident took place near the universitys Scarborough Campus on Tuesday (December 23), according to the Toronto Police Service. According to India Today, the police arrived in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area and pronounced 20-year-old Shivank Avasthi dead at the scene.

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The Consulate General of India in Toronto has expressed grief over the killing and stated that it is providing all the necessary assistance to the local authorities.

We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr. Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending  IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) December 25, 2025

Here is all you need to know about the incident.

Shivank Avasthi, 20, was shot dead near the University of Torontos Scarborough Campus on Tuesday (December 23).

The Toronto Police pronounced him dead at the scene of the crime i.e. near the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road, around 3:30 pm after suffering a gunshot wound.

According to the police, the suspects fled the scene.

Avasthi has been identified as a third-year life sciences student who visited the Campus Valley area regularly, an area that was promoted and highlighted by the university.

Avasthi was a member of the University of Toronto Scarborough cheerleading team as well. The team paid tribute to him on Instagram. It stated, We are deeply saddened and in shock by the sudden loss of a beloved Maroon, Shivank Avasthi, the team said, recalling how he lifted spirits during practice with his encouragement and support. He brought a smile to anyones face, and we were lucky to have him as part of our team. He will always be part of our UTSC Cheer family.

The shooting incident prompted a lockdown at the universitys Scarborough campus on Tuesday and early evening, while students were instructed to avoid the Valley until further notice.

The incident has raised safety concerns among students. According to reports, they flagged security concerns several times earlier but the university did not pay much attention to their concerns.

Students also criticised the limited information released about suspects and their motives.

A spokesperson of the University of Toronto stated that on-site students are receiving grief counselling and mental health support.

The Indian Consulate in Toronto expressed concern over the incident. In a post on X, it stated that the consulate has been in touch with the bereaved family during the difficult time and is extending all necessary assistance to local authorities.

The shooting comes days after an Indian-origin woman was found murdered in Toronto. Himanshi Khurana was found dead in her residence on December 20.

The Canadian Police issued a nationwide warrant against Abdul Ghafoori in an act of intimate partner violence.

With inputs from agencies
After 17 years of self-exile, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, made a return to Dhaka on Christmas day. However, it was the family cat, Jebu that stole the medias attention. In recent months, the feline has become quite popular with having its own Facebook page too

After spending 17 years abroad in self-exile, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zias son Tarique Rahman landed in Dhaka on December 25 (Thursday) amid heavy security and fanfare. The Bangladesh Nationalist Partys acting chairman received a rousing welcome as he touched down in the country.

However, Rahman wasnt the sole entity to receive all the attention. His much-admired pet cat, Jebu, also received a lot of attention, with it becoming quite a social media sensation.

Tarique Rahman along with his daughter Zaima Rahman and wife Zubaida Rahman, and their cat Jebu. (Image: Facebook/Jebu-The Cat)

Jebu, Rahmans Siberian cat

Jebu is a fluffy Siberian pet cat adopted by Tarique Rahmans daughter, Zaima Rahman. She first caught the attention of cat lovers across the world a few months back when an image showing Jebu staring intently at Tariques phone went viral. Since then, more photos and videos have followed, turning the pet feline into a social media favourite.

Ahead of Rahmans return to Dhaka, the popularity of Jebu soared so much that a Facebook page was also created in the felines honour. The special assistant to the BNP chairpersons foreign affairs committee and head of the partys content generation team, Saimum Parvez, confirmed the page as official, saying it was light-hearted and satirical.

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In April, Rahman even shared pictures of himself and his pet cat online, which further amplified the pets popularity.

Tarique Rahman and his cat Jebu. ( Image: Facebook/tariquerahman.bdbnp)

And on Thursday, Jebu garnered quite the attention as it travelled on the same Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight as Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman and their daughter, Zaima Rahman. The flight, BG 202, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:39 am after flying from London via Sylhet.

Jebu at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Image: Facebook/Jebu-The Cat)

As the cat landed in Bangladesh, the Facebook page in her honour read: Jebu has returned to the country.

Earlier, speaking to BBC Bangla about the familys pet cat, Tarique said: The cat is my daughters. Now, of course, it has become everyones. We all adore it.

Jebu, Rahmans cat. Image: Facebook/Jebu-The Cat

Other leaders and their pets

Rahman isnt the only politician to have a pet cat. Over the years and across the globe, many politicians and world leaders have pets that have gained popularity.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has first cat Bobby Kertanegara, who is entitled to receive state facilities. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also quite fond of animals; he has four dogs as pets  Pasha, a Sarplaninac and Verni, an Alabi, were gifts from the presidents of Serbia and Turkmenistan. Theres also Yume, an Akita, and Buffy, a Bulgarian Shepherd. These were gifted to him by Japans Akita Prefecture and Bulgaria, respectively.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his family also have two cats  Jojo and Prince  as pets. While Jojo is a rescue cat, Prince is a Siberian kitten that joined them last year.

French President Emmanuel Macron also has a pet dog as his constant companion. The black Labrador Retriever-Griffon dog, named Nemo, was born in southern France in 2015, where he was soon abandoned. He was living as a shelter dog in 2017 when he was adopted by Macrons wife.

Tariques return to Bangladesh

On December 25, Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years of being in London and was welcomed with much zeal and enthusiasm. His party even organised a mass reception at the 300-feet area in Purbachal, on the outskirts of the capital.

At the gathering, Tarique delivered a powerful message to his supporters which was also a scathing criticism of Sheikh Hasinas dictatorship. He warned against violence by hegemonic powers and unveiled his electoral campaign.

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He even invoked Martin Luther King Jrs iconic I Have a Dream speech. As a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, I want to say: I have a plan for the people of my country, for my country, he said.

Rahman added that his plan is designed to promote national development and enhance the lives of ordinary citizens. Today, this plan is for the benefit of the people of the country, for the development of the country, for changing the fate of the people of the country.

The implementation of this plan, he said, would require the cooperation of citizens who represent the power of democracy.

With inputs from agencies
Newly unclassified documents, released after being processed by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), outlined multiple conversations between George W Bush and Vladimir Putin. The two leaders shared concerns over Pakistans nuclear proliferation with the American leader being quoted as saying, it makes us nervous too on sensitive nuclear material spreading beyond Islamabads control

Declassified documents are shedding light on what George W Bush and Vladimir Putin think about Pakistans nuclear weapons.

The newly unclassified documents, released after being processed by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), outlined multiple conversations between the two men. This followed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit in the United States.

But what do we know? What did the two men really think about Pakistans nukes?

Lets take a closer look.

What Putin, Bush really thought

First, lets set the scene. At the time, Pakistan was being ruled by General Pervez Musharraf, who had taken power after ousting then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a 1999 coup. Putin, a former KGB agent, had come to power in 2000 after taking over from Boris Yeltsin.

Bush, meanwhile, had won a controversial election in 2000 against Al Gore and came to power in January 2001. The documents covered meetings and calls between the two men between 2001 and 2008.

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George W Bush with and Dick Cheney. File image/Reuters

During Bush and Putins first meeting in Slovenia in June 2001, the Russian president expressed concern about Pakistans nuclear programme. I am concerned about Pakistan, Putin told Bush. It is just a junta with nuclear weapons. It is no democracy, yet the West does not criticise it. Should talk about it.

Pakistan had first begun trying to acquire nuclear weapons in the aftermath of its defeat in the 1971 war with India. It was then President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who, in January 1972, began the quest for the bomb. Scientist AQ Khan, known as the father of Pakistans nuclear bomb, later helped Pakistan become the worlds first Islamic nuclear power.

The two men also commiserated about worries that Islamabad could aid in the proliferation of nuclear weapons. But its not clear what the labs (Iran) have, where they are Cooperation with Pakistan still exists, Putin said.

I talked to Musharraf about that. I told him were worried about transfers to Iran and North Korea. They put AQ Khan in jail, and some of his buddies. Under house arrest. We want to know what they said. I keep reminding Musharraf of that. Either hes getting nothing, or hes not being forthcoming, Bush said.

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The United States at the time was building a relationship with the Musharraf regime. The government would invade Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001, attacks, with the aim of rooting out Al-Qaeda and capturing Osama bin Laden.

In 2002, after the two men had another conversation that focused on the risks of nuclear proliferation, Putin said: As far as I understand, they found uranium of Pakistani origin in the centrifuges.

e. At the time, Pakistan was being ruled by General Pervez Musharraf, who had taken power after ousting then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a 1999 coup.

President Bush replied, Yes, the stuff the Iranians forgot to tell the IAEA about. Thats a violation.

It was of Pakistani origin. That makes me nervous, Putin said.

It makes us nervous, too, Bush added.

We dont need a lot of religious nuts with nuclear weapons. Thats what Iran has running the country, Bush added.

Khan was placed under effective house arrest in the capital, Islamabad, in 2004 after he admitted to running a proliferation network to three countries. In 2006, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer but recovered after surgery.

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A court ended his house arrest in February 2009, but his movements were strictly guarded, and he was accompanied by authorities every time he left his home in an upscale sector of leafy Islamabad.

I saved the country for the first time when I made Pakistan a nuclear nation and saved it again when I confessed and took the whole blame on myself, Khan said in an interview in 2008 while under effective house arrest.

Indias stance proved right

India has for years been warning the international community about Pakistans nuclear programme. Indian officials have repeatedly argued that Pakistans political instability, deep links between the military and Islamist groups, and weak civilian oversight made its nuclear arsenal uniquely risky. Those warnings were often brushed aside by Washington.

However, the newly declassified conversations between Bush and Putin show that New Delhis concerns were right on the mark. Even as India raised red flags about proliferation and the dangers of radicalisation within Pakistan, the US continued to treat Islamabad as an indispensable ally in the War on Terror.

Successive Indian governments privately complained that Washington was choosing short-term tactical cooperation over long-term global security. The transcripts now show that American leaders privately shared many of the same fears they publicly downplayed.

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Strategic considerations  particularly the need for cooperation in Afghanistan  meant that Washington prioritised engagement over pressure, often downplaying longer-term risks.

What the transcripts now indicate is that American leaders privately acknowledged many of the same issues that Indian officials had been highlighting publicly. Concerns about the security of Pakistans nuclear arsenal, the strength of civilian oversight, and the potential for proliferation were clearly part of internal discussions in both Washington and Moscow.
An Indian-origin man died after waiting to be treated for eight hours at a hospital in Canada. Prashant Sreekumar, 44, a father of three, died while waiting to be seen by doctors at Grey Nuns Hospital in southeast Edmonton. His wife is now accusing hospital authorities of negligence

The case of a 44-year-old Indian-origin man dying while awaiting treatment at a hospital in Canada is sparking anger and outrage.

Prashant Sreekumar, 44, a father of three, died after being kept waiting for hours at Grey Nuns Hospital in Canada. Kumar had been rushed to the hospital after experiencing severe chest pain.

But what happened? What do we know about Kumars case?

Lets take a closer look.

Rushed to hospital but kept waiting

Prashant was at work on Monday (December 22) when he began experiencing chest pain. As per Gulf News, he was rushed to the Grey Nuns Hospital in southeast Edmonton by a client. Here, he was registered at the triage department and told to wait in the emergency room.

Prashants father, Kumar Sreekumar, arrived at the hospital soon afterwards. He told me, Papa, I cannot bear the pain, Kumar said.

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Kumar told Global News that Prashant was asked to rate how much pain he was in on a scale of 1 to 10. Prashant told the hospital staff that his pain was 15 out of 10. An electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed, but the staff told Prashant to keep waiting.

Prashants blood pressure went up, up, and up. To me, it was through the roof, Kumar recounted. Eight hours elapsed before Prashant was finally called in for treatment. After sitting maybe 10 seconds, he looked at me, he got up and put his hand on his chest and just crashed, Kumar told the newspaper.

Nurses called for assistance, but it was too late. Prashant had died of an apparent heart attack.

Prashants wife, Niharika, has placed the blame for his death squarely at the feet of the hospital authorities and staff. She said he was brought to the hospital at 12.20 pm after experiencing acute chest pains around noon.

He was sitting in the triage from 12.20 onwards till about 8.50 at night. He was sitting in the triage complaining of constant chest pain. His BP (blood pressure) kept on constantly rising, with the last recorded blood pressure of 210, she said.

44 year-old man passes away in the hospital after waiting over 8 hours in the emergency room in Canadian hospital  pic.twitter.com/bHztPMbDkH  RTN (@RTNToronto) December 25, 2025

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He was only prescribed Tylenol during the entire waiting time that he was outside, and he was not given help. They said that chest pain is not considered an acute problem. They do not suspect a cardiac arrest.

She recounted what happened after he was taken inside for treatment.

He was asked to sit down. He got up for a fraction of a second, and he collapsed. He fainted, and the nurse was heard saying that I do not feel a pulse, she added.

She accused the security of being rude and unprofessional. The security was so rude that instead of addressing the cause, they said, Maam, you are being very rude, Niharika added.

They took my baby for nothing

Kumar remembered his son as a goofball with his kids.

He was for his family, for his kids; he was so nice. Anybody who talked to him said, we dont know a better person than him, Kumar continued, adding, They took my baby for nothing. For nothing, he was quoted by The Telegraph.

Varinder Bhullar, a family friend, called Prashants death a huge loss for the community, saying that he is devastated.

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We expect better from the hospital and health-care system, Bhullar told The Telegraph.

Hospital says case under review

Grey Nuns Hospital told Global News it could not comment on specific patient care details due to privacy issues. However, it confirmed that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was reviewing the case.

We offer our sympathy to the patients family and friends. There is nothing more important than the safety and care of our patients and staff, the statement read. The Grey Nuns Hospital is run by the Covenant Health network.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has confirmed that Prashant was a Canadian national of Indian-origin.

The person is of Indian origin, but he happens to be a Canadian national. So, obviously, the government of Canada should take responsibility in this particular matter, Jaiswal said

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump sparked trade wars with nearly every country in the world after imposing steep tariffs on imports. His several flip-flops on duties created uncertainty for businesses as well as consumers. Heres a look back at the volatile American trade policy this year under Trump

US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, US, April 2, 2025. File Photo/Reuters

United States President Donald Trumps return to the White House has been tumultuous for the world. His new tariffs pushed America into trade wars with almost every country, with many slapping the US with retaliatory duties.

Trump justified the steep taxes on goods entering the US, claiming they are needed to stop trade imbalances and to take back wealth stolen by other countries. However, his various flip-flops on duties also puzzled the globe, triggering widespread uncertainty for businesses as well as consumers.

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Trump used tariffs as a weapon amid personal grudges or while responding to political critics. He imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports, with 25 per cent as a penalty for buying Russian oil. India is among the countries facing the highest US tariff rates in the world.

We take a look at how Trumps tariffs unfolded this year, disrupting decades of US trade policy.

January-March

In his first few months back in office, Trump focuses his new tariffs on Americas three biggest trading partners: Canada, Mexico and China. On-again, off-again levies and responding retaliation begin to bubble up.

Worldwide, the US also heightens import taxes on steel and aluminium to 25 per cent  expanding Trumps previously-imposed 2018 import taxes.

April

Trumps trade wars escalate to new heights in April. The president unveils sweeping Liberation Day tariffs on almost every country in the world  sending the stock market tumbling. And more turbulence follows after he tells investors that its a great time to buy mere hours before postponing dozens of steeper import taxes.

China is the exception. Washington and Beijing trade more and more sky high, tit-for-tat levies  reaching 145 per cent and 125 per cent, respectively.

Separately, Trumps 25 per cent auto tariffs begin, plunging the industry into uncertainty and bringing more retaliation from trading partners like Canada.

May-July

The Trump administration spends much of the summer boasting about trade framework deals with countries like China, the UK and Vietnam. But his administration sends letters to dozens of other nations promising that heightened levies are on the way  and notably escalates trade wars with Brazil and India.

Otherwise, Trump continues to expand sector-specific tariffs, hiking steel and aluminium taxes to a punishing 50 per cent.

Meanwhile, a key legal challenge over Trumps tariffs gains traction. A federal court blocks Trump from imposing some of his most sweeping levies under an emergency-powers law  but an appeals court temporarily halts the order, allowing tariff collections to continue as the case wends through court.

Containers with Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, a Taiwanese container shipping company, are stacked up at the Port of Los Angeles with the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge seen in the background on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Los Angeles. File Photo/AP

August

Heightened US tariffs on more than 60 countries and the European Union kick in. After several delays, most of these rates span from Aprils Liberation Day  but separately, Trump hikes import taxes on Canada to 35 per cent.

Punishing 50 per cent levies on goods from Brazil and India also take effect, along with a new 50 per cent rate on most imported copper worldwide. And low-value imports coming into the US lose their duty-free status with the end of the de minimis rule.

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Separately, the US extends its trade truce with China. And a US appeals court rules that Trump went too far when he declared national emergencies to justify his tariffs  but doesnt strike them down entirely, allowing the administration to take its case to the Supreme Court.

September-December

The Trump administration officially takes its tariff fight to the Supreme Court. In initial oral arguments, the justices appear sceptical about the presidents authority to impose such sweeping levies.

Meanwhile, Trump continues to promise more sectoral tariffs  and 25 per cent levies on kitchen cabinets and other furniture take effect. But other threats get delayed. Amid rising price pressures, the president also lowers or scraps a few previous tariffs, notably for goods like beef and fruit. He also suggests that Americans will receive a $2,000 (Rs 1.8 lakh) dividend from new tariff revenue  but details remain very scarce.

With inputs from AP
Myanmars military-led administration will hold a multi-phased general election starting on Sunday (December 28). Several people wonder why the election is being held as a war rages in large parts of Myanmar. Heres all you need to know

Members of Bamar People's Liberation Army (BPLA), who recently came back from a frontline, clean their guns in territory belonging to the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), in Karen State, Myanmar. File image/Reuters

Myanmars military-led administration will hold a multi-phased general election starting on Sunday, even as a civil war rages across large parts of the Southeast Asian country.

Why is Myanmar holding an election?

The military ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in a February 2021 coup, just as it was preparing for its second term in office following a landslide election win months earlier.

The generals accused Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) party of electoral fraud, which she rejected. International election monitors reported no irregularities. Suu Kyi and much of the NLD were detained along with thousands of junta opponents.

The junta pledged to hold an election by August 2023 and restore a democratic system but that was pushed back as the military lost control of swathes of the country in its battles with ethnic minority rebels and anti-junta militias.

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The NLD was among dozens of parties dissolved for failing to register.

Most analysts see the election as a way for the military, which has governed Myanmar for much of the past six decades, to entrench its rule via proxies in the absence of a viable political opposition, and earn legitimacy at home and abroad.

How will the election be held?

Voting will be held in phases, on December 28 in 102 townships, and on January 11 in 100 townships, and on January 25 in 63 townships, covering a total of 265 townships out of a total of 330.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has acknowledged polls will not be nationwide.

Dates for counting and results have not been publicised. The military-backed election commission has said its more than 50,000 electronic voting machines will speed up counting.

Myanmar protesters residing in Japan hold placards and raise three-finger salutes during a rally denouncing an upcoming election led by the military junta and demanding the immediate release of Myanmars detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, outside Myanmars embassy in Tokyo, Japan. File image/Reuters

Seats will be determined by a combination of first-past-the-post, proportional representation and mixed-member proportional systems, the commission has said. Previous elections used a plurality system where candidates with the most votes won seats.

In line with an army-drafted 2008 constitution, 25 per cent of upper and lower house seats are reserved for serving military personnel selected by the armed forces chief.

Who is taking part?

Only six parties are competing on a national level, with 51 contesting within a single region or state. Many parties that ran in the past two elections have been disbanded and anti-junta rebels have refused to take part.

That has left in the fray only junta-approved parties, including the militarys proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party, which won the last election held by a junta in 2010. The USDP is fielding 1,018 candidates, a fifth of the total registered.

The USDP, led by former generals, was routed by the NLD in landslides in 2015 and 2020 elections, the latter annulled after the coup.

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As in 2010, with the armed forces controlling 25 per cent of the legislature and its USDP allies expected to win a large number of seats, the military will have power to influence who becomes president, the formation of a government, plus judicial and civil service appointments.

How will a president be chosen?

According to the constitution, parliament must convene within 90 days of the start of the election. Speakers will be elected and at a later date, a president.

Kim Aris, the son of Myanmars detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi participates in a protest rally organised by Myanmar people residing in Japan outside Myanmars embassy in Tokyo, Japan. File image/Reuters

To choose a president, three electoral colleges are formed, comprising members of the upper and lower houses, who each nominate one candidate for president. Two of the colleges are elected lawmakers, while the third is exclusively comprised of military-appointed lawmakers.

A plenary vote of the bicameral legislature will be held and the candidate with the most votes becomes president, with the runners-up as vice presidents. A cabinet will then be appointed by the president.

What is the international reaction?

The United Nations, many Western countries and human rights groups say the election is a sham exercise aimed at perpetuating military rule.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc, of which Myanmar is a member, has called for a fair and inclusive election and may find it difficult to re-engage even after the polls.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, however, has made a major diplomatic push this year to win support for the polls, including two trips each to key allies China and Russia, which are backing the election, as is India, according to state media.

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The military has rejected international criticism, saying the election was not being conducted through coercion or force and has public support.

The election is being conducted for the people of Myanmar, not for the international community, junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said on December 14.

Whether the international community is satisfied or not, is irrelevant.
India has adapted to a strategic environment in which stability is maintained through preparedness and balance rather than trust

Indias approach vis-a-vis China does not promise resolution; it offers durability. In the current regional and global context, durability is the more valuable outcome. Representational image

China-India relations in 2025 remain anchored to the rupture of April-May 2020 following the Galwan clash. That episode altered the political and military foundations of the relationship and ended a period in which peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) was sustained through informal restraint and political signalling.

Five years later, the relationship has avoided escalation but remains fundamentally adversarial and militarised. Trust has not returned. Stability, where it exists, is the product of deterrence, sustained deployment, and disciplined engagement. What has emerged is not reconciliation, but management under pressure.

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The Border as a Process, Not an Event

By 2025, the LAC has become a continuously managed security problem rather than an episodic crisis. Corps Commander-level talks in eastern Ladakh have settled into an institutional rhythm. These meetings have addressed friction points sector by sector, enabled limited disengagement in specific areas, and reduced the risk of tactical miscalculation. They have not altered the overall force posture on either side.

The persistence of these talks is of significance, considering the level of animosity that had been reached in 2020. They reflect a shared assessment that uncontrolled escalation would impose unacceptable costs. At the same time, their limited outcomes underscore the absence of political trust.

Forward deployments remain intact. Infrastructure development continues apace. Surveillance, logistics, and habitat improvements support permanent presence that is unlikely to dilute. The LAC now operates as a line of deterrence. Peace rests on readiness and visibility, not reassurance.

Political Engagement Without Illusion

Parallel to military dialogue, the political and diplomatic channels have opened progressively at the highest levels.

These exchanges have served a clear purpose: maintaining control over a volatile relationship while preventing diplomatic paralysis. Multilateral forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Brics have provided reliable sidelines for sustained official contact, without creating pressure for premature political outcomes. They have not produced a reset, nor have they diluted Indias security posture. The focus has remained on stability, risk reduction, and expectation management rather than dispute resolution.

Chinas preference for this equilibrium reflects strategic calculation. Prolonged uncertainty suits Beijing at a time when its own positioning vis-a-vis the United States remains unsettled. Open confrontation with India would accelerate IndiaUS strategic convergence, while a fully normalised relationship would expand Indias room to consolidate comprehensive national power. Neither outcome aligns with Chinas current interests.

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Strategic Signalling and Multilateral Optics

2025 also produced moments of strategic signalling that extended beyond the bilateral channel. The image from the SCO summit, showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, carried meaning well beyond the meeting hall. For China, the year clearly reinforced the limits of isolating India within a polarised global order. For the US, it underlined Indias refusal to be subsumed within any single strategic camp. For Moscow, it signalled continuity in Indias independent posture despite global pressures.

Such optics demonstrated Indias willingness to operate across platforms without diluting its core security concerns. Multilateral engagement has thus functioned as strategic signalling rather than any strategic concession.

The India-US Factor and Narrowing Tolerance for Pressure

Indias China policy in 2025 has been shaped in part by changes in the IndiaUS relationship. President Donald Trumps return introduced sharper transactional expectations and reduced political warmth. Defence cooperation and technology engagement continued, but the broader tone shifted toward conditionality and pressure.

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This has reinforced Indias reluctance to accelerate alignment in the India-Pacific at the cost of strategic autonomy. India has resisted being positioned as a frontline proxy against China, even while sustaining robust military cooperation with the United States.

A parallel shift has been visible domestically. Public response, particularly across Indias electronic media, has become more measured than during earlier phases of tension.

This is notable, given Chinas past criticism of Indias media environment as escalatory. How Beijing interprets this moderation remains unclear. What is evident is that public opinion, media posture, and political signalling continue to shape perception management.

For China, this combination has reduced incentives for overt escalation, encouraging calibrated pressure and controlled engagement rather than confrontation.

The Neighbourhood as a Complicating Factor: Bangladesh

The regional environment has added another layer of complexity. Bangladesh has emerged as a potential trigger for persistent instability affecting Indias Northeast. Political churn, social mobilisation, and institutional strain have created space for grey-zone activity.

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Current assessments point primarily to Pakistans ISI as the principal external instigator, with China maintaining a looser but consequential presence. The US has also been an indirect factor, operating through political influence and civil society networks. Taken separately, these activities remain below the threshold for direct response. Taken together, they generate sustained pressure and maintain a climate of unease.

For India, this matters in the China context. Managing the LAC becomes more urgent when the eastern flank is unsettled. The prospect of simultaneous pressure across multiple theatres reinforces the need to stabilise the northern border without compromising deterrence. In this environment, restraint is a strategic choice rather than a concession.

Economic Ties and Security Separation

Economic engagement with China has continued, but it is no longer allowed to shape Indias security decisions. Trade and investment considerations do not influence how India deploys forces, builds infrastructure, or manages the border. Border management, force posture, and operational readiness determine the relationship. Trade functions within these limits.

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This separation has become structural. Commercial considerations do not shape military posture, and security assessments do not chase economic sentiment. The hierarchy of interests is clear and widely understood within the Indian system.

Indias Double Front Challenge

The China-Pakistan military relationship has also acquired sharper operational relevance in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. Chinas support to Pakistan during the crisis was not rhetorical; it addressed critical spatial and situational gaps in Pakistans military systems.

Access to space-based surveillance, targeting cues, and extended situational awareness helped compensate for Pakistans longstanding deficiencies in persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. This dimension has altered the operational balance more than platform transfers or diplomatic backing ever could.

For India, this reinforces the reality of a coordinated challenge rather than two discrete fronts. It underscores the need to view the northern and western theatres as interconnected in terms of information, space, and response timelines. Any assessment of Sino-Indian stability that ignores this China-Pakistan operational linkage would be incomplete.

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Military-to-Military Contact and the Maritime Dimension

One dimension that remains deliberately constrained is the military-to-military relationship. There was a period when Indian and Chinese army units conducted joint exercises and confidence-building engagements. That phase belonged to a different strategic environment.

In the aftermath of 2020, a return to such activities is neither imminent nor advisable. Limited professional contact aimed at communication and crisis prevention has value; deeper training interaction would risk normalising a relationship that remains structurally adversarial.

At sea, however, the balance is evolving more visibly. The growing presence of the Peoples Liberation Army Navy in the north-western Indian Ocean has added a maritime layer to the Sino-Indian competition. Regular deployments, port access arrangements, and undersea activity now form part of Chinas extended strategic footprint.

Indias response cannot be episodic. Strengthening maritime surveillance, sustaining forward naval presence, and accelerating capability development are essential.

In this context, the ratcheting up of the Andaman and Nicobar Command assumes particular importance, as does the steady progress toward naval theatre integration. Control of maritime approaches, rather than episodic signalling, will increasingly shape deterrence in the Indo-Pacific space.

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Approaching 2026

As India looks ahead to 2026, the central issue is whether the current stability can be sustained amid regional turbulence and global competition. Chinas economic pressures and geopolitical commitments may encourage tactical stabilisation along the LAC. Indias response should remain measured and conditional.

Any easing must be incremental, verifiable, and reciprocal. The experience of 2020 has narrowed the space for assumption and elevated the premium on proof. Stability will depend less on diplomatic innovation than on endurance and discipline.

Sino-Indian relations in 2025 reflect a sustained effort to manage a competitive relationship under strain. Dialogue continues. Forward deployments remain in place. Political engagement is controlled and cautious. India has adapted to a strategic environment in which stability is maintained through preparedness and balance rather than trust. The relationship can progressively improve, and there is ample scope for it.

This approach does not promise resolution. It offers only durability. In the current regional and global context, durability is the more valuable outcome.

(The writer is the former Commander of Indias Srinagar-based Chinar Corps. Currently he is the Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir and a member of the National Disaster Management Authority. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
While the Sonaali Adhyaay of the past decade has faded, the future of the two neighbours will be defined by their ability to transition from a regime-centric alliance to a resilient, state-to-state partnership rooted in economic necessity and regional stability

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

The relationship between Bangladesh and India stands at its most critical juncture since the 1971 Liberation War. The sudden collapse of the pro-India Awami League government in August 2024 and the subsequent rise of an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus have disrupted decades of strategic predictability.

While the Sonaali Adhyaay (Golden Chapter) of the past decade has faded, the future of the two neighbours will be defined by their ability to transition from a regime-centric alliance to a resilient, state-to-state partnership rooted in economic necessity and regional stability.

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Anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh has reached unprecedented levels as 2025 comes to a close. While historically present due to trade and border issues, the sentiment has shifted from sporadic political rhetoric to a dominant, often violent, street narrative following the 2024 ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

Protests have intensified following the December 2025 death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which many in Bangladeshdriven by conspiracy theoriesblame on India. Demonstrators have targeted Indian diplomatic missions, including an attack on the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong, leading India to temporarily suspend visa services.

Communal tensions have spiked, exemplified by the brutal lynching of a Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in December 2025, which is increasingly seen as part of an extremist narrative. Anti-India sentiment is being used as a primary tool for political legitimacy ahead of the national elections scheduled for February 2026.

Indias refusal to extradite Sheikh Hasina has become a significant point of friction in the relationship between India and Bangladesh. The political shift in Dhaka has empowered Islamist factions such as Jamaat-e-Islami, which hold traditionally anti-India views. Recent reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh have become a major point of diplomatic friction, fuelling domestic political pressure in India.

Security cooperation, once the high point of the relationship, is currently under stress. India remains concerned that political instability could allow extremist groups to regroup, potentially threatening Indias internal security in the Northeast. Instability and extremist rhetoric in Bangladesh can trigger communal friction within India, particularly in West Bengal and Assam.

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The primary challenge for the near future is the recalibration of diplomatic ties following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. For years, Indias Neighbourhood First policy was heavily anchored in its relationship with the Awami League. The current political transition has introduced significant uncertainty. India has to look at broadening its engagement beyond traditional elites to include youth leaders, civil society, and opposition factions like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is expected to play a major role in the upcoming early 2026 elections.

Bangladesh is Indias largest trading partner in South Asia, but this relationship is currently under strain. Key connectivity projectsincluding trans-shipment facilities, bus/rail links, and energy pipelinesface delays or cancellations due to political instability. Growing hostility has led to the suspension of Indian visa services in Dhaka and the termination of certain trans-shipment agreements, causing significant logistical hurdles for exporters on both sides.

The new interim government in Bangladesh is actively diversifying its foreign policy, moving away from an India-centric approach to strengthen ties with China, Pakistan, and Western nations. A potential trilateral axis involving China and Pakistan is a growing concern for New Delhi. Trade has declined since the regime change, with suspended railway services and disrupted land port activities impacting the flow of goods and people-to-people connectivity.

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The growing closeness between the new administration in Bangladesh and Pakistan (often referred to as a shift toward a Pakistan-style ideological or military alignment) presents several critical dangers to Indias national security and regional stability.

A hostile Bangladesh effectively creates a three-front security challenge for India, forcing the military to spread resources across the western (Pakistan), northern (China), and now eastern (Bangladesh) frontiers.

Indias most sensitive geographic point is the Siliguri Corridor (Chickens Neck), a narrow 22 km stretch connecting mainland India to its eight northeastern states. Closeness with Pakistan and China could lead to the development of military infrastructure in Bangladesh near this corridor. There are concerns over a military airstrip in Lalmonirhat, which lies dangerously close to the Siliguri corridor and could be used for surveillance or logistics in collaboration with Indias adversaries.

A Bangladesh aligned more closely with Pakistan and China could grant Indias rivals greater access to strategic ports like Chittagong and Mongla, potentially encircling India from the sea. The development of the Pekua submarine base with Chinese assistance remains a major concern for the Indian Navys dominance in the Bay of Bengal, as it can dock multiple submarines and warships.

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Historically, periods of close Bangladesh-Pakistan ties have correlated with increased anti-India activities. There are fears about the return of insurgent groups like the ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom) using Bangladeshi soil as a base for operations, a practice that was largely curtailed under the previous regime.

The increasing presence of Pakistans ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) in Bangladesh is viewed as a direct threat to Indias internal security, potentially facilitating the flow of counterfeit currency, arms, and radicalised elements into Indian border states.

China is already Bangladeshs largest trading partner and a key supplier of military hardware, and its expanding footprint in port and infrastructure projects near the Siliguri Corridor is viewed by India as a significant strategic threat. China has emerged as a key economic and defence partner for Bangladesh, offering infrastructure investments (eg, the potential Teesta River project) and supplying military hardware. India is concerned about this expanding influence.

To navigate this complex landscape and revitalise ties, India must work out a pragmatic and multi-dimensional approach. India must engage proactively with all political parties, civil society groups, and media in Bangladesh to avoid the perception of favouring one faction. India must initiate transparent and timely discussions on crucial matters like the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty before its 2026 deadline and adopt a basin-wide management approach for other shared rivers.

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Failure to initiate early negotiations could fuel anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, where water security is a sensitive national issue. The long-stalled Teesta River agreement remains a major irritant, with Bangladesh seeking equitable distribution during lean seasons.

The current situation requires cautious, consistent diplomacy and a focus on mutual interests to prevent the present drift from hardening into a long-term strategic loss for India in the region. Despite political turbulence, economic interdependence remains the strongest anchor for future ties. Bilateral trade was approximately $13.46 billion in 2024-25.

As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India could be vital for preserving trade privileges and boosting exports. Strategic connectivity projects, such as the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline and cross-border rail links (eg, Akhaura-Agartala), are essential both for Indias Act East policy and Bangladeshs economic growth.

Summing up, India-Bangladesh relations are at a critical juncture, defined by a balance between deep historical and functional cooperation on one hand and significant political and strategic tensions on the other. While historical bonds remain significant, they are no longer sufficient to sustain the partnership.

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For Bangladesh, the challenge lies in balancing its sovereignty and diverse foreign partnerships with the reality that India remains its most indispensable neighbour for regional security and economic prosperity. For India, the path forward involves maintaining strategic neutrality and focusing on people-centric diplomacy, including protecting minority rights and easing visa restrictions. The long-term trajectory is complex, requiring careful diplomatic navigation by India to manage current instability and counter growing external influences in the region.

(The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Ambassador in Kuwait and Morocco and as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
The Chilean presidential election aligns with a broader right-wing shift across the region  most recently seen in Bolivia  reversing the pink tide of left-leaning governments over the past two decades

Jose Antonio Kast of the Republican Party speaks at a press conference in Santiago, Chile, on October 29. Kast has been elected president of Chile following the recent elections. Image: Raul Bravo/AFP

The year 2025 is about to end. It witnessed right-wing movements increasing their influence across the globe like never before. How did it happen? What are the key reasons behind the rapid ascendancy of the right wing? What is the prognosis for 2026?

Donald Trump took over as President of the United States of America on January 20, 2025. Soon thereafter, Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Elon Musk and other MAGA voices surprised Europes leaders by engaging with Germanys AfD and other right-wing parties early in the Trump administration.

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Eleven months later, those right-wing parties are outperforming their establishment rivals in poll after poll. For the first time in modern history, right-wing parties are leading opinion polls in Europes four largest economies. Here is what was the case in August 2025; since then, the popularity of right-wing parties has further increased.

Germany

As reported by Politico on August 12, the AfD  noted for its controversial past and monitored by German intelligence for suspected extremism  had emerged as the most popular party in the country.

A poll carried out by the Forsa Institute for Social Research and Statistical Analysis showed that if elections were held then, 26 per cent of Germans would vote for the AfD. That result placed the party ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merzs mainstream conservative bloc, which fell to second place with 24 per cent support.

A more recent November study shows that anti-immigrant sentiment and political dissatisfaction have influenced perceptions of the AfD, despite repeated warnings from security authorities.

We have 30% now  more than in previous years  that say the AfD is a party like any other party  A third is a lot of people.

The increase in AfD popularity comes even after Germanys domestic intelligence service officially classified the AfD as a proven extremist group, citing activities seen as threatening the democratic constitutional order.

For the uninitiated, the AfD defines German identity in ethnic terms and advocates for remigration  a term referring to the return of immigrants, including naturalised citizens deemed insufficiently assimilated.

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United Kingdom

In the UK, Nigel Farages Reform Party has a double-digit lead over both the ruling Labour Party and the Conservatives, which have dominated British politics for a century.

The most recent December YouGov voting intention poll for The Times and Sky News shows Reform UK at 27 per cent of the vote, an eight-point lead over any other party. Labour is on 19 per cent, while the Conservatives record a vote share of 18 per cent. The Greens latest figure is 15 per cent, and the Liberal Democrats remain on 14 per cent.

The BBC reported on December 12, 2025, quoting The Times, that Reform UK is now the largest political party in Britain. Internal figures indicate Labours membership has fallen below 250,000, while Reform UKs has increased to 268,000 paid members, meaning Reform has overtaken Labour to become the largest party by membership in the UK.

France

In France, the right-wing National Rally is comfortably polling first, even with its leader Marine Le Pen banned from running for president in 2027 for embezzling EU funds.

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Politico Europe explains:

A country with a history of Nazi collaboration wasnt going to accept candidates working with Jean-Marie Le Pen, the National Front founder infamous for downplaying the Holocaust.

But the elder Le Pen is dead. His daughter and political heir rebranded the party as the National Rally and has, in little more than a decade, brought it from the fringes of French politics to the top of most opinion polls.

Opinion polls have not only placed the National Rally at the top, but the party now has more seats in the National Assembly  Frances more powerful lower house of parliament  than any other single political party. Its popularity continues to grow.

Italy

In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni  leader of the countrys first right-wing government since the Second World War  has remained extremely popular three years after taking office, though she has governed more pragmatically than many expected.

Writing on the Wall

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It is interesting to note that in none of the above countries are elections imminent. As elections draw closer, the trend is clear: right-wing parties will be a major force.

Global Phenomenon

Across the globe, right-wing movements have been on the rise for some time. They first gained prominence in Giorgia Melonis Italy and Viktor Orbans Hungary, while formerly marginal ethno-nationalist parties such as the Sweden Democrats (informally) and the True Finns (formally) are now in governing coalitions. The Netherlands, Romania and Slovakia have also leaned right, and the trend is expanding.

Right-wing politics also made a direct impact in South America in 2018 when Brazil elected Jair Bolsonaro as president. Five years later, Javier Milei emerged in Argentina, becoming a prominent figure in the 2023 presidential elections and ultimately winning the presidency. His rhetoric and public style have drawn international attention.

Other South American countries embracing right-wing parties include El Salvador and Ecuador. In the most recent election, Bolivia elected centre-right senator Rodrigo Paz as its next president, ending nearly 20 years of continuous rule by the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party. Paz defeated right-wing candidate Jorge Tuto Quiroga with 54.6 per cent of the vote.

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The rise of right-wing parties is not only a story of Europe and the US. Gradually, more countries globally are seeing this political approach gain ground.

The Latest on the Blockchain

Javier Milei governs Argentina with a distinctive public persona. Another right-wing leader generating global attention is Jose Antonio Kast, founder of Chiles Republican Party (2019), who will formally take office as President of Chile on March 11, 2026. Also, on December 25, in the most recent presidential election in the Central American country of Honduras, reflecting Latin Americas ongoing shift to the right, Trump-backed far-right candidate Nasry Asfura of the National Conservative Party emerged victorious.

Understanding Kast

In the elections held on December 14, Chileans elected Jose Antonio Kast as president. He is the most right-wing presidential candidate elected since the end of Augusto Pinochets dictatorship over three and a half decades ago.

Kast was born in 1966 in Santiago to German immigrant parents. His father had been a member of the Nazi Party in Bavaria before emigrating to Chile after the Second World War. His elder brother, Miguel Kast (19481983), served as an economist and minister during the Pinochet regime.

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Kast has publicly referenced aspects of Pinochets military government. The election of Kast reflects broader societal priorities in Chile, particularly amid a weak economy, a divided society, and concerns over public security.

Root Cause Analysis

The Chilean election aligns with a broader right-wing shift across the region  most recently seen in Bolivia  reversing the pink tide of left-leaning governments over the past two decades.

Several factors explain the ascendancy of right-wing politics:

Migration: Millions of migrants from the Middle East and North Africa arrived in Europe and the Americas following the 2015 refugee crisis. Debates over national sovereignty, identity and security have intensified.

Economic concerns: Persistently high prices, slowing growth, and post-pandemic inequalities have shaped voter sentiment. The war in Ukraine and trade policies, such as tariffs under President Trump, have also contributed to global economic uncertainty.

Trust in institutions: Scandals and perceptions of an out-of-touch elite have affected confidence in mainstream parties and regional institutions, even as right-wing parties face scrutiny.

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Restless Gen Z: A dynamic and globally connected younger generation is influencing political trends more than ever.

The rise of right-wing politics in 2025 was not accidental. It reflects trends over the past decade, shaped by social, economic, and geopolitical factors. The time to understand and work on the issues related to this phenomenon starts now.

(The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India-based impact consultant. He is President of Advisory Services at BARSYL. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect Firstposts position.)
Mass atrocity is not a socially elastic phrase to be invoked when convenient; in a trial context, it is a legal classification that the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt

A vendor sells newspapers with headlines about the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas death sentence on charges of 'crimes against humanity' for ordering a 'deadly crackdown' on a student-led uprising last year in Dhaka, Bangladesh, November 18, 2025. File Image/Reuters

The recent op-ed by Faisal Mamud, the Press Minister of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, India, has drawn an oversimplified conclusion: the conviction and death sentence awarded to ex-Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina are justified simply because the killings during late July and early August 2024 took place while she was in office. Any legal, procedural, or constitutional defects in the proceedings, though admittedly present, are irrelevant in this matter.

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To suggest, as Mahmud does, that no legal system facing mass atrocity operates in pristine laboratory conditions, and therefore, whatever imperfections may have occurred in the trial process could be absolved in light of the stakes, is a dangerous rhetoric of justice.

Mass atrocity is not a socially elastic phrase to be invoked when convenient; in a trial context, it is a legal classification that the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt, in accordance with the law. In simple terms, the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt requires that every possible reason for doubt must be eliminated.

The state has the duty to hold the right individuals accountable through a fair and impartial judicial proceeding, rather than simply penalising easy targets. Justice should always prioritise truth over convenience. Anything short of that may serve a political narrative, but it does not withstand the test of justice and the rule of law.

Mahmuds breezy dismissal of procedural safeguards as no more than shortcomings has serious corrosive undertones. Constitutional democracies do not rest satisfied with an imperfect trial, particularly when the process works to the accuseds detriment. Such flaws taint the fairness of the hearing and can potentially invalidate a trial (Human Rights Committee, General Comment No 32).

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Unfortunately, the interim administration has acted as if any procedure, no matter how legally and constitutionally defective, can be justified if it produces the desired outcome. When the standard becomes justice by any means, terms like farce and sham accurately describe a process that surrenders the rule of law and procedural standards to immediate political needs.

Aside from procedural violations that may have clouded the ICT proceedings, two substantive issues overshadow the trials outcome. The first is whether the acts committed in July-August 2024 are prosecutable under the International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973 (ICTA), and more seriously, whether the tribunal itself is constitutionally valid.

Regarding the former issue, Mahmud contends that the charges brought against Hasina fall within the ICTAs expanded, non-time-bound scope. However, the more relevant issue is whether the charge meets the legal threshold for Crimes Against Humanity (CAH) as set out in the ICTA and established judicial principles. Previously, the tribunal applied the ICTA provisions to prosecute the local auxiliary forces who collaborated with the Pakistani military in 1971 to commit mass atrocities in Bangladesh.

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It should be acknowledged that serious crimes did indeed occur during July-August 2024. Nonetheless, the debate pivots on whether these crimes meet the legal threshold for CAH. It appears from the records that the state made some effort, albeit insufficient, to de-escalate tensions and differentiate between students and violent rioters. An independent judicial commission was also established following the first death on July 15, 2024.

Although these efforts failed to minimise casualties, the moot point is whether these acts were part of a deliberate, coordinated policy of attack or a reactive response to political violence. Further, the international tribunals unanimously agree that the background and context constitute a constitutive element for CAH. A spontaneous disorder or reactive political violence does not amount to CAH, as established in the Akayesu, Kordic & Cerkez and the International Criminal Courts Kenya decisions.

The reliance on the UN Fact-Finding Report is problematic, as the report concluded that it had a reasonable belief that CAH may have occurred during July-August 2025. But the report also recommended a thorough, neutral investigation that never took place.

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The command-responsibility charge also invites doubt. The doctrine requires a clear chain of command and proper knowledge. There are conflicting reports of a collapse in the chain of command, suggesting a lack of effective and direct control. Reports include attacks on KPIs and police stations, as well as the murder and hanging of police officers. On several occasions, individuals admitted their wrongdoing.

Despite conflicting reports, the interim administration acknowledged that at least 44 law enforcement officials were killed. It is important to consider that the government also issued an order of impunity for those involved in offences during July-August 2024. It gives rise to a contested landscape of facts and attribution, including competing accounts of authority and responsibility. Whether the tribunal met a high evidentiary standard to connect all these incidents to Sheikh Hasina remains questionable.

It cannot be ascertained from the record whether these rival narratives were seriously interrogated and confirmed or debunked. This issue becomes more significant with a defence attorney appearing as a state-designated attorney, allegedly without the approval of Sheikh Hasina. Naturally, the defence lawyers performance in challenging the prosecutions narrative and the tribunals overall commitment to evidentiary rigour remain highly controversial, further tainting the authenticity of the trial proceedings.

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On the issue of the tribunals unconstitutionality, Mahmuds dismissal overlooks a basic legal point: if a court is unlawful ab initio, its judgements carry no legal effect (Quod nullum est, nullum producit effectum). While Mahmud wants to believe this is a matter of minor defects, in a constitutional democracy, the unconstitutionality of the law, or any courts decision challenging it, undermines the legitimacy of the proceedings that follow.

Invoking social context cannot cure constitutional defects or compensate for a process that fails the legality test. The tribunal, reconstituted under executive ordinances issued by an unelected body when no Parliament existed to validate them, raises serious concerns about the legality of the amended ICTA and the risk of retroactive expansion of criminal jurisdiction.

Mahmud views structural objections as mere inconveniences. However, the tribunals composition, featuring probationary and politically affiliated judges, undermined the accused persons constitutionally guaranteed right to a fair and independent tribunal. His convenient trust in media verification of wiretap evidence incorrectly interprets norms of evidence. Media verification cannot substitute for forensic authentication, chain-of-custody proof, or expert analysis required to link a crime to specific members or leaders beyond a reasonable doubt.

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The international organisations objection to the standard regarding a trial in absentia is not misplaced. A trial in absentia requires heightened safeguards. Yet, Sheikh Hasina alleged that she was denied proper notice and had the right to appoint her own counsel. Mahmuds assertion that her fleeing amounts to a waiver of her rights fails because the Constitution enshrines equal rights and due process for all its citizens, irrespective of location.

Mahmuds suggestion that Human Rights Watch (HRW)s silence implies Hasinas guilt overlooks the very basics of criminal justice, which is the presumption of innocence. It is not an international organisations duty to take a position with respect to parties involved in a criminal proceeding. It is for the prosecution, not third parties, to make a case for guilt via an independent and properly constituted process. HRWs complaints about the process at issue raise a suspicion that accountability has not been pursued through a fair and transparent judicial process.

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Finally, a national tragedy needs no corners cut, contrary to Mahmuds suggestion. Serious crimes that took place during JulyAugust 2024 are not in dispute. What is in question is the states overly politically motivated and biased stance, as well as the method used to seek accountability, which lacks constitutional legitimacy and the support of international covenants to which Bangladesh is a party.

In the criminal justice system, procedures are not just technicalities; they are the guarantor of truth. If a proceeding boasts imperfection and injustice, it cannot and will not produce legitimate verdicts, especially in cases of this gravity.

Justice for the victims of July-August 2024 requires as much restraint as resolve. It requires an impartial court, a thorough investigation, and trials that will meet the highest standards of justice. Accountability is not achieved by prosecuting the politically convenient. It is achieved by uncovering the truth through a legally and procedurally impeccable processone that withstands scrutiny today and in the future.

( Sangita F Gazi is a Lecturer at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a Transatlantic Technology Law Fellow at Stanford Law School. Previously, Sangita was an Assistant Legal Advisor at the US Department of Justice-OPDAT at the US Embassy in Dhaka. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
The chief of a prominent anti-disinformation watchdog has sued President Donald Trumps administration over a US visa ban, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to expel the permanent American resident, court filings show.

Imran Ahmed, chief of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate, lives lawfully in Washington DC with his American wife and child. X

The chief of a prominent anti-disinformation watchdog has sued President Donald Trumps administration over a US visa ban, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to expel the permanent American resident, court filings show.

Imran Ahmed, a British national who heads the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), was among five European figures involved in tech regulation whom the US State Department said this week would be denied visas.

The department accused them of attempting to coerce US-based social media platforms into censoring viewpoints they oppose. The European Union and several member states strongly condemned the move and vowed to defend Europes regulatory autonomy.

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The campaigner filed his complaint Wednesday in a New York district court against Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers, US Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

Ahmed, a critic of billionaire Elon Musk, holds US permanent residency, commonly known as a green card.

I am proud to call the United States my home, he said in a statement. My wife and daughter are American, and instead of spending Christmas with them, I am fighting to prevent my unlawful deportation from my home country.

Ahmed faces the imminent prospect of unconstitutional arrest, punitive detention, and expulsion from the United States, the court filing said.

However, a district judge granted a temporary restraining order barring Ahmeds arrest or detention, with a further hearing scheduled for Monday.

When reached for comment Thursday, the State Department expressed defiance.

The Supreme Court and Congress have repeatedly made clear: the United States is under no obligation to allow foreign aliens to come to our country or reside here, a spokesperson said.

Rogers said earlier that Ahmed was sanctioned because he was a key collaborator in efforts by former president Joe Bidens administration to weaponize the government against US citizens.

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Not be bullied

My lifes work is to protect children from the dangers of unregulated social media and AI and fight the spread of antisemitism online. That mission has pitted me against big tech executives  and Elon Musk in particular  multiple times, Ahmed said.

I will not be bullied away from my lifes work.

The crackdown also targeted former European commissioner Thierry Breton, Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon of the German nonprofit HateAid, and Clare Melford, who leads the UK-based Global Disinformation Index.

Condemning the move, the European Commission said it was seeking clarification from Washington, and if needed will respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures.

Breton, the ECs former top tech regulator, often clashed with tycoons including Musk  a Trump ally  over their obligations to follow EU rules.

The State Department has described him as the mastermind of the EUs Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes content moderation and other standards on major social media platforms operating in Europe.

The DSA stipulates that major platforms must explain content-moderation decisions, provide transparency for users and ensure researchers can carry out essential work, such as understanding how much children are exposed to dangerous content.

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But the act has become a bitter rallying point for US conservatives who see it as a weapon of censorship against right-wing thought in Europe and beyond, an accusation the EU furiously denies.

Ahmeds CCDH also frequently clashed with Musk, reporting a spike in misinformation and hate speech on X since the billionaires 2022 takeover.
Cambodia has accused Thailand of launching ruthless air strikes near their disputed border, even as officials from both countries continue talks aimed at easing tensions and ending the latest round of violence.

Smoke rises from the site, after Thailand launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia, according to Thai army, in Choeteal Kong, Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. Reuters

Cambodia has accused Thailand of carrying out ruthless aerial attacks, even as officials from both countries hold fresh talks aimed at easing their long-running border dispute.

Cambodias defence ministry said Thai fighter jets dropped dozens of bombs near the northwestern village of Chouk Chey early on Friday, causing extensive destruction to civilians homes, properties and public infrastructure, according to the state-run news agency.

Strikes reported amid ongoing negotiations

The accusations come as Cambodian and Thai officials attend a multi-day meeting to negotiate an end to renewed fighting along their disputed border. The conflict, which reignited earlier this month, has broken a previous truce and killed more than 40 people, according to official figures, while displacing around one million residents.

Talks entered a third day on Friday at a border checkpoint, with defence ministers from both countries scheduled to meet on Saturday.

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Details of the alleged attacks

In a statement, Cambodias defence ministry said that between 6.08 am and 7.15 am, Thai forces deployed F-16 fighter jets and dropped up to 40 bombs in the Chouk Chey area of Banteay Meanchey province.

Later in the morning, Thai forces also launched artillery strikes in the Stung Bot area near the border, Cambodias Agence Kampuchea Presse reported.

The ministry condemned the attacks as grave acts of aggression that deliberately endangered civilian lives and civilian infrastructure, describing the strikes in Chouk Chey as exceptionally ruthless and inhumane.

Ceasefire collapse and rising toll

The latest violence follows renewed clashes that began on December 8, derailing an expanded ceasefire brokered by the US and Malaysia in October. Fighting this month has killed at least 96 people on both sides, authorities said, and forced about one million people to flee their homes.

Defence officials from Thailand and Cambodia held their first talks since the clashes resumed on Wednesday, but no major diplomatic breakthrough was reported.

Efforts to restore truce

Cambodias defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said further discussions under a bilateral border committee were planned for Friday, according to the Anadolu news agency.

She said the aim of the talks was to restore a ceasefire, stabilise the region and allow displaced civilians to return home.

International concern and mediation calls

The dispute stems from competing claims over the colonial-era demarcation of the two countries 800-kilometre border and several ancient temple sites along the frontier. Both sides have accused each other of provoking the latest fighting and targeting civilians.

The US has expressed concern over the escalation and offered to help mediate. In a call with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump supported peace efforts and stressed the need to fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, according to the US State Department.

Russia has also urged Thailand and Cambodia to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means.
The South Korean investigation into the Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people is set to miss its one-year deadline for a progress report, leaving victims families frustrated and demanding clearer answers about the disaster.

Family members of victims of South Korea's deadliest plane crash on home soil gather for a rally in Seoul on December 20, 2025, ahead of the first anniversary of the December 29, 2024 Air Jeju plane crash, when a Boeing 737-800 was flying from Thailand to South Korea's southwest but ended up belly-landing at Muan airport and exploding in a fireball after slamming into a concrete structure, killing 179 people. (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)

A South Korean investigation into the Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people is set to miss the one-year deadline for releasing a progress report, officials said, fuelling frustration among victims families who are still seeking clear answers about the disaster.

Two officials from the countrys accident investigation board said it would not be possible to issue an interim update by Monday, the first anniversary of the deadliest aircraft accident on South Korean soil. They spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

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On December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 made an emergency belly landing at Muan airport, overshot the runway and slammed into a concrete embankment before bursting into flames. All but two of the 181 people on board were killed.

In a preliminary report released in January, the government-led Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board said both engines had suffered bird strikes. Investigators later said the pilots shut down the less-damaged engine after the strike, according to a July update that was not made public following objections from victims families.

Some relatives have said the investigation appeared to focus on pilot error while failing to fully examine other factors, including the concrete structure beyond the runway, which they believe worsened the impact of the crash.

It feels like all kinds of doubts are just growing bigger and bigger. A year has gone by, and the frustration is only continuing to build, said Ryu Kum-ji, who lost both her parents in the crash.

Ryu joined other family members in shaving their heads and staging a protest outside the presidential office, demanding an independent and transparent investigation. She also said possible failures by the transport ministry, which oversees the investigation board, should be examined.

A transport ministry official told bereaved families this month that their concerns would be reviewed. We take seriously your concerns that the governments efforts were not sufficient in the process of finding the truth, the ministrys second vice minister said, adding that the government would stand by the families and take a closer look.

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India on Friday said it is actively engaging with Washington to ease rescheduling issues as Indians face prolonged delays amid tighter scrutiny of the H-1B programme

The US crackdown on H-1B visas is hurting Indians. Representational Image/Reuters

India on Friday said that it has flagged its concerns to the United States over problems faced by Indian nationals in rescheduling H-1B visa appointments.

Addressing a weekly briefing on Friday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has received several representations from affected Indians, many of whom have been stranded for extended periods, causing hardship to families and disrupting childrens education.

#WATCH | Delhi: On H1B Visa, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "The government of India has received several representations from Indian nationals who are facing problems with their rescheduling of their visa appointments. Visa related issues pertain to the Sovereign Domain pic.twitter.com/d7N4a7qy9k  ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2025

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Visa related issues pertain to the Sovereign Domain of any country, we have flagged these issues and our concerns to the US side, both here in New Delhi and in Washington, DC Several people have been stranded for extended period, which have caused a lot of hardships to the families as well as their childrens education, said Jaiswal.

He said that the US side has taken steps to ease the situation. From December 15, appointment scheduling capacity has been expanded to help address the backlog.

The government of India remains actively engaged with the US side to ensure smoother visa processing for Indian nationals," Jaiswal added.

The developments come amid heightened scrutiny and growing uncertainty for H-1B applicants.

The US Embassy in India has begun reviewing the online presence of all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants to curb misuse of the programme.

Meanwhile, proposed policy changes in the US could further tighten the H-1B regime.

The US Department of Labor has suggested revisions to wage protection rules that could significantly raise minimum salary requirements, potentially deterring employers from sponsoring visas.

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Separately, a Department of Homeland Security proposal to prioritise higher-paid applicants in the H-1B lottery is reportedly close to final approval.

Experts warn these measures could restrict access for recent graduates and early-career professionals, particularly impacting Indian nationals, who make up over 70 per cent of H-1B visa recipients in recent years.

With inputs from agencies